ACT V

Scene:The grove of Ceres on the right, a temple partly visible. The island of Ortygia in rear, separated from mainland by a very narrow channel with wall on the Ortygian side running off stage left, to channel bridge where the ensuing conflict is supposed to centre. The island extends down to the Lesser Harbor, centre rear, which widens to a sea-glimpse at right. On the island shore in the farthest distance is outlined the temple of Artemis. Part of the Ortygian castle is shown on an island, left, the lower part concealed by channel wall.At extreme left, front, the entrance to Phillistus' dwelling is seen. Between dwelling and channel a road leads toward the bridge. At front of stage a road runs left toward the Greater Harbor, and right toward Epipolai, the outermost portion of the city.On the right, toward rear, terraces lead up to the heights of Achridina. Various statues are seen, the largest being a Victory at entrance to grove. Off the stage, left front, over Greater Harbor, the sun is setting, throwing gradually softening tints and increasing shadows.Troops of soldiers, laughing and talking with citizens in holiday costume, come up the road from the Greater Harbor and pass off toward Epipolai. Speusippus, Ascander, and Timoleon, enter from grove and stand near the Victory. At right front enter young men arrayed for banqueting, bearing wreaths, torches, etc. They turn to rear and pass up terraces toward Achridina, singing.

At extreme left, front, the entrance to Phillistus' dwelling is seen. Between dwelling and channel a road leads toward the bridge. At front of stage a road runs left toward the Greater Harbor, and right toward Epipolai, the outermost portion of the city.

On the right, toward rear, terraces lead up to the heights of Achridina. Various statues are seen, the largest being a Victory at entrance to grove. Off the stage, left front, over Greater Harbor, the sun is setting, throwing gradually softening tints and increasing shadows.

Troops of soldiers, laughing and talking with citizens in holiday costume, come up the road from the Greater Harbor and pass off toward Epipolai. Speusippus, Ascander, and Timoleon, enter from grove and stand near the Victory. At right front enter young men arrayed for banqueting, bearing wreaths, torches, etc. They turn to rear and pass up terraces toward Achridina, singing.

