Interlocutors.
TheogenesandCorabino, with four other Numantines, Governors of Numantia,Marquino, a wizard, and a Corpse which will appear in due time. They are seated in council, and the four nameless Numantines are distinguished by First, Second, Third, and Fourth.
TheogenesandCorabino, with four other Numantines, Governors of Numantia,Marquino, a wizard, and a Corpse which will appear in due time. They are seated in council, and the four nameless Numantines are distinguished by First, Second, Third, and Fourth.
Theogenes.
Ye valiant men, it seems to me this dayThat every adverse fate and direful signConspire to crush us with their baleful sway,And cause our force and fury to decline.The Romans shut us in, do what we may,With cruel craft our strength to undermine.No vengeance comes to us by death in fight,Nor, save with wings, can we escape by flight,Not these alone would crush us to the ground,Who oft have suffered at our hands defeat;For Spaniards too, with them in paction bound,Would cut our throats with treachery complete.May Heaven such knavish villany confound!May lightning flashes wound their nimble feet,Who rush to give their friends a deadly blow,And lend their succour to our wily foe!See if ye cannot now devise some planTo mend our fortunes, and our city save;For this laborious siege, of lengthened span,Prepares for us a sure and certain grave.Across that fearful ditch no single manMay seek the fortune that awaits the brave;Though valiant arms, at times, in close arrayWill sweep a thousand obstacles away.
Ye valiant men, it seems to me this dayThat every adverse fate and direful signConspire to crush us with their baleful sway,And cause our force and fury to decline.The Romans shut us in, do what we may,With cruel craft our strength to undermine.No vengeance comes to us by death in fight,Nor, save with wings, can we escape by flight,Not these alone would crush us to the ground,Who oft have suffered at our hands defeat;For Spaniards too, with them in paction bound,Would cut our throats with treachery complete.May Heaven such knavish villany confound!May lightning flashes wound their nimble feet,Who rush to give their friends a deadly blow,And lend their succour to our wily foe!See if ye cannot now devise some planTo mend our fortunes, and our city save;For this laborious siege, of lengthened span,Prepares for us a sure and certain grave.Across that fearful ditch no single manMay seek the fortune that awaits the brave;Though valiant arms, at times, in close arrayWill sweep a thousand obstacles away.
Ye valiant men, it seems to me this dayThat every adverse fate and direful sign
Conspire to crush us with their baleful sway,
And cause our force and fury to decline.
The Romans shut us in, do what we may,
With cruel craft our strength to undermine.
No vengeance comes to us by death in fight,
Nor, save with wings, can we escape by flight,
Not these alone would crush us to the ground,
Who oft have suffered at our hands defeat;
For Spaniards too, with them in paction bound,
Would cut our throats with treachery complete.
May Heaven such knavish villany confound!
May lightning flashes wound their nimble feet,
Who rush to give their friends a deadly blow,
And lend their succour to our wily foe!
See if ye cannot now devise some plan
To mend our fortunes, and our city save;
For this laborious siege, of lengthened span,
Prepares for us a sure and certain grave.
Across that fearful ditch no single man
May seek the fortune that awaits the brave;
Though valiant arms, at times, in close array
Will sweep a thousand obstacles away.
Corabino.
I would that mighty Jove, in sovereign grace,Might grant our gallant youth this very dayTo meet the Roman army face to face,Where'er their arms might have the freest play.Not death itself, in such a happy case,Would keep their Spanish fortitude at bay;They'd hew a pathway, beat the foemen down,And succour bring to our Numantian town.But since we find ourselves in this sad state,Like women harboured and by force confined,Then let us do our utmost in the strait,And show a daring and determined mind;Let us invite our foes to test their fateBy single combat; haply we shall findThat, worn out by this siege and lengthened fray,They fain would end it in this simple way.But if this remedy should not succeed,And this our just demand should baffled be,One other plan may bring us better speed,Though more laborious, as it seems to me:That ditch and battled trench, which now impedeOur passage to the foeman's camp ye see,By sudden night assault let us break through,And march for succour to good friends and true.
I would that mighty Jove, in sovereign grace,Might grant our gallant youth this very dayTo meet the Roman army face to face,Where'er their arms might have the freest play.Not death itself, in such a happy case,Would keep their Spanish fortitude at bay;They'd hew a pathway, beat the foemen down,And succour bring to our Numantian town.But since we find ourselves in this sad state,Like women harboured and by force confined,Then let us do our utmost in the strait,And show a daring and determined mind;Let us invite our foes to test their fateBy single combat; haply we shall findThat, worn out by this siege and lengthened fray,They fain would end it in this simple way.But if this remedy should not succeed,And this our just demand should baffled be,One other plan may bring us better speed,Though more laborious, as it seems to me:That ditch and battled trench, which now impedeOur passage to the foeman's camp ye see,By sudden night assault let us break through,And march for succour to good friends and true.
I would that mighty Jove, in sovereign grace,
Might grant our gallant youth this very day
To meet the Roman army face to face,
Where'er their arms might have the freest play.
Not death itself, in such a happy case,
Would keep their Spanish fortitude at bay;
They'd hew a pathway, beat the foemen down,
And succour bring to our Numantian town.
But since we find ourselves in this sad state,
Like women harboured and by force confined,
Then let us do our utmost in the strait,
And show a daring and determined mind;
Let us invite our foes to test their fate
By single combat; haply we shall find
That, worn out by this siege and lengthened fray,
They fain would end it in this simple way.
But if this remedy should not succeed,
And this our just demand should baffled be,
One other plan may bring us better speed,
Though more laborious, as it seems to me:
That ditch and battled trench, which now impede
Our passage to the foeman's camp ye see,
By sudden night assault let us break through,
And march for succour to good friends and true.
First Numantine.
Be it by ditch or death, we must, 'tis plain,Free passage force, if we would still survive;For death is most insufferable pain,If it should come when life is most alive.Death is the certain cure for woes that drainThe strength of life, and on it grow and thrive;For death with honour is supremest bliss;No fate can be more excellent than this.
Be it by ditch or death, we must, 'tis plain,Free passage force, if we would still survive;For death is most insufferable pain,If it should come when life is most alive.Death is the certain cure for woes that drainThe strength of life, and on it grow and thrive;For death with honour is supremest bliss;No fate can be more excellent than this.
Be it by ditch or death, we must, 'tis plain,
Free passage force, if we would still survive;
For death is most insufferable pain,
If it should come when life is most alive.
Death is the certain cure for woes that drain
The strength of life, and on it grow and thrive;
For death with honour is supremest bliss;
No fate can be more excellent than this.
Second Numantine.
Can higher honour crown our latest years,If so our souls must from our bodies part,Than thus to rush upon the Roman spears,And dying, strike our foemen at the heart?Let him who will display the coward's fears,And stay within the city all apart;For me, at least, my life I'd rather yield,Within the ditch, or on the open field.
Can higher honour crown our latest years,If so our souls must from our bodies part,Than thus to rush upon the Roman spears,And dying, strike our foemen at the heart?Let him who will display the coward's fears,And stay within the city all apart;For me, at least, my life I'd rather yield,Within the ditch, or on the open field.
Can higher honour crown our latest years,
If so our souls must from our bodies part,
Than thus to rush upon the Roman spears,
And dying, strike our foemen at the heart?
