ACT III.

ACT III.Scene.—The Avenue of Palms—night.Chrysaldiscovered with a drawn sword in his hand.EnterGélanor.Gélan.Chrysal, alone! And with a naked sword!Chrys.I’m waiting Zoram. I have challenged him.He meets me here—the Avenue of Palms.Gélan.Has he offended you?Chrys.Most grievously.You heard the words he used to me to-day?Gélan.I did.Chrys.Then blood must flow. I am a knight.My knightly honor claims this sacrifice,I’ve been insulted—one of us must die!Gélan.You are a valiant man, if one may judgeBy your demeanor.Chrys.(very valiantly).My demeanor? Bounce!Mere idle empty froth and nothing more.Why, notwithstanding that I look so brave,I’d give the riches of a universeTo find some decent means of backing out;But, no, my honor must be satisfied!If I endured with patience Zoram’s taunts,I should deserve to have my knightly spursStruck from my heels! ’Sdeath, sir, I’m bound to fight!Gélan.Is Zoram a good swordsman?Chrys.Not at all.I’m far more skilled—but still I can’t repressA certain sense of terror. AccidentMay give him victory.Gélan.Apologize!Chrys.(indignantly). To Zoram? Never! Would you have me stainMy hitherto untarnished ’scutcheon? Shame!Stand back—he comes!EnterZoram, with drawn sword.Well, sir, you’ve kept your word.Zor.Of course I have!Chrys.(very sternly). I’m very much surprised—I may say disappointed—to remarkThat you’re prepared to fight, and do not showThe signs of terror that I hoped to see.Zor.(very bravely). Oh, sir, I pray you don’t deceive yourself!My valiant manner hides an inward fearThat almost robs me of the power of thought!Chrysal, you’ve grievously insulted me,My sense of honor forces me to fight!But I would rather have my hand cut off(Could that be done without inflicting pain)Than measure swords with you!Chrys.You craven hound!Zor.Craven yourself!Chrys.(furiously). I am, but you don’t know it,You musical impostor!Zor.Ha, what’s that?I can stand much abuse and never flinch,But when you twit me with my ignoranceOf musical expressions, blood alone(Unless we’re interrupted) can extractThe venom of the insult! Come! On guard! (They fight.)Gélan.(aside). These donkeys must not fight!(Aloud) Come—let me tryTo reconcile you.Chrys.Reconcile us? No!But you can interfere to stop the fight! (They desist.)Zor.(looking reproachfully atGélanor).I little thought when I called Chrysal on,That such a venerable gentlemanWould suffer two impetuous headstrong youthsTo cut each other’s throats.Gélan.Come, come—desist.Chrys.This hound abused me!Zor.He insulted me!Both.Our honor must be satisfied! (They cross swords.)Gélan.No, no—Attend to me. Within these crystal wallsA strange mysterious influence prevails:All men are bound to speak the plainest truth!And this they do, without suspecting it.(ToZoram) When Chrysal spoke the words that angered youHe did not mean to speak them. He believedThat he was paying you a compliment.(ToChrysal) When Zoram said that he considered youA systematic liar, mean, poor, base,Selfish, and sordid, cruel, tyrannical,’Twas what hethought—not what he would havesaid!Chrys.I see—if that was only what hethoughtIt makes a difference.Gélan.Whatcouldhe say?He was compelled, you know, to speak the truth.Chrys.Of course, I understand. Zoram, your hand!Zor.With pleasure. (Shaking hands withChrysal.)Chrysal, I should like to sayThat I esteem you—but indeed I can’t.My detestation of you knows no bounds.Chrys.How, sir? A fresh affront?Zor.What can I do?I try my best to say agreeable things,But you’re so utterly contemptible!I’d put it more politely, but I can’t!I’m bound against my will to speak the truth!I’d not insult you openly, for worlds—Indeed, it’s only what Ithinkof you!Chrys.If it is only what youthinkof me,Why say no more; give me your hand again—My knightly honor’s amply satisfied![They sheathe their swords, then exeunt arm in arm.Gélan.So dies that breeze away! Oh, honor, honor!Let no one take you at the estimateYour self-elected champions price you at!More harm is worked in that one virtue’s name,Than springs from half the vices of the earth!EnterQueen Altemire, in violent rage.Altem.Why, Gélanor, this is no spot for you,You’d better go—the King will wish you gone.Gélan.Indeed! And why?Altem.I’ll tell you, Gélanor,His majesty has an appointment here.Oh, Gélanor, I’ve been alone with himThis afternoon, and I have learnt such things!Why, even here—despite the castle’s charm,Despite the sacred influence of the place,He prosecutes his infidelities!At first he persecuted Mirza, butFailing to find much favor in her eyes,He looked for other game. Why, Gélanor,He meets some woman called Azèma here,At ten o’clock to-night!Gélan.The deuce he does!Altem.Then I resolved to know the very worst.I locked him in my room and questioned himFor full three hours about his married life.Oh, I elicited such fearful things!Why, Gélanor, there’s not a woman’s nameIn all the long baptismal catalogueThat’s not identified with his intrigues!Tall, short, stout, slender, fair, dark, old and young,High, low, rich, poor, good, bad, maid, widow, wife,Of every country and of every clime!All’s fish that his nets catch!Gélan.And a king’s netIs very comprehensive. Here she comes!EnterAzèma.Altem.Is this the woman? Tell me, who are you?Azèma.I am Azèma.Altem.AndIam the Queen!Azèma.(bowing). Then, madam, you’re extremely in the way.Altem.How so?Azèma.I’ve an appointment with the King,Of which you are entirely unaware;But though I’m much annoyed to find you here,I’m glad to find you here with Gélanor.Altem.And why?Azèma.If our intrigue should come to light,We can retaliate by giving outThat you and Gélanor are just as bad.Altem.Upon my word!Gélan.Oh, this is past belief!Altem.Infamous hussy, you shall pay for this!Azèma.Why, madam, how haveIoffended you?Altem.How?—you are here to meet the King, alone;At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark!Azèma.Oh, madam, this indeed is terrible!That poor Azèma should be charged with this!It’s true I’ve an appointment with the King,But as you’re not aware of it, your wordsAre utterly unjustifiable.These flashing eyeballs and this angry blush(At least I hope I’m blushing) representThe noble rage of outraged innocence.I’ll to the King, and let him know at onceHow, as I wandered through the grove, alone,Ifound you here with wicked Gélanor,At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, Queen![ExitAzèma—AltemireandGélanorstand confounded.Gélan.Your majesty, I think I’d better go.Altem.Absurd! the notion is preposterous!You’re old enough to be my father.Gélan.Quite!And wise enough to know that proper folkWill only say “that makes the matter worse!”Altem.But surely here, in this enchanted home,Where all are bound to speak the truth, our wordWill guarantee our perfect innocence!Gélan.Yes, if the King is pleased to take our word;But, as you’ve brought a charge against the King,Analogous to that which will be broughtAgainst ourselves, he may ignore the factThat truth is truth. No, no, upon the whole,I think, your majesty, I’d better go![ExitGélanor.EnterPalmisandZeolide,Zeolideweeping.Palmis.Nay, do not weep, dear mistress.Zeo.Ah, my friend,What comfort canyouoffer me?Palmis.I’ve heardThat when one is oppressed with weight of woe,Some solace may be found in dwelling onThe grief of one more sorely laden still.Zeo.More sorely laden? Where will ZeolideFind one whose misery outweighs her own?Palmis.Your misery, though great, is but a grainWhen balanced in the scales with mine!Zeo.With yours?Palmis.Yes; Philamir respects you. He esteemsYour moral excellence, although no doubtHe does not love you as a lover should;But Chrysal always hated me, and soughtTo gain that love I gave so willinglyTo hasten his promotion at the Court.Your case and mine are different. Besides,You angered Philamir. I never gaveMy Chrysal any reason for his hate.Zeo.How did I anger him?Palmis.Your petulanceAnnoyed him.Zeo.Petulance! He told me thatHe only liked me!Altem.(coming forward). True, but you forgetHe was compelled to speak the plainest truth,And knew not that he spoke it. He believed(While he was telling you he loved you not)That he was breathing ardent words of love;Believing this, your reasonable rageSeemed in his eyes irrational caprice,And changed his waning love to sheer dislike.Zeo.Is this the truth then?Altem.Yes, I think it is.The test has been exceedingly severe.Zeo.I’ll wed no man who can not stand this test.Palmis.Then, Zeolide, you’ll surely die a maid!Altem.Come, come, be reasonable. PhilamirIs but a man—a vain and idle one,But under this veneer of coxcombryThere’s sterling stuff. The man is honest gold,And vanity has silver-plated him.Palmis.At all events, you know helikesyou well.How many maidens when they wed a manHave reason to be sure of half as much!Zeo.But then his love for Mirza!Altem.Idle pique!No doubt he hoped—as other lovers hope—In the fierce whirlpool of a new-born loveTo drown remembrance of the love just dead.Here comes the Lady Mirza! We will go,And leave you with her. Tell her every thing;She is a noble lady—wise and pure!She will not rob you of your Philamir.There—tell her all!Zeo.Forgive me, mother dear,My heart is softened. I have been unjust.[ExeuntAltemireandPalmis.EnterMirza.Mirza.Oh, Zeolide, I know what you would say.Say on, dear Zeolide, and have no fear.Zeo.Mirza, for three long years we two have beenAs sisters are, and I would speak to youAs younger sister speaks to elder-born.Give me your counsel, Mirza, it will beAs pure, as true, as honest as those eyes.Mirza.If counsel such as mine can serve you aught,’Tis thine, dear Zeolide. My sister, speak.Zeo.With all my soul I love Prince Philamir.A lady—good and beautiful and wise—Unwittingly hath robbed me of my love;She is too pure, too gentle, too divine,To seek a love that rightly is not hers.No, no, this lady hath not sought his love—Of that I’m certain, yet she hath his love!Oh, Mirza, when my Philamir declaredHis love for me, I cast away the worldTo enter Paradise. Now, PhilamirHas led this lady (all unwillingly)Within its gates, and I am left without—A lonely wanderer ’twixt earth and heaven.Mirza, dear sister, say—what shall I do?Give me thy counsel—I’ll abide by it.Mirza.No need to speak to me in parable.I am that lady whom you over-praise—That most unhappy woman, Zeolide!Despite myself, I must admit the truth,I do love Philamir—shrink not from me.Mine is no idle love. Four years ago,Ere you had ever seen Prince Philamir,I was a lady of his father’s Court.He loved me even then, and I loved him—No need to tell you, dearest Zeolide,The nature of that love; you know too wellHow women love who love Prince Philamir!We were betrothed, but secretly. Alas!I was a humble waiting lady, heA mighty Prince—so we concealed our love.Then it was rumored that he sought your hand,That policy, the curse of kings, requiredThat he should marry you. Then I fell ill—(Struggling with her emotion) Pass over that. Let it suffice that IReleased him—for I loved him passing well!Zeo.(amazed). I never knew of this!Mirza.No, Zeolide,I’ve learnt to bear my sorrow silently.But for the sacred genius of this spot,Whose influence no mortal can resist,My secret would have passed away with me.But I was true to you; for though I sawHow coldly you received his vows of love—Zeo.(rising astonished). Coldly! Why, every word he spoke to meRang through my brain, and would have waked up loveHad love been dead!Mirza.I thought you loved him not.But though I grieved for him, yet when he spake(As he at times would speak) of our old love,I checked him with a simulated scorn,For then, dear Zeolide, I loved you both!Zeo.You love me still?Mirza.Most heartily!Zeo.Why, then,Have mercy on me, give me Philamir—He is the soul and essence of my life!Dear sister Mirza, give him back to me.Oh, rather take my life than take my love,And leave me here to linger on, alone!Mirza.Fear not, dear Zeolide, I love him well,But I will never see his face again!Zeo.Promise me this—swear to renounce his love!Mirza.As there’s a shining sun in heaven I swear!See, I am brave, and I will fight my loveAs I have fought ere this. Take courage, dear,I’ll leave this place to-night, and PhilamirShall ne’er set eyes upon my face again.There, go—I’ll tell him this. He’s coming now—Go dry your eyes—he should not see them so.Come back again when they are at their best.