ACT II.

Small gold gates on platform in front of the veil before the colossal statue of the Goddess, and in the centre of the Temple a tripod altar, on which is a lighted lamp. Lamps (lighted) suspended between each pillar. Tripods, vases, garlands of flowers, etc., about stage. Altar at back close to Goddess, with two cups. Solemn music. Priestesses decorating the Temple.

Enter aPriestess.Priestess.Phœbe, that man from Synorix, who has beenSo oft to see the Priestess, waits once moreBefore the Temple.Phœbe.We will let her know.[Signs to one of the Priestesses, who goes out.Since Camma fled from Synorix to our Temple,And for her beauty, stateliness, and power,Was chosen Priestess here, have you not mark’dHer eyes were ever on the marble floor?To-day they are fixt and bright—they look straight out.Hath she made up her mind to marry him?Priestess.To marry him who stabb’d her Sinnatus.You will not easily make me credit that.Phœbe.Ask her.EnterCammaas Priestess (in front of the curtains).Priestess.You will not marry Synorix?Camma.My girl, I am the bride of Death, and onlyMarry the dead.Priestess.Not Synorix then?Camma.My girl,At times this oracle of great ArtemisHas no more power than other oraclesTo speak directly.Phœbe.Will you speak to him,The messenger from Synorix who waitsBefore the Temple?Camma.Why not? Let him enter.[Comes forward on to step by tripod.Enter aMessenger.Messenger(kneels).Greeting and health from Synorix! More than onceYou have refused his hand. When last I saw you,You all but yielded. He entreats you nowFor your last answer. When he struck at Sinnatus—As I have many a time declared to you—He knew not at the moment who had fasten’dAbout his throat—he begs you to forget itAs scarce his act:—a random stroke: all elseWas love for you: he prays you to believe him.Camma.I pray him to believe—that I believe him.Messenger.Why that is well. You mean to marry him?Camma.I mean to marry him—if that be well.Messenger.This very day the Romans crown him kingFor all his faithful services to Rome.He wills you then this day to marry him,And so be throned together in the sightOf all the people, that the world may knowYou twain are reconciled, and no more feudsDisturb our peaceful vassalage to Rome.Camma.To-day? Too sudden. I will brood upon it.When do they crown him?Messenger.Even now.Camma.And where?Messenger.Here by your temple.Camma.Come once more to meBefore the crowning,—I will answer you.[Exit Messenger.Phœbe.Great Artemis! O Camma, can it be well,Or good, or wise, that you should clasp a handRed with the sacred blood of Sinnatus?Camma.Good! mine own dagger driven by Synorix foundAll good in the true heart of Sinnatus,And quench’d it there for ever. Wise!Life yields to death and wisdom bows to Fate,Is wisest, doing so. Did not this manSpeak well? We cannot fight imperial Rome,But he and I are both Galatian-born,And tributary sovereigns, he and IMight teach this Rome—from knowledge of our people—Where to lay on her tribute—heavily hereAnd lightly there. Might I not live for that,And drown all poor self-passion in the senseOf public good?Phœbe.I am sure you will not marry him.Camma.Are you so sure? I pray you wait and see.[Shouts (from the distance), “Synorix! Synorix!”Camma.Synorix, Synorix! So they cried SinnatusNot so long since—they sicken me. The OneWho shifts his policy suffers something, mustAccuse himself, excuse himself; the ManyWill feel no shame to give themselves the lie.Phœbe.Most like it was the Roman soldier shouted.Camma.Their shield-borne patriot of the morning starHang’d at mid-day, their traitor of the dawnThe clamour’d darling of their afternoon!And that same head they would have play’d at ball with,And kick’d it featureless—they now would crown.[Flourish of trumpets.Enter aGalatian Noblemanwith crown on a cushion.Noble(kneels).Greeting and health from Synorix. He sends youThis diadem of the first Galatian Queen,That you may feed your fancy on the glory of it,And join your life this day with his, and wear itBeside him on his throne. He waits your answer.Camma.Tell him there is one shadow among the shadows,One ghost of all the ghosts—as yet so new,So strange among them—such an alien there,So much of husband in it still—that ifThe shout of Synorix and Camma sittingUpon one throne, should reach it,itwould riseHe!...He, with that red star between the ribs,And my knife there—and blast the king and me,And blanch the crowd with horror. I dare not, sir!Throne him—and then the marriage—ay and tell himThat I accept the diadem of Galatia—[All are amazed.Yea, that ye saw me crown myself withal.[Puts on the crown.I wait him his crown’d queen.Noble.So will I tell him.[Exit.Music. Two Priestesses go up the steps before the shrine, draw the curtains on either side (discovering the Goddess), then open the gates and remain on steps, one on either side, and kneel. A Priestess goes off and returns with a veil of marriage, then assists Phœbe to veil Camma. At the same time Priestesses enter and stand on eitherside of the Temple. Camma and all the Priestesses kneel, raise their hands to the Goddess, and bow down.[Shouts, “Synorix! Synorix!”All rise.Camma.Fling wide the doors, and let the new-made childrenOf our imperial mother see the show.