Let him who will display the coward's fears,
And stay within the city all apart;
For me, at least, my life I'd rather yield,
Within the ditch, or on the open field.
Third Numantine.
This cruel hunger, fearsome and malign,Which tracks our path, and goads us bitterly,Constrains me to consent to your design,However rash and hair-brained it may be.By death in fight this insult we decline;Who would not die of hunger come with me,To force the trenches, and with one accordCut out a path to safety with the sword.
This cruel hunger, fearsome and malign,Which tracks our path, and goads us bitterly,Constrains me to consent to your design,However rash and hair-brained it may be.By death in fight this insult we decline;Who would not die of hunger come with me,To force the trenches, and with one accordCut out a path to safety with the sword.
This cruel hunger, fearsome and malign,
Which tracks our path, and goads us bitterly,
Constrains me to consent to your design,
However rash and hair-brained it may be.
By death in fight this insult we decline;
Who would not die of hunger come with me,
To force the trenches, and with one accord
Cut out a path to safety with the sword.
Fourth Numantine.
It seemeth good to me, before we dareThe desperate act which promises relief,That we should summon from the rampart thereOur haughty foe, and ask of him in brief:That he will grant an open field and fairTo one Numantian, and one Roman chief,And that the death of either in the fightShall end our quarrel and decide the right.These Romans are a people of such prideThat they will sanction what we now propose;And if by this our challenge they abide,Then sure am I our griefs will have a close;For here sits Corabino at our side,Upon whose mighty valour I repose,That he alone, in open fight with three,Will from the Romans snatch the victory.'Tis also fitting that Marquino here,Whose fame as sage diviner is so great,Should note what sign or planet in the sphereForbodeth death to us, or glorious fate;And find some means perchance to make it clear,If we shall issue from our present strait,When once this doubtful cruel siege has passed,The victors or the vanquished at the last.Be it as well our first and chief concernTo make to Jove a solemn sacrifice;It well may be that thereby we shall earnA boon still higher than the proffered price.If by such aid supernal we shall learnTo staunch the wounds of our deep-rooted vice,Then haply may our rugged fates relent,And change to brighter fortune and content.There never lacketh opportunity to die,The desperate may have it when inclined;The fitting time and place are always nighTo show in dying the determined mind.But lest the passing hours in vain should fly,Say if ye now approve what I've designed,And if ye do not, then devise some planWill better suit, and pleasure every man.
It seemeth good to me, before we dareThe desperate act which promises relief,That we should summon from the rampart thereOur haughty foe, and ask of him in brief:That he will grant an open field and fairTo one Numantian, and one Roman chief,And that the death of either in the fightShall end our quarrel and decide the right.These Romans are a people of such prideThat they will sanction what we now propose;And if by this our challenge they abide,Then sure am I our griefs will have a close;For here sits Corabino at our side,Upon whose mighty valour I repose,That he alone, in open fight with three,Will from the Romans snatch the victory.'Tis also fitting that Marquino here,Whose fame as sage diviner is so great,Should note what sign or planet in the sphereForbodeth death to us, or glorious fate;And find some means perchance to make it clear,If we shall issue from our present strait,When once this doubtful cruel siege has passed,The victors or the vanquished at the last.Be it as well our first and chief concernTo make to Jove a solemn sacrifice;It well may be that thereby we shall earnA boon still higher than the proffered price.If by such aid supernal we shall learnTo staunch the wounds of our deep-rooted vice,Then haply may our rugged fates relent,And change to brighter fortune and content.There never lacketh opportunity to die,The desperate may have it when inclined;The fitting time and place are always nighTo show in dying the determined mind.But lest the passing hours in vain should fly,Say if ye now approve what I've designed,And if ye do not, then devise some planWill better suit, and pleasure every man.
It seemeth good to me, before we dare
The desperate act which promises relief,
That we should summon from the rampart there
Our haughty foe, and ask of him in brief:
That he will grant an open field and fair
To one Numantian, and one Roman chief,
And that the death of either in the fight
Shall end our quarrel and decide the right.
These Romans are a people of such pride
That they will sanction what we now propose;
And if by this our challenge they abide,
Then sure am I our griefs will have a close;
For here sits Corabino at our side,
Upon whose mighty valour I repose,
That he alone, in open fight with three,
Will from the Romans snatch the victory.
'Tis also fitting that Marquino here,
Whose fame as sage diviner is so great,
Should note what sign or planet in the sphere
Forbodeth death to us, or glorious fate;
And find some means perchance to make it clear,
If we shall issue from our present strait,
When once this doubtful cruel siege has passed,
The victors or the vanquished at the last.
Be it as well our first and chief concern
To make to Jove a solemn sacrifice;
It well may be that thereby we shall earn
A boon still higher than the proffered price.
If by such aid supernal we shall learn
To staunch the wounds of our deep-rooted vice,
Then haply may our rugged fates relent,
And change to brighter fortune and content.
There never lacketh opportunity to die,
The desperate may have it when inclined;
The fitting time and place are always nigh
To show in dying the determined mind.
But lest the passing hours in vain should fly,
Say if ye now approve what I've designed,
And if ye do not, then devise some plan
Will better suit, and pleasure every man.
Marquino.
There is good reason in thy sage advice;Its weighty counsel is approved by me;Prepare the offering and the sacrifice,And let the challenge quick delivered be.As for myself, I'll hasten in a triceTo show my science in supreme degree;For one I'll drag from out the heart of HellOur future, be it good or bad, to tell.
There is good reason in thy sage advice;Its weighty counsel is approved by me;Prepare the offering and the sacrifice,And let the challenge quick delivered be.As for myself, I'll hasten in a triceTo show my science in supreme degree;For one I'll drag from out the heart of HellOur future, be it good or bad, to tell.
There is good reason in thy sage advice;
Its weighty counsel is approved by me;
Prepare the offering and the sacrifice,
And let the challenge quick delivered be.
As for myself, I'll hasten in a trice
To show my science in supreme degree;
For one I'll drag from out the heart of Hell
Our future, be it good or bad, to tell.
Theogenes.
I herewith offer me, if so indeedYe can but trust my valour and my might,To sally forth, if it be so decreed,And be your champion in the single fight.
I herewith offer me, if so indeedYe can but trust my valour and my might,To sally forth, if it be so decreed,And be your champion in the single fight.
I herewith offer me, if so indeed
Ye can but trust my valour and my might,
To sally forth, if it be so decreed,
And be your champion in the single fight.
Corabino.
Thy valour rare deserves a better meed;We well may trust—it is thy patent right—Affairs by far more difficult and graveTo him who is the bravest of the brave.And since the chiefest place is at thy call,Due to thy worth, by general assent,I, who esteem myself the least of all,Will act as herald of this tournament.
Thy valour rare deserves a better meed;We well may trust—it is thy patent right—Affairs by far more difficult and graveTo him who is the bravest of the brave.And since the chiefest place is at thy call,Due to thy worth, by general assent,I, who esteem myself the least of all,Will act as herald of this tournament.
Thy valour rare deserves a better meed;
We well may trust—it is thy patent right—
Affairs by far more difficult and grave
To him who is the bravest of the brave.
And since the chiefest place is at thy call,
Due to thy worth, by general assent,
I, who esteem myself the least of all,
Will act as herald of this tournament.
First Numantine.
Then I, with all the people, great and small,Will do what gives to Jove the most content;For prayers and sacrifice have mighty sway,When purged and contrite hearts prepare the way.
