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F 1866. t Mu /fff^ ^-/^r^^Z^c-^Ui-. r ^uyU I i^%»~— -^ ' 1^ Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1864, by D. & J. SADUER & CO., la the Clerk's Office of the District Couv; of the United States, for Van Southern District of New York Stereotyped by VINCENT DILL, No. 34 Beelunan St., N. Y. K-^ inntatis |us0nae. / OiEciLiA, Virgin Martyr. \ AoNps, an Orphan. > t Egeria, a Roman Lady. QuiNTiLiAN, Father of Caocilia. TiBURTius, her Brother. Valerian, her Betrothed. • Urban, the Pontiff. • Athanasius, his Deacon. Septimius, a Gambler. Almachius, Prefect of Rome. Decius, an Apostate. Niger, a Numidian Slave. Alexander Severus, the Emperor. Hercules Maxim in, his Lieutenant. "Wedding Guests, Flamens, Citizens, Guards, Christians, Executioners, &c. SCENE— ROME. TIME.— REIGN OF ALEXANDER SEVE- RUS. Regarding the costumes, it would be impossible to imitate correctly the dress of the age that toierated a Heliogabalus, but the Christians ought to be more simply and humbly costumed than- the others. Caecilia and Agnes, white dresses, without any ornament whatever; Egeria, on the contrary, richly attired. Foi- the men, consult Roman Antiquities. ^ ' ' - //' I . i. 'Iif-r -^jg j,j.^..-?.^jfc.»..aJtt-t] CJECILIA. A ROMAN DRAMA. MATED FOR THE PmST TIME BY THE YOUNG LADIES OP THE ACADEMY OP THE SISTERS OF THE HOLY CHILD AT SHARON, PA. JANUARY 31, 1865. ACT I. SCENE I.-MANSION OF QUINTILI AN— CECILIA'S CHAM- BER. M tlis hackj a smaU Altar partly concealed by curtains or tape»- try. OiEciLiA, on her knees before ity sings a hymn of praise to God. Enter Agnes. Agnes. Caecilia, quick ! thy father ! CcBcUia. ( Rising and addressing the Altar. ) Shrine of hope And boundless love ! sweet comfort of my soul ! Oasis of life's desert, where, refreshed, The weary pilgrim joyfully pursues His course to Heav'n ; and fears no more the dread Simoom of Sin and Death. I must conceal Thy radiance 'till that blessed day when all Within these walls the true God shall acknowledge. "^■r- *. avSLi jt. ji »BV^ - G CECILIA. Oh, may tho Bread of Life, which thou containest My weakness strengthen. (^Draws the curtains across^ concealii.g the Altar.) Now, sweet Agnes, say "What errand brings my father hither, when The Senate — if that shadow of old Rome Deserve the title — claims his presence. Agnes. Ah ! Dear sister, mother, friend ! for since the day Thou savedst me from the hands of those hard men That orphaned me, thou hast been all to me. Faith, strength and courage summon to thy aid ; For never was more need of them than now. Thy father, stung by dark Almachius' taunts, Resolves to wed thee to the young Valerian. Enter Quintilian, unperceived. "Who will, he says, redeem thee from the shame Of being a Christian. Quintilian. Yes ! the load of shame And foul disgrace, which thou upon our house, Rome's first and noblest, by thy creed, hast brought. Mehercle ! how my old blood boiled to-day Beneath that upstart's sneer. I saw, methought, My ancestors, majestic shades around Me hovering. Stern, reproachful looks they cast On me, that I should have a Nazarene child. But I have sworn this night thou shalt, must, wed Valerian. CcBcUia. Father, I am Another's spouse. CECILIA. Quint. Another's spouse ! child, dared You wed a Nazarene ? What mean you? Speak, Qxcilia. No, father, no. The Rose of Sharon, He, Whose thorn-crowned head AVas bowed with weight of Love on Calvary's tree ; Whose Sacred Heart was pierced, and Whose delight Is ever with the sons of men to be. Can I forget my troth to such a Spouse As He? Quint. What wild thoughts, child, possess thy heart? Fool that I was to harbor Urban here. When Judgment weakly bent at Pity's call. Daughter, thy father's will must bo obeyed ! Valerian shail redeem thee from the sway Of the Crucified, and wash away our shame. CmcUia. The shining hosts of heaven will still he near And in the hour of trial will protect His spouse. Quint. Again that name ! ungrateful child, Forbearance shall no longer shelter thee. A foolish, doting father have I been, Anticipating every wish of thine; A mother's lost care have I tried to fill And make thee happy. In an evil hour Came that false Nazarene chief, and changed thee thus. Cascilia, spare those grey hairs, spare thy sire, And let him not go down to Pluto's realm Dishonored by his child. Valerian's here, And all the wodding guests ; my promise given. 8 OiEOILIA. I wish to leave thee, ere my thread of life la severed by the Parca), with a kind, Devoted husband, as thy brother goes At once to join the £mperor in the East. Concilia. Dear father ! each word falls like molten lead, Searing my soul. Oh, no ! yet many years Before thou leav'st me ! Who could then supply My loss 1 Thy tender lov , thy constant care 1 Valerian I esteem, but father, thou Art dearer far than life. Oh, ask mo not To leave thee now. Quint. Valerian shall remain With thee and me here when Tiburtius leaves. Now all is ready for the rites of Hymen 1 CcBcUia. My vow ! a virgin's vow ! It cannot be, t Urge me not to these sacrilegious rites. I cannot wed Valerian, and be true To Him, who first possessed my soul. Quint. Then hence ! 'Away ! ungrateful child ! yet stay, — no more Thy stubborn spirit shall be conqueror. Hero It shall be crushed this instant. (Riishing to the door and flinging it open.) Ho ! in there I jCwfer Valerian, Tiburtius, wi^^ Wedding Guests, FlaToens^ ^c. Friends ! look on yonder disobedient child, A slave to Christ, the Nazarene, she dares Prefer Him to her father's love. Be thine The work of her redemption from His sway, Valerian. Flamen, Hymen's rites perform. .**■'' ■"■^^i;- mmmm OiEOILIA. Cacilia. Valerian, father, brother, friends ! lend not Your countenance to this outrage. Spare me, for I am Another's bride. Valerian. What? Quint. Some foolish Nazarene vow. Heed her not, Cacilia. A Heavenly Spouse Is mine, beyond concepticii beautiful. Val. A Rhea Sylvii ! Pray, which god is blest 7 CcBcUia. Blaspheme Him not, Valerian. He is God. The only God, th' Eternal, Self Existing. He sits in majesty above the clouds, And holds the fate of mankind in His hand. Quint. How can a Being of such majesty Concern Himself about th' affairs of ants On the mole hill of this world. Our gods are like Ourselves, and listen to our prayers ; but He, This God, as thou portrayest Him, sits aloft, Self-contemplating, in Immensity wrapt. What cares He for us ? CcBcilia, His great love for man Drew Him down from Immensity to dust. Val. How canst thou call that Nazarene a God, Whose life was lowly ; death, a malefactor's, Who could not save Himself from death 1 Ccecilia. Incomprehensible, would die for man, His love S^»=i**.»..«««"t. 10 CECILIA. On Calvary's Tree of Life. He's my Beloved, And I am His. He spake, and sweetly called : " Arise, my love, my fair one, come'to me, The winter's past ; the spring of grace is here." He poured a flood of sweetness on my soul. Such as your Tompe or Elysium ne'er Could picture to your mind. Bright, winged shapes And vistas of unutterable beauty flash Athwart my vision when I strike the lyre, And sing His praise. I've heard at times such strains Of heavenly harmony, re-echoing mine, As would melt demons ; thrilling, liquid tones, Vibrating each chord inmost of the soul. Quint. A truce to this wild folly, now prepare Thy husband to receive this very night, Attending first with him the solemn feast In Juno's temple. Cecilia. I commend myself To my Beloved Spouse and angels' care To save me. Val. Let us leave her to reflection. Perhaps Cytherea's son may plead my cause. Csecilia ! a true, devoted heart thou spurnest, Whose every throb is thine ; which, Cheerfully Would pour its life-blood drop by drop for thee, CcBcilia. (Aside.) Dear, dear Valerian ! how my soul is rent Between him and whom '{ God. It must not be. A true, devoted heart thou spurnest What ! Spurn him ! Can I ? Oh Saviour of Mankind, Support me in this trial. (Aloiid.) Give me time, -•^■-^^aiaf-f:! 0/EOILTA. 