[ExitZeolide.EnterPhilamir.Phil.Mirza—I have some words to say to you—The diary you lost to-day?Mirza.(eagerly).Well, sir,And have you found it?Phil.Mirza, I have foundA portion of it—one loose leaf—behold! (Producing page.)Mirza.And you have read it, Philamir?Phil.(guiltily).I have!Mirza.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, sir!You gave your knightly word—you are forsworn!Phil.But, Mirza, hear me out, ere you condemn.I saw a paper tossed before the wind,And little dreaming ’twas your diary,I picked it up. I knew not what it wasTill I began to read it. Then I knew,And knowing so much, burnt to know still more!Mirza.But when you knew it held my secret thoughts,You read no further?Phil.(abashed).Mirza, I read on!Mirza.Lost! lost! Give me that leaf, Prince Philamir;You have deceived me, sir—I trusted you.Phil.But, Mirza, where is the knight who would have stoppedWhen of himself he read such words as these?—(Reads) “I still love Philamir, but I must striveTo battle with my love. Oh, give me graceTo fight this fight.”Mirza.I charge you read no more!Phil.“By day his every look—his every word—Renews some mem’ry that should be long dead;By night the phantom of my loved one’s faceBurns in my eyes and robs me of my rest!”Mirza.My secret has gone forth. I strove to keepThat love as silent as my silent heart;But it was not to be. You now know all!Yet no—not all!Phil.Then, Mirza, tell me all.Speak openly—hide nothing from me now.Mirza.I will speak openly. I love you, sir;And, loving you, I leave the Court to-night,That I may never see your face again.Phil.Recall those words!—we will not—must not part!(He detains her.)EnterZeolide, unobserved.Mirza.Release me, Philamir, and let me go!I love you! Let me hide myself away.I love you! Leave me with myself alone.I love you! Show me gratitude for this,And leave me free to sanctify my vow,For I have sworn to see your face no more!Phil.To whom have you sworn this?Mirza.To Zeolide,Whom you once loved so well—who still loves you.Phil.I never loved her, Mirza—who is she,That she should come between me and my love?She loves me not, and I have done with her.Mirza.Oh, this will kill her, sir!Zeo.No—Mirza—no!It will not kill me. I can bear this blow. (Coming forward.)Prince Philamir, we two have been betrothed—Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.Mirza, you swore to leave Prince Philamir—Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.(She takesMirza’shand and places it inPhilamir’s.)Oh, Philamir—this is indeed the end!Be true to her—such sacred love as hersShould purify its object—oh, be true!I’m but a chapter in your book of life,I who had thought to be the book itself!The chapter’s ended, and to ZeolideThe book is closed forever! Philamir,When you are tempted to do Mirza wrong,Turn to that chapter—read it through and through—And let the tale of all that I have borneWarn you from fresh inconstancy; my griefMay thus be Mirza’s safeguard to the end.Mirza—my sister—he will love you well—Here, in the home of truth, he tells you so.May you be happy in his new-born love,May he be worthy of such love as yours—(ToPhilamir) Speak not, but let me go. (KissesMirza’sforehead.)Farewell—farewell![ExitZeolide, weeping—PhilamirandMirzastand for a moment gazing at each other—then they fall into each other’s arms.Phil.Mirza, my own! At last—at last my own!Mirza.Oh, Philamir! I am so cruelly rackedBy sentiments I can not reconcile,I know not whether this is joy or grief!True, when I think of Philamir, the airSeems charged with music, and the earth I treadAll flowers. When I remember ZeolideI could go mad with sorrow!Phil.Then, my love,Think not of Zeolide!Mirza.Ah, Philamir,You speak as men speak of a worn-out love.You only know one kind of love, you men!My love for Zeolide is otherwise,Unselfish, generous, a sister’s love.Yet I have stolen from her gentle heartThat which in all the world she loved the best!Phil.You are too sensitive. Say, rather, sheHath freely given that she prizes least.Mirza.Oh, Philamir, indeed you do her wrong,And may perchance wrong me, as you wronged her.Phil.(rising). Impossible! For if the words I breatheWere dashed with any mockery of love,I should against my will, confess it now.Mirza, I love you! These are idle wordsWhen spoken in the unenchanted world,But, spoken here, they bear significanceThat rivals in its worth a life-long test!Let us exchange some trinket which shall serveAs evidence of this our solemn troth.Here is my pledge. (Giving a ring.)Mirza.My love, what can I give?I have no trinkets—I am very poor!Phil.A handkerchief—a glove—no matter what!(She feels in pocket and takes out handkerchief—the crystal box falls out with it—he picks it up and retains it.)This crystal box—nay, give it me, ’twill serveTo chronicle—Mirza.(hastily).No, no, Prince Philamir!Not that—not that! it is a talisman!Phil.Then I will steal it as I stole your heart,And I will keep it while I keep that heart.Mirza.Give me that box, or I must own the truth—That I am miserably false to all! (Throwing herself at his feet.)That my morality is all assumed!That I am mean, and base, and treacherous!A shameless schemer! heartless—impudent!Give me that box, or I must own that IAbstracted it from Phanor’s cabinet,And substituted one that I possessedExactly like it. I must own to youThat I’m unutterably infamous—A hypocrite—a traitress to my friend—All this, and more, I must admit, if youRetain that talisman! Oh, give it me,And let this locket testify our love!The King! The King! The King! I am undone![ExitMirzahastily.Phil.Gone, gone!—and Philamir, who thought he knewThe ways of woman well, had still to learnThat in one woman’s body there is placeFor such a goodly show of purity,And such unequalled treachery of heart!Oh, Zeolide, for how much infamyHave I rejected thine unequaled love?EnterPhanorwithChrysalandZoram.Phan.Congratulate me, I’m half mad with joy;Azèma comes to tell me that she foundThe Queen and Gélanor together here—Alone—at night!Phil.Well, sir, and what of that?Phan.Nothing at all, my boy! Why that’s the joke.Old Gélanor has dandled AltemireUpon his aged knee five hundred times!Phil.What—lately?Phan.No! I won’t commit myselfBy telling you how many years ago,But long before her majesty was weaned.Phil.(shrugging his shoulders). I see no reason to condole with you,Because her majesty and GélanorWere here together—neither do I seeWhy should you be congratulated, sir!Phan.You’re very dull! The Queen has just found outThat I had an appointment in this groveTo meet Azèma—don’t you understand?I can retort and take indignant ground.What was she doing here with Gélanor?You’ll see! (Sees box) Hallo! What’s that?Phil.A talisman.It fell from Mirza’s pocket as you came.Phan.The deuce it did! Allow me, this is mine! (Taking it.)Phil.I know: she stole it from your cabinet,She owned as much!Phan.Confound her impudence!Phil.Oh, I have been deceived!Phan.And so have I!Most seriously deceived! Hush, here’s the Queen,And with that gay deceiver, Gélanor!The talisman has turned up just in time.EnterAltemireandGélanor, withAzèmaandMirza.So, madam, I’ve detected you!Altem.(indignantly).How, sir?Phan.Never mind how—and you too, Gélanor.Oh, I’m ashamed of you! (Crossing toGélanor.)Gélan.Your majesty,I don’t know what you mean.Phan.You bad old man!(Affecting to weep) You whom I trusted so! (Aside) Don’t be alarmed,I’m not in earnest. (Aloud) Oh, it’s infamous!Why, let me see—how old are you?Gélan.My lord,If you imply—Phan.Imply! (Aside) Don’t be a fool,I’m not in earnest; I have found the box!(aloud) Explain this conduct!Altem.Sir, this is a joke?Phan.Well, not exactly, madam; you’ve been foundPhilandering at night with Gélanor.Being within the influence of these walls,You’re bound to speak the truth. If you can sayYour meeting’s innocent, I’m satisfied.Altem.As innocent as truth itself, I swear.Phan.I’m satisfied! Your hand—Altem.Nay, hear me first.I charge you with appointing here to meetAzèma; you are bound to tell the truth,Being within the influence of these walls.If you can unreservedly denyThis charge, I also shall be satisfied.Phan.Emphatically I deny the charge!Altem.(astounded). You do?Phan.I do! (Piously) This is the Home of Truth,And all are subject to its influence.Altem.(puzzled). But you admitted it when you confessedYour gallantries to me this afternoon!Phan.Oh, you’ve been dreaming!Altem.Do I understandThat you deny that you confessed all this?Phan.Distinctly! (Piously) This is the Abode of Truth.Altem.Ihavebeen dreaming! Phanor, there’s my hand—I’ve deeply wronged you.Phan.Altemire, you have!But say no more—we are good friends again.Altem.Then you forgive me?Phan.Heartily I do!Altem.I’ll never be a jealous fool again.Phan.I’m very glad indeed to hear you say so!EnterZeolide—Altemireretires withGélanor, and converses withZeolide—Philamir, seeingZeolide, comes down abashed.Phan.(toPhilamir). Well, and what’s wrong with you?Phil.I’ve been a fool,A madman, and a true-born idiot!Phan.By the mysterious influence of this place,I can believe it!Phil.I have given upThe noblest woman that I ever knew,For that abominable cockatriceWho quitted me as you arrived.Phan.Well! well!You may regain her yet.Phil.Impossible!Phan.Oh, not at all! there—take this talisman.(Zeolideoverhears this speech.)With this you’re proof against the influenceThat rules this place; you can declare to herThat you adore the very ground she walks,And wallow in the foolish flummeryThat used to make you so ridiculous.She will believe it all—there, take it, boy,And make good use of it to win her back.Phil.I’ll use it, Phanor, and I’ll use it well!Zeo.(aside) He takes the box. And thus he thinks to winThe hand of his forsaken Zeolide!Oh, Philamir, this is contemptible.I think I could have loved you, but for this!Phil.Dear Zeolide, I hold a talisman,Enabling me to counteract the charmThat reigns within these walls. With this in handI can tell truth or falsehood as I please,And you must needs believe me. Zeolide,I’ve learned to set a value on your loveTranscending all the riches of the earth;Yet would I rather live without that love—A life of self-reproach without that love—Repentant and alone without that love—Than stoop to gain it by such treachery.Here is the talisman. (Zeolidetakes it.) No longer armedAgainst the sacred influence of Truth,I tell you of my sorrow and my loveWith all the warmth of a repentant heart!(He pressesZeolideto his heart and kisses her.)Altem.(indignantly). Give me that talisman! (Takes it) I have a clewTo much that was a mystery: Behold!(She breaks it—a loud crash—all come forward.)EnterAristæus.Gélan.You know not what you’ve done! The castle’s charmIs bound up with that mystic talisman!Now that the box is broken, these fair wallsAre disenchanted!Phan.P’raps it’s quite as well.Now that the place has lost its influenceWe shall get on much better. We have learntA lesson that should last us till we die—We’ve learnt how matrimonial constancyBy causeless jealousy is sometimes tried—(Looking reproachfully atAltemire.)Altem.How jealousy is sometimes justified—(Looking reproachfully atPhanor.)Chrys.How Zoram—music’s vaunted pioneer—Don’t even know his notes—and has no ear!Even his cant expressions are the wrong ones!Zor.Ihavean ear!Phan.(shaking his hand).You have—two very long ones!Palmis.You’ve learnt to doubt the love that those profess,Who by such love gain temporal success—(Looking angrily atChrysal.)Zor.That surly misanthropes, with venom tainted—Arist.Are often not as black as they are painted!Azèma.To doubt all maids who of their virtue boast:That they’re the worst who moralize the most! (Looking atMirza.)Mirza.That blushes, though they’re most becoming, yetProclaim, too oft, the commonplace coquette! (Looking atAzèma.)I can declare, with pardonable pride,I never blush!Azèma.You couldn’t if you tried!Phil.Under the influence that lately reignedWithin these walls I breathed my love unfeigned;Now that that power no longer reigns above,I ratify the accents of my love.Forgive me, Zeolide, my life, my bride!Zeo.(very demurely). I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

