A 1 ^ n 1 m 4 3 r, ' ;■; m RAR 3 9 6 t) / "~-"— ""-I GRIFFIN Gisippus ^■■^-'*^^: ^^«Hn^ PR 4728 F G8G5I wf^:(4'^>5ir ..fi? /• Ko. LXIX. FRENCH'S STANDARD DRAIVIA GISIPPUS: OR, THE FORGOTTEN FRIEND. IN FIVE ACTS BY GERALD GRIFFIN, ESQ. WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS!^ COSTUMES, RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. NEW-YORK : SAMUEL FREIJJCH, 12!» NASSAU-STREET. PRICE, m CENTS. .RT UBRARY liJ«VEllSirY Oi' CAUFORNW SAMA BAKBAIU jr-O EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION. Gerald Griffin, the author of " Gisippus," is better known by his pop- ular tales, illustrative of Irish character and manners. " The Collegians," and the series of " Tales of the Munster Festivals," acquired a wide-spread popularity in their day ; and the author was placed, by general consent, as an Irish novelist, by the side of Banim and Carleton. GrifBn was born at Limerick on the 12th December, 1803. His first school- master was one of those original Milesian pedants, that novelists and humor- ists have taken as models for characters ; one of the advertisements of this pedagogue commenced thus : — " W hen ponderous polysyllables promulgate professional powers — ." The future novelist and dramatist was not allowed t.i benefit himself long under the tuition of this " learned pundit ;" he was placed under a private tutor, and finished his education at a school in Lim- erici'. At a very early age his love of letters was developed, for while a mere youth he became connected with the Limerick Advertiser newspaper, and before he had completed his twentieth j-ear, he had written four trage- dies, thf last of which was " Gisippus." Urged by the commendations of his friends, and with the hope of distinguishing himself in literature and the drama, he migrated to London, but unknown, and apparently unfriend- ed he could not obtain a hearing for his tragedy. Disappointed in this hope, he betook himself to reporting for the daily press and contributing to the magazines. In 1825, he succeeded in getting an operatic melo-drama brought out at the English Opera House, and in 1827 appeared his " Hol- land Tide, or, Munster Popular Talcs," a. work of great promise. This was followed by " Tales of the Munster Festivals," which obtained great celebrity. "The Collegians" was published in 1829, and in 1830 he was again in the field ^ithtwo talcs—" The Rivals," and" Tracey's Ambition." IV EDITORIAL INTROPUCTIOK. In 1832, he published his last work, " Tales of the Five Senses.' He still continued his miscellaneous labors for the press, although, notwithstand- ing his success and popularity, he became tired of the world, and deter- mined to seclude himself in one of those retreats set apart in Ireland for the devotees of the Catholic church. In 1838 he carried his design into execution, and joined the society of the " Christian Brotherhood," in the monastery at Cork. In the second year of his noviciate he was attacked •with typhus fever, and died on the 12th June, 1840. The tragedy of'' Gisippus" was found among his papers at his death, and we cannot better end our brief compilation of his life, than by transcribing the preface prefixed to the London edition to this play, after its successful production by Mr. Macready at Drury Lane theatre. " The following play has been brought before the public under rather peculiar circumstances. The author of '• The Collegians,'' to whom it owed its origin, had in the early part of his literary career a strong turn for dra- matic writing, and so long ago as the year 1823,had produced no less than four tragedies. The first of these was begun while he was yet in his eighteenth year, and Gisippus, the last of them, before he had completed his twentieth. He went to London in the summer of that j-ear filled with high aspirings after litcrarj- fame, which are characteristic of that passion in early 3-outh, and which were strengthened, in his case, by a tempera- ment peculiarly ardent and sanguine, and by his want of experience of the difaculties with which its attainment is usually beset. His intention was to get one of them peformed at one of the great theatres, if possible ; but at that time, the public taste was vitiated by managers who yielded to the depraved appetites of the multitude, instead of endeavoring to cor- rect them. Mechanical wonders, cataracts of real water, brilliant scenic representations, and sights of an amphitheatricai and popular character, usurped the place of the legitimate drama, and after many distressing dif- ficulties, and much valuable time sacrificed in the attempt, he gave it up as hopeless. Gisippus is the only one of those plays that has been preserved among his papers ; the rest there is no trace of, and it is presumed they have been destroyed. It may, perhaps, be interesting to notice what the author himself says of it in a letter to his friends in Ireland, a short time before this determination was come to. " But what gives me the greatest satisfaction respecting it, is the consciousness that I have written an orig- inal play. That passion of revenge, 3"ou know was threadbare," (he alludes to the subject of one of his former pieces.) " Banim has made some sug- gestions which I have adopted ; I will finish it immediately, place it in his hands, and abide the result in following other pursuits." Snme time after the author's death, his friends having become acquainted with Mr. Charles Kean, when he was in the south of Ireland, were induced to submit it to his EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION V judgment. In a letter received from him soon after, lie says, " I have read Gisippus with the greatest attention, and though fully imi)ressed with the beautj' nf the language and the high talent displayed throughout, yet I should fear its success as an acting play, and, indeed, should be sorry to produce it on the stage." They have been given to understand that subse- quently it was submitted to the manager of one of the most respectable of the lesser theatres, who seems to have been much less touched by the beau- ties of the piece than Mr. Kean ; for when taxed subsequently by one who more fully appreciated its merits, with the want of judgment shown in letting such a play " slip through his fingers,'" he stated that " he had only read it on the outside of an omnibus." These circumstances, how- ever, are only mentioned for the purpose of showing that the legitimate drama has had difficulties to contend with, that could not readily be antici- pated, and that the merits of a piece, have not hitherto been suflicieiit to prevent its rejection. As the author's friends, notwithstanding these re- peated discouragements, felt very confident of the excellence of the play, and as the latter part of Mr. Kean's expressed opinion seemed so decided and strong, they could hardly bring themselves to believe he had given the subject all the consideration it deserved. They therefore determined to make one attempt more, and placed it in the hands of Jlr. Macready, who. after having perused it, pronounced a decided opinion in its favor. They cannot help expresssng a high degree of satisfaction, at having their pre- vious feelings on the subject thus strengthened by the decision of a person of Mr. Macready's good taste and judgment, and they look forward with confidence to the public for a confirmation of his opinion, and for the en- couragement of that desire which ho has manifested to give the English drama the position its merits entitle it to." To the reader familiar with Griffin's prose writings, we need scarcely to say, that he possessed the power of depicting strong emotion and stormy passions with consummate skill. In " Gisippus" this faculty has enabled him to clothe a somewhat original story with deep interest, as it is devel- oped through the action of the piece, by characters striking in their con- trast, and language at once energetic and harmonious. The American Siage is indebted to Mr. Anderson, for the introduction of " (Jisippus" on our boards, where his able personation of the hero, has ob- tained for the play a deserved popularity. Mr. Charles Pitt has also ac- quired a wide-spread reputation, for his beautiful embodiment of Gisippus. Mr. Pitt is so truly an intcltedual actor, and combines with this great qual- ification the equally important one of being M«^^ow, can it anger you, that I have played A mirthful humor on ye both ? I've known Long since of this, and did but seek to punish ye For your distrust. — Oh, I have laughed at ye — To see your fears, and must again — \_Aside.'] Gods, My brain is scorched ! — {Puts /lis hand to his forehead and pauses, Fulv. What mean you, Gisii)pus ? Gis. You say right, I was wrong to trifle with you. But now the jest is ended — I shall laugh. No more — oh, never — never ! I pray you, pause one moment — Fulv. My kind friend ! Gis. (Rising sloicly, and assumivg a gradual firmness.) Come this way, Fulvius ! Sweet Sopluonia I (I must no longer call thee my Sophronia !) Give me your hand too. As you gave this baud To me, even while your heart oj)posed the deed, I give it now to one who loves you dearly, [^.Toins their hands And will not find that heart against him. There, You are one. And may the Gods who look upon Those plighted hands, sliower down upon your heads Their choicest blessings. May you live and grow lu happiness ; and 1 will ask no other, Tiian to look on aud see it ; and to thank 34 GisiPPtrs. [Act II. My fate tliat I was made the instrument To bring it to your bosoms, Fuh: Oil, my lieart's physician ! Was this indeed designed, or do you mock us ? Gis. This way a secret passage will conduct you To tlie Temple porch. Medon I know has set His soul upon my marriage ; but let me meet That, consequence — the lightest. Haste — haste 1 — Your l)ride waits ; Nay, fly ! Stay not to question nor to speak ; The interruption may give space for thought, And thought may bring — madness ! Away 1 the rite Attends yon. Medon is not there — nor any Who may prevent you. With my sword and life I will dL'fcnd this passage. \_l^^it.lvlus uses an action of remonstrance, hut yields to the impetuosity of Gis., and leads Soph, out, L. D. r. Gone ! Alone ! Jiovv my head whirls, and my limbs shake and totter, As If I had done a crime. 1 have — I've lied Against my heart. What think ye now, wise world ? How shows this action in your eyes ? My sight Is thick and misty — and my ears are filled With sounds of hooting and of scorn — What should I fear ?" I will meet scorn with scoru ? It is a glorious deed that I have done. I will maintain it 'gniiist the wide world's slight, And the upljraiding of my own racked heart ! Oh 1 there I'm conquered ! l&inks into a seat, h. v. E., in a desponding altitude, takes wreath from head and looks at it. Hymn.— [ JVithout.} Wlien thy rite, as now, By youthl'iil tuugues is spoken — And yutitliful heart.-- record the vow That never may be broken — Loves like these, 'tis thine to bless/ Their's is perfect happiness ! Chorus. Loves like these, &c. [ T/i£ Curtain sloicly fulls during the. Chorus. END OF ACT U, I SCEXK I.] GISIPPU3. SI ACT III. ScE.VE I. — A Public Place near the house of Sophronia. Enter Medon a7id Friends, l. Med. Married to Fiilvius ? A free maid of Athens Bartered unto a stranger ! — All my schemes, Each plan for onr advancement, crushed and scattered — But we can reach him. There is none amongst you But is a Medon, friends ? All. Not one. Med. Then all Bear on their brows a portion of this slight Gisippiis throws upon our house. An age Will not restore us the ascendant 1 What May he deserv^e, who sunk our house in Athens ? I si Friend. A worse shame than he gave. 2d Friend. We'll send our slaves To scoff him in the streets. Med. I have a deeper penance for him : Meet me an hour hence by the Areopagus, [All cross,^. You shall know more. 1st Friend. We will not fail. \_Exeunt all but Medon, R. Med. Away, tlien ! He's ruined, and I am not sorry for it. Ho 1 Pheax 1 Enter Pheax, r. Pheax. Do not stay me — I must find Gisip[)us, and prevent his ruin — Med. How— Pheax. 1 fear to wait the telling — ■ Med. You may safely — ]I(; will come tliis way shortly. Pheax. There's a clamour Among his creditors, with whom, indeed, (For a philosoplierjhc is well j)iovid''d. And iiledged, I know, bi'yond his means. They say He gave away, with your Soplironia's contract, Tiie only hope oF compensation loft them ; But now I met old Davus, the rich usurer, Taxing his withered limbs to seek his pleader. 36 GISIFPU3. [Act III. One shrivelled arm close pinioned to his side, The liand fast clenched upon a musty parchment, Whicli, next his skin, looked fair ; the other wandering, With bony fingers stretched, in the act to grasp, (Fit emblems of the mis'H"'s double craft. Gelling and keeping) — his small weasel eyes Glanced every way at once — his countenance Looked like a mask made out of an old drum-head, In which the bones at every motion rattled From mere starvation. Flesh is a garment, sir, Far too expensive for his use. Oh ! how, As he went hobbling by me, I did curse The law that has forbid the art of beating I Enter Gisippus, b. s. e. I never had so much ado to make My right foot keep the peace. Med. (Aside.) I am glad to hear this — " Go you to Rome with Fulvius ?" Phmx. "Ay, to-morrow — '' Oh, Gisippus, ]''ve sought you. You are like To speed ill, if you tarry here. Gis (Crosses, h.) Trouble me not — I know it. Pheax. (-R.) Tliere are three of them Have ta'en possession of your villa. Nay ; 'Tis said the sale of that will not half quit The charges you have drawn upon your state, And they assail your person — Davus has Already sued for that. Med. (l.) So Gisippus — Gis. (c.) So, ISIedon — • Med. This is all you merit now From me, I am sure. You soon shall find that I Esteem the wrong you have done me, at its value !— Your jeering shall not serve. How will you excuse Your thankless slight ? Gis. (I..) Good Mcdon, I have nothing, Nothing to offer in excuse ; my foul And henious crime must e'en lie on my head ; And so — good day. Med. I've something for your ear first. Gis. You look like one who would not be at peace With the world, nor with himself. If it be so, Scene I.] gisipfcs. 3t You could not find a wretch in Greece more apt To meet you at midway, tiian he who stands Bei'ore you now. Med. I am very sure of that ; But you mistake my resohition quite : You sliall have deeper cause, soon, for tliis bravery : There's Davus, in whose danger you are placed. He will be crying for his sesterces : Look not to me for aid. Gis. To thee ? away ! Yain and presumptuous man ! I hold thee not So high in my esteem to be thy debtor, If thou should'st sue for it. Med. You shall hear from me. [Exit, r. s. e. Phcax. (v..) This is his nature. Gis. fc.J Oh ! I blame him not. We that do study things in their first cause, Are not so quickly moved by the effect : 'Twas his fate that denied him so much heart To comprehend An act of free, disinterested friendship, Of friendship and of love, deep love, ISophronia I Gods I — there are men u])on this earth, who seem So mixed and moulded with this earth — so like Mere, dull, material engines — that for all The purposes for which man looks to man, It were as well a piece of curious mechanism Walked in humanity's name, nnd wore its semblance. " Enter TnooN, r. " Oh 1 you are come ?" Fheax. I much fear Medon's malice May work some evil 'gainst you : I will follow him, And bring you news, should anv danger threaten. [Exit. ' Gis. Well, what says Davus ? " Thoon. lie says you have deceived him villainously, " And he will give no time. " Gis. Did you not tell him " That which I bade you, as touching Fulvius ? " Tkoon. I did, and so iimeli mercy found 1 in hira, " He gave you one whole hour to try that chance. " Gis. Chance? Pish ! — Ah, heaven I they are here 1" I thank you, Pheax — Davus and minions 1 [^Seeing tliem, r. 83 GISIPPTTS. [Act III Enter Davus and Officers, n. Davux. Yondcr's your prisoner. Gis. Wliero's the time you promised ? Davus. I am ohaiigx'd, And will not tlirust you — Fulvius is for Rome. Gis. I toll you now again, as I have said, You shall not be defeated of your own. Before night close I will satisfy you, But leave the means to me. Ddvna. I will not take Tlie promise of a sybil, if tlie certainty Rest in my hands. Advance 1 Gis Then, hy the Gods, " [^Drawing. !My freedom shall be dearer than my life, Or his who dares assail it. Davus. Heed him not — You've numbers, and authority to aid you. Gis. They shall be needed. Enter Fulvius and Xorbax, l Fulv. Hold I hold ! Gisippus — [Gisippus crosses quickly to Davus. Gis. (Apart to Davus earnesLly.) By the lienor of my name — by ail I've lost, And all I hope to gain — I swear to you, You shall be satislied l)efore to-night ; But leave me now — and free till then. — Hush ! speak not — !My hojie — life — hangs upon it ! — Let me pray you, — I will deserve this kindness. — At my villa — Tliou kuowest the sjiot — You'll find me grateful, Davus. \_Davws, c^'C, go out, R. Gisippus remains looking after them. Fulv. (\.. c.) "What men are these? What meant this brawl, Gisippus ? Gis. (r. c.) Insolent