11 Valerian ! father ! time to call my thoughts To judgment, where, with reason on her throne, And feelings at the bar, perhaps the verrlict May prove a source of happiness. Val. Then valet 'May judgment be propitious. I will wait Its sentence; but remember in thine hands My destiny's placed for evil or for good. Receive me — and my heart thou mould'st at will ; Reject me — and thou sendest through the world A social pest, a pathless, reckless soul, Possessed by Furies, curse to itself and all "Within its Upas shade. Forget it not, Nay, nay, I will be thine in creed and faith As heart, but cast me not away from thee. My fate is trembling on thy lips ; thine eyes Diffuse in tears ; thy heart swells, happy omen I The gods have moved thee. CcBcilia. Ah ! those words, the gods Drive back rebellious feelings. Never can My earthly spouse be slave to demons like them, TUmrtiiis. This stubborn spirit must be broken. I have a potent argument to bring Thy wandering mind to reason. Listen ! Here Thou wedd'st Valerian, or the Prefect's guards I shall conduct to Urban's place of refuge. Last even near the Appian way I sought A shelter from the storm, but lost my path. Marshes and fens I plunged through, when I saw Half hidden 'neath dense foliage and rocks, A cavity. I forced my body through , „M«^«hj«mi^.«fc'«»'W'->1«'Xf.„ 12 CECILIA. The r;7"3ed entrance, anxious to explore The secrets of the place, when lo ! I heard The hum as of a multitude : a stairs Of rock led dowr as if to Hades ; then A voice rose up beneath me in the gloom, Uttering these strange words in stranger tone : " I cried unto the Lord in my distress, And from mine anguish he delivered me." I knew the voice, 'twas Urban's, and that cave, His dark asylum ; Nazarenes, the crowd. I quickly left the place unseen, and braved Again the si'orm, for fearful tales I've heard Of Christian vengeance. Sister, choose between Thy wedding with Valerian here to-night, Or Urban writhes to-morrow on the rack. CkecUia. The emperor would not suffer such a crime. Tiburt. Turcius Almachius rules asemperornow, Since Alexander left for Persia. Crime ! No heart hath he but what was petrified Long since by crime. The sweetest strains to him Are victim's groans j his keenest bliss, their pangs. Val. Seek not by threats, Tiburtius ! e'er to win A bride for me ; her free choice let her have, But harm not Urban in revenge for me. Caecilia ! Ah, thou'rt silent ! Then farewell ! The dream of my young life is o'er. I go Forth on the dreary world, alone and wretched, Oh, canst thou see me perish ? Black remorse Shall gnaw thy breast. With thee I might win one Of those bright names that never die, but now ■■« -^ *•*. ii j:^'"" * " CECILIA. 13 (He is about to leave the room^ when Cecilia rtisJies forward, placing her hand in his^ and raisi/r.g her left arm aloft.) CacUia. Where thou art, Caius, I am, Caia ! Thus I pledge my troth. Retire, dear friends, awhile, I have a secret for my hrsband's ear. Quint. Now, thou'rt my own Ctdcilia, my sweet child, May all the gods Ckcilia. Thou knowest, dear father, how Discordant grate those false names on mine ear. Quint. Then may thy mother's shade watch o'er thee child. \Exit Quintilian. Tiburt. Sister, thy hand ! Forgive those words of mine. Uttered through zeal for thy true happiness. [Exit TiBURTIUS. Agnes. Dear sister, may the hosts of Heaven defend Thee. Agnes ever prays for her Osecilia. [Exit Agnes. WEDDING CHORUS. Guests and Ftairens : Bright rnd Elysian roll o'er ye the years, Banished be sorrow and care ; Ne'er be th' horizon of Love dimmed with tears, Eros reign triumphant there. Circle the hours, Wreathed in flowers, Graces three, present be, To bless this happy pair. . ,.». ^f*. *• ' *"»* 14 CECILIA, I 1 "i ■ ■A Come from Cytlierea, fiir Queen, with thy Son, These to thy sway are won, These, these to thy sway are won. [Exeimt Guests and Flament, Ccccilia. Valerian, spouse, there is a heavenly spirit, Winged with light, my guardian. He it was That whispered to my soul : " Espouse Valerian, And thou shalt be his saviour, under God, And he, disciple." (Draws hack the curtains from the AUarJ) Lo! my secret shrine ! Where I commune with Him, of whom I spoke, The Heavenly Bridegroom. Val He ! my rival ? CcecUia. No. He wants thee for His friend. Oh ! kneel with me, And let thy heart but breathe the wish, and thou Shalt know Him. Val. Cease, dear spouse, these idle fancies. How can I, scion of Rome, bow down to Him, A Jewish malefactor ? Yet I am Desirous still to know Him. Kneel with me (They kneel.) Pour down thy grace, QEcilia. Before this shrine. OLord! On this benighted soul, and show him here Thyself. (Valerian falls prostrate before the Altar.) Vale; 'i an ! husband ! speak to me. (Rvshing to the door.) Ho ! father, friends, help ! CECILIA. 15 Enter Quintilian, Tiburtius, Agnes, Guests and Flament, Quint. Daughter, what is this ? Why lies Valerian still ? Val. (Rising.) The Lord hath spoken ! Mine eyes have seen His glory. Blessed be Ilis name for ever. Praise Him ! praise Him, all 1 Quint. Valerian, speak, what means this 1 Val. Streams of light Deluge my soul with bliss unspeakable, A yearning strange but tender tills my heart, Hark! CHORUS OF UNSEEN SPIRITS. Welcome, youth, within our fold, Where taste joys, unseen, untold. Seeking Urban's grotto first, Quench in draughts of Faith thy thirst. Then in blood that Faith be sealed, Ere to thee Heaven be revealed. {All sink on their knees ^ with heads heni down^ and hands clasped.) Joy ! the p< tent spell of Grace, Moves eacn heart, illumes each face j Joy ! poor souls, to Heaven won, Bask ye in the Heavenly Sun. In the warm blood of the Lamb, Grasp ye soon the martyr's palm. (Chorus melts away in the distance^ as the Scene gradually closes. ) di it 16 O^uILIAt I ' i ; SCENE II.— MANSION OF QUINTILIAN— THE ATRIUM. Niger discovered^ sitting on the Atrien^is^s seat^ in the cmtre, Niger. It has often occurred to mo tvhat an unaccount- able mistake Nature committed in making me a slave in- stead of an emperor, general, or even politician. Although, I must certainly thank her for having exempted me from the disgrace of being the last of these three human vultures. Why, the good old lady, with all due respect, must have been napping, nay, slightly inebriated, at the time she placed an ambitious soul, acquisitive beyond limit, and a cunning intellect, in this dusky breast, and made it the footstool of another. Now, the brilliant talents for in- trigue and knavery which I modestly claim to possess in the highest degree, should make me the envied and ad- mired of Rome. Only think of it ! What general ever carried a stronghold with more skill than I did the wine cellar the other night, giving in the dark its keeper a gentle tap on the skull with his own keys, and sympathizing with him the next day when I met him with his head bandaged. Hercules ! what a story he told Quintilian and the house- hold, how a dozen armed men burst on him in the cellar and succeeded, after a desperate struggle, in binding him hand and foot while they proceeded to their work of pil- lage. The pillage was confined to broaching an amphora of wine, and the dozen men, your humble servant. He he was so drunk, (or at least the keys did not agree with his soft skull,) that he never suspected me. How dexter- ously I removed the atriensis with a flagon of the same wine diluted with a little poppy juice, and left him lying across Quintilian's path, as it were, dead drunk. He was Bent at once to work in the marshes, and I was promoted GyECILIA. 17 to Lis post. I wonder what on eartli has come over those individuals, father and son, whose property I am. Com- ing through the vestibule this morning I met the old man, and he desired me to carry a letter to Metellus, his kinsman, who lives, you know, on the Appian Way, i]e\t door to well ! no matter. His ordinary mode of addressing me is : " Take this let- ter, thou lazy, good-for-nothing, graceless knave, and if it is not at its destination in a few minutes, a whip of scor- pions shall make thy back tingle." Now this is the usual form, the proper vale but what do you think he said : " Good Niger, carry this letter to Mete'.lus, and take these sesterces as reward." I looked at the man as if he had lost his senses : I felt quite offended at his famil- iarity and departed without saying a word. And Tibur- tius, whom I met at tho Capena Gate, instead of his usual blow and imprecation, to which I was entitled by long custom, also asked me in a quiet, lamb-like tone, to carry another letter to an old gardiner that lives near the Via Ardeatina. What on earth has moved them ? I have it ! Eureka ! The old gardiner is a Christian and I believe J.Ietellus is no better. I have not delivered the letters, as both parties to whom they were directed have fled to avoid Almachius's vengeance. Here they are. {Produces two rolls of papynis.) It is a very lucky thing my master has permitted me to learn to read, or I could not gain so man/ secrets as I have. ( Unrolls one of the letters and reads.) " QuiNTiLiAN to Metellus, greeting : The light of Faith hath shone o'er this house, the bonds of our souls are broken. Haste to me, brother in Christ, and let us com- mune together." 