ACT I.

As the curtain rises, Priestesses are heard singing in the Temple. Boy discovered on a pathway among Rocks, picking grapes. A party of Roman Soldiers, guarding a prisoner in chains, come down the pathway and exeunt.

EnterSynorix(looking round). Singing ceases.Synorix.Pine, beech and plane, oak, walnut, apricot,Vine, cypress, poplar, myrtle, bowering-inThe city where she dwells. She past me hereThree years ago when I was flying fromMy Tetrarchy to Rome. I almost touch’d her—A maiden slowly moving on to musicAmong her maidens to this Temple—O Gods!She is my fate—else wherefore has my fateBrought me again to her own city?—marriedSince—married Sinnatus, the Tetrarch here—But if he be conspirator, Rome will chain,Or slay him. I may trust to gain her thenWhen I shall have my tetrarchy restoredBy Rome, our mistress, grateful that I show’d herThe weakness and the dissonance of our clans,And how to crush them easily. Wretched race!And once I wish’d to scourge them to the bones.But in this narrow breathing-time of lifeIs vengeance for its own sake worth the while,If once our ends are gain’d? and now this cup—I never felt such passion for a woman.[Brings out a cup and scroll from under his cloak.What have I written to her?[Reading the scroll.“To the admired Camma, wife of Sinnatus, the Tetrarch, one who years ago, himself an adorer of our great goddess, Artemis, beheld you afar off worshipping in her Temple, and loved you for it, sends you this cup rescued from the burning of one of her shrines in a city thro’ which he past with the Roman army: it is the cup we use in our marriages. Receive it from one who cannot at present write himself other than“A Galatian serving by force in the Roman Legion.”[Turns and looks up to Boy.Boy, dost thou know the house of Sinnatus?Boy.These grapes are for the house of Sinnatus—Close to the Temple.Synorix.Yonder?Boy.Yes.Synorix(aside).That IWith all my range of women should yet shunTo meet her face to face at once! My boy,[Boy comes down rocks to him.Take thou this letter and this cup to Camma,The wife of Sinnatus.Boy.Going or gone to-dayTo hunt with Sinnatus.Synorix.That matters not.Take thou this cup and leave it at her doors.[Gives the cup and scroll to the Boy.Boy.I will, my lord.[Takes his basket of grapes and exit.EnterAntonius.Antonius(meeting the Boy as he goes out).Why, whither runs the boy?Is that the cup you rescued from the fire?Synorix.I send it to the wife of Sinnatus,One half besotted in religious rites.You come here with your soldiers to enforceThe long-withholden tribute: you suspectThis Sinnatus of playing patriotism,Which in your sense is treason. You have yetNo proof against him: now this pious cupIs passport to their house, and open armsTo him who gave it; and once there I warrantI worm thro’ all their windings.Antonius.If you prosper,Our Senate, wearied of their tetrarchies,Their quarrels with themselves, their spites at Rome,Is like enough to cancel them, and throneOne king above them all, who shall be trueTo the Roman: and from what I heard in Rome,This tributary crown may fall to you.Synorix.The king, the crown! their talk in Rome? is it so?[Antoniusnods.Well—I shall serve Galatia taking it,And save her from herself, and be to RomeMore faithful than a Roman.[Turns and seesCammacoming.Stand aside,Stand aside; here she comes![WatchingCammaas she enters with her Maid.Camma(to Maid).Where is he, girl?Maid.You know the waterfallThat in the summer keeps the mountain side,But after rain o’erleaps a jutting rockAnd shoots three hundred feet.Camma.The stag is there?Maid.Seen in the thicket at the bottom thereBut yester-even.Camma.Good then, we will climbThe mountain opposite and watch the chase.[They descend the rocks and exeunt.Synorix(watching her).(Aside.) The bust of Juno and the brows and eyesOf Venus; face and form unmatchable!Antonius.Why do you look at her so lingeringly?Synorix.To see if years have changed her.Antonius(sarcastically).Love her, do you?Synorix.I envied Sinnatus when he married her.Antonius.She knows it? Ha!Synorix.She—no, nor ev’n my face.Antonius.Nor Sinnatus either?Synorix.No, nor Sinnatus.Antonius.Hot-blooded! I have heard them say in Rome,That your own people cast you from their bounds,For some unprincely violence to a woman,As Rome did Tarquin.Synorix.Well, if this were so,I here return like Tarquin—for a crown.Antonius.And may be foil’d like Tarquin, if you followNot the dry light of Rome’s straight-going policy,But the fool-fire of love or lust, which wellMay make you lose yourself, may even drown youIn the good regard of Rome.Synorix.Tut—fear me not;I ever had my victories among women.I am most true to Rome.Antonius(aside).I hate that man!What filthy tools our Senate works with! StillI must obey them. (Aloud.) Fare you well.[Going.Synorix.Farewell!Antonius(stopping).A moment! If you track this SinnatusIn any treason, I give you here an order[Produces a paper.To seize upon him. Let me sign it. (Signs it.) There“Antonius leader of the Roman Legion.”[Hands the paper toSynorix. Goes up pathway and exit.Synorix.Woman again!—but I am wiser now.No rushing on the game—the net,—the net.[Shouts of“Sinnatus! Sinnatus!”Then horn.Looking off stage.] He comes, a rough, bluff, simple-looking fellow.If we may judge the kernel by the husk,Not one to keep a woman’s fealty whenAssailed by Craft and Love. I’ll join with him:I may reap something from him—come uponherAgain, perhaps, to-day—her. Who are with him?I see no face that knows me. Shall I risk it?I am a Roman now, they dare not touch me.I will.EnterSinnatus,Huntsmenand hounds.Fair Sir, a happy day to you!You reck but little of the Roman here,While you can take your pastime in the woods.Sinnatus.Ay, ay, why not? What would you with me, man?Synorix.I am a life-long lover of the chase,And tho’ a stranger fain would be allow’dTo join the hunt.Sinnatus.Your name?Synorix.Strato, my name.Sinnatus.No Roman name?Synorix.A Greek, my lord; you knowThat we Galatians are both Greek and Gaul.[Shouts and horns in the distance.Sinnatus.Hillo, the stag! (ToSynorix.) What, you are all unfurnish’d?Give him a bow and arrows—follow—follow.[Exit, followed by Huntsmen.Synorix.Slowly but surely—till I see my way.It is the one step in the dark beyondOur expectation, that amazes us.[Distant shouts and horns.Hillo! Hillo![ExitSynorix. Shouts and horns.