O, pleasure is the wing of Time,Care his limping, leaden foot!Too late, too late, for laugh and rhymeWhen old Winter's at the rootOf desire,And no fireCan thaw the frost where we lie mute.Then come all and feast ye now!Come catch Love, the pretty rover!Not a maiden bind her browWith a rose unkissed by lover!As a flowerIs Cupid's hour,And where he flies none can discover.[Exeunt toward the heights of Achridina]Timolean.So turns our war into a holiday.Here Dion lands, and swift the tyrant fliesWith all his boasted guard into the castle,While Syracuse throws open gate and armsTo welcome her besieger.Ascander.By Artemis!Didst see him marching in?—Calippus onOne side, Aristocles on t'other—their corselets whiteFair shining in the sun, and each with locksBright garlanded?—close treading them the guards—The hundred Grecian guards that watch by Dion,Then all his men in battle order placed?Tim.But when his trumpeter blew from the gate,And all the people upward looked in silenceWhile he declared them subjects but of Heaven,No wonder that each eye turned fount and flowed.Asc.Then 'twas the wet cheek marked the noble heart,And the unwatered eye was shame.Tim.And nowHis soldiers rove throughout the city, whileThe people lean from walls like branching treesAnd shake a crop of blessings.Asc.Kisses too!E'en in the streets the women set their tables,And from their wreath�d urns pour Cretan wineFor Dion's men.Tim.What says my lord Speusippus?The only sour-face in all Syracuse.Speu.And cause enough. A pretty soldier, sir,Who'd choose to march with flowers in his handLike smirking virgin on Diana's day!I thought the tyrant would show tooth of warAnd not turn tail and kennel.Tim.[Starting]What noise is that?It cuts the air unlike a feasting cry.Speu.By Mars, I pray our swords will yet have airing,And good fresh drink too!Tim.Here's a man, Ascander.He courts dame Trouble as she were his wench.Speu.Tut, tut, my friends, I've but a soldier's relishFor an honest fight. What's there to fear? Besides,I have a trick to dodge misfortune's blows.Tim.What's that, Speusippus?Speu.Why, if breaks my cup,I think what now an it had been my vaseFrom Phelas' shop? I break my vase, and straightI cry ho! ho! now had my house been burntThat were a woe! But burns my house indeed,I think of wife and child who perished not;When dies my wife or son, I thank the godsThat Death crept all so near and touched not me.And when his certain hour to clutch me comesI'll think of famines, plagues, of earthquakes, floods,And nations swept away. And still I'll cureSuch broad affliction with the thought of howThe Universe itself is but a shellTo crackle when it please the hand that made it.So, friends, I mend each woe with its own clothTill all looks well again.Tim.Ay, but the patchIs greater than the garment.[Enter Calippus, hurrying]Speu.Ho, Calippus!Cal.Hail, friends! But stay me not. I run to joinThe general without the city gates.Asc.What? Dion?Cal.Ay!Tim.Without the gates?Cal.'Tis so.Phillistus and the admiral have seizedExcitement's topping hour to turn all heartsWith fear's mad eloquence,—saying that DionComes to avenge his wrongs and set up ruleMore cruel than Dionysius dared. And soThis gay and garlanded humanityTroop to these traitors, while lord Dion campsWithout the city.Speu.Gods! Did he go mildly?By Erebus' black daughter, I'd have turnedAnd beat them to subjection. Not a blow?Cal.He came to lift their yoke, not add another,And struck to heart with their ingratitudeGave them their choice, nor made warlike retortBeyond to warn them, with his finger liftedTo yonder frowning castle, that the tyrantWas bayed, not conquered.Tim.Conquered? No!The city never knew a woe till now.Speu.Ay, Syracuse should with one general brayCry ass to Heaven. O, mullets of Abdera,Would ye be kings, come reign in Sicily!Asc.Phillistus has no force to meet the foeWill belch from that black fort.Speu.Haste, friends, to Dion!Cal.You'll go?Speu.What else? There'll be some good play yet.Bray, Syracuse, thou populated ass![Exeunt. The sunlight fades into twilight, and the full moon rises, right, rear, where the Lesser Harbor widens to the sea. Theano comes out of Phillistus' house and places fresh verbenas on the entrance altar. An Amazon follows her]The.Though gods forget me I'll remember them.[Sees the Amazon]Stand back! I'll not be dogged![The Amazon advances, folds her arms and takes station near Theano, who turns wearily from her and looks out upon the scene]Well for this earthThat Beauty keeps her court for gods not men,Nor clouds for mortal mourning! O, fair city,And fairer night, how strange and cold your smileUpon my heart!... The slave is gone. That meansPhillistus comes.[Phillistus enters opposite and stands in shadow, gazing at Theano]Phil.I've little hope to cheat her more. Her eyesAre at the windows of my heart and readEach dark recess. Well, let love go if 't must.The joys of hate are no less deep,—and sheIs mine![Approaches]Theano? I am here.The.I see.Phil.My day of days has come! One kiss to crown it.Art still unkind? Ah, sweet, where is the smileShould dress thee in a fairer light than gildsThe crystal Thetis when Hyperion woos?What! not a kiss.The.This statue's sculptured lipsAre warmer, sir.Phil.To me!The.Though on your browYon Victory should drop her high-held wreathYou'd be no more nor less than now. Who wearsThe unseen chaplet given of spirit handsTo him whose soul is virtue, needeth notAmbition's leafy handful that oft makesThe mortal brow vaunt as it grew the treesOf all Olympus.Phil.What a welcome hereFor Sicily's new king! Know, my Theano,That Dionysius is to castle beaten,And treacherous Dion from the city thrust,While Heraclides with me shares the powerSoon to be mine alone, for his fall, too,Already is assured.The.Then thou hast toppedThe very summit of thy bold desire.Phil.True! Aspiration now, lit like a larkOn Fortune's steeple, sings above all hazard.My loved Theano, thou 'rt queen of Syracuse;We'll sleep to-night like happy royaltyIn honor's bed.The.The stone of SisyphusWill gather moss ere that may be, Phillistus.You gave the safety of your stable houseTo my bewildered grief. 'Twas noble, sir,Though mine was woe would make a lion sheatheHis hungry claws and pass on softest foot.But not for gold or throne will I be yours.Not for all sapphires that have kissed in crowns,All rubies that in deepest caves make day,Would I be wife to you, or take your handThough to be plucked into Elysium!Phil.So? By the fires of Dis, I'll end this play!Dost think me your poor slave to sweat for naught?An ass to bear your pack for chaff and straw?The.My lord?Phil.Did I risk all to play the nurseUnto your tedious grief for a false lover?All Syracuse knows you his fool, and yetYou'd play Penelope, and hope to sitWith tears of twenty years upon your cheeks!O stare and wonder, gasp, and sir! and ho!Weep if you will, and pray your baby prayers.I've done with ah's and oh's and niceties!The.O now this monster shows its head!Phil.Go in!...Wilt have me call the slave?The.Beware, Phillistus!Phil.Of what, or whom?The.Of Heaven, sir!Phil.Ha! ha!What powers there owe not their reign to man?The mind at holiday makes gods for sportAnd gives them us for masters. When I'm crownedI'll banish all these idle, meddling wits,These boggy brains that spring with toadstool thronesDecked with a deity.The.And yet the godsNow hear thee!Phil.Say they do, love rules 'mong godsAs men. Doubt not they'll wink at my warm suit.The.O, thy black soul will be the scorn of devilsWhen hell has claimed thee!Phil.Know me blacker still!Since hate must be the bond between our hearts,I'll burn this into thine—thy father's deathWas by my hand made sure, that I might wooYour foolish mother, who drank in turn my cup.Yet shall I wear the blossom of your loveFair on my bosom, and the fruit shall growTo propagate my house. So silent, madam?Is not this news? You would not coo for me;May I not hear you rave?The.Who, who could speak?Now swirling harpies pluck away my soul,And leave me here a shell that yet can breathe!Phil.Ah, you shall breathe and live for me—for me!The.O lust, whose sovereign heel treads lifeAs destiny had given bond and stamp for 't!Phil.Ay, my desire would charter hell for breathAnd blow her fires to desolate the worldEre lose thee now![Enter a messenger from the bridge road]xMess.Sir, Heraclides begs your instant aid!The castled enemy have darted forth——Phil.How? Where?Mess.Behind the wall—across the bridge!Like adder's tongue they've struck the sleeping city.Now Heraclides calls for men to guardThe channel crossing.Phil.Say I'll join him there.At once! Away![Exit messenger]Phil.[Calls]Ragunda! Amazon![Ragunda comes out of Phillistus' house]Take in your charge, and keep a closer watch.Your life, as hers, is short or long.[To Theano]In, madam!The.Here dies my faith. O chance-made world, upheavedBy Demiurgus turning in his sleep![Goes in with Ragunda. Enter second messenger]Mess.O, sir——Phil.Pray put your periods after news,Not 'fore.Mess.My lord, the tyrant's guards have madeA second murderous sally from the castle,And with great brands of flame have fired the city!Now Dionysius, knowing he must foregoThe tyranny, would utterly destroy us,And wipe from earthly chronicle the nameOf Syracuse!Phil.I'll come ... when I have turnedA bolt within.[Goes in][Enter third messenger]Third mess.Where is Phillistus?Second mess.[Pointing to house]There.Third mess.The people rage against him, and have sentAgain to Dion, praying his return.[Re-enter Phillistus]Phil.Dion! He'll come. Then farewell crown and life!Where, men?Third mess.The fight is hardest where the wallRuns to the channel.Phil.On! That is the place.[Exeunt toward bridge. The sky darkens, clouding the moon. On the road from the Greater Harbor enter men, women, and children, who run about confusedly in the darkness]First voice.Where is the lord Phillistus?Second voice.Heraclides is wounded.Third voice.Dogs! They brought this hell on us!Voices shrieking.The guards! The guards![Soldiers of Dionysius rush on, road left, front, carrying brands which they cast about. They seize the people and put all to the sword]Soldiers.To Achridina! To the heights! Burn all![Exeunt, right, rear, scattering brands, one of which lights the temple of Ceres seen through the trees, left. Enter citizens, left, front. They carry arms. Burning brands reveal the dead]First citizen.See, friends! Here lie our pictures as we'll beA moment hence.Second cit.No hope now but in Dion!Third cit.[As Dracon enters]Dracon!Dracon.All lost—all lost. Put up your swords.The Carthaginian fleet lies in the bay,And by the sea-gate to the castle fortEmpties her men into the tyrant's hand!Second cit.O Syracuse!Dracon.And next upon this newsPhillistus and the admiral desert us,Flying to Dionysius.Voices.Traitors! dogs!Dracon.And now though Dion should forgive our baseness——Voices.He will! he will!Dracon.His force and ours unitedCan not make stand against the strengthened foe.Voices.O woeful night! O bloody, bloody night!Third cit.Now sword and fire will make such havoc 'mong usThere'll not be breath enough in all the cityTo say good-morrow to the sun.