[Sunlight pours through the doors.I have no heart to do it. (To Phœbe). Look for me![Crouches.Phœbelooks out.[Shouts, “Synorix! Synorix!”Phœbe.He climbs the throne. Hot blood, ambition, prideSo bloat and redden his face—O would it wereHis third last apoplexy! O bestial!O how unlike our goodly Sinnatus.Camma(on the ground).You wrong him surely; far as the face goesA goodlier-looking man than Sinnatus.Phœbe(aside).How dare she say it? I could hate her for itBut that she is distracted.[A flourish of trumpets.Camma.Is he crown’d?Phœbe.Ay, there they crown him.[Crowd without shout, “Synorix! Synorix!”Camma(rises).[A Priestess brings a box of spices toCamma, who throws them on the altar flame.Rouse the dead altar-flame, fling in the spices,Nard, cinnamon, amomum, benzoin.Let all the air reel into a mist of odour,As in the midmost heart of Paradise.Lay down the Lydian carpets for the king.The king should pace on purple to his bride,And music there to greet my lord the king.[Music.(To Phœbe.) Dost thou remember when I wedded Sinnatus?Ay, thou wast there—whether from maiden fearsOr reverential love for him I loved,Or some strange second-sight, the marriage-cupWherefrom we make libation to the GoddessSo shook within my hand, that the red wineRan down the marble and lookt like blood, like blood.Phœbe.I do remember your first-marriage fears.Camma.I have no fears at this my second marriage.See here—I stretch my hand out—hold it there.How steady it is!Phœbe.Steady enough to stab him!Camma.O hush! O peace! This violence ill becomesThe silence of our Temple. Gentleness,Low words best chime with this solemnity.Enter a procession of Priestesses and Children bearing garlands and golden goblets, and strewing flowers.EnterSynorix(as King, with gold laurel-wreath crown and purple robes), followed byAntonius,Publius, Noblemen, Guards, and the Populace.Camma.Hail, King!Synorix.Hail, Queen!The wheel of Fate has roll’d me to the top.I would that happiness were gold, that IMight cast my largess of it to the crowd!I would that every man made feast to-dayBeneath the shadow of our pines and planes!For all my truer life begins to-day.The past is like a travell’d land now sunkBelow the horizon—like a barren shoreThat grew salt weeds, but now all drown’d in loveAnd glittering at full tide—the bounteous baysAnd havens filling with a blissful sea.Nor speak I now too mightily, being KingAnd happy! happiest, Lady, in my powerTo make you happy.Camma.Yes, sir.Synorix.Our Antonius,Our faithful friend of Rome, tho’ Rome may setA free foot where she will, yet of his courtesyEntreats he may be present at our marriage.Camma.Let him come—a legion with him, if he will.(ToAntonius.) Welcome, my lord Antonius, to our Temple.(ToSynorix.) You on this side the altar. (ToAntonius.) You on that.Call first upon the Goddess, Synorix.[All face the Goddess. Priestesses, Children, Populace, and Guards kneel—the others remain standing.Synorix.O Thou, that dost inspire the germ with life,The child, a thread within the house of birth,And give him limbs, then air, and send him forthThe glory of his father—Thou whose breathIs balmy wind to robe our hills with grass,And kindle all our vales with myrtle-blossom,And roll the golden oceans of our grain,And sway the long grape-bunches of our vines,And fill all hearts with fatness and the lustOf plenty—make me happy in my marriage!Chorus(chanting).Artemis, Artemis, hear him, Ionian Artemis!Camma.O Thou that slayest the babe within the wombOr in the being born, or after slayest himAs boy or man, great Goddess, whose storm-voiceUnsockets the strong oak, and rears his rootBeyond his head, and strows our fruits, and laysOur golden grain, and runs to sea and makes itFoam over all the fleeted wealth of kingsAnd peoples, hear.Whose arrow is the plague—whose quick flash splitsThe mid-sea mast, and rifts the tower to the rock,And hurls the victor’s column down with himThat crowns it, hear.Who causest the safe earth to shudder and gape,And gulf and flatten in her closing chasmDomed cities, hear.Whose lava-torrents blast and blacken a provinceTo a cinder, hear.Whose winter-cataracts find a realm and leave itA waste of rock and ruin, hear. I call theeTo make my marriage prosper to my wish!Chorus.Artemis, Artemis, hear her, Ephesian Artemis!Camma.Artemis, Artemis, hear me, Galatian Artemis!I call on our own Goddess in our own Temple.Chorus.Artemis, Artemis, hear her, Galatian Artemis![Thunder. All rise.Synorix(aside).Thunder! Ay, ay, the storm was drawing hitherAcross the hills when I was being crown’d.I wonder if I look as pale as she?Camma.Art thou—still bent—on marrying?Synorix.Surely—yetThese are strange words to speak to Artemis.Camma.Words are not always what they seem, my King.I will be faithful to thee till thou die.Synorix.I thank thee, Camma,—I thank thee.Camma(turning toAntonius).Antonius,Much graced are we that our Queen Rome in youDeigns to look in upon our barbarisms.[Turns, goes up steps to altar before the Goddess. Takes a cup from off the altar. Holds it towardsAntonius.Antoniusgoes up to the foot of the steps, opposite toSynorix.You see this cup, my lord.[Gives it to him.Antonius.Most curious!The many-breasted mother ArtemisEmboss’d upon it.Camma.It is old, I know notHow many hundred years. Give it me again.It is the cup belonging our own Temple.