BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE CfiPr OF H«nrg HI. Sage 1891 ...f.2,..^.Z.-$<..prx?. /.^'/M=//0.. 6896- I PS 3525.0584A8"™""' "-""^^ *''llfilllMyilM.,&',!?'^Mo"'enegro. 3 1924 021 797 695 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tlie Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924021797695 ALCESTIS A DRAMA CARLOTA MONTENEGRO Author of "The Two Travelers" etVeritvti THE POET LORE COMPANY BOSTON 1909 "3 Copyright, 1909, by Carlota Montenegro All Rights Reserred The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. TO MY PARENTS DRAMATIS PERSONAE Admetus, King of Thessaly Alcestis, his wife Hercules Apollo Pheres, father of Admetus Nurse EuMELUS, Admetus' servant First Thessalian Second Thessalian Five Bethrothed Maidens Slaves ALCESTIS ACT I Scene: Peristyle of Admetus' House Enter five betrothed Maidens 1ST Maiden — Alcestis — Enter Nurse Where's Alcestis? With the king? Nurse — Yes, with the king. If you would tarry here So near his door, speak softly, I entreat. He has been sinking steadily since dawn. Your laughter sounded harsh and out of tune. Bursting upon us in that darkened hall Already hushed and quiet as the grave. 1ST Maiden — We did but bring these flowers for the queen ; They can more softly breathe our love than words. Nurse — The tide is low. Admetus barely lives, Despite my care and skill. Alcestis too Keeps constant watch ; she has no separate self From him she loves and loses ; losing him, She will herself be lost, so much she's one With him : she breathes but as he breathes and moves But as he stirs an eyelid or a finger; She has adjusted all her state to his. 7 8 ALCESTIS 2XD Maiden — She now belongs to grief — ^no more to us. 3RD M.UDEX — Alas! how changed our queen of joy and dance! Like stone she sits who once so nimbly led, Through Mirth's sweet riots, all the merriest maids Of Thessaly. Nurse — Such is the pow'r of love. To-day I begged her, on my knees, to rest: For answer, she drew closer to the bed .•\nd laid her hand upon Admetus' hand, ^^^lile fast the tears fell from her burning eyes. But what do I do here? I must go back; She wants me there beside her day and night. And yet, the gods forgive me, I am tired. My feet, my eyes, are dull as lead. Indeed I live by Jove's almighty grace. 1ST Maidex — Good soul, You scarce can stand for weariness. Rest here. I'll do your office at Admetus' bed. Nurse — ^\Vhat! you would take my place? A gidd^' heart, That dallies with our shepherd all day long! ^Voldd take my place ! a whirlwind in a grave. You'd clatter spoons or leave the door ajar. Or jostle 'gainst the bed or creak a chair, Or cough or sneeze or, if it pleased you, sing Some silly snatch, and she would never chide. There must be none of this, but these instead : A keen, quick eye that never winks nor strays, ALCESTIS 9 A step like Mercury's, a ready hand As firm as marble, and a patient smile Illumined by the cheering gleam of hope, And invitation to declare a need. These, maidens, are the gifts. Alcestis said — The gods forgive our mortal vanity — But 'twould be boasting did I tell you half. Alas! 3RD Maiden — How tired you are! 4TH Maiden — Too tired to talk, Good soul. Nurse — The gods alone know how I've fought For strength to bear this long depriving siege. Though in my veins my weary blood should sleep, Till all by good or bad road ends, I'll serve. A pipe is heard in the distance. 5TH Maiden — The shepherd has returned, but no one knows Where he has been. Nurse— O yes, Alcestis knows. She starts and pales at every whistling reed Like a lost soul that waits to hear its doom. 1ST Maiden — Do you know? Nurse — I ? Of course I know — the queen Since first her baby lips could lisp my name Has shared her closest secret with her nurse. O yes, I know. 1ST Maiden — Then we entreat you, tell! lo ALCESTIS Nurse — You might entreat me till the planets melt And run in ruddy rivers down the sky. Still, would I hold my tongue, and Jove himself — 2ND Maiden — Good soul, beware! Nurse — And the great Jove himself Would but reward me if I held my tongue. I must be gone, and you — 3RD Maiden — The flowers, nurse. (Gives her the flowers. ) Nurse — ^You that are wild as wind and ocean-wave, Go dance and sing and tattle of your loves ; Watch for your sportive shepherd — as you will. Be joyous, for Alcestis loves you well And asks if you are merry, entertained. But frolic farther off, go to the fields. For there the sun shakes out his golden locks. But here within the wings of grief are spread. Black-arched above, in shadow seen again; And something darker than the king's sad fate Hangs o'er our heads, invisible as yet. This morning, entering here, I chanced to place My left foot first upon the threshold. Maidens — Oh ! Nurse — ^Who goes into the holy grove to-day? 5TH Maiden — All, for Alcestis' sake. 4TH Maiden — These daffodils. Not twice saluted by revolving dawn. Are offerings for Jove. Nurse — ^Then one of you Lay on his shrine these sacrificial cakes. ALCESTIS II They're fresh and fragrant and the precious cloth Is all in gold embroidered by my hand. The gods know well six seasons of my life Herein are reverently stitched. With these I hope to tempt Jove in Admetus' cause. You found these orchids by the river, eh? Without a word, I'll give them to the queen ; She'll guess the givers. Now I must be gone, If I've the strength to go. Alas ! Alas ! Nurse goes out. Maidens watch her, laughing. 3RD Maiden — There's but one way she'll ever tax her strength. 4TH Maiden — By telling us how much her strength is taxed. 1ST Maiden {who follows the nurse and looks beyond into Admetus' room) — Alcestis sits there with her tired head bent, Her hands clasped wistfully as if in prayer. Now she has taken up our flowers. One She carries to Admetus, kissing it. She lays it in his hand that does not stir To take it. Now she's bowed beside his bed. {She returns to the other maidens.) Our sweet Alcestis, sweet and great and pure. 2ND Maiden- — She's more than mortal-born — above us all. Her eyes, her smile are not like yours or mine. 12 ALCESTIS There's something dull in every earth-born soul That, like a shadow, sullies o'er the white. But where's her dullness ? Steady as the stars, Her wit and beauty, grace and virtue shine. 3RD Maiden — We love her more than any mortal else. And with a higher love than mortals ask. And us she loves as might a goddess mild Who came to earth to cherish tender maids. And guide them joyfully to holiness. Let her but clasp my hand, look in my eyes. Press her soft cheek to mine or breathe my name. And, heart and mind, I'm veiled in purity. Quickened in soul with bold and high resolves And face to face with a great second self. 4TH Maiden — Even as you have said, I too have felt When she is near. Yet is Alcestis young To be so wise, so gracious. 1ST Maiden — What is this That you would make her ? spirit, goddess, myth ? Take her not from the level of our hearts. Or if you do, not higher than we too In time, with all our soul applied, may reach. Call her not star of Heav'n but light of earth. That we may feel the warmth of her broad love As well as see the glory of her shining. 5TH Maiden — No goddess is Alcestis. How she laughs ! How merrily she chatters! How she sings! ALCESTIS How lightly runs across the summer fields, Waving the grasses ere the wind has bent them. I sometimes wonder is she woman yet, So girlish-gay, so childish is her glee. 1ST Maiden — 'Tis when the girl and boy stand at her knee, She's woman at the highest, — mother, guide. Her eyes grow larger as she looks at them. Her head bends forward and across her face A slow, soft smile breaks like the rippling dawn Of a majestic, golden summer day, Broad'ning to beauty round her tender mouth, Across her brow and deep down in her eyes. Then suddenly she dips her head to theirs And with a sob convulsive, half of joy And half of myst'ry from another world, Cries out, "My future! my best gift to earth!" But soon the natural luster of her eyes Has dried them and her gaze is on the king, Proud, full, possessive, softly languishing. 2ND Maiden — How she is loved 1 Admetus flushes still. Still trembles, when she quickly calls his name Or touches him or fans him with her veil. What glory to be won as she was won ! 3RD Maiden — An unknown road, dread lions, rabid boars — These to be conquered, she the worthy prize. Life dearly loved as a young monarch loves it Risked lightly for a woman better loved. 14 ALCESTIS Proudest of fates to be thus prized and wooed. 2ND Maiden — The high lord of your heart would risk as much Did your stern sire withhold you on such terms. 3RD Maiden — I'll dream and trust so, but I'll try him not. 1ST Maiden — The pipe again and such a tender note As slips from bird to bird across the wide Cool morning. 2ND Maiden — ^Ah! mayhap on quests of love Our shepherd friend has left us five long days. 1ST Maiden — I cannot doubt 'tis love. 3RD Madden — ^You have some proof? 4TH Maiden — What has he told you? 1ST Maiden — Nothing of his will. But love is sly and roguishly slips out From under cover of the wariest heart. He's changed. His joy that laughed from the high hais Is quiet, inward, and we share it not. His pipe once wont to wake the lark to song Is only heard at night in some lone dell Where moodily he sits among the flow'rs Closing in sleep. Beside Amphrysus' stream. His sheep, neglected, wander all night long. Browsing at will and bleating mournfully. Deserted are the hollows and the groves Where once he sat among us telling tales. ALCESTIS 15 5TH Maiden — Down in the lonely dell he loves some nymph Who forth from fragrant trees or cave-hung stream, Whose jealous borders hide it hugging it, Trips winsomely, by moon-made shadows led To where he dreaming lies. She's girdled soft In lilies and in lilies is she wreathed. She dances to his softly wooing pipe, And as his last sigh mingles with the reed. She sinks beside him on the grassy couch, Her warm breath sweeps his brow; o'ercome at last, He yields his consciousness, his bright eyes close. His head sinks back and lo! the nymph is gone. 1ST Maiden — He loves no mortal maid that Thes- saly Has nurtured to the full of coaxing beauty. He turns the eye of scorn on all and says. So distantly, lest we should love in vain, "You maidens are my sisters." When he smiles, A radiance falls about him; when he walks, The flow'r that light as air waved on its stem Of silken thread, in his swift path, still waves. When he has passed, unharmed ; and in its cup, A spark of light shines till his presence fades. Then all is dark however bright the day; The lightest heart is heavy. 2ND Maiden — When he speaks All the sweet music you have ever heard. Long mellowed in the mem'ry, wakes and breathes And plays in concord round his glowing words. 2 1 6 ALCESTIS More kingly than the shepherd of his flocks Admetus does not show. He comes! He comes! Pipe sounds nearer. Maidens sing softly. Wide are the gates of joy! He comes, the shepherd boy. Where daisies laugh to the sun, And green-veiled rivers run, And every woodland sweet is ripe, He plays his merry pipe. Wreaths that embalm the air Shake with his tossing hair ; The laurel leaf is graced To twine his slender waist. And like a deer before the wind, Hastens this god-like hind. Behold! the clouds grow red That sail above his head. And as he speeds along The flowers bloom in song. And murmuring through the fragrant air, A hymn of joy we hear. We'll meet him in the vale And hark his eager tale Of happy truancies, ALCESTIS 'Mong nymphs and deities, And one he'll tell of that he loves In far ofiE, mystic groves. Maidens go out. Enter Pheres, assisted by two Thessalians. Pheres — How is 't abroad? The sun shines, does it not? 1ST Thes. — All nature shimmers in a gold-spun robe. Pheres — Would I could pluck these wretches from my head Whose service is but staring, empty show. As boldly do they face the level day As your young balls. They see like marble eyes. A fig for life that starts and ends like this — A nurs'ry followed by a grave. Is 't warm? 1ST Thes.