knaves ! — I was about to amerce them for it, Had you not crossed me. Words bred from a trifle, And now forgot. Fulvius, I give you joy. Fulv. Thanks for the cause. Gis. I have sometliing, Fulvius, If you are not o'er pressed for time, to give Your private ear. Scene I.] gisippus. t9 Fulv. Go to your lady, boy, — I will attend her quickly. \^Exit Norhan, r. Gh. (Aside.) How sliall I tell ? Will it not appear As I took ray ground upon my claim and sought The very time it could be least resisted ? Fidv. What, musing, Gisippus? "What would you stay me for? " Gis. (Aside.) And yet — to think "For such a — uothing — which, without regard "To that which cannot be repaid, he owes me, " And far above, " My very life should now be put in question, " Or more — my freedom here — ^' Full'." What syllogism [Advancing to hivi. Do you hunt down now, Gisippus ? Pray you, jump To your conclusion, and dismiss me quickly. Gis. I am glad to see your ancient spirit live again. (Aside.) I do him wrong to hesitate — Full'. Gisippus — Thus do we stand. My time is limited By her, to whom, as yet, I owe it all ; You can allow for this ? Gis. Indeed ! so absolute ? Well, I will not obstruct your pleasures, Fulvins — You had better leave at once. [Crosses, l. Fulv. Psha ! — now you are angry. Gis. Come — I will tell thee that which troubles me, And in a few words. When your Sophrouia — Be-enlcr Nop.ban, r. Nor. A message from the QuoBstor. Gis. So soon cut short 1 Enter a Centcrion, r., who gives a scroll to Fuhiiis. Fulv. Come to prevent my wishes ? — (Reads.) Ha I my friend — Kow give me joy, indeed. I'm greeted here With an appointment from the Emperor, In the Eastern wars — If fortune hold her humor, I shall be rich in every happiness Tliat friendship, love, and honor can bestow- As the mad promise of the wildest hope That ever killed Content. 40 Gisippus, [Act. III. Gix. Your joy is mine — ■ Fill. I have a faith in that. Gis. Now, Fulvius, hear me — Ful. ( To Centurion.) If memory err not widely, 'tis four years Since, in those very regions, Anthony Unwove the web Ventidius had spun Willi Roman toil, and dyed with Roman blood. You served him in those wars ? [ Centurion lows. Come to ray house, [^Crosses, k. You are my guest until we leave together ; We will retrieve the shame of that discomfiture, And call young glories from Armenian fields To grace the statues of our children's children. \_Exit tcith JYorban and Centurion, R. Gis. Why, welcome, then, imprisonment and ruin ? Light-hearted youth ; and yet it is but lightness. " 'Tis true, a gift not freely given, is none, " And gratitude itself is compensation ; " Then what care I, if his remain unpaid V Reenter Fulvius, r. Ay, memory, have ye woke ? Fnlv. I liad forgot — Friend ! Gisippus ! — Gis. I thank thee, Fulvius — I thought you should not leave me. Did you know IIow deep a fear thy coming hath dispersed. You'd say I had a cause — Fulv. What fear ? Gis. No matter — 'Tis gone — you are returned — " and I am satisfied"^ I will suspect no more. Fidv. Did you, then, doubt me ? I had forgot- — you told me 'twas a matter Of .serious import that you wished to speak on. Gis. And so it is. But at some other time I can detail it more at ease — you're now Too happy to attend me. Will you promise To come this even lo my villa, near The suburbs, and I'll give you all. Fuh. Most willingly. Scene I,] gisippus. 41 Gis. You bridegrooms have short memories. Will you strive To keep it on yoiir's, Fnlvius ? Fulv. Good Gisippus, I will not swear ; l)ut I will say, indeed, Tlie frieudsliip I profess lies not wholly Ui)0ii my lip, as that request would say ; 'Twill be no toil to keep it on my memory. trif. Enough. Let ruin shake lier wintry wings Over my sunny Fortunes — blight and darken tliem I Let ))Iistering tongues be busy with my name, And that — and all the comforts 1 have known Pass from me, to return no more. Thou, Fulvius, Shall have no part in the dread consummation, And I can bear it calmly. Fulv. Yet I hope You ne'er may need that consciousness Gis. I thank thee, Aud it is my hope, too. Farewell, my friend ; But fail not of your word, if you would have Tiiat hope made true. Hope is not kin to fate, And there's a discord when they meet and jar. The heart's ease dies to witness. Fare ye well I ( Fxit Fulvius, R. 1 am a truster — and, I fear, a fond one, And yet could doubt. — What, Pheax ? Enter Piieax rapidli/, r. s. e. Pheax. Oh, Gisippus ! Gis. What is the matter ? Give your wonder words. Fkeax. You arc my friend. Oh, 1 have a tale for you j Gisippus, if you take my counsel. You'll not remain in Athens. Gts. Not remain In Athens ? Pheax. No — 'tis known — Gis. What's known? Pheax. That you Have given Sophronia to the Roman Gis. Oh 1 They know it ? I am glad of it. They know That 1 have given her to her ancient love, f And my first friend. \A'hat do their wisdoms say? i 42 Gisippus. [Act III. Upon this novel guilt? If it be crime To give my heart, life, soul, away — For tliou to me wer't all, Sophronia — if it be a crime I'o tear up my own comfort by tlie roots, To make a garland for anotlier's head, Then I have sinned most deeply, and my reason Sliall venerate tlieir censure. Plimx. Oil, Gisippus ! You jest, upon a mine — You are in peril 1 All Athens is incensed against you and Your Roman friend : they practise on your safety Even this moment they are met Before the Areopagus. Gh. I pray you, Pheax, What statute in our code makes giving penal? Cold, miserable slaves ! Pheax. Nay, 'tis not so ; The charge is deep and foul. Gis. What is it ? Pheax. I dare not say it. Gis. Come, come, out with it ! Quick I There is more daring iu your silence. Pheax. Thus, then. They have spoken loudly of your wants, my friend, And Fulvius' wealth. You start? Ay, that's the charge ! They trump it to the state that you have had !Meau views in this. But it has struck you deep — You do not speak? You do not answer me ? Gis. 1 cannot speak my thought ! I'm wonder I rage And wonder, all ! (PausM. The furies tear their hearts — lash them with worse Than the fell stings they've cast on mine 1 Gods! what I Make venal that 1 gave my peace to purchase ; And to my friend ! — Give me the slanderer's name, That 1 may tear the lying tongue from out Ills jaws, and "trample on the — I am choked; '■ I caimot find a voice to curse them. "Pheax. Friend 1 " Gis. Gold ! trash ! " What ! truck and barter name and happiness? " Who could have dieanidd this? Oh! this stabs home I '' Though that the devil of gain had mastered so «' Men's hearts — they felt ar.d owned no warmer impulse. Scene II.] gisippus. 43 "None but a devil conld have foreseen a slander " So tainting and so foul. Pah 1 it is vile I" riicax. Let it not move you thus, Gls. Let it not move me ! I tell thee, were this calumny but breathed In the silence of the niglit to a deaf ear — Could I but know that it was born in thought, Though never uttered — 'twould move me more than ruin, Than loss of wealth, and every temporal good. But told through Athens ! registered in her courts ! Oh, Jove, destroy my consciousness at once, And that way give me rest, Pluax. But Fulvius — Gis. Ay, well thought on. Fulvius ! You'll meet him ere this even. Whatever fails, Bid him remember his appointment with rae. These troubles rush in floods upon me now. And I must ask another hand to stem them. Pheax. Where do you meet, then 1 Gis. At my villa. PJieax. There ! You are deceived, my friend. Gis. He has promised. Phmx. Trust me, He cannot do it. Gis. I tell thee, he hath promised. Pheax. He has deceived you, then. Gis. How I On my need ! Deceive me? — Fare you well 1 Believe me, You are deep in error, sir. {^Exeunt severally, Gis. l., Pheax, r. Scene II. — Before the Villa of Gisippus. — Evening. Enter Fulvius and Attendants, k. Fulv. Your lady is before ? Attcn. She waits your coming. Fulv. (u) Stay ! is not this the villa of Gisippus ? — I cannot stop now. Come — follow — I will send a packet to him, To tell him of this sudden chance. The train Is gone l)ofore ? 2d Allen. It is, my lord. Fulv. Away, then 1 (Exeunt, l., Fulviut writing. 