[Puts it back on altar, and takes up the cup of Act I. Showing it toAntonius.Here is another sacred to the Goddess,The gift of Synorix; and the Goddess, beingFor this most grateful, wills, thro’ me her Priestess,In honour of his gift and of our marriage,That Synorix should drink from his own cup.Synorix.I thank thee, Camma,—I thank thee.Camma.For—my lord—It is our ancient custom in GalatiaThat ere two souls be knit for life and death,They two should drink together from one cup,In symbol of their married unity,Making libation to the Goddess. Bring meThe costly wines we use in marriages.[They bring in a large jar of wine.Cammapours wine into cup.(ToSynorix.) See here, I fill it. (ToAntonius.)Will you drink, my lord?Antonius.I? Why should I? I am not to be married.Camma.But that might bring a Roman blessing on us.Antonius(refusing cup).Thy pardon, Priestess!Camma.Thou art in the right.This blessing is for Synorix and for me.See first I make libation to the Goddess,[Makes libation.And now I drink.[Drinks and fills the cup again.Thy turn, Galatian King.Drink and drink deep—our marriage will be fruitful.Drink and drink deep, and thou wilt make me happy.[Synorixgoes up to her. She hands him the cup. He drinks.Synorix.There, Camma! I have almost drain’d the cup—A few drops left.Camma.Libation to the Goddess.[He throws the remaining drops on the altar and givesCammathe cup.Camma(placing the cup on the altar).Why then the Goddess hears.[Comes down and forward to tripod.Antoniusfollows.Antonius,Where wast thou on that morning when I cameTo plead to thee for Sinnatus’s life,Beside this temple half a year ago?Antonius.I never heard of this request of thine.Synorix(coming forward hastily to foot of tripod steps).I sought him and I could not find him. Pray you,Go on with the marriage rites.Camma.Antonius——“Camma!” who spake?Antonius.Not I.Phœbe.Nor any here.Camma.I am all but sure that some one spake. Antonius,If you had found him plotting against Rome,Would you have tortured Sinnatus to death?Antonius.No thought was mine of torture or of death,But had I found him plotting, I had counsell’d himTo rest from vain resistance. Rome is fatedTo rule the world. Then, if he had not listen’d,I might have sent him prisoner to Rome.Synorix.Why do you palter with the ceremony?Go on with the marriage rites.Camma.They are finish’d.Synorix.How!Camma.Thou hast drunk deep enough to make me happy.Dost thou not feel the love I bear to theeGlow thro’ thy veins?Synorix.The love I bear to theeGlows thro’ my veins since first I look’d on thee.But wherefore slur the perfect ceremony?The sovereign of Galatia weds his Queen.Let all be done to the fullest in the sightOf all the Gods. (Starts.) This pain—what is it?—again?I had a touch of this last year—in—Rome.Yes, yes. (ToAntonius.) Your arm—a moment—It will pass.I reel beneath the weight of utter joy—This all too happy day, crown—queen at once.[Staggers.O all ye Gods—Jupiter!—Jupiter![Falls backward.Camma.Dost thou cry out upon the Gods of Rome?Thou art Galatian-born. Our ArtemisHas vanquish’d their Diana.Synorix(on the ground).I am poison’d.She—close the Temple doors. Let her not fly.Camma(leaning on tripod).Have I not drunk of the same cup with thee?Synorix.Ay, by the Gods of Rome and all the world,She too—she too—the bride! the Queen! and I—Monstrous! I that loved her.Camma.I lovedhim.Synorix.O murderous mad-woman! I pray you lift meAnd make me walk awhile. I have heard these poisonsMay be walk’d down.[AntoniusandPubliusraise him up.My feet are tons of lead,They will break in the earth—I am sinking—hold me—Let me alone.[They leave him; he sinks down on ground.Too late—thought myself wise—A woman’s dupe. Antonius, tell the SenateI have been most true to Rome—would have been trueToher—if—if——[Falls as if dead.Camma(coming and leaning over him).So falls the throne of an hour.Synorix(half rising).Throne? is it thou? the Fates are throned, not we—Not guilty of ourselves—thy doom and mine—Thou—coming my way too—Camma—good-night.[Dies.Camma(upheld by weeping Priestesses).Thy way? poor worm, crawl down thine own black holeTo the lowest Hell. Antonius, ishethere?I meant thee to have follow’d—better thus.Nay, if my people must be thralls of Rome,He is gentle, tho’ a Roman.[Sinks back into the arms of the Priestesses.Antonius.Thou art oneWith thine own people, and tho’ a Roman IForgive thee, Camma.Camma(raising herself).“Camma!”—why there againI am most sure that some one call’d. O women,Ye will have Roman masters. I am gladI shall not see it. Did not some old GreekSay death was the chief good? He had my fate for it,Poison’d. (Sinks back again). Have I the crown on? I will goTo meet him, crown’d! crown’d victor of my will—On my last voyage—but the wind has fail’d—Growing dark too—but light enough to row.Row to the blessed Isles! the blessed Isles!—Sinnatus!Why comes he not to meet me? It is the crownOffends him—and my hands are too sleepyTo lift it off.[Phœbetakes the crown off.Who touch’d me then? I thank you.[Rises, with outspread arms.There—league on league of ever-shining shoreBeneath an ever-rising sun—I see him—“Camma, Camma!” Sinnatus, Sinnatus![Dies.