Scene.—The Avenue of Palms—night.Chrysaldiscovered with a drawn sword in his hand.EnterGélanor.Gélan.Chrysal, alone! And with a naked sword!Chrys.I’m waiting Zoram. I have challenged him.He meets me here—the Avenue of Palms.Gélan.Has he offended you?Chrys.Most grievously.You heard the words he used to me to-day?Gélan.I did.Chrys.Then blood must flow. I am a knight.My knightly honor claims this sacrifice,I’ve been insulted—one of us must die!Gélan.You are a valiant man, if one may judgeBy your demeanor.Chrys.(very valiantly).My demeanor? Bounce!Mere idle empty froth and nothing more.Why, notwithstanding that I look so brave,I’d give the riches of a universeTo find some decent means of backing out;But, no, my honor must be satisfied!If I endured with patience Zoram’s taunts,I should deserve to have my knightly spursStruck from my heels! ’Sdeath, sir, I’m bound to fight!Gélan.Is Zoram a good swordsman?Chrys.Not at all.I’m far more skilled—but still I can’t repressA certain sense of terror. AccidentMay give him victory.Gélan.Apologize!Chrys.(indignantly). To Zoram? Never! Would you have me stainMy hitherto untarnished ’scutcheon? Shame!Stand back—he comes!EnterZoram, with drawn sword.Well, sir, you’ve kept your word.Zor.Of course I have!Chrys.(very sternly). I’m very much surprised—I may say disappointed—to remarkThat you’re prepared to fight, and do not showThe signs of terror that I hoped to see.Zor.(very bravely). Oh, sir, I pray you don’t deceive yourself!My valiant manner hides an inward fearThat almost robs me of the power of thought!Chrysal, you’ve grievously insulted me,My sense of honor forces me to fight!But I would rather have my hand cut off(Could that be done without inflicting pain)Than measure swords with you!Chrys.You craven hound!Zor.Craven yourself!Chrys.(furiously). I am, but you don’t know it,You musical impostor!Zor.Ha, what’s that?I can stand much abuse and never flinch,But when you twit me with my ignoranceOf musical expressions, blood alone(Unless we’re interrupted) can extractThe venom of the insult! Come! On guard! (They fight.)Gélan.(aside). These donkeys must not fight!(Aloud) Come—let me tryTo reconcile you.Chrys.Reconcile us? No!But you can interfere to stop the fight! (They desist.)Zor.(looking reproachfully atGélanor).I little thought when I called Chrysal on,That such a venerable gentlemanWould suffer two impetuous headstrong youthsTo cut each other’s throats.Gélan.Come, come—desist.Chrys.This hound abused me!Zor.He insulted me!Both.Our honor must be satisfied! (They cross swords.)Gélan.No, no—Attend to me. Within these crystal wallsA strange mysterious influence prevails:All men are bound to speak the plainest truth!And this they do, without suspecting it.(ToZoram) When Chrysal spoke the words that angered youHe did not mean to speak them. He believedThat he was paying you a compliment.(ToChrysal) When Zoram said that he considered youA systematic liar, mean, poor, base,Selfish, and sordid, cruel, tyrannical,’Twas what hethought—not what he would havesaid!Chrys.I see—if that was only what hethoughtIt makes a difference.Gélan.Whatcouldhe say?He was compelled, you know, to speak the truth.Chrys.Of course, I understand. Zoram, your hand!Zor.With pleasure. (Shaking hands withChrysal.)Chrysal, I should like to sayThat I esteem you—but indeed I can’t.My detestation of you knows no bounds.Chrys.How, sir? A fresh affront?Zor.What can I do?I try my best to say agreeable things,But you’re so utterly contemptible!I’d put it more politely, but I can’t!I’m bound against my will to speak the truth!I’d not insult you openly, for worlds—Indeed, it’s only what Ithinkof you!Chrys.If it is only what youthinkof me,Why say no more; give me your hand again—My knightly honor’s amply satisfied![They sheathe their swords, then exeunt arm in arm.Gélan.So dies that breeze away! Oh, honor, honor!Let no one take you at the estimateYour self-elected champions price you at!More harm is worked in that one virtue’s name,Than springs from half the vices of the earth!EnterQueen Altemire, in violent rage.Altem.Why, Gélanor, this is no spot for you,You’d better go—the King will wish you gone.Gélan.Indeed! And why?Altem.I’ll tell you, Gélanor,His majesty has an appointment here.Oh, Gélanor, I’ve been alone with himThis afternoon, and I have learnt such things!Why, even here—despite the castle’s charm,Despite the sacred influence of the place,He prosecutes his infidelities!At first he persecuted Mirza, butFailing to find much favor in her eyes,He looked for other game. Why, Gélanor,He meets some woman called Azèma here,At ten o’clock to-night!Gélan.The deuce he does!Altem.Then I resolved to know the very worst.I locked him in my room and questioned himFor full three hours about his married life.Oh, I elicited such fearful things!Why, Gélanor, there’s not a woman’s nameIn all the long baptismal catalogueThat’s not identified with his intrigues!Tall, short, stout, slender, fair, dark, old and young,High, low, rich, poor, good, bad, maid, widow, wife,Of every country and of every clime!All’s fish that his nets catch!Gélan.And a king’s netIs very comprehensive. Here she comes!EnterAzèma.Altem.Is this the woman? Tell me, who are you?Azèma.I am Azèma.Altem.AndIam the Queen!Azèma.(bowing). Then, madam, you’re extremely in the way.Altem.How so?Azèma.I’ve an appointment with the King,Of which you are entirely unaware;But though I’m much annoyed to find you here,I’m glad to find you here with Gélanor.Altem.And why?Azèma.If our intrigue should come to light,We can retaliate by giving outThat you and Gélanor are just as bad.Altem.Upon my word!Gélan.Oh, this is past belief!Altem.Infamous hussy, you shall pay for this!Azèma.Why, madam, how haveIoffended you?Altem.How?—you are here to meet the King, alone;At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark!Azèma.Oh, madam, this indeed is terrible!That poor Azèma should be charged with this!It’s true I’ve an appointment with the King,But as you’re not aware of it, your wordsAre utterly unjustifiable.These flashing eyeballs and this angry blush(At least I hope I’m blushing) representThe noble rage of outraged innocence.I’ll to the King, and let him know at onceHow, as I wandered through the grove, alone,Ifound you here with wicked Gélanor,At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, Queen![ExitAzèma—AltemireandGélanorstand confounded.Gélan.Your majesty, I think I’d better go.Altem.Absurd! the notion is preposterous!You’re old enough to be my father.Gélan.Quite!And wise enough to know that proper folkWill only say “that makes the matter worse!”Altem.But surely here, in this enchanted home,Where all are bound to speak the truth, our wordWill guarantee our perfect innocence!Gélan.Yes, if the King is pleased to take our word;But, as you’ve brought a charge against the King,Analogous to that which will be broughtAgainst ourselves, he may ignore the factThat truth is truth. No, no, upon the whole,I think, your majesty, I’d better go![ExitGélanor.EnterPalmisandZeolide,Zeolideweeping.Palmis.Nay, do not weep, dear mistress.Zeo.Ah, my friend,What comfort canyouoffer me?Palmis.I’ve heardThat when one is oppressed with weight of woe,Some solace may be found in dwelling onThe grief of one more sorely laden still.Zeo.More sorely laden? Where will ZeolideFind one whose misery outweighs her own?Palmis.Your misery, though great, is but a grainWhen balanced in the scales with mine!Zeo.With yours?Palmis.Yes; Philamir respects you. He esteemsYour moral excellence, although no doubtHe does not love you as a lover should;But Chrysal always hated me, and soughtTo gain that love I gave so willinglyTo hasten his promotion at the Court.Your case and mine are different. Besides,You angered Philamir. I never gaveMy Chrysal any reason for his hate.Zeo.How did I anger him?Palmis.Your petulanceAnnoyed him.Zeo.Petulance! He told me thatHe only liked me!Altem.(coming forward). True, but you forgetHe was compelled to speak the plainest truth,And knew not that he spoke it. He believed(While he was telling you he loved you not)That he was breathing ardent words of love;Believing this, your reasonable rageSeemed in his eyes irrational caprice,And changed his waning love to sheer dislike.Zeo.Is this the truth then?Altem.Yes, I think it is.The test has been exceedingly severe.Zeo.I’ll wed no man who can not stand this test.Palmis.Then, Zeolide, you’ll surely die a maid!Altem.Come, come, be reasonable. PhilamirIs but a man—a vain and idle one,But under this veneer of coxcombryThere’s sterling stuff. The man is honest gold,And vanity has silver-plated him.Palmis.At all events, you know helikesyou well.How many maidens when they wed a manHave reason to be sure of half as much!Zeo.But then his love for Mirza!Altem.Idle pique!No doubt he hoped—as other lovers hope—In the fierce whirlpool of a new-born loveTo drown remembrance of the love just dead.Here comes the Lady Mirza! We will go,And leave you with her. Tell her every thing;She is a noble lady—wise and pure!She will not rob you of your Philamir.There—tell her all!Zeo.Forgive me, mother dear,My heart is softened. I have been unjust.[ExeuntAltemireandPalmis.EnterMirza.Mirza.Oh, Zeolide, I know what you would say.Say on, dear Zeolide, and have no fear.Zeo.Mirza, for three long years we two have beenAs sisters are, and I would speak to youAs younger sister speaks to elder-born.Give me your counsel, Mirza, it will beAs pure, as true, as honest as those eyes.Mirza.If counsel such as mine can serve you aught,’Tis thine, dear Zeolide. My sister, speak.Zeo.With all my soul I love Prince Philamir.A lady—good and beautiful and wise—Unwittingly hath robbed me of my love;She is too pure, too gentle, too divine,To seek a love that rightly is not hers.No, no, this lady hath not sought his love—Of that I’m certain, yet she hath his love!Oh, Mirza, when my Philamir declaredHis love for me, I cast away the worldTo enter Paradise. Now, PhilamirHas led this lady (all unwillingly)Within its gates, and I am left without—A lonely wanderer ’twixt earth and heaven.Mirza, dear sister, say—what shall I do?Give me thy counsel—I’ll abide by it.Mirza.No need to speak to me in parable.I am that lady whom you over-praise—That most unhappy woman, Zeolide!Despite myself, I must admit the truth,I do love Philamir—shrink not from me.Mine is no idle love. Four years ago,Ere you had ever seen Prince Philamir,I was a lady of his father’s Court.He loved me even then, and I loved him—No need to tell you, dearest Zeolide,The nature of that love; you know too wellHow women love who love Prince Philamir!We were betrothed, but secretly. Alas!I was a humble waiting lady, heA mighty Prince—so we concealed our love.Then it was rumored that he sought your hand,That policy, the curse of kings, requiredThat he should marry you. Then I fell ill—(Struggling with her emotion) Pass over that. Let it suffice that IReleased him—for I loved him passing well!Zeo.(amazed). I never knew of this!Mirza.No, Zeolide,I’ve learnt to bear my sorrow silently.But for the sacred genius of this spot,Whose influence no mortal can resist,My secret would have passed away with me.But I was true to you; for though I sawHow coldly you received his vows of love—Zeo.(rising astonished). Coldly! Why, every word he spoke to meRang through my brain, and would have waked up loveHad love been dead!Mirza.I thought you loved him not.But though I grieved for him, yet when he spake(As he at times would speak) of our old love,I checked him with a simulated scorn,For then, dear Zeolide, I loved you both!Zeo.You love me still?Mirza.Most heartily!Zeo.Why, then,Have mercy on me, give me Philamir—He is the soul and essence of my life!Dear sister Mirza, give him back to me.Oh, rather take my life than take my love,And leave me here to linger on, alone!Mirza.Fear not, dear Zeolide, I love him well,But I will never see his face again!Zeo.Promise me this—swear to renounce his love!Mirza.As there’s a shining sun in heaven I swear!See, I am brave, and I will fight my loveAs I have fought ere this. Take courage, dear,I’ll leave this place to-night, and PhilamirShall ne’er set eyes upon my face again.There, go—I’ll tell him this. He’s coming now—Go dry your eyes—he should not see them so.Come back again when they are at their best.