Then I, with all the people, great and small,Will do what gives to Jove the most content;For prayers and sacrifice have mighty sway,When purged and contrite hearts prepare the way.
Then I, with all the people, great and small,
Will do what gives to Jove the most content;
For prayers and sacrifice have mighty sway,
When purged and contrite hearts prepare the way.
Second Numantine.
Now let us go, with ready wills and free,To do as we have sworn, whate'er befall,Before pale hunger's gnawing miseryHath brought us to the last extreme of all.
Now let us go, with ready wills and free,To do as we have sworn, whate'er befall,Before pale hunger's gnawing miseryHath brought us to the last extreme of all.
Now let us go, with ready wills and free,
To do as we have sworn, whate'er befall,
Before pale hunger's gnawing misery
Hath brought us to the last extreme of all.
Third Numantine.
If Heaven already hath pronounced decreeThat we are doomed in dire distress to fall,May Heaven revoke it now, and aid us soon,If our contrition meriteth the boon.
If Heaven already hath pronounced decreeThat we are doomed in dire distress to fall,May Heaven revoke it now, and aid us soon,If our contrition meriteth the boon.
If Heaven already hath pronounced decree
That we are doomed in dire distress to fall,
May Heaven revoke it now, and aid us soon,
If our contrition meriteth the boon.
Enter first two Numantine soldiers,MorandroandLeoncio.
Enter first two Numantine soldiers,MorandroandLeoncio.
Leoncio.
Where, Morandro, dost thou go?What strange errand hast thou got?
Where, Morandro, dost thou go?What strange errand hast thou got?
Where, Morandro, dost thou go?
What strange errand hast thou got?
Morandro.
If myself do know it notJust as little wilt thou know.
If myself do know it notJust as little wilt thou know.
If myself do know it not
Just as little wilt thou know.
Leoncio.
Would that amorous whim of thineI could pluck from out thy pate!
Would that amorous whim of thineI could pluck from out thy pate!
Would that amorous whim of thine
I could pluck from out thy pate!
Morandro.
Nay, my reason hath more weightSince I felt this flame of mine.
Nay, my reason hath more weightSince I felt this flame of mine.
Nay, my reason hath more weight
Since I felt this flame of mine.
Leoncio.
'Tis a fact, undoubted lore,That the love-devoted swainHath, by reason of his pain,Weightier reason than before.
'Tis a fact, undoubted lore,That the love-devoted swainHath, by reason of his pain,Weightier reason than before.
'Tis a fact, undoubted lore,
That the love-devoted swain
Hath, by reason of his pain,
Weightier reason than before.
Morandro.
What thou speakest thus to me,Is it wit, or malice, friend?
What thou speakest thus to me,Is it wit, or malice, friend?
What thou speakest thus to me,
Is it wit, or malice, friend?
Leoncio.
Thou my wit mayst apprehend,I, thy pure simplicity.
Thou my wit mayst apprehend,I, thy pure simplicity.
Thou my wit mayst apprehend,
I, thy pure simplicity.
Morandro.
Am I simple, loving well?
Am I simple, loving well?
Am I simple, loving well?
Leoncio.
Yes, if love will not allowFor the whom, and when, and how;Ask thy reason, it will tell.
Yes, if love will not allowFor the whom, and when, and how;Ask thy reason, it will tell.
Yes, if love will not allow
For the whom, and when, and how;
Ask thy reason, it will tell.
Morandro.
Who can bounds assign to love?
Who can bounds assign to love?
Who can bounds assign to love?
Leoncio.
Reason's self will show them thee.
Reason's self will show them thee.
Reason's self will show them thee.
Morandro.
Reasonable will they be,But of slender value prove.
Reasonable will they be,But of slender value prove.
Reasonable will they be,
But of slender value prove.
Leoncio.
What of reason is there, pray,In the amorous endeavour?
What of reason is there, pray,In the amorous endeavour?
What of reason is there, pray,
In the amorous endeavour?
Morandro.
Love 'gainst reason goeth never,Though it go some other way.
Love 'gainst reason goeth never,Though it go some other way.
Love 'gainst reason goeth never,
Though it go some other way.
Leoncio.
Is it not beyond all reason,Gallant soldier as thou art,Thus to show a lover's heart,In this sad and straitened season?At a time when thou art boundRound the god of war to rally,Is it meet with love to dally,Scatt'ring thousand sweets around?See thy country in a stir,Enemies before, behind,And wilt thou, with troubled mind,Turn to love, and not to her?
Is it not beyond all reason,Gallant soldier as thou art,Thus to show a lover's heart,In this sad and straitened season?At a time when thou art boundRound the god of war to rally,Is it meet with love to dally,Scatt'ring thousand sweets around?See thy country in a stir,Enemies before, behind,And wilt thou, with troubled mind,Turn to love, and not to her?
Is it not beyond all reason,
Gallant soldier as thou art,
Thus to show a lover's heart,
In this sad and straitened season?
At a time when thou art bound
Round the god of war to rally,
Is it meet with love to dally,
Scatt'ring thousand sweets around?
See thy country in a stir,
Enemies before, behind,
And wilt thou, with troubled mind,
Turn to love, and not to her?
Morandro.
Thus to hear thee idly speak,Makes my blood with fury dance.When did love, by any chance,Make the manly bosom weak?Do I leave my post to flyTo my lady's side instead,Or lie sleeping on my bed,When my captain watches by?Hast thou seen me fail to moveAt the urgent call of duty,Lured away by wanton beauty,Or still less by honest love?If with truth thou canst not tellAny point wherein I fail,Wherefore thus against me rail,Just because I love so well?If I shun the circles bright,Brooding o'er my sad condition,Put thyself in my position,Thou wilt see that I have right.Know'st thou not how many yearsI was mad for Lyra's sake,Till at length the clouds did break,Scatt'ring all my doubts and fears?For her father gave consentThat we twain should wedded be;And my Lyra's love for me,Mine for her, gave full content.But, alas! thou art awareHow this brutal, cruel warCame our happiness to mar,Sunk my glory to despair.For our marriage may not beTill the din of war hath ceased;'Tis no time to wed and feastTill this land of ours be free.Think what slender hope is hereThat my bliss will ever be,When our chance of victoryRests upon the foeman's spear!Here we are with ruin near us,Fosse and trench around us lying,All our men with hunger dying,And no thought of war to cheer us!Is it strange, that when I knowAll my hopes are but as wind,I should go with saddened mind,Just as now thou seest me go?
Thus to hear thee idly speak,Makes my blood with fury dance.When did love, by any chance,Make the manly bosom weak?Do I leave my post to flyTo my lady's side instead,Or lie sleeping on my bed,When my captain watches by?Hast thou seen me fail to moveAt the urgent call of duty,Lured away by wanton beauty,Or still less by honest love?If with truth thou canst not tellAny point wherein I fail,Wherefore thus against me rail,Just because I love so well?If I shun the circles bright,Brooding o'er my sad condition,Put thyself in my position,Thou wilt see that I have right.Know'st thou not how many yearsI was mad for Lyra's sake,Till at length the clouds did break,Scatt'ring all my doubts and fears?For her father gave consentThat we twain should wedded be;And my Lyra's love for me,Mine for her, gave full content.But, alas! thou art awareHow this brutal, cruel warCame our happiness to mar,Sunk my glory to despair.For our marriage may not beTill the din of war hath ceased;'Tis no time to wed and feastTill this land of ours be free.Think what slender hope is hereThat my bliss will ever be,When our chance of victoryRests upon the foeman's spear!Here we are with ruin near us,Fosse and trench around us lying,All our men with hunger dying,And no thought of war to cheer us!Is it strange, that when I knowAll my hopes are but as wind,I should go with saddened mind,Just as now thou seest me go?
