A DRAMA iiiiil CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM .Irs.R.E.miliams r Date Due DEC 24 1952 KIT i -xs^fl^ Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013461599 THE PROMISED LAND A DRAMA THE PROMISED LAND A Drama of a People's Deliverance In Five Acts (In the Elizabethan Style) By EDWARD CARPENTER NEW EDITION WITH ALTERATIONS Isi LONDON SWAN SONNENSCHEIN & CO., LIM. as, HIGH ST., BLOOMSBURY, W.C. 1910 71 upon the whole I conclude with this ; the wisdom of the primitive ages was either great or lucky : great, if they knew what they were doing and invented the figure to shadow the meaning : lucky, if without meaning or in- tending it they fell upon matter which gives occasion to such worthy contemplations .... And what if we find here and there a bit of real history underneath, or some things added only for ornament, or times confounded, or part of one fable transferred to an- other and a new allegory tntroduced ? Such things could not but occur in stories invented {as these were) by men who both lived in different ages and had different ends, some being more modern, some more ancient, — some having in their thoughts natural philosophy, and others civil affairs. (Preface to Bacon's " Wisdom of the Ancients.") PREFACE The publication, after a considerable interval of time, of a second edition of this play — originally printed under the title of Moses — has given me an opportunity to effect some needed alterations. No doubt, if re-writing the whole, I should in many respects handle it differently ; never- theless the general outline and motive would remain the same — ^which is of course to show the Ufe-work of Moses in his effort to deliver his people from their bondage, poUtical and religious, and to make a free and reasonable people of them : to show both his failure in this great undertaking, and his success. Whatever the real facts may be as to the par- tially historical or wholly legendary nature of the characters and events recorded in the Bible story, it may still be said that the elements of the story are true for all time. The superhuman difficulty of persuading a people to rise to or really accept a higher form of religion than that to which they are accustomed; the same difficulty with regard to their poUtical freedom or institutions of morality ; the superstition of the masses, which in these cases credits the leader with miraculous 5 Preface powers and tempts him sorely to trade on such credit, and at the same time forces him to adopt all sorts of compromises and unworthy half -meas- ures ; the ideals of the dreamers, and the banal and materialistic popular interpretation of them ; the jealousies of opponents, the misunderstandings of friends, the meanness of half-hearted sup- porters ; the dissensions of individuals, and their personal ambitions ; — the noble and lifelong devo- tion of a Moses hardening at last into an almost tyrannous determination to carry his purpose through at all costs ; the cowardice and priestly compromise of an Aaron ; the soldierly loyalty of a Joshua ; the generous misunderstanding and sorrowful defection of a Miriam ; the open rebel- lion of a Korah ; the plots and counterplots, the uproar and mutiny ; the wreck of all plans, and the apparent certainty of failure ; and after all and finally (as ever) the long-delayed success of the great enterprise — though in a form other than at first contemplated ; — all this, more or less ex- plicit in the Bible, I have endeavoured to throw into a dramatic and rationalized form. Taking the Bible story for basis, my object has been to give it a realistic interpretation — supplying of course the ordinary explanations of the " miracu- lous " occurrences in the story, and keeping the local colour of the scenes and characters as far as convenient without pedantry. 6 Preface With regard to the last-mentioned point it may be objected that the women in the play are allowed more scope and freedom than is usual in the East ; but a reference to the Bible will show that the women of Israel in the early days probably had a good deal of independence. I think I am right in saying that the wearing of a veil by a woman is only twice alluded to in the Mosaic books, and then apparently as something out of the ordinary course. Biblical subjects have hitherto been excluded from the public theatre — presumably because it was thought that the stage was so far an invention of the Evil One that the Bible would be defiled by any such connexion. Now, however, that the theatre is recognized as one of the most potent means of public education, we may hope that the many fine Bibhcal subjects that exist will no longer be neglected. In case the present play ever should be acted, it is as well to bear in mind that plays on the EUzabethan model, and with a considerable number of scene-changes, should certainly not be elaborately staged. The action should go right through with the least possible delay ; and for this end the simplest scenery is the best. 2)camat(s personse Moses. Aaron' — Brother to Moses : a sleek and crafty priest. HuR — Brother-in-Law to Moses. Joshua — Captain of the Host ; young and enthusiastic. KoRAH — A young man of the Tribe of Levi, wealthy and of good descent. Dathan — A Reubenite, friend to Korah. RiGEL — An easy-going youngish man. Hebron — A Purveyor of Skins. Levite, Israelites, Messengers, etc. Miriam — Sister to Moses, and Wife to Hur. ZiLLAH — Companion to Miriam, and Daughter to Hebron. Scene— THE DESERT OF SINAI. THE PROMISED LAND ACT I. SCENE I. The Israelites' Camp at the foot of Sinai — Early Morning. KoRAH and Joshua. KoR. What, know you not the news ? the news, I say. Josh. What is it ? Speak. KoR. Why, this our leader, Moses, Is married to a Midianitish woman ! Josh. Tush ! man. KoR. 'Tis true. Josh. What witness of the truth ? KoR. The currency of all the camp ; and, more. Her actual and Ethiopian person Here present with her father Jethro — he Priest-captain of all Midian — and two sons. Josh. 'Tis a princess, then ? KoR. {with a shrug) If you will — princess. II The Promised Land Josh. And he — Did his reception rate with this report ? — KoR. Went singly forth in sight of all the camp. Made reverent obeisance, gravely kissed His grey-beard father, cosseted his wife. Fondled the lads, and bade them all fair welcome Unto the tents of Israel. Truly, sir, I marvel much that this is news to you. Josh. Hastily from the fields of war I come, And Amalek's encounter. What my lord Moses deems right to do, I think we'U find There's mostly some good reason for the doing. KoR. Ay, thus you word it always — my lord Moses : Is Moses not a man, then, made to err ? Josh. Out on you, Korah ! Was it yesterday We smote the might of Amalek ? to-day You dare forget his staff held up to heaven, And God prevailing with us while he prayed ? KoR. Nay, Joshua ; yet doth o'er-hasty zeal For this imperious man not make me proof To memory of your prowess, without which Jehovah were, I think, with Amalek. Josh. See, my lords Hur and Aaron. Enter Hur and Aaron. KoR. Welcome, sirs ! 