[ExitZeolide.EnterPhilamir.Phil.Mirza—I have some words to say to you—The diary you lost to-day?Mirza.(eagerly).Well, sir,And have you found it?Phil.Mirza, I have foundA portion of it—one loose leaf—behold! (Producing page.)Mirza.And you have read it, Philamir?Phil.(guiltily).I have!Mirza.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, sir!You gave your knightly word—you are forsworn!Phil.But, Mirza, hear me out, ere you condemn.I saw a paper tossed before the wind,And little dreaming ’twas your diary,I picked it up. I knew not what it wasTill I began to read it. Then I knew,And knowing so much, burnt to know still more!Mirza.But when you knew it held my secret thoughts,You read no further?Phil.(abashed).Mirza, I read on!Mirza.Lost! lost! Give me that leaf, Prince Philamir;You have deceived me, sir—I trusted you.Phil.But, Mirza, where is the knight who would have stoppedWhen of himself he read such words as these?—(Reads) “I still love Philamir, but I must striveTo battle with my love. Oh, give me graceTo fight this fight.”Mirza.I charge you read no more!Phil.“By day his every look—his every word—Renews some mem’ry that should be long dead;By night the phantom of my loved one’s faceBurns in my eyes and robs me of my rest!”Mirza.My secret has gone forth. I strove to keepThat love as silent as my silent heart;But it was not to be. You now know all!Yet no—not all!Phil.Then, Mirza, tell me all.Speak openly—hide nothing from me now.Mirza.I will speak openly. I love you, sir;And, loving you, I leave the Court to-night,That I may never see your face again.Phil.Recall those words!—we will not—must not part!(He detains her.)EnterZeolide, unobserved.Mirza.Release me, Philamir, and let me go!I love you! Let me hide myself away.I love you! Leave me with myself alone.I love you! Show me gratitude for this,And leave me free to sanctify my vow,For I have sworn to see your face no more!Phil.To whom have you sworn this?Mirza.To Zeolide,Whom you once loved so well—who still loves you.Phil.I never loved her, Mirza—who is she,That she should come between me and my love?She loves me not, and I have done with her.Mirza.Oh, this will kill her, sir!Zeo.No—Mirza—no!It will not kill me. I can bear this blow. (Coming forward.)Prince Philamir, we two have been betrothed—Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.Mirza, you swore to leave Prince Philamir—Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.(She takesMirza’shand and places it inPhilamir’s.)Oh, Philamir—this is indeed the end!Be true to her—such sacred love as hersShould purify its object—oh, be true!I’m but a chapter in your book of life,I who had thought to be the book itself!The chapter’s ended, and to ZeolideThe book is closed forever! Philamir,When you are tempted to do Mirza wrong,Turn to that chapter—read it through and through—And let the tale of all that I have borneWarn you from fresh inconstancy; my griefMay thus be Mirza’s safeguard to the end.Mirza—my sister—he will love you well—Here, in the home of truth, he tells you so.May you be happy in his new-born love,May he be worthy of such love as yours—(ToPhilamir) Speak not, but let me go. (KissesMirza’sforehead.)Farewell—farewell![ExitZeolide, weeping—PhilamirandMirzastand for a moment gazing at each other—then they fall into each other’s arms.Phil.Mirza, my own! At last—at last my own!Mirza.Oh, Philamir! I am so cruelly rackedBy sentiments I can not reconcile,I know not whether this is joy or grief!True, when I think of Philamir, the airSeems charged with music, and the earth I treadAll flowers. When I remember ZeolideI could go mad with sorrow!Phil.Then, my love,Think not of Zeolide!Mirza.Ah, Philamir,You speak as men speak of a worn-out love.You only know one kind of love, you men!My love for Zeolide is otherwise,Unselfish, generous, a sister’s love.Yet I have stolen from her gentle heartThat which in all the world she loved the best!Phil.You are too sensitive. Say, rather, sheHath freely given that she prizes least.Mirza.Oh, Philamir, indeed you do her wrong,And may perchance wrong me, as you wronged her.Phil.(rising). Impossible! For if the words I breatheWere dashed with any mockery of love,I should against my will, confess it now.Mirza, I love you! These are idle wordsWhen spoken in the unenchanted world,But, spoken here, they bear significanceThat rivals in its worth a life-long test!Let us exchange some trinket which shall serveAs evidence of this our solemn troth.Here is my pledge. (Giving a ring.)Mirza.My love, what can I give?I have no trinkets—I am very poor!Phil.A handkerchief—a glove—no matter what!(She feels in pocket and takes out handkerchief—the crystal box falls out with it—he picks it up and retains it.)This crystal box—nay, give it me, ’twill serveTo chronicle—Mirza.(hastily).No, no, Prince Philamir!Not that—not that! it is a talisman!Phil.Then I will steal it as I stole your heart,And I will keep it while I keep that heart.Mirza.Give me that box, or I must own the truth—That I am miserably false to all! (Throwing herself at his feet.)That my morality is all assumed!That I am mean, and base, and treacherous!A shameless schemer! heartless—impudent!Give me that box, or I must own that IAbstracted it from Phanor’s cabinet,And substituted one that I possessedExactly like it. I must own to youThat I’m unutterably infamous—A hypocrite—a traitress to my friend—All this, and more, I must admit, if youRetain that talisman! Oh, give it me,And let this locket testify our love!The King! The King! The King! I am undone![ExitMirzahastily.Phil.Gone, gone!—and Philamir, who thought he knewThe ways of woman well, had still to learnThat in one woman’s body there is placeFor such a goodly show of purity,And such unequalled treachery of heart!Oh, Zeolide, for how much infamyHave I rejected thine unequaled love?EnterPhanorwithChrysalandZoram.Phan.Congratulate me, I’m half mad with joy;Azèma comes to tell me that she foundThe Queen and Gélanor together here—Alone—at night!Phil.Well, sir, and what of that?Phan.Nothing at all, my boy! Why that’s the joke.Old Gélanor has dandled AltemireUpon his aged knee five hundred times!Phil.What—lately?Phan.No! I won’t commit myselfBy telling you how many years ago,But long before her majesty was weaned.Phil.(shrugging his shoulders). I see no reason to condole with you,Because her majesty and GélanorWere here together—neither do I seeWhy should you be congratulated, sir!Phan.You’re very dull! The Queen has just found outThat I had an appointment in this groveTo meet Azèma—don’t you understand?I can retort and take indignant ground.What was she doing here with Gélanor?You’ll see! (Sees box) Hallo! What’s that?Phil.A talisman.It fell from Mirza’s pocket as you came.Phan.The deuce it did! Allow me, this is mine! (Taking it.)Phil.I know: she stole it from your cabinet,She owned as much!Phan.Confound her impudence!Phil.Oh, I have been deceived!Phan.And so have I!Most seriously deceived! Hush, here’s the Queen,And with that gay deceiver, Gélanor!The talisman has turned up just in time.EnterAltemireandGélanor, withAzèmaandMirza.So, madam, I’ve detected you!Altem.(indignantly).How, sir?Phan.Never mind how—and you too, Gélanor.Oh, I’m ashamed of you! (Crossing toGélanor.)Gélan.Your majesty,I don’t know what you mean.Phan.You bad old man!(Affecting to weep) You whom I trusted so! (Aside) Don’t be alarmed,I’m not in earnest. (Aloud) Oh, it’s infamous!Why, let me see—how old are you?Gélan.My lord,If you imply—Phan.Imply! (Aside) Don’t be a fool,I’m not in earnest; I have found the box!(aloud) Explain this conduct!Altem.Sir, this is a joke?Phan.Well, not exactly, madam; you’ve been foundPhilandering at night with Gélanor.Being within the influence of these walls,You’re bound to speak the truth. If you can sayYour meeting’s innocent, I’m satisfied.Altem.As innocent as truth itself, I swear.Phan.I’m satisfied! Your hand—Altem.Nay, hear me first.I charge you with appointing here to meetAzèma; you are bound to tell the truth,Being within the influence of these walls.If you can unreservedly denyThis charge, I also shall be satisfied.Phan.Emphatically I deny the charge!Altem.(astounded). You do?Phan.I do! (Piously) This is the Home of Truth,And all are subject to its influence.Altem.(puzzled). But you admitted it when you confessedYour gallantries to me this afternoon!Phan.Oh, you’ve been dreaming!Altem.Do I understandThat you deny that you confessed all this?Phan.Distinctly! (Piously) This is the Abode of Truth.Altem.Ihavebeen dreaming! Phanor, there’s my hand—I’ve deeply wronged you.Phan.Altemire, you have!But say no more—we are good friends again.Altem.Then you forgive me?Phan.Heartily I do!Altem.I’ll never be a jealous fool again.Phan.I’m very glad indeed to hear you say so!EnterZeolide—Altemireretires withGélanor, and converses withZeolide—Philamir, seeingZeolide, comes down abashed.Phan.(toPhilamir). Well, and what’s wrong with you?Phil.I’ve been a fool,A madman, and a true-born idiot!Phan.By the mysterious influence of this place,I can believe it!Phil.I have given upThe noblest woman that I ever knew,For that abominable cockatriceWho quitted me as you arrived.Phan.Well! well!You may regain her yet.Phil.Impossible!Phan.Oh, not at all! there—take this talisman.(Zeolideoverhears this speech.)With this you’re proof against the influenceThat rules this place; you can declare to herThat you adore the very ground she walks,And wallow in the foolish flummeryThat used to make you so ridiculous.She will believe it all—there, take it, boy,And make good use of it to win her back.Phil.I’ll use it, Phanor, and I’ll use it well!Zeo.(aside) He takes the box. And thus he thinks to winThe hand of his forsaken Zeolide!Oh, Philamir, this is contemptible.I think I could have loved you, but for this!Phil.Dear Zeolide, I hold a talisman,Enabling me to counteract the charmThat reigns within these walls. With this in handI can tell truth or falsehood as I please,And you must needs believe me. Zeolide,I’ve learned to set a value on your loveTranscending all the riches of the earth;Yet would I rather live without that love—A life of self-reproach without that love—Repentant and alone without that love—Than stoop to gain it by such treachery.Here is the talisman. (Zeolidetakes it.) No longer armedAgainst the sacred influence of Truth,I tell you of my sorrow and my loveWith all the warmth of a repentant heart!(He pressesZeolideto his heart and kisses her.)Altem.(indignantly). Give me that talisman! (Takes it) I have a clewTo much that was a mystery: Behold!(She breaks it—a loud crash—all come forward.)EnterAristæus.Gélan.You know not what you’ve done! The castle’s charmIs bound up with that mystic talisman!Now that the box is broken, these fair wallsAre disenchanted!Phan.P’raps it’s quite as well.Now that the place has lost its influenceWe shall get on much better. We have learntA lesson that should last us till we die—We’ve learnt how matrimonial constancyBy causeless jealousy is sometimes tried—(Looking reproachfully atAltemire.)Altem.How jealousy is sometimes justified—(Looking reproachfully atPhanor.)Chrys.How Zoram—music’s vaunted pioneer—Don’t even know his notes—and has no ear!Even his cant expressions are the wrong ones!Zor.Ihavean ear!Phan.(shaking his hand).You have—two very long ones!Palmis.You’ve learnt to doubt the love that those profess,Who by such love gain temporal success—(Looking angrily atChrysal.)Zor.That surly misanthropes, with venom tainted—Arist.Are often not as black as they are painted!Azèma.To doubt all maids who of their virtue boast:That they’re the worst who moralize the most! (Looking atMirza.)Mirza.That blushes, though they’re most becoming, yetProclaim, too oft, the commonplace coquette! (Looking atAzèma.)I can declare, with pardonable pride,I never blush!Azèma.You couldn’t if you tried!Phil.Under the influence that lately reignedWithin these walls I breathed my love unfeigned;Now that that power no longer reigns above,I ratify the accents of my love.Forgive me, Zeolide, my life, my bride!Zeo.(very demurely). I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