Thus to hear thee idly speak,
Makes my blood with fury dance.
When did love, by any chance,
Make the manly bosom weak?
Do I leave my post to fly
To my lady's side instead,
Or lie sleeping on my bed,
When my captain watches by?
Hast thou seen me fail to move
At the urgent call of duty,
Lured away by wanton beauty,
Or still less by honest love?
If with truth thou canst not tell
Any point wherein I fail,
Wherefore thus against me rail,
Just because I love so well?
If I shun the circles bright,
Brooding o'er my sad condition,
Put thyself in my position,
Thou wilt see that I have right.
Know'st thou not how many years
I was mad for Lyra's sake,
Till at length the clouds did break,
Scatt'ring all my doubts and fears?
For her father gave consent
That we twain should wedded be;
And my Lyra's love for me,
Mine for her, gave full content.
But, alas! thou art aware
How this brutal, cruel war
Came our happiness to mar,
Sunk my glory to despair.
For our marriage may not be
Till the din of war hath ceased;
'Tis no time to wed and feast
Till this land of ours be free.
Think what slender hope is here
That my bliss will ever be,
When our chance of victory
Rests upon the foeman's spear!
Here we are with ruin near us,
Fosse and trench around us lying,
All our men with hunger dying,
And no thought of war to cheer us!
Is it strange, that when I know
All my hopes are but as wind,
I should go with saddened mind,
Just as now thou seest me go?
Leoncio.
O Morandro, calm thy breast;Let me see thine ancient glance;For by hidden ways, perchance,Help will reach us—and the best.Sovereign Jove will doubtless showTo our brave Numantian folkHow to burst this Roman yokeBy some sharp and sudden blow.Then in calm and sweet reposeWilt thou seek thy wedded wife,And in love's endearing strifeSoon forget thy present woes.For this day, by sage advice,Will Numantia, all astir,Unto Jove, the Thunderer,Make a solemn sacrifice.See what crowds of people hieWith the victim and the fire!Mighty Jove, all-powerful sire,Look upon our misery!
O Morandro, calm thy breast;Let me see thine ancient glance;For by hidden ways, perchance,Help will reach us—and the best.Sovereign Jove will doubtless showTo our brave Numantian folkHow to burst this Roman yokeBy some sharp and sudden blow.Then in calm and sweet reposeWilt thou seek thy wedded wife,And in love's endearing strifeSoon forget thy present woes.For this day, by sage advice,Will Numantia, all astir,Unto Jove, the Thunderer,Make a solemn sacrifice.See what crowds of people hieWith the victim and the fire!Mighty Jove, all-powerful sire,Look upon our misery!
O Morandro, calm thy breast;
Let me see thine ancient glance;
For by hidden ways, perchance,
Help will reach us—and the best.
Sovereign Jove will doubtless show
To our brave Numantian folk
How to burst this Roman yoke
By some sharp and sudden blow.
Then in calm and sweet repose
Wilt thou seek thy wedded wife,
And in love's endearing strife
Soon forget thy present woes.
For this day, by sage advice,
Will Numantia, all astir,
Unto Jove, the Thunderer,
Make a solemn sacrifice.
See what crowds of people hie
With the victim and the fire!
Mighty Jove, all-powerful sire,
Look upon our misery!
[There enter two Numantines, clad as ancient priests, leading in between them, fastened by the horns, a big lamb,crowned with olive or ivy and other flowers; also a page with a silver salver and a towel on his shoulder; another with a silver goblet filled with water; another with one filled with wine; another with a silver dish and a little incense; another with fire and wood; another who arranges a table with a coverlet, on which all the aforesaid articles are placed. There enter on the scene all those who have already appeared in the comedy in the dress of Numantines, the priests coming after; and one of them, letting go the lamb, thus says:
[There enter two Numantines, clad as ancient priests, leading in between them, fastened by the horns, a big lamb,crowned with olive or ivy and other flowers; also a page with a silver salver and a towel on his shoulder; another with a silver goblet filled with water; another with one filled with wine; another with a silver dish and a little incense; another with fire and wood; another who arranges a table with a coverlet, on which all the aforesaid articles are placed. There enter on the scene all those who have already appeared in the comedy in the dress of Numantines, the priests coming after; and one of them, letting go the lamb, thus says:
First Priest.
Most certain signs, foreboding woes unchecked,Have shown their evil forms across my way,And my hoar hairs are standing all erect.
Most certain signs, foreboding woes unchecked,Have shown their evil forms across my way,And my hoar hairs are standing all erect.
Most certain signs, foreboding woes unchecked,
Have shown their evil forms across my way,
And my hoar hairs are standing all erect.
Second Priest.
If my divinings lead me not astray,No good will issue from this enterprise.Alas, Numantia! Ah, luckless day!
If my divinings lead me not astray,No good will issue from this enterprise.Alas, Numantia! Ah, luckless day!
If my divinings lead me not astray,
No good will issue from this enterprise.
Alas, Numantia! Ah, luckless day!
First Priest.
Let us, despite these mournful auguries,Perform our office with becoming speed.
Let us, despite these mournful auguries,Perform our office with becoming speed.
Let us, despite these mournful auguries,
Perform our office with becoming speed.
Second Priest.
Bring hither, friends, this table, and likewiseThe incense, wine, and water which we needArrange thereon. Now stand ye all apart;Repent ye of your every evil deed;The first and best oblation on your partIs that which heaven regards with chiefest grace,A chastened spirit and a guileless heart.
Bring hither, friends, this table, and likewiseThe incense, wine, and water which we needArrange thereon. Now stand ye all apart;Repent ye of your every evil deed;The first and best oblation on your partIs that which heaven regards with chiefest grace,A chastened spirit and a guileless heart.
Bring hither, friends, this table, and likewise
The incense, wine, and water which we need
Arrange thereon. Now stand ye all apart;
Repent ye of your every evil deed;
The first and best oblation on your part
Is that which heaven regards with chiefest grace,
A chastened spirit and a guileless heart.
First Priest.
The fire upon the ground ye must not place.There comes a brazier to receive it now,For so our rites demand in such a case.
The fire upon the ground ye must not place.There comes a brazier to receive it now,For so our rites demand in such a case.
The fire upon the ground ye must not place.
There comes a brazier to receive it now,
For so our rites demand in such a case.
Second Priest.
Make clean your hands and necks, and keep your vow.
Make clean your hands and necks, and keep your vow.
Make clean your hands and necks, and keep your vow.
First Priest.
Bring water here! Is not the fire alight?
Bring water here! Is not the fire alight?
Bring water here! Is not the fire alight?
One.
No man can kindle it, my lords, I trow.
No man can kindle it, my lords, I trow.
No man can kindle it, my lords, I trow.
Second Priest.
O Jove! Will adverse Fate, to our despite,Pursue us thus to ruin in its ire?What keeps the kindle-wood from taking light?
O Jove! Will adverse Fate, to our despite,Pursue us thus to ruin in its ire?What keeps the kindle-wood from taking light?