— It is, sir. Violet beds are solid blown; The orchards one soft blossom. Pher. — Is it so? And you can see them. Once I saw them too. What now? What now? 2ND Thes. — Your cloak is slipping ofi. Pher. — ^Well, so am I. I'll take but little with me. See this arm. The skeleton waits not for me to die But slides full-view into the well-clad world. Making the comfortable flesh of youth Creep at the sight. But hark you, my round lads. You're built upon the same gaunt scaflEolding. iS -\LCESTIS This c»ugh splits through my -vitals — the mine laid By death's sly hand to bring the ruin down. Gi^e me your arm — ^well, both of you. So. So. There's nothing left for ruins but to faU. I was not always as I am — believe it. Look at my son, Admetus, You see me. Xot quite, for I was taller by a foot. 2XD Thes. — A foot, sir! Pher. — ^\'es. a foot. Twelve inches. That! Jove ! You are laughing. 1ST Thes. — Shame! 2XD Thes. — His hearing > good. Pher. — ^\Vho laughed at Pheres? Let the coward speak. I'm feeble now. Once I could move a tree. Now if I lift a linger I am spent. Jove is a cruel god who with his bolt Has followed me into a living grave, ^^^le^eat contemptuous youth flings mockery. The flow'r that best becomes the living-dead. \Miere is my son, Admetus? Call him here. J!XD Thes. — Pheres, your son is dj'ing. Pher.— "SMiat! 1ST Thes. — For shame! Pher. — ^Admetus dying? He is young and strong. I love the boy; he is my only son. They say he will be taller than his sire. 'SMiere is the maid he loves ? Alcestis. Ah ! She has the gentlest hand, the softest eye — And vet that eve can flash. I love the maid. ALCESTIS 19 Call her — Alcestis! — that's a pretty name. Some gruel — hot and smooth — for me and Jove. Tell Eumelus to bring me gruel. Stop ! Where would you go? 1ST Thes. — To get your gruel. Pher. — No. Not now, my lad. Pray serve Admetus first, And put the rest aside for me. Not now. Alcestis' hair is like a cloak of down. Soft as a babe's. I've curled it 'round and 'round While she sat singing on my knee. A song! Call her. Alcestis! She shall sing for me. She loves my son. Where is he? Ah! he's dead. Then let me die too, cruel, cruel Jove! The slender bark that cleaves the fateful stream, Creaking beneath the weightless weight of shades, Would sink with him. Take me! Oh, let him live! 1ST Thes. — Dear Pheres, would the stern Fates lift his doom, And take another, here is one would die. 2ND Thes. — And here. I vow we love not life so well As we love him who makes it living-worth. But the inexorable sisters three Have measured to the end his thread of life And what remains is short. Enter Alcestis. Alc. — Pheres, rejoice! And you, Admetus' friends, rejoice with me. 20 ALCESTIS The king is saved ! A moment since, he drowsed In the long stupor that is almost death When suddenly he nimbly raised him up And asked for food. Pher. — Some gruel for my son ! 1ST Thes. — The gods be praised! Alc. — We'll sacrifice to-night, And let the incense wreathing joyfully From Jove's and Juno's shrines, crown Heaven's face. Alcestis suddenly shows signs of weakness. 1ST Thes. — Dear madam, you have over-taxed yourself. Alc. — I am not tired. No ! I could run, could fly. 'Twas Joy infused too strong a current here. For as the king gave show of strength revived, I sank back lifeless at his bed — my limbs. With faintness seized, gave way. Before my eyes, A mist grew and my heart leaped as in fright. Thus Joy, repentant of her benefits, Strikes as she blesses. 2ND Thes. — Lady, take not yet Such hold of hope, as loosing it, you sink. Death plays strange tricks to tease the doomed soul And anxious heart that watches — many times A blaze he conjures from the ashes, Alc. — No ! With eager life his veins are bounding full. ALCESTIS 21 As day strikes darkness from the night-bound world, So from my soul his smile has banished fear. Pher. — Give my son food. Alcestis! Alc. — I am here. Pher. — Give me your hand. It trembles like my own That quivering palsy will let go no more. Is this Alcestis? You alone, my child, You only love me. Alc. — You forget your son. Pher. — No; but you love me with your hands, your eyes, Your voice. And pray you, who am I to love? I'm blind, I'm lame, I'm deaf. I'm tottering through A barren crooked road unto the end. Aye, wrap me up — it's warm you say, yes, warm. This beast-like cough rends spine and rib apart. Is 't Jove or Pluto patches me together? Yes ; help me to a chair. I must sit down. Now I must rest from doing till I die. — The last befitting act for blank decay. The pipe sounds. Alc. — The shepherd! Pheres (mumbling) — Yes, the shepherd — full of life. He knows no ills ; he trips and pipes and sings. And every one of you is at his feet. The shepherd — 22 ALCESTIS Alc.— Hark! 1ST Thes. — His mission has not failed. Alc. — The strain he plays is mixed, half gay, half sad. 2NX) Thes. — The maidens praise Apollo. Do you hear? EnUr Apollo disguised as a shepherd and the be- trother maidens singing. Apollo ! Apollo ! Apollo ! Lord of the light. Foe to the clouds of the day, Of the heart's night. Apollo ! Apollo ! Apollo ! Clear-shining God. Heav'n and Earth smile to smile At thy bright nod. Apollo ! Apollo ! Apollo ! Master of mirth. Praise we the deeds of thy life, Bless we thy birth. Apollo ! Apollo ! Apollo ! Alc. — Speak, shepherd. Apollo.— Grant me breath. I come in haste, I, who am skilled to leap all distances In Queen Alcestis' cause. I almost faint. How fares Admetus? Alc. — Faithful shepherd, rest. ALCESTIS 23 He lives, with show and promise to live long. Grafted upon his withering stock of days, Blooms an unbudded flower of new life. Apollo — The Fates who show no mercy, mercy show, Which like a thicket spiked with thorns, lets go None but a bleeding victim. {He turns to all.) Hopefully, I sought Apollo in Admetus' cause. He sped on wing of morning to the Fates Who will no-wise revoke their fell decree Save on condition that another die In King Admetus' place. Alcestis cries out. Lady, fear not. Doubt you that friendship, rooted deep in youth And strengthened with the bonds of circumstance, That day by day tries and approves true friends, Doubt you 'twill weather somewhat — e'en the most ? Ask ; you will find you'll be put to 't to choose. Not one but many would forego the toils, The mischiefs of life's brief, capricious game To serve a friend with holy sacrifice. Winning thereby the badge of deathless honor. In this old man the only passion left. Like a green leaf upon a withered tree, Is the unfading love for his dear son. In these two noble youths whose unscathed hearts 24 ALCESTIS Run full of the rich sap of sentiment, Friendship's the flow'r of all their soul's fair growth ; And to preserve it stainless in its bloom, They'll count it but a little thing to die. Nor will I so dishonor them to think The fervent vows they made, like passing clouds, Were no part of a true, unchanging sky. Speak, hravp Thpti^^l'^^ W'ill ynii t^kf h'"' plane >* Tour dear friend's place? 1ST Thes. — Where? in the arms of death? Apollo — 'Tis even so. 1ST Thes. — To perish how dnd when? Apollo — As he was perishing, and from the hour You render oath, to fade as he was fading. 1ST Thes. — I cannot. Alc. — Mercy! mercy! Apollo — Can you not? Yet did Admetus at a deadly risk Redeem your life upon the battle-field, And once again with tender nursing. What? Did I so dream, or did I hear you swear That you would die a hundred times for him Whom better, you have said, than wife or child You love. 1ST Thes. — As I have vowed so would I do. If a quick stroke could sever my life's thread. But to unwind, unwind, the end in view. Scarce conscious I am living, for the thought That I will soon be dead — I'd die for him. Die quickly, as he risked, in battle's heat. ALCESTIS 25 But who are you that offers us the cup Of sacrifice and will not drink yourself? 2nd Thes. goes out. Apollo — Who am I ? With a sneer, a shrug, you ask. Listen, Thessalian braggart, cold as ice: Though for Admetus I should burn in fire, Should sink in deepest flood and to the knife Lay bare my breast, I could not die for him. 1ST Thes. — The diff'rence twixt your "cannot'' and my own, Your oaths of friendship and my friendship's vows, I cannot measure. Apollo — Where's the noble boy. The other friend of bubble protestations? Gone ? Slipped away. He named his new-born child "Admetus," praying Jove to grace his heir With likeness to the "best graced king on earth." How did he end this prayer ? I think 'twas thus : "Make thou this well-loved king immortal, Jove! Let not such royal gifts and virtues die." Immortal ! when the Fates somehow contrive To let him live, such friendship snaps, "Go die!" So much for friends. We'll try the father. Pheres ! Pheres (waking from a light sleep) — ^Who calls? Apollo — WTiat ? Sleeping, Pheres ? Ph er. — Sleeping ? Bah ( 26 ALCESTIS \\Tiat think jou, sir? The sweet still joy of sleep. Last joy that's left to man, like all the rest That once kept genial company with me, Eludes me — on the crawling part I play, The curtain of oblivion never falls. Sleep? There s a sleep I'll drop into ere long. Apollo — It will be welcome, father? Pher. — Aye. my lad. Apollo — There is an easy, honorable way To court and win it ere it summons you In the slow course of nature. Pher. — Name it. then. Apollo — ^To rake your son's place on the bed of death — Enfranchise him unto this world, yourself Unto the boundless freedom of the spirit. For the dear son you've lived for. die at last. Pher. — Is this his wish? My son's? Alc. — No, father, no. Pher. — Tis true, there's nothing left for me in life But life itself, faint breath and sluggish blood; Yet it is life, and there's the hook that holds. Alc. — ^V^ong not your son ! He's guHtj" of no wish That to another's hurt would operate. Pher. — ^Miat I Shall I patch his destiny with mine? How would it show to time, made whole again With such a rag? Tell him my life and death Are matters for the will of Jove, not his. Nor mine, nor any meddling mortal's. AMiat I Mv son would stab the bosom now 'tis cold ALCESTIS 27 That wore him in snug comfort when 'twas warm. And you, Alcestis, would you have me die? Alc. — No, Pheres. Weep not! You are safe. Pher. — Who knows? "He sports with his cracked thoughts as a child plays With broken toys" — I've heard them thinking thus — Not with my ears — they're dead ; but with my soul That barkens but the better for deaf ears. "The old man still can serve us — he can die; Life's drained his skill of doing to the dregs. But from these dregs we'll brew us a full cup. The old man still can serve us — he can die." Alc. — Be calm, good father. Pher. — Calm? Would I had died Before I learned how much my living 's blamed, How much my death desired — would I had died ! Tell my fond son, Alcestis, tell him this: — That such a wish breathed from his filial lips, Kindles the flickering weakness into strength. Old, sightless, worn out Pheres wants to live. The gods have called my son — tell him to go, Nor seek to push another in his place. Where is Alcestis? See no violence Befalls me — I have always loved you well. Watch round the corners where the sly hand plays — Be eyes and ears for me! I'm sore afraid. Enter Admetus and Eumelus. Admetus — The gods have heard your prayers — they grant me life; 28 ALCESTIS For surely 'tis the gods deal with me now. Such sudden vigor as has lifted me From the grave's edge is not of nature's planting. What is it? Why, Alcestis, father, friends. Why greet me thus with melancholy brows Knit for the cypress wreath? Alcestis weeps. Your mission failed, good shepherd. I must die. Apollo — It failed unless among your steadfast friends One loves you well enough to die for you. Your death's recorded and a death is due. Adm. — I am well loved. Apollo — Well-vowed to be well-loved. Well followed to the hole. But you may in Without the company of your dog. 