EnterSynorix(looking round). Singing ceases.

Synorix.

Pine, beech and plane, oak, walnut, apricot,Vine, cypress, poplar, myrtle, bowering-inThe city where she dwells. She past me hereThree years ago when I was flying fromMy Tetrarchy to Rome. I almost touch’d her—A maiden slowly moving on to musicAmong her maidens to this Temple—O Gods!She is my fate—else wherefore has my fateBrought me again to her own city?—marriedSince—married Sinnatus, the Tetrarch here—But if he be conspirator, Rome will chain,Or slay him. I may trust to gain her thenWhen I shall have my tetrarchy restoredBy Rome, our mistress, grateful that I show’d herThe weakness and the dissonance of our clans,And how to crush them easily. Wretched race!And once I wish’d to scourge them to the bones.But in this narrow breathing-time of lifeIs vengeance for its own sake worth the while,If once our ends are gain’d? and now this cup—I never felt such passion for a woman.

Pine, beech and plane, oak, walnut, apricot,

Vine, cypress, poplar, myrtle, bowering-in

The city where she dwells. She past me here

Three years ago when I was flying from

My Tetrarchy to Rome. I almost touch’d her—

A maiden slowly moving on to music

Among her maidens to this Temple—O Gods!

She is my fate—else wherefore has my fate

Brought me again to her own city?—married

Since—married Sinnatus, the Tetrarch here—

But if he be conspirator, Rome will chain,

Or slay him. I may trust to gain her then

When I shall have my tetrarchy restored

By Rome, our mistress, grateful that I show’d her

The weakness and the dissonance of our clans,

And how to crush them easily. Wretched race!

And once I wish’d to scourge them to the bones.

But in this narrow breathing-time of life

Is vengeance for its own sake worth the while,

If once our ends are gain’d? and now this cup—

I never felt such passion for a woman.

[Brings out a cup and scroll from under his cloak.

What have I written to her?

[Reading the scroll.

“To the admired Camma, wife of Sinnatus, the Tetrarch, one who years ago, himself an adorer of our great goddess, Artemis, beheld you afar off worshipping in her Temple, and loved you for it, sends you this cup rescued from the burning of one of her shrines in a city thro’ which he past with the Roman army: it is the cup we use in our marriages. Receive it from one who cannot at present write himself other than

“A Galatian serving by force in the Roman Legion.”

[Turns and looks up to Boy.

Boy, dost thou know the house of Sinnatus?

Boy.

These grapes are for the house of Sinnatus—Close to the Temple.

These grapes are for the house of Sinnatus—

Close to the Temple.

Synorix.

Yonder?

Boy.

Yes.

Synorix(aside).

That IWith all my range of women should yet shunTo meet her face to face at once! My boy,

That I

With all my range of women should yet shun

To meet her face to face at once! My boy,

[Boy comes down rocks to him.

Take thou this letter and this cup to Camma,The wife of Sinnatus.

Take thou this letter and this cup to Camma,

The wife of Sinnatus.

Boy.

Going or gone to-dayTo hunt with Sinnatus.

Going or gone to-day

To hunt with Sinnatus.

Synorix.

That matters not.Take thou this cup and leave it at her doors.

That matters not.

Take thou this cup and leave it at her doors.

[Gives the cup and scroll to the Boy.

Boy.

I will, my lord.

[Takes his basket of grapes and exit.

EnterAntonius.

Antonius(meeting the Boy as he goes out).

Why, whither runs the boy?Is that the cup you rescued from the fire?

Why, whither runs the boy?

Is that the cup you rescued from the fire?

Synorix.

I send it to the wife of Sinnatus,One half besotted in religious rites.You come here with your soldiers to enforceThe long-withholden tribute: you suspectThis Sinnatus of playing patriotism,Which in your sense is treason. You have yetNo proof against him: now this pious cupIs passport to their house, and open armsTo him who gave it; and once there I warrantI worm thro’ all their windings.

I send it to the wife of Sinnatus,

One half besotted in religious rites.

You come here with your soldiers to enforce

The long-withholden tribute: you suspect

This Sinnatus of playing patriotism,

Which in your sense is treason. You have yet

No proof against him: now this pious cup

Is passport to their house, and open arms

To him who gave it; and once there I warrant

I worm thro’ all their windings.

Antonius.

If you prosper,Our Senate, wearied of their tetrarchies,Their quarrels with themselves, their spites at Rome,Is like enough to cancel them, and throneOne king above them all, who shall be trueTo the Roman: and from what I heard in Rome,This tributary crown may fall to you.

If you prosper,

Our Senate, wearied of their tetrarchies,

Their quarrels with themselves, their spites at Rome,

Is like enough to cancel them, and throne

One king above them all, who shall be true

To the Roman: and from what I heard in Rome,

This tributary crown may fall to you.

Synorix.

The king, the crown! their talk in Rome? is it so?

[Antoniusnods.

Well—I shall serve Galatia taking it,And save her from herself, and be to RomeMore faithful than a Roman.

Well—I shall serve Galatia taking it,

And save her from herself, and be to Rome

More faithful than a Roman.

[Turns and seesCammacoming.

Stand aside,Stand aside; here she comes!

Stand aside,

Stand aside; here she comes!

[WatchingCammaas she enters with her Maid.

Camma(to Maid).

Where is he, girl?

Maid.

You know the waterfallThat in the summer keeps the mountain side,But after rain o’erleaps a jutting rockAnd shoots three hundred feet.

You know the waterfall

That in the summer keeps the mountain side,

But after rain o’erleaps a jutting rock

And shoots three hundred feet.

Camma.

The stag is there?

Maid.

Seen in the thicket at the bottom thereBut yester-even.

Seen in the thicket at the bottom there

But yester-even.

Camma.

Good then, we will climbThe mountain opposite and watch the chase.

Good then, we will climb

The mountain opposite and watch the chase.

[They descend the rocks and exeunt.

Synorix(watching her).

(Aside.) The bust of Juno and the brows and eyesOf Venus; face and form unmatchable!

(Aside.) The bust of Juno and the brows and eyes

Of Venus; face and form unmatchable!

Antonius.

Why do you look at her so lingeringly?

Synorix.

To see if years have changed her.

Antonius(sarcastically).

Love her, do you?

Synorix.