O Jove! Will adverse Fate, to our despite,
Pursue us thus to ruin in its ire?
What keeps the kindle-wood from taking light?
One.
It seems, my lord, there is some little fire.
It seems, my lord, there is some little fire.
It seems, my lord, there is some little fire.
First Priest.
Away with thee, thou lurid flame and spare!The sight of thee makes every hope expire.Mark how the thickening smoke is curling there,And to the western side directs its flight;While that pale flame which quivers in the airDarts to the east its points of yellow light;A luckless sign, which hastens to proclaimThat total loss and ruin are in sight.
Away with thee, thou lurid flame and spare!The sight of thee makes every hope expire.Mark how the thickening smoke is curling there,And to the western side directs its flight;While that pale flame which quivers in the airDarts to the east its points of yellow light;A luckless sign, which hastens to proclaimThat total loss and ruin are in sight.
Away with thee, thou lurid flame and spare!
The sight of thee makes every hope expire.
Mark how the thickening smoke is curling there,
And to the western side directs its flight;
While that pale flame which quivers in the air
Darts to the east its points of yellow light;
A luckless sign, which hastens to proclaim
That total loss and ruin are in sight.
Second Priest.
Although our death may give the Romans fame,Their victory, methinks, to smoke will turn,Our death and glory change to vivid flame.
Although our death may give the Romans fame,Their victory, methinks, to smoke will turn,Our death and glory change to vivid flame.
Although our death may give the Romans fame,
Their victory, methinks, to smoke will turn,
Our death and glory change to vivid flame.
First Priest.
Since it is fitting, bring the hallowed urn,And quick bedew the sacred fire with wine;The incense also it behoves to burn.
Since it is fitting, bring the hallowed urn,And quick bedew the sacred fire with wine;The incense also it behoves to burn.
Since it is fitting, bring the hallowed urn,
And quick bedew the sacred fire with wine;
The incense also it behoves to burn.
[They besprinkle the fire and its adjuncts with wine, and then place incense on the fire.
[They besprinkle the fire and its adjuncts with wine, and then place incense on the fire.
Second Priest.
Great Jupiter, direct thy force benignFor good to sad Numantia in her woe,And turn to naught the stern opposing sign.
Great Jupiter, direct thy force benignFor good to sad Numantia in her woe,And turn to naught the stern opposing sign.
Great Jupiter, direct thy force benign
For good to sad Numantia in her woe,
And turn to naught the stern opposing sign.
First Priest.
As burns the sacred incense in the glow,Forced into smoke by virtue of the fire,So exercise thy virtue on the foe,That all his wealth and glory, powerful Sire,May pass away in clouds of murky air,As thou canst do it, and as I desire.
As burns the sacred incense in the glow,Forced into smoke by virtue of the fire,So exercise thy virtue on the foe,That all his wealth and glory, powerful Sire,May pass away in clouds of murky air,As thou canst do it, and as I desire.
As burns the sacred incense in the glow,
Forced into smoke by virtue of the fire,
So exercise thy virtue on the foe,
That all his wealth and glory, powerful Sire,
May pass away in clouds of murky air,
As thou canst do it, and as I desire.
Second Priest.
May Heaven restrain the foe with arm laid bare,As now we hold this victim firmly bound,And may he share the fateshehath to share!
May Heaven restrain the foe with arm laid bare,As now we hold this victim firmly bound,And may he share the fateshehath to share!
May Heaven restrain the foe with arm laid bare,
As now we hold this victim firmly bound,
And may he share the fateshehath to share!
First Priest.
Ill bodes the augury; no hope is foundThat our beleaguered town will e'er be freeTo burst the tightening bonds that gird her round.
Ill bodes the augury; no hope is foundThat our beleaguered town will e'er be freeTo burst the tightening bonds that gird her round.
Ill bodes the augury; no hope is found
That our beleaguered town will e'er be free
To burst the tightening bonds that gird her round.
[Under the stage they make a noise with a barrel full of stones, and discharge a rocket.
[Under the stage they make a noise with a barrel full of stones, and discharge a rocket.
Second Priest.
Didst thou not hear a noise, my friend, or seeThat flaming bolt which passed with angry flight,In speedy answer to thy prophecy?
Didst thou not hear a noise, my friend, or seeThat flaming bolt which passed with angry flight,In speedy answer to thy prophecy?
Didst thou not hear a noise, my friend, or see
That flaming bolt which passed with angry flight,
In speedy answer to thy prophecy?
First Priest.
I stand appalled; I quake with very fright;What fearful signs are hovering in the sky,Foreboding bitter end, disastrous fight!Seest not that troop of eagles fierce on high,Who fight these birds with cruel beak and bill,And round their quivering prey in circles fly!
I stand appalled; I quake with very fright;What fearful signs are hovering in the sky,Foreboding bitter end, disastrous fight!Seest not that troop of eagles fierce on high,Who fight these birds with cruel beak and bill,And round their quivering prey in circles fly!
I stand appalled; I quake with very fright;
What fearful signs are hovering in the sky,
Foreboding bitter end, disastrous fight!
Seest not that troop of eagles fierce on high,
Who fight these birds with cruel beak and bill,
And round their quivering prey in circles fly!
Second Priest.
They use alone their strength and cruel willTo drive these birds into some narrow spot,Then close them in with wily art and skill.
They use alone their strength and cruel willTo drive these birds into some narrow spot,Then close them in with wily art and skill.
They use alone their strength and cruel will
To drive these birds into some narrow spot,
Then close them in with wily art and skill.
First Priest.
That omen I denounce; I like it not:Imperial eagles conquering as they go!Numantia falls,—it is her certain lot.
That omen I denounce; I like it not:Imperial eagles conquering as they go!Numantia falls,—it is her certain lot.
That omen I denounce; I like it not:
Imperial eagles conquering as they go!
Numantia falls,—it is her certain lot.
Second Priest.
Eagles, the heralds of stupendous woe!Thine augury is true; it fits the case:Our hours are numbered,—it is time to go.
Eagles, the heralds of stupendous woe!Thine augury is true; it fits the case:Our hours are numbered,—it is time to go.
Eagles, the heralds of stupendous woe!
Thine augury is true; it fits the case:
Our hours are numbered,—it is time to go.
First Priest.
Not yet; the sacrifice must now take placeOf this pure victim, destined to appeaseThe deity who shows the fearful face.O mighty Pluto, thou whom Fate did pleaseTo grant a dwelling in the realms obscure,And rule the infernal hosts with thy decrees;As thou wouldst live in peace, and rest secureThat she, of sacred Ceres daughter fair,Will greet thy love with an affection pure,Then listen to this wretched people's prayer;Do all that lies within thy proper sphere,And make their welfare thy peculiar care.Seal up that horrid cave profound and drearWhence sally forth the direful Sisters three,To do the damage we have cause to fear,For much they revel in our misery.
Not yet; the sacrifice must now take placeOf this pure victim, destined to appeaseThe deity who shows the fearful face.O mighty Pluto, thou whom Fate did pleaseTo grant a dwelling in the realms obscure,And rule the infernal hosts with thy decrees;As thou wouldst live in peace, and rest secureThat she, of sacred Ceres daughter fair,Will greet thy love with an affection pure,Then listen to this wretched people's prayer;Do all that lies within thy proper sphere,And make their welfare thy peculiar care.Seal up that horrid cave profound and drearWhence sally forth the direful Sisters three,To do the damage we have cause to fear,For much they revel in our misery.