'Adm. — So be it. This lightening of the weight is but the sport Of some malicious deity. So be it. I'll sink the heavier for it — that is all. But this is not my place — the couch of death Is mine. Alcestis, come. 1st Thes. — See how she stares! Her wondering eyes are fixed on empty space With the wide terror of a little child. Alc. — Listen ! Adm. — What is it? Alc. — From a far off height A faint, entreating voice is calling me — "Alcestis"— clearly — sadly. There! Again! Adm. — I do not hear this cry. ALCESTIS 29 Apollo — My ears are keen: I've heard the snow that builds so silently Make audible account of each soft flake; I've heard a petal fall upon a petal; I've heard the moon-beams push their way through clouds ; I've heard the breeze unlace the ocean's spray; But I hear not this calling from the heights. Then shall Admetus die ? Is it so fixed ? Stay! he who holds^him in his faithful arms, Those arms that first encircled him in life, Will draw him back from death. (Addressing ^ Eunelus) Say this is true, And you, above all them that call you slave. The gods will honor, you the master then By so much as your valiant bosom bears A braver heart. Already, twice, 'tis said. With dreadful consequence to your old limbs, This royal treasure of your steadfast love You have withdrawn from peril. Adm. — And methinks Twice to have done so is enough ; his love. Which ever I have found set like a trap To spring at my least touch, I count exempt From further trial. When before he plunged Under the raging steed, the crashing wave, Death was not certain and the moment lent Some of its fury to his quick intent And with its lash maintained him in the struggle. But to lie down upon the wasting bed 30 ALCESTIS Whither no thrust of fate but his mere will Impels him, seeing one by one, the days Like candles in a line snufEed out, and then The wide and never lifting dark — to do This thing would raise a mortal to the gods, And gods we are not; mortals still we are, Save in our dreams of self where, like a bird. We soar and wave our wings above the clouds. Teaching the clouds to climb beyond themselves; And at this game, the clown. Reality, Looks on and laughs. Brace me, good Eumelus. The weakness strongly takes me; I'll go back. 'Tis brighter here; Alcestis, stay awhile; The roses of your beauty droop, but come — Come to me later — I've somewhat to say To you alone and, by the gods, I know not What grace of time is left me. Alc. — There! Once more! Stifled in pain, it calls me. Yes! Yes! Yes! By the black Styx, I swea r to die for him! ^ Adm. — Ye gods! Annul the oath ! Apollo — 'Tis done. Adm. — O Jove! Have mercy! Maidens — Woe! oh woe! Alc. — By the black Styx To die for him. Voices of children without. Alcestis pauses dismayed. ALCESTIS 3i Girl's Voice — Where is my mother? Mother! Alc. — What have I done? Adm. — Slain me, great heart, to save me. Alc. — What have I done? My children! Maidens — Woe! oh, woe! By the black Styx she swore. Forever, woe! Adm. — In mercy merciless, you've slain me, love. Your greatness has betrayed all purposes To a most dreadful end. Maidens — Forever, woe! Adm. — O, let me die ! Prometheus' punishment Was not more horrible than mine will be. To know this tenderest daughter of the earth, Who in love's gentle care has waked and slept, Must writhe and waste in the fierce arms of death. Oh, what a hideous vulture at my heart The never ending mem'ry of 't will be^ Made whole again to feed the insatiate greed Of gnawing grief. Oh, strike me, Jove, one blow! Out of all semblance shatter me to dust. Rather than in the image of a man Sustain me for the ways and ends of woe So pitiable! Jove, have mercy! Mercy! Alc. — Lift up your heart. Adm. — Alcestis ! Alc. — It is well. Lift up your heart. Adm. — Look at her! Apollo — She is doomed. Adm. — Look! Look! Her shoulders sink 3 32 ALCESTIS ^OLLO — And they were straight As Dian's. Adm. — See! Her cheeks grow hollow, wan. Apollo — And they were round with curving love- liness Wherein but now bright tinted dimples played. Maidens — ^Aye, it is true! woe, woe, forever woe! Apollo {watching Alcestis) — Like a pierced eagle of the blue, her soul Is fluttering slowly toward the dark resolve. The bottomless eternal. Admetus — Mercy, Jove! Alc. — The current now has caught me from the course We sailed together, husband of my heart. The struggle charges full upon my soul ! Grant it the space of solitude. Go, all. Adm. — Turn me not from you. Alc. — You I fear the most. For I must fight and I would win and you Would make the fight too hard. Adm. — Alcestis ! Alc. — Go. Maidens sing: O fair vale of Thessaly, She who has loved thee. She who has blessed thee. She who has roved thee, Over her beauty has drawn the black veil ALCESTIS 33 Of the Stj'gian oath and she droops and grows pale, — Alcestis of Thessaly's vale. Ye garland-hung mountains, Ye low-laughing fountains, Ye rivers and meadows That kiss the same shadows. Be darkened forever for buried in night Is the true heart whose love was >our glory and light,— Alcestis of Thessaly's vale. Alcestis makes them a sign tr, go — all go out. She sits motionless for a moment. She hears her chil- dren shouting at play. She shrieks and goes tciwards the uindou- holding out her arms. Alc. — \\Tiat is this thing I've done ? O might}' Jove, I cannot leave my children. They are young, Sweet babes, still in the cradle of my heart. The mother in me blames the loving wife And would retract the vow. When I am dead Their little cries of joy will turn to grief; They'll stop their play to seek me everywhere. Already I am sinking. Save me, Jove! Like a collapsing wall the finite sinks And the broad open of infinity Gapes on my awed and dizzy soul. O Jove, 'Twas not my will coerced me to the side 34 ALCESTIS Of this dim, hollow, unattempted vastness. No, father, through the waves of consciousness, Stirred by the fateful storm of destiny, A lightning quick decree from elements Above dived to my depths of being. No! That great resolve, flung in the face of fate. Was but hurled through me from a force without. Driving the Core of immortalit>- The soulj Into a course that drops its sudden end Among the shadows of eternity. I was pushed on as a reluctant child Into the thronging dark. No sign from Heav'n! Great Jove, I cannot die! Have mercy, mercy! Strip youth and beauo.' from me! Knot my limbs. Uncover me of all my woman's grace, Set cankers in the flower of my flesh, Writhe and convulse me, make me all one blight, But leave my heart alive wherein to fold ^ly little ones! She throiLS herself before the shrine of Jove. Oh, give me back my life, And all I own, save life and them I love. I vrill this hour forswear and offer it Upon thy shrine, ^^^lat awful change is this? It sweeps in icy shivers through my blood. Benumbs my brain and beads my hands with sweat. Admetus, I am stricken ! Save me ! Q)me ! ALCESTIS 35 Who stands before me? Whose light shape is this My cries have summoned? Not Admetus. No! Nor any visitation from the gods. Who are you, wrapped in tissue white as snow? Beneath the gauze I see 5'our throbbing heart. You suffer! Speak! Again you call my name — "Alcestis" — in a voice that is my own. Now I can see you and you are — myself ! ]\ly b etter self! I'll make the sacrifice! 'Twas I, Admetus, I that made the vow. Not nature, not blind instinct. 'Twas~my soul! No outward vehemence, no driving ori. But a resolved and sudden plunging to it. The great and sacrificing deed, for you. My love for you, Admetus, love that gives And gives and gives and has no life but giving. Then~let my fountain of full spirits flow To the last drop into his cup of life. Let this white flame the vital spark now feeds, Diffuse itself to darkness kindling his; As s^veetest incense from the altar breathes. Let my heart's sacrifice in fragrance rise And waft his senses from the victim's wail ! I'm ready, Death. Strip off this mortal dross. I give it back to you that wakened it, Admetus. 'Tis a paltry passing gift, I would have given you my soul, but that Your soul alone could take and it has flown To the safe ledge that mocks the blank abyss. 36 ALCESTIS While mine goes fluttering down. Alone! Alone! « « * « « )it * The struggle twists me, yet a greatness stirs — The greatness of the hour, to lead me off Unbent and like a queen ; but in its pain. My trembling soul would lean and leans upon — A shadow. Where, Admetus, are you ? Where ? ACT II Scene Same as Act I Enter Maidens. They arrange flowers about Al- cestis' couch — they go out. Enter Alcestis on the arm of Admetus. She looks at herself in a hand-mirror lying on the table near and clasping her hands before her face sinks upon the couch. Alc. — Admetus, it is almost over now. {Admetus kisses her.) Can you still do it? Love is brave indeed. Adm.- — O do not shame me! Alc. — Shame you? Hov\r? Adm. — Your love Is brave — to render justice in a word, 'Tis worthy of your soul, and mine — of mine. The monument that noble love has left Of noble deeds, through all the ages building, This act of yours tops with the winged clouds — Aye, spires them through into the heart of zenith, And loses, from the vision limited Of lowly man, the high star-crowned end. Alc. — Kiss me again ; the fire of love — sad truth — Still burns when beauty's glow has dimly sunk Among the ashes. 37 38 ALCESTIS Admetus kisses her. Adm. — Thus, a thousand times! Alc. — Only your kisses now can stir my soul To consciousness of life — my body's dead — Past waking— I am ready to be gone — Unsightly preparations for a journey — All scarfs and veils of fleshly beauty dropped Into the hollows of the sinking days. In passing, each has loosened some fair gift Kind nature's hand bestowed — there's little now. But I have still a smile, a kiss for you; I'm rich with so much, and as it should be, My riches, what are left, are wholly yours. Adm. — My heart Most humbly gives you silent thanks. Sound of children's voices. Alc. — Give me my veil — they must not see me thus ; I'll still wear beauty for them — let me hide. Adm. — Hide with the highest — stars and sunny peaks — Alc. — They have passed on — ^have they forgotten me? They are myself — they cannot quite forget. See how the curtain moves ; as lists the breeze. So softly blowing and so fragrant sweet. It seems to waft from some enchanted land We once have known but may not know again. ALCESTIS ( 39/ Adm. — The breeze is strong here — it will chill you — come Into the closer sheltered room beyond. Alc. — I love to lie here better: I can see So many things — as treasure-full this space, As ocean-bed of jewelled waters — look! At yonder window did I watch for you The first enrapturing months — and there leaned out And told you, half with silence, half with speech, What I believe the spirit of the world Did soar aloft and kiss the sky to hear. Adm.- — And there we sat one whispering night in June And counted stars and listened to a bird That called across the woods — Alc. — ^And called in vain. There at that window when an Autumn sun With shadows wrapped crept down the lonely west, I waited for your coming from the field Whither the king in you the husband led — Waited and looked not oftener to the road Than I stooped down to kiss an angel head That in your absence, Heav'n had pityingly Laid on my heart to ease its loneliness. Was this so long ago?