12 Act I. Sc. i. A Drama HuR. Of Amalek ye spake ? KoR. Why now, my lord, I'll speak no longer, since yourselves are here To yield us personal tidings. Josh. Aye, good sirs. Tell us again how Moses won the day. For Korah here would credit all to me. HuR. True, Joshua fought fiercely, but lord Moses Ordered the battle and ordained success. For when the sun rose, Aaron and myself Mounted with him the hill. And Moses stood Where, seeing, he was seen of all our host. Josh. Aye — while we fought there on the dusty plain. We took our cues and tactics from his motions, And when we marked his heaven-pointed hand A mighty passion made our sinews iron. HuR. Ten hours, until the setting of the sun. He stood Uke an enchanter, this way, that. Swaying the tide of battle, as he saw Advantages and openings, or some strength Or weakness of the enemy. And his arm Fell, rose, and fell— with ever-failing force Ever renewed : at last, at droop of night, We set him on a stone and stayed his strength. Waved high both mighty arms, and won the day, 13 The Promised Land Aaron {sleekly.) No less in all, Jehovah's mighty arm : Meseems you merge God in his minister. KoE. Ay, so it is. You say too well, lord Aaron | Methinks we let this man increase his measure Until he hides Jehovah from our eyes. Standing before his face. Josh, {aside) O dastard falsehood! Aaron. And well I know that he, our noble brother. Meekest of all men, would, of all, desire This least — to magnify himself before us. Seeing indeed his one word was to us : Your father's God hath sent me. What am I ? Jehovah is your God. Josh. But evermore Moses his mouthpiece and interpreter. And only intimate ; to whom alone He gave the rod of our deliverance ; Who at his high word knew to plague and spare. To plaster man and beast with boils and blains. To scourge with hailstones and to scorch with fire. To strike, and stiU to stay the sword ; to bruise. And ever to harden while he bruised, until The heart of Pharaoh, brutalized to stone. Could only break beneath the rod of Moses 5 To whom in secret counsel He made plain, 14 Act I. Sc. I. A Drama Where no path was, the way of our escape. And led us to the waters where he wrought The ruin of all Egypt, and our rescue. AARON. You speak, my friend, with honourable warmth. Indeed the way was marvellous : withal. Though 'tis most fitting that the common faith Should so accept these wonders, we perceive It magnifies them also beyond measure. Making mere accidents portentous, and Unknown effects of Nature miracles ; Herein, indeed, doing but scanty justice To his wise forethought, the which we, who know. In all this matter mainly recognize — My lordly brother's ; who, so long ago, A shepherd lad in Midian, laid his plans, Explored these regions, mapped them in his mind. And mcirked each feature of our future march ; Ay, from the mountains where he fed the flocks Oft watched the roaring tide at full o' the moon Make furious onset o'er its long flat sands. And saw, with eye of fancy, the white crests Of Pharaoh's archers founder in the flood. Josh. O my lord Aaron ! say, 'tis popular To magnify these wonders ; can you yet Reduce to common rating these great signs — 15 The Promised Land The flight of Jacob and the fall of EgypW The wall of waters and the pillared fire ? HuR. Yea, saw we not the finger of his power^^ By day a pillared cloud, by night a fire — Point visibly the path of flight for us ? KoR. Nay, this is childish. You know, Joshua, The public voice will call a beacon-crate. High flaring for a sign before the host, God's finger. Be it so. You know full well. Being skilled in war, no myriads on the march O'er endless level sands can otherwise Order their straggling armies, save (as ail The nomad nations of the desert use) By bearing van-ward a high beacon flame. Whose cloudy column leads the day's advance And closes each night's bivouac with fire. Such is God's finger to the people, but To us, who know Josh. To me His finger still. KoR. {with a shrug) Ay, if you will. Josh. O this is traitorous ! A moment since 'twas Moses ye would slight. On plea of higher loyalty to God ; And having merged him in his Master — ^made His honour handmaid to a higher — ^now. When ye should sound the loudest stop of praise, With qualifying buts ye bate your breath, i6 Act I. sc. i. A Drama And in the compass of an if confine The fame of Moses and the Lord Jehovah — A twofold blasphemy. Aaron. That is a word Which argues unripe thought : nay, nay, my friend. Your part is ill composed. Yet I, who now Am no more young, can prize your haughty zeal More than the carriage of my dignity Chafes at your speech, alike injurious To me and Korah. I have learnt, that truth Is ever best, and ever in the end Of most advantage unto those we honour. And I, who always in my own heart's shrine Have worshipped my more highly-favoured brother And Him he serves, do now so honour them, I would not for the rumour of the world Let the least falsehood seem a part of them. Or any untrue seeming make them more Than truth doth manifest them. KoR. If my lord WiU give me licence — as a crystal cup Unto the wine whose favour it forestalls. His words are to my thought. Aaron. Nor, Joshua, Do I conceive ill-will or any thought, In this, of ill against you, whose high skiU 17 B The Promised Land And courage in the conduct of our arms Are matters of public mark, making our eyes. In envy of your valour, overlook — What should increase their worship sevenfold — The youthful slightness of your years. Josh. My lord. And you too, Korah, whose old comradeship Gives my tongue too much licence, let me crave Your gentle pardon. And I pray you charge These hasty words to no more harmful whim Than the o'er-sudden instinct of my nature. Your servant is as one of these dry torrents That, strewing all the waste with stones, sustains Scarcely a scanty verdure. In the spring The impetuous waters, plunging with a roar Of loud assurance, malte the silence leap ; But ere the summer there is hardly found Enough to fUl the hollow of one's hand. You, my lord Aaron, with more affluence And less excess, are like the kindly Nile, Which, with smooth movement and a gracious mien. Rises and falls to meet the wants of men. Fails never in lip-service, and in season Fills all the land with its fertility — I should have known this sooner. Aaron. Sir, you do Me more than justice, and your own worth less. l8 Act I. Sc. i. A Drama Yet since, my friends, we all are one again, Leave we the appraisal of our qualities To common estimation : 'tis enough, To be, and to remain, friends. Know you now That shortly — ere the fierce meridian glare, Making these bare rocks flicker like a furnace. Leaves shade and shelter only in our tents — Moses, my lordly brother, solemnly Calls a convention of the camp of Jacob, Wherein he minds to make us witnesses Of his high purpose and Jehovah's will ? Come, let us hence : the javehn-shafted sun Strikes sidelong even now the mountain stairs Of yellow Sinai. Come, Korah ! Lords, Farewell ! [Sunrise. Josh. Farewell, my lord, till at the mountain foot We meet again. [Exeuni Aaron and Korah. I too must to the tent Of Moses with all speed. Farewell, my lord ! HuR. Farewell. Josh. Clouds gather on the mountain • ere midday We shall have stormy music. [Exit. HuR. So I fear. Aaron has evil in his heart, I know. Else why these wily airs and easy words, This arm-in-arm