THE VIRGIN GODDESS All Kights Reserved Ex Libria C. K. OGDEN THE VIRGIN GODDESS A TRAGEDY By RUDOLF BESIER LONDON J. M. DENT & CO. 29 & 30 BEDFORD STREET, W.C. 1907 All communicah'ons re^ardt'tti; performitti^ or translating^ rights in this filay should be addressed to— THK INTERNATIONAL COPYRIGHT BUREAU, LTD. Oswaldestre House, Norfolk Street, Strand, London, IV.C P ^ SANTA B A r '^ A T? A ' ' ^ 60 3 TO LILY BRAYTON NOTE It is hardly necessary to say that The Firgin Goddess is not strictly modelled on the Attic drama. It was written for performance on the modern stage, and should be judged as an acting play, not as a literary tour deforce. In compliance with our stage conventions the curtain descended twice during the performance. R B. VII CHARACTKRS I7i^* Oftiom taJctJ tloit in ihf mar hie courtyiird before the I emple of Artemis.^ Crttphonta Ahhfa ■ CUito . Hfphititiot: IphicUi . The Virgin A Herald Priest King of Artis. The Queen. The King's Mother. The King's Brother, A Captain. Priestess of Artemis. Attendant The Chorus^ Virgins^ ff'^arriorsy Priests and Citizens oj Artis. The Virgin Goddess was produced on 23rd October 1906, by Mr. Otho Stuart at The Adclphi Theatre. THE VIRGIN GODDESS The marble courtyard before the Temple of Artemis. In the background L. to C.a broad flight of steps leading to the temple. In front of the temple door is a statue of Artemis with an altar before it. A flight of steps leading to the kin^ s palace R. Deep blue sky and brilliant sunshine. \Three Warriors stand about the steps leading to the temple door. Almost immediately the curtain goes up two Warriors rush in."] I St Warrior. Iphicles hath returned, and seeks the Queen. ind Warrior. \One of them standing about the steps] Iphicles ! [^They evince excitement.'] I St Warrior. Even he. Last night he crept Through the besiegers to the eastern wall And clomb into the city all unscathed. He beareth urgent news. Where is the Queen ? Other Warriors. What news ? What news ^ I St Warrior. News of our vanished army. [^Tremendous excitement. They rush up to the new- comers^ A Warrior. Now praise the gods ! Another Warrior. Are they alive, our men } Another Warrior. Return they ? a THK VIRGIN GODDESS Another Warrior, Arc they dead? Ml lt\irrior. lie will not speak His tidings save unto the Oueen alone. [Iffiuhs tntns lucompanied lyy two Warriors\ The trarrtors. Iphicles, hail ! ji If'itrrior. The news? Another liarrior. Are they alive? Iphicles. My news is for the ^ueen. Go tell her thou Iphicles hath returned. [Exit a Warrior.'] A IViirrior. We deemed, my friend, That weary of our city and our King, Thou hadst deserted to the rebels. Iphicles. [Imiignant/y] What ! Ye dared impute such infamv to me? Obedient to command I left the city On perilous quest, the which I have fulfilled. Ye deemed I had deserted ! Are ye mad ? [ Jyhile he is speakittg the soutid of singing comes from the distance.^ What song is that ? A IVarrior. The King hath doffed his arms For priestly robes — Iphicles. \_lVith a sneer] Befits him well ! The ff^arrior. — And now W^ith ceremony to the temple goes, There to instal before the inmost shrine Of Artemis three virgins robed in white — THE VIRGIN GODDESS 3 As is our custom in the hour of peril — And at the shrine must these abide in prayer Until the holy goddess speak her will. Iphicles. [Drawing two of the Warriors in front of him^ Make not my presence known unto Cresphontes, Ere I have spoken with the Queen. A JVarrior. 'Tis well. [ The Chorus of seven Youths and seven Maidens, all robed i?i white, file singing on to the stage, down the palace steps, youths and maidens alternately. They are followed by seven Priests and three Virgins, the rear being brought up by Cresphontes, who bears a naked sword lying flat across his hands. The Chorus, singing all the while, form a wide semi- circle about the statue, the Priests form up at the temple door, and the Virgins come to a stand between the statue and altar and facing the audience. Cresphontes pauses before the altar and facing the statue.^ Chorus of Youths. \As they move up the stage. '\ Long since a shepherd on the lonely hills Of Arcady beheld in waking dream, Parting with silver feet the daffodils That fringed his highland stream, And followed by her nymphs in fluttering race, And with wild light upon her face. Immortal beauty out of moonlight wrought, Artemis armed and sandalled for the chase. Tin- \'IR(;iX C.ODDKSS CHORI'S OK M/ViDhNS. [yls they move up the sta^e^ Singing wild songs that glimmering revel passed Into the forest and were lost to him ; Rut fired with deathless love he followed fast Through h..unted woodlands dim, And down still glens that only hunters know, And over peaks of ancient snow, And where the torrents of the mountain hurl Thunder and foam unto the j-ilain below. Chorus of Youths. O fleet his feet, hut fleeter fiir was she Whose face had lured him from the mountain side, And by the margin of the alien sea, He failed at last and died ; And the wild people of the shore that came To tend his spirit's dying flame. Caught from his tongue strange rumours of a dream And mystic loveliness without a name. Chorus of Maidens. And where he died there rose our city white And lovelv as her face for whom he died, And in the gracious favour of her sight We grew in power and pride. And gathered lordly wealth from far away, And palms of glory from the fray ; We sent our spears abroad, and fought and won. And many cities passed beneath our sway. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 5 Chorus of Youths and Maidens. [They sing^ raising imploring hands to the statue.'] But now upon the ridge of night we stand, With unrelenting menace at our gate, And cry in vain for thy sustaining hand And for thy counsel wait. O tender healer of the wounded deer ! O Refuge for all things in fear ! Forsake us not in this the hour of need, O Virgin Goddess, hear ! \_A t the last time they all sink on their knees and remain thus during Cresphontes' prayer, their hands outstretched to the statue^ Cresphontes. Goddess, who lendest no unwilling ear To the lone cry of forest things pursued, The cornered wolf, the stricken hind, O hear ! For we, thy children, on the perilous edge Of ruin call upon thee as of old We called on thee, nor ever called in vain. Then with wise counsel or with sudden hand Didst thou repel the foeman and defend Thy virgin city from his ravishing sword. Lo now, in this extreme of agony Wilt thou withhold thy counsel and thine aid ? Have we failed aught in reverence ? From thy shrines Have not the winds borne sweetest smoke to thee And solemn litanies and silver hymns ? Hail, then, and hearken for we can no more. And lift thy hand before the doom descend ! 6 Tlir VIRC.IX ('.(^DDl'SS [//«• (iHiis (he altar, and a thiik smoke rises. ^feami'hile Althea enters hurriedly and Utoks atLviously about her\ AUh<a. [Half aside] Iphicles . . . Iphiiles. I In it low voice] Queen ! A.thea, [/« a whisper] 1 lephxstion, hath he come .' IphiJes. [.is before] He cometh ! Althea. [if'ith intense relief] Ah — I praise the gods — nay, hush! No word of this . . . Cresphontes. Goddess, behold I come, Crushed and despairing, to thy holiest place To offer thee as bitter sacrifice This sword that never vet failed in the field, But now upon the brink of doom seems reft Of power to save. [He lays the sword with ceremony on the altar.] Iphicles. [To Althea] But other news I bring. I fear our host hath perished out at sea. Aithea. Alas! . . . This tell the King, but of Hephaestion No word . . . And when these go, abide with me. Cresphontes. [To those assembled] Queen, and ye men of Artis, hope that dies Last of all gifts divine bestowed on man, Our hope hath sickened and is nigh to death. Those that sailed forth to wage our wars afar, And crush the rival cities of the north, Return not, and no tidings of their fate THE VIRGIN GODDESS 7 Reach us ; we know not if they be submerged Under the waves of battle or the sea. Iphicles. [^Standing forward], Alas, my King ! I come with bitter news. Cresphontes. Iphicles! . . . Whence art thou ? I deemed thee lost Or traitor , . . Althea. Secretly I sent him forth To glean what news he might of our lost arms. Cresphontes. [Frowning] Thy ways are strange and dark, Althea . . . Howbeit, He is returned . . . Speak out. What news ? Iphicles. O King, I wandered far and gained no news at all Save that our ships had never reached their goal. For sundry travellers journeying from the north Told me those cities that we swore to crush Still tower predominant shining o'er the sea. But wending homeward down a lonely coast, I came upon a man half dead with fight, 'Gainst the confederate powers of wind and wave And weariness, and looking in his face Knew him for one of that great host of ours That sailed long since to war — Phaon . . . [ Great sensation^ He died Clasped in my arms, and dying told his tale. How that our ships a few brief leagues from home Were seized by the storm and driven night and day 8 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Across the tury of ur)brullcd seas. AikI he one night w;is grasped by a great wave And dragged into the r(.)lling waste ; but fate Had tlung a floating spar within his reach. On this he buoyed himself and after hours Of atjonv was hurled upon a shore Whence he toiled onward starving to the jdace I found him, and so died. Now many moons Have passed since storm attacked those goodly ships. Had they surviveil we surely should have heard. [.I tnigic s Hence. '\ Cresphonies. Alas, 'tis certain the waves cover them. So now, ye men of Artis, hear my words. Shorn of our strength we have lured into revolt The states and cities vassal to our own, And close environed by rebellious spears And three to one outnumbered, we stand here Helpless, and through the gates and past the guards Pestilence crawls with famine at her heels. I have fought and failed, and can no more, but come Hither to-day, no warrior but a priest, To lead, as ancient ritual prescribes, These virgins to the shrine of Artemis. There shall they stand in silent prayer immersed Until she breathe her will into their souls. And I myself have laid aside my sword, My father's dreadful sword of fierce renown, And come to pray — THE VIRGIN GODDESS 9 Jithea. [Contemptuously'] Methinks the goodlier prayer Were to go forth all armed as a man should, And fight as should a man ! A JVarrior. The Queen speaks well. \Murmurs of approbation!