— so long ago, I'll tell the tale thus — "Once in a fair vale Of the fair land of Greece — Alcestis lived." Adm. — You die for me, and you forgive me not. Alc. — All faithful hearts that love will break with mine. 40 ALCESTIS To hear you say that. Know you how I love ? When I have died from this world's chance and change And am new-born in deathless constancy, I still will love you as I still have loved. What is the most that earth can lay upon The strength of such devotion? If 'tis death, Earth has no burden that can break true love. {She watches him closely as she says this.) In the safe center of your heart there lies The key of mine : I leave it there and die. Can I say more? Adm. — Oh most unworthy me! He kisses her. Alc. — Now will you read? {Admetus takes a roll of parchment from the table.) Sit close and hold my hand. Adm. — Forever. Alc. (watching him closely) — Through the grave? Adm. — Aye, through the grave. We're clasped in love eternally — our hands Unite for this brief passing life — our souls — Alc. — What of our souls ? Adm. — They're one, beloved wife! Alc— Then not alone ! The mists of darkening doubt Lift and a silver morning flickers through. Yes! from the bosom of my soul's grey sky, ALCESTIS 41 A golden flow'r of sunshine bursts and blooms. We'll close the door of life together — then What matters what the other opens on. (She looks for something under her pillow which she finds and claps close in her hand.) Read if you will : caress me with your voice. Though we have said farewell to earth, we'll bow To ways of life like friends that pass again. Adm. {reads) — The strangling of the dread Ne- mean lion: The slaughter of the many-headed Hydra: The rending of the mountain — mountains raised To point unto the clouds the conquering course Of the unyielding god's wide pilgrimage: The golden apples dragon-guarded, brought From the far western land of Hesperis: AntEeus, mighty giant, son of Earth, Crushed in mid-air: the triple-mouthed dog, The monster, Cerberus — Alc. — A dreadful tale. Blood curdling — but I'll hear it. Adm. {reads) — Once again With swelling strength, his soul upon the crest Of his undaunted heart's full tide of courage, His past great labors stars to light his way Through dim mischance to deeds of greater glory. The world's great champion, god-and mortal-born Divine and human — lover of man-kind — Bends humbly to th' appointed cruel task, 42 ALCESTIS Descends from the safe clasp of upper air Into the den of Death, where sulphurous flames, Like fiends of Hell, leap o'er the seething pool. And thundrous crash incessant shakes the hills That frown above the cavern's dreadful mouth ; {Adrnetus pauses. Alcestis motions to him to con- tinue.) Where black Cocytus beats its gloomy surge Against the dismal spirit-haunted shore — Where shrieking Furies ply the hissing lash And victim's wail cuts through the listening soul — Where Hunger, gnawing at his fleshless bones. Tear-wasted Grief, and hollow-templed Care Droop o'er the awful threshold — hither came The hunted hero, faced the rabid beast, — The yawning jaws, three raging gulfs of flame, Each with a bristling crest of snakes o'er-hung. The lurid eyes, envenomed wells of wrath. The crackling bark that drowned the Furies' din. The growl that shook the awful sepulchre — Before this ravening monster stood the god, Bent to the hideous task his strength divine. Drove through the hissing maze of knotted snakes His bold all-conquering arm — Alc. — Enough! Oh, gods! That rolling flood of night soon I must cross — Soon I must face the haunted Acheron — But not alone, Admetus, not alone! ALCESTIS / 43 I am afraid, beloved ! Come with me ! Alcestis seizes Admetus and presses a phial into his hand. Adm. — What's here? Alc. — Swift death is there. Adm. — A poison? Alc. — Yes. Drink when you see me dying. Let us go Together. (Admetus drops the phial and buries his face in his „ hands.) You'll not drink. You do not love As I love, for I could not stay if you Were gone. I cannot go without you. Come ! I am afraid! My heart cries to your heart That suffers, lives and loves, you've said — ■ Adm. — With yours. Alc. — And dies with mine. Oh, say it, dies with mine! Adm. — My heart will die, my love, when you are dead. 'Twill still perform its functions physical. But all the fulness of its life, its hopes. Its joys — will pass with you ; 'twill dully gape, Its lustrous jewel gone — say it will live As lives an eye that moves and weeps, but sees not. J 44 , ALCESTIS Alc. — I'm glad to die. I do not wish to stay, FnrjmiijTayf sli owpd mp lifp ig fir^f with ynii "With me, 'tis love. I'll hear it to the end. That tale of horror. If it can equip My unprepared and coward soul, I'll hear it. Great Hercules! Adm. — Great is his destiny. A god he may be, yet a tool of fate. Alc. — Th' unworthy instrument is cast aside. Enter Eumelus and Nurse. EuM. — Your father — ''<^P6o Adm. — He is dead! Nurse — He has just died. Alc. — How did he pass? EuM. — Save for a stifled groan. There was no signal of his passing. Adm. — Nurse, Attend here. This sad news falls mockingly And breeds a thought that reason justifies, And Nature, ties of blood, cry out against. Alc. — I know it — speak it not; kiss his poor cheek And pray the gods some soul companion his Along the dreadful route. Adm. — Merciful heart, Admetus and Eumelus go out. Nurse — How are you, sweetest madam? Alc. — So he's gone — ALCESTIS 45 Poor Pheres' soul is with the shades — he's dead. Nurse — A thread so worn should by the gods' wise grace Have somewhat sooner snapped — that life should hang, And hang, and hang, and sag each second lower. Dangling by such a frail uncertainty, While the stout cord breaks short and drops the prize ! Alc. — Ah, do you call 't a prize? Whose prize am I ? Nurse — You are the prop of all our lives. Alc. — What then? Another prop — good buildings must not fall. Nurse — We're ruined in your fate. Alc. — Injured perhaps. Not ruined — time will every hurt repair That my dislodgment makes. Nurse (weeping) — Madam, not so. — What can I do for you? Alc. — Not anything. Yes, draw the curtains close : an icy chill Has settled on my heart. — And yet 'tis best To know. — Nurse — How can I help you? Alc. — In no way. I think no oft'ner has he called my name Than he has said, "I could not live without you." He said too much and I believed too much : A fault in each of us, the greater mine. My soul has fed on love — now for a change. 46 ALCESTIS A better nourishment — a purer soul. For years we creep and crawl from act to act, And lo ! a moment comes and we have wings And fly. Nurse — I must entreat you, now — lie back! Alc. — There's always such a tugging at my heart, As if some httle hands were laid about it. How are they, my sweet babes? Nurse — They're well, but hurt ^Vith what hurts you — how else? Alc. — Sit closer, nurse. You love me — ^yes; in all my changing skies. By fair or foul days ruled, I've ever seen The light of your most faithful love shine out. Think that I take the little hands away From round my dying heart, and lay them thus In yours. Nurse — I'll never let them go. Alc. — Good nurse. Enfold my children in your honest heart. I know its warmth, its constancy — give them The love 3'ou gave to me, and I will die, Not happy, but less wretched for their fate. Ah, do not weep: it was a little way I went with them, and I had thought to go Till they were guides themselves in nature's course. By nature's blest appointment — prett>' plans To take the happy pilgrimage together. My forward-leading fancy many times Has raised the girl from struggling infancy ALCESTIS 47 To the sweet graceful flow'r of woman-hood; And in that fragrant period I've crowned her, And laughed and wept at the most holy rites, And proudly laid her on another's heart. I've wrapped the boy in such majestic dreams. He's seemed no less than god-like — 'gainst his cheek. Its pink-blown beauty set with dimples deep, Wherein lay rosy smiles like fallen petals, I've pressed my cheek and slipping from the hour, Hark'ning his wordless chatter as in sleep, I've felt a beard upon his chin and heard A kingly voice command the host— and thus With love and dreaming clasped I child and man. But I've grown old and they are infants still. Nurse — Grown old? Scarce five years from the tide of time Have arched and dipped again since round your head 1 fastened wreath and veil. Alc. — Five weeks ago! So short, so long: the rosy crown of health Had not then fallen from Admetus' brow — And passing time was but a pleasant stream That flowed from joy to joy; the gliding weeks, Like lightest waves that play in summer air, Left then no mark but a remembered joy, A vision of delight — Who's coming? Nurse — One That loves you well, the youth that tends our flocks. Each day he hangs upon your door a wreath And leaves it till its fragrance all is spent: 4 48 ALCESTIS Sweet greetings from the woods. With bated breath, Your state he questions of me morn and night, And droops upon the answer. Alc. — Does he so? Let him come hither. Enter Apollo as shepherd. Apollo — From the heart of day, And sleeping bosom of the night, I bring These dreams of night and hopes of morning. Alc. — Thanks. They breathe the sweetest innocence : take one. Apollo — From Purity. Nurse passes to an inner room. Alc. — Such beauty have these flow'rs, So passing others, it would seem my sight Enhanced them, as if Nature's cunning hand That gave me all, ere it takes all away, Informs my senses in the failing hour Most lavishly — the kindness of the last. A light shines in the heart of each — see ! see ! This hyacinth, this helianthus, glows — These poppies are on fire — the touch of them Braces and nerves my feeble fingers — look! These clovers blaze — these lilies from the vale Of Thessaly with a warm breath meet mine. What ! am I going mad ? ALCESTIS 49 Apollo — Know you the god That into day's vast basin hourly pours An ocean of clear light ? Know you the god That quickens with his breath the seed of life In the wide lap of Nature? Know you him That with his kissing flame brings to full bloom The flow'r of love enclosed in every heart, King of the changing year — Alc. — Apollo ! Apollo — He. Ere he had lifted off the dewy veil From morning's brow to flush it with his kiss, He took these blossoms from his diadem. Bidding them tell his love and say farewell. Alc. — His love? farewell? Apollo — Aye, whither you are bound He may not follow. Alc. — Whither I am bound ! Apollo — There's the sad limit of his radiant course. Alcestis turns towards the window and speaks to the sun as if forgetful of the shepherd. Alc. — Thou fount of golden glory, thou whose eye Hath waked mine own to look on happy days, Speeding the lustrous hours upon their march Through the wide vale of time, thou god of smiles, Fond lover of thy protegee, sweet Spring, Husband of fruitful Summer, Autumn's lord, Thou prodigal bright joy, farewell, farewell! Thou earliest worship of my heart, farewell! 50 ALCESTIS "When toward the West thy glory hath declined, When, lonely, from the fading verge of day I have beheld thee trail across the sky. Gliding in unattended majest}", Thy mantle many-folded, many-hued, I've stretched mine arms in yearning after thee. NoMr I must die — must die, and all the rest, The living, passing to and fro, the fields Whose downy lengths I've scanned with tripping foot. The streams, wherein the cradled sky did rock, The heaven-pointing hQls and balmy vales. Whose heights and depths I've levelled with my love. The shrieking, laughing, howling, weeping wind. The ocean, on a summer morn at play With its own greatness, 'neath the wintn,- blasts Heaving its growling volumes 'gainst the clouds. Capricious calms and storms of Nature's breast. Sun, moon, and stars that high above the Earth, Shine to enlighten what is lowly — all Must fade into the void that both attends The night of mortal being and the dawn. Apollo — You shall not die: by the dread Styx I swear You shall not die: an oath against an oath! Alc. — The zeal of your fair friendship falls like dew Upon the blasted flowers of my heart. Which, though they cannot live, may sweetly die. ALCESTIS 51 I pray you — take your pipe — I'll dream awhile. Stir up this ocean of blank swimming air Into light waves of tripping melody. Yes, over-lay this dark and hollow hour With the clear image of bright other days. {Apollo plays. ) There! there! 