Enter aPriestess.

Priestess.

Phœbe, that man from Synorix, who has beenSo oft to see the Priestess, waits once moreBefore the Temple.

Phœbe, that man from Synorix, who has been

So oft to see the Priestess, waits once more

Before the Temple.

Phœbe.

We will let her know.

[Signs to one of the Priestesses, who goes out.

Since Camma fled from Synorix to our Temple,And for her beauty, stateliness, and power,Was chosen Priestess here, have you not mark’dHer eyes were ever on the marble floor?To-day they are fixt and bright—they look straight out.Hath she made up her mind to marry him?

Since Camma fled from Synorix to our Temple,

And for her beauty, stateliness, and power,

Was chosen Priestess here, have you not mark’d

Her eyes were ever on the marble floor?

To-day they are fixt and bright—they look straight out.

Hath she made up her mind to marry him?

Priestess.

To marry him who stabb’d her Sinnatus.You will not easily make me credit that.

To marry him who stabb’d her Sinnatus.

You will not easily make me credit that.

Phœbe.

Ask her.

EnterCammaas Priestess (in front of the curtains).

Priestess.

You will not marry Synorix?

Camma.

My girl, I am the bride of Death, and onlyMarry the dead.

My girl, I am the bride of Death, and only

Marry the dead.

Priestess.

Not Synorix then?

Camma.

My girl,At times this oracle of great ArtemisHas no more power than other oraclesTo speak directly.

My girl,

At times this oracle of great Artemis

Has no more power than other oracles

To speak directly.

Phœbe.

Will you speak to him,The messenger from Synorix who waitsBefore the Temple?

Will you speak to him,

The messenger from Synorix who waits

Before the Temple?

Camma.

Why not? Let him enter.

[Comes forward on to step by tripod.

Enter aMessenger.

Messenger(kneels).

Greeting and health from Synorix! More than onceYou have refused his hand. When last I saw you,You all but yielded. He entreats you nowFor your last answer. When he struck at Sinnatus—As I have many a time declared to you—He knew not at the moment who had fasten’dAbout his throat—he begs you to forget itAs scarce his act:—a random stroke: all elseWas love for you: he prays you to believe him.

Greeting and health from Synorix! More than once

You have refused his hand. When last I saw you,

You all but yielded. He entreats you now

For your last answer. When he struck at Sinnatus—

As I have many a time declared to you—

He knew not at the moment who had fasten’d

About his throat—he begs you to forget it

As scarce his act:—a random stroke: all else

Was love for you: he prays you to believe him.

Camma.

I pray him to believe—that I believe him.

Messenger.

Why that is well. You mean to marry him?

Camma.

I mean to marry him—if that be well.

Messenger.

This very day the Romans crown him kingFor all his faithful services to Rome.He wills you then this day to marry him,And so be throned together in the sightOf all the people, that the world may knowYou twain are reconciled, and no more feudsDisturb our peaceful vassalage to Rome.

This very day the Romans crown him king

For all his faithful services to Rome.

He wills you then this day to marry him,

And so be throned together in the sight

Of all the people, that the world may know

You twain are reconciled, and no more feuds

Disturb our peaceful vassalage to Rome.

Camma.

To-day? Too sudden. I will brood upon it.When do they crown him?

To-day? Too sudden. I will brood upon it.

When do they crown him?

Messenger.

Even now.

Camma.

And where?

Messenger.

Here by your temple.

Camma.

Come once more to meBefore the crowning,—I will answer you.

Come once more to me

Before the crowning,—I will answer you.

[Exit Messenger.

Phœbe.

Great Artemis! O Camma, can it be well,Or good, or wise, that you should clasp a handRed with the sacred blood of Sinnatus?

Great Artemis! O Camma, can it be well,

Or good, or wise, that you should clasp a hand

Red with the sacred blood of Sinnatus?

Camma.

Good! mine own dagger driven by Synorix foundAll good in the true heart of Sinnatus,And quench’d it there for ever. Wise!Life yields to death and wisdom bows to Fate,Is wisest, doing so. Did not this manSpeak well? We cannot fight imperial Rome,But he and I are both Galatian-born,And tributary sovereigns, he and IMight teach this Rome—from knowledge of our people—Where to lay on her tribute—heavily hereAnd lightly there. Might I not live for that,And drown all poor self-passion in the senseOf public good?

Good! mine own dagger driven by Synorix found

All good in the true heart of Sinnatus,

And quench’d it there for ever. Wise!

Life yields to death and wisdom bows to Fate,

Is wisest, doing so. Did not this man

Speak well? We cannot fight imperial Rome,

But he and I are both Galatian-born,

And tributary sovereigns, he and I

Might teach this Rome—from knowledge of our people—

Where to lay on her tribute—heavily here

And lightly there. Might I not live for that,

And drown all poor self-passion in the sense

Of public good?

Phœbe.

I am sure you will not marry him.

Camma.

Are you so sure? I pray you wait and see.

[Shouts (from the distance), “Synorix! Synorix!”

Camma.

Synorix, Synorix! So they cried SinnatusNot so long since—they sicken me. The OneWho shifts his policy suffers something, mustAccuse himself, excuse himself; the ManyWill feel no shame to give themselves the lie.

Synorix, Synorix! So they cried Sinnatus

Not so long since—they sicken me. The One

Who shifts his policy suffers something, must

Accuse himself, excuse himself; the Many

Will feel no shame to give themselves the lie.

Phœbe.

Most like it was the Roman soldier shouted.

Camma.

Their shield-borne patriot of the morning starHang’d at mid-day, their traitor of the dawnThe clamour’d darling of their afternoon!And that same head they would have play’d at ball with,And kick’d it featureless—they now would crown.