\ Another Warrior. Leave prayer to boys and girls. [Reiterated murmurs.] Cresphontes. What words be these ? Think you I would not gladlier grasp my sword And with my warriors rush on glittering death ? The heavier task secures the costlier prize. Althea. [Passionately] Ay, so you said when those that now lie crouched Without the city gates, like beasts of prey, First raised their heads in insolent revolt. The heavier task secures the costlier prize. Then was the heavier task concession mild And feeble pandering to their sly demands, The costlier prize — thou hast gained the costlier prize — Death at their hands — dishonour — ruin. . . Cresphontes. Enough ! Of the dead past, let Artemis be Judge. The future is mine own, subject to fate. A Warrior. Fate had Hephaestion, were Hephaestion here, Closed with and overcome. [Shouts of approbation. Iphicles makes as though to speak ^ 10 Tin: VIRCIN GODDESS AUhtA, \^ln a qu'uk ichtsper^ dilchhii^ his icrist] V>c still! ... Crrsphontts. Hcphx'stion Is far away ; he has no love for home. His city may go down into the dust — What care to him ^ Alihe.i. A lie. You drove him forth With bitter insults from a jealous heart. He loved his citv — but he loathed his King — His brother — and a coward. . . . Cresphontes. I'll not endure To he:ir his name — from thy lips least of all, Woman ! Althen. His very name is dread for thee. Cresphontes. No more. \Diirkly\ I have heard enough to read thy heart. [ To the lVarriors'\ Do ye, each man to his allotted post Return. [ 7 the Priests'] Lead on into the temple. [ The Priests, the Chorus, the Virgins and finally Cresphontes pass into the temple.] A Warrior. \To the Queen., who stands motionless with averted face] ^ueen, I speak for these : do thou but give command, And we will fling the gates apart and fall Like a thunderbolt upon the enemy. Warriors. Ay, speak ! Command ! THE VIRGIN GODDESS ii Althea. \Coldly\ Did you not hear the King Bid you to your allotted posts ? . . . {They move uneasily away. The Queen stays theinP[ My friends, Go : it is good to obey. But as ye go, Take comfort. Soon may dawn the hour when one, Whose valour not a god may quench, will lead The ordered fury of your storming spears Straight to their goal. . . . A Warrior. \_As they go out] What means the Queen .? Another Warrior. I know not. {Exemit all save Althea and Iphicles^ Althea. At last we are alone. . . . Now tell me quick How found you him } His words } And where is he 1 Iphicles. Under a mystery of midnight boughs In a dreamy folding of the Arcadian hills I met him bearing to a little shrine An offering for the goddess of his soul. He is a votary of Artemis, Virgin and wholly dedicate to her, A mighty hunter of the hills is he, Far famed for deeds of prowess in the chase. Queen, I told him of our army lost, And of Cresphontes' weak unstable rule ; 1 told him of our vassals' swift revolt ; How we were driven back by force of arms Within the city ; of the city's plight, la Tin- VIRGIN GODDESS Zoncii .ill about with brls^lu, relentless steel, PcstilcMce-strickcM, taniine-wasted. . . . AtthcA. Ah ! Was he not moved ? IphiiUs. Nay, Oueeii, he laughed and said : ' Let that fell hound, Crcsphontes reap the harvest His hand hath sown ! ' And all in vain I prayed : ' Come down and help us ! ' Then 1 spake thy name And told him it was thou that sent me forth. Aithcii. [/;/ a 'whisper] And then ? Iphicles. A great light leapt into his eyes, He flung his leopard skin about his form, And spake no word, but bade me lead the way. And after many days of tireless march We reached the rebel lines. Then he with art Most cunning passed unharmed among the foe. I left him there to spy upon their plans And learn their leaguered might. Before the sun Touches the sea he swore to gain our walls. Althea. \_IIalf aside] For ten long years I have not seen thy face, Hephaestion. . . . How looked he, Iphicles ? Iphicles. Bearded and vast and thewed as Heracles, And in his motion free as mountain winds And irresistible as mountain floods In autumn, and his eyes are bold and pure As are the eyes of one that knows not love. Althea. [^Sloivly] As are the eyes of one that knows not love. . . . the; VIRGIN GODDESS 13 \_Cleito falters slozvly down the palace steps!\ Iphides. \In a low voice] Althea, the mother of the King is here. Althea. Go then, my friend, but tell this news to none. \Exit Iphides^ Cleito . . . [ Goes up to her and takes her hand,] Thy hands are cold. Cleito. Ay, cold, so cold 1 think I never shall be warm again. . . . Lead me into the sun I cannot see. Althea. Thou standest in the sunshine. Art thou sick } Cleito. Ay, sick with apprehensions horrible. Althea. Open thy heart, beloved. Cleito. I must speak. I have been silent long, now I must speak, And warn thee of thy peril imminent — Peril that comes in a beloved form, And urged by fate malign. Althea. Peril to me ? Cleito. Home from his wanderings somewhere in the world Heph^stion returns . . . Althea. \_Amazea'] Hephasstion ! [Aside] How did she hear ? Well, and what then ? Cleito. What then ? — The avalanche of gathered doom on thee. Althea. On me ? On me ? What means this drift of words } 14 nil-: \lKcilN C'.ODDIlSS How canst thou know 1 Icjtha'stion returns? Ami how should his return hring doom on me ? Cltito. Listen, What time ten years ago you wed The KinLj, Meph.fstion bode with us awhile, And every night he slept within our walls Upon my soul there crept an awful dream. Against a blackness blacker than the night That broods for evermore on these blind eyes Stood robed in white and veiled a woman's form, And all adown the whiteness of her robe, Down to her feet, poured a bright stream of blood. All motionless as Niobe she stood Until that crimson torrent ceased to flow ; Then with dead hand she raised her veil and bared Her bosom . . . Lo, between her breasts the hilt Of the King's sword stood out. . . . And every night So long as he abode within our walls That dream returned . . . But when the hate that lives Between my sons brake into open strife, And from our walls Hephasstion stormed awav. My sleep passed dreamless into morn. Last night The dream returned. . . , \^She buries her face in her hands.'\ Althea. But me this dream concerns not, Even should Hephaestion return to Artis. Ckito. The face of the dead woman and thy face Were one. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 15 Althea. But thou hast never seen my face. Blind were thine eyes long, long before we met. Cleito. And yet I know the dead face was thy face. . . . Kneel. \_Althea kneels before her.'\ I am blind — [Feeh Althea s face^ And yet my hands have eyes — My hands have eyes. Not living as this face, But like to alabaster, white and dead, And awful in triumphant agony — And yet thy face . . . thy face. . . . Althea. [Pushing Cleito' s hands away and rising] I'll not believe it. These be sick fancies of the fevered brain. [Aside] And yet these fancies told her that he comes, And told her truly. ... Ah ! \Sound of approaching shouts.] Cleito. [Rising to her feet] What sounds be these ^ Althea. [In a whisper] Can it be he ? [The sound grows louder. Iphicles rushes in.] Iphicles. O Queen, he is here ! Althea. [In a whisper] So soon } Cleito. Who spake but now } Iphicles. I, Iphicles. Cleito. Then tell me — For it seems a chill wind blows upon my heart — What mean these shouts } Althea. \With a sign to Iphicles] It is thy son. Cleito. My son ^, i6 Till-: \ I Re. IN GODDESS Jpktdes. That borne with jublhiticni hither comes, Cutio. \^H'ith suiUcn unimiHiofij My son, the King, Cres- phontcs, borne along. Triumphant out of victory returned ! They said his father's spirit in him was dead. Thcv lied, such lofty spirit cannot die ! Lead him to me that 1 may kiss his brow, My son, the King. [SriYnj/ 1 1 'it mors rtdsit shouting on to the stage. They fonu an avenue for Ilephcestion, who enters^ a leopard skin throivn over his head and armour. Seeing Althea he starts back and stands for a moment staring at her as though in fear. The shouting dies dozvn into si/ence.] Althea. Thy mother calls for thee. Heph^stion. [^Turning to Cleito'] Mother ! [ Takes her hands ] Cleito. [^Drawing them away with a cry] O me, what son is this? Althea. Hephasstion ! Hepluestion. Beloved mother, it is I. \Seeks to embrace her.'\ Cleito. \J''ehemently repulsing hiyn] Away ! The world is wide. Get hence into the world ! Put the resisting hills 'twixt thee and us, The untravelled deserts and the lonely seas ! Go, as you love me — go ! Hephd'Stion. What words are these ? What sorry greeting after many years ? [ Takes her hands] THE VIRGIN GODDESS 17 Ah, but thy hands are marble cold, beloved ! Why dost thou tremble ? Cleito. Ask me not, but go ! \Suddenly holding his hand to her heart] O child, I yearn toward thee with a love Strong as the terror which impels my tongue To bid thee leave our city to its fate . . . Althea, speak : beseech him to return Into that far-off land from whence he came To menace thee and thine. . . . Hephcestion. From whence I came To menace thee, Althea ? 1 grope in gloom. What meaning underlies these mystic words.'' Althea. She is ill and visited with evil dreams Which fever conjures into warnings — Cleito. Nay — Althea. Be still. I charge thee say no more. Thy son Comes hither with a glorious rage inspired, And to fulfil the purpose of the gods. Hephaestion, speak. Hephcestion. I come to give my arm And brain to Artis. I am here to assist The resurrection of her lofty name, That now lies trampled in the shameful dust, To avert with stubborn force the impending doom. And wash with blood these insults from her face. And seal the sorry breaches in our walls With the red spoil of war. Not yours henceforth To await behind a fence of crumbling stone, i8 nil': VIRGIN CiODDESS Like ctirncrcd r;its, a iiiiscrahic death. Wli.it tlu)iiu;}i we be initnuinlK-rcd man for man, Wc are mighty in a passion for revenge, And in the conquering worship of" our land ! O now for vou the broad and open held. The shock and countershock of charging spears, The long-drawn thunder of the earth that shudders Under the tramp of feet and galloping hoofs ; The glorv and gloom and all the pomp and sound Of unrelenting battle to the death. All this my presence here in Artis means : Hither I came to lead you forth and fight Up to a stern and iron-crashing close. YTitviultuous cheers fro7n those assembled^ Praise ye the Queen, for it was she whose voice Urged me to Artis from afar. The U^aniors. \^ff 1th a great shout] Althea ! Cleito. [To Althea] Is this the truth r Did thy voice urge him hither ? Althea. Yes. Cleito. Then I say no more. Let come what will, I am resigned. We may not parry fate. [Exit, led by a Warrior^ \A Priest enters from the temple door.] The Priest. The King is much in wrath and bids me learn Wherefore ye raise these shoutings and disturb The solemn rites within the temple. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 19 Alihea. Tell him We have more cause for shouts than he for prayer. Hephaestion hath returned. Priest. \Ama%ed'\ Hephasstion, thou ! Hephcestion. Even so, my friend, 'tis I. Go tell the King I await him here. Priest. 'Tis well. \Exit:\ Hephastion. What does the King ? Althea. Safe in the shrine of Artemis he prays With boys and girls assembled. Lo, his sword, Thy father's dreadful sword of fierce renown, A sacrifice upon the altar lies ! He hath doffed his arms and donned the garb of priest. The enemy storm our gates and crush our walls. We starve within. He prays with boys and girls. \^Murmurs?^ Hephcestion. My father's sword ! \He takes it from the altar'] Alas, what depths we have reached ! O friends, this sword it was that made our name Shine with prevailing glory in the world. Once was this sword the terror of our foes When in my father's unremorseful hand It flashed, a very thunderbolt of Zeus ! Now in this sombre hour it lies untouched, Harmless, neglected. Lo, the very blade Is dull with shame ! [Murmurs.] A Warrior. But thou canst make it clean ! 20 TIIK VlRCilN GODDESS ^inolfur U'drrior. Take thi)u thy tuthcr's sword and lead us on ! Another ff'itrrior. We'll follow thcc till death and out beyond! [Tumultuous s/iouts.