4A Qisiprus. [Act 111. "Elite)- Gisippus. " Gis'. I'll have tliee onl}' — let them take all else, " My natal bower, home of my infancy, " My hope's first nurse thou wert, and thou shalt be "The tomb of its decline. Hark 1 hush ! a stir? (Goes toivards the villa. " All's still as death ! Davus has not been here " With his minions. Fulvius, too, not yet arrived 1 " He's not impatient in it — and yet, weighing " His feelings now, by those which once were mine, " His stay should not make me so. Soft you ! Chremcs I " Appointed, too, for travel ! (Enters the house." Enter Pheax, Chkemes, Lycias, and three Slaves with luggage, R. Chrc. Go, overtake thy comrades. Ilei'e, did he say ? (To Pheax. Pheax. (n.) Who, my friend ! Medon ? Yes? He bade me tarry here but for one hour, He would attend you. Chrc. I cannot stay his snail-paced movements ; Fulvius, I see, is hurrying on — we must overtake him ! Haste, fellows 1 You wait Gisippus here. Pheax. Ay, and could wish it were with more of com fort. Chre. Medon and I escort the bride to Rome. Lycias ! 'Lye. (l.; Well ! Chre. (c.) Now, What tiiiiik yon of this honeymoon travelling ? How will it meet the approval of your lady ? Lye. I busy not myself about my betters, But to obey them. Chre. You are right. Lye. I wanted not Your word for that. Chre. I have a strange foreboding That you and I will ciuarrel one day. Lye. Like enough. Chre. Thou art the most ill-favored knave ! Lye. I am glad You think so. Scene II.] gisippcs 45 Chrt. AVhy ? Lye. I shall tliink better of My iuoks from this day forward Chrt. Do I lie, then ? Iajc. Few Greeks make much of that. Chrt. Go, joiu the train ; Bnt that thou a"t an useful slave, and I Have weightier matters now upon my hands, I'd beat respect into thee ! Lye. Hate and hypocrisy May come that way — IlL-spect's a sturdier fellow. But that you arc my master's friend, you should not Reyjeat that threat, Greek ! \^]Zxit Lycias, L. Chre. Did you ever see such an ill-conditioned slave? But fare ye well : — Dull life for you in Athens, Whilst we are revelling: in Rome. Tell Medon I could not tarry. I must needs see Fulvius, — He's yet in sight. Farewell. [^Eiit Chremes, l. Pheax. Farewell, good Chremes. Too light of heart e'en for a passing thought. That bears gloom with it. Gisippus not arrived I Oh, ray friend ! Enter Gisjptvs from the house, vs.. s. E. You are true to your appointment. Gis. (Advancing, r. c.) Is it a fault ? Pheax. (i,.) iSow, I'll be sworn you have not yet for- given me For doubting Fulvius. Gis. And did you doubt him ? Pheax. No. You say truly : him I do not doubt ; His will, I am sure, is true — It is the circumstance Prevents him from fullilling liis engagement. Gis. Prevents him 'i Pheax. Why, you surely do not now E.x'pcct him ? G'tv. Pheax, I beseech you leave me, Your jesting is ill-timed. \_Crosses, u Pheax. You are too petulant, IMy friend. Have you not heard that Fulvius Has been counnaiided for A rmenia ? Gis. All hath been told me. Now, I pray you, go I I know he has had letters of such import. 46 Gisippus. [Act III. And that he will obey them and depart To-morrow even. FIttax. This even, my friend. Gu. To-morrow even — Pheax. (r.) This even — This nig-ht — tliis very iiour— he hatli arranged All. Tiiere has been a second messenger, To bid him to the camp this very hour. Clireuies goes to Rome, witli Medon and Sophronia ; ]S'or is it like they will again behold Your friend, 'till the campaign l->e ended. Gis. (l.) Pheax ! my friend 1 P/'ieax. Nay — I seek but to prepare you for the truth 1 1 will not answer tiice In words ; but look you yonder ! [Poitidiig of, u 'Tis his train — You know he bade them wait on yonder hill. Gis. I see it ! — but — but — " U, ye mighty Gods, Can tliere be truth in this?" lie is not with them 1 He has sent his train before, and tarries yet, To — Ho ! they disappear along the hills, " And if he bed in speaking of tlie time, " Why may not all be false that he has uttered ?" The Gods do know I fear the consequence JVo tithe, so much as finding my heart fooled In its free conlideuce. Yon still look doubtingly : Do you think he will deceive me ? Ho you think He will not come ? Have I given up my love, my all. To worthless hands ? Ho you think — Oh, peace ! I will As soon cower on my knee, and dread the toppling Of far Ilymettus on my villa here, As a fall in Fulvius' friendship, or the word He once hath plight. I stand upon his honor. And 'tis proud ground. Oh, I can laugh at doubting. \_A distant shout is heard. What are those sounds ? Pheax. (r.) Do you not know your cause Is now in question ? I came to tell the news, AVliioh I am grieved to utter — but 'tis true, That it goes hardly forward. Gis. Let it go Even as it will. I care not now : I'm heedless Scene II.] gisippus. 4t Of all the external properties of life. I have braced np my heart to meet the worst Tliat fate can cast npou my fortunes ; all Tliat men call evil, 1 can meet and suffer : While one — one only fear is spared me. — Enter Ciiremes, icilh a scroll, h. Chre. Fulvins sends — Gis. (Eagerly.) Ila ! sayest thou ! Well ! Oh, un- believer, look, And let thy Sjiirit bhish for grace ! — (To Pheax.) What says lie ? Where didst thou leave him ? How ? When will he come ? Speak ! speak ! — •• Chre. He cannot come, Gisippus. [Gisippiis starts. Flmix. (ix.) lie is witli iiis train — Chre. (\..) He is far before it, Pheax. He has taken horse Witl; the Centurion. '' Phcnx. (To Gis.) Look not on't thus ghastly 1 " What is the consequence tliat makes you dread " His absence thus?" Ckre. lie bade me say, this letter Would give you Iiis reason. Gis. (After a pause, taking the kttcr.) Merciful Jove 1 Is't, so ? 1 was mistaken in thee, Fulvius. " Ilonesly " Il:;tli oit Ixfore been made the dnpe of seeming." Look ! as I tear tliis scroll — By liie just Gods ! I tliouglit there was but one true heart on earth, And was decteived ! — " It is as black and false " As hell could make it." — As I tear this scroll, Piece ai'ter piece, and crush it in tiie dust. So I alijure tlie wretch who mocked me with it, For ever ! — What !— Oh, I am dealt with, Most justly — oh, most nie( tly — " Mighty heaven 1 * " J cannot see well yet" — Forgot ! — Forsaken ! Pheax. (l.) I'll write to him — Gis. I'll cleave thee to the earth. If thou will, say that word again ! — No, no -, * The gratitude that must be roused from slumber 48 6ISIPPU3. [Act III. ]s never worth the waking — Let it sleep ! IS.houts, r Ag-aiii ! hark ! — rheax. Ue at peace, I see the citizens Are coming forth. Remain : I'll soon return, And tell tliee of the issue. \_Exit Pkeax, r. Gis. Now 1 would That there were fierce wars in Greece ! Oh, Gods ! The comfort of a lawful suicide ! The joy of hunting after death, when life, Grown hopeless, goads us to the chase I the rapture Of meeting him bare-bn^asted on the iield. Amid the roar of light that shuts out thought, And rushing to his blood-red arms, without The fear of the high heaven's displeasure. Ee-eriicr Piieax, r. Phmx. Friend ! Gis. The judgment? hatli it passed? Stay I stay! I read it in thine eyes. It is a doom Too terrible. But — Well ! the sentence ? riieax. You've been decreed the slave of your chief creditor, Davus. Gis. Not that ! A sv/ord and buckler, Gods ! And an unfettered hand ! Then, fate, I dare thee J'o prove my heart is softer than a man's Should be. Cast me free upon the world, With all my injuries upon my head, [ still will move your wonder — and mine own ; But slavery I Oh, Gods 1 no, no I [^Crosses, r. Phcax. There is A way to shun it. Gis. Oh ! Pheax. Fly ! Gis. Oh, cold ingratn ! That he should leave me thus I 'Tis well Pheax. They come ! Gis. You do not— cannot feel how much he owes me 1 But you are right, I am free yet ! [Rus/uiio- ind,h., is^ stopped by Medon, icith two or thru friends mcetivg hhn, l. s. e. • Meil. Not so. Scene II.] gisippus. 4S Gis. Ua ! hence ! Thou causeless hater 1 Art thou come To look upon the proud man's ruin ? Hence 1 I have no part with thee. TIiou art to me a thing material, iliiiidless and heartless — a mere physical hindrance j As such I put tliee from my path, unmoved And so forget thee. Enter Davus, accompanied hy a Sicilian Merchant, and three Ojficers. — Gisippus is seized, Med. (h.) Ha 1 How this scorn Becomes the slave of Davus 1 Davus. (To Gis.) Not m;/ slave 1 Oh, not my slave, indeed. 1 have sold yc, Gisippus, To tliis worthy man. He sails for Sicily To-night, and you must with him. Gis. (c.) Sicily ? — IPausing. Ha !— Rome — I am content. Davus. You would be proud To know how dearly I have sold ye, Gisippus. (Shows a parchment to Gisippus, xchich he hands to Chremes. Gis. Give this to — ha ! ha 1 my young friend 1 — and bid him Bind it up with his laurels — Fare ye well ! \_Gives his hand listlessly to Pheax. Chre. All will yet be well, Gisippus. Gis. Ay, like enough ; Fare ye well. — Rome ? — (Aside.) It may be done. — Come on ; I am ready to attend you, sirs — the dust Is ou my head ; I'll be a patient bondsman. [^Exeunt Mcdon and Chremes, l., Gisippus and the rest, R. END OF ACT III. 60 Gisippus. [Act IV ACT IV. Scene I. — A vingnificent Ante-Room in the Palace of Fuhiux, at Rome. Chorus and shouting heard without. HYMN. Welcome home ! welcome home ! Guardians of the weal of Rome. Over land and over sea, The eajrle's wings spread gallantly. Guardians of the weal of Kome, Welcome home ! welcome home ! [During the Chorus, which is heard nearer and more dis- tincllii, Soldiers cross from L. to r. s. e„ with spoils and trophies, then enter the Servants. 