'twas such a note, so sharp and shrill. With tumbling showers of sweetness fast pursued. The green-eyed Naiads, tossing in Amphrysus, Answered with rippling laughter that still day — In waning summer — you remember, shepherd ? Apollo — A bank where bashful, peeping violets Nodded the green and tender grass aside. Empurpling with their beauty the gay field. There we reclined while smoothly passed the hours. Timed to the gentle flowing of the river. Alc. — And I remember well you sang a song And piped unto it — it was wondrous sweet. It told the love and passion of a god. Sing me that song again. Apollo — Come with me then. That bank is green and purple now — all clothed, Where once you pressed your foot, in loveliness. There will I sing and you will understand. Oh, let me save you! Alc. — WTio can save me now? Apollo — Trust me! Alc. — What pow'r have you against the gods? Apollo — Give me your love and fear and question not. 2ALCESTIS ,C . — G ive vou my lovei Apollo — Y es! Y es! and so be saved. AlC. Arnf^n hp''s?gl1riX-T Into my eyes, I'd drink the fleeting glance, Then close my owti forever on bright day. O power of Death, that sets the soul afar And leaves the body to our aching tears — Let night and day in alternation glide: Henceforth there is but night for me. ^^'llo comes? He covers the bier. Enter Hercules. Hercules — Admetus — Adm. — Hercules. Herc. — What is it, friend? Admetus points to the bierj Your father — Adm. — He is dead — Herc. — Well, he was old. Not death but nature took him. Do you grieve That he should, from the failing edge of age, Drop to his place eternal, when each hour The scarce-blo\^'n bud is clipped, the S'welling fruit, AVith the first blush of ripeness overspread. Is shaken from the wall ? If thus you weep That Death takes Pheres from your arms and show A face o'er graven -with the strokes of woe, A bearing all dismantled of its grace And youthful vigor, how would you sustain The greatest blow misfortune deals to man — 70 ALCESTIS That strikes away the half of the heart — the wife ? Your tears would melt your manhood — such a stroke Imagined rates your aged father's death No heavier, Admetus, than a tap Laid lightly on your heart by nature's hand, Instructing you that such slow taking ofE Is in her wisest course. \Miat deadening grief ! He does not heed me. Blind and deaf he stares. Friend, I will on. Another day. perchance, I'll come again when Fate turns here my road, And the slow fingers of adjusting time Have lifted ofi the cypress from your brow. Led by my world-wide, toilsome wanderings Through the Thessalian vale, I came to pledge. In a new cup, our early friendship's vow. Farewell, Admetus. Friend, I say, farewell ! Adm. — No, Hercules, stay here; you shall not go. ^'our god-bom greatness shall be meetly met And meetly served — I'll hold me somewhat straight To face your friendship o'er the brimming bowl, Though mine's a stooping grief. Herc. — ^You must not — no — I'll go and come again. Adm. — I thank you, best of friends. How gladly do I turn from mirth's attempt. ^\Tiat I do now you will not take amiss — The offense is not from me — I'm scarce myself. The lightness is struck ofiE me, for my role Is heavy, heavy, and I fear the part To be a life-time playing. The fair realm ALCESTIS 71 Wherein my feelings revelled blissfully, Wherein I owned and was so sweetly owned, Is barred eternally and I, without, Stand in my utter loneliness and knock, And knock in vain. Yes, friend, I am struck through. As from a hand that Death has taken hold. My sceptre of wide state has rattled down And all my sovereignty is as a dream — This vale, soft cradle of my infancy. Playground of youth and promise of my rule, Shows bare and stripped like beauty magic-wrought And magic-ruined, though in every spot Is spread the scarf of Spring; this much of me Lies there: my thoughts, my heart, the stirring pow'r That nerved my hand unto the daily deed. I'm but an empty shell to be thrown by. Herc. — So far as friend attends a friend, your grief Will pace with me — but I'll not linger here, Unburdened as I am, to whisper you That you should bear what you are bending 'neath, Nor yet to sigh, "It will be otherwise". For when it is, you'll know it, and till then It will be as it is — the road of grief Admits no turning back: you must ahead Until events, new-pressing, dim its course. Farewell, and if you seek a true friend's aid, See to it that you call not short of me, Nor past me — speak your need ev'n in my ear. Remember, and farewell! Adm. — Stay! 72 ALCESTIS Herc. — Pray you, speak. Adm. — I dare not. Herc. — Speak! Adm. — Mine's a rude readiness. You bid me sometime to your friendship's grace And ere the gate is opened I leap in. I now entreat you — you may serve me now — You who have~Bfought wild terror to hisi'fcieS' In~all his awful haunts.__. „ Herc. — Then iXXjnay_ PWllTTwith all my strength. -AfWr^^^Soon T5eath comes here To take my priceless treasure, and no clasp, No bar can hold it for me 'gainst his greed. Wait for him. Conquer the rapacious fiend, / Crack his rank bones and send him shrieking hence. When he is gone the prey he thought to snatch Will breathe again, will be my own again — My heart bursts with the hope — speak, will you do it? "~ Nay, do you hesitate? No better deed Of all your good and great ones have you done Than this. I, with my breathless soul entreat! I'm as a doomed wretch that begs for life From the large hand of mercy. H ERC . — Well^__enough— Be you content. Those shadows falling now Throw out the herald hint that Death draws near. All the up-building strength through many years Of perilous practice shall the strain resist, ALCESTIS 73 Or fall a-toppling ere the hour is old. Adm. — My thanks are dumb. Jove guide your mighty arm ! Admetus goes out. Herc. — Friendship, you have betrayed me unto folly. If yonder rag of worn humanity, Left by the heaven-clad, enduring soul. Be not the mighty scavenger's meet claim, Earth has no proper sweepings for his power. Yet have I promised, not by hold-fast Styx, But by my firm and unrecanting honor, To meet and fight him o'er the useless heap That life has worn to bits and shovelled by. Wise„iuj.gin£nl_aiid sworn friendship oft part ways. But this is too great folly — rather crime — To call him, that the senses have dismissed. Back to blank life. Small virtue has that love That to the object's hurt persists. 'Tis strange i To see the sap-full tree of sturdy youth Thus bent above the crumbled log of age. No louder outcry nor more gasping grief Could sweet Alcestis stir did she lie here. O foolish man to cloud when such a light, As fair report has named her, shines for you. You are struck through ? but grazed — no other blow Can hurt you vitally while she draws breath. But with her passing, yes, you also pass — 74 ALCESTIS Your noblest self to which her love gives life, And that vrhich gently anchors drifting life, The home ! I have none and the garlands fair Of love hang not upon my unblessed heart. Their holy fragrance I have never breathed — No longer does the hero's crown smell sweet — I'd toss it 'mong the rubbish for a wreath Such as Alcestis for Admetus twined ■When first she said, "I love you." Where, oh where, Wide earth, o'er-steepened with dull straining toil, 'Where, vacant earth, is my Alcestis? Where? Burdened, I've stooped to lift the burden off Of other bending backs so many years — set me free, O Jove, Oh father, father! Free! free! — what now? A tear? from Hercules? Let maidens weep and sentimental kings. But I — here's Death to face and conquer, ho! Darkness falls with occasional flashes of lightning. Enter Death. He makes several attempts to reach the bier but is overcome by Hercules and goes away shrieking. Herc. — The Jove in me has won — forgive me. Death, For thrusting you from lawful perquisites. 1 would, old ranger, you had reaped me in. I'm weary-ripe — oh, this accursed strength That shoulders such long testing and yields not ! This stubborn, stubborn strength that braces me ALCESTIS 75 Against the siege when I would lay me down In the low shadows, forfeiting clear day For indistinct obscurity and peace. O mediocrity, you safest screen. How gladly from the prime of my career, Whose high all-noted top the whole world themes. Would I sink down to hide me in your shade. PJieres, you have by many winding roads, With many lunging dips, and barriers, And steep up-risings, frequent, unforseen, Won the serene deep hollow of heart's peace. Yet must I wake you to the road again, Poor weary pilgrim. Pray forgive the wrong, The greatest ever done you, and forget 'Twas Hercules. He removes the cover. What's this? Or do I dream? Youth and all sweetness here lie smiling up — A flower of crystal freshness, lily-pure. Alcestis ! she ! dear cause for blinding grief. She breathes — and 'neath the snow begins to peep The rose of wak'ning bloom — O heav'nly sight! O Death well conquered ! O triumphant strength ! That plucked this flower of day from heavy night. Here is more loveliness than I had dreamed In all my lovely dreams — and here's but half. The soul is fast-locked in the prisoning bonds UI the dumb tyrant. Sleep — Wake, wake ! and speak ! 76 / ALCESTIS ^Ocestis! lady! lady! do j'ou live? Wake! speak! He kisses her hand — she moves — She descends from the bier and walks in a dream. She kneels before Hercules and embraces him — As their lips meet, she uakes. Alc. — What's this confusion? this dense mist? Where have I been ? How strange ! Herc. — You have been dead. Alc. — Dead? I remember that I lately died. I am Alcestis. Herc. — Yes. Alc. — Admetus' wife. -My mind is still oppressed. I had a dream — So real it was, the very veins of life Informed its seeming — it has taken hold Of all my senses and so fastened there I cannot shake it off — I'm more with it, The fantasy, than with this tangible And certain scene. (Looking at the bitr.) What's that? Hero. — Your bed. Alc. — ]\Iy bed? Herc. — Whereon you did so soundly sleep. Alc. — How strange! Then was it death that held me or a trance? Herc. — Death came, but he \vas-io«^t and over- come. — "" ALCESTIS 77 Alc. — Whose was the mighty arm? ^ Herc. — My own. Alc. — Your own? And you — a god perchance? Herc. — Alcmena's son. Alc. — The son of Jove. Great Hercules. {She kneels. He raises her.) You knew That death had come for me. O gracious strength! Herc. — On friendly mission here I sought the king And found him, from his royal inches bent, His hair unkempt, his robe half torn away, The ashen gray of torture on his brow, The shadow of despair in his dim eyes. The pinch of hopelessness upon his wan And hollow cheeks — he was as lost. As full of longing and of heavy sighs As a doomed spirit on Cocytus' bank. What hard occasion robbed the vale of life Of such a flow'r as you? Alc. — A moment since. Your question had been vain — but now the tide Rolls back and the familiar facts sweep in ; Like night in day when clouds from Earth and sky Blot out the fair inscription of the sun, A sudden illness while he feasted struck The ruddiness and luster from the health That crowned Admetus' life, and gladdened all Within the radius of its cheer — I saw him sink Till his dim life hung o'er the shadowy verge — 78 ALCESTIS And whether then impelled by love supreme Or by the power that thrusts our natures on To deeds we had not reckoned in our scope, Or whether thinking on it led me to it, I laid me down to die that he might rise To his high duties and to well-loved life. But since I slept on yonder bier and dreamed A dream, it seems the course of centuries That roots and uproots, raises and lays low, And does all things deliver o'er to change Has wrought my soul anew. For as I did, I know I would not choose to do again. Herc. — It is the flower of deaths to die for love; It leaves a perfume in the name forever. Alc. — That is the grace of it — but each man's life Is of eternal, sacred