[Cheers without, right, front. Enter a warrior at the head of troops. He wears helmet and carries shield]Warrior.Shame, shame!O, Syracusans, shame! If ye be men,Let battle take the garb of order, and deathArray itself in decency! I've broughtA band of noble Leontines to strikeWith who shall prove no coward! Lift your swordsTill Victory sees them shining through the nightAnd knows which way to bend her doubtful wings!On, on, my men! On, Syracusans, on![All go off left, cheering. Enter Gylippus, right, rear, wounded]Gylippus.I'll drop me here till flame or steel o'er-take me.[Falls down]Menodes.[Entering]Gylippus? Wounded?Gy.Deep enough. No matter.Wounds are Bellona's favors. Do you bleed?Men.I lose an arm. 'Twas a warm kiss that took it.Gy.Hast seen the stranger and his Leontines?He goes through fire as 'twere a pastime loved,Shaking the burning timbers from his backAs they were flies.Men.Thrice has he formedThe citizens for charge, though night and flameWar on confusion's side.Gy.Ocrastes comesWith ships that treble all sent out from Carthage.Men.Then Dion to the rescue speedily,Or Syracuse is ashes![Shouts without]Gy.Dion! He's here!Now Mercy cloister close, and stern Revenge,Long patient, take the sword!Men.Ho, who are these?[Enter the warrior in combat with Phillistus, left, rear]Gy.The stranger with Phillistus! Here's my blow![Attempts to rise]Men.No need! He falls!Phil.[Down]Your mercy!Warrior.Take it—death!Thou single confine of all men's corruption,Die—die—and poison ghosts in hell![Flames issue from Phillistus' house. Servants rush out, shrieking]Phil.[Half rising and looking at the flames]My houseIn flames! Thanks, gods, for this! Proud mistress, burnBehind your bars, and to your black remainsBe your Ocrastes welcome!Warrior.Aid me, Heaven![Rushes into house]Phil.That voice—O traitor! He will save her! AyHe'll tread through hell nor burn his feet!I die now as they kiss! Ocrastes—O!The rest I'll tell to gaunt and gibbering shades.[Dies][Curtain falls and rises upon the same scene in ruins, several hours later. Wrecks smoulder in foreground, In rear the flames from Achridina throw light on the untouched castle and island. Noise of battle comes from left. Enter from bridge road Dion, Panthus, Calippus, Aristocles, Speusippus, and others]Dion.Thanks for my life. 'Twas bravely rescued, friends.Cal.My lord, you do us wrong so to expose the armThat props our hope.Dion.Nay, not with me, Calippus,The battle rests, but with the unknown warriorGods lend our fainting cause. Where'er he strikesThe gash�d enemy look on their woundsAnd turn like death-met fear to seek a cover.Aris.Ay! Once he fell, but rose with such new mightHe seemed like Mars who, tripped on Trojan field,Uprising threw his shoulders 'gainst the cloudsAnd darkened heaven.Panthus.By Zeus, he'd dare to haleRhamnusia from her wing�d car and turnHer gryphons to the winds!Dion.Back to his aid!Pan.Your wound, my lord.Cal.Give valor space to breathe.There'll be brave puffing ere the wall is down.The channel banks it close, but we may breach it.Speu.It must be done, and must, sir, captains mayIn war.Dion.Then to it! We waste breath.Pan.Stay, sir!We go—not you—for when our general bleedsEach man afield bleeds with him. See, your wound!By Thaumas' claw-foot maids, 'tis past a scratch!Dion.I feel not this—but O, fair Syracuse!Rock in thy fiery cradle till the seaGets up to weep, and bending gods pour downRemorseful tears to drown the reddening shameThat blushes o'er the moon and writes the nameOf hell upon the stars![A sudden burst of noise and flame from the heights of Achridina]Art gone, my city?...Ah, fallen Dionysius, must thouLose all, then cast thy soul to swell the loss?It is thy kingly reputation burns,With all that thou mightst own in fair Elysium![Shouting, left]Speu.The wall! the wall! They charge!Pan.The stranger leads!Ho, come, Speusippus!Dion.On! on, on, my friends![Exeunt, left. The flames from Achridina die down. Semi-darkness. Men enter and creep about the blackened ruins. Soft light in the East]First man.Now Ceres mend our bones! Will 't e'er be light?Second man.Ay, yonder winks the dawn.First man.This blindfold warIs Horror past familiar—her leper cheekBowsing both cheeks like mistress privileged.Third man.Gods keep us! Many a man has died this nightUpon his dear friend's sword. The treacherous torchAnd threatening glare of flames too oft betrayedThe panic-glaz�d eye.[Domenes rushes on from left. Speusippus following]First man.Domenes?Second man.Ay,The captain of the tyrant's guards. The GreekIs on him!Third man.Down!Dom.Spare me! I'll give you news!Speu.Live while your tongue wags. Speak! What of the fleetFrom Italy?Dom.All lost but one poor sailThat brings the desperate news. The tyrant madWith this is bound for flight with what is leftOf Carthage.Speu.Ah, Ocrastes dead?Dom.Drowned, sir.Speu.And Dion's wife?Dom.She's in the castle—safe.Speu.And flies with Dionysius? Speak, man!Dom.She begs to stay, but he may force her off.Speu.Then we must stop this play and take the castle!Drag off! You're past all harm. [Going off, left] Now one charge more![Exit][Light breaks over Lesser Harbor]Voices.Light! light!First man.O blessed Zeus! And yet I fearThe babe-eyed Dawn will sicken with what's hereAnd creep back into night.Second man.No, day comes on,—The red-capped nurse that in her bosom hidesThe cherub Dawn, while her broad smileGoes round the world.Third man.A smile on this?Second man.Ay, ay,Her stomach's for all sights, and ulcerous earthShe'll kiss as close as fountain-laughing vales.First man.By Ares' bloody dame, here's work enoughTo keep the gods a year from holiday![Shouts without, left. Enter citizens and soldiers in joyful confusion]Voices.'Tis down! The wall is down! The castle's taken!A voice.The tyrant has fled by sea!Another.And none too soon!Another.He'd pay his head else!Cries without.Dion! Dion! Dion![Enter Dion with friends and citizens]Dion.Shout not my name, for 'twas the noble strangerWho won this night. Seek him, Calippus,—begHis presence here with brow unhelmeted,That we may look where valor hath her home.Cal.He's gone, my lord.Dion.Gone?Cal.Vanished, as the seaHad lapped him up.Dion.More like the gods have stoopedTo draw him home again.[Looks about at the desolation and groans]Cal.Your wound, my lord?Dion.No, no. I weep for dying Syracuse.Now is her glory like a weary starWithdrawn from fortune's heaven. O fairest city,Whose beauty drew the feet of farthest kings,And set a value in the poorest eyeTo be a storied heritage to sonsWhen sires who saw had passed! Even thou hast wonFrom cold oblivion but an ashen cloak!Aris.'Tis tyranny lies here, not Syracuse.Ay, from these mourn�d ashes, friend, will springA brighter glory than they bury now,And this night's woe bear fruitage of a peaceWhen Time shall hang as thick with happy hoursAs Flora's breast with buds.Speu.By Hector's spur,It pricks to think this valor-breasted night,Bristling with action's pikes toward charging death,Should e'er beg life of tolerant memory,Thankful for so much breath as may endowA musty adage in the mouth of peace,Or shepherd song piped by an idle rillTo meek-eared violets in noonday shade!O! O! my lady Fame must have her nap.Soft, Mars, put on thy slippers![Enter soldiers dragging Heraclides]Dion.Who is this?First soldier.My lord, a prisoner.Second sol.'Tis Heraclides,My lord.Voices.Death! Death to Dion's enemy!Dion.What? Heraclides?Pan.Ay![Drawing his sword]The blow is mine!Dion.Put up your sword, brave Panthus. Nay, put up!Pan.[Dropping weapon]'Twere better used, sir.Dion.Heraclides, speak.What would you say? Do you repent this night?Her.All men, my lord, repent the step that bringsTheir cloud-high foreheads to earth. I lie so lowThat Fortune's sun-bent eye will find no moreMy sunken ruin,—and but one comfort left,I can descend no further.Pan.Ay, to hell!Her.Ambition knows no hell but failure. Strike!You put me out of torture, not send me to it.Dion.Life only dreams her hells till death's be found.Her.'Tis easy thus to speak from victory's heightWhence all looks fair,—so fair misfortune seemsSole lie o' the world. We bite truth with the dust,My lord.Voices.His sentence! Death! The traitor! Death!Dion.Peace, friends.Voices.Death! Seize him! Kill him!Cal.Dion speaks!Voices.Hear Dion!Dion.Not alone in martial ventureDo victors win their bays. Let each of us,Trampling on anger and contending maliceThat from our natures thrust out serpent heads,Forgive this captive foe, and crown our browsWith wreaths of victory outshining allThat shake from war-decked temples. Hear, my lord.By the power I hold in the true hearts and mindsOf noble Syracusans, I forgive thee.Voices.No, no!Cal.My lord, he warned. He has a tongueWould flatter Zeus from heaven, and common mindsHe calls as flies to honey.Dion.Nay, his sweetIs wormwood now. Because this foolish manHas walked in sin, shall I too blemish virtue?Voices.Revenge! Revenge!Dion.Who offers injury,And who revenges it, ply the same threadOf Nature's scarlet. Heraclides, go.Thou'rt free.Her.I do not kneel to you—a man—But to the god that houses in your shape.O noble Dion, what deed may speak my thanksToo great for tongue?Dion.Arise, go forth, and whereYou once betrayed a thousand hearts lead oneTo safety.[Exit Heraclides, rabble following]Cal.[To Speusippus]Sir, what think you?Speu.'Tis gross error.He'll breathe a life into the stones o' the streetEre lack for followers.Cal.Come, let us see.[Exeunt Calippus and Speusippus, others following]Dion.[To his Grecian guards]Go nurse your wounds, brave friends. I need no moreYour arms, but ever need your love. You with them,Panthus. You know my wishes.Pan.Ay, my lord.[Exeunt Panthus and guards. Aristocles remains with Dion]Dion.My friend![They embrace]No tears! We'll water joy hereafter.Now there is much to do. Wilt seek Calippus for meAnd make him governor of the castle?Aris.Ay.[Exit]Dion.[Alone]Now red revolt with opened veins lies lowFast paling to her death; and silence deepAs takes the mother's ear who waits the stepOf her dead soldier son, creeps o'er the world.And to my lonely eye the universeShrinks to a monument writ with one grief.Ocrastes, couldst, when locked within my love—Ay, bedded in the core—to vermin turnAnd gnaw the heart thou breathedst in?... O youth,Among life's strangely flowering hopes thou artThe blossom of deceit! When we have watchedThy tender green peer up—thy opening budsThat wrap their silken promise round our fears—And spent our prayers like nurturing rains upon theeThat thou mayst bloom above our pride and hangThe rose or spring upon our frosty age,How dost thou droop, till o'er thy cankered wreckWe dew thy fall with tears!... O beauteous bud,What deadly aconite cast its foul shadeUpon thy blowing grace? My son, my son,I am no warrior when I think of thee,Else would my sword be out. A father's eyeIs turned upon thy sin, and all the wrongThou didst to me half righted with a tear ...... The sun comes flaming from the sea as thoughAnother Syracuse burnt on the waves ...Why stand I here? The castle doors are open,And therein waits the fairest face of earthTo shine for me To shine? O human sun,Unlike thy skyey peer, thy light is dimmedWith what thou'st looked upon. Thy beams have drunkPollution deep that now detested fallsUpon my soul.[Re-enter Aristocles]Aris.All's well, my lord.Dion.All's well?That's strange news for my heart. Wilt go with me?Aris.Whither, my lord?Dion.Into yon castle.... Come.[Exeunt. Curtain]