^ I/efh.rstion. ' I'is well ; hut now 1 charge you to your posts. There to await me. In disguise I have crept Among the rebels and have learned their plans, And formed mine own. Be ready ; for to-night We sally forth in quest of victory. [It.tfu/it all except llepliastion and Alt/iea.] [There is a moment's silence. Buckling- his father s sivord on his thigh he approaches her.] Alrhea, is this indeed thy face I see.'' Althea. [Looking awaf\ Why dost thou ask ? Uephcestton. Thy face ... so strange it seems And like a memory of^long ago . . . [Takes her hands'] Look at me. Dost thou still recall that hour \N"hen first we met ^ Althea. [Drawing away her hands] That hour when first we met .'' It was the night before my marriage morn. I could not sleep, and rose and wandered away By the sea-shore . . . Hephigstion. And I, approaching Artis From seaward, came upon thee loitering Under the moon and in the sound of waves. Althea. Ah, how thy presence startled me — so vast In the dim light I THE VIRGIN GODDESS 21 HephcBStion. And like a spirit thou, Strayed from the shadow valleys of the dead : White was thy robe and white thy hands, and whiter Thy face, Althea. Altliea. My heart was full of trouble. Heph^estion. We talked awhile and parted dreamily. Althea. When next we met I was thy brother's wife. \She looks away ; a pause, then with animation^ And then how suddenly you left the city — Too suddenly to bid me one farewell ! Hephastion. Yea, for I left in the white heat of wrath Against Cresphontes. From the womb we grew In hate together, and as the years went by. That mutual hatred kindled more and more Until at length it brake into wild flame After he wed thee . . . And I left my land For ever, as I deemed. Althea. [Smiiingl But thou art here. Hephastion. {With sudden ardour] Could I resist the voice that called me home — Thy voice, Althea ? [Touches her hand.] Althea. [Drawing it away] And all those many years We dwelt apart how fared the world with thee ? Thou art a votary of Artemis, A mighty hunter. Tell me all. Hephastion. O Queen, How good it was to feel the long, soft winds Breathing upon thy face from the unknown ! 22 1111- \IK(^.1\ r.ODDKSS The enormous ocean liherty was mine, And mine the earth, and 1 was tree to choose. 1 Nvaiulercd tar into the sunset gold And tar into the morn, and north and south Revealed their secret wonders to my gaze. But in the hills ot Artemis my soul Found home, and then my wandering feet were still. I built a hut for shelter from the storm, I huilt a little shrine to Artemis, And gave myself to her, and lived the life Of a free hunter roaming in the woods, Careless, untramelled, unallied — a man. ^iithea. [.Is though to herself^ And yet more surely bound than others. . . . Heph.rstion. I ! How so ? Althea. Art thou not bound to Artemis With vows that only death can break ? Hephcestion. 'Tis true. Althea. [/;/ a low passionate voiced Others may taste the sweets of human love — Not thou. . . . Neph^estion. [Hoarsely^ seizing her hands\ Althea! Althea. \In a strangled voiced Let go my hands. . . . [She frees herself^ and as the temple door opens passes out up the palace steps. Enter Cres- phontes from the temple. The brothers regard each other silently ?[ THE VIRGIN GODDESS 23 Cresphontes. \Harshly\ Put back My sword. Hephastion. Thy sword — Cresphontes. 1 tell thee put it back Upon the holy altar where it lay. To Artemis I sacrificed my sword. How darest thou — Hephastion. I dared because I knew Such sacrifice were loathsome in her eyes. [ With an exclamation of fury Cresphontes ad- vances towards him.'\ Let be. I put it back again to rest In shame awhile, obedient to thy will. [/« silence he goes to the altar and lays the sword upon it, then turns to Cresphontes with a sudden change of manner.'] Nay, brother, for I come not here in wrath, But hither drawn by deathless love I come ! Now in this hour of reconciling peril Let us be one and burn up ancient feuds And smouldering hatred of the sundered years In one embracing flame of patriot love. Cresphontes. I never sought thy hurt or crossed thy will, Save in defence of my just right as King. Whence art thou ? Hephastion. From Arcadia, where I dwell, A hunter dedicate to Artemis, Among the hills made holy by her feet. Cresphontes. Why art thou here ? 24 THF. VIRGIN GODDKSS Hcph-csiun. \ low canst thou ;isk ? Is Artis So safely 'stablishcd that her sons may roam The Nvorki unmindful oi her welfare ? Cresphi^ntira. Ah ! . . . This sudden patriot love is strange and new And sits upon thcc well. How came the tidings Ot our sore straits to thee? Ilephrstion. Through Iphiclcs. Cresphontcs. [/;/ a changed voice^ Iphicles ? Htph.rsiion. Well, what then ? Cresphontcs. Iphicles went, Obedience to Althca's secret word, To search tor tidings of our vanished ships. Hepkrsfwn. Well? Cresphontcs. And he seems among the Arcadian hills To have sought them and — tound thee. Hephxstion. Have I denied it ? What willst thou more.'* Cresphontcs. I fain would hear thee say That Iphicles went forth without command To seek thee. Hephi£Stion. Were that then so strange ? Cresphontcs. So strange I'd not believe it. Nay, my friend, we know It was my wife, Althea, who sent for thee. Hephjestion. Well, and what then ? Cresphontcs. O food for laughter merely ! Dost thou remember thy tremendous oath THE VIRGIN GODDESS 25 Never again to pass within these walls ? But when Althea beckons thee, the oath Dissolves in air, and like a faithful dog Hephasstion returns. He-phastion. I am here to-day Because I know that Artis needs a man. Fighters there be, and priests there be who stand Safely ensancturled and sing and pray While others battle — but no man to lead. Cresphontes. \_In sudden fury] So now at length I see thy naked soul ! Thou art come as ever in old time thou camest To thwart my purpose and to flout my will. Thou art the man to lead, and I to follow — Thou to command, I to obey. Heph^stion. Enough ! The call of Artis shall not be denied. All through the long years of thy craven rule I stood aside and held my peace and watched Our city slowly from that eminence sink On whose proud heights our father with strong toil Raised her and many wars. She is fallen, she lies Hard on the edge of doom because of thee. No longer will I stand aside. She called me, I came to raise her up, and I remain. Cresphontes. Thou fool, dost think I cannot read thy heart, Cloud it about in phrases as thou wilt ? It was her face that lured thee from the hills, Her words, because they came from her — Althea. 26 TUK VIRC^N r.ODDKSS When hist thou turricdst here 1 iiuirked thine eyes Kecd on her t:ice with hot desire . . . IltphiTstioft. Thou licst ! Crtsphofttfs. She loathed me ever and she burned for thee — She burned for thy caressing lips and hands, Until at length she sent tor thee, and now — Hepfupstioti. Revile me as thou wilt, no whit care I. But tilthy slander spat upon the Oueen I'll not endure. Cresphonles. Then get thee gone ! [Efi/rr Iphiclcs and a IVarnor.] Iphicles. O King, A herald from the foe craves speech with thee. Cresphonles. ['/b himself] What now ? . . . [7"(5 Iphicles] Then bid him enter. \^Exii the Warrior.] \Enicr Althea down the palace steps.] Iphicles. Queen, a herald Approaches from the rebel lines. Althea. A herald ? What need for further parley at this hour ? \Entcr Herald, accoiipanied by several Warriors^ Herald. \Sees Heph^stion] Hephaestion ! Hephcestion. Well, I know thy face, my friend. Of old thou wast a citizen of Artis. Herald. [In a low voice] And still had been with thee as King, Hephasstion. Cresphonles. [ To the Herald] What is thy will ? THE VIRGIN GODDESS 27 Herald. Cresphontes, from the spears Leagued and confederate against thy rule I come, the bearer of pacific words And fair proposals. Althea. \_Scornfully to Hephastion\ Even as I thought ! The news hath reached them of thine advent here. They know that Artis holds at length a man, Whose strangling hands shall grip the throat of Fate — And now they fain would slink like beaten hounds Away — Cresphontes. Be still ! This is no time or place For reckless boasting and the froth of spite. [To the Herald\ Speak on, my friend. Herald. King, I am bidden say : Conquest is not the goal of our resolve, Nor hate the force that urged us to rebel. We to the cause of liberty are vowed. Yet little lust is ours to shed the blood Of those that are our kindred from of old. But since it is ordained the strong must rule. And since we are proven in the lists of war Stronger than you, we claim by right of strength Lordship of all the cities 'neath thy sway. Save Artis, where thou still mayst rule as King And live in peace. {^Contemptuous murmurs from the Warriors^ These are our just demands ; Grant these, and we with all our spears will turn 2S Tin: VIRC.IN GODDESS Homeward in peace before the morrow's sun. Refuse them, and we'll tight thee to the death. Cresphonus. Now, friend, I praise the gods — Ilfph^stion. O, praise them not Kre vet thev shower upon thee gifts for praise ! y.lpprovifii:^ munnurs frotn the Warriors.] Cresphontcs. [^Omifwusly^ What mean these words } lieph.rslion. Didst thou not hear this man Fling down his subtle insult at thy feet ? Shall we endure that those who in the past Cowered in the shadow of our father's frown Should dare — Cresphontes. Endure — I'll not endure thy voice Thrust into councils which concern thee not. Heplutsiion. But speak I will, and thou shalt hear my words. It was thy listless and reluctant rule That lured these men into revolt who now Lie in grim wait before our holy walls. Behold, thev dare with proffer of shameful peace To come before thee. One reply thou hast. And only one — Cresphontes. And that reply is mine. But ere I speak it take these words : The sun Slopes westward ; ere his foot shall touch the sea I bid thee leave these walls for evermore. I'll brook no more thy domineering mien, The hot and venomous hatred of thy heart, And dark intrigue to undermine my power. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 29 Get hence into the wilds from whence thou earnest, And never show thy face in Artis more. [AU/iea starts forward with a cry, but Hephastion restrains her. The Warriors murmur together.^ Hephastion. Is this the end ? Cresphontes. I have spoken. Hephastion. It is well. Althea. [Passionately'] Cresphontes, art thou mad ? And wilt thou slay The last hope of the city ? Cresphontes. I will shield Artis with my protection and wise love From ruin. [To the Herald] Friend, return to those that sent thee, And say the King accedes to their demands. And bid them homeward turn their steps in peace. This tell them, and farewell. Althea. Cresphontes, not This final shame ! Cresphontes. I have spoken. [To the Herald] Go thy ways. Herald. King, I will take thine answer with great heart To those that wait without. Farewell. [Exit.] Althea. [In a fierce whisper to Heph^stion] Then kill him! Hephcestion. [Under his breath] Cresphontes.-* Althea. Kill him for the city's sake. [In a lower voice] Kill him for mine, beloved. Heph^stion. I will. 30 Tin; \ llvC.lN GODDESS [To J/>hic/c's, i overfly] Do thou Detain awhile the Herald at our L!;atcs. He switt and secret. IphiiUs. It is well. [Exit nipidly.\ CresphoHies. A 1 1 hea, And men of Artis, you that murmur now At my decision in the teeth of fate, 1 pardon, suffering in my pride with you. But vou will sec the wisdom of my choice In the tair days now dawning on the land. P'or is not peace far lovelier than war, And lite than death ? We have our city still, The breeze is ours, the sun and moon and stars Shine for us, and we are free to go our ways Unhaunted by the menace of the grave ; In peaceful trust to till the patient fields, And reap the harvest in unthinking joy. Praise ve the goddess in your hearts, and I Will lay my dole of thanks before her feet. [He goes slowly back hito the temple. A silence.] Althea. There is one thing to do and only one. Hephcestion. And I, obedient to thy least command, Will do it now. [To the fi^arriors] Mv friends, I have detained The Herald at our gates. He must not take Cresphontes' word unto the rebel chiefs, If still ye are wedded to the stern resolve That death is fairer than this shameful peace. [ They answer him with affirmitig shouts.] THE VIRGIN GODDESS 31 Then must I do the deed that Fate begat Far off in the miraculous womb of time. Straight is the path up which my feet must tread, And crimson is the close, and out beyond Darkness. [To a Warrioir\ Thy sword. Althea. Upon the altar there Behold thy father's sword. HephcBStion. My father's sword ! \Goes to the altar] The sword Cresphontes shamed. [Takes //.] 