character — No piece to stretch another's given span. Duty's the thread of life and life is dear For doing — In my soul a quenchless lamp Has been set burning and dark places shine, Revealing unguessed treasure — I am rich And I would spend — I must — it is the law. "Know your soul's wealth, control its fair increase, And spend it" — on my conscience this is writ. I rashly overturned the urn of life, Spilling a fair unreckonable store Of thought and deed. That you with timely touch Have set it firm, my rescued soul gives thanks. When I waked here I settled back to life As from a shock that swayed me painfully — ALCESTIS 79 What was 't befell while yet my consciousness Was dim? — the shadow troubles me — Herc. — A dove Swept from the heavy woods into the light And fluttered to my shoulder. Alc. — Heavy woods? A dove — where is it? Herc. — It is here. Alc. — A dove — Herc. — Tell me the dream — the dream that changed your soul. Alc. — I will, as may be, from my memory turn The windings. In a wood I found myself, Where all the sweetness of all woodland spots That e'er had held my fancy since a child Mingled its magic essence in the scene And breathed of Heaven and Earth divinely; here Cool caves were set whose crusted roofs o'er-browed With clinging shadows little lapping streams Embroidered with the edging violet; Long avenues, fresh hung and paved with green. That led past swelling knolls and hollows deep Level with beauty, narrowed toward the sky Where sailed the crescent and a single star. Twilight was spreading o'er the bloom of day Her dewy softening gauze — now seen, now gone. Among the trees and shadows, bands of nymphs Floated in melting dance — here waterfalls, Like prayers that drop into eternity. Sank in their murmuring round of purity. s 8o ALCESTIS And here the smooth, full-burdened stream of time, Swept from the sea whereof the waves are ages, Sang through the chorus of the drifting hours, Its sad, sad theme of "passing" and "no more". And yet there was a joyousness that flow'red And fragrant smelled, and a low-tinkling mirth That made the sweetest music underfoot Where thick set blossoms nudged their odorous rims In playful humor — here two sisters walked. Pale Sorrow, but she smiled, and beaming Joy, Who wore upon her rounded cheeks a tear. Here was a mingling and a fusion strange, And yet a clear distinctness. Overhead Majestic clouds moved on processional Gliding to dissolution — yet they stayed — For they did melt into th' eternal sky. The earth beneath was like a teeming brain Thick-seeded with design to dower the future. Here in this amphitheatre so vast, The queen of my encumbered heavy being. My soul, spread forth its wings and circled wide To meet the countless spirits of the woods, And in the joy sublime of their pure mirth, It did in joy expand, enfolding all. Here came the goddesses, the gods and nymphs, All lesser deities of Heav'n and Earth. They were an instant visible, the next Had passed into the streams, the trees, the rocks. The clouds, the air; and in the place of these. Where they had been, and too where they were gone, ALCESTIS 8 1 I saw the mental image of myself. And where I stood the walls of Life grew up, And narrowly between them, all my selves, A mount of selves — the earliest beneath. The last upon the pinnacle, and this Was reaching out, far out into wide space. And up, high up into the clouds. Then came A figure folded round with many veils, — Through which it glittered like a shape of light; It glided to my image on the height And took each hand and said, "Behold, I'm Truth." Then did my image sink, but rose again And suffering marked its brow. And low it bent Before clear Truth in deep humility. 1 saw a man of proud, heroic mould Upon a pedestal of goodly deeds, His muscles curved in knotted strength of stone. My highest self yearned towards him — in vain — A hedge of flames, a seething pool, fierce blades Embraced him from approach, yet did I reach. He too, leaned out beyond the deadly wall — Our foreheads met — and straight, upon the touch. Our bodies vanished and two spots of fire, Pure, white and of supreme intensity. Flashed, leaped and mingled in an even flame. Yet did they singly burn — Now ever5rwhere All forms were vanished and the spark alone Remained — no leaf, no flower, no globe of dew, No butterfly, no insect crawling there. 82 ALCESTIS Nor grain of sand too small to be thus wrought Into a stellular distinctiveness That yet flowed into one clear general blaze. Now everywhere, this universal cry, From stream and tree and rock and cloud rang out — "There is a god above, a god beyond The gods" — at this my inmost soul rejoiced, It flowered out into Infinity, And Heaven and Earth, like drops of rain through air. Passed, purifying, through the spaces of it. Again my highest self reached for the clouds, Touched them, but on they melted placidly, And with a yearning thousand-fold increased I stretched my arms forth where the hero stood. Still barred with deadly water, sword and fire. And while I yearned, the dream passed into naught, Or like the clouds that back to Heaven dissolved. It vanished deep into my soul. Herc. — Strange dream^ Most subtly it possessed you — and its spell Passed from your being to the depths of mine As over you I bent in ecstasy — A burning emanation from the spirit That spread in genial radiance through my veins, Lighting the torch of hope, and waking dreams, That through the dull uncoil of drifting years Have slept upon my heart. They sweetly stir Like leaves against the coaxing lips of Spring Or liquid anthem of the new-fledged lark, ALCESTIS 83 Who in the rapture of his ungauged wealth Shakes forth the golden riches from his throat. This is the first May morning of my soul. I was the hero, Hercules — I am The man, the lover — all is nobly changed. Here is no fire, nor water, nor fierce blade To bar the easy way — Alcestis, come To me. Alc. — I see all these — I dare not come. Herc. — But you are mine: I took you from the arms Of Death, and in the instant Love passed here And brushed me with his soft and fiery wing On brow and breast — and all my tower of strength Is fall'n to weakness — Nay, I've loved you long. Report has chimed her sweetest, singing you, And I have listened with a joy that hurt — You were a jewel I could never wear. My yearning is a story for the winds That crossed the winter wastes with me to tell, That swept the trackless desert in my wake, Or sobbed upon the margin of a sea, Where beat the pulse of passion and despair. The fruits and honors of a tireless arm I've ofiered you with silent dedication. Your all-time-cheapening virtue and renown Year after year, have lured me to the brink Where danger lurks and drops the victim o'er. When men have praised me, I have thought how sweet 84 ALCESTIS The empty Words with fulsome note would ring, Did fair Alcestis speak them. Like a star That peeps between the parted clouds of night, Your image, made by Fancy, Love and Dreams, Hung in the midst of grewsome perils past And darker ones upon the weary way. ' You were the heart — I but the ready arm. Grant me the right of love to speak the truth. I'll point the world to you — behold the soul Of the loud-vaunted Hercules! The right. The right of love to speak, and you shall be. While starry time rolls on, the worshipped theme Of men and nations — Alc. — God-born Hercules, Your words have sunk a well of quiet joy Deep in my heart — "One loved me" I will say, "Who wrote his history on this passing world In deeds that can not perish. He achieves! Not as a stream that frets its narrow bank. But as a sea that carves on continents Are his tumultuous days — In the broad wake Of his high-crested deeds flows goodly change, Majestic revolution — and the world Steers in a better course" — Ambitiously And gratefully will I remember you. Now I must to your friend, Admetus. Herc. — Stay! Shall I forever serve? forever risk While other men lie safe? forever toil Against the edged and slanting mountain-side. ALCESTIS 85 While others dally in the easing vale, Blow kisses to the wind, and woo and win? Am I Ixion of the upper world. Or sweat-wreathed Sisyphus — my life a sieve, Through which my round of toils shall seep away From mine own purposes ? Is there no time Set in my slow days' calendar to rest And tell the busy tale at the still hearth. Holding the gentle hand of love? Ah, me! The lowest slave in Greece strips not his heart So bare in love's behalf as I have done. Have you all virtues but the softening veil That shows the others lovelier? — sweet Mercy? Your dream — remember! oh, my dove! Alc. — I do. Bird-like in Heaven's boundless sea, my soul Floats in the large interpretation of it. There is a flowing, upward, downward, out, Free, full and universal, like the tide Of the space-shored winds — or like a stream That carries oceans in its foaming swell And empties in the hollows where new worlds The future's might will build — I'm in the current. There's nothing small in sight — all littleness Is lost into the vastness — all is one — ■ Keep with me — see what I see — Herc. — No, no, no. You see in god-like fashion — I would be, I will be mortal, for your mortal love. I'll time the pulsing of my heart to yours, 86 ALCESTIS I'll time the breathing of my life to yours, Live by your look, and look but to your love. And die when you are dead — a round divine. I'll pluck it forth — the deep immortal root Jove fixed here in this frail, this mortal dust. My life shall wear the temporary star Of time that ends it, if you'll give me love. One draught of which is worth eternal thirst. What I have done shall seem a stripling's sport To what I will do to your glory's end. I'll set your name imperishably deep In all I do. Alc. — 'Tis growing clear at last, What in my dream was mistily defined. Beyond the hero's image and my own, Much lower down and struggling to maintain His humble place, I saw a shadoviry form. It did not reach us but it always strove. And striving, suffered. Now I know 'twas he, Admetus. There's the task for me; A flower of the shade that shall be known But by its perfume — to inspire the deed That never shall be done. You need not me. Or what you seek in me is what I gave When in the dream we touched upon the brow. But of another I am half, — merged, fused. Yet separate, as in the dream I saw All things in union massed — all things distinct. Herc. — My doom is spoken — 'tis to reach for you- To strive with heart and soul, attaining not. ALCESTIS Cjy^ The tortured Tantalus but trims the edge Of bitterness; I flounder in its depths. You love the man that let you die — . - -- - Alc. — And you That gave me life again — I love too wrell To love : the sound is nothing to these words ; ■ They're fathoms deep in meaning. Herc. — Aye, too deep. I'll not disturb their depths: my arm's my strength — My thoughts have ever been but foolish-wise And weary — henceforth wearier — Alc. — No, no. That must not, cannot be — for there is time, This very moment, signing 'gainst despair. ~ New suns new morrows greet — why should one thing, Ev'n love, the greatest thing of all, mean all ? When life comes armful with its offerings — Comes with new gifts each day — the noble soul Despises none, not ev'n the least, but each Is gathered eagerly for contemplation. The noble soul, because its love is wide And folds in many, some would faithless call : The truth is, it is constant unto all. Herc. — ^You are the heaven-born — I'm of the earth. Alc. — Beloved friend, farewell. Herc. — Why do you weep? Alc. — Because I am a woman and because Our thoughts are greater than our acts, our plans More lofty than fulfillment and our road 88 ALCESTIS More easy to the eye than to the foot; But somehow must we on — have you no tears? Herc. — The souls that are to sharp affliction bom, Being a part of sorrow, do not weep. Alc. — Farewell — Herc. — A kiss! Alcestis touches her lips to his forehead. Immortal gods! A kiss! Tantalus! Oh hell of hells! Alc. — Again, Stifled in agony, the guardian Voice! Beyond the gods there is a pow'r — to that. Great son of Jove, with all my quickened soul, 1 earnestly commend you. Fare you well. Hercules goes out. Alc. — Come back, brave Hercules, and hear the truth Which bloodless Virtue hushed upon my lips. Long have I loved you, entering on my love Through the stupendous arch of your brave deeds. Since first in reading them I half forgot To weep at coming death for love of you. Come back ! One kiss ! one flash of fire and then Eternal night may fall. What joy I've lost! To see that noble monument of strength Melt to the mood of love — to feel that arm. ALCESTIS /' 89 Rod irresistible of man and beast, Folded in tenderness against my heart — To rule that royal might — but as I will — To will the noblest, be the highest star In the high heaven of his triumphs — this Were joy and satisfaction measureless — This were a wealth to flush the proudest heart. All this I've put away and I am poor — — Beggared in love, the poorest beggar's wealth. ^Jo gods — I've thought the gods of Greece away; No home — there's none that harbors not the heart; No husband — undivided love makes him. Had I a balm for other bosoms ? none To pour upon my own? that unguent-smooth Philosophy — I said "Love is not all; 1 The soul has business with the universe." But love's the universe — there's only love. To Hercules my thoughts stole day by day, And now we've met, my soul has followed. Now Admetus has no place. I cannot live And play the part. Oh, to escape, to go! But where ? Confusion roughens all the way. 