O, pleasure is the wing of Time,Care his limping, leaden foot!Too late, too late, for laugh and rhymeWhen old Winter's at the rootOf desire,And no fireCan thaw the frost where we lie mute.

O, pleasure is the wing of Time,

Care his limping, leaden foot!

Too late, too late, for laugh and rhyme

When old Winter's at the root

Of desire,

And no fire

Can thaw the frost where we lie mute.

Then come all and feast ye now!Come catch Love, the pretty rover!Not a maiden bind her browWith a rose unkissed by lover!As a flowerIs Cupid's hour,And where he flies none can discover.

Then come all and feast ye now!

Come catch Love, the pretty rover!

Not a maiden bind her brow

With a rose unkissed by lover!

As a flower

Is Cupid's hour,

And where he flies none can discover.

[Exeunt toward the heights of Achridina]

Timolean.So turns our war into a holiday.Here Dion lands, and swift the tyrant fliesWith all his boasted guard into the castle,While Syracuse throws open gate and armsTo welcome her besieger.

Timolean.So turns our war into a holiday.

Here Dion lands, and swift the tyrant flies

With all his boasted guard into the castle,

While Syracuse throws open gate and arms

To welcome her besieger.

Ascander.By Artemis!Didst see him marching in?—Calippus onOne side, Aristocles on t'other—their corselets whiteFair shining in the sun, and each with locksBright garlanded?—close treading them the guards—The hundred Grecian guards that watch by Dion,Then all his men in battle order placed?

Ascander.By Artemis!

Didst see him marching in?—Calippus on

One side, Aristocles on t'other—their corselets white

Fair shining in the sun, and each with locks

Bright garlanded?—close treading them the guards—

The hundred Grecian guards that watch by Dion,

Then all his men in battle order placed?

Tim.But when his trumpeter blew from the gate,And all the people upward looked in silenceWhile he declared them subjects but of Heaven,No wonder that each eye turned fount and flowed.

Tim.But when his trumpeter blew from the gate,

And all the people upward looked in silence

While he declared them subjects but of Heaven,

No wonder that each eye turned fount and flowed.

Asc.Then 'twas the wet cheek marked the noble heart,And the unwatered eye was shame.

Asc.Then 'twas the wet cheek marked the noble heart,

And the unwatered eye was shame.

Tim.And nowHis soldiers rove throughout the city, whileThe people lean from walls like branching treesAnd shake a crop of blessings.

Tim.And now

His soldiers rove throughout the city, while

The people lean from walls like branching trees

And shake a crop of blessings.

Asc.Kisses too!E'en in the streets the women set their tables,And from their wreath�d urns pour Cretan wineFor Dion's men.

Asc.Kisses too!

E'en in the streets the women set their tables,

And from their wreath�d urns pour Cretan wine

For Dion's men.

Tim.What says my lord Speusippus?The only sour-face in all Syracuse.

Tim.What says my lord Speusippus?

The only sour-face in all Syracuse.

Speu.And cause enough. A pretty soldier, sir,Who'd choose to march with flowers in his handLike smirking virgin on Diana's day!I thought the tyrant would show tooth of warAnd not turn tail and kennel.

Speu.And cause enough. A pretty soldier, sir,

Who'd choose to march with flowers in his hand

Like smirking virgin on Diana's day!

I thought the tyrant would show tooth of war

And not turn tail and kennel.

Tim.[Starting]What noise is that?It cuts the air unlike a feasting cry.

Tim.[Starting]What noise is that?

It cuts the air unlike a feasting cry.

Speu.By Mars, I pray our swords will yet have airing,And good fresh drink too!

Speu.By Mars, I pray our swords will yet have airing,

And good fresh drink too!

Tim.Here's a man, Ascander.He courts dame Trouble as she were his wench.

Tim.Here's a man, Ascander.

He courts dame Trouble as she were his wench.

Speu.Tut, tut, my friends, I've but a soldier's relishFor an honest fight. What's there to fear? Besides,I have a trick to dodge misfortune's blows.

Speu.Tut, tut, my friends, I've but a soldier's relish

For an honest fight. What's there to fear? Besides,

I have a trick to dodge misfortune's blows.

Tim.What's that, Speusippus?

Speu.Why, if breaks my cup,I think what now an it had been my vaseFrom Phelas' shop? I break my vase, and straightI cry ho! ho! now had my house been burntThat were a woe! But burns my house indeed,I think of wife and child who perished not;When dies my wife or son, I thank the godsThat Death crept all so near and touched not me.And when his certain hour to clutch me comesI'll think of famines, plagues, of earthquakes, floods,And nations swept away. And still I'll cureSuch broad affliction with the thought of howThe Universe itself is but a shellTo crackle when it please the hand that made it.So, friends, I mend each woe with its own clothTill all looks well again.

Speu.Why, if breaks my cup,

I think what now an it had been my vase

From Phelas' shop? I break my vase, and straight

I cry ho! ho! now had my house been burnt

That were a woe! But burns my house indeed,

I think of wife and child who perished not;

When dies my wife or son, I thank the gods

That Death crept all so near and touched not me.

And when his certain hour to clutch me comes

I'll think of famines, plagues, of earthquakes, floods,

And nations swept away. And still I'll cure

Such broad affliction with the thought of how

The Universe itself is but a shell

To crackle when it please the hand that made it.

So, friends, I mend each woe with its own cloth

Till all looks well again.

Tim.Ay, but the patchIs greater than the garment.

Tim.Ay, but the patch

Is greater than the garment.

[Enter Calippus, hurrying]

Speu.Ho, Calippus!

Cal.Hail, friends! But stay me not. I run to joinThe general without the city gates.

Cal.Hail, friends! But stay me not. I run to join

The general without the city gates.

Asc.What? Dion?

Cal.Ay!

Tim.Without the gates?

Cal.'Tis so.Phillistus and the admiral have seizedExcitement's topping hour to turn all heartsWith fear's mad eloquence,—saying that DionComes to avenge his wrongs and set up ruleMore cruel than Dionysius dared. And soThis gay and garlanded humanityTroop to these traitors, while lord Dion campsWithout the city.

Cal.'Tis so.

Phillistus and the admiral have seized

Excitement's topping hour to turn all hearts

With fear's mad eloquence,—saying that Dion

Comes to avenge his wrongs and set up rule

More cruel than Dionysius dared. And so

This gay and garlanded humanity

Troop to these traitors, while lord Dion camps

Without the city.

Speu.Gods! Did he go mildly?By Erebus' black daughter, I'd have turnedAnd beat them to subjection. Not a blow?

Speu.Gods! Did he go mildly?

By Erebus' black daughter, I'd have turned

And beat them to subjection. Not a blow?

Cal.He came to lift their yoke, not add another,And struck to heart with their ingratitudeGave them their choice, nor made warlike retortBeyond to warn them, with his finger liftedTo yonder frowning castle, that the tyrantWas bayed, not conquered.

Cal.He came to lift their yoke, not add another,

And struck to heart with their ingratitude

Gave them their choice, nor made warlike retort

Beyond to warn them, with his finger lifted

To yonder frowning castle, that the tyrant

Was bayed, not conquered.

Tim.Conquered? No!The city never knew a woe till now.

Tim.Conquered? No!

The city never knew a woe till now.

Speu.Ay, Syracuse should with one general brayCry ass to Heaven. O, mullets of Abdera,Would ye be kings, come reign in Sicily!

Speu.Ay, Syracuse should with one general bray

Cry ass to Heaven. O, mullets of Abdera,

Would ye be kings, come reign in Sicily!

Asc.Phillistus has no force to meet the foeWill belch from that black fort.

Asc.Phillistus has no force to meet the foe

Will belch from that black fort.

Speu.Haste, friends, to Dion!

Cal.You'll go?

Speu.What else? There'll be some good play yet.Bray, Syracuse, thou populated ass!

Speu.What else? There'll be some good play yet.

Bray, Syracuse, thou populated ass!

[Exeunt. The sunlight fades into twilight, and the full moon rises, right, rear, where the Lesser Harbor widens to the sea. Theano comes out of Phillistus' house and places fresh verbenas on the entrance altar. An Amazon follows her]

The.Though gods forget me I'll remember them.[Sees the Amazon]Stand back! I'll not be dogged!

The.Though gods forget me I'll remember them.

[Sees the Amazon]Stand back! I'll not be dogged!