Scene.—The Avenue of Palms—night.Chrysaldiscovered with a drawn sword in his hand.

EnterGélanor.

Gélan.Chrysal, alone! And with a naked sword!

Chrys.I’m waiting Zoram. I have challenged him.He meets me here—the Avenue of Palms.

Chrys.I’m waiting Zoram. I have challenged him.

He meets me here—the Avenue of Palms.

Gélan.Has he offended you?

Chrys.Most grievously.You heard the words he used to me to-day?

Chrys.Most grievously.

You heard the words he used to me to-day?

Gélan.I did.

Chrys.Then blood must flow. I am a knight.My knightly honor claims this sacrifice,I’ve been insulted—one of us must die!

Chrys.Then blood must flow. I am a knight.

My knightly honor claims this sacrifice,

I’ve been insulted—one of us must die!

Gélan.You are a valiant man, if one may judgeBy your demeanor.

Gélan.You are a valiant man, if one may judge

By your demeanor.

Chrys.(very valiantly).My demeanor? Bounce!Mere idle empty froth and nothing more.Why, notwithstanding that I look so brave,I’d give the riches of a universeTo find some decent means of backing out;But, no, my honor must be satisfied!If I endured with patience Zoram’s taunts,I should deserve to have my knightly spursStruck from my heels! ’Sdeath, sir, I’m bound to fight!

Chrys.(very valiantly).My demeanor? Bounce!

Mere idle empty froth and nothing more.

Why, notwithstanding that I look so brave,

I’d give the riches of a universe

To find some decent means of backing out;

But, no, my honor must be satisfied!

If I endured with patience Zoram’s taunts,

I should deserve to have my knightly spurs

Struck from my heels! ’Sdeath, sir, I’m bound to fight!

Gélan.Is Zoram a good swordsman?

Chrys.Not at all.I’m far more skilled—but still I can’t repressA certain sense of terror. AccidentMay give him victory.

Chrys.Not at all.

I’m far more skilled—but still I can’t repress

A certain sense of terror. Accident

May give him victory.

Gélan.Apologize!

Chrys.(indignantly). To Zoram? Never! Would you have me stainMy hitherto untarnished ’scutcheon? Shame!Stand back—he comes!

Chrys.(indignantly). To Zoram? Never! Would you have me stain

My hitherto untarnished ’scutcheon? Shame!

Stand back—he comes!

EnterZoram, with drawn sword.

Well, sir, you’ve kept your word.

Zor.Of course I have!

Chrys.(very sternly). I’m very much surprised—I may say disappointed—to remarkThat you’re prepared to fight, and do not showThe signs of terror that I hoped to see.

Chrys.(very sternly). I’m very much surprised—

I may say disappointed—to remark

That you’re prepared to fight, and do not show

The signs of terror that I hoped to see.

Zor.(very bravely). Oh, sir, I pray you don’t deceive yourself!My valiant manner hides an inward fearThat almost robs me of the power of thought!Chrysal, you’ve grievously insulted me,My sense of honor forces me to fight!But I would rather have my hand cut off(Could that be done without inflicting pain)Than measure swords with you!

Zor.(very bravely). Oh, sir, I pray you don’t deceive yourself!

My valiant manner hides an inward fear

That almost robs me of the power of thought!

Chrysal, you’ve grievously insulted me,

My sense of honor forces me to fight!

But I would rather have my hand cut off

(Could that be done without inflicting pain)

Than measure swords with you!

Chrys.You craven hound!

Zor.Craven yourself!

Chrys.(furiously). I am, but you don’t know it,You musical impostor!

Chrys.(furiously). I am, but you don’t know it,

You musical impostor!

Zor.Ha, what’s that?I can stand much abuse and never flinch,But when you twit me with my ignoranceOf musical expressions, blood alone(Unless we’re interrupted) can extractThe venom of the insult! Come! On guard! (They fight.)

Zor.Ha, what’s that?

I can stand much abuse and never flinch,

But when you twit me with my ignorance

Of musical expressions, blood alone

(Unless we’re interrupted) can extract

The venom of the insult! Come! On guard! (They fight.)

Gélan.(aside). These donkeys must not fight!(Aloud) Come—let me tryTo reconcile you.

Gélan.(aside). These donkeys must not fight!

(Aloud) Come—let me try

To reconcile you.

Chrys.Reconcile us? No!But you can interfere to stop the fight! (They desist.)

Chrys.Reconcile us? No!

But you can interfere to stop the fight! (They desist.)

Zor.(looking reproachfully atGélanor).I little thought when I called Chrysal on,That such a venerable gentlemanWould suffer two impetuous headstrong youthsTo cut each other’s throats.

Zor.(looking reproachfully atGélanor).

I little thought when I called Chrysal on,

That such a venerable gentleman

Would suffer two impetuous headstrong youths

To cut each other’s throats.

Gélan.Come, come—desist.

Chrys.This hound abused me!

Zor.He insulted me!

Both.Our honor must be satisfied! (They cross swords.)

Gélan.No, no—Attend to me. Within these crystal wallsA strange mysterious influence prevails:All men are bound to speak the plainest truth!And this they do, without suspecting it.(ToZoram) When Chrysal spoke the words that angered youHe did not mean to speak them. He believedThat he was paying you a compliment.(ToChrysal) When Zoram said that he considered youA systematic liar, mean, poor, base,Selfish, and sordid, cruel, tyrannical,’Twas what hethought—not what he would havesaid!

Gélan.No, no—

Attend to me. Within these crystal walls

A strange mysterious influence prevails:

All men are bound to speak the plainest truth!

And this they do, without suspecting it.

(ToZoram) When Chrysal spoke the words that angered you

He did not mean to speak them. He believed

That he was paying you a compliment.

(ToChrysal) When Zoram said that he considered you

A systematic liar, mean, poor, base,

Selfish, and sordid, cruel, tyrannical,

’Twas what hethought—not what he would havesaid!

Chrys.I see—if that was only what hethoughtIt makes a difference.

Chrys.I see—if that was only what hethought

It makes a difference.

Gélan.Whatcouldhe say?He was compelled, you know, to speak the truth.

Gélan.Whatcouldhe say?

He was compelled, you know, to speak the truth.

Chrys.Of course, I understand. Zoram, your hand!

Zor.With pleasure. (Shaking hands withChrysal.)Chrysal, I should like to sayThat I esteem you—but indeed I can’t.My detestation of you knows no bounds.

Zor.With pleasure. (Shaking hands withChrysal.)

Chrysal, I should like to say

That I esteem you—but indeed I can’t.

My detestation of you knows no bounds.

Chrys.How, sir? A fresh affront?

Zor.What can I do?I try my best to say agreeable things,But you’re so utterly contemptible!I’d put it more politely, but I can’t!I’m bound against my will to speak the truth!I’d not insult you openly, for worlds—Indeed, it’s only what Ithinkof you!

Zor.What can I do?

I try my best to say agreeable things,

But you’re so utterly contemptible!

I’d put it more politely, but I can’t!

I’m bound against my will to speak the truth!

I’d not insult you openly, for worlds—

Indeed, it’s only what Ithinkof you!

Chrys.If it is only what youthinkof me,Why say no more; give me your hand again—My knightly honor’s amply satisfied![They sheathe their swords, then exeunt arm in arm.

Chrys.If it is only what youthinkof me,

Why say no more; give me your hand again—

My knightly honor’s amply satisfied!

[They sheathe their swords, then exeunt arm in arm.

Gélan.So dies that breeze away! Oh, honor, honor!Let no one take you at the estimateYour self-elected champions price you at!More harm is worked in that one virtue’s name,Than springs from half the vices of the earth!

Gélan.So dies that breeze away! Oh, honor, honor!

Let no one take you at the estimate

Your self-elected champions price you at!

More harm is worked in that one virtue’s name,

Than springs from half the vices of the earth!

EnterQueen Altemire, in violent rage.

Altem.Why, Gélanor, this is no spot for you,You’d better go—the King will wish you gone.

Altem.Why, Gélanor, this is no spot for you,

You’d better go—the King will wish you gone.

Gélan.Indeed! And why?

Altem.I’ll tell you, Gélanor,His majesty has an appointment here.Oh, Gélanor, I’ve been alone with himThis afternoon, and I have learnt such things!Why, even here—despite the castle’s charm,Despite the sacred influence of the place,He prosecutes his infidelities!At first he persecuted Mirza, butFailing to find much favor in her eyes,He looked for other game. Why, Gélanor,He meets some woman called Azèma here,At ten o’clock to-night!

Altem.I’ll tell you, Gélanor,

His majesty has an appointment here.

Oh, Gélanor, I’ve been alone with him

This afternoon, and I have learnt such things!

Why, even here—despite the castle’s charm,

Despite the sacred influence of the place,

He prosecutes his infidelities!

At first he persecuted Mirza, but

Failing to find much favor in her eyes,

He looked for other game. Why, Gélanor,

He meets some woman called Azèma here,

At ten o’clock to-night!

Gélan.The deuce he does!

Altem.Then I resolved to know the very worst.I locked him in my room and questioned himFor full three hours about his married life.Oh, I elicited such fearful things!Why, Gélanor, there’s not a woman’s nameIn all the long baptismal catalogueThat’s not identified with his intrigues!Tall, short, stout, slender, fair, dark, old and young,High, low, rich, poor, good, bad, maid, widow, wife,Of every country and of every clime!All’s fish that his nets catch!

Altem.Then I resolved to know the very worst.

I locked him in my room and questioned him

For full three hours about his married life.

Oh, I elicited such fearful things!

Why, Gélanor, there’s not a woman’s name

In all the long baptismal catalogue

That’s not identified with his intrigues!

Tall, short, stout, slender, fair, dark, old and young,

High, low, rich, poor, good, bad, maid, widow, wife,

Of every country and of every clime!

All’s fish that his nets catch!

Gélan.And a king’s netIs very comprehensive. Here she comes!

Gélan.And a king’s net

Is very comprehensive. Here she comes!

EnterAzèma.

Altem.Is this the woman? Tell me, who are you?

Azèma.I am Azèma.

Altem.AndIam the Queen!

Azèma.(bowing). Then, madam, you’re extremely in the way.

Altem.How so?

Azèma.I’ve an appointment with the King,Of which you are entirely unaware;But though I’m much annoyed to find you here,I’m glad to find you here with Gélanor.

Azèma.I’ve an appointment with the King,

Of which you are entirely unaware;

But though I’m much annoyed to find you here,

I’m glad to find you here with Gélanor.

Altem.And why?

Azèma.If our intrigue should come to light,We can retaliate by giving outThat you and Gélanor are just as bad.

Azèma.If our intrigue should come to light,

We can retaliate by giving out

That you and Gélanor are just as bad.

Altem.Upon my word!

Gélan.Oh, this is past belief!

Altem.Infamous hussy, you shall pay for this!

Azèma.Why, madam, how haveIoffended you?