with Korah ? But he slights The highest Name too, and that is enough. [Exit. 19 The Promised Land SCENE 2. Before the Tent of Miriam. Miriam and Zillah. Mir. This air is life. Here, Zillah, I can breathe Freely. For here is freedom. See, these peaks, Like mighty waters thronging heavenward, Caught voiceless in the act of utterance To marble and eternal adoration. See how they stand, and Uft their stony arms Together in the sun ; no tree, no herb, Scarcely a shrub upon their cloven sides. So 'tis most fit, I find. God's presence is Too bright, too blinding for the growths of earth J God scorch all sin so from our souls, I say. In his own temple-stillness. ZiL Oh ! my friend, The silence of these desert lands subdues And wastes my soul with terror. For indeed 'Tis something more than earthly. I have known A baby's prattle seem o'er loud and startling In this ill-omened stillness ; and they say That, two miles from the camp, a man must die Starved out of life at the ears. The people, too. Murmur unceasingly — and so not well. Yet 'tis a strange land for a nation's lodge : The cattle die here, and the sheep fare hard j 20 Act I. Sc. 2. A Drama Even the goats give only half their milk. Water is scant, and very bitter too ; Those who know best, and have explored the land. Say this one vaUey — ^whose whole crop of verdure Is not one fat Nile-field's worth — is the greenest In all the desert, and the desert vast. What think you, lady Miriam, shall we die. And leave our graves, white in the wilderness, A laughing-stock for ever unto Egypt ? Mir. What matter ? They do murmur well who love The fleshpots more than freedom — a mouthful more Than brother, lover, husband, child, or wife. Let them go crouch and cringe at Egypt's feet ; I am content with somewhat more than that. ZiL. Yet you, dear lady, suffer, as I think : This hard and scanty fare is not for you, Ere little a princess in Egypt's lap. Mir. How a princess ? ZiL. Methinks, where my lord Moses Was high priest in the City of the Sun A counsellor of Pharaohs, and a king In occult science, his accompUshed sister Were Uttle lower than princess. Yet she Has chosen exile with a horde of slaves. 21 The Promised Land Mir. Slaves, Zillah ? there's no slavery is worse Than this — ^to witness wrong and not to right it. What ? think you damask couches, silken veils. Or peacock-fans could fly away the thoughts Which stung sleep from my eyelids when I saw Jacob in bondage and his children chained ? My father's children choking in the fields. The blind sun beating on their backs — a scourge More fatal than their masters' — and their faces Ground in the dust beneath the heel of Egypt ? But God gave ear unto their cry, and came In thunder from the mountains. In that day He blew a blast as one who trumpets war ; And Egypt was afraid ; all her gods fled ; He whirled them in the whirlwind of his wrath, And slew them from the blackness of his face ; He plagued their wise with worms. So He arose And led us forth like sheep : he dried the flood Before us with his feet. Then he returned And troubled Pharaoh in the fearful sea. Ah, dear friend, we shall live now and not die. This stillness is the stillness that doth wait On all great action : having struck, we stand Alone, in awful silence with ourselves And One who sees us. When the past is past. Then forward ; the new life lies on before. ZiL. Know you the news ? Mir. What news ? 23 Act I. Sc. 2. A Drama ZiL. Why, none, I think. For this arrival is a young report Of one day's currency and Uttle credit. Mir. You speak of Zipporah. ZiL. They named her thus. Mir. Enough. The idle rumour of the camp, Whilst marring matters of the greatest moment. Makes mountains of a mouse ; it miscreates. Then mocks its own creation. Leave it aside. The timely aid of Jethro Shall much advantage Moses, without doubt ; And this renewal of ancient amity EnUven his good courage. For, I fear. The craven murmuring of the false crowd Hath much dejected him, and made seem far The furtherance of his high enterprise. I must within. The sun breaks even now Over the East, and all the camp's astir Toward the mountain foot. O fortunate Be the dark issue of this day's debate ! [Exit. ZiL. I dwell alone, As many do, with my own heart's desire ; Yet dare not look upon it lest it die. So slenderly 'tis fashioned. Do I thank The gods because of Amalek ? No, no ! 'Tis news to numb and freeze me. If he were Not, as he is, the centre of all eyes — 23 The Promised Land But, even so, unglorified in this. Discomfited, forsaken, I were flushed And full of sudden courage and sweet aims. For then I could befriend him, and be sure My services were grateful. Now, alas ! I see it all too clearly : he wiU turn. Give me a kindly nod, once, twice ; and then Let the great heap of honom- thrust upon him Hide my remembrance utterly. Away ! Prosperity is ne'er in place with love. Enter Joshua. But see ! He comes ! Josh, {aside, seeing Z.) Now Moses may and must Wcdt. {To ZiLLAH) What, my child ? ZiL. Are you amazed, my lord, to see me ? Josh. Nay. And yet, for once, you were not in my thoughts. ZiL. {vexed) Indeed, how should I be ? there's much, I warrant. To thrust my likeness from them. Josh. Oftentimes You come before me : in the thick of battle. In camp, in council, and between these eyes And the importunate men who din my ears : And oft I think, so suddenly you come. Yourself have knowledge of it. Is it so ? 24 Act I. Sc. 2. A Drama ZiL. Of to and fro indeed I have no knowledge : To come upon occasions is to be Absent the most part. Josh. You speak, fair maiden, in strange meta- phors. Enigmas dark ; will you not grant some word Of clearer favour. ZiL. {vexed with herself) 'Tis my foolishness To have no tongue. Josh, {a bit sarcastic) And yet that were, in you, Straight against nature and all former use. ZiL. Oh, I have had my speech and lost it too ) And so again, you gone, doubtless I'll find Glib phrasing for a thousand follies. Josh, (aside) Nay, What an imperious proudset girl it is ! 'Twere best not yield too tamely. {To Zillah) Oh ! I see I've weighed upon your leisure, and I pray Your pardon : let me leave you. ZiL. What, so quick ? This is but hasty courtesy, my lord. Josh. Some urgent matters move me. ZiL. . Ah ! of course j My lord is full of urgencies, I know, 25 The Promised Land And weighty cares of state, which leave no time For lesser interests. Josh. 