[The Amazon advances, folds her arms and takes station near Theano, who turns wearily from her and looks out upon the scene]

Well for this earthThat Beauty keeps her court for gods not men,Nor clouds for mortal mourning! O, fair city,And fairer night, how strange and cold your smileUpon my heart!... The slave is gone. That meansPhillistus comes.

Well for this earth

That Beauty keeps her court for gods not men,

Nor clouds for mortal mourning! O, fair city,

And fairer night, how strange and cold your smile

Upon my heart!... The slave is gone. That means

Phillistus comes.

[Phillistus enters opposite and stands in shadow, gazing at Theano]

Phil.I've little hope to cheat her more. Her eyesAre at the windows of my heart and readEach dark recess. Well, let love go if 't must.The joys of hate are no less deep,—and sheIs mine![Approaches]Theano? I am here.

Phil.I've little hope to cheat her more. Her eyes

Are at the windows of my heart and read

Each dark recess. Well, let love go if 't must.

The joys of hate are no less deep,—and she

Is mine![Approaches]Theano? I am here.

The.I see.

Phil.My day of days has come! One kiss to crown it.Art still unkind? Ah, sweet, where is the smileShould dress thee in a fairer light than gildsThe crystal Thetis when Hyperion woos?What! not a kiss.

Phil.My day of days has come! One kiss to crown it.

Art still unkind? Ah, sweet, where is the smile

Should dress thee in a fairer light than gilds

The crystal Thetis when Hyperion woos?

What! not a kiss.

The.This statue's sculptured lipsAre warmer, sir.

The.This statue's sculptured lips

Are warmer, sir.

Phil.To me!

The.Though on your browYon Victory should drop her high-held wreathYou'd be no more nor less than now. Who wearsThe unseen chaplet given of spirit handsTo him whose soul is virtue, needeth notAmbition's leafy handful that oft makesThe mortal brow vaunt as it grew the treesOf all Olympus.

The.Though on your brow

Yon Victory should drop her high-held wreath

You'd be no more nor less than now. Who wears

The unseen chaplet given of spirit hands

To him whose soul is virtue, needeth not

Ambition's leafy handful that oft makes

The mortal brow vaunt as it grew the trees

Of all Olympus.

Phil.What a welcome hereFor Sicily's new king! Know, my Theano,That Dionysius is to castle beaten,And treacherous Dion from the city thrust,While Heraclides with me shares the powerSoon to be mine alone, for his fall, too,Already is assured.

Phil.What a welcome here

For Sicily's new king! Know, my Theano,

That Dionysius is to castle beaten,

And treacherous Dion from the city thrust,

While Heraclides with me shares the power

Soon to be mine alone, for his fall, too,

Already is assured.

The.Then thou hast toppedThe very summit of thy bold desire.

The.Then thou hast topped

The very summit of thy bold desire.

Phil.True! Aspiration now, lit like a larkOn Fortune's steeple, sings above all hazard.My loved Theano, thou 'rt queen of Syracuse;We'll sleep to-night like happy royaltyIn honor's bed.

Phil.True! Aspiration now, lit like a lark

On Fortune's steeple, sings above all hazard.

My loved Theano, thou 'rt queen of Syracuse;

We'll sleep to-night like happy royalty

In honor's bed.

The.The stone of SisyphusWill gather moss ere that may be, Phillistus.You gave the safety of your stable houseTo my bewildered grief. 'Twas noble, sir,Though mine was woe would make a lion sheatheHis hungry claws and pass on softest foot.But not for gold or throne will I be yours.Not for all sapphires that have kissed in crowns,All rubies that in deepest caves make day,Would I be wife to you, or take your handThough to be plucked into Elysium!

The.The stone of Sisyphus

Will gather moss ere that may be, Phillistus.

You gave the safety of your stable house

To my bewildered grief. 'Twas noble, sir,

Though mine was woe would make a lion sheathe

His hungry claws and pass on softest foot.

But not for gold or throne will I be yours.

Not for all sapphires that have kissed in crowns,

All rubies that in deepest caves make day,

Would I be wife to you, or take your hand

Though to be plucked into Elysium!

Phil.So? By the fires of Dis, I'll end this play!Dost think me your poor slave to sweat for naught?An ass to bear your pack for chaff and straw?

Phil.So? By the fires of Dis, I'll end this play!

Dost think me your poor slave to sweat for naught?

An ass to bear your pack for chaff and straw?

The.My lord?

Phil.Did I risk all to play the nurseUnto your tedious grief for a false lover?All Syracuse knows you his fool, and yetYou'd play Penelope, and hope to sitWith tears of twenty years upon your cheeks!O stare and wonder, gasp, and sir! and ho!Weep if you will, and pray your baby prayers.I've done with ah's and oh's and niceties!

Phil.Did I risk all to play the nurse

Unto your tedious grief for a false lover?

All Syracuse knows you his fool, and yet

You'd play Penelope, and hope to sit

With tears of twenty years upon your cheeks!

O stare and wonder, gasp, and sir! and ho!

Weep if you will, and pray your baby prayers.

I've done with ah's and oh's and niceties!

The.O now this monster shows its head!

Phil.Go in!...Wilt have me call the slave?

Phil.Go in!...

Wilt have me call the slave?

The.Beware, Phillistus!

Phil.Of what, or whom?

The.Of Heaven, sir!

Phil.Ha! ha!What powers there owe not their reign to man?The mind at holiday makes gods for sportAnd gives them us for masters. When I'm crownedI'll banish all these idle, meddling wits,These boggy brains that spring with toadstool thronesDecked with a deity.

Phil.Ha! ha!

What powers there owe not their reign to man?

The mind at holiday makes gods for sport

And gives them us for masters. When I'm crowned

I'll banish all these idle, meddling wits,

These boggy brains that spring with toadstool thrones

Decked with a deity.

The.And yet the godsNow hear thee!

The.And yet the gods

Now hear thee!

Phil.Say they do, love rules 'mong godsAs men. Doubt not they'll wink at my warm suit.

Phil.Say they do, love rules 'mong gods

As men. Doubt not they'll wink at my warm suit.

The.O, thy black soul will be the scorn of devilsWhen hell has claimed thee!

The.O, thy black soul will be the scorn of devils

When hell has claimed thee!

Phil.Know me blacker still!Since hate must be the bond between our hearts,I'll burn this into thine—thy father's deathWas by my hand made sure, that I might wooYour foolish mother, who drank in turn my cup.Yet shall I wear the blossom of your loveFair on my bosom, and the fruit shall growTo propagate my house. So silent, madam?Is not this news? You would not coo for me;May I not hear you rave?

Phil.Know me blacker still!

Since hate must be the bond between our hearts,

I'll burn this into thine—thy father's death

Was by my hand made sure, that I might woo

Your foolish mother, who drank in turn my cup.

Yet shall I wear the blossom of your love

Fair on my bosom, and the fruit shall grow

To propagate my house. So silent, madam?

Is not this news? You would not coo for me;

May I not hear you rave?

The.Who, who could speak?Now swirling harpies pluck away my soul,And leave me here a shell that yet can breathe!

The.Who, who could speak?

Now swirling harpies pluck away my soul,

And leave me here a shell that yet can breathe!

Phil.Ah, you shall breathe and live for me—for me!

The.O lust, whose sovereign heel treads lifeAs destiny had given bond and stamp for 't!

The.O lust, whose sovereign heel treads life

As destiny had given bond and stamp for 't!

Phil.Ay, my desire would charter hell for breathAnd blow her fires to desolate the worldEre lose thee now!

Phil.Ay, my desire would charter hell for breath

And blow her fires to desolate the world

Ere lose thee now!

[Enter a messenger from the bridge road]x

Mess.Sir, Heraclides begs your instant aid!The castled enemy have darted forth——

Mess.Sir, Heraclides begs your instant aid!

The castled enemy have darted forth——

Phil.How? Where?

Mess.Behind the wall—across the bridge!Like adder's tongue they've struck the sleeping city.Now Heraclides calls for men to guardThe channel crossing.

Mess.Behind the wall—across the bridge!

Like adder's tongue they've struck the sleeping city.

Now Heraclides calls for men to guard

The channel crossing.

Phil.Say I'll join him there.At once! Away![Exit messenger]

Phil.Say I'll join him there.

At once! Away!

[Exit messenger]

Phil.[Calls]Ragunda! Amazon![Ragunda comes out of Phillistus' house]Take in your charge, and keep a closer watch.Your life, as hers, is short or long.[To Theano]In, madam!