1st Ser. It is our lord. They're now before the palace. 2'd Scr. Haste, man, the show'll be past. Are we too late ? [ To Macro, entering. Macro. i\o questions now : I've letters for Sophronia — Lead me to ber. [ To Servant. You'll be in time for Fulvius ; He's now passing. — Lead on, sir. [Exeunt Macro and Servants, l. s. e. Enter Medox and Chremes, with Xorban, l. Med. Go, boy — wake up your lady. Nor. She is ill, sir. Med. She must not be ill, sir ; 111 on the morn of her lord's triumph ! — Go — He will be terribly angry if he come And find her ill. Bid her get well again, And speedily, if she would keep his favor. Nor. I'll tell her so, sir. [Exit, n. s. & M<.d. (k.) Do so, sii\ I know The cause of this : some new neglect from Fulvius. Chre. (l.) Why do you let him treat your sister so ? Med. Why do I let him treat myself still worse ? These swift successes have completely changed him ; He's prouder than the emperor, and looks On his old friends as they were born his bondsmen ; All but you, Chremes. You are still his friend. His bosom counsellor ; for poor Sophronia. Scene I.] gisippus. 51 She is the first wife that was ever jealous Of her husband's reputation. Ckre. We must let liim Tire of his higli-flown wislies quietly. Some check of fate may humble him, and turn His heart into its old affections yet. Enter Sophronia attended hy four Ladies, B. Med. Good day, Sophronia — Chre. (Crosses to her.) Madam, I have news for you You will be glad to hear. Snj)h. Tliese letters and the din of shouting crowds Have made them stale, good Chrcmes ; But tell your news. Clue. Your lord now enters Rome, The Senate have decreed him an ovation For his late conquests in Armenia. Soph. How does he, sir ? Chre. Still discontented. He says, had th' Emperor been half so prosperous. He liad had a triumph, and fifteen days' thanksgiving 1 But he must rest content with an ovation — A ))Oor ovation. ^V^A. (-R.) Nothing would content him — The lionors lie aspires to, when he gains tliem, Look mean and worthless in his eyes ; but this Becomes not me to say. i)!ed. (h.) What, do you mourn At this? Chre. (c.) He is made Pra;tor, too. Soph. 1 would I were once more in Athens — never knew What love — nor what neglect was. Med. Ay — I know Who would have made a kinder husband. You are sorry for your scorn of Gisippus. ■ Chre. Hush ! Sojph. Have yon heard of him since, Chremcs ? Chre. No, madam. iUiph. Poor Gisippus ! — Nor told my lord his faie ? Chre. Miidam, 1 thought that would have been a vain cruelty M Gisiprus. Act IV. Till I hnd found Gisippus, and given Fulvios The power of )'et redeeming past neglects. Soph. Perhaps yon were right. Chre. Oh ! I am sure I was. Soph. When may I look for Fulvius 1 If he thinks My welcome worth the having, he is sure of it. I shall be glad to see him. Chre. I pray you, seem so, madam, He will be disappointed, else, lie was impatient, so he bade me say, [Distant shouts of ' lo* Until the Senate's will dismissed him home, To hear his sweetest welcome from your lips. [Shoiits without, L., of ^ lo the Prcetor' They come ! Med. 'Tis he, Sophronia ! [Shouts. Officers. (Entering, L.j The Prsetor ! Kilter Fulvius, attended, as from a triumph, l. Fuh. Oh ! young Athenian, I am glad to see thee ! From the general this — This greeting from the Praetor — and a long kiss From tlie Roman boy, who wound himself into The heart of a proud lady some while since By a temple porch at Corinth. Soph. jVIy dear lord ! Fulr. Tiiese weighty honors which my country throws Upon my hands, wean me from quiet fast. I would they let me stay in humbleness Witli thee, and found some more ambitious mark For favor. Ay, you smile, but it is true. Soph. I would it were, Fulvius. Fidv. It is, believe me. Come, where are your sports ? I must have naught but smiles and happy faces For these few days at least, the Senate gives me ; But ever hohday looks from thee, Sophronia, Come, let us see your revels. [Shouts of ' lo.^ — Exeunt all hut Chremes and Lycias, r. Chre. (r.) I saw thee grinning at the porch but now, As I passed in : what meant ye ? Lye. (h.) Do not ask me : I am at your command — give me your orders, And let me go at once. Scene I.] gisippus. 53 Chre. (Crosses lJ Then make all ready ; Bid the dancers shake their legs and put their toes ia order, And the musicians puff themselves into wind-gods, Men of immortal lungs. Let the cook look to it : If he so far forget his office as The matter of a snipe's wing burnt, he dies ! We'll have him served up in one of his own dishes, And save a goose by it. — Lastly, for thyself, When you have done this, get into some corner, And be not seen until the feasting's ended — That face would mar all merriment. Lye. (n.) I hear you. Chre. And no more silent jeers or sneering, if You love unbroken bones. Lye. Pish ! pish ! Chre. (c.) Speak out, dog I What say you ? Lye. I hate talking. Chre. You hate everything, I do believe. Lye. A great many. Chre. Empty fool 1 Where learned ye this affected sullenness I Y''ou are ever growling — Do you never bite ? Lye. I have no cause. Chre. Fool, knave 1 Are these no cause ? Lye. Koue. Do your words pinch, maim, or wound me ? Say, I call you idiot — brainless boy — puffed beggar — Do these words leave their marks upon ye ? Ha ! [ Chremes strikes him, Y'ou have done it now 1 — [ Seizes Chremes , and draws a dagger Enter Fulvius and Medon, k. s. e. Fulv. Ho 1 Lycias ! how is this ! A dagger drawn in your lord's house ? — Vile slave, Do you dare indulge your ruffian humors here? What ! Chremes, too ? lyyc. He struck me without cause. Chre. Why, faith— I did so, Ffdo I am weary of 64 Gisippus. Act IV. Your causeless jarring, and mnst end them quickly. For you, sir, here's a quittance for your services — I have done with you — [Gives money — Lycias crosses, L. Chre. Kay, Fulvius — 'tis too much. Fulv. It shall be as I say — Away 1 Lye. (To Chnmes.) Ileniembcr, You struck me without a cause. Fnlv. What does he mutter ? Chre. I care not. Lye. You may care ere loug. [Exit, l. Fulv. (c.; this letter Dispatch to Baix, to the Emperor. \_Medon crosses and exit, l I have a herd of clients yet to see. Chremes, attend me, we'll soon dismiss them, And tlieu I have a charge of grave import For thee, ere I proceed uuto the Capitol. [Exeunt, l. Scene II. — Near the Capitol, hefore a poor Inn. — Distant Music heard at intervals. Enter Murius, from Inn, c. Mutius. This way, sir — this way. I have now at last Told you my mind ; I pray you understand The course that I would have you take. Gisippus enters from the house, L. D. f., in a mean garb ; his countenance pule and wasted, his hair hanging neglected on his shoulders, and his whole appearance comj/ietcly changed. lie leans against the doorway. Gis. (l. c.) I pray you, do not send me forth to-night ; I am a stranger in Rome, and evening falls already, I will but draw my toga o'er my head, And lie against your fire. Mutius. It must not be. Gis. Are you so hard ? Well, Roman, I'll not press it. But pray you, say what festal sounds are these That ring through the wide city ? Whose is yon mansion ? It is a splendid one. Mutius. Splendid, indeed I What else should be the abode of Titus Fulvins ? Gis. ( Coming forward quickly.) Of Titus Fulvius 7 Mutius. Titus Fulvius. Are yoa SCKNE II.J GISIPPUS. 55 So lonp; ill Home, and know not Titus Fulvins ? If you would feast your eyes with the sight of a great man, Stand close ; he will come this way presently ; You'll not mind fasting for three days after. lExit into fioii<:e, l. Gis. Know Fnlvius ? I had known less of man, and more of peace, Had 1 ne'er known him. Oh, weak, failing pride I Do you desert me now I need ye most ? " Will you, who have upborne my soul against " The tyraimy of passion, leave me now, " To humble in my fall ?" Oh, for a spot Of green, Greek turf ! a little — to hide My woes, my memory, and my doubts together I Where must I wander now ? The dews of evo Fall on me, and I have no home of shelter To shroud me till the morn-break. I will seek one — But — what do I behold ? The gate is opened, And — hush ! my sense be steady for one moment— That's Chremes — and — by all my miseries, 'Tis he himself I Where shall 1 hide me ? Heavens I ^Knocks at the door. What ! ho — within ! They came upon me this way — Well ? wherefore should 1 shun him ? Let him blush : The shame's not mine — I grew to this for him. Ha ! should I stay ? I'll try If he will know me yet. But I'll not speak- No, no, I'll merely look into his eyes. And— Enter FcLVius nnd Xorban, mth .Licfors, Citizens prpssinir on him. Giaippus stands on the opposite side of the stage, gazing intently on Fulvins, his cloak drawn close around his neclc so us to conceal pari of his features. 