'Tis very true Just now I'm charged with somewhat pressing matter. Which hardly brooks delay. ' ZiL. (huffe^ Pray, do not tarry. .If so you would be gone, go lightly, sir, I'U ask no reasons, only pray godspeed. Josh. So be it, little lady imperious. And harder to o'ercome than Amalek ; May we meet soon again — ^with better grace And more of understanding. [Exit, with an obeisance. ZiL. Lady imperious ! He mocks me, and he wearies of me now. This haste, I trow, and urgent business, Are but a pretext — thinly so disguised — To excuse him from my presence. [Exit and curtain. SCENE 3. Within the Tent of Moses. Moses and Jethro. Jeth. This is a thing, my lord, Of general acceptance. Take my word, 26 Act I. sc. 3. A Drama And since I am your father, both in years And dear regard of close relationship, Ponder it well. Nor is it only this. That each day's work (for I have watched you, even From dawn to dusk, with most unwearied tact Judge this litigious people — even until Merely the act of audience was oppressive) — Not only that such labour doth exceed The entire extent of one ability ; But that 'tis politic withal — I say 'Tis poUtic to delegate some power. If in appearance only. Therefore choose Men from the multitude, upright and true. Men loving justice more than gold. God-fearing Rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, tens. To stand before the people in your stead. Let them judge minor matters, small affrays. Markings of cattle, rights of pasture, water. Abuse of manners, marriage; and do you The greater judge ; yet no less in the less Ever reserve supreme authority. So shall my lord be no less only Moses, Only that Moses shall be multiplied To thousandfold effect. For now, mark this. My lord has made a nation out of nought. And it becomes him, having rescued it From captive chains, to clothe its nakedness With law and office, and the badge of order. 27 The Promised Land Therein not thinking scorn to imitate What we have learnt, who in this desert-life Have had some fruit of long experience. Such as I told you is the tried tradition Of all the tribes of Midian. Follow it, For there is danger in the course you favour. Headstrong and sturdy is this people, proud And powerful, and very hard to govern ; A horse with heaving flanks, nostrU aflame. And neck all muscle, marrow enough to take Water and fire for whomsoe'er it will ; But hard to curb. Sit but this people lightly, Let it but fancy self its proper lord. Your ofiicers its own affections, Your law its impulse, and each act the whim Of its each wajnvard moment. Well : then well. But let — so mark me — ^let Xhe saddle chafe, the spur once gall its flank, Let it once seize the bit between its teeth. Once catch a glimpse of you astride its back, All will be lost. Beware, I say, beware ! There wiU be heard a cry : Who is this man ? Who is this feUow ? Who appointed him Prince and judge over us ? Beware, I say, Beware ! you take too much upon you, Moses. I^OSES. My good and worthy father, what you say I will bethink me of. Your precepts are, 28 Act I. Sc. 3. A Drama Be sure, no target of contempt, but stuff For deepest thought. Too well, alas ! I know The doubts and dangers of this enterprise. The camp, even now, is fuU of chill distrust 5 The pubUc heart harks back to Egypt, eyes My each act jealously. I know it well. Yet shall I — I, who in all this, first and last, Have never had one choice my own which was not Israel's good, nor one thought willingly Not of the Eternal's willing — shall I, too, Take coward counsel, and, lest I should suffer. Slacken the reins a Uttle — even a little — Or shp the envious loops on other fingers ? Yet I win ponder this. And though my lord Will now be taking leave, yet hopefully Through oft-renewed occasion shall his servant StiU reap advantage of his riper age And well-matur6d wisdom. Jeth. AU will be well, my son ; and be assured You shall have friend's reception from our tribes. And when ye seek the land of promise, as far As with us lies, Midian shall give godspeed. Meanwhile, not without tears, I recommend Zipporah to your tender heart of care. That she should leave us was inevitable. Yet in her nearness did we oft annul The future's reckoning, and for sight of joy 29 The Promised Land Forget the sum of sorrow. Fare you well ! She is yours henceforward. Use her tenderly. Moses. My gentle father, be assured of it ; My wife and children shall not want respect Or warmth of welcome. Neither shall your child And her two striplings. We'll have public honours. So many seasons of constrained divorce Will make our union second nuptials. Jeth. And I will send you from my camp in Midian A brief and pithy digest of our laws, Done into parchment. This with those of Egypt You shall do well comparing, so to note What various uses mostly separate Landed from nomad races, and select What may commend itself to your approval. Farewell ! but first I'll see my Zipporah, Take sad leave of her, then of you farewell. Moses. I will go with you : let us to her tent. [Exeunt. SCENE 4. An open space at the foot of Mount Sinai, the lower part of which is a steep cliff with a few hillocks at its hose. RiGEL and an Israelite. Crowd gradually assembles. ISK. What, sir, you would make bricks in Egypt ? 30 Act I. Sc. 4. A Drama Rig. Indeed, sir, I would, rather than this. Go to ! is it not better to make bricks than to be set out for the baking. The very rocks are red here, like a furnace, and the ground swelters fire. The sun stands overhead in the dry heaven, and in the midmost silence of the day no sound is heard save the cry of the parched crags as they split beneath his fury. If we want water, we must not drink lest the flocks die of thirst ; and if we desire meat, we must beware of eating lest we all perish of starvation. To remain here is to prepare famine ; and to move on is to fall into the hands of our starving neighbours. There's not a man among them but knows us fat from the fleshpots of Egypt, and I doubt we shall be a prey to many such jackals. ISR. Truly, sir, you take a gloomy view of affairs. Rig. I do. IsR. Methinks that liberty alone is a great dispen- sation. It is the greatest gift the gods can give to men. Rig. This is but liberty to die; and man has always that. ISR. Moreover, have we not seen and heard ? Can we now doubt that the God of our fathers, of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has bethought 31 The Promised Land him of his ancient promises, and besped him on wings of deliverance from the mountains. Rig. Sir, you have a sanguine temper. For my- self, I doubt and misdoubt, even against myself. That Moses should bring with him a new God, and call his name Jehovah, is but reasonable. Who leads a people cannot well do less. Yet, mark you, our fathers were plain men, yet did they never tell us of Jehovah. Why ? — because they knew him not. ISE. 'Tis likely he hath changed his name since they first came to Egypt. Rig. It may be so. A silence of four centuries leaves much for speculation. ISR. Who, then, was He who with a high hand led us forth from Egypt, made a way through the waters and fed us with manna and with quails ? Ay, and will feed us again, to the everlasting dismay of Egypt's gods. Rig. Call him Jehovah, if you will. But why put our good father Abraham in pledge for such a sorry God ? ISR. A sorry God ! Rig. Indeed, I think the gods of Egypt every whit as proper and wholesome. What has he to com- mend him ? This Red Sea, you wiD say, and 32 Act I. sc. 4. A Drama our deliverance from bondage. But what is the end of our deliverance ? — a. dry and choking desert : not a strike of flax, not a beard of barley. No water, fish, fowl, fruitage, herb, or root. No hares among the corn, no palms to give pleasant shade, no wild vines for the ass to browse, no ass even. Only h57ssop and lentisk, to make brooms withal. Go to ! the gods of Egypt can at least make water ! ISE. Do you not tremble, sir, to use such blas- phemies ? Rig. Moreover, mark this. Here is a God with- out temples or priests. Belike Osiris has sent a departed soul into