Not yet; the sacrifice must now take place
Of this pure victim, destined to appease
The deity who shows the fearful face.
O mighty Pluto, thou whom Fate did please
To grant a dwelling in the realms obscure,
And rule the infernal hosts with thy decrees;
As thou wouldst live in peace, and rest secure
That she, of sacred Ceres daughter fair,
Will greet thy love with an affection pure,
Then listen to this wretched people's prayer;
Do all that lies within thy proper sphere,
And make their welfare thy peculiar care.
Seal up that horrid cave profound and drear
Whence sally forth the direful Sisters three,
To do the damage we have cause to fear,
For much they revel in our misery.
[He takes some flocks of hair from the lamb and throws them into the air.
[He takes some flocks of hair from the lamb and throws them into the air.
So may the wind make all their projects vain,And as I now proceed to lave and stainThis shining knife with that pure victim's gore,With guileless spirit and a purpose plain,So may Numantia's soil be sprinkled o'erWith Roman blood; and may its reddened sandsServe also for their grave, as oft before.
So may the wind make all their projects vain,And as I now proceed to lave and stainThis shining knife with that pure victim's gore,With guileless spirit and a purpose plain,So may Numantia's soil be sprinkled o'erWith Roman blood; and may its reddened sandsServe also for their grave, as oft before.
So may the wind make all their projects vain,
And as I now proceed to lave and stain
This shining knife with that pure victim's gore,
With guileless spirit and a purpose plain,
So may Numantia's soil be sprinkled o'er
With Roman blood; and may its reddened sands
Serve also for their grave, as oft before.
[Here enters from under the stage a demon, from the middle of his body upwards, who seizes the lamb and carries it behind. He presently returns again, and scatters and disperses the fire and all the sacrifices.
[Here enters from under the stage a demon, from the middle of his body upwards, who seizes the lamb and carries it behind. He presently returns again, and scatters and disperses the fire and all the sacrifices.
But who hath snatched the victim from my hands?Ye holy gods, what means this fearful thing?What prodigies are raging in these lands?Can nothing move your hearts, or pity bring?Not the sad wailings of our wretched folk,Or sweetness of the holy songs we sing?
But who hath snatched the victim from my hands?Ye holy gods, what means this fearful thing?What prodigies are raging in these lands?Can nothing move your hearts, or pity bring?Not the sad wailings of our wretched folk,Or sweetness of the holy songs we sing?
But who hath snatched the victim from my hands?
Ye holy gods, what means this fearful thing?
What prodigies are raging in these lands?
Can nothing move your hearts, or pity bring?
Not the sad wailings of our wretched folk,
Or sweetness of the holy songs we sing?
Second Priest.
These rather seem their anger to provoke,Else why these fearful signs of coming wrathThat press us downward like a hateful yoke!Our schemes of life are but a passing breath;Our hardest labour ends in quick decay;The good of others hastens but our death.
These rather seem their anger to provoke,Else why these fearful signs of coming wrathThat press us downward like a hateful yoke!Our schemes of life are but a passing breath;Our hardest labour ends in quick decay;The good of others hastens but our death.
These rather seem their anger to provoke,
Else why these fearful signs of coming wrath
That press us downward like a hateful yoke!
Our schemes of life are but a passing breath;
Our hardest labour ends in quick decay;
The good of others hastens but our death.
One of the People.
Enough; since Heaven hath now decreed this dayOur bitter end, its misery profound,Why need we more for pity's sake to pray?
Enough; since Heaven hath now decreed this dayOur bitter end, its misery profound,Why need we more for pity's sake to pray?
Enough; since Heaven hath now decreed this day
Our bitter end, its misery profound,
Why need we more for pity's sake to pray?
Another.
Then let us wail with such a doleful soundOur woeful lot, that coming ages mayRehearse our hopeless valour round and round.And let Marquino make a full displayOf all his lore; and tell the sum of fearsAnd horrors springing from this fateful day,Which now hath turned our laughter into tears.
Then let us wail with such a doleful soundOur woeful lot, that coming ages mayRehearse our hopeless valour round and round.And let Marquino make a full displayOf all his lore; and tell the sum of fearsAnd horrors springing from this fateful day,Which now hath turned our laughter into tears.
Then let us wail with such a doleful sound
Our woeful lot, that coming ages may
Rehearse our hopeless valour round and round.
And let Marquino make a full display
Of all his lore; and tell the sum of fears
And horrors springing from this fateful day,
Which now hath turned our laughter into tears.
[Exeunt omnes, saveMorandroandLeoncio, who remain alone.
[Exeunt omnes, saveMorandroandLeoncio, who remain alone.
Morandro.
What, Leoncio, dost thou say?Shall my sorrows have their cure'Neath these signs so good and sure,Which the Heavens now display?Shall I better fortune have,When the din of war is o'er?That will happen, not before,When this ground becomes my grave.
What, Leoncio, dost thou say?Shall my sorrows have their cure'Neath these signs so good and sure,Which the Heavens now display?Shall I better fortune have,When the din of war is o'er?That will happen, not before,When this ground becomes my grave.
What, Leoncio, dost thou say?
Shall my sorrows have their cure
'Neath these signs so good and sure,
Which the Heavens now display?
Shall I better fortune have,
When the din of war is o'er?
That will happen, not before,
When this ground becomes my grave.
Leoncio.
To the gallant soldier, friend,Auguries can give no pain;Sturdy heart and steady brainBring him fortune in the end.Passing phantoms vain and dimCannot shake or do him harm;Courage high and manly armAre the star and sign for him.But if thou wouldst still believeSuch a palpable delusion,We shall have them in profusion,If my sight doth not deceive.For Marquino now will showAll the best his lore can borrow,And the end of all our sorrow,Good or bad, we soon will know.Seems to me he comes this way;In what strange attire he sallies!
To the gallant soldier, friend,Auguries can give no pain;Sturdy heart and steady brainBring him fortune in the end.Passing phantoms vain and dimCannot shake or do him harm;Courage high and manly armAre the star and sign for him.But if thou wouldst still believeSuch a palpable delusion,We shall have them in profusion,If my sight doth not deceive.For Marquino now will showAll the best his lore can borrow,And the end of all our sorrow,Good or bad, we soon will know.Seems to me he comes this way;In what strange attire he sallies!
To the gallant soldier, friend,
Auguries can give no pain;
Sturdy heart and steady brain
Bring him fortune in the end.
Passing phantoms vain and dim
Cannot shake or do him harm;
Courage high and manly arm
Are the star and sign for him.
But if thou wouldst still believe
Such a palpable delusion,
We shall have them in profusion,
If my sight doth not deceive.
For Marquino now will show
All the best his lore can borrow,
And the end of all our sorrow,
Good or bad, we soon will know.
Seems to me he comes this way;
In what strange attire he sallies!
Morandro.
Who with ugly beings dalliesWell may ugly be as they!Shall we follow him, or fly?
Who with ugly beings dalliesWell may ugly be as they!Shall we follow him, or fly?
Who with ugly beings dallies
Well may ugly be as they!
Shall we follow him, or fly?
Leoncio.
Better far to follow now,For if fitting cause allow,We may serve him by-and-by.
Better far to follow now,For if fitting cause allow,We may serve him by-and-by.