'Tis but a stumbling on, howe'er I start. The haggard face, the eye of fire, the strength So greatly and so gently worn — the heart Brave as a lion hung'ring for the hearth. The kiss ! And let the world and us dissolve ! I'll bring you back. The Voice has failed. I'm lost! I'm proudly lost being found for Hercules. Is this a bootless love that rages here ? 90 ALCESTIS This spot of fire? Oh, death were easier. But now to love and live, to burn and smile — The slave and keeper of a secret, oh! Jit Jl& ^ ^ ^ A|£ m/^ I feel two tender arms about my neck, The passing of a little hand across My cheek, pure breath of flow'rs upon my lips. My children! My sweet riches, my fair world! My fair forgotten world — where I may spend The treasures of my soul — the way is clear ! No stumbling now. Straight on, my hearts, to you! To guide your innocence with my wise sins Safely, yet seeing, past what wounded me. That shadowy struggling figure in the dream — Admetus, no ! I come not back to you ! The mother lives again! The wife is dead! ACT IV Scene same as Acts I and II. Maidens, wreathing flowers. Enter nurse. Nurse — They call for twenty ropes of hyacinths To loop the tables: then the guest may come, For all is ready for him — peeps the sun And promises his full round face anon — The gods have but to wink and all is changed. I never thought these halls would harbor mirth For many a cloudy day — We're here to spin Upon the pivot of a higher will, And settle with a fall from time to time. I've learned that much — to think 'twas all for naught, That sad and autumn-soughing grief of mine! For days and days, I vow, I took no step To prayer, to bed, to table, but I shook A scalding tear down — wrung my hands and croaked, "She's dead! She's dead!" — no matter what was asked. That was my answer — "dead — she's dead: she's dead!" I'm all but spent — no building up again — At fifty years, what's lost is lost — sh ! sh ! 91 92 ALCESTIS The feast is bobbing, but some pots don't boil ; The lights are all set out, but some won't burn ; The harp's in hand but all the strings don't play. Alcestis — sh!;— weeps like a penitent From morn till night — and through the brisk affairs Of court and household like a shadow steals — Seeks privately her closet and there stays Till she is sought. Her tender soul, methinks, Was with sad sights affrighted in her trance Which she recalls with solitary tears. 1ST Maiden — Know you, by last night's cold and mystic moon, I saw her like a spirit glide about The marbled court, invoking piteously Some of the host immortal — son of Jove She called upon with worshipful appeal. From time to time she fell upon her knees Imploring with her gaze the silent sky. And once she sobbed aloud and clasped her heart With a wild gesture of despair ; at last She took her harp and played a haunting tune More melancholy than the shadowy night — And then with arms out-stretched, with drooping head And shoulders bowed, she slowly moved away Like one the world has driven out to die, Carrying I know not what sad heart Into the sanctum of her closet. Nurse— Well? ALCESTIS / 93 . 1ST Maiden — It may be that the sorrows ofher soul Before she died still visit in her mind, Which doleful guests she entertains^ with tears. Nurse — I dare not question her, though well I know A friendly ear against a heavy heart Hears grief laugh out at last and bid adieu. Sh ! this is something at the time I marked And since have pondered — on that blessed day She glided back among us like a ghost, It chanced I held the children by the hand, And walking with them up and down the court. Beheld her first. She passed Admetus by. Saw him but gave no notice that she saw^ — She rushed upon her children, caught them close. And like a priestess cried, "Whatever grace Of holiness or lofty might of will I died unto, drink from this kiss of mine, Lest from the earth it perish utterly. Draw it forever deep into your souls And dower with its virtues all the souls That through the gates of time shall follow yours." Her very words — Admetus stood and gazed. And called her name, but him she heeded not. His face turned gray there in the warm pink sun. I wept to see him — and I wonder much — For since, with purpose ill-concealed, she shrinks . Away from him and never calls his name. But on the babes she spends a doting love. 94 ALCESTIS She gazes on them as if set to watch The passing of a life — a hundred times From morn till night I hear her ask them both How much they love her — if they love her still — To say, "I love you" — ^Why, you'd think her heart Must stop upon their silence. Once I said, "Beware! the gods are jealous; with a nod "They'll make a Niobe of you." "The gods," She said, and shrugged and smiled vWth cold con- tempt. Hush! Enter Eumelus. Well? EuM. — They're asking for the garlands. Nurse — Here — Enough to wreath the heavens o'er our heads. The day wears steadily, good Eumelus, And brings the noble guest. EuM. — They say his horse Can talk. Nurse — ^And sing. Eumelus — ^And laugh and cry, they say. Nurse — What of the horseman, think you, if his horse Can cope with men ? O wondrous Hercules ! Beloved of all fair ladies — rightly too. So much a man! The robes, the plate, the hall Are shining bright to greet him — let him come. ALCESTIS 95 Go maidens, put the ribbons in your hair! Make you as comely as the flow'rs you weave ; But not for Hercules will you do that. Five lesser gods will meet you here to drink, Not wine from cups, but smiles from pretty eyes. Here comes Alcestis — she will wish, I know. To be alone writh me. Maidens go out. Enter Alcestis. Alc. — Is all prepared? Nurse — ^As ready as a bride and just as fair. Slaves can be seen carrying dishes and baskets along the corridor. These foreign cooks are masters of the house. But daintily they ply their toothsome trade; The thrushes nestle in the sauce, the eels Are coiled on beet leaves green and dewy still, The ivory baskets, heaped with crisp brown loaves. Urge to the feast with fragrant puffs of steam. As for the fruits, Pomona has withheld No juicy gift. Alc. — 'Tis well ! we must not fail. The feast must lack in nothing. Nurse — Yet it will, I fear. 96 ALCESTIS Alc. — In what? Nurse — Your smiles. Alc. — Oh, I will smile — Nurse — There's not a soul about — we are alone. Alc. — Well, what of it? Nurse — If you have aught to say To ease your heart; you're trembling like a bird. (She puts flowers in Alcestis' hair.) Poor Hercules! Alc. — Why, what of him ? Nurse — Alas! You know his threatened fate. Has any man Of valiant heart and lusty life beheld And failed to love you, seen you smile or weep, Or heard you talk or sing, or in the least Met service at your hands, that did not sip A little of the poison of vain love? Alc. — Hush ! Nurse — Ah! I fear 'tis done. Poor Hercules! The shaft is aiming now and there's no shield Can turn it back, not even mighty Jove's. Alc. — You do not ease my heart with talk like this. Nurse — What is this flower? Alc. — I do not know the name — I found it in the prettiest little dale, Where beauty's finger busiest had been. And in her lovely thrift left no spot bare. This blossom covered mound and dimpling dip With sweet impartial favor — but its name I 3o not know. ALCESTIS 97 Nurse — Indeed it is the same — A hardy mountain rogue. A-many a morn My girlish step unjewelled it of dew. Here is the hundred leaf — the sweet moss rose. What will you do with these? Alc. — Entwine a wreath. Nurse — This rose confesses love; it slyly speaks To youths and maids a language of the heart. The glance of Venus says not half so much. It does invite, allure, declare, profess. And has on many embassies of love Worked slyly unto danger — Here's a flow'r That's brighter for a wreath — Alc. — No, this will do. Nurse (aside) — Will do too much, I fear. Alcestis ! Alc. — Nurse, what is it? Nurse — Nothing — no — Only I love you better than myself. My pure, my sweet Alcestis — Alc. — What is this? You're crying — Nurse — Well, a little over-strained. I've something now to look to — I'll be back. Nurse goes out. Alcestis makes a wreath of the moss roses. Alc. — Oh, how I sufifer! I would show my heart And I would hide it — All of me that feels 98 , ALCESTIS Is drawn to him — to god-like Hercules — And all that thinks — the better part — perhaps — Is forced away — the tempting sweetness lies In the soft dangerous bowers of the breast, And cold gray safety in the depths of mind. Which ? Which ? He's coming — I will see him here — That he may glance into my heart and know That he alone is folded in its passion. And yet I'm mad to think the fire is quenched With feeding it — I know ! I know ! I know ! I but pretend to doubt — to play — to hope — To leave the certain issue to the future Which is the present ripened to the fruit. We'll meet again and never meet again — Does heavy-eyed experience say this ? No ! no ! She kneels before me and lays bare Her bleeding wounds, the ugly stabs of sin. Then must I bury him and kiss the flow'rs Of tender thoughts that strew him in my heart, And let such parting end it? Can I do it? And trust the odds to time, when to such love, Life, at its longest, is but as a daj^? With Hercules, oh, what a pleasant road. Leading away through lights and shades unfall'n. Through flow'rs unbloomed, and every natural sweet Still with the veil unlifted — But with him, Admetus, only the oft-trodden way To pace and pace again, — and always meet ALCESTIS 99 My past dead selves — with him, my past dead selves ! Which are to quicken in eternity! O fragrant flow'rs, O sun-bright easy road — Disclaim Admetus — and disclaim these selves — And be an everlasting perjurer! Enter Admetus. Adm. — Alcestis! Alc. — Yes — What is your wish, Admetus? Adm. — Jove, oh, Jove! Alc. — Pray speak. Adm. — I will — I must! Alcestis, you are killing me. 