this company ; but if we neither see it, nor know it, nor receive any effect from it, what is it to us ? If this Jehovah were to strike me dead, now, that were something generous and substantial, and I might be con- verted in the act, and so become a willing wit- ness to my own unbelief. But he will not. There was a persuasion, too, in the mysteries of Egypt,, even to the multitude. The sky-point- ing columns of the porch, the fierce light on the huge lintel-stones, and then the gloom and silence of the Holy Place, the mystic scrollwork, and the unapproachable awe of the Holy of Holies, the glimmer of the lamp, and the watch- 33 C The Promised Land ful eye of the sacred hawk. It is a sorry god that has no temple. ISE. Who knows but our leader, Moses, may frame us one ? I marvel, sir, if you are so enamoured of the brick-fields by the Nile, that you should have cast in lots with us who were otherwise minded. It is ill-conditioned of you, in respect both of manners and prudence, to withdraw yourself from the protection of Egypt's gods in order to place your impertinent carcass in the territory of One whom you weary not to blas- pheme. Rig. Indeed, I grant you. But, for me, I cannot square myself to any argument ; I break faith with my clearest convictions. You argue well : I should be in Egypt ; but I am here. There is something more than argument in that ; but I will not teU you what. Lo ! our Moses. Let us hear what he wiU say. IsR. Ay, let us hear him. Enter Moses and Joshua. Moses takes his stand on a rising ground. Josh. Israel, keep silence ! for the lord And shepherd of your loves will speak with you. Moses. O men of Israel ! I come before you — ■ Because the way is long, and the life hard — 34 Act I. sc. 4. A Drama To give you, if you will, such heartening words As I may devise or God declare by me. Voices. Speak ! speak. Lord Moses. Moses. God is but one. He whom your fathers worshipped Is, and still is, for ever. Holy place Nor temple holds him wholly, for he dwells Within men's hearts, and they who worship him, In all worlds, are his- temple. Merciful And gracious is he, and long-suffering Of sinful men, albeit, who are guilty Will he by no means clear. He is arisen. He o'er your foes hath gloriously triumphed, And borne you forth on eagles' wings from Egypt. And now, behold ! To you he saith, " Arise, Come nigh and look upon my face and know me. The desert, too, is mine ; and I am near you. Even when the wells are dry. Look up, look up Unto this mountain ! make you clean ! for I, Jehovah, the Eternal, do adjure you. Remember Egypt and her gods no more. Her idols and her bloody offerings. Her priesthood and her perjuries. Here, turn — Here, in the stillness of my presence, turn you. Turn you to Me, my heart shall be your home ; And I will make of you a holy people, A realm of priests. Nor shall ye need a temple ; For like a silken tent is heaven suspended 35 The Promised Land upon the eternal columns of the hills. And ye do dwell before- me now and alwajrs." IsR. What, mark you that ? A kingdom of priests! We shall all be priests, and wear jewelled gar- ments. Rig. Hark! Moses. These are the words of God. Hear, Israel, Hear and obey ! Go, make you clean. Remem- ber Eg3T)t no more. Go, make an end of moaning. What, O faint hearts and fearful ! would ye back To break your shoulders to the bricks again. Like very beasts of burden ? Go, I say. Turn ye, repent, lest He break forth upon you. Consume you from his presence in his wrath. What, saw ye not, and heard not ? think ye now The Eternal One, by many signs and wonders. Hath led you forth with mischief for to kiU you ? Behold, now, I do stand 'twixt him and you j Slay me, if so ye will ; but and if not, Whate'er is in your hearts to ask of him Lay before me. His words are in my ears By day and night continually for ever. — And ye shall live. What ? when ye were athirst, Struck we not water straightway from the hard Heart of the rocks ? and when ye were an hun- gered, 36 Act I. sc. 4. A Drama Brought He not bread and quails at our com- mand ? Voice. Why shuts he now his hand, then ? Moses. speak, For if we starve, our blood is on thy head. Moses. Look up, O Israel ! Behold the cloud. As of our wanderings, rests solemnly Upon the mountain summit ; and his glory The ancient light of all creation. Glows through it. Thither now will I withdraw To secret commune with him. Open then, Open me, Israel, your hearts, that I Maybearyour burdens and your joys before him. [Pause. What, will ye be silent ? 2ND Voice. We do repent, lord Moses ; plead thou for us. 1ST VOICE. Yet, if we starve, our blood be on thy head ! Moses {somewhat bitterly). God dwells beyond your dreaming, all of you. Yet will he save you, even by my hand. Farewell ! And forty days from hence we'll hold A solemn feast. Till then, abide ye all In holy brotherhood, that God may bless you. [Exii, mownting the rocks, accompanied by Aaron and, Joshua. 37 The Promised Land Rig. Mark that, my friend. I wish you joy of your new religion ! Will you note how this man continually removes from us all evidence of the God ? There is no image of him, — ^but the jagged rocks ; no sign, — but silence ; and his holy temple — ^is the common sky. We look, and look j and stiU see only Moses. For this Jehovah is as arid as the wilderness in which he dwells ; and I, for one, do question his very being. ISR. This speech of Moses hath somewhat turned the edge of my appetite. Yet some god must needs dwell in this land. Rig. Indeed, I cannot tell. Belike it is a waste place, generally rejected of deities ; stubborn and incapable of improvement ; a refuse-heap, and a place for the clapping of dusty shoes. And Moses hath brought us here to make him- self as a god over us. Enter Korah and Dathan. KoR. Well, you are mine now. Heard you e'er the like ? Such " I's " and " we's," such starch " at our commands," Such threats, withal ; I tell you, Dathan, he Hath one mind in him : he will be our king — And he shall not. 18 Act I. Sc. 4. A Drama Dath. Not if two wills avail 'Gainst one, when that one's Moses'. KoR. Two ? doubt not We are but samples of the common mind. All men are with us, if they did but know it. Yet, since the matter's delicate, we must Move slow at first, and seem less than we are. The beast must learn its rider can be thrown Ere it wQl throw him. Therefore 'tis for us To lift the harness, and adroitly show The mob its sores, with one hand, with the other Crook finger at the cause of suffering. See, Aciron comes ; he quitted me but now In conduct of his brother, promising Speedy return. He, if we can but hold His over-supple heart, will serve us well. Enter Aaron, from the mountain. Welcome, my lord ! Is it well with my lord Your brother Moses ? Aaron. Alas ! he is somewhat Pqected at the cold reception His ardent words encountered. KoR. Pitiful, Doubtless, it was ; and yet in some regards — In some regards, I say, 'twas imminent. If I might venture words, there was a lack Of qualifying judgment in his speech. 