1st Cit. My lord — my noble lord — Id Cit. My lord, I pray you, hear me. Fidv. (l.j Good citizens, I cannot now attend. If you will meet betimes at the capitol, I will to-morrow hear your grievances ; And if their remedy lie in my power, S6 6ISIPPUS. [Act IV. Rest assured jou shall not feel them long. • Citizens. To-morrow 1 to-morrow ! Enter Chremes, with scroll, L. ist Cit. Then we will meet there, Fulvius. Fulv. As you please. It shall be as I say, believe me, friends. Chines. Long live the Pra3tor ! Citizens. Do you hear that ? " Friends 1" Long live our noble Prsetor I [ S/inut, — Exeunt Citizens, R. and l. — Fulvius looks at Gisippus. xcho lowers his toga a little as he meets his eye. — Fnlvius turns carelessly away. Gis. (■&.) The eye can be as vocal as the tongue, And his hath told me I am known. Ftdv. (l.) You to your mistress go — bid her expect me Yet earlier than she looked for. Exit Norban, l. s. e. Chrc. (h.) i'ulvius, I spoke with Yarro on that matter now ; He could do nothing. Fulv. Nothing ! Did he give you Ilis reasons ? Chre. They were of such a kind, he said, As could be only trusted to yourself ; This letter will disclose them. Gis. Silent yet ? I would I were beneath the deepest wave Of dark Tyrrhene, to hope or doubt no more. " There is a fate that chains me to this ground, " A spell about my feet and on my strength, " Aud I must wait the sentence of liis eye." [Fiili-ius talks apart with Chremzs. Chre. Then as you bid me, Fulvius, I will act, Though still, I fear, in vain, Fulv. Have I not said ? Away ! if you should fail, I will myself Atlem|)t him. Will you take a guard along ? You pass the burying-ground of Afer, aud The night is falling. Chre. Not I. I wear my guard upon me. \Exit l, [Fulvius motions the Lictors forward. They approach Gisippus, who stands fall in the way of Fulvius. Scene II.] gisippus. 67 Fulv. On, lictors ! (Reading a letter.') Varro refuse my first request ! \sl Lie. Stand back 1 Way for the Prajtor ! Gis. I would speak with the Prsetor. \st Lie. Thou speak with him ? A Greek dog bar the Praetor's way in Rome ? Fulv. What words are these ? Who's he disputes our way? Ho ! smite him to earth, if he will not Give room. — Back, slave, and know your place ! On, lictors ! \_A Lidor strikes Gis. aside — they all pass off, r. Gis. Bright Jove ! Art thou the stranger's keeper ? Let me press My head — and crush the thought to rest for ever. \_He presses his forehead with his hands and remains motionless. Re-enter Chremes, l. Chre. One thing I had forgot. What 1 gone already I Ho ! Fulvius 1 Gis. (c. — starihig.) Curse him, heavens 1 who'er thou art. Let dumbness seize thee ever for that word 1 I had just then begun to tell my soul 'J'liat'it was false, that I had never heard The name ; and I was tlj'opping quietly Into a dull, a thick, oljlivious madness. That busy, meddling tongue has waked my heart To memory, sense and agony again. [Crosses, L. Chre. (r.) What means this ! Gis. Oh ! I see and know thee now. You are Chremes, the Athenian ? Worthy mates 1 He is gone that way — Titus Fulvius, Did you not call him ? You are fitted friends — Two heartless, thankless, mean self-seekers — villains ! [ Crosses to n. Chre. Madman 1 "Gis. ( Claspivg his ha)ids.) Oh 1 would to heaven it were so with me. " Chre. Who art thou ? what—" 58 Gisippus. [Act IV. Gis. I am Gisippns. Ckre. Heavens ! Gif. Yoit knew me well. C/ire. {Affcr a pause.) Though yon had been my bro- ther, Gisippus,, The wondrous, fearful change that has come o'er thee, Had been enough to baffle memory. Even when instinctive nature helped its efforts. " My friend ! my countryman !" Could you suppose me That traitor to old Greece, and pleasant Athens, To meet her exiled son, and the companion Of my scliool-days, and pass him knowingly In a strange land ? I pray you, ])e convinced That you have wronged me. " I have sought you long, " And uow rejoice to find ye. By this hand, " This hand tliat I am glad to grasp — I do." Gis. I must believe you, sir — " And yet, though I should grieve to think you scorned me, ** I should not wonder, In this dark, false world, " ^Nothing shall ever now surprise me more." Pray, come not near me, sir ; you are a soldier, And wear the amis of honor. " I have, too, " A sword, but long forgot the use of it." I am an abject thing — a beaten wretch — [Crosses, l. "Furies and hell ! Oh, peace ! peace ! Sleep and death I" Chre. (u.) What is it moves yon thus ? Gis. (Going, c.) "Oh, cursed memory !" You see me where I stand before you, Chremes — It was not so when you have known me better. You can remember what I was ; you know How sweet, how fair a light of promise, fortune Shed on my days of youtli. You know how warmly ^ly confident soul opened itself to Fulvius ; "i'ou know, too, somewhat more than at this time My tongue can freely utter. AVould you think How all that bus been answered ? Chre- (r.) With a truer And deeper gratitude than you believe. Gis. This is that gratitude : — indeed, a deep one, " Too deep for me to find its virtue." Hear 1 When I left Athens. Despised and hated by my fellow-citizens, SCEKE II.] GISIPPUS. 59 Yet r.aujrht repenting :hat which I had done, I toiled for freedom, gained it, and set forth To Rome. You start ! Was that a meanness ? No I True, he liad wronged me ; and my pride was stung by it. Alas ! you know not, sir, how very quietly And silently that same tall fabric, pride, Is sapped and scattered by adversity, Even while we deem it still unmoved, unshaken: Ke was my friend once — and my life now, having No aim nor oljject, 1 said within myself — That I would luok once more upon the happiness I had raised from the wreck of mine own hopes, And so to deatli or solitude. Look here, sir ; Here — here I met him ; here he bade his slave Strike me from out his path ! — his own high hand Scorned the low office — here his ruilian smote me I And here I stand to tell it ! "CV//«. Yet — " Gls. No hasty judgment 1 " Believe me I'm not sunk so low to bear that ; " But a strange immbness crept upon my senses, " And left me cold and powerless." Chre. You Are over-apt ('and tis most natural in you, J To fancy wliat you feared was real. — Trust me, You are dtceived to tliink that Fulvius knew you ; " Ilis fortunes have, indeed, altered him strangely, " But yet he is not what you deem him. " Gis. Til is "Is kindly meant in yon — I thank you for it ; ^ " But I liave eyes and ears, and a heart, Chremes, " To see, and iiear, and feel what passes round me, " Even as it doth pass." Fulvius knew me well ! [Going, u "1 thank you, tliougli, that you should seek to give me " Tin; bliss of thinking otherwise." Clue. GisippiiK, You do not go yet ! Gis. Wherefore should I stay ? Chre Come with me to his palace. (lis. To his ))alace '( What ? Be indeed a beggar ? The Tiber to my bed, first, 1 60 GIS1PPU3. [Act IV. Chrt. Hear me, Gisippus 1 Gis. Yon are the only man tliat knows of this ; How if you should betray me now, and pubh'sh INly shame unto the world ? " You are like to do it. " I have known liars with as clear a brow " As that. And if you should by the just Gods, " I would not rest, sleep, jjink, till I had toi n. " Your heart out and destroyed" — but you'll not do it. You know me better. If you'd have me honor you, You will not speak of this to your general. Farewell! I'll meet ye soon again ! \_Gomg,h. Chre. :My friend ! Gis. No friend ! I charge ye, call me brother Greek, But friend ! ]S'o, no, friendship and I have found Each other out, shook hands, and parted quietly. [jEiil Gisippus, L. Chre. He's gone I poor Gisippus ! how worn, who changed ! Here is a humbler for the pride of Fulvius 1 But may not some device be yet invented To reconcile the friends once more ? I'll think on't. As I proceed, 'tis worth the plotting. [l^xit, p.. Scene III. — A Buiying Ground. Night. Gisippus discovered seated on a tomb, l. Gis. This is death's court ; Here does he hold his reign of stirless fear, Silence his throne — his robe of majesty The hue of gathering darkness. "Here his minister, " The night-bird screams, and the hoarse raven iterates " His warning from the left." Diseases flit Like spectres through the gloom, clothed in damp mist And tainted night-air — yet the grim slayer Will send no kindly shaft to me, \_Goes to r. Will the dead Afford me what the living have denied — Rest for my weary limbs, and shelter ? Here At least I shall find quiet, if not ease, A.nd host who do not gaudge their entertaining, Evan though the guest be misery. Colder hearts Than those which rest withiu this sepulchre, Scene III.] gisippus. 