'Tis well, my Queen. Now will I wash with blood that shame away. A Warrior. What wilt thou do ? HephcBstion. The man who was your King Hath sold the rights of Kingship and of man. He is no longer worthy of the sun, And he must die. [He goes up steps and turns at the door of the temple.'] Keep watch before the door. And see that no man enter. [Exit into the temple.] [A pause. Then Althea utters a sudden cry.] Althea. Nay, come back ! [She rushes towards the temple door, but is stopped by the Warriors^ Hephasstion, pause ! [Seizing the spears which bar her way] I charge thee let me pass ! 32 TTir: VTRGIN GODDESS ^y ff^arrior. O Ouccn, no torcc oi thine CAn hold him now. ^Ithea. \^In a frenzy] He must not do this deed or wc are doomed ! iVl;ikc wav ! <y fVanior. I dare not ! Althea. We are doomed, 1 say ! Hephxstion, stay thy hand ! Hcphaistion. . . . \Shc sinks on her knees holding the spears. A pause* C lei to enters ^ faltering down the palace steps.] Cleito. Althea. . . . Althea. [/;/ a strangled voice., staggering to her feet] I am here. . . . Cleito. Where is the King ? Althea. Within the temple Cleito. Tell me . . . is it true ? Althea. [/« a whisper] What ? Cleito. That a herald from the rebel lines Came hither proffering conditions vile Of peace ? Althea. 'Tis true. Cleito. True. . . . But they lied who told me — Ah, say they lied who told me that the King, My son, embraced that proffer of shameful peace Betraying the city. Althea. Nay, thou hast heard the truth. * It was at this point that the curtain descended when the play was performed. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 33 Cleito. [Fiercely] I'll not believe it. Lead me to the King. [Althea shrinks away from her. Cleito feels blindly around\ Althea, lead me to the King. Althea. [In a whisper] I cannot. Cleito. Wherefore ? [A pause] Wherefore ? A Warrior. Because we have command To guard the door and see that no one enter. Cleito. I am his mother. A Warrior. Even so. \_A cry is heard from the temple^ Althea. Ah! ah . . . Cleito. What sound was that ? [A shriek sotmds from the temple^ followed by a man's voice. All stand in rigid suspense. Cleito clutches Althea's arm.] I charge thee speak. That cry Rang from the temple. Thou art silent. . . . Ah, There steals on me a terror of the unknown. Some dreadful deed is toward. Have mercy, woman! Give me some little word to ease my soul. . . I cannot bear this torture of suspense. . . . [A pause ; then in a whisper] Where is Hephaestion ? [ The temple door is flung open and the Chorus files, chanting, on to the stage.] The Chorus. All men for good or ill. The lowly as the great, Are vassal to the will Of unrelenting Fate. 34 THE VIRGIN GODDESS WhcMi first we see the light And ilnuv the living air, While still we lie in night, Unborn and unaware, Fate has prepared the way down which our feet must tare. [ 77ft' Chorus forms, still chanting, a semicircle about the statue, while slozuly from the temple tiuo Youths dear the body of CrespJiontes. They lay it at t lie foot of the altar and cover it with a white cloth \ The Choru?. We have no power to stray One step to left or right From that predestined way Which leads into the night ; And even the gods that bide In ecstasy unknown, And hurl the bolt and guide Through Heaven the planets lone, Must bend them to that will far stronger than their own. \HephcBstion, sword in hajid, appears at the temple door, while the Chorus continues chanting. He moves slowly to the altar atid lays his sword upon it.] The Chorus. But men of shallow soul And prone to reckless dream THE VIRGIN GODDESS 35 ^ Strive blindly to control Or move that will supreme. Some seek to elude the dart, Some crouch beneath the thong ; But wisdom steels her heart And makes her spirit strong To take the worst of blows and bear the bitterest wrong. Hephastion. Bring the herald hither. Cleito. [In a whisper] Hephaestion. . , . Heph<£Stion. Lead my mother away. Althea. \As though awaking out of a trance\ O Cleito ! [She takes Cleito's hand.] Cleito. Let go my hand. I will remain. Hephaestion Hephastion. I pray thee, woman, for thine own sake, go. Cleito. Wherefore .'' \_A pause.] And who art thou to bid me hence ? I obey the King — him only. Where is he } Hephastion, [After a dreadful pause] Cresphontes cannot see, nor speak with thee. Althea. Oh, come away . . . beseech thee, come. . . . [She attempts to lead Cleito away, but the latter wrenching herself free, speaks with intense and tragic passion.] Cleito. Now hear, All ye that stand about me. The high gods. Shedding upon mine eyes the darkness, shed Light on my soul. Ere yet Hephaestion came, I felt his coming and waxed chill with dread. 36 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Knowing he brought with him unhappy dooms And tragic issues. ... He is here, and now Ye cower about some dreadful deed of his, Seeking with silence from my piercing soul To guard it — but in vain ! [//<r voice riics lo a shriek] Ye fools! stand back ! The thick night on mine eyeballs glimmers red ! I see a horror of red on marble spilt ! And white robes flecked with red ! [She falters towards the steps.] The air is dense With reek of blood ! — [ They watch her for a moment in frozen silence as she staggers on. Then HephcBstion draws back as though to hide the dodjy.] Hephczstion. [//oarsely] What wilt thou ? Althea. [IVith a sudden scream] Stop ! No step Further! [She draws Cleito forcibly back.] Hephaestion, make an end — an end ! . . . I shall go mad ! \_Iphicles enters^ followed by various Warriors and the Herald^ The Herald. Hephasstion, what is this ? I have the King's word, final and supreme. What need of further parley ? HephcBstion. Thou hast heard Cresphontes, but the word of Artis — no ! I speak for Artis : in my heart the heart Of all the city beats, and from my lips Sounds the united will of all her men. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 37 [^He appeals to those assembled.'] Do I speak well ? {^He is answered with shouts of assurance.] Althea, is it well ? Althea. The will of Artis is my will. HephcBstion. Thou hast heard ? Then unto those without the city take Our final and immutable reply. We scorn their proffered peace. With all the might That still is ours, and all our heart and soul, We will oppose them in the chance of war ; And without mercy given or mercy craved. And even to the last breath of the last man here, We'll fight them to the bitterness of death. [^A great shout from the assembled warriors.] The Herald. Oh, yet, bethink thee : three to one are we, For all thy mightiest men are far away. Haply they lie in distant battle slain, Or under the green waves . . . HephcBstion. Enough ! Not Zeus May change our fixed, imperious resolve. Return to those that sent thee. Bid them arm In haste : for I am as one that holds with sweat In tightened leash the straining dogs of war. [^Renewed shouts.] The Herald, I call upon the King — HephcBstion. He cannot hear thee. The Herald. Take him these words — HephcBstion. No words of thine can reach him. 38 THE VTK(,IN GODDESS The Herald. The King — Hepkcnion. \ Po in ling to the body] Ik- hold the King . . . The Herald, [ffith s;esture o/aue] The King ! CUito. [In a voice of appeal] Cresphontes . . . . [A tNomt'Ht of dead silence. All eyes arc turned on CUito. The Herald looks from licr to Ilcphivstion and the Queen.] The Herald. To those that sent me will I take thy words. [Ex-it, accompanied by several zvarriors.] CUito. Cresphontes . . . \ A pause. Her voice breaks.] Oh, my son, make answer! I, Thv mother, I alone am leal to thee. Oh, speak to me ! Say but a little word . . . I want thy voice . . . Where is he? [A pause.] Althea. O Hephaestion, Speak, for I cannot ! Hephizstion. Mother, he is here ; But thou shalt never hear his voice again. Cleito. But thou shalt never hear his voice again. . . [A pause ; then with deadly cabn?[ Where lies his body } Hephastion. By the altar. [Cleito starts groping up the steps. Althea essays to assist her. She waives her away.] Cleito. Nay, I want no hand of thine to assist me now. Out of this night into the night to come Henceforth I grope my dreadful way alone. . . . [She gropes her way to the corpse ?\ THE VIRGIN GODDESS 39 Althea. What have I done ? I knew not what I did. Cleito. [Takes the cloth from the King's face and feels it'\ This is my son. [Dreamily, half to herself^ I have not seen his face So many years. When last I saw his face It was the face of youth, with soft, round cheeks. . . But now it is the face of an old man — The face of an old man. . . . Hephaestion. Heph<zstion. Mother .-^ Cleito. How came my son to die } HephcBStion. I slew him. Cleito. What is't thou sayest ? Ah, no, no, no, no, no ! It cannot be. [T)azedly\ I heard a voice that spake Saying, " I slew him," a voice that came from far — A strange voice which I never heard before. . . And yet, I knew not. [In passionate grief '[ Let me not go mad ! I have endured the darkness many years, And many blows of fate have I endured Unmurmuring. Let me not go mad ! Not that. , . [She rocks herself moaning, to andfro^ No, no, I must be calm. . . . Who spake but now Saying, " I slew him " } Hephastion. Cleito, it was 1, Thy son, who spake, Hephaestion, I who slew Cresphontes, with the illustrious sword he shamed, Our father's sword, and purged it with his blood. 