Phil.[Calls]Ragunda! Amazon!

[Ragunda comes out of Phillistus' house]

Take in your charge, and keep a closer watch.

Your life, as hers, is short or long.

[To Theano]In, madam!

The.Here dies my faith. O chance-made world, upheavedBy Demiurgus turning in his sleep![Goes in with Ragunda. Enter second messenger]

The.Here dies my faith. O chance-made world, upheaved

By Demiurgus turning in his sleep!

[Goes in with Ragunda. Enter second messenger]

Mess.O, sir——

Phil.Pray put your periods after news,Not 'fore.

Phil.Pray put your periods after news,

Not 'fore.

Mess.My lord, the tyrant's guards have madeA second murderous sally from the castle,And with great brands of flame have fired the city!Now Dionysius, knowing he must foregoThe tyranny, would utterly destroy us,And wipe from earthly chronicle the nameOf Syracuse!

Mess.My lord, the tyrant's guards have made

A second murderous sally from the castle,

And with great brands of flame have fired the city!

Now Dionysius, knowing he must forego

The tyranny, would utterly destroy us,

And wipe from earthly chronicle the name

Of Syracuse!

Phil.I'll come ... when I have turnedA bolt within.[Goes in]

Phil.I'll come ... when I have turned

A bolt within.[Goes in]

[Enter third messenger]

Third mess.Where is Phillistus?

Second mess.[Pointing to house]There.

Third mess.The people rage against him, and have sentAgain to Dion, praying his return.

Third mess.The people rage against him, and have sent

Again to Dion, praying his return.

[Re-enter Phillistus]

Phil.Dion! He'll come. Then farewell crown and life!Where, men?

Phil.Dion! He'll come. Then farewell crown and life!

Where, men?

Third mess.The fight is hardest where the wallRuns to the channel.

Third mess.The fight is hardest where the wall

Runs to the channel.

Phil.On! That is the place.

[Exeunt toward bridge. The sky darkens, clouding the moon. On the road from the Greater Harbor enter men, women, and children, who run about confusedly in the darkness]

First voice.Where is the lord Phillistus?

Second voice.Heraclides is wounded.

Third voice.Dogs! They brought this hell on us!

Voices shrieking.The guards! The guards!

[Soldiers of Dionysius rush on, road left, front, carrying brands which they cast about. They seize the people and put all to the sword]

Soldiers.To Achridina! To the heights! Burn all!

[Exeunt, right, rear, scattering brands, one of which lights the temple of Ceres seen through the trees, left. Enter citizens, left, front. They carry arms. Burning brands reveal the dead]

First citizen.See, friends! Here lie our pictures as we'll beA moment hence.

First citizen.See, friends! Here lie our pictures as we'll be

A moment hence.

Second cit.No hope now but in Dion!

Third cit.[As Dracon enters]Dracon!

Dracon.All lost—all lost. Put up your swords.The Carthaginian fleet lies in the bay,And by the sea-gate to the castle fortEmpties her men into the tyrant's hand!

Dracon.All lost—all lost. Put up your swords.

The Carthaginian fleet lies in the bay,

And by the sea-gate to the castle fort

Empties her men into the tyrant's hand!

Second cit.O Syracuse!

Dracon.And next upon this newsPhillistus and the admiral desert us,Flying to Dionysius.

Dracon.And next upon this news

Phillistus and the admiral desert us,

Flying to Dionysius.

Voices.Traitors! dogs!

Dracon.And now though Dion should forgive our baseness——

Voices.He will! he will!

Dracon.His force and ours unitedCan not make stand against the strengthened foe.

Dracon.His force and ours united

Can not make stand against the strengthened foe.

Voices.O woeful night! O bloody, bloody night!

Third cit.Now sword and fire will make such havoc 'mong usThere'll not be breath enough in all the cityTo say good-morrow to the sun.

Third cit.Now sword and fire will make such havoc 'mong us

There'll not be breath enough in all the city

To say good-morrow to the sun.

[Cheers without, right, front. Enter a warrior at the head of troops. He wears helmet and carries shield]

Warrior.Shame, shame!O, Syracusans, shame! If ye be men,Let battle take the garb of order, and deathArray itself in decency! I've broughtA band of noble Leontines to strikeWith who shall prove no coward! Lift your swordsTill Victory sees them shining through the nightAnd knows which way to bend her doubtful wings!On, on, my men! On, Syracusans, on!

Warrior.Shame, shame!

O, Syracusans, shame! If ye be men,

Let battle take the garb of order, and death

Array itself in decency! I've brought

A band of noble Leontines to strike

With who shall prove no coward! Lift your swords

Till Victory sees them shining through the night

And knows which way to bend her doubtful wings!

On, on, my men! On, Syracusans, on!

[All go off left, cheering. Enter Gylippus, right, rear, wounded]

Gylippus.I'll drop me here till flame or steel o'er-take me.[Falls down]

Menodes.[Entering]Gylippus? Wounded?

Gy.Deep enough. No matter.Wounds are Bellona's favors. Do you bleed?

Gy.Deep enough. No matter.

Wounds are Bellona's favors. Do you bleed?

Men.I lose an arm. 'Twas a warm kiss that took it.

Gy.Hast seen the stranger and his Leontines?He goes through fire as 'twere a pastime loved,Shaking the burning timbers from his backAs they were flies.

Gy.Hast seen the stranger and his Leontines?

He goes through fire as 'twere a pastime loved,

Shaking the burning timbers from his back

As they were flies.

Men.Thrice has he formedThe citizens for charge, though night and flameWar on confusion's side.

Men.Thrice has he formed

The citizens for charge, though night and flame

War on confusion's side.

Gy.Ocrastes comesWith ships that treble all sent out from Carthage.

Gy.Ocrastes comes

With ships that treble all sent out from Carthage.

Men.Then Dion to the rescue speedily,Or Syracuse is ashes![Shouts without]

Men.Then Dion to the rescue speedily,

Or Syracuse is ashes![Shouts without]

Gy.Dion! He's here!Now Mercy cloister close, and stern Revenge,Long patient, take the sword!

Gy.Dion! He's here!

Now Mercy cloister close, and stern Revenge,

Long patient, take the sword!

Men.Ho, who are these?

[Enter the warrior in combat with Phillistus, left, rear]

Gy.The stranger with Phillistus! Here's my blow![Attempts to rise]

Gy.The stranger with Phillistus! Here's my blow!

[Attempts to rise]

Men.No need! He falls!

Phil.[Down]Your mercy!

Warrior.Take it—death!Thou single confine of all men's corruption,Die—die—and poison ghosts in hell!

Warrior.Take it—death!

Thou single confine of all men's corruption,

Die—die—and poison ghosts in hell!

[Flames issue from Phillistus' house. Servants rush out, shrieking]

Phil.[Half rising and looking at the flames]My houseIn flames! Thanks, gods, for this! Proud mistress, burnBehind your bars, and to your black remainsBe your Ocrastes welcome!

Phil.[Half rising and looking at the flames]My house

In flames! Thanks, gods, for this! Proud mistress, burn

Behind your bars, and to your black remains

Be your Ocrastes welcome!

Warrior.Aid me, Heaven!

[Rushes into house]

Phil.That voice—O traitor! He will save her! AyHe'll tread through hell nor burn his feet!I die now as they kiss! Ocrastes—O!The rest I'll tell to gaunt and gibbering shades.[Dies]

Phil.That voice—O traitor! He will save her! Ay

He'll tread through hell nor burn his feet!

I die now as they kiss! Ocrastes—O!

The rest I'll tell to gaunt and gibbering shades.[Dies]

[Curtain falls and rises upon the same scene in ruins, several hours later. Wrecks smoulder in foreground, In rear the flames from Achridina throw light on the untouched castle and island. Noise of battle comes from left. Enter from bridge road Dion, Panthus, Calippus, Aristocles, Speusippus, and others]

Dion.Thanks for my life. 'Twas bravely rescued, friends.

Cal.My lord, you do us wrong so to expose the armThat props our hope.

Cal.My lord, you do us wrong so to expose the arm

That props our hope.

Dion.Nay, not with me, Calippus,The battle rests, but with the unknown warriorGods lend our fainting cause. Where'er he strikesThe gash�d enemy look on their woundsAnd turn like death-met fear to seek a cover.