18 CECILIA. i: A Christian ! Well, whoever would have told me that the stern old Quiatilian should become a Christian, or bend his knee to anything, I would have laughed at the idea, and gently intimated to my informant that he was lying under a great mistake. ( Unrolls the second letter.) Now to see what the fiery young Tiburtius says : Mercy ! worse than the father ! (Reads.) " Tiburtius to Paul, greeting : Await me to-night at thy garden on the Via Ardeatina. I have much to tell thee. Grace, through the prayers of Caecilia, is poured abun- dantly on all our hearts. Valerian and I will seek Urban with thee to-night." Ha ! ha ! ha ! The cynical, profligate noble, too ! I wish I could find a liberal purchaser for these two pieces of parchment. Now for my own prospects. Christians are easily gulled ; they bite at the bait of seeming virtue. What, then, is the difliculty in my gaining the confidence of my master by pretending to be a most honest rogue, and keep a sharp eye and light fingers for any stray sesterces. (Enter Septimius, behind.) Ah ! the sesterces ! the sesterces ! There's my weak point, there the vulner- able heel of this Achilles. 1 S( fc t J \ ], '?' Septimim. (Advancing and clapping him on the shoulder.) Indeed ! wouldst thou like then to earn some of these sesterces ? Niger. Quite an unnecessary question, I assure you, sir. What's the work ? Sept. Very light. Merely to exchange dress with me and allow me to take thy place here to-night. if' >,,^' C^JILIA. 19 me that stian, or d at the t he was he second us says ; it at thy ell thee, d abun- k Urban too! I o pieces ristians ; virtue, ifidence ' rogue, y stray sterces ! vulner- ioulder.) •f these Niger. Very light, certainly, for you, I suppose, but the scourging consequent on discovery would be very heavy for me. Sept. Not the slightest danger. "Will thy mistress pass through the atrium to-day ? Niger. Yes. Sept. Quintilian and his son will not return to-night ? Niger. No. Sept. Well, then, fifty sesterces for thy place? Nol Then one hundred ? Niger. (Aside.) I wonder what villainy he meditates. All Rome knows Septimius to be a rascal of the first water. I'll pump him ! (Aloud.) Well, it is a very deli- cate matter, besides the risk and my character. Sept. Thy character, unconscionable knave ! There can be no risk, as I can personate thee successfully. Observe ! my skin is stained as dark as thine. Niger. But master has given strict orders not to allow any of your worthy confraternity, especially yourself, in- side these doors. Sept. My confraternity ! What means he, knave ? I am as noble as he. Niger. That may be, but, he says, you are a distinguished member of the dice confraternity, instituted for the pur- pose of relieving spendthrifts and verdant youths of their sesterces ; in fact, a sort of branch of the light-fingered persuasion. 20 CECILIA. I l:\ ii ' 'I I: Sept. 'Tis false ! Well, then, thou rejectest my offer. I will make it two hundred ? Niger. (Aside.) I must first discover what plot's in view. (Aloud.) But, suppose, some of the household should discover you. Since my mistress went to Brun- dusium Sept. Villian, liar ! Hast thou not told me she will pass through the atrium to-day ? Niger. Certainly, she has returned from Brundusium. (Aside.) I see his drift now, an interview. . Sept. That is sufiBcient. Thy dress ? Niger. Your chances, my friend, are rather slim in that quarter. Sept. Peace, knave ! Thou knowest not my errand. 'Tis different. Niger. Oh, of course. I only wish to tell you that Vale- rian and my young mistress were marri* d last night. Sept, (Aside.) Married last night ! Then all my hopes are over. I thought the knowledge I had of her being a Christian might terrify her into becc^ing my bride. But I shall be avenged. Almachius shall be informed of her Nazarene proclivities, and she shall appear before his tri-'^ bunal. Perhaps she has renounced them. She would not wed Valerian and remain a Christian. Niger. You are mistaken there, friend. There's a secret about the matter. 5V OiSCIIilA. 21 :^ t Sept. What is it ? what is it ? iV^iflrer. iTou may bo a very smart young man, but you have come to the wrong quarter for gratuitous news. Sept, How much is thy secret worth ? Niger. Ah ! that's business. I like to hear a man talk common sense. It reminus me of a little story ^ Sept. Cease thy babbling, and answer me. Niger. You lost a good story there. I'd throw it in gratis. Besides, there's a joke attached to it. Sept. To business, knave ! Niger. Well, then, you pay me two hundred sesterces for the honorable privilege of representing me on this seat. I'd prefer a more respectable representative, but we'll pass that over. People's representatives are not always faithful types of them. Sept. By Hades ! thou art worse than a monkey for chat tering. Thy secret and price ? Niger. A libel ! I am prov^'srbially taciturn. My secret is worth live hundred. Sept. What a gourmand for money ! Dost take me for a Croesus or a Midas ? Niger. No, but for a particular favorite of blind Plutus, to serve whom I am risking a journey to Pluto. These letters (producing them) contaii proofs of my secret. Sept. Well, then, take this purse ; thy demand is con- sa CECILIA. Ill tained in it. First, now, thy dress ? (Niger throws of his tunic or blouse ; they exchange cloaks. ) Thy hat ? ( Niger crushes it down m Septimius's head.) Insolent slave I I'll teach thee manners ! Mger. Nothing like expedition. Excuse my excess of zeal in your cause. Sepk Thy excess of presumption ! Thy secret and those letters now ! « Niger.' My master and his son, with the newly wedded pair, are Christians. Sept. What ! Quintilian, Valerian, Tiburtius 1 Impos- sible ! Thou mockest mo, slave ! Niger. Excuse me, friend, you are slave now. Hero are proofs (handing the letters to him). Sept. ( Reads.) " Quintilian to Metellus, greeting : The light of Faith hath shone o'er this house ; the bonds of our Bouls are broken. Haste to me, brother in Christ, and let us commune together." Excellent ! lo triumphe ! (Reads.) " Tiburtius to Pavl^ greeting : Await me to-night at thy garden on the Via Ardeatina. I have much to tell thee. Grace, through the prayers of Caecilia, is poured abund- antly on all our hearts. Valerian and I will seek Urban with thee to-night." Better, better. I shall snare the whole covey. Thy secret and letters are invaluable. Thanks for them ! Niger. ( Holding up purse. ) Ses terces for them are better. M Se}\ ad C/KCILIA. 