Better far to follow now,
For if fitting cause allow,
We may serve him by-and-by.
[Here entersMarquino, clad with a black robe of wide glazed buckram, and blackflowing hair; his feet unshod, and at his girdle he must carry, so as to be seen, three phials full of water, one black, another tinged with saffron, the last clear; in the one hand a lance, black-lacquered, and in the other a book.Milvioaccompanies him, and as they advance,LeoncioandMorandrostand at one side.
[Here entersMarquino, clad with a black robe of wide glazed buckram, and blackflowing hair; his feet unshod, and at his girdle he must carry, so as to be seen, three phials full of water, one black, another tinged with saffron, the last clear; in the one hand a lance, black-lacquered, and in the other a book.Milvioaccompanies him, and as they advance,LeoncioandMorandrostand at one side.
Marquino.
Where say'st thou, Milvio, lies the luckless youth?
Where say'st thou, Milvio, lies the luckless youth?
Where say'st thou, Milvio, lies the luckless youth?
Milvio.
Within this sepulchre interred he lies.
Within this sepulchre interred he lies.
Within this sepulchre interred he lies.
Marquino.
Thou know'st the spot; thou dost not err, in sooth?
Thou know'st the spot; thou dost not err, in sooth?
Thou know'st the spot; thou dost not err, in sooth?
Milvio.
No, for this stone, that stands before mine eyes,I left to mark the place where now doth dwellThe lad we sepulchred with tears and sighs.
No, for this stone, that stands before mine eyes,I left to mark the place where now doth dwellThe lad we sepulchred with tears and sighs.
No, for this stone, that stands before mine eyes,
I left to mark the place where now doth dwell
The lad we sepulchred with tears and sighs.
Marquino.
What died he of?
What died he of?
What died he of?
Milvio.
Of living not too well.For withering, wasting hunger laid him low,That cruel plague, the progeny of Hell.
Of living not too well.For withering, wasting hunger laid him low,That cruel plague, the progeny of Hell.
Of living not too well.
For withering, wasting hunger laid him low,
That cruel plague, the progeny of Hell.
Marquino.
It was no wound, so far as thou dost know,That pierced his heart and cut the vital thread,No cancer, nay, nor homicidal blow?I ask thee this, for to my science dreadIt matters that this body be complete,Entire in all its parts, from foot to head.
It was no wound, so far as thou dost know,That pierced his heart and cut the vital thread,No cancer, nay, nor homicidal blow?I ask thee this, for to my science dreadIt matters that this body be complete,Entire in all its parts, from foot to head.
It was no wound, so far as thou dost know,
That pierced his heart and cut the vital thread,
No cancer, nay, nor homicidal blow?
I ask thee this, for to my science dread
It matters that this body be complete,
Entire in all its parts, from foot to head.
Milvio.
Three hours ago I paid him, as was meet,The last respects, and bore him to his tomb.He died of hunger; this I now repeat.
Three hours ago I paid him, as was meet,The last respects, and bore him to his tomb.He died of hunger; this I now repeat.
Three hours ago I paid him, as was meet,
The last respects, and bore him to his tomb.
He died of hunger; this I now repeat.
Marquino.
'Tis well; the fitting season is in bloom,Announced before by each propitious sign,To summon from the nether realms of gloomThe fallen spirits, fearsome and malign.Now to my verses give attentive ear:Fierce Pluto, thou, whom Fate hath called to reignWithin the wide domain of darkness drear,Amongst the ministers of souls in pain,Cause that my wishes be respected here,However much they go against the grain;And in this dire extreme delay not long,Nor wait a second summons from my tongue.I wish that to the corpse, interred by us,The soul that gave it life thou shouldst restore.Though Charon yonder, fierce and rigorous,Should hold it fast upon the blackened shore;Though, in the triple throat of CerberusThe grim, it lies ensconced in anguish sore;Forth let it come to seek our world of light,Then quick return unto thy realms of night.Since come it must, let it instructed come,Anent the issue of this bloody fray.Innopoint let the wretched soul be dumb,Nor aught conceal, but in the plainest way,Without ambiguous phrase, rehearse the sum,Lest doubt and dim confusion win the day.Now send it forth. Why keep me waiting here,Or must I make my meaning still more clear?Ye faithless ones, why turn ye not the stone?Tell me, false ministers, what keeps ye back?How? Have ye not sufficient portents shown,That ye will aid me in the thing I lack?Say, have ye mischievous designs alone?Or wish ye I should put upon the track,This very moment, my enchanting arts,To soften down your fierce and stony hearts?Well then, ye rabble vile, with falsehood rife,Prepare yourselves for words of harder grain;Know that my voice hath power upon your life,To give you double fury, double pain!Tell me, thou traitor, husband of the wifeWho six months yearly, to her sweetest gain,Remains without thee, cuckold as thou art,Why art thou dumb, when I speak out my heart?This iron point, bedewed with water clearWhich never touched the ground in month of May,Will strike this stone, and straightway will appearThe strength and potency of my assay.
'Tis well; the fitting season is in bloom,Announced before by each propitious sign,To summon from the nether realms of gloomThe fallen spirits, fearsome and malign.Now to my verses give attentive ear:Fierce Pluto, thou, whom Fate hath called to reignWithin the wide domain of darkness drear,Amongst the ministers of souls in pain,Cause that my wishes be respected here,However much they go against the grain;And in this dire extreme delay not long,Nor wait a second summons from my tongue.I wish that to the corpse, interred by us,The soul that gave it life thou shouldst restore.Though Charon yonder, fierce and rigorous,Should hold it fast upon the blackened shore;Though, in the triple throat of CerberusThe grim, it lies ensconced in anguish sore;Forth let it come to seek our world of light,Then quick return unto thy realms of night.Since come it must, let it instructed come,Anent the issue of this bloody fray.Innopoint let the wretched soul be dumb,Nor aught conceal, but in the plainest way,Without ambiguous phrase, rehearse the sum,Lest doubt and dim confusion win the day.Now send it forth. Why keep me waiting here,Or must I make my meaning still more clear?Ye faithless ones, why turn ye not the stone?Tell me, false ministers, what keeps ye back?How? Have ye not sufficient portents shown,That ye will aid me in the thing I lack?Say, have ye mischievous designs alone?Or wish ye I should put upon the track,This very moment, my enchanting arts,To soften down your fierce and stony hearts?Well then, ye rabble vile, with falsehood rife,Prepare yourselves for words of harder grain;Know that my voice hath power upon your life,To give you double fury, double pain!Tell me, thou traitor, husband of the wifeWho six months yearly, to her sweetest gain,Remains without thee, cuckold as thou art,Why art thou dumb, when I speak out my heart?This iron point, bedewed with water clearWhich never touched the ground in month of May,Will strike this stone, and straightway will appearThe strength and potency of my assay.
'Tis well; the fitting season is in bloom,
Announced before by each propitious sign,
To summon from the nether realms of gloom
The fallen spirits, fearsome and malign.
Now to my verses give attentive ear:
Fierce Pluto, thou, whom Fate hath called to reign
Within the wide domain of darkness drear,
Amongst the ministers of souls in pain,
Cause that my wishes be respected here,
However much they go against the grain;
And in this dire extreme delay not long,
Nor wait a second summons from my tongue.
I wish that to the corpse, interred by us,
The soul that gave it life thou shouldst restore.