40 THE VIRGIN GODDESS CUito. [She has risen to her feci ; her voice and demeanour are of solemn and tragic passion'] Now speak. Will none of you avenge your King? [A pause.'] A IVarrior. His death was just. [Approving murmurs.] Cleito. I ask you once again : Will none avenge the King? \_A pause.] Not one. Heph^stion, Where is thy father's sword ? Hephcestion. Upon the altar, At thy right hand. Cleito. Come hither. [HephcBsiion goes up to her.] Take my hand And guide it to the sword. [He does so, and she takes up the sword front the altar.] Now, art thou man, Stand forth and bare thy breast and take from me The swift and violent death thou gav'st the King. He must not go to Hades unavenged, And there is none to avenge him here but me, His mother. Art thou ready ? Iphicles. [To a Warrior] Lo, he stands As one entranced and rigid ! [There is a low inurtnur and a movement among the Warriors. Althea suddenly springs forward and pulls Hephcestion aside.] Althea. Nay, stand back, Hephsestion, She is filled with fire divine, THE VIRGIN GODDESS 41 Or madness out of Hell. [To Cleito] It was my will That drave him to this splendid deed of blood. Mine be the glory, mine the award. On him The city leans. He must not die. Slay me ! Cleito. Thy fate was long since written on the stars : Thou art reserved for some tremendous doom. I could not slay thee if I would. Hephasstion, Art thou prepared to die ? He^jKzstion. [Who has recovered his self-possession] If so I sinned, I will accept thy vengeance with great heart. But ere thou raise the sword that I have cleansed, Hear me ; for tragic were indeed thy lot If at thy hands I went unto the dead Because I obeyed the high will of the gods. Cleito. Speak on. Hephcestion. And you that see my brother slain, And these my hands all crimson with his life, Judge also. Mother, when the tidings reached me That over Artis, like twin thunderclouds, Ruin, and worse than ruin, dishonour, gloomed, I swore to compass her relief or die. And keep her name untarnished evermore. I came, and ere I met the King, discerned No menace of dishonour, for all our men Clamoured for instant battle and the embrace Of furious death, and in my heart I said, " Sunlike at least we'll pass into the night, Magnificent in dreadful pomp of blood ! " 42 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Hut he th;it now lies silent at thy icct. Mother, e'en he that drew upon our walls I'eril, and made our name a sct)rn in Greece, He would have quenched with set, intolerant will, This fiery lust tor splendid death, and fain 1 lad dashed the cup ot glory from our lips. Betraying the city to immortal shame, And with immortal shame smirching the sword That dazzled once the eyes ot all the world. Therefore 1 slew him. [//is voice drops.] Mother, if any power Could have withheld my hand, that power was love — The love I bear for thee, who loved me once, And ushered me with pangs into the sun. But tor my land a larger love is mine. And stronger duty to my land I owe — Therefore I slew him. Though the steel that pierced His recreant heart pierce also thine, beloved, I slew him, and again would slay. Now raise The sword. Mv breast is bare. If so I sinned. Strike. I will go with proud, unruffled soul Out of the beauty and the glow of life. [A pause ; then Cleito lets the sword drop to the grojind.'] Cleito. I know not if thy deed was foul or fair. . . Thy words are fair — but lo ! my son is dead — My son is dead, and I am old and blind. . . [She sinks on the ground and covers the dead face with kisses.] THE VIRGIN GODDESS 43 O lips that once were full of broken words. . . O sweet eyes once so young and clear. Dead — dead — O child, my child ! . . . [S/ie breaks into bitter weepings rocking herself to and fro. ^ Althea. \_Pitifully touching her shoulder] Cleito Cleito. [Shrinking away] Nay, touch me not. Thy hands are also red with holy blood. [She rises to her feet.] Take up the body of my son, the King, And bear him to my chamber ; on my couch Lay him, and leave me with my dead alone, [Two men take up the body.] Hephaestion, if this deed with high intent Was wrought, thou art from punishment immune. But if thy hand was false that raised the sword, And thy heart wicked with unnatural hate. Then will the gods such vengeance hurl on thee As once they hurled on Clytemnestra's son, And men will shudder at thy name. [To the men hearing the body] Lead on. [She takes the hand of the dead man and walks slowly out beside him. Hephcestion, Althea and the assembled men follow them silently with their eyes, while the Chorus chant the Death song.] Semi-Chorus of Women. Out of the night Where unborn spirits are He came into the greenness and the sun ; 44 THK VIRGIN GODDESS Into the night That never knew a star He goes as all the mighty ones have gone. Semi-Chorus of Men. O not for him The roselight of the morn, Or song of waves upon the lonely shore ! The fields he loved, The hills where he was born, Will never hear his footsteps any more. Chorus. Shades among shades, Down shadow valleys strange He glides, and lingers by unearthly streams. And life to him, And hope and joy and change, Are vague and far as dreams recalled in dreams. Hephastion. I would, in truth, for his own soul's repose That in the haunted and eternal dark He may forget his life beneath the sun. Enough. He is dead. And ye that now are free To live as men, and fight as men, and die As men should die, give judgment. Are my hands Clean .? Is the shame that dulled my father's sword Purged from the blade } [Affirmative shouts from the Warriors?^ A Warrior. Thrice holy is thy hand That struck the blow, and from this bath of blood Thrice glorious shines thy father's dreadful sword ! THE VIRGIN GODDESS 45 Another Warrior. And we are thine in life and death ! {^Renewed shouts^ HephcBstion. Althea, Why dost thou stand with white, averted face ? Am I not clean and guiltless in thine eyes ? [^ pause. Why art thou silent ? Althea. Bid these men depart And I will speak. HephcBstion. [To the Warrior s\ Go now, and at your posts Await my speedy coming, and prepare For mighty ventures ere the dawn, for death Or triumph. Warriors. We are thine in life and death ! \Exeunt!\ HephcBstion. [To the Chorus] And you into the temple, and with prayer And silver sounds implore the Holy One For word of guidance now the hour is ripe And chance must take our challenge and decide The fate of Artis. [Soft music as the Chorus files into the temple. Hephcestion turns to the statue 0/ Artemis.] O divinely just, O pitiful and true, forsake us not ! Much have we dared, and more will dare ; with thee Beside us and thy counsel in our hearts, We would assail the battlements of fate Undaunted and defy the lightning. 46 THE VIRGIN GODDESS yilthfa. Oh, Be still! How darcst thou implore her ;iid Whose eyes can pierce the night of human souls ? Hephu'stmi. [/w a strained voice\ But I have nought to hide ; I spread my soul All unashamed before her virgin eyes. Do I not know her who have served her long, And in the hinting midnight read her will ? She will not hold him guilty who hath dared To shed in such a cause his kindred blood. Ahhea. What cause ? Hephiestio)!. [After a pause] What cause ? Ahhea. I ask thee once again — What cause ? HephfBStion. The cause of Artis. Ahhea. O Hephsstion, Thyself thou canst deceive with sounding words, Others thou canst deceive, but never her. Others may well forgive thee, but not she Who is more pure than dewfall in the moon And holy than the stars. HephcBstion. Thy speech is strange. What dark and mystic sin Ahhea. The sin which lit That dreadful torch that flames across the years, Troy. O Hephaestion, I am shamed to speak — But speak I must. Look not upon me ! Ah ! Would that my face had never seen the light ! Would that thine eyes had darkened ere they fell THE VIRGIN GODDESS 47 Upon this face that leads thee to thy doom ! Not love of Artis kindled in thy heart Hatred of him that was the King — not love Of Artis drove that sword into his breast — Not love of Artis — but the love of me. HephcBstion. [Stands for a moment staring straight before him^ then approaches her and says softly~\ Althea . . . \^She stands silent with averted face. He speaks with hoarse intensity] And was it love of Artis spake Through thy lips urging me to slay thy husband ? Speak — was it love of Artis ? [Silence.'] Althea. No. HephcBstion. What then ? Althea. My love for thee. HephcBStion. \JVith sudden passion'] Ah, breathe those words again, Beloved ! [He seizes her in his arms. Althea. [Wrenching herself free] Touch me not ! Thy touch is death ! Between our souls a crimson torrent seethes That nathless neither you nor I may ford, And over our heads avenging Fate rolls up Black thundercloud ! Hephaestion, we are doomed For thou, whose life is dedicate to her Who is most jealous of the jealous gods, Hast broken from her cold, immortal arms To me. 48 THE VIRGIN GODDESS HcphcTstion. Althc.i Ahhca. Aiui thou hast used her city, The chosen of her love, as cloak to hide Thv blasphemous desire, and thou hast slain Thy brother at her white, unsullied shrine, Because he stood between thy love and me. Hcphicstion. All this is true. What then ? I care not, so I have thy lips. [^Takcs her in his arms.'] Ahhca. \Once more repulsing him] What ! art thou mad ? Awav ! [^Kneels before the statue.] O, thou who art most just ot all the gods, Artemis, net his the guilt but mine ! If thou must 1 e avenged, strike me, not him. For it was I who lured him from thine arms And breathed upon the fire of human love That smouldered in his heart, and it was I Whose furious love and hatred urged him on To drench thy feet with awful blood. Lo, then, 1 kneel before thee with uncovered breast. Loosen the string and let thine arrow find Here in my heart its just and proper home. HephcBstion. What if indeed she loose that arrow now ? Ah ! not before such beauty is mine own. [Draws her forcibly up to him.] Althea! Althea. [Struggling feebly] Let me go ! Hephczstion. Never again Save at the cold unanswerable command Of Death, I have foregone immortal love To hold thy mortal loveliness embraced. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 49 And would forego all things that earth can give And heaven promise. Althea. I am so afraid . . . We are compassed round with terrors of the night . . . Up to this spot where now we stand embraced Winds a long trail of blood guiding them on, Those furies out of Hell. HephcBstion. [Crushing her to him] Look in my face. Dost thou not feel my love in all thy being, And my defending arms about thy form ? And art thou still afraid ? Althea. Ah, love, my love, Hold me against thee — hold me hard. . . . Ah, kiss me Full on my lips . . . [He kisses her.] And hast thou loved me long } HephcBstion. When first we met beside the singing wave. In the white moon, unconsciously I loved thee, O human face that I could never reach ! Althea. I loved thee then, and knew my love. He stood, Who now is dead, between thy lips and mine. O well I read thy heart and felt thy love Unspoken in the ardour of thine eyes. HephcBstion. And love and hatred filled me with unrest And drove me forth into the beckoning world, Over the blue hills and across the sea. And ever on my wanderings fared with me A face whose beauty seemed not of the earth 50 THE VIRGIN GODDESS I s;nv it in the splendour ot the noon, I saw it in the purple dusk of dreams, And in the sunset ritual of gold, And in the silver spirit of the dawn, And on the white and lonely mountain tops, And moving like a vapour on the sea 1 saw that face . . . Althca. [fVhispers] The face of Artemis? Hephitstion. In truth it seemed her face — so white and chaste, So passing holy and divinely sweet ; And thrilled with adoration unto her I gave myself, my bodv and my soul. To serve her even to the hour of death. And evermore that face abode with me. By night and day — and now in lovelier lines I see it and more perfect beauty. Althea. \Trembrmg\ Now — The face of Artemis ? HephcBstion. Thy face, beloved. . . . Ah, it was no immortal face I saw, Nor is it an immortal face I see. But thine, O sweet and human lips and eyes. My Queen ! Althea. Then — then 'twas I that haunted thee — Me — me whom thou did'st worship all those years ? Hephcestion. Yea, thy remembered yet forgotten face. And when I saw thee once again, meseemed THE VIRGIN GODDESS 51 The goddess stood before me in fair flesh. I trembled, and the past returned. Althea. Ah, take And hold me in thine arms for evermore. HephcBStion. I'll hold thee in my arms against the world. Fated for one another from of old, Parted by fate, and drawn by fate together, We stand, and neither man, nor god, nor fate Shall part us. For the love I bear for thee Hath put a rushing fire into my veins. And thewed me with unconquerable steel : I was a man, but now I am a god. And 1 defy the powers ! \_The temple door is thrown open and a Priest staftds on the threshold."] The Priest. O Queen Althea, And thou, Hephaestion, our exceeding peril Hath moved the great heart of the Holy One, And to our cry she hath inclined her ear. For even now one of those virgins three That knelt in prayer before the inmost shrine Rose to her feet with mystic rapture thrilled. And muttering unintelligible words. Shuddered into an alabaster calm, Her wide ecstatic eyes on the unseen Fixed, and her white breast heaving, and her hair Blown all about her by unearthly winds. So stands she waiting on the word divine. Lo, then, I charge thee call upon her name Sa THK VIRGIN GODDESS Who can alone defeat the iniininent doom. For now at length that dreadful hour is here Which must decide the f;Ue of all we love. [Exi/.] [ Till C horns, singing softlw files on to the stage and groups Itself in a semicircle about the statue.] .Ilthdi. 