39 The Promised Land He stoops not to the public ear, and that Is the prime offence of all. Aaron. Too true, my lord. But who have you here ? KoR. A friend, my lord, a friend. My trusty friend, Dathan. Aaron. What made you, Master Dathan, of this speech ? Dath. By'r leave, my lord, I fear it wrought col- lapse Upon the pubhc mind ; as when we thought Bread rained from heaven, and found it only manna. Aaron. Most true. My brother's lofty mind out- soars The people's love — his own expediency. He should have spoke, with fluent lips, of lands Of golden promise, running milk and honey j So painted them that flushed expectancy. Perforce forgetting Egypt and the past. Had ta'en these present ills for gain. Mean- while, He might, with proper circumstance of pomp — A temple and some solemn offices — Have made Jehovah seem less far from us Than now. But, though I ever moot these things, 40 Act I. sc. 5. A Drama He ever, with some lofty hand of scorn. Waves them — and, as I fear, the people's love — Away, as most unworthy of regard. KoR. This mind, I fear, may take some evil cast. And so work ruin in our commonwealth. Aaron. It may ; thereby EntaiUng grievous divorce of our loves. KoR. Our duty lies the way of common weal, Aaron. Doubtless. But we will talk this farther, and at leisure. Come, my lord Korah, and my friend, come hence. [Exeunt. Rig. (to Isr.) Well, you will with me now. Away, the place is once more a desert. [Exeunt. SCENE 5. Interior of a Booth, hung with furs and skins. ZiLLAH. Enter Hebron. Heb. What, thou here, little one ? I warrant now Some mischief's in thee, or thou hadst not come, ZiL. I am my father's daughter, and I come Compact of filial duty ; doubting not Thou hadst, this lonely while, begot thyself Into some scrape by thy queer, crabbed ways, And wert in need of womanly reUef. 41 The Promised Land Heb. Well, well. I have no patience with these women ! But come, thou ever hadst some easy knack Of numbers : get thee now my pen and run These items into one; and let the sum Be larger than I hope. For since we pitched Camp in this scrub this is my all of gain. ZiL. {taking the pen) Alack-a-day, alack-a-day I Love sUpt out upon the way; No one wist it. No one missed it : Ah, alas ! alack-a-day I Heb. What's that thou art singing about, " Slipt out on the way ? " ZiL. Indeed, I know not, father. 'Tis an old song, belike of one who had a money-bag, and the money was lost. Heb. Have a care, now, with those figures. (To himself) The nights grow colder at this season ; there will be a push for skins, and I will yet square out the past losses. ZiL. Why art thou so careful o'er thy moneys, father ? Who knows whether in this ^affliras desert we shall ever be able to^end fhem ? Heb. Confusion ! WTiat is that to thee, minx ? 42 Act I. Sc. 6. A Drama Hast done ? Come, take this tablet to our old Haggi, the money-lender, and be back in the period of a sigh ; and see that thou look neither to the right hand nor to the left. [Exit ZiLLAH.] Well, it's a good girl. [Exit. SCENE 6, An open space before Mount Sinai, same as scene 4. Enter Zillah (L) with veil over lower part of face. ZiL. This way, I have no mind to look about me. What ? [Looks down. Enter Rigel (R.). Rig. Why starts my pretty mistress, as I were An ugly ferret darting o'er her foot ? So veiled too ! I were hardly sure of her, But that a Hue is hint enough to love. ZiL. I pray you let me pass, sir ! Rig. If you will. I wiU do only what you will. Yet hear me. Tarry a moment; as I love you, tarry, And give me any audience; if you will. Command me any errand ; let me speed This tablet for you to the end o' the wcaM. Best set me to some danger — ^what you will : The sombre lightnings of those eyes, that pierce 43 The Promised Land And over-peer the whiteness of your veil. Frown me to daring madness. ZiL. You will best Please me, sir, by your absence. Rig. There's no daring In that. Put me to some moon-melting task ; Give me to fight the dragon in the sky, That eats the red-hot fury of the sun And pastmres in eclipses, and I'll do it To prove my love ; give me to tame the sea. Or bring alive her two blind puppies from The lioness's dugs, and I will do it To touch thy heart of iron ; give me ZiL. I give you quit, sir ; as you love me, let Me hear no more ; see, now I do beseech you Who might command.- Rig. {inclining his head) And I, who might contemn, Yield questionless obedience. For the nonce, Farewell ! Yet grant me favour in your thoughts, For I shall not forget you. ZiL. Farewell, sir ! [Exit. Rig. The old story : as it was before the Pyramids were proportioned, is now, and will be when the children of Jacob are forgotten from the face of 44 Act I. sc. 6. A Drama the earth. Indeed, she fools me with those eyes of hers. But for them, I shoTild now be a hundred leagues from here, in pleasurable Egypt. But for them, my lips had found for her ears a host of flattering arguments ; and my hands, perchance, the hardihood to urge them. And that long ago. But now I gape and stare, stand stockish stni, and hang my tongue Uke a calf in the sun, and wiU no will but hers. But, mad- ness ! I must win her, and I will. \Takes a seat. Enter Korah and Aaron. KoR. Indeed, my lord, 't has ever most surprised me To see your pliant bending to his wiU, And admirable patience. Thus to play The second part — to bear the brunt of battle And share no glory — ^is ungrateful work. [Clamour within. What's this ? — a sound of riot ! Enter Rioters, followed by Dathan and others. 1ST Rioter. Where's Moses ? We will have Moses. We win have bread ! KOR. How now, my men ? Where's Moses ? why, ye know Moses has gone, these many days are past. Upon the mountain. \Pointing up. 45 The Promised Land 1ST Rioter. Shame upon him, then, To leave us here to perish ! we'll have bread. We win have bread ! 2ND Rioter. Some one speak to us, ho I Tell us we shall not perish — ^you, lord Korah. KoR. I ? what am I ? I have no power among you. When gave ye me gage of authority ? Moses, he is your captain Dath. And has led KoR. You to this pass ; ask him. Voices. We find him not. KoR. Then here is Aaron ; he is Moses' brother. And knows far more than I or any one ; Hear him and follow him. He is your prince I (Aside) Here is a pretty fry ! 2ND Rioter. Ho, Aaron ! our lord Aaron ! Ho, give ear ! Ho ! he has bread, and will speak to us ; ho ! Voices. Aaron, lord Aaron ! Quick, to the moun- tain foot ! Rig. Now if this Aaron finds a way to talk These clamorous skins full, a sleek tongue hath he. 46 Act I. sc. 6. A Drama KoR. 'Tis well said, sir. [Aaron and Korah are JmrrieS, by the crowd to a rising ground at the mountain foot. Aaron. What shall I do, Korah ? . . . What shall I say, Korah ? KoR. Speak, my lord, speak 1 gain something by delay. Divert their rage with words, humour their whim With talk of Egypt ; Moses may — ^who knows ? — Be lost upon the mountain ; then this stroke Will make the people yours. Voices. Ho ! Aaron, speak ! KoR. Speak ! all is well. \The people gather round. Aaron. My friends, ye have me here At no small disadvantage; for indeed Your very intent is new to me, and I Stand here before you without furniture Of any meditation or smooth gift Of easy words to make rough matters plain. Yet, if ye will have patience of my speech Voices. Speak on, lord Aaron — ^thy mind shall be ours. Aaron. I will make shift to show you how I think This matter stands. My lord and brother, Moses, 47 The Promised Land Having ever in his heart your highest welfare,^ Brought you into this desert. He hath seen — For twice hath he reheved it — ^your sad state Of eloquent starvation ; not less sad Because long custom makes it seem less strange. And now in this last worst extremity Hath he — for did he not so advertise you — Withdrawn into this mountain, doubtless there To lay your wants before the Lord Jehovah. 