23 inside.) What a fool I was not to demand more; I let vein go too easily. (Almul.) Could you not make some liddition to this purse in consideration of the letters ? ■P: Sept. Thou art a perfect Charybdis of avarice. Ilenco ! iDd await me at the baths of Caracalla. * Niger. (Aside.) I must make the most of the little time allotted to me as a gentleman. ( To Sept.) Vale^ friend iobstitute, T hope you will pass inspection. It is not (Uways we can get a substitute for nothing, and bounty fkoia him in the bargain. [Exit Nigeu, M Sept. Christians ! father, husband, brother, all ! and hero '|he proofs. Ha! my pretty bird, I shall caj^e thee now, Ind have revenge besides. Valerian's spouse. Yes, thou iflialt soon have a mangled corse as husband. Softly, ioftly, I must proceed with caution. Ila ! here comes a lltting tool ; the fair Egeria, seeking her truant Valerian, 11 warrant. \Retires up tlie stage. Enter Egeria. P Egeria. I feel as one possessed by Furies, since That knell of love, Valerian's marriage, fell With boding cadence on mine ear. Caecilia ! Quintilian's daughter, she Ms bride ! My heart Like Ariadne's on the strand of Samos, Deserted, bends beneath its weight of woe. Why should ho trifle with me thus ? That night When first we met in Juno's temple, how His burning eloquence entranced my soul, Although a mere spectator ! Rome, his theme, That vast crowd swayed like willows in the wind. He spoke of Rome's past glory, and the shades 24 CECILIA. Of Tully and stern Brutus seemed to nod Approval. That Antinous' form I saw, When next we met here at Quintilian's feast. Those honeyed words, attentions, what are they, But Dead Sea fruits that turn to ashes now ! And yet what brings me here ? This is her house. Some wild resolve, I know not what Sept. Revenge. Egeria. (Turning round Jiastily and perceiving him.) Eaves-dropping slave ! Sept. Yet one who can befriend Thee, and thy truant win back to thy sway. Egeria. Thou canst ? How ? Speak, and name thy terms, Sept. To-morrow. Await Cfecilia in her garden, when At night she takes her usual walk, and there Urge every argument thou canst invent — Falsehood or truth, Egeria. Against her marriage ? Sept. Yes, She is a Christian. Tell her that her spouse, Valerian, thine by right forsook thee for her. Egeria. She will not credit it. Sept. Then threaten. Egeria. Her 1 Sept. Valerian is a Christian, too. CECILIA. 25 ouse. Revenge. Iiim.) an befriend » thy terms, lorrow. Yes, Her? 'f Egeria. 'Tis false, • Sept, Quintilian also and his son. Egeria. What, slave ! Thou mockest ! Rome's three noblest Sept. Yet they bent To Christ. Believe me, lady. I have proofs. Threaten Oaecilia with Almachius' vengeance, And she must yield Valerian up to thee. Egeria. "Who art thou, slave, that plottest thus 1 Sept. A slave, But one that thirsts for vengeance. Egeria, Why? No matter, Sept. A slave has wrongs. Egeria. How can I trust thee, slave 1 Sept. I risk much in admitting thee to-night, A scourging, perhaps death. Thou knowest the law. Egeria. My mind, irresolute, misgives me. Sept. Then Valerian with his brid'' leaves Rome at once, When he returns ; to-morrow he'll be absent. Thy interview may gain its end, and then He's thine. If she consents not, still, fear not. She never shall be his. Egeria. A slave ? What canst thou do ? I 26 CiECILIA, Sept, To separate tliem. That never yet has failed. I have a means infallible Trust me, it is one Egeria. Thou dost not mean Aught harm against Valerian. I'd be first Thee to denounce. His life is wrapt in mine j Touch him, and thou shall find me Nemesis. SeiJt. Valerian's life, I pledge, is safe from me, Are there not other means to place a gulf Between them ? Dark Suspicion, Jealousy, And all their train of demons withering The hopes and joys of wedlock with their breath. Knowest thou not circumstances which can tear The trusting heart from Confidence's throne. And make it spy, nay, tyrant where it loved. And thou a woman ? Out upon thee. Egeria. Cease, Enough. Valerian must be mine, or else Caecilia dies ; I could not tamely brook Her triumph. Gain him for me, I am rich, And can reward thee what tbou wilt. I shall Await her in the garden, where my cause I'll plead with more than Tullian eloquence. But mark me, slave ! Beware my vengeance if Valerian sufier aught from thee. Bewo' e ! \Exit Egeria. Sept. Poor, silly child ! weak instrument of mine ! J spnre Valerian ! No, those eyes shall gloat Upon his racked limbs. Ate ! that foul insult, That stinging blow he gave me at the Baths OiEOILIA. For taurting him about a trifle must Be washed away in blood, his blood, by Hades ! And old Quintilian, too ! Tiburtius ! ah, How each shall pay me for their haughty scorn. Dread Ate, I'm thy slave. Come, Nemesis, But one bold stroke and fair Caecilia's mine. 27 \ExU. SCENE III.— ENTRANCE TO THE BATHS OF CARACALLA. Crowds passing to and fro. Enter Septimius, muffled in a cloak. He conceals himself partly behind a pillar near tlie footlights. Septimius. 'Tis now the hour : he should be here j ray soul Is like a fire-girt scorpion, in th' embrace Of Ate. Ha ! Caecilia, I shall see Thee yet petitioner at my feet. Thy scorn And his, Valerian's insult, shall be paid In blood — in his and thine ! My heart shall gloat O'er his distorted face and rack'd limbs rent AVith agony. And when thy dainty form Is quivering on that rack, I'll whisper thee Such consolation as will make thee writhe In keener torture. Had he but delayed Last night one minute later, thou wert mine. I would have carried thee far, far from him. A trusty .band was there ; she — seized ; slaves — fled, AVhen rushed Valerian on us ; in an instant Three of the band lay gasping ; she was torn Away from me ; the coward knaves then shraiik In terror from him, though I urged them on. In vain. A throng of armed slaves soon came, dt 28 CECILIA. And each one seized. I gained a place of safety, Unseen, unrecognized j the rest were taken, But know not their employer. I am safe : Even Ciecilia recognized me not. Now I'or Almachius and my plot to-night. To-night Egeria's interview takes place j And all is ready for my enterprise. I No fear of last night's failure when he's caged. Here comes the worthy prefect, from whom Nero Might learn new modes of cruelty ; so much The better for my purpose. Enter Almachius, with Guards. Almachius. Ha ! 'tis well, Here is thy warrant ; I will leuve these guards To execute it when its victim comes, I've sworn that Christ shall .have no place in Pwome While I am prefect ; and thy proofs are clear Against Valerian and the rest ; to-night Myself shall seize Quintilian at his house. Breathe not a word lest they escape ; by day I dare not seize them, for their friends are many, Those Roman dogs wear not their chains as yet Submissively. Septimius, how I'd long To lash the curs with scorpions, in revenge For our Iberia's wrongs, those wrongs of years. Which Rome inflicted on our land, I'd send The slaves to Tartarus by myriads gladly, , But they're not cowed enough. I will revenge Myself upon those Christians who become Too dang'rous for the State. Quintilian too ! He in my power ? Long I sought a chance Against his haughty Brutus spirit ; now I' If F M CECILIA. 29 1, e I'll tame or crush him and his cursed brood. Watch well the quarry ; bind him fast, spare not If he resists, but crush him like a worm. [Exit Almachius. Sept. Oh, what a glorious helpmate ! Thanks, ye gods ! For giving him to me. He's one who will My vengeance glut e'en to repletion. How Our silly emperor mistook him, when He left him in his plrce to govern Rome. My galley leaves, then, for the Euxine Sea To-night when my revenge is taken ; if The fair 0£eci]ia lives she shall leave too, And bo my shave. (During the above, the people have all entered the Baths, 80 that none remain hut the Soldiers and Septimius.) (Addressing the Guards) : Conceal yourselves, until I give the signal ; then rush in and seizo Whom I shall point out ; harm him not, but quickly Convey him to the Mamertine, and cast him Into the deepest dungeon there. Retire. [Exeunt Guards. Here comes the quarry. How I hate him, but I'll play him as the tiger does his prey. Enter Valerian. Sept. Good evening, fair sir ; may I oflfer thee, Though tardy, my congratulations on Thy late, successful wooing, and thy triumph, With Hymen's aid, o'er obdurate Cecilia. Although not present on that happy night, I feel an interest in the nuptials, which 30 CECILIA. I Induced me to accost thee thus : I hope Thou wilt be happy with thy bride. Valerian. Indeed 1 I must feel flattered when Septimius offers Congratulations; such from him, I deem An insult. Sept. Ha ! ha ! ha ! our friend is choleric Thou art ungrateful : for I've labored hard To make thee fitting presents on thy bridal ; Thou'lt find them equal to my zeal for thee ; A bridal chamber, such as ne'er thou dreamed of Is now prepared for thy reception. Val. (Aside.) Oh I His sneering omile doth put to flight My resolutions of humility. The hot blood of our race is boiling up And coursing madly through my veins. Oh God ! This fiery spirit's conqueror. I'm lost (Aloiid.) Thy prating insolence deserves return Such as I once administered before. Beware, I may again chastise the cur That bays me. Keep thy presents for the class Of Harpies foul to which thou dost belong. Sept. A poor return for my good wishes : still My interest in thy bridal causes me To overlook it. Val. Truly oondescending I I have not time to listen to thy sneers, Thou hast some hidden purpose : I can see it, OiEOILIA. 