I envied Sinnatus when he married her.

Antonius.

She knows it? Ha!

Synorix.

She—no, nor ev’n my face.

Antonius.

Nor Sinnatus either?

Synorix.

No, nor Sinnatus.

Antonius.

Hot-blooded! I have heard them say in Rome,That your own people cast you from their bounds,For some unprincely violence to a woman,As Rome did Tarquin.

Hot-blooded! I have heard them say in Rome,

That your own people cast you from their bounds,

For some unprincely violence to a woman,

As Rome did Tarquin.

Synorix.

Well, if this were so,I here return like Tarquin—for a crown.

Well, if this were so,

I here return like Tarquin—for a crown.

Antonius.

And may be foil’d like Tarquin, if you followNot the dry light of Rome’s straight-going policy,But the fool-fire of love or lust, which wellMay make you lose yourself, may even drown youIn the good regard of Rome.

And may be foil’d like Tarquin, if you follow

Not the dry light of Rome’s straight-going policy,

But the fool-fire of love or lust, which well

May make you lose yourself, may even drown you

In the good regard of Rome.

Synorix.

Tut—fear me not;I ever had my victories among women.I am most true to Rome.

Tut—fear me not;

I ever had my victories among women.

I am most true to Rome.

Antonius(aside).

I hate that man!What filthy tools our Senate works with! StillI must obey them. (Aloud.) Fare you well.

I hate that man!

What filthy tools our Senate works with! Still

I must obey them. (Aloud.) Fare you well.

[Going.

Synorix.

Farewell!

Antonius(stopping).

A moment! If you track this SinnatusIn any treason, I give you here an order

A moment! If you track this Sinnatus

In any treason, I give you here an order

[Produces a paper.

To seize upon him. Let me sign it. (Signs it.) There“Antonius leader of the Roman Legion.”

To seize upon him. Let me sign it. (Signs it.) There

“Antonius leader of the Roman Legion.”

[Hands the paper toSynorix. Goes up pathway and exit.

Synorix.

Woman again!—but I am wiser now.No rushing on the game—the net,—the net.[Shouts of“Sinnatus! Sinnatus!”Then horn.Looking off stage.] He comes, a rough, bluff, simple-looking fellow.If we may judge the kernel by the husk,Not one to keep a woman’s fealty whenAssailed by Craft and Love. I’ll join with him:I may reap something from him—come uponherAgain, perhaps, to-day—her. Who are with him?I see no face that knows me. Shall I risk it?I am a Roman now, they dare not touch me.I will.

Woman again!—but I am wiser now.

No rushing on the game—the net,—the net.

[Shouts of“Sinnatus! Sinnatus!”Then horn.

Looking off stage.] He comes, a rough, bluff, simple-looking fellow.

If we may judge the kernel by the husk,

Not one to keep a woman’s fealty when

Assailed by Craft and Love. I’ll join with him:

I may reap something from him—come uponher

Again, perhaps, to-day—her. Who are with him?

I see no face that knows me. Shall I risk it?

I am a Roman now, they dare not touch me.

I will.

EnterSinnatus,Huntsmenand hounds.

Fair Sir, a happy day to you!You reck but little of the Roman here,While you can take your pastime in the woods.

Fair Sir, a happy day to you!

You reck but little of the Roman here,

While you can take your pastime in the woods.

Sinnatus.

Ay, ay, why not? What would you with me, man?

Synorix.

I am a life-long lover of the chase,And tho’ a stranger fain would be allow’dTo join the hunt.

I am a life-long lover of the chase,

And tho’ a stranger fain would be allow’d

To join the hunt.

Sinnatus.

Your name?

Synorix.

Strato, my name.

Sinnatus.

No Roman name?

Synorix.

A Greek, my lord; you knowThat we Galatians are both Greek and Gaul.

A Greek, my lord; you know

That we Galatians are both Greek and Gaul.

[Shouts and horns in the distance.

Sinnatus.

Hillo, the stag! (ToSynorix.) What, you are all unfurnish’d?Give him a bow and arrows—follow—follow.

Hillo, the stag! (ToSynorix.) What, you are all unfurnish’d?

Give him a bow and arrows—follow—follow.

[Exit, followed by Huntsmen.

Synorix.

Slowly but surely—till I see my way.It is the one step in the dark beyondOur expectation, that amazes us.

Slowly but surely—till I see my way.

It is the one step in the dark beyond

Our expectation, that amazes us.

[Distant shouts and horns.

Hillo! Hillo!

[ExitSynorix. Shouts and horns.

Frescoed figures on the walls. Evening. Moonlight outside. A couch with cushions on it. A small table with flagon of wine, cups, plate of grapes, etc., also the cup of Scene I. A chair with drapery on it.