Their shield-borne patriot of the morning star

Hang’d at mid-day, their traitor of the dawn

The clamour’d darling of their afternoon!

And that same head they would have play’d at ball with,

And kick’d it featureless—they now would crown.

[Flourish of trumpets.

Enter aGalatian Noblemanwith crown on a cushion.

Noble(kneels).

Greeting and health from Synorix. He sends youThis diadem of the first Galatian Queen,That you may feed your fancy on the glory of it,And join your life this day with his, and wear itBeside him on his throne. He waits your answer.

Greeting and health from Synorix. He sends you

This diadem of the first Galatian Queen,

That you may feed your fancy on the glory of it,

And join your life this day with his, and wear it

Beside him on his throne. He waits your answer.

Camma.

Tell him there is one shadow among the shadows,One ghost of all the ghosts—as yet so new,So strange among them—such an alien there,So much of husband in it still—that ifThe shout of Synorix and Camma sittingUpon one throne, should reach it,itwould riseHe!...He, with that red star between the ribs,And my knife there—and blast the king and me,And blanch the crowd with horror. I dare not, sir!Throne him—and then the marriage—ay and tell himThat I accept the diadem of Galatia—

Tell him there is one shadow among the shadows,

One ghost of all the ghosts—as yet so new,

So strange among them—such an alien there,

So much of husband in it still—that if

The shout of Synorix and Camma sitting

Upon one throne, should reach it,itwould rise

He!...He, with that red star between the ribs,

And my knife there—and blast the king and me,

And blanch the crowd with horror. I dare not, sir!

Throne him—and then the marriage—ay and tell him

That I accept the diadem of Galatia—

[All are amazed.

Yea, that ye saw me crown myself withal.

[Puts on the crown.

I wait him his crown’d queen.

Noble.

So will I tell him.

[Exit.

Music. Two Priestesses go up the steps before the shrine, draw the curtains on either side (discovering the Goddess), then open the gates and remain on steps, one on either side, and kneel. A Priestess goes off and returns with a veil of marriage, then assists Phœbe to veil Camma. At the same time Priestesses enter and stand on eitherside of the Temple. Camma and all the Priestesses kneel, raise their hands to the Goddess, and bow down.

[Shouts, “Synorix! Synorix!”All rise.

Camma.

Fling wide the doors, and let the new-made childrenOf our imperial mother see the show.

Fling wide the doors, and let the new-made children

Of our imperial mother see the show.

[Sunlight pours through the doors.

I have no heart to do it. (To Phœbe). Look for me!

[Crouches.Phœbelooks out.

[Shouts, “Synorix! Synorix!”

Phœbe.

He climbs the throne. Hot blood, ambition, prideSo bloat and redden his face—O would it wereHis third last apoplexy! O bestial!O how unlike our goodly Sinnatus.

He climbs the throne. Hot blood, ambition, pride

So bloat and redden his face—O would it were

His third last apoplexy! O bestial!

O how unlike our goodly Sinnatus.

Camma(on the ground).

You wrong him surely; far as the face goesA goodlier-looking man than Sinnatus.

You wrong him surely; far as the face goes

A goodlier-looking man than Sinnatus.

Phœbe(aside).

How dare she say it? I could hate her for itBut that she is distracted.

How dare she say it? I could hate her for it

But that she is distracted.

[A flourish of trumpets.

Camma.

Is he crown’d?

Phœbe.

Ay, there they crown him.

[Crowd without shout, “Synorix! Synorix!”

Camma(rises).

[A Priestess brings a box of spices toCamma, who throws them on the altar flame.

Rouse the dead altar-flame, fling in the spices,Nard, cinnamon, amomum, benzoin.Let all the air reel into a mist of odour,As in the midmost heart of Paradise.Lay down the Lydian carpets for the king.The king should pace on purple to his bride,And music there to greet my lord the king.

Rouse the dead altar-flame, fling in the spices,

Nard, cinnamon, amomum, benzoin.

Let all the air reel into a mist of odour,

As in the midmost heart of Paradise.

Lay down the Lydian carpets for the king.

The king should pace on purple to his bride,

And music there to greet my lord the king.

[Music.

(To Phœbe.) Dost thou remember when I wedded Sinnatus?Ay, thou wast there—whether from maiden fearsOr reverential love for him I loved,Or some strange second-sight, the marriage-cupWherefrom we make libation to the GoddessSo shook within my hand, that the red wineRan down the marble and lookt like blood, like blood.

(To Phœbe.) Dost thou remember when I wedded Sinnatus?

Ay, thou wast there—whether from maiden fears

Or reverential love for him I loved,

Or some strange second-sight, the marriage-cup

Wherefrom we make libation to the Goddess

So shook within my hand, that the red wine

Ran down the marble and lookt like blood, like blood.

Phœbe.

I do remember your first-marriage fears.

Camma.

I have no fears at this my second marriage.See here—I stretch my hand out—hold it there.How steady it is!

I have no fears at this my second marriage.

See here—I stretch my hand out—hold it there.

How steady it is!

Phœbe.

Steady enough to stab him!

Camma.

O hush! O peace! This violence ill becomesThe silence of our Temple. Gentleness,Low words best chime with this solemnity.

O hush! O peace! This violence ill becomes

The silence of our Temple. Gentleness,

Low words best chime with this solemnity.