81 But care for thee and nil thy plots as much As if thou wert some buzzing ily j whene'er It's troublesome I brush it off. Sept. So then, Thou wilt reject the offer made by friends, Dear friends of thine — a beauteous bridal chamber. They have empowered me tp use some force, Fnendly, of course, persuading thy acceptance. Val. ( Drawing Ms swm-d.) Thy insolence is such I can- not pass. Sept. Ho ! in there ! (Enter Guards^ o?i all sides.) On him, fellows, he's your victim ! (Valerian, after a brief struggle^ is thrown on the ground^ disarmed and pinioned. They raise him on his feet^ holding him by the arms.) Sept. Why brush not off these buzzing flies that are So troublesome 7 Valerian, thou art caged : I have a rare treat for thee in return For last month's stinging blow upon these steps. Fal. Coward ! unbind one arm, but one, and dare To meet me here amid thy myrmidons. Place in my hand my trusty sword, and then Array thy paltry skin in armor ; load Thyself with all the weapons thou canst wield And dare to venture near my reach. Sept. Ha ! ha ! Thou shouldst have been a gladiator : how That speech would tell within the amphitheatre. w 32 CiEGILIA. I'm sorry that thy amiable intentions Cannot be gratified. Now, to explain. Some worthy friend of thine has fitted up A private chamber, as I said, for thee. This guard of honor will conduct thee there. Beneath the walls of Mamertine it lies, The yellow Tiber rushes o'er its roof. The walls are not o'er dry, an& darkness reigns Impenetrable ; thou shalt have companions ; I would not have thee solitary: there Are toads and hissing snakes enough to keep Thy mind diverted from its loneliness. Hast thou no thanks for this, my friendly care ? Dost hear ? Fal. I do and see a hisising viper More hideous than aught created ; nay, T libel Nature when I liken thee To any work of hers. She had no hand In cursing Earth with such a foul abortion As thou. On, fellows, lead me to my fate, I've dared grim Death before against the foes Of Rome, and looked him boldly in the face Too often e'er to tremble here. Lead on ! Let not my eyes be cursed with such a loathsome Object as him. Sept. Friend, tarry yet awhile I I have not told thee half the bliss in store For thee. The bridal chamber where to-night Thou'lt meet Caecilia and her father, is Almachius' torture-chamber, furnished well With curious instruments, attentive slaves, A couch with rollers, wheels and loops, in which I ♦ Th Th( Ha •. To i OiECILIA. 88 ♦ *r\\y wrists and ancles will be fastened ; there Tbou'It see thy bride, her features rent with pain. Ha ! ha ! thou wincest now. Val. (Struggling with the Guards.) Inhuman wretch ! How has that angel harmed thee ? "What pretext Canst thou adduce to make the prefect party To such an outrage ? Sept. I hold the proofs. Ye are Nazarenes, Val. The emp'ror will exact Dread retribution, when he hears what crimes Have been committed in his name. I have His autograph : Almachius dare not slight it. Sept. Try him, then, silly fool, Almachius dares More than thou knowest: he is emperor now. Val. Heaven forfend such evil dire to Kome. Thou liest : Alexander shall return. Sept. Perhaps : he'll not find thee to welcome him. Val. Vent all thy malice on my body, but Harm not Caecilia. Tear my limbs with all Thy instruments of torture, but in mercy, If thou art human, spare my gentle bride. * Sept. Thy bride ! that name's her knell ! Enough, thou'lt see Her dainty form, there writhing on tho rack Thou'lt hear her piteous groans : yet listen well. She shall not die : no, no, that must not be. 84 CECILIA. I'll have physicians who will care her well, And bring her back to life and health, but mark, To be my slave, my minion. Val. God of Mercy I Who called my soul from outer darkness, can This demon here pollute with his foul shadow Thy glorious sun above us shining? Can Such deeds be done, and thou sit stUl ? Send down Thy bolts to scorch yon plague spot oi" Creation. Earth, open wide thy breast and drag him down From man's society. Sept Thy words are music. Go on. I shall not interrupt thy strain. Vol. Men, soldiers, can ye thus degrade your race? Can Romans sink so low from their high name As to become the tools of such a fiend 1 Sept. These men are Syrians and thy eloquence Is lost on them. Val. Thank Heaven then I'm spared The pang of seeing Romans tools of thine. Lead on, t? ere is a God of Justice, who "Weighs all things rightly. Sept. Hence with him ! (Valerian is led off. He turns back, when he reaches the door, and exclaims) : Beware ! When next we meet. [Exit, with Guards. Sept. A chill glides o'er my frame Beneath that haunting eye. What folly's this ? C^ECILIA. 35 )timius, thou art growing womanish. ^\iy tremblest thou with Nemesis thy friend f fow for the seeond act of Vengeance' drama. lis nigh the fair Egeria's hour : she will, ' 1 trust, uccoraplish her share of my work, And raise tormenting doubts, suspicions dark, "bx proud Caccilia's mind about her spouse. By Hades ! Ate, I will sacriiico 8omo suckling babe to thee for aiding me. [Exit Sept. J^er Niger, /row behind the steps of the Bath, where he teas lying. - Nig^r. (After looking cautiously around.) Well, now, if lliat last gentleman isn't as pretty a specimen of a firat- dass villain as ever the walls of Homo sheltered, I'm not Kiger, but Julius Caesar. I ought to feel honored in having ii substitute of such superior abilities. He will be our next emperor : I know it. Many a breast the imperial purple has covered less deserving. Such abilities make me envious. But, Mr. Septimius, you forgot that this wasn't paid for yet, so here goes to warn Quintilian and his family of Alroachius' surprise party. [Exit^ singing Ho ! ho ! the sesterces, serterces for me, With them there's Elysium ; without, misery. SCENE IV. — QUINTILIAN' S GARDENS — ARBOR SEATS— EGERIA DISCOVERED. AND Egeria. The slave must have deceived me, or )lhe would Have come ere this. A footstep — hist ! |he comes. Oh, how hfei hated beauty, gentle air, And Vestal countenance doth madden me. [Retires behind a tree. 4 OiEOILIA. Enter Cjecilia. CcBcUia. How sweet the recompense that God has given For those heart-burning tribulations past, When darkness more intense than Egypt's reigned. And Satan claimed allegiance from this house. My little lamp of Faith oft flickered, but Daily I trimmed it at my shrine ; now light Illumes each sou', and shows it its true God. Father and brother won to Him ; my spouse, Valerian, too ! what joy and bliss I feel. But last night's scene, those wicked men that sought To drag me from him, oh ! 'twas Satan's work. Valerian saved me, yet methought I saw The flash of seraph wings above my head. My captor saw it, too, and shrank dismayed. I've tended those poor wretches carefully. Whose breasts were gashed wide by Valerian's sword : The rest, my father, at my earnest prayer, Dismissed unharmed. I feel a holy joy. As though 'twere Eden in this garden. Oh ! How bright my nuptials seem, a radiant vision, A dream of Heav'n. May clouds obscure them not j And may no serpent curse this Paradise. Egeria. (Coming fonvard.) Will not the thought of others' misery given As price for thy bright dream a serpent prove To sting thee with remorse ? Shall not the clouds Of others' lost hopes dim it ? CcecUia. Stranger, why These words ill-omened 1 why thy angered air ? O^EOILIA, 87 Egeria. {TJirowinc} hack her veil.) Tliou knowest why now, perhaps. Enter Septimius, tmperceived, in Niger's dress. Cacilia. Egeria here I Egeria. Why not, when thou wouldst leave me desolate 1 QBcilia. I ! ! Egeria. Yes, thou smiling hypocrite ! Ccecilia. I have ne'er wronged a creature knowingly, But rather would I die ten thousand deaths Than thou shouldst suffer aught harm at my hands. Egeria, Egeria. Hast thou not wed Valerian ? Ccecilia. A wrong ? Can that be Egeria. A wrong ! Yes, one the deepest thou Couldst e'er have done me. He was mine. Cxcilia. Thine? Egeria. Yes, Before thy spells enthralled him. Listen. Long He owned my sway : his presence was the star Of my young life. Thou shalt resign him. Ccecilia. My spouse ? Impossible ! Whr.t I Egeria. (Drawing a dagger, and rushing on hei\) Then die! 88 CECILIA. Septimius. (Rushing hetioeea them and grasping Egeria's mist^ so that tlie dagger falls.) (Aside to Egeria.) Is this Thy argument ? Away ! I'll plead thy cause. Fear not, she shall not sever thee from him. [Exit Egeria. CacUia. Can such fell passions sway the Breast of woman ? Good Niger, has Valerian yet returned ? Sept. (Aside.) Valerian ! how I hate that name. (Aloud in a feigned voice.) I fear My lady, I have sad news. CcBcilia. What ? Oh, speak ! My husband ! Has aught happened him ? Sept. Be c^lm, It can be remedied. He's in the hands Of enemies, who know not mercy j foes "Who've sworn his death. OEcilia. What foes could meditate Aught wrong 'gainst su jh as him ? Sept. No matter, still He's m the Mamertine io-night ; no more Expect to see him living. Ca;cUia. Oh ! good Niger, Unsay those cruel words, what has he done To merit death so young, so noble I Sept. Much. He has betrayed thee into marriage, when CECILIA. 