Cammaenters, and opens curtains of window.Camma.No Sinnatus yet—and there the rising moon.[Takes up a cithern and sits on couch. Plays and sings.“Moon on the field and the foam,Moon on the waste and the wold,Moon bring him home, bring him homeSafe from the dark and the cold,Home, sweet moon, bring him home,Home with the flock to the fold—Safe from the wolf”——(Listening.) Is he coming? I thought I heardA footstep. No not yet. They say that RomeSprang from a wolf. I fear my dear lord mixtWith some conspiracy against the wolf.This mountain shepherd never dream’d of Rome.(Sings.) “Safe from the wolf to the fold”——And that great break of precipice that runsThro’ all the wood, where twenty years agoHuntsman, and hound, and deer were all neck-broken!Nay, here he comes.EnterSinnatusfollowed bySynorix.Sinnatus(angrily).I tell thee, my good fellow,Myarrow struck the stag.SynorixBut was it so?Nay, you were further off: besides the windWent withmyarrow.Sinnatus.I am sureIstruck him.Synorix.And I am just as sure, my lord,Istruck him.(Aside.) And I may strike your game when you are gone.Camma.Come, come, we will not quarrel about the stag.I have had a weary day in watching you.Yours must have been a wearier. Sit and eat,And take a hunter’s vengeance on the meats.Sinnatus.No, no—we have eaten—we are heated. Wine!Camma.Who is our guest?Sinnatus.Strato he calls himself.[Cammaoffers wine toSynorix, whileSinnatushelps himself.Sinnatus.I pledge you, Strato.[Drinks.Synorix.And I you, my lord.[Drinks.Sinnatus(seeing the cup sent toCamma).What’s here?Camma.A strange gift sent to me to-day.A sacred cup saved from a blazing shrineOf our great Goddess, in some city whereAntonius past. I had believed that RomeMade war upon the peoples not the Gods.Synorix.Most like the city rose against Antonius,Whereon he fired it, and the sacred shrineBy chance was burnt along with it.Sinnatus.Had you thenNo message with the cup?Camma.Why, yes, see here.[Gives him the scroll.Sinnatus(reads).“To the admired Camma,—beheld you afar off—loved you—sends you this cup—the cup we use in our marriages—cannot at present write himself other than“A Galatian serving by force in the Roman Legion.”Serving by force! Were there no boughs to hang on,Rivers to drown in? Serve by force? No forceCould make me serve by force.Synorix.How then, my lord?The Roman is encampt without your city—The force of Rome a thousand-fold our own.Must all Galatia hang or drown himself?And you a Prince and Tetrarch in this province——Sinnatus.Province!Synorix.Well, well, they call it so in Rome.Sinnatus(angrily).Province!Synorix.A noble anger! but AntoniusTo-morrow will demand your tribute—you,Can you make war? Have you alliances?Bithynia, Pontus, Paphlagonia?We have had our leagues of old with Eastern kings.There is my hand—if such a league there be.What will you do?Sinnatus.Not set myself abroachAnd run my mind out to a random guestWho join’d me in the hunt. You saw my houndsTrue to the scent; and we have two-legg’d dogsAmong us who can smell a true occasion,And when to bark and how.Synorix.My good Lord Sinnatus,I once was at the hunting of a lion.Roused by the clamour of the chase he woke,Came to the front of the wood—his monarch maneBristled about his quick ears—he stood thereStaring upon the hunter. A score of dogsGnaw’d at his ankles: at the last he feltThe trouble of his feet, put forth one paw,Slew four, and knew it not, and so remain’dStaring upon the hunter: and this RomeWill crush you if you wrestle with her; thenSave for some slight report in her own SenateScarce know what she has done.(Aside.)Would I could move him,Provoke him any way! (Aloud.) The Lady Camma,Wise I am sure as she is beautiful,Will close with me that to submit at onceIs better than a wholly-hopeless war,Our gallant citizens murder’d all in vain,Son, husband, brother gash’d to death in vain,And the small state more cruelly trampled onThan had she never moved.Camma.Sir, I had onceA boy who died a babe; but were he livingAnd grown to man and Sinnatus will’d it, IWould set him in the front rank of the fightWith scarce a pang. (Rises.) Sir, if a state submitAt once, she may be blotted out at onceAnd swallow’d in the conqueror’s chronicle.Whereas in wars of freedom and defenceThe glory and grief of battle won or lostSolders a race together—yea—tho’ they fail,The names of those who fought and fell are likeA bank’d-up fire that flashes out againFrom century to century, and at lastMay lead them on to victory—I hope so—Like phantoms of the Gods.Sinnatus.Well spoken, wife.Synorix(bowing).Madam, so well I yield.Sinnatus.I should not wonderIf Synorix, who has dwelt three years in RomeAnd wrought his worst against his native land,Returns with this Antonius.Synorix.What is Synorix?Sinnatus.Galatian, and not know? This SynorixWas Tetrarch here, and tyrant also—didDishonour to our wives.Synorix.Perhaps you judge himWith feeble charity: being as you tell meTetrarch, there might be willing wives enoughTo feel dishonour, honour.Camma.Do not say so.I know of no such wives in all Galatia.There may be courtesans for aught I knowWhose life is one dishonour.EnterAttendant.Attendant(aside).My lord, the men!Sinnatus(aside).Our anti-Roman faction?Attendant(aside).Ay, my lord.Synorix(overhearing).(Aside.) I have enough—their anti-Roman faction.Sinnatus(aloud).Some friends of mine would speak with me without.You, Strato, make good cheer till I return.[Exit.Synorix.I have much to say, no time to say it in.First, lady, know myself am that GalatianWho sent the cup.Camma.I thank you from my heart.Synorix.Then that I serve with Rome to serve Galatia.That is my secret: keep it, or you sell meTo torment and to death.[Coming closer.For your ear only—I love you—for your love to the great Goddess.The Romans sent me here a spy upon you,To draw you and your husband to your doom.I’d sooner die than do it.[Takes out paper given him by Antonius.This paper sign’dAntonius—will you take it, read it? there!Camma.(Reads) “You are to seize on Sinnatus,—if——”Synorix.(Snatches paper.)No more.What follows is for no wife’s eyes. O Camma,Rome has a glimpse of this conspiracy;Rome never yet hath spar’d conspirator.Horrible! flaying, scourging, crucifying——Camma.I am tender enough. Why do you practise on me?Synorix.Why should I practise on you? How you wrong me!I am sure of being every way malign’d.And if you should betray me to your husband——Camma.Willyoubetray him by this order?Synorix.See,I tear it all to pieces, never dream’dOf acting on it.[Tears the paper.Camma.I owe you thanks for ever.Synorix.Hath Sinnatus never told you of this plot?Camma.What plot?Synorix.A child’s sand-castle on the beachFor the next wave—all seen,—all calculated,All known by Rome. No chance for Sinnatus.Camma.Why, said you not as much to my brave Sinnatus?Synorix.Brave—ay—too brave, too over-confident,Too like to ruin himself, and you, and me!Who else, with this black thunderbolt of RomeAbove him, would have chased the stag to-dayIn the full face of all the Roman camp?A miracle that they let him home again,Not caught, maim’d, blinded him.[Cammashudders.(Aside.)I have made her tremble.(Aloud.) I know they mean to torture him to death.I dare not tell him how I came to know it;I durst not trust him with—my serving RomeTo serve Galatia: you heard him on the letter.Not say as much? I all but said as much.I am sure I told him that his plot was folly.I say it to you—you are wiser—Rome knows all,But you know not the savagery of Rome.Camma.O—have you power with Rome? use it for him!Synorix.Alas! I have no such power with Rome. All thatLies with Antonius.[As if struck by a sudden thought. Comes over to her.He will pass to-morrowIn the gray dawn before the Temple doors.You have beauty,—O great beauty,—and Antonius,So gracious toward women, never yetFlung back a woman’s prayer. Plead to him,I am sure you will prevail.Camma.Still—I should tellMy husband.Synorix.Will he let you plead for himTo a Roman?Camma.I fear not.Synorix.Then do not tell him.Or tell him, if you will, when you return,When you have charm’d our general into mercy,And all is safe again. O dearest lady,[Murmurs of“Synorix! Synorix!”heard outside.Think,—torture,—death,—and come.Camma.I will, I will.And I will not betray you.Synorix(aside).(AsSinnatusenters.) Stand apart.EnterSinnatusandAttendant.Sinnatus.Thou art that Synorix! One whom thou hast wrong’dWithout there, knew thee with Antonius.They howl for thee, to rend thee head from limb.Synorix.I am much malign’d. I thought to serve Galatia.Sinnatus.Serve thyself first, villain! They shall not harmMy guest within my house. There! (points to door) there! this doorOpens upon the forest! Out, begone!Henceforth I am thy mortal enemy.Synorix.However I thank thee (draws his sword); thou hast saved my life.[Exit.Sinnatus.(To Attendant.) Return and tell them Synorix is not here.[Exit Attendant.What did that villain Synorix say to you?Camma.Ishe—that—Synorix?Sinnatus.Wherefore should you doubt it?One of the men there knew him.Camma.Only one,And he perhaps mistaken in the face.Sinnatus.Come, come, could he deny it? What did he say?Camma.Whatshouldhe say?Sinnatus.Whatshouldhe say, my wife!He should say this, that being Tetrarch onceHis own true people cast him from their doorsLike a base coin.Camma.Not kindly to them?Sinnatus.Kindly?O the most kindly Prince in all the world!Would clap his honest citizens on the back,Bandy their own rude jests with them, be curiousAbout the welfare of their babes, their wives,O ay—their wives—their wives. What should he say?He should say nothing to my wife if IWere by to throttle him! He steep’d himselfIn all the lust of Rome. How shouldyouguessWhat manner of beast it is?Camma.Yet he seem’d kindly,And said he loathed the cruelties that RomeWrought on her vassals.Sinnatus.Did he,honestman?Camma.And you, that seldom brook the stranger here,Have let him hunt the stag with you to-day.Sinnatus.I warrant you now, he saidhestruck the stag.Camma.Why no, he never touch’d upon the stag.Sinnatus.Why so I said,myarrow. Well, to sleep.[Goes to close door.Camma.Nay, close not yet the door upon a nightThat looks half day.Sinnatus.True; and my friends may spy himAnd slay him as he runs.Camma.He is gone already.Oh look,—yon grove upon the mountain,—whiteIn the sweet moon as with a lovelier snow!But what a blotch of blackness underneath!Sinnatus, you remember—yea, you must,That there three years ago—the vast vine-bowersRan to the summit of the trees, and droptTheir streamers earthward, which a breeze of MayTook ever and anon, and open’d outThe purple zone of hill and heaven; thereYou told your love; and like the swaying vines—Yea,—with our eyes,—our hearts, our prophet hopesLet in the happy distance, and that allBut cloudless heaven which we have found togetherIn our three married years! You kiss’d me thereFor the first time. Sinnatus, kiss me now.Sinnatus.First kiss. (Kisses her.) There then. You talk almost as if itMight be the last.Camma.Will you not eat a little?Sinnatus.No, no, we found a goat-herd’s hut and sharedHis fruits and milk. Liar! You will believeNow that he never struck the stag—a brave oneWhich you shall see to-morrow.Camma.I rise to-morrowIn the gray dawn, and take this holy cupTo lodge it in the shrine of Artemis.Sinnatus.Good!Camma.If I be not back in half an hour,Come after me.Sinnatus.What! is there danger?Camma.Nay,None that I know: ’tis but a step from hereTo the Temple.Sinnatus.All my brain is full of sleep.Wake me before you go, I’ll after you—Aftermenow![Closes door and exit.Camma(drawing curtains).Your shadow. Synorix—His face was not malignant, and he saidThat men malign’d him. Shall I go? Shall I go?Death, torture—“He never yet flung back a woman’s prayer”—I go, but I will have my dagger with me.[Exit.