Dion.Nay, not with me, Calippus,

The battle rests, but with the unknown warrior

Gods lend our fainting cause. Where'er he strikes

The gash�d enemy look on their wounds

And turn like death-met fear to seek a cover.

Aris.Ay! Once he fell, but rose with such new mightHe seemed like Mars who, tripped on Trojan field,Uprising threw his shoulders 'gainst the cloudsAnd darkened heaven.

Aris.Ay! Once he fell, but rose with such new might

He seemed like Mars who, tripped on Trojan field,

Uprising threw his shoulders 'gainst the clouds

And darkened heaven.

Panthus.By Zeus, he'd dare to haleRhamnusia from her wing�d car and turnHer gryphons to the winds!

Panthus.By Zeus, he'd dare to hale

Rhamnusia from her wing�d car and turn

Her gryphons to the winds!

Dion.Back to his aid!

Pan.Your wound, my lord.

Cal.Give valor space to breathe.There'll be brave puffing ere the wall is down.The channel banks it close, but we may breach it.

Cal.Give valor space to breathe.

There'll be brave puffing ere the wall is down.

The channel banks it close, but we may breach it.

Speu.It must be done, and must, sir, captains mayIn war.

Speu.It must be done, and must, sir, captains may

In war.

Dion.Then to it! We waste breath.

Pan.Stay, sir!We go—not you—for when our general bleedsEach man afield bleeds with him. See, your wound!By Thaumas' claw-foot maids, 'tis past a scratch!

Pan.Stay, sir!

We go—not you—for when our general bleeds

Each man afield bleeds with him. See, your wound!

By Thaumas' claw-foot maids, 'tis past a scratch!

Dion.I feel not this—but O, fair Syracuse!Rock in thy fiery cradle till the seaGets up to weep, and bending gods pour downRemorseful tears to drown the reddening shameThat blushes o'er the moon and writes the nameOf hell upon the stars![A sudden burst of noise and flame from the heights of Achridina]Art gone, my city?...Ah, fallen Dionysius, must thouLose all, then cast thy soul to swell the loss?It is thy kingly reputation burns,With all that thou mightst own in fair Elysium![Shouting, left]

Dion.I feel not this—but O, fair Syracuse!

Rock in thy fiery cradle till the sea

Gets up to weep, and bending gods pour down

Remorseful tears to drown the reddening shame

That blushes o'er the moon and writes the name

Of hell upon the stars!

[A sudden burst of noise and flame from the heights of Achridina]

Art gone, my city?...

Ah, fallen Dionysius, must thou

Lose all, then cast thy soul to swell the loss?

It is thy kingly reputation burns,

With all that thou mightst own in fair Elysium!

[Shouting, left]

Speu.The wall! the wall! They charge!

Pan.The stranger leads!Ho, come, Speusippus!

Pan.The stranger leads!

Ho, come, Speusippus!

Dion.On! on, on, my friends!

[Exeunt, left. The flames from Achridina die down. Semi-darkness. Men enter and creep about the blackened ruins. Soft light in the East]

First man.Now Ceres mend our bones! Will 't e'er be light?

Second man.Ay, yonder winks the dawn.

First man.This blindfold warIs Horror past familiar—her leper cheekBowsing both cheeks like mistress privileged.

First man.This blindfold war

Is Horror past familiar—her leper cheek

Bowsing both cheeks like mistress privileged.

Third man.Gods keep us! Many a man has died this nightUpon his dear friend's sword. The treacherous torchAnd threatening glare of flames too oft betrayedThe panic-glaz�d eye.[Domenes rushes on from left. Speusippus following]

Third man.Gods keep us! Many a man has died this night

Upon his dear friend's sword. The treacherous torch

And threatening glare of flames too oft betrayed

The panic-glaz�d eye.

[Domenes rushes on from left. Speusippus following]

First man.Domenes?

Second man.Ay,The captain of the tyrant's guards. The GreekIs on him!

Second man.Ay,

The captain of the tyrant's guards. The Greek

Is on him!

Third man.Down!

Dom.Spare me! I'll give you news!

Speu.Live while your tongue wags. Speak! What of the fleetFrom Italy?

Speu.Live while your tongue wags. Speak! What of the fleet

From Italy?

Dom.All lost but one poor sailThat brings the desperate news. The tyrant madWith this is bound for flight with what is leftOf Carthage.

Dom.All lost but one poor sail

That brings the desperate news. The tyrant mad

With this is bound for flight with what is left

Of Carthage.

Speu.Ah, Ocrastes dead?

Dom.Drowned, sir.

Speu.And Dion's wife?

Dom.She's in the castle—safe.

Speu.And flies with Dionysius? Speak, man!

Dom.She begs to stay, but he may force her off.

Speu.Then we must stop this play and take the castle!Drag off! You're past all harm. [Going off, left] Now one charge more![Exit]

Speu.Then we must stop this play and take the castle!

Drag off! You're past all harm. [Going off, left] Now one charge more![Exit]

[Light breaks over Lesser Harbor]

Voices.Light! light!

First man.O blessed Zeus! And yet I fearThe babe-eyed Dawn will sicken with what's hereAnd creep back into night.

First man.O blessed Zeus! And yet I fear

The babe-eyed Dawn will sicken with what's here

And creep back into night.

Second man.No, day comes on,—The red-capped nurse that in her bosom hidesThe cherub Dawn, while her broad smileGoes round the world.

Second man.No, day comes on,—

The red-capped nurse that in her bosom hides

The cherub Dawn, while her broad smile

Goes round the world.

Third man.A smile on this?

Second man.Ay, ay,Her stomach's for all sights, and ulcerous earthShe'll kiss as close as fountain-laughing vales.

Second man.Ay, ay,

Her stomach's for all sights, and ulcerous earth

She'll kiss as close as fountain-laughing vales.

First man.By Ares' bloody dame, here's work enoughTo keep the gods a year from holiday!

First man.By Ares' bloody dame, here's work enough

To keep the gods a year from holiday!

[Shouts without, left. Enter citizens and soldiers in joyful confusion]

Voices.'Tis down! The wall is down! The castle's taken!

A voice.The tyrant has fled by sea!

Another.And none too soon!

Another.He'd pay his head else!

Cries without.Dion! Dion! Dion!

[Enter Dion with friends and citizens]

Dion.Shout not my name, for 'twas the noble strangerWho won this night. Seek him, Calippus,—begHis presence here with brow unhelmeted,That we may look where valor hath her home.

Dion.Shout not my name, for 'twas the noble stranger

Who won this night. Seek him, Calippus,—beg

His presence here with brow unhelmeted,

That we may look where valor hath her home.

Cal.He's gone, my lord.

Dion.Gone?

Cal.Vanished, as the seaHad lapped him up.

Cal.Vanished, as the sea

Had lapped him up.

Dion.More like the gods have stoopedTo draw him home again.

Dion.More like the gods have stooped

To draw him home again.

[Looks about at the desolation and groans]

Cal.Your wound, my lord?

Dion.No, no. I weep for dying Syracuse.Now is her glory like a weary starWithdrawn from fortune's heaven. O fairest city,Whose beauty drew the feet of farthest kings,And set a value in the poorest eyeTo be a storied heritage to sonsWhen sires who saw had passed! Even thou hast wonFrom cold oblivion but an ashen cloak!

Dion.No, no. I weep for dying Syracuse.

Now is her glory like a weary star

Withdrawn from fortune's heaven. O fairest city,

Whose beauty drew the feet of farthest kings,

And set a value in the poorest eye

To be a storied heritage to sons

When sires who saw had passed! Even thou hast won

From cold oblivion but an ashen cloak!

Aris.'Tis tyranny lies here, not Syracuse.Ay, from these mourn�d ashes, friend, will springA brighter glory than they bury now,And this night's woe bear fruitage of a peaceWhen Time shall hang as thick with happy hoursAs Flora's breast with buds.

Aris.'Tis tyranny lies here, not Syracuse.

Ay, from these mourn�d ashes, friend, will spring

A brighter glory than they bury now,

And this night's woe bear fruitage of a peace

When Time shall hang as thick with happy hours

As Flora's breast with buds.

Speu.By Hector's spur,It pricks to think this valor-breasted night,Bristling with action's pikes toward charging death,Should e'er beg life of tolerant memory,Thankful for so much breath as may endowA musty adage in the mouth of peace,Or shepherd song piped by an idle rillTo meek-eared violets in noonday shade!O! O! my lady Fame must have her nap.Soft, Mars, put on thy slippers!