Altem.How?—you are here to meet the King, alone;At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark!

Altem.How?—you are here to meet the King, alone;

At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark!

Azèma.Oh, madam, this indeed is terrible!That poor Azèma should be charged with this!It’s true I’ve an appointment with the King,But as you’re not aware of it, your wordsAre utterly unjustifiable.These flashing eyeballs and this angry blush(At least I hope I’m blushing) representThe noble rage of outraged innocence.I’ll to the King, and let him know at onceHow, as I wandered through the grove, alone,Ifound you here with wicked Gélanor,At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, Queen![ExitAzèma—AltemireandGélanorstand confounded.

Azèma.Oh, madam, this indeed is terrible!

That poor Azèma should be charged with this!

It’s true I’ve an appointment with the King,

But as you’re not aware of it, your words

Are utterly unjustifiable.

These flashing eyeballs and this angry blush

(At least I hope I’m blushing) represent

The noble rage of outraged innocence.

I’ll to the King, and let him know at once

How, as I wandered through the grove, alone,

Ifound you here with wicked Gélanor,

At night—by pre-arrangement—in the dark.

Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, Queen!

[ExitAzèma—AltemireandGélanorstand confounded.

Gélan.Your majesty, I think I’d better go.

Altem.Absurd! the notion is preposterous!You’re old enough to be my father.

Altem.Absurd! the notion is preposterous!

You’re old enough to be my father.

Gélan.Quite!And wise enough to know that proper folkWill only say “that makes the matter worse!”

Gélan.Quite!

And wise enough to know that proper folk

Will only say “that makes the matter worse!”

Altem.But surely here, in this enchanted home,Where all are bound to speak the truth, our wordWill guarantee our perfect innocence!

Altem.But surely here, in this enchanted home,

Where all are bound to speak the truth, our word

Will guarantee our perfect innocence!

Gélan.Yes, if the King is pleased to take our word;But, as you’ve brought a charge against the King,Analogous to that which will be broughtAgainst ourselves, he may ignore the factThat truth is truth. No, no, upon the whole,I think, your majesty, I’d better go![ExitGélanor.

Gélan.Yes, if the King is pleased to take our word;

But, as you’ve brought a charge against the King,

Analogous to that which will be brought

Against ourselves, he may ignore the fact

That truth is truth. No, no, upon the whole,

I think, your majesty, I’d better go!

[ExitGélanor.

EnterPalmisandZeolide,Zeolideweeping.

Palmis.Nay, do not weep, dear mistress.

Zeo.Ah, my friend,What comfort canyouoffer me?

Zeo.Ah, my friend,

What comfort canyouoffer me?

Palmis.I’ve heardThat when one is oppressed with weight of woe,Some solace may be found in dwelling onThe grief of one more sorely laden still.

Palmis.I’ve heard

That when one is oppressed with weight of woe,

Some solace may be found in dwelling on

The grief of one more sorely laden still.

Zeo.More sorely laden? Where will ZeolideFind one whose misery outweighs her own?

Zeo.More sorely laden? Where will Zeolide

Find one whose misery outweighs her own?

Palmis.Your misery, though great, is but a grainWhen balanced in the scales with mine!

Palmis.Your misery, though great, is but a grain

When balanced in the scales with mine!

Zeo.With yours?

Palmis.Yes; Philamir respects you. He esteemsYour moral excellence, although no doubtHe does not love you as a lover should;But Chrysal always hated me, and soughtTo gain that love I gave so willinglyTo hasten his promotion at the Court.Your case and mine are different. Besides,You angered Philamir. I never gaveMy Chrysal any reason for his hate.

Palmis.Yes; Philamir respects you. He esteems

Your moral excellence, although no doubt

He does not love you as a lover should;

But Chrysal always hated me, and sought

To gain that love I gave so willingly

To hasten his promotion at the Court.

Your case and mine are different. Besides,

You angered Philamir. I never gave

My Chrysal any reason for his hate.

Zeo.How did I anger him?

Palmis.Your petulanceAnnoyed him.

Palmis.Your petulance

Annoyed him.

Zeo.Petulance! He told me thatHe only liked me!

Zeo.Petulance! He told me that

He only liked me!

Altem.(coming forward). True, but you forgetHe was compelled to speak the plainest truth,And knew not that he spoke it. He believed(While he was telling you he loved you not)That he was breathing ardent words of love;Believing this, your reasonable rageSeemed in his eyes irrational caprice,And changed his waning love to sheer dislike.

Altem.(coming forward). True, but you forget

He was compelled to speak the plainest truth,

And knew not that he spoke it. He believed

(While he was telling you he loved you not)

That he was breathing ardent words of love;

Believing this, your reasonable rage

Seemed in his eyes irrational caprice,

And changed his waning love to sheer dislike.

Zeo.Is this the truth then?

Altem.Yes, I think it is.The test has been exceedingly severe.

Altem.Yes, I think it is.

The test has been exceedingly severe.

Zeo.I’ll wed no man who can not stand this test.

Palmis.Then, Zeolide, you’ll surely die a maid!

Altem.Come, come, be reasonable. PhilamirIs but a man—a vain and idle one,But under this veneer of coxcombryThere’s sterling stuff. The man is honest gold,And vanity has silver-plated him.

Altem.Come, come, be reasonable. Philamir

Is but a man—a vain and idle one,

But under this veneer of coxcombry

There’s sterling stuff. The man is honest gold,

And vanity has silver-plated him.

Palmis.At all events, you know helikesyou well.How many maidens when they wed a manHave reason to be sure of half as much!

Palmis.At all events, you know helikesyou well.

How many maidens when they wed a man

Have reason to be sure of half as much!

Zeo.But then his love for Mirza!

Altem.Idle pique!No doubt he hoped—as other lovers hope—In the fierce whirlpool of a new-born loveTo drown remembrance of the love just dead.Here comes the Lady Mirza! We will go,And leave you with her. Tell her every thing;She is a noble lady—wise and pure!She will not rob you of your Philamir.There—tell her all!

Altem.Idle pique!

No doubt he hoped—as other lovers hope—

In the fierce whirlpool of a new-born love

To drown remembrance of the love just dead.

Here comes the Lady Mirza! We will go,

And leave you with her. Tell her every thing;

She is a noble lady—wise and pure!

She will not rob you of your Philamir.

There—tell her all!

Zeo.Forgive me, mother dear,My heart is softened. I have been unjust.[ExeuntAltemireandPalmis.

Zeo.Forgive me, mother dear,

My heart is softened. I have been unjust.

[ExeuntAltemireandPalmis.

EnterMirza.

Mirza.Oh, Zeolide, I know what you would say.Say on, dear Zeolide, and have no fear.

Mirza.Oh, Zeolide, I know what you would say.

Say on, dear Zeolide, and have no fear.

Zeo.Mirza, for three long years we two have beenAs sisters are, and I would speak to youAs younger sister speaks to elder-born.Give me your counsel, Mirza, it will beAs pure, as true, as honest as those eyes.

Zeo.Mirza, for three long years we two have been

As sisters are, and I would speak to you

As younger sister speaks to elder-born.

Give me your counsel, Mirza, it will be

As pure, as true, as honest as those eyes.

Mirza.If counsel such as mine can serve you aught,’Tis thine, dear Zeolide. My sister, speak.

Mirza.If counsel such as mine can serve you aught,

’Tis thine, dear Zeolide. My sister, speak.

Zeo.With all my soul I love Prince Philamir.A lady—good and beautiful and wise—Unwittingly hath robbed me of my love;She is too pure, too gentle, too divine,To seek a love that rightly is not hers.No, no, this lady hath not sought his love—Of that I’m certain, yet she hath his love!Oh, Mirza, when my Philamir declaredHis love for me, I cast away the worldTo enter Paradise. Now, PhilamirHas led this lady (all unwillingly)Within its gates, and I am left without—A lonely wanderer ’twixt earth and heaven.Mirza, dear sister, say—what shall I do?Give me thy counsel—I’ll abide by it.

Zeo.With all my soul I love Prince Philamir.

A lady—good and beautiful and wise—

Unwittingly hath robbed me of my love;

She is too pure, too gentle, too divine,

To seek a love that rightly is not hers.

No, no, this lady hath not sought his love—

Of that I’m certain, yet she hath his love!

Oh, Mirza, when my Philamir declared

His love for me, I cast away the world

To enter Paradise. Now, Philamir

Has led this lady (all unwillingly)

Within its gates, and I am left without—

A lonely wanderer ’twixt earth and heaven.

Mirza, dear sister, say—what shall I do?

Give me thy counsel—I’ll abide by it.

Mirza.No need to speak to me in parable.I am that lady whom you over-praise—That most unhappy woman, Zeolide!Despite myself, I must admit the truth,I do love Philamir—shrink not from me.Mine is no idle love. Four years ago,Ere you had ever seen Prince Philamir,I was a lady of his father’s Court.He loved me even then, and I loved him—No need to tell you, dearest Zeolide,The nature of that love; you know too wellHow women love who love Prince Philamir!We were betrothed, but secretly. Alas!I was a humble waiting lady, heA mighty Prince—so we concealed our love.Then it was rumored that he sought your hand,That policy, the curse of kings, requiredThat he should marry you. Then I fell ill—(Struggling with her emotion) Pass over that. Let it suffice that IReleased him—for I loved him passing well!

Mirza.No need to speak to me in parable.

I am that lady whom you over-praise—

That most unhappy woman, Zeolide!

Despite myself, I must admit the truth,

I do love Philamir—shrink not from me.

Mine is no idle love. Four years ago,

Ere you had ever seen Prince Philamir,

I was a lady of his father’s Court.

He loved me even then, and I loved him—

No need to tell you, dearest Zeolide,

The nature of that love; you know too well

How women love who love Prince Philamir!

We were betrothed, but secretly. Alas!

I was a humble waiting lady, he

A mighty Prince—so we concealed our love.

Then it was rumored that he sought your hand,

That policy, the curse of kings, required

That he should marry you. Then I fell ill—

(Struggling with her emotion) Pass over that. Let it suffice that I

Released him—for I loved him passing well!

Zeo.(amazed). I never knew of this!

Mirza.No, Zeolide,I’ve learnt to bear my sorrow silently.But for the sacred genius of this spot,Whose influence no mortal can resist,My secret would have passed away with me.But I was true to you; for though I sawHow coldly you received his vows of love—

Mirza.No, Zeolide,

I’ve learnt to bear my sorrow silently.

But for the sacred genius of this spot,

Whose influence no mortal can resist,

My secret would have passed away with me.

But I was true to you; for though I saw

How coldly you received his vows of love—

Zeo.(rising astonished). Coldly! Why, every word he spoke to meRang through my brain, and would have waked up loveHad love been dead!

Zeo.(rising astonished). Coldly! Why, every word he spoke to me

Rang through my brain, and would have waked up love

Had love been dead!

Mirza.I thought you loved him not.But though I grieved for him, yet when he spake(As he at times would speak) of our old love,I checked him with a simulated scorn,For then, dear Zeolide, I loved you both!

Mirza.I thought you loved him not.

But though I grieved for him, yet when he spake

(As he at times would speak) of our old love,

I checked him with a simulated scorn,

For then, dear Zeolide, I loved you both!

Zeo.You love me still?

Mirza.Most heartily!

Zeo.Why, then,Have mercy on me, give me Philamir—He is the soul and essence of my life!Dear sister Mirza, give him back to me.Oh, rather take my life than take my love,And leave me here to linger on, alone!

Zeo.Why, then,

Have mercy on me, give me Philamir—

He is the soul and essence of my life!

Dear sister Mirza, give him back to me.

Oh, rather take my life than take my love,

And leave me here to linger on, alone!

Mirza.Fear not, dear Zeolide, I love him well,But I will never see his face again!

Mirza.Fear not, dear Zeolide, I love him well,

But I will never see his face again!