Enter a procession of Priestesses and Children bearing garlands and golden goblets, and strewing flowers.

EnterSynorix(as King, with gold laurel-wreath crown and purple robes), followed byAntonius,Publius, Noblemen, Guards, and the Populace.

Camma.

Hail, King!

Synorix.

Hail, Queen!The wheel of Fate has roll’d me to the top.I would that happiness were gold, that IMight cast my largess of it to the crowd!I would that every man made feast to-dayBeneath the shadow of our pines and planes!For all my truer life begins to-day.The past is like a travell’d land now sunkBelow the horizon—like a barren shoreThat grew salt weeds, but now all drown’d in loveAnd glittering at full tide—the bounteous baysAnd havens filling with a blissful sea.Nor speak I now too mightily, being KingAnd happy! happiest, Lady, in my powerTo make you happy.

Hail, Queen!

The wheel of Fate has roll’d me to the top.

I would that happiness were gold, that I

Might cast my largess of it to the crowd!

I would that every man made feast to-day

Beneath the shadow of our pines and planes!

For all my truer life begins to-day.

The past is like a travell’d land now sunk

Below the horizon—like a barren shore

That grew salt weeds, but now all drown’d in love

And glittering at full tide—the bounteous bays

And havens filling with a blissful sea.

Nor speak I now too mightily, being King

And happy! happiest, Lady, in my power

To make you happy.

Camma.

Yes, sir.

Synorix.

Our Antonius,Our faithful friend of Rome, tho’ Rome may setA free foot where she will, yet of his courtesyEntreats he may be present at our marriage.

Our Antonius,

Our faithful friend of Rome, tho’ Rome may set

A free foot where she will, yet of his courtesy

Entreats he may be present at our marriage.

Camma.

Let him come—a legion with him, if he will.(ToAntonius.) Welcome, my lord Antonius, to our Temple.(ToSynorix.) You on this side the altar. (ToAntonius.) You on that.Call first upon the Goddess, Synorix.

Let him come—a legion with him, if he will.

(ToAntonius.) Welcome, my lord Antonius, to our Temple.

(ToSynorix.) You on this side the altar. (ToAntonius.) You on that.

Call first upon the Goddess, Synorix.

[All face the Goddess. Priestesses, Children, Populace, and Guards kneel—the others remain standing.

Synorix.

O Thou, that dost inspire the germ with life,The child, a thread within the house of birth,And give him limbs, then air, and send him forthThe glory of his father—Thou whose breathIs balmy wind to robe our hills with grass,And kindle all our vales with myrtle-blossom,And roll the golden oceans of our grain,And sway the long grape-bunches of our vines,And fill all hearts with fatness and the lustOf plenty—make me happy in my marriage!

O Thou, that dost inspire the germ with life,

The child, a thread within the house of birth,

And give him limbs, then air, and send him forth

The glory of his father—Thou whose breath

Is balmy wind to robe our hills with grass,

And kindle all our vales with myrtle-blossom,

And roll the golden oceans of our grain,

And sway the long grape-bunches of our vines,

And fill all hearts with fatness and the lust

Of plenty—make me happy in my marriage!

Chorus(chanting).

Artemis, Artemis, hear him, Ionian Artemis!

Camma.

O Thou that slayest the babe within the wombOr in the being born, or after slayest himAs boy or man, great Goddess, whose storm-voiceUnsockets the strong oak, and rears his rootBeyond his head, and strows our fruits, and laysOur golden grain, and runs to sea and makes itFoam over all the fleeted wealth of kingsAnd peoples, hear.Whose arrow is the plague—whose quick flash splitsThe mid-sea mast, and rifts the tower to the rock,And hurls the victor’s column down with himThat crowns it, hear.Who causest the safe earth to shudder and gape,And gulf and flatten in her closing chasmDomed cities, hear.Whose lava-torrents blast and blacken a provinceTo a cinder, hear.Whose winter-cataracts find a realm and leave itA waste of rock and ruin, hear. I call theeTo make my marriage prosper to my wish!

O Thou that slayest the babe within the womb

Or in the being born, or after slayest him

As boy or man, great Goddess, whose storm-voice

Unsockets the strong oak, and rears his root

Beyond his head, and strows our fruits, and lays

Our golden grain, and runs to sea and makes it

Foam over all the fleeted wealth of kings

And peoples, hear.

Whose arrow is the plague—whose quick flash splits

The mid-sea mast, and rifts the tower to the rock,

And hurls the victor’s column down with him

That crowns it, hear.

Who causest the safe earth to shudder and gape,

And gulf and flatten in her closing chasm

Domed cities, hear.

Whose lava-torrents blast and blacken a province

To a cinder, hear.

Whose winter-cataracts find a realm and leave it

A waste of rock and ruin, hear. I call thee

To make my marriage prosper to my wish!

Chorus.

Artemis, Artemis, hear her, Ephesian Artemis!

Camma.

Artemis, Artemis, hear me, Galatian Artemis!I call on our own Goddess in our own Temple.

Artemis, Artemis, hear me, Galatian Artemis!

I call on our own Goddess in our own Temple.

Chorus.

Artemis, Artemis, hear her, Galatian Artemis!

[Thunder. All rise.

Synorix(aside).

Thunder! Ay, ay, the storm was drawing hitherAcross the hills when I was being crown’d.I wonder if I look as pale as she?

Thunder! Ay, ay, the storm was drawing hither

Across the hills when I was being crown’d.