Cammaenters, and opens curtains of window.

Camma.

No Sinnatus yet—and there the rising moon.

[Takes up a cithern and sits on couch. Plays and sings.

“Moon on the field and the foam,Moon on the waste and the wold,Moon bring him home, bring him homeSafe from the dark and the cold,Home, sweet moon, bring him home,Home with the flock to the fold—Safe from the wolf”——

“Moon on the field and the foam,

Moon on the waste and the wold,

Moon bring him home, bring him home

Safe from the dark and the cold,

Home, sweet moon, bring him home,

Home with the flock to the fold—

Safe from the wolf”——

(Listening.) Is he coming? I thought I heardA footstep. No not yet. They say that RomeSprang from a wolf. I fear my dear lord mixtWith some conspiracy against the wolf.This mountain shepherd never dream’d of Rome.(Sings.) “Safe from the wolf to the fold”——And that great break of precipice that runsThro’ all the wood, where twenty years agoHuntsman, and hound, and deer were all neck-broken!Nay, here he comes.

(Listening.) Is he coming? I thought I heard

A footstep. No not yet. They say that Rome

Sprang from a wolf. I fear my dear lord mixt

With some conspiracy against the wolf.

This mountain shepherd never dream’d of Rome.

(Sings.) “Safe from the wolf to the fold”——

And that great break of precipice that runs

Thro’ all the wood, where twenty years ago

Huntsman, and hound, and deer were all neck-broken!

Nay, here he comes.

EnterSinnatusfollowed bySynorix.

Sinnatus(angrily).

I tell thee, my good fellow,Myarrow struck the stag.

I tell thee, my good fellow,

Myarrow struck the stag.

Synorix

But was it so?Nay, you were further off: besides the windWent withmyarrow.

But was it so?

Nay, you were further off: besides the wind

Went withmyarrow.

Sinnatus.

I am sureIstruck him.

Synorix.

And I am just as sure, my lord,Istruck him.(Aside.) And I may strike your game when you are gone.

And I am just as sure, my lord,Istruck him.

(Aside.) And I may strike your game when you are gone.

Camma.

Come, come, we will not quarrel about the stag.I have had a weary day in watching you.Yours must have been a wearier. Sit and eat,And take a hunter’s vengeance on the meats.

Come, come, we will not quarrel about the stag.

I have had a weary day in watching you.

Yours must have been a wearier. Sit and eat,

And take a hunter’s vengeance on the meats.