61 I've left all in the health of lusty life, Informing l)osoms harder than its marble. Then I will be your guest, ye silent dead, Would I could say, your fellow sluraberer ! [He enters the tomb. Lycias comes from behind tomb looks off, R., then again conceals kiviself. Chremes wrapped in his mantle, passes over the stage, dogged by Lucias. A clashivg of swords is heard toitkout l. v.e. Chre. (Within.) What ho ! help ! murder ! villain ! Lye. ( Within.) Do you feel me now ? Chre. (Within.) Too deeply ! Lye. (Within.) There's a quittance for ye. [Gisippus re-enters from the tomb, draws and rushes off, Chi'emes staggers in, wounded, l. u. e. He falls near the tomb, Chre. Ah ! villian ! He has cut me to the veins, Revengeful villain 1 Oh 1 Re-enler Gisippus, l. u. e., his sword drawn. ■ Gis. The ruffian has escaped. What luckless wretch Has thus been made his victim ? You great Gods 1 Chremes ! Chre. Whoe'er thou art, I pray you give These scrolls to — to — [Dies. Gis. Tills is thy justice, Death ! I, who would greet thee with a lover's welcome, And kiss thy shaft, have wooed its point in vain ; This wretch, whose hope was green, thou seekest uncalled Relentless destinies ! Am I become Such an abomination in your sight. To love me is perdition ? Where — oh, where Is my offence ? But there may yet be hope. — Breathless and cold ! My last friend, fare ye well I [ Voices icithin, L. u. e. " This %oay ! this ivay .'" They come. Is it not now within my reach ? I have it I It shall be so ! [He stains his hands and srcord with the llond of Chremes, and Ivans forward, k.iec/ing over the body. 1st Cit. ( Without, L. u. r,.) This way the sounds pro- ceeded. Did you send To warn the Traitor's guard ? 62' Gisippus. [Act IV. 2(1 Cit. Yonder they are. Omens. ( Wiihout.) This way ! this way I Enter Citizens, Medon and Guards, some with torches, from L. u. E. Med. (l. c.) 'Tis as I feared. Chremes 1 unhappy couTitryman ! "Who has done this ? \st Cit. (\..) Do you not mark that man, With bloody hands, who kneels beside the body ? He is the murderer. Med. Speak ! if thou art he. Confess — it will be useless to deny it. Confess — Gis. Why, wliat confession do you need? I am here before you, in my hand a sword Unsheathed, his blood upon that sword — yet warm From the divided breast. What would ye more? Can words declare more ? Med Guards, away with him ! Omens. Away with him ! Med. Away with him to the Prietor I Yet one word j What moved ye to this act? Gis. I had my reasons. Med. Take him away. Gis. Now I have made it sure. Med. What dost thou say ? Gis. I say that I rejoice lu that which I have done. Do as you list ! Med 4* Oincns. Away with him ! \_Excu,nt i. u K. END OF ACT IV, ACT V. Scene J.— The Palace of Fukius. Enter Fulvius and Sophronia, Fulv. (l. 0.) Ay, I have heard enough. Why should I tax Your brother with this base and coward act, Scene I.] gisippus. 6B That am myself more base in my neglect Than he in his reven2:e. Poor Gisippus ! Banished from Athens, sold to slavery ! And now a wanderer without home or name I Perhaps the tool of some low task-master, Or the cold inmate of a nameles grave. Soph. (r. c.) Yet, Fulvius — Fulv. Ha ! how say you ? Soph. Do not turn Thus sullenly away, nor yet look on me With tliat regard of cold reproach. I knew. N^o more than thou of this unhappy chance, And mourn it full as deejjly. Fulv. They were all I^our friends who did this. Soph. And is that my crime ? Fxdv. I would give all again that I have gained — My present joy — the memory of my past, And all my hope of future liappiness, To stand beneath the roof that shelters him, And know my gratitude not wholly fruitless. Oh ! I am torn up with vain regrets ! [Crosses, r. Soph. For my sake. Speak not of this to Medon. What is past. His ruiu could not better. If you love me, You will not — Full!. If I love ye ! Do you make A doubt of thai now — If I loved you not, I had been now at peace with my own heart, " I had not brought a stain upon my soul " Tliat no repentant sorrowing can whiten." Had I not loved thee better than fair virtue, I might be now an honorable friend ; "And those quick rusliing memories that crowd " Upon my lieart in lhi('k and painful throbbings, " Miglit shadow it with that cahn, jjcaceful inflnenco " Of Gratitude discharged, and friendship cherished, "Which makes remembrance sweeter than enjoyment." I've loved ye but too well I Enter Norban and two Servants, L. Nor. My lord — the murderer 64 GIS1PPU8. Act V. Of Chremcs bade me give these scrolls unto you : The dying man had placed them in his hands. Fulv. Have you spoke ^vith him, then ? JVor. By your command, I went into his dungeon at the sunrise, I found him waking then. His wasted form Lengtliened out in the dust — one shrivelled hand Beneath his head, the other with lank fingers Parting the matted hair upon his brow, To take the greeting of the early light Upon its sickly swarth — his eyes were fixed On notliing visible ; a dead, dull light Was in them, the cold lowering of despair, His whitened lips were parted, and his teeth Set fast, in fear or agony. I spoke — My words dropped harmless on his ear. I sought By kindness to attract his note, and placed Before him food and wine — he pushed them from him, Then looked into my face, shrunk back — and hid His own within the foldings of his garment. [Crossts, r. Fulv. (Turniv^ over ike scrolls) Ay, here is Varro's answer. He had come A few hours sooner, I had saved a friend by't. And here — ha I Nor. (r. c.) Madam, mark my lord I Soph What, Fulvius 1 Fuk: Ha ! ha ! ha ! Joy ! triumph ! rapture ! He's in Rome — Away 1 Fiy ! seek him — all 1 The man who finds him first Soph. Whom ? Fulv. (c) Gisippus 1 My old friend is in Rome. Oh, ye kind Gods, My heart is gushing towards ye ! Medon. ( Wilhout, h.) Fulvius ! Wliat, Fulvius ! Enter Medon, rapidly , l., a sword drawn and llood^, in his hand. He is innocent ? '■ Fulv. Who ? J^M. The Greek. Scene I.] gisippus. . 65 Fuh. How say ye ? Are your waking seusesliars ? "What weapon's that ? Med. The sword of the innocent man, Whom even now they lead to execution. It came thus stained in liis defence of Chremes, Not in his murder — Lycias, your freedmau, He has confer-sed the deed. Fidv, ( Taking the sword as lie crosses, l.) Ha ! Gods 1 Med. Away ! Will you see a second murder ? They are slaying him I It is an hour since he was taken forth. Fuh'. ( Givivg him a ring.) Fly, Medon, with my war- rant, and release him. Haste ! liaste I [Exit, Medon and the tivo Attendants, L. 'Tis strange ! Some poor, life-weary wretch. Who hoped unwisely in his youth — and droops To find his dreams hut dreams. JSor. I fear, my lord. They will be too late. Fulv. I would not have it so For more — [Looks on the sword, examines it closely, and rabid- ly recognizes it, and remains fixed in horror. Soph. My lord ! You terrify me, Fulvius I Speak — Speak 1 Filter Macro, l Macro. The murderer of Chremes — Fulv. (Turning and raising his stvord.) Liar I Ho ! smite him dum'o, some one ! My hand is powerless. My limbs are cold add numb ! Soph. JNIy lord ! my love 1 Macro. His last request. Fnli\ 'Tis in tliine eye and lip 1 Thou comest to tell me I'm a murderer. The murderer of my friend — and if thou dost, The word shall choke thy life. (Seizes him.) Croak outtliy news I Raven ! if they must tell of death — or peace ! Give't not in words. — Look me a hope 1 lie lives ? He does I he does ! You've looked me intoslrength again ! ^Gisippus I Gisippus ! Gisif)pus ! [Rushes out, L. — Sophronia, 6fC., follow. 