'Tis true! Oh, yes, I'm crazed — unfit in such a state To honor our great guest and noble friend Whose rights of us extend to our heart's blood. What cheer has groaning board and festal hall If the host smiles not? Alc. — Why smiles not the host? Adm. — Because the source of all his joy has turned The golden bounty of her sweetest smiles And gentle speeches and caressing love From the dry channel of his life. I ask What's my offence that I am punished so ? Have I offended? Alc. — No. Adm. — ^What is it, then? Why do you shun me, flying at my step. And shuddering at my touch, and ne'er a word loo ALCESTIS '"Save coldest greetings? Why is this, my heart? We walk beneath the same roof, yet the sky Is not more distant end from end than we. What have I gained to have you at my side If by the heart's length you are separate? I've lost your love but through no conscious fault. Alc. — Unconscious faults are never mended. Adm. — Jove ! Almighty father! Alc. — Does he answer you? Call not on him — an empty attribute — A' man in sin and weakness — in pretense A god : a slave of base temptation — worse, A seeker after sin. Call on yourself ; Beseech, implore the highest in yourself, Empower that to act in your behalf. You have too often called upon a god. Adm. — Alas! Some loveless spirit, stern and cold, That I know not, inhabits your sweet form. I am undone. Alc. — If you believe it — yes. I too, if I believe it. Who are we, Admetus, you and I ? our chief concern In life — what is it? To keep safe and fair A very precious treasure loaned to us. Belonging to the future, to increase The value and the good thereof — I mean Our children — I can feel their hands in mine ; They lead me to you — Will you take my hand And my aloofness pardon? — No, not yet. ALCESTIS ( loi Adm. — What! Will you still deny the blessed sweet Of your soul-stirring lips ? What have 1 done ? Speak ! for I cannot bear this silence. Alc. — Go — Leave me. Adm. — I cannot — you must speak. Alc— Alas ! Adm. — You do not love me — Whom then do you love? Alc. — If you should lay your arm about my neck And find a deadly serpent coiled there, What would you do? Adm. — Uncoil and slay it. Alc. — No — In horror you would safely spring away, And in that time I should be stung to death. Adm. — What is your meaning? Alc. — Grant me but the strength. 'Twas easier to die than tell this truth. Yet truth — then death — if it must be — I love — The god, the man that saved me — Hercules. Adm. — Would I had died — had died — unworthy | me! Unhappy me! — And Hercules comes here — This is a wreath for him — he'll wear this wreath, Enwoven in the subtle signs of love With your immortal skill — 'tis full of thorns! I was a fool to press you for your love — You are of finer stuff — the fitting mate Of a world-ruling god — you do protest. I02 ALCESTIS Your most becoming modesty protests. Though by your greatness I have measure taken Of my own dwarfed littleness, I know That you are great, and monimiental large Is my soul's homage unto yours. Enough ! Will you take thought of the guest Hercules? Alc. {slowly after a silent struggle in which she seems to hear the voice again) — I will not see him. Adm. — 'Tis to press your hand He makes the journey. Alc. — Tell him I am ill. 'TwiU not be false. Adm. — Let him come — I must go. There is no violence in all my soul. I must prepare how e'er I can to bear What I had thought could not be borne. A god — Both at his mercy! Alc. — It is as I said — The mortal sting! Adm. — I am the victim; you, Immuned by purity from stain of sin. Need nothing fear. Alc. — By purity! From sin! And I have told you — Adm. — In your innocence, And truth and greatness you have told me, yes. All hearts hide something time or chance removes Or else uncovers. Of your will you speak. ALCESTIS 103 Alcestis slowly destroys the wreath. Enter Eumelus. Gives Admetus parchments. Adm. — From Hercules — a message — this — for you. {Gives Alcestis one parchment.) (Reads) "I'm bound unto the distant west; a task, Admitting no delay, awaits me there. But friendly thoughts will visit in my stead. Blessed be your hospitable hall. — Farewell." A merciful great god — who brought this word? EuM. — A retinue of twenty noble boys. Adm. — Then serve the feast and for their master's sake Show them all honor. Will you too attend? Alc. — Leave me — awhile. Adm. — I had forgotten — (Points to the message in Alcestis' hand.) Yes. (Admetus and Eumelus go out.) Alcestis reads, "To thee, exquisite flower of my life, I dedicate my latest victory, My greatest victory, wherein my soul In perilous encounter with my heart, Did honorably triumph. Like a rose, That flames if morning's :un but smile upon her, And kisses if the breeze but jostle by. Came Pleasure, tempting Pleasure, vowing soft io4 ALCESTIS ■"That in her company, dull earth should seem The living copy of my fairest dream Without the scanting limit of a sky. I would have followed had not Virtue's hand, With touch as delicate as falling snow. Most firmly held me back. She gently said, 'The narrow path I'll take thee ends in Heaven, As flows a troubled river to the sea.' To thee, the Doer of the greatest Deed, To thee that doth impregnate with the seed Of highest good the fertile human heart, I offer up the triumph of my soul." Apollo enters. Alcestis holds out her hand to him — he kisses the hem of her robe and passes out, leav- ing her in the light. Enter the betrothed maidens. Alcestis talks as if to herself. Alc. — The greatest hour is when pure conscience meets Hot breathing, fierce Temptation face to face And looks him dowri. Then sighs the soul with joy And all the heavens echo to the sound. The steep ascent of life that drearily Its grey heights bared unto my onward eye, ; Already 'neath my slow-adventuring foot Presses more softly for th' attendance fair Of light and joy. More safely do we climb, Our eyes upon the level sunshine round, Than looking back to depths we travel from. ALCESTIS 105 Now I from error to the truth proceed — Each life is one life and each soul one soul And neither intertwined save as fond hands That clasp and unclasp through this fleeting world ; Distinct as stars and yet as one in this — The myst'ry wide as space that doth enfold them. She sees the maidens — music sounds from the ban- quet hall. Go to the feast. 1ST Maiden — We follow you, dear queen, Alc. — You follow me? More truly than you think — Not to the feast but through the winding ways Of Life. (She looks into the banquet hall.) All is not ready yet. The doors Are closed. Then sit with me awhile. How fair You look decked in unscathed fresh womanhood. Lately I've spent but little time with you, My dear companions. I've been troubled much, Deep in my soul. To you I must confess. Then hear me and I will not speak again In this way ; Life will henceforth talk to you. To-morrow you will wed the youths you love And while your love absorbs you, 'twill be well, But afterwards when you are used to love . Then will you look into yourselves and see, Perhaps, ambition and neglected gifts; But he you love is at your side and asks ALCESTIS ifice. What will you do ? You'll make it. What is the soul of woman? Inspiration! Through all her eager senses she would reach The world and all its vital quick rewards, But to Apollo's gifts she must say "no." She would inspire the deed complete and great, But she must send great Hercules away; For there is one that sadly struggling stands And looks to her as we look to the stars. When she has made the sacrifice, behold ! Truth manifests herself in lineaments Of sorrow and of light. The woman sees By truth's clear beam into her own frail heart — Sees sin with virtue there and in the deed — The sacrifice — much selfishness that stains The greatness. Patience, maidens, for a while. How hard it is to tell what one has learned Through the wild pulses of the struggling heart! Forgive me, but I would not have you dream And wake with startled heart and frightened eyes Love is an awful, many-natured power. Not the light force that blushing verses sing. As the sun quickens substance for earth's use. Love stirs the soul for services of Heaven. We live, we love, by chance to one great end — Our world as large as our capacity. Wide as our hopes and narrow as our sins. [The love that narrows is a baneful love; 'Tis sin against the high, eternal self Whose end, whate'er the road, is duty, duty, — ALCESTIS 107 Though earth and Heav'n be swept away, still duty. Hearts die but not thf * Hpgrt'g liigh pn'nn'plp — When discontent upheaves your level peace And narrow bounds compel your view within To feed in sadness on a starving heart Remember this and learn to be content— The mother leads the future by the hand, The present chains the man to transient deeds. Rebel not ; be content with such a crown And stoop to help your comrade in his need. 'Tis woman's mission to defeat despair With hope, the gentle weapon. Men must sing And women ever be the inspiration, And still an inspiration, though there be No singer. She must ever be content To let her graces and her virtues shine Unto themselves if fortune so decrees; Sweet flowers to the waste unfold their bloom ; Sweet birds sing richly to no ear; the sun Departs in glory o'er the desert blind. Better a light in deepest shadow set Than a dull shadow cowering in the light. Fret not that 'tis no hero you have chosen ; Doing is proud, but striving still to do Works in the heart a sweet humility That makes the failure and his uses kind. Doing is finite — struggling infinite. And to the infinite the better part Of human mixture is allied — what's gross In us has limit — but the rest sweeps on, io8 ALCESTIS Disdaining barriers — we nothing hold^ — Reaching 's the rule we live by — what's in hand Serves as a torch to show the thing beyond. Maidens — Who calls? Alc. — You hear it, maidens, you alone — The crystal voice, "Alcestis, oh Alcestis!" Your souls alone have comprehended mine. One \\-ord — the last — seek out the simple truth. That you may reach the worth of all that lives — Thus will j'our lives be just and merciful. Here comes the king. Go! I will follow soon. Maidens go out. Enter Admetus. Adm. — Alcestis, I entreat you to the feast. The children are already at the board. The little master steers from chair to chair, Not light as Ganymede, but rosy-flushed As Bacchus, tumbling now a plate of sweets Or cup of vrinking wine upon the youth He proudly serves, who swings him high in air 'Mid shouts tumultuous. And the mistress sweet, Enwreathed like a baby nymph, coos soft. And beats the table with her round crammed fist. Looking on every side for you — sweet flow'r That branched the closest to your heart and grows So fragrantly and straightly toward my own, Pure as the last high thought we give the gods. ALCESTIS 109 Alc. — Pray that her heart of spotless innocence May never harbor wrong. Adm. — Not more than yours. Alc. — Admetus, you believe my heart unstained? Adm. — As crystal dew that bathes the dusty leaf'' And lifts the flow'r in Summer's heavy air ; If that can stain or breed a pestilence, Then will I say your heart can harbor sin. She kisses him. The god has mercy on us — we are saved ! draught ineffable! the first I drank With love's soft hand in mine, emboldening Desire ; at once the gates of life flung wide And entered me upon a realm of bliss. The flow'rs were twice as fair, and twice as sweet, The air that wantoned 'twixt the bluer sky And greener earth. When you so sadly passed 1 sadly drank again — the gates flung to And in the sightless dark I stood without ; My hand in darkness moved and shadows grasped. And shadows clung unto my moaning heart. I drink again and I behold myself And not myself — yet something I would be — The king, the conqueror, the brave of heart, Recording on the briefly written page Of life, one goodly and undying deed. When like a stranger you returned to me I said, "The vow upon the Styx was fast ; no ALCESTIS Alcestis died for she is changed as death Transformeth life." More truly now I say We both are dead from limits of the flesh And are reborn unto a freer way — A way that leads us to the climbing sky. Alc. (as to herself) — If 'mong our dismal doubts and falt'ring fears Of life and self, one streak of light breaks through, It is enough — we're saved. Adm. {kisses Alcestis' hand) — Come to the feast. They go out arm in arm.