Sinnatus.

No, no—we have eaten—we are heated. Wine!

Camma.

Who is our guest?

Sinnatus.

Strato he calls himself.

[Cammaoffers wine toSynorix, whileSinnatushelps himself.

Sinnatus.

I pledge you, Strato.

[Drinks.

Synorix.

And I you, my lord.

[Drinks.

Sinnatus(seeing the cup sent toCamma).

What’s here?

Camma.

A strange gift sent to me to-day.A sacred cup saved from a blazing shrineOf our great Goddess, in some city whereAntonius past. I had believed that RomeMade war upon the peoples not the Gods.

A strange gift sent to me to-day.

A sacred cup saved from a blazing shrine

Of our great Goddess, in some city where

Antonius past. I had believed that Rome

Made war upon the peoples not the Gods.

Synorix.

Most like the city rose against Antonius,Whereon he fired it, and the sacred shrineBy chance was burnt along with it.

Most like the city rose against Antonius,

Whereon he fired it, and the sacred shrine

By chance was burnt along with it.

Sinnatus.

Had you thenNo message with the cup?

Had you then

No message with the cup?

Camma.

Why, yes, see here.

[Gives him the scroll.

Sinnatus(reads).

“To the admired Camma,—beheld you afar off—loved you—sends you this cup—the cup we use in our marriages—cannot at present write himself other than

“A Galatian serving by force in the Roman Legion.”

Serving by force! Were there no boughs to hang on,Rivers to drown in? Serve by force? No forceCould make me serve by force.

Serving by force! Were there no boughs to hang on,

Rivers to drown in? Serve by force? No force

Could make me serve by force.

Synorix.

How then, my lord?The Roman is encampt without your city—The force of Rome a thousand-fold our own.Must all Galatia hang or drown himself?And you a Prince and Tetrarch in this province——

How then, my lord?

The Roman is encampt without your city—

The force of Rome a thousand-fold our own.

Must all Galatia hang or drown himself?

And you a Prince and Tetrarch in this province——

Sinnatus.

Province!

Synorix.

Well, well, they call it so in Rome.

Sinnatus(angrily).

Province!

Synorix.

A noble anger! but AntoniusTo-morrow will demand your tribute—you,Can you make war? Have you alliances?Bithynia, Pontus, Paphlagonia?We have had our leagues of old with Eastern kings.There is my hand—if such a league there be.What will you do?

A noble anger! but Antonius

To-morrow will demand your tribute—you,

Can you make war? Have you alliances?

Bithynia, Pontus, Paphlagonia?

We have had our leagues of old with Eastern kings.

There is my hand—if such a league there be.

What will you do?

Sinnatus.

Not set myself abroachAnd run my mind out to a random guestWho join’d me in the hunt. You saw my houndsTrue to the scent; and we have two-legg’d dogsAmong us who can smell a true occasion,And when to bark and how.

Not set myself abroach

And run my mind out to a random guest

Who join’d me in the hunt. You saw my hounds

True to the scent; and we have two-legg’d dogs

Among us who can smell a true occasion,

And when to bark and how.

Synorix.

My good Lord Sinnatus,I once was at the hunting of a lion.Roused by the clamour of the chase he woke,Came to the front of the wood—his monarch maneBristled about his quick ears—he stood thereStaring upon the hunter. A score of dogsGnaw’d at his ankles: at the last he feltThe trouble of his feet, put forth one paw,Slew four, and knew it not, and so remain’dStaring upon the hunter: and this RomeWill crush you if you wrestle with her; thenSave for some slight report in her own SenateScarce know what she has done.(Aside.)Would I could move him,Provoke him any way! (Aloud.) The Lady Camma,Wise I am sure as she is beautiful,Will close with me that to submit at onceIs better than a wholly-hopeless war,Our gallant citizens murder’d all in vain,Son, husband, brother gash’d to death in vain,And the small state more cruelly trampled onThan had she never moved.

My good Lord Sinnatus,

I once was at the hunting of a lion.

Roused by the clamour of the chase he woke,

Came to the front of the wood—his monarch mane

Bristled about his quick ears—he stood there

Staring upon the hunter. A score of dogs

Gnaw’d at his ankles: at the last he felt

The trouble of his feet, put forth one paw,

Slew four, and knew it not, and so remain’d

Staring upon the hunter: and this Rome

Will crush you if you wrestle with her; then

Save for some slight report in her own Senate

Scarce know what she has done.

(Aside.)Would I could move him,

Provoke him any way! (Aloud.) The Lady Camma,

Wise I am sure as she is beautiful,

Will close with me that to submit at once

Is better than a wholly-hopeless war,

Our gallant citizens murder’d all in vain,

Son, husband, brother gash’d to death in vain,

And the small state more cruelly trampled on

Than had she never moved.

Camma.

Sir, I had onceA boy who died a babe; but were he livingAnd grown to man and Sinnatus will’d it, IWould set him in the front rank of the fightWith scarce a pang. (Rises.) Sir, if a state submitAt once, she may be blotted out at onceAnd swallow’d in the conqueror’s chronicle.Whereas in wars of freedom and defenceThe glory and grief of battle won or lostSolders a race together—yea—tho’ they fail,The names of those who fought and fell are likeA bank’d-up fire that flashes out againFrom century to century, and at lastMay lead them on to victory—I hope so—Like phantoms of the Gods.

Sir, I had once

A boy who died a babe; but were he living

And grown to man and Sinnatus will’d it, I

Would set him in the front rank of the fight

With scarce a pang. (Rises.) Sir, if a state submit

At once, she may be blotted out at once

And swallow’d in the conqueror’s chronicle.

Whereas in wars of freedom and defence

The glory and grief of battle won or lost

Solders a race together—yea—tho’ they fail,

The names of those who fought and fell are like

A bank’d-up fire that flashes out again

From century to century, and at last

May lead them on to victory—I hope so—

Like phantoms of the Gods.

Sinnatus.

Well spoken, wife.

Synorix(bowing).

Madam, so well I yield.

Sinnatus.

I should not wonderIf Synorix, who has dwelt three years in RomeAnd wrought his worst against his native land,Returns with this Antonius.

I should not wonder

If Synorix, who has dwelt three years in Rome

And wrought his worst against his native land,

Returns with this Antonius.

Synorix.

What is Synorix?

Sinnatus.