I wonder if I look as pale as she?

Camma.

Art thou—still bent—on marrying?

Synorix.

Surely—yetThese are strange words to speak to Artemis.

Surely—yet

These are strange words to speak to Artemis.

Camma.

Words are not always what they seem, my King.I will be faithful to thee till thou die.

Words are not always what they seem, my King.

I will be faithful to thee till thou die.

Synorix.

I thank thee, Camma,—I thank thee.

Camma(turning toAntonius).

Antonius,Much graced are we that our Queen Rome in youDeigns to look in upon our barbarisms.

Antonius,

Much graced are we that our Queen Rome in you

Deigns to look in upon our barbarisms.

[Turns, goes up steps to altar before the Goddess. Takes a cup from off the altar. Holds it towardsAntonius.Antoniusgoes up to the foot of the steps, opposite toSynorix.

You see this cup, my lord.

[Gives it to him.

Antonius.

Most curious!The many-breasted mother ArtemisEmboss’d upon it.

Most curious!

The many-breasted mother Artemis

Emboss’d upon it.

Camma.

It is old, I know notHow many hundred years. Give it me again.It is the cup belonging our own Temple.

It is old, I know not

How many hundred years. Give it me again.

It is the cup belonging our own Temple.

[Puts it back on altar, and takes up the cup of Act I. Showing it toAntonius.

Here is another sacred to the Goddess,The gift of Synorix; and the Goddess, beingFor this most grateful, wills, thro’ me her Priestess,In honour of his gift and of our marriage,That Synorix should drink from his own cup.

Here is another sacred to the Goddess,

The gift of Synorix; and the Goddess, being

For this most grateful, wills, thro’ me her Priestess,

In honour of his gift and of our marriage,

That Synorix should drink from his own cup.

Synorix.

I thank thee, Camma,—I thank thee.

Camma.

For—my lord—It is our ancient custom in GalatiaThat ere two souls be knit for life and death,They two should drink together from one cup,In symbol of their married unity,Making libation to the Goddess. Bring meThe costly wines we use in marriages.

For—my lord—

It is our ancient custom in Galatia

That ere two souls be knit for life and death,

They two should drink together from one cup,

In symbol of their married unity,

Making libation to the Goddess. Bring me

The costly wines we use in marriages.

[They bring in a large jar of wine.Cammapours wine into cup.

(ToSynorix.) See here, I fill it. (ToAntonius.)Will you drink, my lord?

(ToSynorix.) See here, I fill it. (ToAntonius.)

Will you drink, my lord?

Antonius.

I? Why should I? I am not to be married.

Camma.

But that might bring a Roman blessing on us.

Antonius(refusing cup).

Thy pardon, Priestess!

Camma.

Thou art in the right.This blessing is for Synorix and for me.See first I make libation to the Goddess,

Thou art in the right.

This blessing is for Synorix and for me.

See first I make libation to the Goddess,

[Makes libation.

And now I drink.

[Drinks and fills the cup again.

Thy turn, Galatian King.Drink and drink deep—our marriage will be fruitful.Drink and drink deep, and thou wilt make me happy.

Thy turn, Galatian King.

Drink and drink deep—our marriage will be fruitful.

Drink and drink deep, and thou wilt make me happy.

[Synorixgoes up to her. She hands him the cup. He drinks.

Synorix.

There, Camma! I have almost drain’d the cup—A few drops left.

There, Camma! I have almost drain’d the cup—

A few drops left.

Camma.

Libation to the Goddess.

[He throws the remaining drops on the altar and givesCammathe cup.

Camma(placing the cup on the altar).

Why then the Goddess hears.

[Comes down and forward to tripod.Antoniusfollows.

Antonius,Where wast thou on that morning when I cameTo plead to thee for Sinnatus’s life,Beside this temple half a year ago?

Antonius,

Where wast thou on that morning when I came

To plead to thee for Sinnatus’s life,

Beside this temple half a year ago?

Antonius.

I never heard of this request of thine.

Synorix(coming forward hastily to foot of tripod steps).

I sought him and I could not find him. Pray you,Go on with the marriage rites.

I sought him and I could not find him. Pray you,

Go on with the marriage rites.

Camma.

Antonius——“Camma!” who spake?

Antonius——

“Camma!” who spake?

Antonius.

Not I.

Phœbe.

Nor any here.

Camma.

I am all but sure that some one spake. Antonius,If you had found him plotting against Rome,Would you have tortured Sinnatus to death?

I am all but sure that some one spake. Antonius,

If you had found him plotting against Rome,

Would you have tortured Sinnatus to death?

Antonius.

No thought was mine of torture or of death,But had I found him plotting, I had counsell’d himTo rest from vain resistance. Rome is fatedTo rule the world. Then, if he had not listen’d,I might have sent him prisoner to Rome.

No thought was mine of torture or of death,

But had I found him plotting, I had counsell’d him

To rest from vain resistance. Rome is fated

To rule the world. Then, if he had not listen’d,

I might have sent him prisoner to Rome.

Synorix.

Why do you palter with the ceremony?Go on with the marriage rites.

Why do you palter with the ceremony?

Go on with the marriage rites.

Camma.

They are finish’d.

Synorix.

How!

Camma.

Thou hast drunk deep enough to make me happy.Dost thou not feel the love I bear to theeGlow thro’ thy veins?

Thou hast drunk deep enough to make me happy.