1ST Rioter. Wherefore then tarries he ? We perish. Voice. Why, If he would deUver, doth he now delay ? Aaron. There, then, ye ask me what I cannot answer. In this I am as one of you : I know Nothing ; and can but with uncertain tact Put forth a timid peradventure. For I see — as ye see — on the mountain summits The fierce forked-Ughtning fly and flicker, I hear The giant cry and quaver of the thunder ; And know that some of you will say. The voice of God ! Mark, now He speaks with Moses ! But we — we wait, and weary grow of waiting ; No sign comes to us, no voice of salvation, But silence and the sign of famine. What If some dread mishap hath befallen him ? 48 Act I. Sc. 6. A Drama Or, darker still — I tremble — doth he wait Winning no help from Heaven for our state ? Dath. Up, up, my friends ! we will tarry no longer. And you, lord Aaron, up, make us gods which shall go before us ; for as for this Moses — the man that brought us up out of the land of Egj^t — ^we wot not what is become of him. Voices. Ay, make us gods that will go. Aaron. Well, then, I will speak openly with you. Ye pipe like children that have lost their dams. And whine for bread, which neither I nor Moses — As ye well know — can give you. What ? The blame Lies not in us, nor in this land : remember. In Egypt many famines did befaU you Far worse than this, whose mere comparison Makes this a nothing, a convenient fast, A mourning for a cat, no more. 1ST Rioter. , Ah ! there. In Eg3^t, we could call on Apis ; cry. And have a hearing. Aaron. What, then, hinders now To sue the homM god ; why, he, I think — Since he informeth all fertility — Is wroth at your denial, and perchance Plagues you with droughts and fierce teeth- whitening famine 49 » The Promised Land Because his altar unadorned remains Of flower, or song, or due of sacrifice. KOR. O noble Aaron ! Voices. O Apis, hear us ! hear us and forgive ] 1ST Rioter. Now, O lord Aaron, make us for om need An altar for our worship. Aaron. Why, then, break Your earrings from your ears, man, woman, and chUd. Gold, pure gold shall it be — a golden bull To blaze in the morning sun ; and when ye see it. Fall down and worship : It shall be your god. Dath. Lord Aaron, live for ever ! Aaron. And doubtless he will hear you, and will turn This desert to a garden, and the ground Shall gush with water, and your god shall go Before your faces : ye shall sit you down To eat and drink, and shall rise up to play. KoR. most, most noble Aaron ! [The people pluck off their ornaments and cast them at the feet of Aaron. 'Varon. To-morrow, then, we'll meet. That is the day Moses appointed for the feast. Away ! \They disperse. Curtain. 50 ACT II SCENE I. Moses alone on Mount Sinai — two graven tables beside him — Thunderstorm. Moses. See, here is peace a moment from this people. how the thunder leaps from cloud to cloud, Peals high like trumpets in the loft of heaven. And then roars downwards, as though God him- self Strode on the whirlwind ! And, indeed, he does. For since the hour when in this very land. At Horeb, I set ej^es on the mimosa Flaming in golden bloom beneath the blue — God's gift of perfect glory to -the world— 1 doff the sandals of all thought, and deem The whole earth sacred. O ye priests of Egypt, Fair thanks to you, and yet farewell for ever ! Keep high and vmprofaned your holy selves . Let sanctity secure you from all use Or human love heiice even to the end. Be wise; and scornful of the herd. Be wiSe— 51 The Promised Land Be gods in your own eyes ; yet know that God Laughs at your wisdom. Ay, who gave you grace To teach the mass a lie ? — ^with mummy-cloths Of priestly fiction muffle up the truth, Which He made living and which ye make dead ? Surely not she ye worship as the Soul — Isis, the ever-virgin source of life. The I am that I am of Nature, one. Eternal, infinite, equal-free to all ! Who will be heard of all her children, as To-day in thunder-accents of this people — Which trembles, stammering, " The voice of God ! " And stays to touch the mountain lest it die. Yea, in the day I saw the tree made flame In that eternal Presence which has been Our dwelling in all ages, the / am Before the mountains were brought forth, or e'er The earth and world were fashioned : in that hour The glory of the priesthood of all Egypt Vanished in visions of a realm of priests — A kingdom of high priests, a holy nation, God dweUing with them in their midst, confessed And feared of all ahke. Shall this not be— A people walking openly on earth. With understanding, not as beasts that die, 52 Act II. sc. i. A Drama But loosed from servile chains and tyranny. And drawing noble conscience from Within, And equal freedom ... A people wise and free. With self-appointed laws ; and of&cers Who urge the common welfare, and command Only in virtue of the pubUc ends They favour, not their own. A people strong In battle or in stress of evil fortune Because indeed their hearts are undivided In mutual duty. Such at least the dream God spread before me day and night and day, Watching the flocks in Midian ; yea, and now, Though hard the way and wearisome, I hear The thunder and am glad : the thwarted sense Leaps at his voice of power, and hears it rina All down the ages to triumphal ends. Rejoicing with a more than mortal joy. So let it be. The dream, if false, is mine. And made but for a moment ; true ? 'tis His To last for ever, till this one green vale Become the cradle of another world. Hard is the way, and stubborn are their hearts ; I speak and know not if they hear me ; heaven Opens above them, but they bow to earth. They run, hke children, after rotten chaff. Idols and empty shows ; yet shall I turn And teach a lie, too — for they will it so ? Give priests, temples, and mysteries, to make 53 The Promised Land All other men and places seem profane. And hide the Holy One — go back to Eg3T)t ? When He yearns inward to their hearts, shall I Say, " First prepare a solemn sacrifice ? " Ah, lonely must his life be who would lead And will not lie. And since the truth is here — Where God makes felt his presence — ^here, with him [placing his hand on the tables. Have I made laws for all time, of the truths Men cannot live without, but are as beasts. Each hating each — of duties that men owe To God and man ; their number, ten ; and on Two tables have I graved them, for to be Foimdation-stones of human love for ever. And if he wills it, I will arise and lead This people lifeward. If he wills it not, What am I ? What, but his will ? Evermore His hand, to work his will Only and absolutely to the end. So that, whate'er the life, pasturing flocks Or nations, I may trace therein his mind Writ in my work before me, and thereon Gazing may ever dwell with him, in peace. Yea, in thy thunder grant me strength, O God, To have this peace, and hold it for my own Against their daily