39 Ilis troth was plighted to Egeria ; and lie's proved a traitor double-dyed to Kome, At least his intercepted messages To her worst foes assert so. CcecUia. Never ! Guile Could find no place in my Valerian's breast, No more than dross in virgin gold. He's armed In honor's mail 'gainst all corruption. Cease Thy charges, for they fall like blunted darts, When aimed at his fair name. Sept. Thy eloquence, I fear, will not avail him much : he's doomed. Ilis guilt is clear, thou must give way to proofs. Read well these intercepted letters, and (producing tJiem) They'll prove him false to Rome and thee. CcBcilia. {Rejecting them.) ' Away ! I'll hear no more agairst my husband. If All Rome were clamoring charges, heaping proofs And bringing witnesses against Valerian ; If in the judgment of the world he stood Arraigned, condemned, disgraced, he still is mine, My noble spouse unblemished. Earth and Hell Can ne'er dethrone him in my heart : nay, more, If one of those bright seraphs — (were it so They thus could fall in sin) — should whisper me That my Valerian's not the noblest soul In Rome ; that aught could draw him from the path Of honor : I'd reject his tale with horror. Sept. (Aside.) Her faith in him is adamantine. Now, To work, upon that faith. (Aloitd.) Thou hast a chance To show thy love now — rescue him from death. I I 40 CECILIA. Cxjecilia. What can a poor, weak woman do ? Sept. I know A way to reach him. Come with me to-night, And he shall leave the gloomy Mamertine. Cdcilia. {Departing.) My Father or Tiburtius I will seek To aid us in this work. Sept. {Stepping heticeen her and the door.) It must be done, By us alone. I have grave reasons for it. CcBcilia. I must consult them first. Sept. They must not know One word. Come, let's depart at once before The time for action's past. Citcilia. I cannot leave The house to-night without my father's knowledge. Sept. Thou shalt, by Hades ! CcEcilia. Niger ! thou forget test Thy place : Retire or I will summon them. Sept. Disguise to Tartarijs ! Proud dame, perhaps This face may be familitir. {Tearing away his false beard and throwing of his skuU~cap.) Ha 1 thy face Is blanched. CoccUia. Septimius ! Heaven guard me ! Sept. Pray, For thou hast need of all the gods to help thee. CLCILIA. 41 And all Olympus. I've Dot time to tell thee What is in store for thee and thy curs'd spouse. Let this suffice. E'en now he's on the rack On charge of being a Christian ; thy turn next This very night, unless thou leavest with me. My galley's ready, but consent to iiy With me as mine, and thou art safe : refuse, And all the torments of Christ's hell are mild To what thou'lt suffer in Almachius' hands, Turn not thine eyes on me for mercy to him, I've sworn his death, and tracked him to it. Yes, Too late, he's on the Stygian store e'en now. Will thou consent ? Thou art in my power ! Quick I Cecilia. Forsake not. Lord, thy neophyte Valerian. He's but ft child in Faith. Is any spark Of human feeling in thy murderous heart, Septimius, that thou shouldst deface the work Of God in him. I have no thought for life Without him ; gladly will I hail the hour Of anion with my God and him in Heaven. Sept. No, no, thou shalt not join him yet. I'll have More exquisite revenge than death. This night A gentle application of the rack Will tame thee. Thou art my slave and minion, long Thou'lt fawn upon me at my feet, but all The rest of thy curs'd race shall die. Ckcilia. Great God I Record not this man's malice, he's possessed By some foul tiend. Sept. 'Tis Nemesis compels rao ! 42 CECILIA. Thou bast no time to lose. Hark ! hear you now The tramp of soldiers' feet outside. Hence, fool, Thou shalt be mine. {Seizes her hy the tc', Ist.) Enter Valerian, hastily^ his face covered with bloody his a :/•- ments torn and dripping. Niger follows with a large club. Valerian grasps Septlmius by the throat a^nd hurls hint to the ground^ where he lies stunned and helpless. Niger binds him. CaecUia. (Joyfully taking Valerian by both hands.) Vale- rian, my own spouse. The God of Mercy has now heard my prayer. And thou art safe — yet no, these wounds, thai blood, Thy haggard face. Valerian. (Speaking ,apidly.) Fear not, my wounds aro slight Though many. There's no time to lose. The thought Of thy great peril gave me giant strength. They led rae near the Tiber on the way To prison; with an effort which Alcides •• Could scarce have made I freed my pinioned arms, Hurled the two nearest from me, snatched an axe TTiat lay near, hewed my way to Tiber's banks. Plunged in, and thus escaped them. This brave fellow Rescued me when the loss of blood would soon Have sent me to the bottom. When we reached The shore we lay for some time still, and heard My captors searching for me ; it was dark. And God concealed me. "When they left we ran "With all speed possible to have thee warned. Thy father and Tiburtius have gone To-day to visit Urban ; they are safe. Now for escape, quick, quick, the time is short. CECILIA. 43 May God res'^riiin this fiery breast of mine, And cool the lava in my veins. Niger. I think we had better make this gentleman ef- fect an instant change of base before we fix upon a way of avoiding his friends. Vol. Very well, good Niger, take him away. He's senseless. My temper and anger at witnessing his cruel treatment of thee, Oaecilia, half betrayed me into lulling him to the sleep that is without waking. Niger. I've the other half of the intention necessary to send him to Pluto. "Xou send him half-way, and I'll war- rant with this club he'll reach his destination in Tartarus (I beg the lady's pardon, as she's a Christian), in hell, without any stoppage on the way. CcBoUia. No, no. Valerian, leave him to God. Wouldst thou send the poor wretch before his Judge unrepenting ? I'll pray for him unceasingly, and perhaps there may lue a place in Heaven for him. Niger. He'd be an addition certainly. I'm afraid, my lady, all the saints and angels would soon send in a peti- tion to expel him. He's a harxl shell. Val. Carry him to the house, and leave hira where his worthy confreres will find him. Niger. (Lifting the body of Septimius, and dragging it away.) He's only playing possum, sir. Depend upon it, he has his wits in order now. However, I'll secure him. [Exit Niger, with body. 44 O^OILIA. Val. We have not an instant to lose. Almacliius and his satellites will be here. Which way can we leave this garden ? CcBcilia. Thanks to Heaven, we're saved. (Kneeling on the ground she raises a trajj-door.) This secret passage leads into a cave from which we can reach the Via Ardeatina. This house and gardens once belonged to a Prefect, who made this passage as a precaution against adversity and enemies. Urban, our Holy Father, informed me of its ex- istence, and memory now, like Heaven's inspiration, re- called it to my mind. We can easily find the entrance to the Catacombs when we leave this passage. (Sounds of voices and clash of arms heard.") Enter Niger, I'unning. Niger. They've come — the Prefect and a maniple of sol- diers ; so we had better be making ourselves scarce as soon ss possible. Hallo ! what have you there ? an under- ground railroad ? Good ! I'm partial to such institu- tions. The Ethiopians south of us Val. Time presses, so waste it not in words. Where left you Septimius ? Niger. Well, he's not far off, I assure you. I had not dragged >x;m but a short distance when I heard the ap- proach of the soldiers. My burden heard it, too, for he jumped up, or rather was jumping up, when I administered him a gentle reproof for his vivacity, with this club. CcBcUia. Did you injure him much ? Niger. Oh no, my lady, not much; only something CEOILTA. 