Galatian, and not know? This SynorixWas Tetrarch here, and tyrant also—didDishonour to our wives.

Galatian, and not know? This Synorix

Was Tetrarch here, and tyrant also—did

Dishonour to our wives.

Synorix.

Perhaps you judge himWith feeble charity: being as you tell meTetrarch, there might be willing wives enoughTo feel dishonour, honour.

Perhaps you judge him

With feeble charity: being as you tell me

Tetrarch, there might be willing wives enough

To feel dishonour, honour.

Camma.

Do not say so.I know of no such wives in all Galatia.There may be courtesans for aught I knowWhose life is one dishonour.

Do not say so.

I know of no such wives in all Galatia.

There may be courtesans for aught I know

Whose life is one dishonour.

EnterAttendant.

Attendant(aside).

My lord, the men!

Sinnatus(aside).

Our anti-Roman faction?

Attendant(aside).

Ay, my lord.

Synorix(overhearing).

(Aside.) I have enough—their anti-Roman faction.

Sinnatus(aloud).

Some friends of mine would speak with me without.You, Strato, make good cheer till I return.

Some friends of mine would speak with me without.

You, Strato, make good cheer till I return.

[Exit.

Synorix.

I have much to say, no time to say it in.First, lady, know myself am that GalatianWho sent the cup.

I have much to say, no time to say it in.

First, lady, know myself am that Galatian

Who sent the cup.

Camma.

I thank you from my heart.

Synorix.

Then that I serve with Rome to serve Galatia.That is my secret: keep it, or you sell meTo torment and to death.

Then that I serve with Rome to serve Galatia.

That is my secret: keep it, or you sell me

To torment and to death.

[Coming closer.

For your ear only—I love you—for your love to the great Goddess.The Romans sent me here a spy upon you,To draw you and your husband to your doom.I’d sooner die than do it.

For your ear only—

I love you—for your love to the great Goddess.

The Romans sent me here a spy upon you,

To draw you and your husband to your doom.

I’d sooner die than do it.

[Takes out paper given him by Antonius.

This paper sign’dAntonius—will you take it, read it? there!

This paper sign’d

Antonius—will you take it, read it? there!

Camma.

(Reads) “You are to seize on Sinnatus,—if——”

Synorix.

(Snatches paper.)No more.What follows is for no wife’s eyes. O Camma,Rome has a glimpse of this conspiracy;Rome never yet hath spar’d conspirator.Horrible! flaying, scourging, crucifying——

(Snatches paper.)No more.

What follows is for no wife’s eyes. O Camma,

Rome has a glimpse of this conspiracy;

Rome never yet hath spar’d conspirator.

Horrible! flaying, scourging, crucifying——

Camma.

I am tender enough. Why do you practise on me?

Synorix.

Why should I practise on you? How you wrong me!I am sure of being every way malign’d.And if you should betray me to your husband——

Why should I practise on you? How you wrong me!

I am sure of being every way malign’d.

And if you should betray me to your husband——

Camma.

Willyoubetray him by this order?

Synorix.

See,I tear it all to pieces, never dream’dOf acting on it.

See,

I tear it all to pieces, never dream’d

Of acting on it.

[Tears the paper.

Camma.

I owe you thanks for ever.

Synorix.

Hath Sinnatus never told you of this plot?

Camma.

What plot?

Synorix.

A child’s sand-castle on the beachFor the next wave—all seen,—all calculated,All known by Rome. No chance for Sinnatus.

A child’s sand-castle on the beach

For the next wave—all seen,—all calculated,

All known by Rome. No chance for Sinnatus.

Camma.

Why, said you not as much to my brave Sinnatus?

Synorix.

Brave—ay—too brave, too over-confident,Too like to ruin himself, and you, and me!Who else, with this black thunderbolt of RomeAbove him, would have chased the stag to-dayIn the full face of all the Roman camp?A miracle that they let him home again,Not caught, maim’d, blinded him.

Brave—ay—too brave, too over-confident,

Too like to ruin himself, and you, and me!

Who else, with this black thunderbolt of Rome

Above him, would have chased the stag to-day

In the full face of all the Roman camp?

A miracle that they let him home again,

Not caught, maim’d, blinded him.

[Cammashudders.

(Aside.)I have made her tremble.(Aloud.) I know they mean to torture him to death.I dare not tell him how I came to know it;I durst not trust him with—my serving RomeTo serve Galatia: you heard him on the letter.Not say as much? I all but said as much.I am sure I told him that his plot was folly.I say it to you—you are wiser—Rome knows all,But you know not the savagery of Rome.

(Aside.)I have made her tremble.

(Aloud.) I know they mean to torture him to death.

I dare not tell him how I came to know it;

I durst not trust him with—my serving Rome

To serve Galatia: you heard him on the letter.

Not say as much? I all but said as much.

I am sure I told him that his plot was folly.

I say it to you—you are wiser—Rome knows all,

But you know not the savagery of Rome.

Camma.

O—have you power with Rome? use it for him!

Synorix.

Alas! I have no such power with Rome. All thatLies with Antonius.

Alas! I have no such power with Rome. All that

Lies with Antonius.

[As if struck by a sudden thought. Comes over to her.

He will pass to-morrowIn the gray dawn before the Temple doors.You have beauty,—O great beauty,—and Antonius,So gracious toward women, never yetFlung back a woman’s prayer. Plead to him,I am sure you will prevail.

He will pass to-morrow

In the gray dawn before the Temple doors.

You have beauty,—O great beauty,—and Antonius,

So gracious toward women, never yet

Flung back a woman’s prayer. Plead to him,

I am sure you will prevail.

Camma.

Still—I should tellMy husband.

Still—I should tell

My husband.

Synorix.

Will he let you plead for himTo a Roman?

Will he let you plead for him

To a Roman?

Camma.

I fear not.

Synorix.

Then do not tell him.Or tell him, if you will, when you return,When you have charm’d our general into mercy,And all is safe again. O dearest lady,

Then do not tell him.

Or tell him, if you will, when you return,

When you have charm’d our general into mercy,

And all is safe again. O dearest lady,

[Murmurs of“Synorix! Synorix!”heard outside.

Think,—torture,—death,—and come.

Camma.

I will, I will.And I will not betray you.

I will, I will.

And I will not betray you.

Synorix(aside).

(AsSinnatusenters.) Stand apart.

EnterSinnatusandAttendant.

Sinnatus.