Dost thou not feel the love I bear to thee

Glow thro’ thy veins?

Synorix.

The love I bear to theeGlows thro’ my veins since first I look’d on thee.But wherefore slur the perfect ceremony?The sovereign of Galatia weds his Queen.Let all be done to the fullest in the sightOf all the Gods. (Starts.) This pain—what is it?—again?I had a touch of this last year—in—Rome.Yes, yes. (ToAntonius.) Your arm—a moment—It will pass.I reel beneath the weight of utter joy—This all too happy day, crown—queen at once.

The love I bear to thee

Glows thro’ my veins since first I look’d on thee.

But wherefore slur the perfect ceremony?

The sovereign of Galatia weds his Queen.

Let all be done to the fullest in the sight

Of all the Gods. (Starts.) This pain—what is it?—again?

I had a touch of this last year—in—Rome.

Yes, yes. (ToAntonius.) Your arm—a moment—It will pass.

I reel beneath the weight of utter joy—

This all too happy day, crown—queen at once.

[Staggers.

O all ye Gods—Jupiter!—Jupiter!

[Falls backward.

Camma.

Dost thou cry out upon the Gods of Rome?Thou art Galatian-born. Our ArtemisHas vanquish’d their Diana.

Dost thou cry out upon the Gods of Rome?

Thou art Galatian-born. Our Artemis

Has vanquish’d their Diana.

Synorix(on the ground).

I am poison’d.She—close the Temple doors. Let her not fly.

I am poison’d.

She—close the Temple doors. Let her not fly.

Camma(leaning on tripod).

Have I not drunk of the same cup with thee?

Synorix.

Ay, by the Gods of Rome and all the world,She too—she too—the bride! the Queen! and I—Monstrous! I that loved her.

Ay, by the Gods of Rome and all the world,

She too—she too—the bride! the Queen! and I—

Monstrous! I that loved her.

Camma.

I lovedhim.

Synorix.

O murderous mad-woman! I pray you lift meAnd make me walk awhile. I have heard these poisonsMay be walk’d down.

O murderous mad-woman! I pray you lift me

And make me walk awhile. I have heard these poisons

May be walk’d down.

[AntoniusandPubliusraise him up.

My feet are tons of lead,They will break in the earth—I am sinking—hold me—Let me alone.

My feet are tons of lead,

They will break in the earth—I am sinking—hold me—

Let me alone.

[They leave him; he sinks down on ground.

Too late—thought myself wise—A woman’s dupe. Antonius, tell the SenateI have been most true to Rome—would have been trueToher—if—if——

Too late—thought myself wise—

A woman’s dupe. Antonius, tell the Senate

I have been most true to Rome—would have been true

Toher—if—if——

[Falls as if dead.

Camma(coming and leaning over him).

So falls the throne of an hour.

Synorix(half rising).

Throne? is it thou? the Fates are throned, not we—Not guilty of ourselves—thy doom and mine—Thou—coming my way too—Camma—good-night.

Throne? is it thou? the Fates are throned, not we—

Not guilty of ourselves—thy doom and mine—

Thou—coming my way too—Camma—good-night.

[Dies.

Camma(upheld by weeping Priestesses).

Thy way? poor worm, crawl down thine own black holeTo the lowest Hell. Antonius, ishethere?I meant thee to have follow’d—better thus.Nay, if my people must be thralls of Rome,He is gentle, tho’ a Roman.

Thy way? poor worm, crawl down thine own black hole

To the lowest Hell. Antonius, ishethere?

I meant thee to have follow’d—better thus.

Nay, if my people must be thralls of Rome,

He is gentle, tho’ a Roman.

[Sinks back into the arms of the Priestesses.

Antonius.

Thou art oneWith thine own people, and tho’ a Roman IForgive thee, Camma.

Thou art one

With thine own people, and tho’ a Roman I

Forgive thee, Camma.

Camma(raising herself).

“Camma!”—why there againI am most sure that some one call’d. O women,Ye will have Roman masters. I am gladI shall not see it. Did not some old GreekSay death was the chief good? He had my fate for it,Poison’d. (Sinks back again). Have I the crown on? I will goTo meet him, crown’d! crown’d victor of my will—On my last voyage—but the wind has fail’d—Growing dark too—but light enough to row.Row to the blessed Isles! the blessed Isles!—Sinnatus!Why comes he not to meet me? It is the crownOffends him—and my hands are too sleepyTo lift it off.

“Camma!”—why there again

I am most sure that some one call’d. O women,

Ye will have Roman masters. I am glad

I shall not see it. Did not some old Greek

Say death was the chief good? He had my fate for it,

Poison’d. (Sinks back again). Have I the crown on? I will go

To meet him, crown’d! crown’d victor of my will—

On my last voyage—but the wind has fail’d—

Growing dark too—but light enough to row.

Row to the blessed Isles! the blessed Isles!—

Sinnatus!

Why comes he not to meet me? It is the crown

Offends him—and my hands are too sleepy

To lift it off.

[Phœbetakes the crown off.

Who touch’d me then? I thank you.

[Rises, with outspread arms.

There—league on league of ever-shining shoreBeneath an ever-rising sun—I see him—“Camma, Camma!” Sinnatus, Sinnatus!

There—league on league of ever-shining shore

Beneath an ever-rising sun—I see him—

“Camma, Camma!” Sinnatus, Sinnatus!

[Dies.

Back to Index Next