45 cracked and it wasn't the stick. IIo lay down like a lamb and I left him in a gentle but sound slumber. Val. Come, Coocilia, descend first and we will follow. (CiF.ciLiA descends by the trap-door^ Valerian folloxcing.) Val. Come, Niger. Niger. All aboard, sir. Go ahead. I hope we'll meet no obstructions on the track. If we do, I'll remove them with my stick. Good morning. Squire Ahuachius and Lawyer Septimius, I'm sorry that pressing engagements prevent us from being home to receive your surprise party, and its honorable posse comitatus. [Exit^ closing the trap-door. Enter Agnes, running. Those wicked men, what mean they ? They have slain Our servants, and with horrid oaths and cries Are seeking us. Cascilia ! she's not hero. Yet scarce an hour I left her. What has happened 1 Blood, too ! Sweet Saviour, grant it be not hers. (Discovers stains where YxLERika^s wounds hod been dripping.^ (Calls.) Ooecilia! sister ! Enter Almachius, icith Guards. Almachius. We've run down the game. Here's one, (^seizing her,) the rest is not far off. Away, Ye knaves, and leave no nook unsearched — away ! [Exit Guards. Answer me, child, thy mistress where is she ? Agnes. (Aside.) Thank Heaven, they have not found her. (^Aloud.) I know not. • A 46 CECILIA. AlmacMus. What ! dar'st thou trifle with rae thus ? Then know, I am Almachius, Agnes. So T thought, thy words And mien proclaim it. Almachius. . Taunted by a child ! By Hades, I can crush theo ! Agnes. Mighty laoor, Surpassing Hercules'. AlmacJiius. What art thou child ? Agnes. Caecilia's Agnes. Almachius. Art a Christian ? Agnes. Yos. The humblest in the fold, yet guarded well By God's bright angels. AlmacMus. Knowest not the law Against the Nazarenes ? Come, cease this talk. Obey the gods and thou shalt bo rewarded. Agnes. Here, haply, but there — lost for ever ! Enter Guards^ supporting Septimius, whose head hangs on his breast. Almachius. Ha ! My worthy confrere ! what has happened thee ? Sept. {With dijjlcidty.) Search well those gardens. They are here. I left CiECILIA. 47 Valerian and her. Lose no time, I'll tell Tliee more anon. Secure this child j they no'er Can leave without her. Almachius. To the scent, my hounds, You'll feed my lampreys if you find it not. Let two support Scptimius to the house. Bind this child's arms and leave her here : slie's safe. . Away ! hunt down the game — the spoil is yours. [Exeunt omnes^ except Agnes, who is left lying on the ground. The trap-door opens softli/, and Niger's head appears. Niger. A precious set of cut-throats. It's lucky I stop- ped to listen or this poor child wfts lost. Now to get her out of the hands of the Philistines. {Gets out of the open- ing^ and lifting Agnes in his arms carries her to the passage.) Don't be afraid, my little bird, I'm only removing you out of reach of the vulture's claws. Oh, how I'd like to see the countenances of the Prefect and his brother in vil- lainy when they find how they have been bamboozled. Won't they swear some 1 [Exit, closing trap-door. Enter Almachius and Guards. Almachius. Perdition ! whore's the child ? One of the Guards. As thou commandest. Almachius. Guard. A moment since. "We left her here Gone too! She was here Almachius. Those Nazarenes must have Some magic po w'rs. Hast found the others y et ? 48 CECILIA, Guard. There cannot be a nook but we have seftrchod And found no trace. Almachkts. Your worthless carcases jShall in my ponds be cast to feed my fish. Enter Septimius, hastily, staggering with weakness. Sept. What's this I hear? My prey escaped, revenge Denied me, curses on ye, knaves, and thou False Prefect ! not a clue or victim left ! Is this thy promise ! this thy friendship sworn. Fool that I was to trust such bungling knaves. Almachius. By Hades ! thou hadst better curb thy speech, I may forget old ties and claims. Beware ! Sept. Eureka ! I have still a clue : there's one Who can and will unearth them. Decius, who Is Christian but in name. He's bound to us By his unconquerable gambling bent ; He'd lose his soul and body for the dice. And will assist me. [Ea;it Sept. Almachius. Hence, ye graceless knaves, But fire this Christian nest first. I have faith In our success yet, for no blood-hound e'er Tracked prey more perseveringly or with The thirst for blood Septimius tracks his foe. \Exeunt omnea atUILIA. 49 ACT II. SCENE I.— A CHAMBER IN THE CATACOMBS. QUINTILIAN, AtHANASIUS, TiBURTIUS, VaLERIAIC, CiKCILIA, and a crowd of Christians. Urban on his throne. Decius, a prisoner. Two men beside him as Guards. Urban. Can such a wretch, nay Judas, dwell among us As thou describest, Athanasius 1 One Who sought us when cast out of Rome a leper. A loathsome object, yet we tended him With care and love and brought him back to life. Grant Heav'n thou art mistaken, and he's not Yet fallen in the hands of Sutan or His emissaries, gamblers. Can it be? I shudder at such turpitude ; could not The thought of Hell's abyss from which God drew Thy soul, restrain thee, Decius? Decius. Was I brought Before thee but to hear a homily ? Proceed, and let me be confronted with This meddling knave who dares accuse mo : when Condemned 'tis time to preach. JJrban My son, I grieve To find thy language bears him out. Proceed, And let the faithful, Athanasius, hear Thy story. Athanasius. Brethren, last night I was sent, As usual, to the city for our food. »•"«-%. ^■P 50 CECILIA. Near Trajan's column I was passing, when A party of young prolligates passed by, Singing their impious, Bacchanalian songs. Among them was our brother Decius, he The noisiest, most dissipated there. Decius. Thou liest, knave ! Athaii. Surprised and shocked, I stood For some time still, then followed unobserved, . To try and draw him from them. Soon they reached A gambling rendezvous, and entered. I Remained till Decius left, resolved to try Persuasion with him, and thus win him back, If possible, to God and grace. He left- In company with one Septimius, who Ranks first in Rome as villian. Decius. "Were he hero, Thou wouldst not dare accost him so. Go on. Alhan. Some stray words of their conversation reached My ear, and as they hinted some dark plot Against our Holy Father, I resolved To play eavesdropper in such righteous cause. Behind a pillar couched, I heard their plot, So foul that in it death to us was least. Decius. Tby proofs, thou lying hypocrite ! produce. Athan. (Producing a roll of papyrus.^ This scroll of thine is proof enough, I ween. Decius. {Endeavoring to snatch it from him.) Confusion ! 'tis my property ; what right Hast thou to keep it ? 0** tUM.k . *l »J| WW** ' ■■P C.KOILIA. 51 Athan. {Handing it to Urban.) Holy Father, here I placo this proof in thy hands : 'tis enough. Urban. ( Unrolling it.) What's here ? A map, too ac- curate, alas ! Of this retreat and all its avenues. Below, the signature of Dccius to A deed of payment for a gambling debt. Great God ! What payment ! in our blood. Attend. (Reads.) Decius binds himself to pay Septimius, in con- sideration of one hundred scsterlia lost by him at the duo- dccim scripta;^ this map, the safe delivery into his hands of Coecilia, the daughter of Quintilian, nd the blood of Ur- ban, the arch Nazarene, with all his outlawed gang My son, I'll not reproach thee, but entreat Thee to repentance ; there's the path of sorrow, 'Twill lead thee back to Heaven j spurn it not, But here confess thy sin, we'll pray for thee. Decius. Enough ! this farce of Piety doth sicken. I'll have no more of it, if yon smooth knave Can thus malign me, forge my name, and show Such document as mine. Urban. Alas ! my child, Thou'rt bound to Lucifer too strong for grace To melt thy soul. I must pronounce on thee The sentence that will cast thee from the fold Of Christ. Again, I call thee to repentance. Decius. Go on, I've ta'en my course, and care not whither It leads. Urban. Then from the fold of Christ and all - iv • ., .1, rfi »,^, V » .»