Zeo.Promise me this—swear to renounce his love!

Mirza.As there’s a shining sun in heaven I swear!See, I am brave, and I will fight my loveAs I have fought ere this. Take courage, dear,I’ll leave this place to-night, and PhilamirShall ne’er set eyes upon my face again.There, go—I’ll tell him this. He’s coming now—Go dry your eyes—he should not see them so.Come back again when they are at their best.[ExitZeolide.

Mirza.As there’s a shining sun in heaven I swear!

See, I am brave, and I will fight my love

As I have fought ere this. Take courage, dear,

I’ll leave this place to-night, and Philamir

Shall ne’er set eyes upon my face again.

There, go—I’ll tell him this. He’s coming now—

Go dry your eyes—he should not see them so.

Come back again when they are at their best.

[ExitZeolide.

EnterPhilamir.

Phil.Mirza—I have some words to say to you—The diary you lost to-day?

Phil.Mirza—I have some words to say to you—

The diary you lost to-day?

Mirza.(eagerly).Well, sir,And have you found it?

Mirza.(eagerly).Well, sir,

And have you found it?

Phil.Mirza, I have foundA portion of it—one loose leaf—behold! (Producing page.)

Phil.Mirza, I have found

A portion of it—one loose leaf—behold! (Producing page.)

Mirza.And you have read it, Philamir?

Phil.(guiltily).I have!

Mirza.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, sir!You gave your knightly word—you are forsworn!

Mirza.Oh, shame upon you—shame upon you, sir!

You gave your knightly word—you are forsworn!

Phil.But, Mirza, hear me out, ere you condemn.I saw a paper tossed before the wind,And little dreaming ’twas your diary,I picked it up. I knew not what it wasTill I began to read it. Then I knew,And knowing so much, burnt to know still more!

Phil.But, Mirza, hear me out, ere you condemn.

I saw a paper tossed before the wind,

And little dreaming ’twas your diary,

I picked it up. I knew not what it was

Till I began to read it. Then I knew,

And knowing so much, burnt to know still more!

Mirza.But when you knew it held my secret thoughts,You read no further?

Mirza.But when you knew it held my secret thoughts,

You read no further?

Phil.(abashed).Mirza, I read on!

Mirza.Lost! lost! Give me that leaf, Prince Philamir;You have deceived me, sir—I trusted you.

Mirza.Lost! lost! Give me that leaf, Prince Philamir;

You have deceived me, sir—I trusted you.

Phil.But, Mirza, where is the knight who would have stoppedWhen of himself he read such words as these?—(Reads) “I still love Philamir, but I must striveTo battle with my love. Oh, give me graceTo fight this fight.”

Phil.But, Mirza, where is the knight who would have stopped

When of himself he read such words as these?—

(Reads) “I still love Philamir, but I must strive

To battle with my love. Oh, give me grace

To fight this fight.”

Mirza.I charge you read no more!

Phil.“By day his every look—his every word—Renews some mem’ry that should be long dead;By night the phantom of my loved one’s faceBurns in my eyes and robs me of my rest!”

Phil.“By day his every look—his every word—

Renews some mem’ry that should be long dead;

By night the phantom of my loved one’s face

Burns in my eyes and robs me of my rest!”

Mirza.My secret has gone forth. I strove to keepThat love as silent as my silent heart;But it was not to be. You now know all!Yet no—not all!

Mirza.My secret has gone forth. I strove to keep

That love as silent as my silent heart;

But it was not to be. You now know all!

Yet no—not all!

Phil.Then, Mirza, tell me all.Speak openly—hide nothing from me now.

Phil.Then, Mirza, tell me all.

Speak openly—hide nothing from me now.

Mirza.I will speak openly. I love you, sir;And, loving you, I leave the Court to-night,That I may never see your face again.

Mirza.I will speak openly. I love you, sir;

And, loving you, I leave the Court to-night,

That I may never see your face again.

Phil.Recall those words!—we will not—must not part!(He detains her.)

Phil.Recall those words!—we will not—must not part!

(He detains her.)

EnterZeolide, unobserved.

Mirza.Release me, Philamir, and let me go!I love you! Let me hide myself away.I love you! Leave me with myself alone.I love you! Show me gratitude for this,And leave me free to sanctify my vow,For I have sworn to see your face no more!

Mirza.Release me, Philamir, and let me go!

I love you! Let me hide myself away.

I love you! Leave me with myself alone.

I love you! Show me gratitude for this,

And leave me free to sanctify my vow,

For I have sworn to see your face no more!

Phil.To whom have you sworn this?

Mirza.To Zeolide,Whom you once loved so well—who still loves you.

Mirza.To Zeolide,

Whom you once loved so well—who still loves you.

Phil.I never loved her, Mirza—who is she,That she should come between me and my love?She loves me not, and I have done with her.

Phil.I never loved her, Mirza—who is she,

That she should come between me and my love?

She loves me not, and I have done with her.

Mirza.Oh, this will kill her, sir!

Zeo.No—Mirza—no!It will not kill me. I can bear this blow. (Coming forward.)Prince Philamir, we two have been betrothed—Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.Mirza, you swore to leave Prince Philamir—Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.(She takesMirza’shand and places it inPhilamir’s.)Oh, Philamir—this is indeed the end!Be true to her—such sacred love as hersShould purify its object—oh, be true!I’m but a chapter in your book of life,I who had thought to be the book itself!The chapter’s ended, and to ZeolideThe book is closed forever! Philamir,When you are tempted to do Mirza wrong,Turn to that chapter—read it through and through—And let the tale of all that I have borneWarn you from fresh inconstancy; my griefMay thus be Mirza’s safeguard to the end.Mirza—my sister—he will love you well—Here, in the home of truth, he tells you so.May you be happy in his new-born love,May he be worthy of such love as yours—(ToPhilamir) Speak not, but let me go. (KissesMirza’sforehead.)Farewell—farewell![ExitZeolide, weeping—PhilamirandMirzastand for a moment gazing at each other—then they fall into each other’s arms.

Zeo.No—Mirza—no!

It will not kill me. I can bear this blow. (Coming forward.)

Prince Philamir, we two have been betrothed—

Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.

Mirza, you swore to leave Prince Philamir—

Your word is plighted—well, I set you free.

(She takesMirza’shand and places it inPhilamir’s.)

Oh, Philamir—this is indeed the end!

Be true to her—such sacred love as hers

Should purify its object—oh, be true!

I’m but a chapter in your book of life,

I who had thought to be the book itself!

The chapter’s ended, and to Zeolide

The book is closed forever! Philamir,

When you are tempted to do Mirza wrong,

Turn to that chapter—read it through and through—

And let the tale of all that I have borne

Warn you from fresh inconstancy; my grief

May thus be Mirza’s safeguard to the end.

Mirza—my sister—he will love you well—

Here, in the home of truth, he tells you so.

May you be happy in his new-born love,

May he be worthy of such love as yours—

(ToPhilamir) Speak not, but let me go. (KissesMirza’sforehead.)

Farewell—farewell!

[ExitZeolide, weeping—PhilamirandMirzastand for a moment gazing at each other—then they fall into each other’s arms.

Phil.Mirza, my own! At last—at last my own!

Mirza.Oh, Philamir! I am so cruelly rackedBy sentiments I can not reconcile,I know not whether this is joy or grief!True, when I think of Philamir, the airSeems charged with music, and the earth I treadAll flowers. When I remember ZeolideI could go mad with sorrow!

Mirza.Oh, Philamir! I am so cruelly racked

By sentiments I can not reconcile,

I know not whether this is joy or grief!

True, when I think of Philamir, the air

Seems charged with music, and the earth I tread

All flowers. When I remember Zeolide

I could go mad with sorrow!

Phil.Then, my love,Think not of Zeolide!

Phil.Then, my love,

Think not of Zeolide!

Mirza.Ah, Philamir,You speak as men speak of a worn-out love.You only know one kind of love, you men!My love for Zeolide is otherwise,Unselfish, generous, a sister’s love.Yet I have stolen from her gentle heartThat which in all the world she loved the best!

Mirza.Ah, Philamir,

You speak as men speak of a worn-out love.

You only know one kind of love, you men!

My love for Zeolide is otherwise,

Unselfish, generous, a sister’s love.

Yet I have stolen from her gentle heart

That which in all the world she loved the best!

Phil.You are too sensitive. Say, rather, sheHath freely given that she prizes least.

Phil.You are too sensitive. Say, rather, she

Hath freely given that she prizes least.

Mirza.Oh, Philamir, indeed you do her wrong,And may perchance wrong me, as you wronged her.

Mirza.Oh, Philamir, indeed you do her wrong,

And may perchance wrong me, as you wronged her.

Phil.(rising). Impossible! For if the words I breatheWere dashed with any mockery of love,I should against my will, confess it now.Mirza, I love you! These are idle wordsWhen spoken in the unenchanted world,But, spoken here, they bear significanceThat rivals in its worth a life-long test!Let us exchange some trinket which shall serveAs evidence of this our solemn troth.Here is my pledge. (Giving a ring.)

Phil.(rising). Impossible! For if the words I breathe

Were dashed with any mockery of love,

I should against my will, confess it now.

Mirza, I love you! These are idle words

When spoken in the unenchanted world,

But, spoken here, they bear significance

That rivals in its worth a life-long test!

Let us exchange some trinket which shall serve

As evidence of this our solemn troth.

Here is my pledge. (Giving a ring.)

Mirza.My love, what can I give?I have no trinkets—I am very poor!

Mirza.My love, what can I give?

I have no trinkets—I am very poor!

Phil.A handkerchief—a glove—no matter what!

(She feels in pocket and takes out handkerchief—the crystal box falls out with it—he picks it up and retains it.)

This crystal box—nay, give it me, ’twill serveTo chronicle—

This crystal box—nay, give it me, ’twill serve

To chronicle—

Mirza.(hastily).No, no, Prince Philamir!Not that—not that! it is a talisman!

Mirza.(hastily).No, no, Prince Philamir!

Not that—not that! it is a talisman!

Phil.Then I will steal it as I stole your heart,And I will keep it while I keep that heart.

Phil.Then I will steal it as I stole your heart,

And I will keep it while I keep that heart.

Mirza.Give me that box, or I must own the truth—That I am miserably false to all! (Throwing herself at his feet.)That my morality is all assumed!That I am mean, and base, and treacherous!A shameless schemer! heartless—impudent!Give me that box, or I must own that IAbstracted it from Phanor’s cabinet,And substituted one that I possessedExactly like it. I must own to youThat I’m unutterably infamous—A hypocrite—a traitress to my friend—All this, and more, I must admit, if youRetain that talisman! Oh, give it me,And let this locket testify our love!The King! The King! The King! I am undone![ExitMirzahastily.

Mirza.Give me that box, or I must own the truth—

That I am miserably false to all! (Throwing herself at his feet.)

That my morality is all assumed!

That I am mean, and base, and treacherous!

A shameless schemer! heartless—impudent!

Give me that box, or I must own that I

Abstracted it from Phanor’s cabinet,

And substituted one that I possessed

Exactly like it. I must own to you

That I’m unutterably infamous—

A hypocrite—a traitress to my friend—

All this, and more, I must admit, if you

Retain that talisman! Oh, give it me,

And let this locket testify our love!

The King! The King! The King! I am undone!

[ExitMirzahastily.

Phil.Gone, gone!—and Philamir, who thought he knewThe ways of woman well, had still to learnThat in one woman’s body there is placeFor such a goodly show of purity,And such unequalled treachery of heart!Oh, Zeolide, for how much infamyHave I rejected thine unequaled love?

Phil.Gone, gone!—and Philamir, who thought he knew

The ways of woman well, had still to learn

That in one woman’s body there is place

For such a goodly show of purity,

And such unequalled treachery of heart!