1 tremble, for an end draws nigh. HephcBStion. What end ? AlthCii. Our heaven cancelled by the tides of night. Ilcphivsiion. The starless night were beautiful with thee I We can but die — and what is death ? Althea, I know not. Chorus. O twin-born with the sun, and fair as she Who rose all flushed from the reluctant sea, O pure with dew and moonlight purity — Artemis, hear our prayer ! Hephcrstion. Goddess, thy faithful city, thy beloved. The nursling reared upon thy virgin breast. Stands now at bay, her back against the night, Her reckless front opposed to many spears. She knows not fear ; but pauses and awaits Ere yet she storm the bastioned heights of doom, Thy word of counsel or thy promised aid. Chorus. O brilliant huntress in the glades of night, And fleeter-footed than the flying light. And sure of hand and terrible to smite — Artemis, hear our prayer ! THE VIRGIN GODDESS 53 Althea. O thou whom passion never led astray, Coldly impartial and serenely just, If any here have erred against thy will, On them let fall the arrows of thy wrath, But to the innocent extend thy hand. Chorus. To thee the stricken and the helpless creep, Thou giv'st to those whom life hath wounded deep A death more delicate than dreamless sleep — Artemis, hear our prayer ! [ The door of the temple opens , and on the threshold stands one of the three Virgins. Her aspect IS wild and menacing. She glides forward^ Virgin. Enough ! The Holy One hath heard our prayer. Althea. Hephasstion, shield me from that woman's eyes, Fiery with accusing menace ! Virgin. [Staring ominously at Althea'] She Hath spoken her unalterable decree Into mine ears, and she must be obeyed. Althea. [Staggering hack in terror'] Avert thine eyes ! HephcBstion. Speak and have done. Althea — Althea. [In a frenzy of fear] I cannot bear the horror of that gaze — I see a sword hovering above my breast — I feel the solid earth slipping away From under my feet ! The dark [She falls in a swoon to the ground?^ 54 THE VIRGIN GODDESS HephiTsiion. [Bending over A/f/iea] She hath swooned away. Althea . . . she is white and still as death. [Ftc'rce/\ to the Virgin] But mc thou canst not wither with thine eyes, Nor with thy tongue. Speak, out! I'irgin. I prayed within, When suddenly upon my soul there swept Unearthly music from the hills of dream And alien darkness from beyond the world. Then a white star rose singing in the gloom, Grew large, and like a vast and luminous rose, Unfolding delicate petals one by one. Disclosed a heart intolerably bright. And from that brightness, like an odour, breathed The voice of Artemis, and spake : " Hephaestion, Whose life was dedicate to none save me, Lured by the fair flesh of his brother's wife, Hath scorned his vow and slain his brother, and sought To veil his wickedness in patriot love. Therefore shall Artis sink into the dust, And all her people to the dead go down. Unless Hephaestion take his father's sword And slay Althea as sacrifice to me Ere the sun disappear into the wave. Nor shall he leave this precinct where he stands And join the battle ere this deed be done. I have spoken." And the luminous blossom closed THE VIRGIN GODDESS 55 Its petals, dwindled to a star, and sank, And the great darkness lifted from my soul. [Silence. HephcBStion stands j)iotionless, staring straight in front of him. Shouting without. Iphicles and several Warriors rush in.] Iphicles. Hephaestion, tarry not ! Beyond our walls The broad plain glitters with advancing steel : The foe have risen, and like a wave they roll Against us. IHe perceives Hephcestion's tragic silence and immobility. His voice drops uneasily^ Take thy father's sword — \_Heph(2stion stands as before. A Warrior touches Iphicles' armP[ Warrior. [In a whisper, pointing to Aithea'] The Queen — Iphicles. Is the Queen dead ? [A Warrior hands Iphicles the sword, which he puts into Hephastion's hand.] Come, take thy father's sword — [HepkcBStion startds immovable and the sword drops out of his hand. They all stare at him in. awe- struck amazement.^ Iphicles. What ails thee, lord ? Hephastion. [Rousing himself] What ails me ^ Nothing — What mean'st thou ? Iphicles. Has the goddess spoken her will ? * It was here that the curtain descended for the second time. 56 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Hcph<tstion. {Pointing to the ^irgin^ Nay, but that woman from hcT ruined mind Hath raved delirious fury. IphicUs. [Pointing to Altheci] And the Queen ? Hcphcsstion. [Falh on his knees beside Althea'\ h\\.\\Q?i\ . . . I thank the gods she swooned away Before that madness smote upon her cars. . . . White as the dead and very cold . . . Althea. . . . \He holds her in his arvis and (^accs into her face. Then he raises her up and says to one of the IVarriors] Bear her within and bid the women tend her, And at her door keep watch. [A Warrior takes Althea in his ar)ns.'\ She must not hear The slenderest rumour of these frenzied words — No, not a breath. [Clasps AltJuds hand and gazes into her face ^ Still cold, still cold, my Queen. Go. . . . {Exit the Warrior^ hearing Althea.^ Iphicles. And those words, Hephasstion, what were they .-^ Heph^stion. What meanest thou ^ Iphicles. The words yon Virgin spake. HepIicBstion. {Fiercely] I'll sully not my lips repeating them. {Picks up his sword] Come, for the foe await us. Virgin. Iphicles, Our goddess hath decreed that Artis reel THE VIRGIN GODDESS 57 With all her people back into the dust, Unless HephcBstion. I charge thee hold thy peace and go. I'll not endure thy speech again. Virgin. Hephasstion, Beware lest blacker hurricane of wrath Descend upon thee. That which I have heard That must I speak for all the world to hear. Because this man desired his brother's wife He killed his brother and brake his deathless vows : Therefore shall ruin rush upon the city Unless he slay the woman whom he loves Ere the sun disappear into the sea. \^Constemation.'\ A Warrior. [In a whisper'] The Queen } Virgin, The Queen. Iphicles. \Dully\ Unless he slay the Queen ? HephcBstion. Was I not right ? Long prayer hath wrecked her soul. Leave her to rave and follow me. [He moves off.^ Virgin. Hephasstion, It was decreed thou should'st not go to battle Before that awful sacrifice was made. HepJuBstion. [Defiantly'] Ah ! who hath force to hold my war-ward feet ? Come ! [He takes a few steps, then suddenly stops, as though arrested, and staggers back, his face transfixed with terror. He puts his hand over his eyes and stands for a moment breathing hard.^ 58 THE VIRGIN GODDESS A IVarrior. [In <; ichispir] Is he smitten ? IphicUs Lord . . . what alls thee ? Lord ? [Hcphastiofi stamis ri^iii. The Warriors whisper together.^ Hush ! HephrsttGH. \I)t ii fiiini, tremuhus voice'] Iphicles. . . . Iphiclcs. I am here. Hephttstion. [Slowly reaching out his hand] Give me thy hand. I stand as in a night without a star . , . 1 am afeared. . . . [Clutches Iphicles' hand] Thy hand. ... Ah ! hold me fast ! I am all benumbed. . . . Iphicles, something, something Laid on my heart a viewless clutch of ice. I could not move — I dared not move — [He stands for a moment staring straight in front of him, then suddenly fiiyigs IpJiicles aside.] Away ! I'll not be stayed by all the gods in Heaven ! I'll strangle opposition with these hands ! I'll— [He moves determinedly away, and is once again invisibly arrested., and staggers backwards., dropping his sword on to the ground. He stands for a moment rigid, while the Warriors whisper excitedly together?^ [Shouting without. Two Warriors enter hur- riedly^ A Warrior. Where is he } Hephasstion, come ! THE VIRGIN GODDESS 59 .Another Warrior. The foe Have gained that breach they made against the south ! They crushed us backward with resistless spears. Give us thine arm and tarry not ! \A pause. He glances around him bewildered and realises Hephcestions strained posture. His voice changes. '\ Hephaestion . . . Hephcestion. [After a pause., in a dull., weak voice to himself^ The blood thaws in my veins. I hear my heart Beating and feel my strength return. The dream Hath passed away. For dream it was — a dream — That horror of blind force that held my soul Captive, and utterly destroyed my will, Unmanned me quite^ and robbed me of my power — A dream — no more — and now — \He seems to pull hitnself together^ Now must I take my sword — my father's sword — The sword I cleansed, and go into the fight. yiphicles picks up the sword.] They called me : they are pressed. I must get hence, i^nd lead them on. I swore to lead them on To victory or death . . . my sword . . . Iphicles. \_Handing it to him~\ 'Tis here. \Hephcestion takes the sword and stands motion- less., staring wildly before him.'] A Warrior. \In a whisper\ What is it ? Another Warrior. He is accursed. Iphicles. [Touching HephcBstion's arni] Hephaestion, speak. 6o THE VIRGIN GODDESS Hephicst'ion. [In a dead voice] Something hath sapped my cour.ige at the source. My limbs arc matiacled. I dare not move Against that viewless barrier again. I am und«MK*. . . . Leave me alone. . . . [//<• zcavcs them all aside, and half turning towards the temple, perceives the Virgin. He stiffens zvith sudden fury. \ Ah, thou, White sorceress, take thine eyes from ofF my face, And trom my spirit lift these spells of thine ! [He advances menacingly towards the steps \ 1 charge thee break these gyves invisible That bind me hand and foot. By all the gods, I will assail thy magic at the heart And send thy soul into the hideous night From whence it rose, and free mine own ! \He viakes a sudden rush towards her, but Ip hides and Warriors intervene.'] Stand back ! [He assails thon furiously.'] Iphicles. [Struggling with him\ Hephaestion, art thou mad .'' HephcBStion. [In a frenzy] Stand back, 1 say! See how she smiles on me with hate of hell. I will obliterate that face ! Let go ! Unhand me, or, by Zeus ! I'll cut my way Through flesh and bone to reach her where she stands Weaving my ruin ! [He struggles madly.] A Warrior. She is holy and pure. Iphicles. Lord, I implore thee ! THE VIRGIN GODDESS 6i 'Virgin, [//earing her voice^ //ephcestion ceases to struggle.'] Harken to my words, Nor waste thyself in fury on my head. I am but the passive instrument wherethrough Artemis breathes her will, and in thy heart, Hephasstion, well thou knowest I am true And speak what I have heard. I hate thee not : Rather I pity thee as the sport of fate And Queen Althea, whose beauty lured thee on. But when the gods speak they must be obeyed. Resistance is in vain : be thou resigned, And take the awful punishment decreed. [The Virgin turns and glides slowly back into the temple. A long pause.'] //ephcBstion. [Unsteadily] Why stand you here.'' The battle calls you. Go ! [/phicles. And thou, Hephaestion .f* ,Hephcestion. [Fiercely] What of me ? Away ! A Warrior. In vain, for now we battle without hope. //ephcBstion. [/n sudden fury] Thou liest ! [Springs upon the man and clutches his throat.] A Warrior. Let go . . . //ephcBStion. Unsay those words ! /phicles. [Restraining //ephcestion] My lord ! Hephcestion. [//urling the man o_ff] What meant that fellow with his craven lie } [//e glares around him] Dream not all strength has withered from mine arm. Let him that holds the words yon woman spoke For truth inspired by Artemis stand forth — 62 THE VIRGIN GODDESS ! I'll prove him liiir with my naked hands, And tear his body and soul asunder. I phi c Us. [Affer ii silcHic'] Lord, I know the holy Virgin's words were true. Hcphtxit'ton. Iphicles, thou ! Iphicles. Alas, my lord, alas ! Why should we blind our eyes against the truth, Or fly the thing we never can escape ^ I know with heavv heart, and thou — nav, hear me — Thou knowest as surely that our doom is sealed : That Artis and her people are condemned Unless thou slay the Queen. HephcBstion. What then .'' Iphicles, I know not : I am thy servant and obey thy will. HtphcBStion. 