■-., CiSCILIA, 53 Decius. By Hades ! tlien I'll have revenge on all Ye cursed Nazarenes. I'll hence to Rome, And bring Almachius on ye. Yes, that scroll Shall be receipted, and those chambers run Knee deep in your vile blood : thy hoary head, Proud Urban, shall be levelled to the dust. Farewell, kind Christians, I'll be here anon. Friend Athanasius, it were better far Thou ne'er were born than to have roused my ire. [Exit Decius. Athan. May God protect his servants in the hour Of trial. Urban Brethren, we must leave this place At once, and meet to-night r ithin the church Beneath the Fountains. Decius knows it not; | But Athanasius will conduct you thither. Retire with him, there's no time now to spare. Quintilian, stay — thy daughter too. I've much To question thee on late events. [Exeunt omneSj except Urban, Quint., and Ojecilia. Quint. What peace And joy now fills my heart, the dark void's gone, Rome's noblest senator, I was a child Groping in helplessness and outer darkness. Now, Holy Father, thy instructive words With Faith, unroll a panorama bright Beyond this dark and dreary world. Urban. 'Tis naught To what sweet visions will o'erflow thy soul To-night when thy probation's o'er, and grace n . 54 CECILIA. Shall with tlio waters of regeneration Be poured upon thy head. I will receive Thee and thy friends whom thou hast brought to-night ■ Into the bosom of the Church. ( Ccecilia weeps.) How now, Good child, Caecilia, tender lamb of Christ, "Why weepest thou on such occasion, when Thou seest thy long and patient faith rewarded 7 Why is thy face so blanched ? That look of care And grief, whence comes it ? CcBcilia. Holy Father, I Have lost my tender lamb, ray Agnes. Quint. Came she not with ye ? What! Ccscilia, Alas ! the time was sliort, the enemy come, We missed her when we reached the cave ; with her We also missed old Niger, who descended The passage with us : he went back, we think, To rescue her. Valerian ventured too To leave our dark asylum, but no trace Of either could he find. One of our slaves Who had survived the massacre, denied That she or Niger fell a victim to The cruel Almachius : she was taken first, But rescued quite mysteriously. Alas ! I fear the dove is in the fowler's hands. Urhan. Have confidence, my child, God will not leave Her in the spoiler's meshes long : be calm And pray to Him for aid in thy distress. Perhaps some strange prot'^ctor interposed Between thy Agnes and the grasp of Death. OiECILIA. 65 Thou knowest how inscrutable the ways Of God are. CoRcUia. Thanks, dear father, for those words Of hope and life ; they lift me from the depths Of sorrow. Urban. Cheer thy heart then ; so to-night, Quintilian, thou shalt, with thy friends, receive The waters of true life ; now follow me, We'll deck the Fountain Church in bright attire, And make its subterranean aisles resound With hymns of joy. Let's hence, the time is short ! {Exeunt, SCENE II.— A RUINED MAUSOLEUM— A TRAP-DOOR, SHOWING THE ENTRANCE TO THE CHURCH OF THE CATACOMBS— VIEW OF TOMBS, PALM GROVES, &c., AT THE BACK. Enter Niger, leading Agnes hy the hand. He sits on a broken slab of marble. We'll rest awhile, my little dove, and thou canst re- fresh thy eyes and limbs with slumber on this mossy couch, while I act as sentinel. Agnes. But, dear Niger, when shall we see my Cascilia ? Niger. Shortly, child; rest thyself here, and I'll search for the entrance to her retreat. (Agnes goes behind a tomb, and stretches herself on the ground. Niger throios his cloak ever her.) Niger. Dear Niger ! good Niger ! better Niger ! best Niger ! that's a nice way I'm compared. There's their I 56 CiGCILIA. manner of addressing me, just as if there was a particle of goodness or dearness about this dusky form. Not a bit of it. I cannot account for the extraort inary feeling with which this child inspires me. "Why, she can lead me whither she pleases, and in her presence I feel my breast glowing with new and tender emotions of love and respect. "Why, you'll laugb, I know, when I tell it — I ac- tually cried when I witnessed her grief for Caecilii*. At least some drops of liquid fell from my eyes, perhaps they were cobwebs. How on earth could I have missed "Vale- rian and Orecilia in that Tartarean passage ? There must have been two corridors leading from the cave, and each of us took a different one. It was so confounded dark I could only grope my way. The managers of that under- ground railroad should have more light in their tunnel. Those underground railroads are great institutions. They remind me of a little story I heard once in my na- tive Numidia. You needn't laugh at it, as there's no joke attached ;to it. I always keep my stories and my jokes apart, as they spoil each other. But for the story : Once upon a time, in the days of old Masanissa, near the city of Cirta, there lived a camel driver. Camels and dromedaries, you know, are the only locomotives we have in the desert. This camel driver was a queer genius, quite original and sarcastic. One day he was returning on his camel from Sitifis, when he met old Masanissa, who was on his way to Scipio's camp. " "Whither now, good Culbi ?" said the King. " To Rome, sire," replied the camel engineer. " To Rome, knave ; which is thy path thither ?" inquired the prince. " It's a Masanissian or underground one," answered Culbi. The King winced at that, for he was fighting against his own country for the Romans, and he at once effected a change OiECILIA. 67 of base from Culbi's tongue. That is a railroad story. Now for a rale splitting joko, as an Hibernian barbarian, wlioin I met ir. Gaul, used to term it. This individual was clad in the skins of a wild beast named " corduroy," and carried in his mouth a fiery Fetish which he called " dhudeen." His name was Patricius Avickensis, and used to keep our camp-fire circle in a roar of laughter all the time. But hist ! — some one approaches ; he may not be a friend, so I will conceal myself. I wish to goodness I had that Hibernian here ; he was a trump at getting him- self out of a scrape, or any of his friends either. It was he gave me my club, which he called " shillelagh." Hush ! I'll watch this interloper, for he's not a Christian. {Sinks down behind a iomh.) Enter Septimius. Sept. What, still at fault ? Cascilia yet unfound. Nemesis, aid my search ; what demon could Have thwarted me ? Oh, how Almachius raged Last even when, with Decius as our guide, We burst a passage through the Christian den, Without discovering one. Niger. (Aside.) I sympathize with you. Poor fellow, how Sept. I still have hope In Decius, he's one after my own heart. Mger. He must be Satan then. A No. 1 knavo, Enter Decius. Decitis. Septimius, good ! I've found a clue, and here Their nest must be. 58 Sept. My Decius, tell me all. CiECILIA. lo triumphe ! thanks, Decius. I tracked to-day The steps of Athanasius here, and saw Ilim enter by a secret passage. Ha ! (Lifting the trap-door.) 'Tis here, by Hades ! watch, Septi- mius, close, Almachius is not far, I'll hie to him, And bring him hither with his blood-hounds. Joy, The demons favor me. [Exit Decius. Sept. (Searching around.) I knew he'd scent And ferret out the hares. Caacilia's there ! How exquisite my hato ; how dull those plans Of vengeance which I lirst concei^^ed Lo vow. (^Discovers Agnes aslcejy^ raises the cloak front her face. Niger steals behind.) Her baby sister, good, she's left her here. And will return for her ere long. I'll stab Her as she sleeps. (^Draics his dagger and raises it over her.) One blow to send the brat To meet her God and rend her sister's heart. (Niger stabs him behind. He staggers back and falls loith a cry.) Niger. There's two that have a say m that, friend Sep- timius. I'd rather you would cut me to pieces than injure a hair of that darling's head. Enter C^xilia. Ccecilia. I heard a cry of agony hero. Heaven grant the enemy be not within our fold. What's here ? A man C^OILIA. 59 lying at the point of death. Good Heavens ! 'tis our worst foe, Septimius. Niger. He'll never do thee injury again. C?;?■■.■* r'T -T7f- f.: oj:cilia. 81 Emperor gazes in astonishment and admiration. Agnes stretches forth her hands to Cecilia. 1. ia-JB^?-- 'J r u Chorus of Unseen Spikits. Hail, virgin, Heaven welcomes thee In loud and joyous tone, Among her saints eternally To sit upon thy throne. The Scene Closes upon xHi;; Tableau. CURTAIN. , . < _J ^& .^ ,^lu_. ^