Thou art that Synorix! One whom thou hast wrong’dWithout there, knew thee with Antonius.They howl for thee, to rend thee head from limb.

Thou art that Synorix! One whom thou hast wrong’d

Without there, knew thee with Antonius.

They howl for thee, to rend thee head from limb.

Synorix.

I am much malign’d. I thought to serve Galatia.

Sinnatus.

Serve thyself first, villain! They shall not harmMy guest within my house. There! (points to door) there! this doorOpens upon the forest! Out, begone!Henceforth I am thy mortal enemy.

Serve thyself first, villain! They shall not harm

My guest within my house. There! (points to door) there! this door

Opens upon the forest! Out, begone!

Henceforth I am thy mortal enemy.

Synorix.

However I thank thee (draws his sword); thou hast saved my life.

[Exit.

Sinnatus.

(To Attendant.) Return and tell them Synorix is not here.

[Exit Attendant.

What did that villain Synorix say to you?

Camma.

Ishe—that—Synorix?

Sinnatus.

Wherefore should you doubt it?One of the men there knew him.

Wherefore should you doubt it?

One of the men there knew him.

Camma.

Only one,And he perhaps mistaken in the face.

Only one,

And he perhaps mistaken in the face.

Sinnatus.

Come, come, could he deny it? What did he say?

Camma.

Whatshouldhe say?

Sinnatus.

Whatshouldhe say, my wife!He should say this, that being Tetrarch onceHis own true people cast him from their doorsLike a base coin.

Whatshouldhe say, my wife!

He should say this, that being Tetrarch once

His own true people cast him from their doors

Like a base coin.

Camma.

Not kindly to them?

Sinnatus.

Kindly?O the most kindly Prince in all the world!Would clap his honest citizens on the back,Bandy their own rude jests with them, be curiousAbout the welfare of their babes, their wives,O ay—their wives—their wives. What should he say?He should say nothing to my wife if IWere by to throttle him! He steep’d himselfIn all the lust of Rome. How shouldyouguessWhat manner of beast it is?

Kindly?

O the most kindly Prince in all the world!

Would clap his honest citizens on the back,

Bandy their own rude jests with them, be curious

About the welfare of their babes, their wives,

O ay—their wives—their wives. What should he say?

He should say nothing to my wife if I

Were by to throttle him! He steep’d himself

In all the lust of Rome. How shouldyouguess

What manner of beast it is?

Camma.

Yet he seem’d kindly,And said he loathed the cruelties that RomeWrought on her vassals.

Yet he seem’d kindly,

And said he loathed the cruelties that Rome

Wrought on her vassals.

Sinnatus.

Did he,honestman?

Camma.

And you, that seldom brook the stranger here,Have let him hunt the stag with you to-day.

And you, that seldom brook the stranger here,

Have let him hunt the stag with you to-day.

Sinnatus.

I warrant you now, he saidhestruck the stag.

Camma.

Why no, he never touch’d upon the stag.

Sinnatus.

Why so I said,myarrow. Well, to sleep.

[Goes to close door.

Camma.

Nay, close not yet the door upon a nightThat looks half day.

Nay, close not yet the door upon a night

That looks half day.

Sinnatus.

True; and my friends may spy himAnd slay him as he runs.

True; and my friends may spy him

And slay him as he runs.

Camma.

He is gone already.Oh look,—yon grove upon the mountain,—whiteIn the sweet moon as with a lovelier snow!But what a blotch of blackness underneath!Sinnatus, you remember—yea, you must,That there three years ago—the vast vine-bowersRan to the summit of the trees, and droptTheir streamers earthward, which a breeze of MayTook ever and anon, and open’d outThe purple zone of hill and heaven; thereYou told your love; and like the swaying vines—Yea,—with our eyes,—our hearts, our prophet hopesLet in the happy distance, and that allBut cloudless heaven which we have found togetherIn our three married years! You kiss’d me thereFor the first time. Sinnatus, kiss me now.

He is gone already.

Oh look,—yon grove upon the mountain,—white

In the sweet moon as with a lovelier snow!

But what a blotch of blackness underneath!

Sinnatus, you remember—yea, you must,

That there three years ago—the vast vine-bowers

Ran to the summit of the trees, and dropt

Their streamers earthward, which a breeze of May

Took ever and anon, and open’d out

The purple zone of hill and heaven; there

You told your love; and like the swaying vines—

Yea,—with our eyes,—our hearts, our prophet hopes

Let in the happy distance, and that all

But cloudless heaven which we have found together

In our three married years! You kiss’d me there

For the first time. Sinnatus, kiss me now.

Sinnatus.

First kiss. (Kisses her.) There then. You talk almost as if itMight be the last.

First kiss. (Kisses her.) There then. You talk almost as if it

Might be the last.

Camma.

Will you not eat a little?

Sinnatus.

No, no, we found a goat-herd’s hut and sharedHis fruits and milk. Liar! You will believeNow that he never struck the stag—a brave oneWhich you shall see to-morrow.

No, no, we found a goat-herd’s hut and shared

His fruits and milk. Liar! You will believe

Now that he never struck the stag—a brave one

Which you shall see to-morrow.

Camma.

I rise to-morrowIn the gray dawn, and take this holy cupTo lodge it in the shrine of Artemis.

I rise to-morrow

In the gray dawn, and take this holy cup

To lodge it in the shrine of Artemis.

Sinnatus.

Good!

Camma.

If I be not back in half an hour,Come after me.

If I be not back in half an hour,

Come after me.

Sinnatus.

What! is there danger?

Camma.

Nay,None that I know: ’tis but a step from hereTo the Temple.

Nay,

None that I know: ’tis but a step from here

To the Temple.

Sinnatus.

All my brain is full of sleep.Wake me before you go, I’ll after you—Aftermenow!

All my brain is full of sleep.

Wake me before you go, I’ll after you—

Aftermenow!

[Closes door and exit.

Camma(drawing curtains).

Your shadow. Synorix—His face was not malignant, and he saidThat men malign’d him. Shall I go? Shall I go?Death, torture—“He never yet flung back a woman’s prayer”—I go, but I will have my dagger with me.

Your shadow. Synorix—

His face was not malignant, and he said

That men malign’d him. Shall I go? Shall I go?

Death, torture—

“He never yet flung back a woman’s prayer”—

I go, but I will have my dagger with me.

[Exit.

Music and Singing in the Temple.

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