'Tis well. Then take my will and get thee gone. Even were that woman's frenzy high inspired By the unsparing purpose of the gods And urged by all the tyranny of fate, I would oppose it to the latest breath, And final ebb of power to grasp my sword. And had each man of Artis myriad lives, And every life were an agony to lose, And all were lost unless I slew the Queen — Then should the Queen live and those others die, Woman and man and child. Are ye content ? \A silence.'] Then get ye gone. \_Iphicles and Warriors move off.] THE VIRGIN GODDESS 63 Iphicles. \Turning with an imploring gesture] Hephaestion, hear me HephcBStion. Go ! \_Exeunt all save HephcQstion and Chorus?^ Chorus. \While HephcBStion stands motionless^ staring straight before him.'] Not in slow decay And retreating light Let me go my way Back into the night, But in flare and fury of unyielding fight. Let not weeping eyes Be the last I see, Sorrow-laden sighs Close the ears of me : These for slaves and women : I am man and free. Lo, in glittering pride And with eyes aglow, As unto a bride Singing as they go Down upon us wavelike roll the splendid foe. And the blaze and sound Turn my soul to fire, And my pulses bound With supreme desire, Valour Heraclean, strength that cannot tire. 64 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Force h;is met with force. Steel encountered steel : Hero, man ^nd horse Crash and sway and reel . . . Never singer chanted half the joy 1 feel. This is life : to keep Steadf^ist to the light. This is death : to leap From the topmost height Of ecstatic being straight into the night. Hc/^h(rstion. [Ptissionaie/y] linough ! Why torture me with songs of battle, Who am denied the privilege of death? One of the Chorus. There is naught left to pray for but that death Come as the lightning comes and linger not. HephcBStion. Leave me alone. One of the Chorus. [As the others file into the temple^ Look westward, lord : the sun Sheds a long path of gold across the sea. [ The sunlight deepens in colour until the close of the Act.] [Exit the CJwrus into the temple.l [A pause. Then Hephcestion gazing westward^ cries out with tragic passion] Hephcestion. O stay thy coursers but a little while ! For bound, O Helios, to thy golden car Roll to the water more tremendous dooms Than ever threatened man since Troy went down Palled in funereal smoke. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 65 [^He turns] I am alone . . . Have I the fortitude to face the truth And look avenging Fate between the eyes? I am alone. \^A note of fear creeps into his voice] Am I alone ? \ln sudden terror] There stands One in the sunlight whom I cannot see. She binds my feet, she robs me of my power. She reads with smiling cruelty my heart Writ large with helpless passion and despair. She moves upon me like a wind of night Blowing from hills of ice . . .1 feel her breath Upon my face . . . Artemis . . . Artemis. . . . YHe gradually pulls himself together] No ! Why should 1 fear who never feared before ? I will stand up and take my doom with pride. And go with all my people to the dead, Conquered and yet unbroken to the end. Yea, Artemis, and mercy from thy hands Would I reject because it came from thee, Who art most callous of the callous gods. And cruellest, being cold as moonlight. [^Cleito slowly descends the palace steps led by a girl.] Ah, Mother, thou com'st in favourable hour To flaunt thy triumph and to mock thy son, Cleito. I triumph not, nor mock thee in thy fall. Justice I asked and justice I received. E 66 THE VIRGIN GODDESS The gods h.ivc p;iid thcc justly tor th\ crime. Where is Althc:i? Ui'phiVsiion. She hath swooned away And lies within her chamber. CUito. Then slie heard Thy sentence ? Jlcpluestion. Nay, she swooned ere it was spoken. CUito. [/;/ a voice uf intense hatred] Let her not die unconscious of her doom : She must return to lite betore the end, And realise the sweetness of the sun, And all the horror which her face hath wrought. And all the loathing ot the immortal gods, And all the hatred that she leaves behind. I/ephcBStion. Be still ! I'll not endure thy inhuman tongue ! Old woman, let thy bloody fancies brood On Artis fallen and her people dead, Not on Althea sacrificed by me. I would not slay her for a thousand cities. Nor at the mandate of a thousand gods. Cleito. Would not ! Thou fool ! Dost pit thy human will 'Gainst the unconquerable will of Fate ? Kill her thou must, for so it was ordained Before thine eyelids opened on the sun. HephcBstion. What meanest thou ? Cleito. Long since in dream I saw Althea dead, and she was slain by thee. IlephcBition. I care not for thy dreams. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 67 C lei to. [Touching his arm and in a changed voice'X Hephasstlon, I have borne two sons, and one of them is not, And one still lives, and though his hands are red With a deed fiercer than Orestes wrought, And though on him the fury of the gods Sweeps like a storm, his destiny is still Magnificent with glory far away. Up then, and linger not ! Thy path is clear, The atoning sacrifice awaits thy hand, With victory for us and peace for thee. [y4 pause. Hephtssiion stands molwnless.] Where stands the sun ? Attendant. It reddens toward the sea. Cleito. Then must this deed be done and on the instant. Hephaestion, answer me. . . . Hephaestion ! [^A pause. He stands motionless^ Hephaestion, art thou turned to stone ? HephcBstion. Alas ! Would I were stone, and not this flesh and blood That burns and shudders in the cruel gin Which those high powers whose sport is human pain Cunningly baited for mine overthrow . . . To quench the love-light in thine eyes, my Queen, And the love-murmur on thy lips — no — no ! — It cannot be — it shall not be ! \Flinging off Cleito' s hand.] Away ! Thy murderous tongue would lure me from the path 68 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Which I resolve unfalteringly to tread. If naught but this foul sacrifice can suvc Artis fVom ruin, then let Artis go The way of'Triiy,and — \^Distiittl shouting from wilJiout.'l Ah! Cldto. Be still and hark! [ T/ic shouting grows louder?^ Those sounds approach. I hear the wail of women, The cry of children . . . '[Her voice sharp with fear'] Ah, the streets run blood ! The towers are wrapt in unremorseful fire ! Is it too late ? HcphcTStion, tell me quick — Is the sun's foot upon the sea ? HephcBStion. Not yet. Cieito. Then fetch the Queen. I charge thee fetch the Queen ! Where is thy father's sword? Why lingerest thou? Hast thou no ears? \The cries grow louder.'] Ah, ah, those cries again . . . The mortal agony of helpless souls . . . Save them 1 [She falls 07i her knees, clutching hold of HephcBstion.] Hephaestion, crimson are thy hands With blood of one : wilt thou drown thyself in blood Of thousands ? THE VIRGIN GODDESS 69 Hephmtion. [Pushing her away] Were it millions, they must die. I will not slay the Queen. [He moves away from her to the palace steps.] [ With tumult and cries a crowd composed of women, old men and children, held with diffi- culty i7i check by several Warriors, press on to the stage ?[ A Warrior. [Pushing back some women] Stand back ! A Woman. [Screaming to those behind] He is here ! [ Tumult and cries of " Hephcestion ! "] Another Woman. Where is the Queen ? [Cries of' The Queen !"] The sun is low in the west. A Warrior. Silence ! Ye do but hurt your urgent cause With such unbridled passion. An Old Man. Let me speak! An Old Woman. Hephaestion, lo, my daughter is with child And slowly starves . . . A Woman. My little son is dead — Slain by the pestilence — Another Woman. Where is Althea ? Another Woynan. We perish by degrees. Another Woman. The end is near. Another Woman. We trust in thee ; we pray to thee ; Hephaestion, On thee, and thee alone, depend our lives — Save us ! [They fall on their knees^ wailing,] 70 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Others. O save us ! Save us ! A Warrior. \Cominiifuiing silence] Let me speak, Hephxstion, scant the time for eloquence, And scant the need. This croucliing people here Is eloquence enough. We are no more, Save tor the Intervention of thy hand. Through that wide breach they made against the south The rebel spears have driven a furious path. With sweat and agony we hold them back In the open street. Thou only canst avert The crash of doom as Artemis decreed. [A pause."] A Woman. O save us ! Another Woman. O have mercy on thy people ! HephcBstion. I can do nothing. A Warrior. Is Althea alive : Hephcsstion. \Harshly] Let not the Queen's name pass thy lips again. It seems the craven spirit that I quenched Hath passed to you. Cresphontes is no more ; But ye would purchase liberty and life With woman's blood in dreadful anguish spilt. Has courage wholly withered from your heart And the heroic manhood of old time } Shame on you ! Cleito. Nay, Hephaestion, shame on thee ! People of Artis, look upon this man. His lust it is delivers you to death — His and the woman's whom they call the Queen. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 71 He, and he only, can avert your doom, And yet he will not. Woman, man, and child. The innocent, the noble, and the weak, Perish to save a guilty wanton's life. This is your hero, this, alas, my son ! \_Murmurs that swell into execrations.'] A Woman. [Screaming above the din\ But can no force of ours compel his hand ? Say, are you men, and will you stand aside And indolently watch this fellow fling Our wives and children to the sword ? \The uproar increases^ Cleito. Men ? Men ? These are no men. The only men we had Sailed forth long since to war and now are dead. [Furious execrations from the Women. The Warriors stand undecided?^ A Warrior. Silence ! Hephaestion, we must have the Queen, And she must die as Artemis decreed. We can no longer hold the rebels back. It is one guilty life for many lives. Give us the Queen. Women and Warriors. The Queen ! The Queen ! [ They surge towards the palace steps.] Hephcestion. [Drawing his sword] Stand back ! No mortal power hath force to make me yield. Ye shall not have the Queen 1 . . . [Thej/ press forward ivith cries of fury ^ 72 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Stand hack, I say ! That man is dead who dares to advance a step Further. .7 If^iirrur. Enough ! Seize him, hut slay him not Or we are lost. The Oueen ! [T/ta' make a rush upon hivi and drag )iim to the tcuiplc steps, ivhen he hurls tlieui off."] HephcBStion. [Pointing his sword to his throat'] Now hear me. If another man step forth To assail me where I stand, this sword shall draw My life's hlood and annihilate your hopes. A dead man cannot sacrifice the Queen, \_Althea appears on the palace steps. She stands for a moment staring wildly at HephcBStion.