Oh, Zeolide, for how much infamy

Have I rejected thine unequaled love?

EnterPhanorwithChrysalandZoram.

Phan.Congratulate me, I’m half mad with joy;Azèma comes to tell me that she foundThe Queen and Gélanor together here—Alone—at night!

Phan.Congratulate me, I’m half mad with joy;

Azèma comes to tell me that she found

The Queen and Gélanor together here—

Alone—at night!

Phil.Well, sir, and what of that?

Phan.Nothing at all, my boy! Why that’s the joke.Old Gélanor has dandled AltemireUpon his aged knee five hundred times!

Phan.Nothing at all, my boy! Why that’s the joke.

Old Gélanor has dandled Altemire

Upon his aged knee five hundred times!

Phil.What—lately?

Phan.No! I won’t commit myselfBy telling you how many years ago,But long before her majesty was weaned.

Phan.No! I won’t commit myself

By telling you how many years ago,

But long before her majesty was weaned.

Phil.(shrugging his shoulders). I see no reason to condole with you,Because her majesty and GélanorWere here together—neither do I seeWhy should you be congratulated, sir!

Phil.(shrugging his shoulders). I see no reason to condole with you,

Because her majesty and Gélanor

Were here together—neither do I see

Why should you be congratulated, sir!

Phan.You’re very dull! The Queen has just found outThat I had an appointment in this groveTo meet Azèma—don’t you understand?I can retort and take indignant ground.What was she doing here with Gélanor?You’ll see! (Sees box) Hallo! What’s that?

Phan.You’re very dull! The Queen has just found out

That I had an appointment in this grove

To meet Azèma—don’t you understand?

I can retort and take indignant ground.

What was she doing here with Gélanor?

You’ll see! (Sees box) Hallo! What’s that?

Phil.A talisman.It fell from Mirza’s pocket as you came.

Phil.A talisman.

It fell from Mirza’s pocket as you came.

Phan.The deuce it did! Allow me, this is mine! (Taking it.)

Phil.I know: she stole it from your cabinet,She owned as much!

Phil.I know: she stole it from your cabinet,

She owned as much!

Phan.Confound her impudence!

Phil.Oh, I have been deceived!

Phan.And so have I!Most seriously deceived! Hush, here’s the Queen,And with that gay deceiver, Gélanor!The talisman has turned up just in time.

Phan.And so have I!

Most seriously deceived! Hush, here’s the Queen,

And with that gay deceiver, Gélanor!

The talisman has turned up just in time.

EnterAltemireandGélanor, withAzèmaandMirza.

So, madam, I’ve detected you!

Altem.(indignantly).How, sir?

Phan.Never mind how—and you too, Gélanor.Oh, I’m ashamed of you! (Crossing toGélanor.)

Phan.Never mind how—and you too, Gélanor.

Oh, I’m ashamed of you! (Crossing toGélanor.)

Gélan.Your majesty,I don’t know what you mean.

Gélan.Your majesty,

I don’t know what you mean.

Phan.You bad old man!(Affecting to weep) You whom I trusted so! (Aside) Don’t be alarmed,I’m not in earnest. (Aloud) Oh, it’s infamous!Why, let me see—how old are you?

Phan.You bad old man!

(Affecting to weep) You whom I trusted so! (Aside) Don’t be alarmed,

I’m not in earnest. (Aloud) Oh, it’s infamous!

Why, let me see—how old are you?

Gélan.My lord,If you imply—

Gélan.My lord,

If you imply—

Phan.Imply! (Aside) Don’t be a fool,I’m not in earnest; I have found the box!(aloud) Explain this conduct!

Phan.Imply! (Aside) Don’t be a fool,

I’m not in earnest; I have found the box!

(aloud) Explain this conduct!

Altem.Sir, this is a joke?

Phan.Well, not exactly, madam; you’ve been foundPhilandering at night with Gélanor.Being within the influence of these walls,You’re bound to speak the truth. If you can sayYour meeting’s innocent, I’m satisfied.

Phan.Well, not exactly, madam; you’ve been found

Philandering at night with Gélanor.

Being within the influence of these walls,

You’re bound to speak the truth. If you can say

Your meeting’s innocent, I’m satisfied.

Altem.As innocent as truth itself, I swear.

Phan.I’m satisfied! Your hand—

Altem.Nay, hear me first.I charge you with appointing here to meetAzèma; you are bound to tell the truth,Being within the influence of these walls.If you can unreservedly denyThis charge, I also shall be satisfied.

Altem.Nay, hear me first.

I charge you with appointing here to meet

Azèma; you are bound to tell the truth,

Being within the influence of these walls.

If you can unreservedly deny

This charge, I also shall be satisfied.

Phan.Emphatically I deny the charge!

Altem.(astounded). You do?

Phan.I do! (Piously) This is the Home of Truth,And all are subject to its influence.

Phan.I do! (Piously) This is the Home of Truth,

And all are subject to its influence.

Altem.(puzzled). But you admitted it when you confessedYour gallantries to me this afternoon!

Altem.(puzzled). But you admitted it when you confessed

Your gallantries to me this afternoon!

Phan.Oh, you’ve been dreaming!

Altem.Do I understandThat you deny that you confessed all this?

Altem.Do I understand

That you deny that you confessed all this?

Phan.Distinctly! (Piously) This is the Abode of Truth.

Altem.Ihavebeen dreaming! Phanor, there’s my hand—I’ve deeply wronged you.

Altem.Ihavebeen dreaming! Phanor, there’s my hand—

I’ve deeply wronged you.

Phan.Altemire, you have!But say no more—we are good friends again.

Phan.Altemire, you have!

But say no more—we are good friends again.

Altem.Then you forgive me?

Phan.Heartily I do!

Altem.I’ll never be a jealous fool again.

Phan.I’m very glad indeed to hear you say so!

EnterZeolide—Altemireretires withGélanor, and converses withZeolide—Philamir, seeingZeolide, comes down abashed.

Phan.(toPhilamir). Well, and what’s wrong with you?

Phil.I’ve been a fool,A madman, and a true-born idiot!

Phil.I’ve been a fool,

A madman, and a true-born idiot!

Phan.By the mysterious influence of this place,I can believe it!

Phan.By the mysterious influence of this place,

I can believe it!

Phil.I have given upThe noblest woman that I ever knew,For that abominable cockatriceWho quitted me as you arrived.

Phil.I have given up

The noblest woman that I ever knew,

For that abominable cockatrice

Who quitted me as you arrived.

Phan.Well! well!You may regain her yet.

Phan.Well! well!

You may regain her yet.

Phil.Impossible!

Phan.Oh, not at all! there—take this talisman.(Zeolideoverhears this speech.)With this you’re proof against the influenceThat rules this place; you can declare to herThat you adore the very ground she walks,And wallow in the foolish flummeryThat used to make you so ridiculous.She will believe it all—there, take it, boy,And make good use of it to win her back.

Phan.Oh, not at all! there—take this talisman.

(Zeolideoverhears this speech.)

With this you’re proof against the influence

That rules this place; you can declare to her

That you adore the very ground she walks,

And wallow in the foolish flummery

That used to make you so ridiculous.

She will believe it all—there, take it, boy,

And make good use of it to win her back.

Phil.I’ll use it, Phanor, and I’ll use it well!

Zeo.(aside) He takes the box. And thus he thinks to winThe hand of his forsaken Zeolide!Oh, Philamir, this is contemptible.I think I could have loved you, but for this!

Zeo.(aside) He takes the box. And thus he thinks to win

The hand of his forsaken Zeolide!

Oh, Philamir, this is contemptible.

I think I could have loved you, but for this!

Phil.Dear Zeolide, I hold a talisman,Enabling me to counteract the charmThat reigns within these walls. With this in handI can tell truth or falsehood as I please,And you must needs believe me. Zeolide,I’ve learned to set a value on your loveTranscending all the riches of the earth;Yet would I rather live without that love—A life of self-reproach without that love—Repentant and alone without that love—Than stoop to gain it by such treachery.Here is the talisman. (Zeolidetakes it.) No longer armedAgainst the sacred influence of Truth,I tell you of my sorrow and my loveWith all the warmth of a repentant heart!(He pressesZeolideto his heart and kisses her.)

Phil.Dear Zeolide, I hold a talisman,

Enabling me to counteract the charm

That reigns within these walls. With this in hand

I can tell truth or falsehood as I please,

And you must needs believe me. Zeolide,

I’ve learned to set a value on your love

Transcending all the riches of the earth;

Yet would I rather live without that love—

A life of self-reproach without that love—

Repentant and alone without that love—

Than stoop to gain it by such treachery.

Here is the talisman. (Zeolidetakes it.) No longer armed

Against the sacred influence of Truth,

I tell you of my sorrow and my love

With all the warmth of a repentant heart!

(He pressesZeolideto his heart and kisses her.)

Altem.(indignantly). Give me that talisman! (Takes it) I have a clewTo much that was a mystery: Behold!

Altem.(indignantly). Give me that talisman! (Takes it) I have a clew

To much that was a mystery: Behold!

(She breaks it—a loud crash—all come forward.)

EnterAristæus.

Gélan.You know not what you’ve done! The castle’s charmIs bound up with that mystic talisman!Now that the box is broken, these fair wallsAre disenchanted!

Gélan.You know not what you’ve done! The castle’s charm

Is bound up with that mystic talisman!

Now that the box is broken, these fair walls

Are disenchanted!

Phan.P’raps it’s quite as well.Now that the place has lost its influenceWe shall get on much better. We have learntA lesson that should last us till we die—We’ve learnt how matrimonial constancyBy causeless jealousy is sometimes tried—(Looking reproachfully atAltemire.)

Phan.P’raps it’s quite as well.

Now that the place has lost its influence

We shall get on much better. We have learnt

A lesson that should last us till we die—

We’ve learnt how matrimonial constancy

By causeless jealousy is sometimes tried—

(Looking reproachfully atAltemire.)

Altem.How jealousy is sometimes justified—(Looking reproachfully atPhanor.)

Altem.How jealousy is sometimes justified—

(Looking reproachfully atPhanor.)

Chrys.How Zoram—music’s vaunted pioneer—Don’t even know his notes—and has no ear!Even his cant expressions are the wrong ones!

Chrys.How Zoram—music’s vaunted pioneer—

Don’t even know his notes—and has no ear!

Even his cant expressions are the wrong ones!

Zor.Ihavean ear!

Phan.(shaking his hand).You have—two very long ones!

Palmis.You’ve learnt to doubt the love that those profess,Who by such love gain temporal success—(Looking angrily atChrysal.)

Palmis.You’ve learnt to doubt the love that those profess,

Who by such love gain temporal success—

(Looking angrily atChrysal.)

Zor.That surly misanthropes, with venom tainted—

Arist.Are often not as black as they are painted!

Azèma.To doubt all maids who of their virtue boast:That they’re the worst who moralize the most! (Looking atMirza.)

Azèma.To doubt all maids who of their virtue boast:

That they’re the worst who moralize the most! (Looking atMirza.)

Mirza.That blushes, though they’re most becoming, yetProclaim, too oft, the commonplace coquette! (Looking atAzèma.)I can declare, with pardonable pride,I never blush!

Mirza.That blushes, though they’re most becoming, yet

Proclaim, too oft, the commonplace coquette! (Looking atAzèma.)

I can declare, with pardonable pride,

I never blush!

Azèma.You couldn’t if you tried!

Phil.Under the influence that lately reignedWithin these walls I breathed my love unfeigned;Now that that power no longer reigns above,I ratify the accents of my love.Forgive me, Zeolide, my life, my bride!

Phil.Under the influence that lately reigned

Within these walls I breathed my love unfeigned;

Now that that power no longer reigns above,

I ratify the accents of my love.

Forgive me, Zeolide, my life, my bride!

Zeo.(very demurely). I love you, Philamir—be satisfied!

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