Speu.By Hector's spur,

It pricks to think this valor-breasted night,

Bristling with action's pikes toward charging death,

Should e'er beg life of tolerant memory,

Thankful for so much breath as may endow

A musty adage in the mouth of peace,

Or shepherd song piped by an idle rill

To meek-eared violets in noonday shade!

O! O! my lady Fame must have her nap.

Soft, Mars, put on thy slippers!

[Enter soldiers dragging Heraclides]

Dion.Who is this?

First soldier.My lord, a prisoner.

Second sol.'Tis Heraclides,My lord.

Second sol.'Tis Heraclides,

My lord.

Voices.Death! Death to Dion's enemy!

Dion.What? Heraclides?

Pan.Ay![Drawing his sword]The blow is mine!

Dion.Put up your sword, brave Panthus. Nay, put up!

Pan.[Dropping weapon]'Twere better used, sir.

Dion.Heraclides, speak.What would you say? Do you repent this night?

Dion.Heraclides, speak.

What would you say? Do you repent this night?

Her.All men, my lord, repent the step that bringsTheir cloud-high foreheads to earth. I lie so lowThat Fortune's sun-bent eye will find no moreMy sunken ruin,—and but one comfort left,I can descend no further.

Her.All men, my lord, repent the step that brings

Their cloud-high foreheads to earth. I lie so low

That Fortune's sun-bent eye will find no more

My sunken ruin,—and but one comfort left,

I can descend no further.

Pan.Ay, to hell!

Her.Ambition knows no hell but failure. Strike!You put me out of torture, not send me to it.

Her.Ambition knows no hell but failure. Strike!

You put me out of torture, not send me to it.

Dion.Life only dreams her hells till death's be found.

Her.'Tis easy thus to speak from victory's heightWhence all looks fair,—so fair misfortune seemsSole lie o' the world. We bite truth with the dust,My lord.

Her.'Tis easy thus to speak from victory's height

Whence all looks fair,—so fair misfortune seems

Sole lie o' the world. We bite truth with the dust,

My lord.

Voices.His sentence! Death! The traitor! Death!

Dion.Peace, friends.

Voices.Death! Seize him! Kill him!

Cal.Dion speaks!

Voices.Hear Dion!

Dion.Not alone in martial ventureDo victors win their bays. Let each of us,Trampling on anger and contending maliceThat from our natures thrust out serpent heads,Forgive this captive foe, and crown our browsWith wreaths of victory outshining allThat shake from war-decked temples. Hear, my lord.By the power I hold in the true hearts and mindsOf noble Syracusans, I forgive thee.

Dion.Not alone in martial venture

Do victors win their bays. Let each of us,

Trampling on anger and contending malice

That from our natures thrust out serpent heads,

Forgive this captive foe, and crown our brows

With wreaths of victory outshining all

That shake from war-decked temples. Hear, my lord.

By the power I hold in the true hearts and minds

Of noble Syracusans, I forgive thee.

Voices.No, no!

Cal.My lord, he warned. He has a tongueWould flatter Zeus from heaven, and common mindsHe calls as flies to honey.

Cal.My lord, he warned. He has a tongue

Would flatter Zeus from heaven, and common minds

He calls as flies to honey.

Dion.Nay, his sweetIs wormwood now. Because this foolish manHas walked in sin, shall I too blemish virtue?

Dion.Nay, his sweet

Is wormwood now. Because this foolish man

Has walked in sin, shall I too blemish virtue?

Voices.Revenge! Revenge!

Dion.Who offers injury,And who revenges it, ply the same threadOf Nature's scarlet. Heraclides, go.Thou'rt free.

Dion.Who offers injury,

And who revenges it, ply the same thread

Of Nature's scarlet. Heraclides, go.

Thou'rt free.

Her.I do not kneel to you—a man—But to the god that houses in your shape.O noble Dion, what deed may speak my thanksToo great for tongue?

Her.I do not kneel to you—a man—

But to the god that houses in your shape.

O noble Dion, what deed may speak my thanks

Too great for tongue?

Dion.Arise, go forth, and whereYou once betrayed a thousand hearts lead oneTo safety.

Dion.Arise, go forth, and where

You once betrayed a thousand hearts lead one

To safety.

[Exit Heraclides, rabble following]

Cal.[To Speusippus]Sir, what think you?

Speu.'Tis gross error.He'll breathe a life into the stones o' the streetEre lack for followers.

Speu.'Tis gross error.

He'll breathe a life into the stones o' the street

Ere lack for followers.

Cal.Come, let us see.

[Exeunt Calippus and Speusippus, others following]

Dion.[To his Grecian guards]Go nurse your wounds, brave friends. I need no moreYour arms, but ever need your love. You with them,Panthus. You know my wishes.

Dion.[To his Grecian guards]Go nurse your wounds, brave friends. I need no more

Your arms, but ever need your love. You with them,

Panthus. You know my wishes.

Pan.Ay, my lord.

[Exeunt Panthus and guards. Aristocles remains with Dion]

Dion.My friend![They embrace]No tears! We'll water joy hereafter.Now there is much to do. Wilt seek Calippus for meAnd make him governor of the castle?

Dion.My friend![They embrace]No tears! We'll water joy hereafter.

Now there is much to do. Wilt seek Calippus for me

And make him governor of the castle?

Aris.Ay.[Exit]

Dion.[Alone]Now red revolt with opened veins lies lowFast paling to her death; and silence deepAs takes the mother's ear who waits the stepOf her dead soldier son, creeps o'er the world.And to my lonely eye the universeShrinks to a monument writ with one grief.Ocrastes, couldst, when locked within my love—Ay, bedded in the core—to vermin turnAnd gnaw the heart thou breathedst in?... O youth,Among life's strangely flowering hopes thou artThe blossom of deceit! When we have watchedThy tender green peer up—thy opening budsThat wrap their silken promise round our fears—And spent our prayers like nurturing rains upon theeThat thou mayst bloom above our pride and hangThe rose or spring upon our frosty age,How dost thou droop, till o'er thy cankered wreckWe dew thy fall with tears!... O beauteous bud,What deadly aconite cast its foul shadeUpon thy blowing grace? My son, my son,I am no warrior when I think of thee,Else would my sword be out. A father's eyeIs turned upon thy sin, and all the wrongThou didst to me half righted with a tear ...... The sun comes flaming from the sea as thoughAnother Syracuse burnt on the waves ...Why stand I here? The castle doors are open,And therein waits the fairest face of earthTo shine for me To shine? O human sun,Unlike thy skyey peer, thy light is dimmedWith what thou'st looked upon. Thy beams have drunkPollution deep that now detested fallsUpon my soul.

Dion.[Alone]Now red revolt with opened veins lies low

Fast paling to her death; and silence deep

As takes the mother's ear who waits the step

Of her dead soldier son, creeps o'er the world.

And to my lonely eye the universe

Shrinks to a monument writ with one grief.

Ocrastes, couldst, when locked within my love—

Ay, bedded in the core—to vermin turn

And gnaw the heart thou breathedst in?... O youth,

Among life's strangely flowering hopes thou art

The blossom of deceit! When we have watched

Thy tender green peer up—thy opening buds

That wrap their silken promise round our fears—

And spent our prayers like nurturing rains upon thee

That thou mayst bloom above our pride and hang

The rose or spring upon our frosty age,

How dost thou droop, till o'er thy cankered wreck

We dew thy fall with tears!... O beauteous bud,

What deadly aconite cast its foul shade

Upon thy blowing grace? My son, my son,

I am no warrior when I think of thee,

Else would my sword be out. A father's eye

Is turned upon thy sin, and all the wrong

Thou didst to me half righted with a tear ...

... The sun comes flaming from the sea as though

Another Syracuse burnt on the waves ...

Why stand I here? The castle doors are open,

And therein waits the fairest face of earth

To shine for me To shine? O human sun,

Unlike thy skyey peer, thy light is dimmed

With what thou'st looked upon. Thy beams have drunk

Pollution deep that now detested falls

Upon my soul.

[Re-enter Aristocles]

Aris.All's well, my lord.

Dion.All's well?That's strange news for my heart. Wilt go with me?

Dion.All's well?

That's strange news for my heart. Wilt go with me?

Aris.Whither, my lord?

Dion.Into yon castle.... Come.

[Exeunt. Curtain]

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