Though Charon yonder, fierce and rigorous,
Should hold it fast upon the blackened shore;
Though, in the triple throat of Cerberus
The grim, it lies ensconced in anguish sore;
Forth let it come to seek our world of light,
Then quick return unto thy realms of night.
Since come it must, let it instructed come,
Anent the issue of this bloody fray.
Innopoint let the wretched soul be dumb,
Nor aught conceal, but in the plainest way,
Without ambiguous phrase, rehearse the sum,
Lest doubt and dim confusion win the day.
Now send it forth. Why keep me waiting here,
Or must I make my meaning still more clear?
Ye faithless ones, why turn ye not the stone?
Tell me, false ministers, what keeps ye back?
How? Have ye not sufficient portents shown,
That ye will aid me in the thing I lack?
Say, have ye mischievous designs alone?
Or wish ye I should put upon the track,
This very moment, my enchanting arts,
To soften down your fierce and stony hearts?
Well then, ye rabble vile, with falsehood rife,
Prepare yourselves for words of harder grain;
Know that my voice hath power upon your life,
To give you double fury, double pain!
Tell me, thou traitor, husband of the wife
Who six months yearly, to her sweetest gain,
Remains without thee, cuckold as thou art,
Why art thou dumb, when I speak out my heart?
This iron point, bedewed with water clear
Which never touched the ground in month of May,
Will strike this stone, and straightway will appear
The strength and potency of my assay.
[With water of the clear phial he bathes the point of the lance, and then strikes the board; below, rockets are fired off, or a noise is made with the barrel of stones.
[With water of the clear phial he bathes the point of the lance, and then strikes the board; below, rockets are fired off, or a noise is made with the barrel of stones.
Ye rabble, now it seems that ye have fear,And show by stunning proofs your fell dismay.What sounds are these, ye people vile and coarse?Ye come at last, although ye come by force.Lift up this stone, ye curs, whate'er betide,And show the body that lies buried here.What means this sluggishness? Where do ye hide?Why at my mandate do ye not appear?Ye infidels, ye put my threats aside,Because ye think ye have no more to fear;But this black water of the Stygian lakeWill give your tardiness a speedy shake!Thou water, drawn upon a dismal nightOf darkness dread, from out the fatal lake,By that dread power which doth with thee unite,Before which any other power must quake,Give forth thy diabolic strength aright!And him who first the Serpent's form did takeI conjure, I constrain, beseech, command,To come with speedy wings at my demand!
Ye rabble, now it seems that ye have fear,And show by stunning proofs your fell dismay.What sounds are these, ye people vile and coarse?Ye come at last, although ye come by force.Lift up this stone, ye curs, whate'er betide,And show the body that lies buried here.What means this sluggishness? Where do ye hide?Why at my mandate do ye not appear?Ye infidels, ye put my threats aside,Because ye think ye have no more to fear;But this black water of the Stygian lakeWill give your tardiness a speedy shake!Thou water, drawn upon a dismal nightOf darkness dread, from out the fatal lake,By that dread power which doth with thee unite,Before which any other power must quake,Give forth thy diabolic strength aright!And him who first the Serpent's form did takeI conjure, I constrain, beseech, command,To come with speedy wings at my demand!
Ye rabble, now it seems that ye have fear,
And show by stunning proofs your fell dismay.
What sounds are these, ye people vile and coarse?
Ye come at last, although ye come by force.
Lift up this stone, ye curs, whate'er betide,
And show the body that lies buried here.
What means this sluggishness? Where do ye hide?
Why at my mandate do ye not appear?
Ye infidels, ye put my threats aside,
Because ye think ye have no more to fear;
But this black water of the Stygian lake
Will give your tardiness a speedy shake!
Thou water, drawn upon a dismal night
Of darkness dread, from out the fatal lake,
By that dread power which doth with thee unite,
Before which any other power must quake,
Give forth thy diabolic strength aright!
And him who first the Serpent's form did take
I conjure, I constrain, beseech, command,
To come with speedy wings at my demand!
[He sprinkles the sepulchre with water, and it opens.
[He sprinkles the sepulchre with water, and it opens.
Come forth, thou ill-starred youth, stay not behind,Return to see the sun, serene and blest!Forsake that realm, where thou shalt never findOne single happy day of cloudless rest!And since thou canst, unbosom now thy mind,Of all that thou hast seen in its dark breast;I mean, regarding that which I demand,And more, if it concerns the case in hand.
Come forth, thou ill-starred youth, stay not behind,Return to see the sun, serene and blest!Forsake that realm, where thou shalt never findOne single happy day of cloudless rest!And since thou canst, unbosom now thy mind,Of all that thou hast seen in its dark breast;I mean, regarding that which I demand,And more, if it concerns the case in hand.
Come forth, thou ill-starred youth, stay not behind,
Return to see the sun, serene and blest!
Forsake that realm, where thou shalt never find
One single happy day of cloudless rest!
And since thou canst, unbosom now thy mind,
Of all that thou hast seen in its dark breast;
I mean, regarding that which I demand,
And more, if it concerns the case in hand.
[The body comes forth in its shroud, with masked face, discoloured like a dead man's, and walks, dragging itself by little and little, and at length falls flat on the stage, without moving foot or hand, till its time comes.
[The body comes forth in its shroud, with masked face, discoloured like a dead man's, and walks, dragging itself by little and little, and at length falls flat on the stage, without moving foot or hand, till its time comes.
What! Dost not answer? Dost not live again,Or haply hast thou tasted death once more?Then will I quicken thee anew with pain,And for thy good the gift of speech restore.Since thou art one of us, do not disdainTo speak and answer, as I now implore;If thou be dumb, then I'll use measures strong,To loosen thy most timid, worthless tongue.
What! Dost not answer? Dost not live again,Or haply hast thou tasted death once more?Then will I quicken thee anew with pain,And for thy good the gift of speech restore.Since thou art one of us, do not disdainTo speak and answer, as I now implore;If thou be dumb, then I'll use measures strong,To loosen thy most timid, worthless tongue.
What! Dost not answer? Dost not live again,
Or haply hast thou tasted death once more?
Then will I quicken thee anew with pain,
And for thy good the gift of speech restore.
Since thou art one of us, do not disdain
To speak and answer, as I now implore;
If thou be dumb, then I'll use measures strong,
To loosen thy most timid, worthless tongue.
[He sprinkles the body with the yellow water, and whips it with a thong.
[He sprinkles the body with the yellow water, and whips it with a thong.
Ye spirits vile, it worketh not, ye trust!But wait, for soon the enchanted water hereWill show my will to be as strong and justAs yours is treacherous and insincere.And though this flesh were turned to very dust,Yet being quickened by this lash austere,Which cuts with cruel rigour like a knife,It will regain a new though fleeting life.
Ye spirits vile, it worketh not, ye trust!But wait, for soon the enchanted water hereWill show my will to be as strong and justAs yours is treacherous and insincere.And though this flesh were turned to very dust,Yet being quickened by this lash austere,Which cuts with cruel rigour like a knife,It will regain a new though fleeting life.
Ye spirits vile, it worketh not, ye trust!
But wait, for soon the enchanted water here
Will show my will to be as strong and just
As yours is treacherous and insincere.
And though this flesh were turned to very dust,
Yet being quickened by this lash austere,
Which cuts with cruel rigour like a knife,
It will regain a new though fleeting life.