66 Gisippus. [Act V. Scene II. — Tht Place of Execution. Gisippus standing in chains. — Decius, Guards, Sfc. Dec. (rJ Remove his cliains. [Lictor takes off chaim. Gis. (c.) Let it be ever thus — The generous still be poor — the nijrgard thrive — Fortune shall pave the ingrate's path with gold, Death dog the innocent still — and surely those Who now uplift their streaming eyes, and murmur Against oppressive fate, will own its justice. Invisible ruler ! should man meet thy trials With silent and lethargic sufferance, Or lift his hands and ask heaven for a reason ? Our hearts must speak — the sting, the whip is on them ; AVe rush in madness forth to tear away The veil that blinds us to the cause. In vain 1 The hand of that Eternal Providence Still holds it there, unmoved, impenetrable ! W^e can but pause, and turn away again To mourn — to wonder — and endure. Dec. ( Adi-anccs, r.) JMy duty Compels me to disturb ye, prisoner. Gis. I am glad you do so, for my thoughts were grow- ing Somewhat unfriendly to me. — World, farewell ; And thou whose image never left this heart. Sweet vision of my memory, fare thee well I Pray you, walk this way. Comes down, c. — To Decius. This Fulvius, your young Praetor, by whose sentence My life stands forfeit, has the reputation Of a good man amongst ye ? Dec. Better breathes not. Gis A just man, and a grateful. One who thinks Upon his friends, sometimes ; a liberal man, " Whose wealth is not for his own use ;" a kind man, To his clients and his household ? Dec. He is all this. Gis. A gallant soldier, too ? Dec. I've witnessed that In many a desperate fight. Gis. lu short, there lives pot Scene II.] gisippus. 6Y A man of fairer fame in Rome ? Dec. Nor out of it. Gis. Good. Look on me, now, look upon my face : I am a villain, am I not ? — nay, speak 1 Dec. You are found a murderer. Gis. A coward murderer : A secret, sudden stabber. 'Tis not possible That you can find a blacker, fouler character, Tiian this of mine? Dee. The Gods must judge your guilt ; But it is such as man should shudder at. Gis. This is a wise world, too, friend, is it not ? Men have eyes, ears, and ^sometimes) judgment. Have they not ? Dec, They are not all fools. Gis. Ha ! ha ! [^Turns up, i.., bui stops short. Dec. You laugh ! Gis. ( Walks on to scaffold.) A thought Kot worth your notice, sir. You have tliose scrolls I bade you give the Praetor ? Was't not you ? Dec. I think they are now within the Praetor's hands His page it was to whom ye gave them. Gis. Ha 1 Lead me on quickly, then. Did I not say He should not see them till my deatli was past ? Kot while a quivering pulse beat in niy frame, That could awake one hope of restoration 'I What I shall he say I quailed and sought his mercy? A wavering suicide ? — and drag me back To lii'e and shame? Fool I luiot 1 But haste on, I will not be prevented. [Going to phUfoivi. Fukius. (Within, \\.) Give way I "Way I way 1 — hold ! hold I Gis. Shall I be cheated ? L^'^'^* on platform. Yonr duty, oflicers ? Dec. Peace ! 'tis the Prtetor. Gis. Let me not be dislurl)ed in my last moments — The law of Rome is merciful in that. [Fulcius rushes in, r., and remains on one side of the stage, greatly agitated, his toga elevated in one hand so as to shut out all the vthei diaracters from his view. Fuh. (c.) I dare not look 1 All silent 1 Uhis is terri- ble 1 6S Gisippis. Act V. I dare not ask ! Tlie line of death is round me. Ill morcy, s]it';ik ! Is'L over ? Am I late? Gis. (Adninring, c.) \ would ye were. Frih'. (Clasping his hamh.) I thank ye, Gods, my soul Is bloodless yet ! 1 am no murderer ! Friend ! Gisi|»i)U8 ! Gis. Oh, no, yon are in error, sir Fidi\ By all the Gods — \^Approachivg him. Gis. Hold back ! or I will spurn ye ! By all the Gods, proud Roman, it is false I I'll not be mockfd again. Fnlv. Is this a mockery ? Look, Romans, on this man — Oh, Gisippus? Look on iiim — 0!i, that pale, that wasted face ! [^K'dccls. To him I owe all that you know me master of I Life, public honor, and domestic haiipiness ! Here in this thronged area Fulvius kneels Before his benefactor — in tliat attitude Prouder than wlien he took his place among The judges of your capitol. Gis. A Prajtor Kneels at my feet ! — Look ! look upon him, Romans ! " Hear this, ye purpled ones, and hide your heads 1" Behold, how mean the gilded ingrate shows Beside the honest ))overty he scorned — Start from the earth, man, and be more yourself, Arch the shar]) brow, curl the hard lip, and look The heartless thing ye are 1 Court not opinion, By this mean mockery. Dec. (Advancing 1o Fvlv.) Rise, my lord ! \_B\lvius riees dfjcdedly, and motions uilh his hand — all hut Gis. and Fui, turn their hacks to audience, up Stage. F^dv. (r. c.) Gisippus, Are you content yet ? I have knelt to you ; Not in the meanness of a crouching spirit, But dragged down by the deadening self-reproacb That wintered it witliin my soul. But now I've borne an insult in the sight of Rome, Which is unto the honorable mind, Wliat death is to the coward. Now I stand P^rect, and challenge ye to name the siu Which this endurance may not satisfy. Scene II. 1 gisippus. €9 Gis. (Paudng in surprise.) You speak this well — sir — faith, 'tis very well, Certain, I am wrong. You have done naught you have done ; "Nor is tl)is air I breathe — air — no- this soil Firm earth on which we stand. Nor is my heart A throbbing fire witliin rae now — no — no, Kor tliis hot iiead an ^tna — Ila ! Farewell ! Kotliing of this is so. I am very wrong. [Going out, r. Futv. Yet liold — Gis. ( Bursting into fury.) What, haughty ingrate 1 Feel I not The fasces of your satellites yet on me ? Hold back ! cross — touch me, stay me, speak again, And by the eternal light that saw my shame, I'll gripe tliat lying throat until I choke The blackening pcrjnry within 1 Oh, sin 1 Oh, shame ! oh, world ! I'm now a weak, poor wretch — Smote down to very manhood. "Judgment lost, " I've flung the reins loose to my human spirit, " And that's a wild one I Rouse it, and ye pluck " The beard of the lion. Gisippus, that was " The lord of his most fiery impulses, " Is now a child to trial." High philosophy, With its fiue influences, has fled his nature j And all the mastery of mind is lost. Fulv. Yet, would you hear — Gis. Could I chain np ray heart. That bounds unbridled now — and force my sense To drink your words, it were in vain. My heart has grown incajiable of all gentleness, And hard to every natural aifection : Ye may as well go talk the warm, red blood Out of that column. Begone — ye vex me I " [Going out, R. " Fulv. You shall not go 1 Curse me, — but speak not " thus ! " Will nothing " Move ye to hear me ? Gis. " Nothing. Could you conjure _ " The memory of my wrongs away, and leave me " No other cause for being what 1 am, 70 GiLippus. [Act V. " Than that I am so, nothing yet could change me. " Psha I" Death ! Why do I dally thus ?— Away 1 See me no more 1 Away! Farewell! No more? [Tiiniivg aud bursting atoay, he looks off the Stage, R., starts, and remains motionless. Fulv. Ha ! Sophronia comes ! It stirs him. Gis. My dreams have been of this ! My sleep has been Fear haunted, till this vision came to quiet it, And then my soul knew peace I Oh, ye have beea My memory's ni tlie i)rii,'iiiul text, tue piece teriiiiuates bere ; but as the play is usually acted iu this country, the lines following are introduced. I SCENK IT.] GISIPPU3. tl For innocence investigating seeks, As broad and searching as tlie winds of Hoavea ; Wliile couscions gnilt its safety iinds in dark Concealment and in fliglit. — Now hear and judgs : Commanded by tlie Emperor to join Tlie army instantly, I quitted yon And Athens ! — Clirenies ("hapless youth I) a scroll Did l)ear, informing you of this intent, And praying you to follow straight, and share My fortune and my love. 'Gis. Tiiat scroll— that scroll ! I well remember now I did receive. But ne'er perused ; for, blind with rage and grief, And wounded pride, 1 tore — Oh, fatal haste I Thy friendshij)'s proof, and scallered to the winds The love I songht. Falc. To others oft I wrote, J3ut ne'er received reply ; unknowing, then, Your hapless fate, I deemed you had forgot Your friend, and ceased to write you more. Gis. Alas ! Fulv. My country's wars on foreign shores have claimed ^ly sword and f)resence ever since ! But now Keturncd, — within this very hour, the dreadful tale So long concealed from me — Soph. Was told ! — and now — Gisippus — Gis. Sophronia ! — ■ Snph. You hear ? — and you forgive ? — Gis. All ! all I for thee ! ^Gisippus joins the lunids of Fvlvius nnd Snphronia, wlio kned — Gisijipus raises //is hands above (heir heads as ill the ad of bussing them, and the Curtain falls to slow music of JJijmn as played in fust and seanid Acts. DISPOSITION OF THE CHARAf'TRIH AT TIIi: FALL OP Till: (UltTALV. Gisiri'us. Sophronia. Fulvius. K.] . Li. THE END. A A iiiiiiiii mil Mill Mill iiiii 001 433 396 THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara STACK COLLECTION THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. 10m-5.'65fF44588l)4 76D J"^ i^ij'^'^mi, A