^ Althea. [JVith a scream] Hephaestion ! HephcBstion. [M'^ith a start^ turning] Ah ! M'^arriors and Women. [In whispers] The Oueen ! Althea. Put up thy sword. [Hephcestion sheathes his sivord. Althea descends to him and touches his hand fearfully .] Thy hands are flesh and blood. I am awake, Not erring, as I hoped, in evil dreams. [To the people assembled.] But who are ye ? I know you not. . . Hephaestion, What meant that dreadful vision of thyself Standing upon the sudden edge of death ? [Hephcestion is silent?^ THE VIRGIN GODDESS 73 Ah, am I mad ? . . . Whence come these lowering faces ? Are you not men and women of our city? What awful thing hath happened since I passed Swooning into the darkness ? Cleito. Hear my words Hephcestion. I charge thee hold thy peace. \To AUhea.] Beloved, go — I pray thee go. Cleito. And I command thee stay And take thy doom, HephcBstion. Be still ! [ The crowd murmurs.'\ Althea. pouching Cleito s ami] Cleito, speak on. Cleito. [Shaking her off'\ Because thou hast urged my son to break his vow And slay the King, his brother, for thv sake, Artemis in her loathing of thy lust And of thy blasphemy and murderous hate. Hath doomed this city and all that dwell therein To ruin and death unless Hephsestion slay thee As sacrifice before the sun go down. [^A long silence. The Queen turns slowly to HephcBstion.'] Althea. Hephaestion . . . HephcBStion. Queen. Althea. The words thy mother spake — Are they the truth ? [He is silent.'] Answer me. 74 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Hcph<TStioyu They arc true. [-•] pause. Althca looks towards the sinking sun, tlun turns to J/r/'//(i'st/o/i.] AUhea. Before the sun go down ? The sun is low . . . Meph;rstlon, \vc have little time tor speech. Where must I die ? Hcphcest'ton. Althea, art thou mad? What are to me the words of Artemis, And what to me the city and this people ? — Nothing ! {^Murmurs from the crowd!\ I care for nothing in all the world, Save only thee. Thou art the air I breathe, My food and drink, my sun and moon and stars, My one divinity and sole desire ! . . . \The crowd break forth into execrations. He glares at them and stiddenly catches her to him. She stands passively in his embrace. ^^ We stand alone ; but such a love as ours — Stronger than hatred, stronger than the gods, Stronger than fate Cleito, And yet so pitiful. It were a waste of scorn to brand thy love — Love that inspired thy hand to assault and slay A man unarmed, and glory in thy deed — Love that so strangles all nobility And pity in thee and manhood once thine own. Thou would'st condemn the innocent and weak — THE VIRGIN GODDESS 75 Althea. \Freeing herself from HephcBstion\ Be still ! As Artemis hath singled me, And justly, for the atoning sacrifice. Mine be the final and deciding word. Hephaestion, if thou hesitate to obey The voice of Artemis, thy love is vile. Vile as thy mother's fury brands it, vile As love men waste upon a wanton, . . . Speak, Wilt thou obey the voice of Artemis ? HephcBStion. [In a whisper] And slay thee ? Althea. Even so. HephcBStion. Slay thee. . , I cannot. I have not heard aright. . . . Althea, listen. The Virgin, fired by some delirious hate. Lied, for I saw it in her face — she lied. Thy death would nought avail to save the city. Hear me A Woman. 'Tis he that lies, \The crowd surges forward 7vith execrations?^ Another Woman. Believe him not. Cleito. Peace ! For she cannot now escape her doom ! They are both tangled in the web of fate. Living I saw her not ; I have seen her dead. . . She's dead already. Althea. Bring the Virgin hither. \^A Warrior starts to obey. Heph<sstion stops him.'] HephcBStion. [In terror] Nay, for 1 cannot bear her face again, 76 mi- VIRGIN GODDESS Nor hc;ir th;it vcilcc dcm)imciiig judgment. , . Oueen, Grant me a little time — a little time ... i Altheii. I have no time to grant. The sun is low. HcpJuFSt'ion. \^^'iliily\ Then I implore thy mercy, I am broken, Cornered and beaten to my knees . . . Althca, Had I the strength to crush the god of war, I could not slay thee even if I would . . . This arm would wither ere it raised the sword. \FalUng on his knees, hts voice breaking vjith passion and despair.'] Hear me and pity me, and ve people, pity me And show a little mercy. Slay me here — Slay me. I long for death with all my soul. But drive my sword into the heart I love — I cannot. [//(? raises imploring hands to the statue l\ Goddess, I have served thee long, And worshipped thee among the lonely hills. And honoured thee with sacrificial hands — Wilt thou requite thy votary so ill, Thrusting a deathless horror on his soul And blasting him to all eternity? I crave not thy forgiveness. All I crave Is death, In any agony thou wilt. But not this vengeance . . . pity me — \^He covers his face with his hands.] Althea. [^Goingto him and touching his shoulder] Hephaestlon. [He looks up.] THE VIRGIN GODDESS 77 Beloved, rise and take my hand in thine, And hear my words. \^He rises to his feet ^ Death that men greatly fear Is often fairer than the life they love, And such a death has fate reserved for me. I die that all may live that call me Queen — All whom I love and love me, and I take This splendid death at his beloved hands Whom most I love in all the world. HephcBStion. \Brokenly'\ But ah. To go out of the warmth into the cold . . . Out of the holy sunlight to the dark . . . Out of mine arms. . . Althea. [Dreamily] Yes, in the place of souls I shall not see the sunlight any more . . . [Pause. She speaks with passionate ardour.] To go out of thine arms! Oh this, beloved, This is the final glory of my death : That ere the years and memory and the world Had cooled the burning beauty of our love, We should go straight apart for evermore — Now, now when all thy being thrills to me. And all I am is passionately thine ! [She clasps him round the neck.] Friend, had I lived the irrevocable past. The dead past that can never wholly die. Would have numbed our hearts with its funereal breath And filled our souls with memories best forgot. 78 Tllli: VIRGIN GODDESS \Vc might have loved each other to the end, But never again with such a love as now. We might have grown to loathe what now we love. But where 1 go is neither love nor hate, And from the soul all memory dies away. Heplh€siion. Oucen, I am broken, I am without strength ; But thou art strong, and I must do thy will . . . \^She drazus his head to her and kisses his fore- head.^ Althea. [Turning to the piople\ And you, beloved people of my city, Take from my lips an ultimate farewell. Unwillingly I leave the light behind. Yet am I happy, knowing that my death Will bring divine salvation to the land. And this I pray you. In the days to be. And though all memories wither from my soul And in the darkness I forget the sun, Forget not me, but think of me as one Who greatly sinned because she greatly loved. Who gladlv bore the vengeance of her sin, And went the strait and bitter way of death Unfalteringly and as a Queen should go. Farewell ! \The people bow their heads in silence. '\ Cleito, farewell ! Cleito. Farewell ! Althea. [As the Chorus files out of the temple] Beloved, Come, for the sun's rim rests upon the sea. And the night calls my spirit from afar. THE VIRGIN GODDESS 79 [The Chorus form about the statue, and Althea and HephcBstion pass slowly into the temple.'] Chorus. Disimpassioned Queen of Darkness, lo, to thee there Cometh one, Fairer never trod the meadows or delighted in the sun, And for her the joy of living and of love had just begun. But the joy she puts behind her, and the love she waives aside. And with steadfast feet unfaltering, proudly and unterrified, Goes where love can never enter, and no happiness abide. Disimpassioned Queen of Darkness, turn on her benignant eyes. If she sinned, her sin is cancelled by this radiant sacrifice. Let her deeply drink of Lethe and forget the morning skies, And forget her white-walled city, and forget her lordly race. Dragged from long-established glory down to imminent disgrace. And forget her lover's kisses, and forget her lover's face. [From far comes the distant sound of shouting. It grows rapidly nearer and louder.] A Warrior. Hark ! 8o Till-: VIRGIN GODDESS A If^oman. They arc here ! [As the sound stuells in volume the crowd become more and more fevered and terrified.^ Another If^oman. It is the foe! Another ff^omcin. We are lost ! A fVarrior. Althea dies in vain ! Another JVarrior. Come, let us die, Our faces 'gainst the foe unto the last ! \The shouting groii's louder. The Women surge shrieking to the statue and fall in supplication be/ore it. A II the Warriors rush out to battle. ] A IVojnAn. Goddess, have mercy on the innocent ! That which we could we've done to assuage thy wrath. Another Woman. Have pity on us ! Save our lives at least ! Another Woman. Our children's lives. An Old Man. We sacrificed the Queen. \The noise grows deafening. The Women huddle shrieking together^ They come ! O Artemis, let death be swift . . . \A Warrior rushes in.] The Warrior. Stand up and shout, for we are saved ! Women. Saved ! Saved ! [Hysterical weepiytg and cries of Joy.] An Old Man. What miracle hath happened ? [Other Warriors rush in shouting.] A Woman. We are saved ! An Old Man. Are the foe beaten from our walls ? THE VIRGIN GODDESS 8i A Warrior. They fly : They have seen our galleys sweeping from the north, Their sails full-bellied with miraculous winds. Women. Our galleys ? Others. Speak . . . Others. Our vanished army ? A Warrior. Yea, Praise ye the gods : our long-lost ships are here ! \Iphicles enters^ Iphicles. {Commanding si/ence'] People of Artis, from the jaws of death We have been magically snatched away. For even as our ultimate defence Bent to the breaking point before the might Of overwhelming odds and furious hate. We felt a sudden slackening in the assault, And the victorious faces of our foes Wavered and blanched. A panic-striking word Swept like a wind across the rebel lines, And from our seaward-facing walls a cry Triumphant rang : " Our ships, our ships return ! " And so it was. For round the northern cape, Swept the proud fleet that we imagined lost ; And the foe brake and fled, and even now Our warriors set their feet upon the land. Soon shall their fury drench the hills with blood. And we shall be avenged, and we shall stand, Artis shall stand where once she stood of old, 82 THE VIRGIN GODDESS Our hi)ly city feared of all the world And favoured of the gods ! [IVif/i s/ioufs of triumpJi and hysterical cries of joy tlic people suri^^e al>oi4t the temple steps. Suddenly the ^i^reat doors of the temple fall apart and Hephizstion appears on the threshold. Perceiving him, the people fall gradually silent. He moves sloivly doiun the steps to the altar and they shrink away, so azcful is the tragedy of his face. He lays his sivord upon the altar,"] HephiHstion. The Queen is dead. . . , \^A silence.] Chorus. Inscrutable are they That wield supernal power : From depths of dark decay They rear the splendid flower ; On waste and fruitful soil They spend the sun and rain ; They lavish to despoil, And wreck to raise again. CURTAIN COLSTON AND COY. LIMITED, PRINTERS, EDINBURGH T.Tnr.AKY SANTA BARBAr.A Tin LIBRARY IMVERSl rv ()I CALIIORMA Sani.i It.irh.ira (iolfia, California THIS HOOK IS 1)1 E ON Till LAST DATE STAMPED 15ELOU. AVAIL.^^,^^ roR nKClT,'.Ti(..N^ niifctETn'Hlil ^i 20m-3/59(A552>4)476 Illiilililiiiiii A A 001 417 129 2 3 1205 021 2 2559 k.,:vW^f.Ut..