striving— .to be strong To bear their weakness. Thou, who in cloud and fire 54 Act II. sc. i, A Drama Hast ever dwelt, I pray thee hide me now Deep in thy mountain clefts, a moment's space From aU eartb-weariness, alone with thee : To live beyond to-day, far in the years That Thou discemest down the vale of time — Thy will, encircUng mine, which I may touch And comprehend some part of, and so Uve — Thy WiU, which, when I pass, shall be thy Will To other worlds, and ages unexplored. Josh (entering). Pardon, my lord, if I should dis- compose you. Intruding thus abruptly, but it seems There is some turmoil in the camp below. Moses. What say you, Joshua ? the people strive ? Josh. My lord, you will do well being present ; for Some evil imp is in them. Ere I left Our confines there was heard a hue and cry — A tbis-way-that mad clattering of quick feet And murmurous contagion ; then there came A stream of open-mouthed sedition past me, A pack of yapping curs, crying, " Where is Moses ? Where's Moses ? Give us bread. We perish, Moses ! " Moses. Coward creatures ! Is there, then, so dean a dearth ? 55 The Promised Land Josh. Why, no, my lord : I ween there's less of want In this than leading of rebelHon, Moses. We will descend at once. Lead, Joshua. How long have I been here ? Josh. A month of days. MosES. I do remember, for the moon was fuU That night I left the camp — ^that day their ears Seemed grossher closed than ever — so last night. I thank thee, noble friend, for all thy love And loving providence of all my wants. These many days ; wherein, still thanks to thee, I have secured abstraction from the world. Quiet and freedom from importunate men; A time to meditate ; wherein, with God Alone — ^he only my companion — I Have forethought all the future, and have writ These tables for a law to Israel. Josh. The noise grows loud and louder — ^hark, lord Moses ! There is war smrely in the camp. Moses. Nay, nay, The voice is not the voice of them that shout For mastery, nor the voice of them that cry For being overcome ; the noise I hear Is theirs who sing. 56 Act II. Sc. i. A Drama Josh {going to the edge.) This rock will give us sight. Ah ! what a giddy leap ! The lines of tents Lie in the yellow bottom, hke the scales Upon a dusky fir-cone ; farther down The scanty green might be the bearing branch. {Aside) And one of all those tents, I know not which, Within its slight circumference holds her Who must be mine — for all her fanciful humours. Moses. Speak, my friend } What is that crowd I see ? My eyes are dim With too much light of heaven ; be thou mine. JOSH. 'Tistrue: a riotous crowd. The open court And centre of the camp, which seems no more Than just a man's own palm, is full of men — A many-coloured throng — and in the midst Again a space, and there an altar stands. And over it a column. Look, my lord ! See you not something golden in the sun ? Moses. I think it is an image. Who is that Who stands, priest-Hke, presiding ? Josh. 'Tis a priest ! He hath the gold and scarlet of sacrifice. Moses. O Egj^pt ! Josh. Look, look, O heavens ! the smoky incense, see ! 57 The Promised Land It twines about the pillar and the god Who sniffs the sacrifice, and now it soars Erect through the calm sunlight. O and now. Hear, Moses, for they sing. They dance again ! Moses. Away ! and let us tarry here no more. Lead, Joshua ! [Exeunt. Curtain, SCENE 2. Wild music of drums, cymbals, flutes, and herns. Curtain rises showing Scene at foot of Sinai as in Act I, Scene 4 .■ An Altar and Column with Golden Calf upon it ; Aaron in ceremonial robes before altar; People dancing madly in circle in scanty raiment and with dishevelled locks ; Mixed crowd in background. Song : — Hear us. Apis, hear us I lest we die. Out of our heart-yearning, As at first we call, still call and cry ; For the earth is burning. And the heavens are bare, the heavens Are fire; they fall upon us ; Horned One, our desire, Hast thou smitten us in ire. Smile once more upon us. 58 Act II. Sc. 2. A Drama {Moses and Joshua appear on a rock above, hut unseen at first by the people. Thunder dis- tantly rolling.) Hear us, hear us ! As we whirl and dance, Strangely thou reelest o'er us in the blue, Thy gold front glitters strangely, and thy glance Cleaves us with sudden madness through and through. Lo ! all our veins are bursting with desire, Thirst and fierce lusting, such as thou dost love. Leap through our pulses, lick us up like fire. In and around us, under and above. These are the signs, Calf god, of thy grace ; Thou art not wroth ; nay, thou will hear us yet. Thou wilt not hide the brightness of thy face, But lead us forth by meadow and rivulet. Let Moses and his God, 'mid these grim rocks. Dwell, if they will, in everlasting drought ; We will return, Apis, to our flocks : We will return, and thou shall lead us out I Moses. Away ! , I will not hear this. Josh. Nay, but hark ! Song : — Hear us, hear us, hear us, lest we die 1 Madness is about us I 59 The Promised Land Thou dost rock and reel athwart the sky. As to flout and scout us. Hear us, Apis, thou shalt, though our song Shrill, till each throat is hoarse and eye-hall red. Though limbs wax faint, and feet are wildly flung. And all the sands are scarlet where they bled. Hear us, hear us, hear us, lest we die I Out of our heart-yearning. As at first we call, still call and cry. For the earth is burning, And the heavens are bare, the heavens Are fire; they fall upon us ; Horned God, our heart's desire. Hast thou smitten us in ire. Smile once more wpon us. [The thunderstorm, which has been gathering during the song, bursts with loud claps and lightning. Dancing ceases. People look up in fear and perceive Moses and Joshua on the rock. Moses {with majestic mien and in a loud, command- ing voice). What is this thing, ye people, that ye do ? . . . (pause) What ! have I toiled and given my days for you. My da37S and nights — and my heart's dearest dreams, To save you out of Egypt, and to make 60 Act II. Sc. i. A Drama A brave free people of you ? Have I now Removed myself a brief while from your faces. Simply to plead yovir cause before Jehovah, And frame a chart and covenant of new life For you, his people ? And at once — ^my back No sooner ttuned — ^than ye too turn your backs On me and all my dreams, and your best hopes. And hark you back to Egypt and her idols . . . — ^Nay, 'tis enough. Take back your covenant. These tables we have made and graven for you — This draft of a new world that might have been — This pledge between you and a God, as far Beyond the gods of Egypt, as the roxmd Of heaven exceeds the compass of a tent. — Take back your covenant, and go your ways ! I waste my days to serve yotir whims no more ! [Throws the tables with a mighty crash to the ground, and remains standing a moment with arms outstretched. The people, amazed, fall into groups; with buzzings of recrimination against each other. Moses {sees Aaron, and continues in a loud voice) And Aaron ? — ^in the garb of Egypt's priests ? Aaron — can that be you ? Come forth, come forth! [Aaron, timid and apologetic, comes to the foot of the rock. There is silence again in the crowd. 6i The Promised Land Moses. What, and have you too joined thfe throng against me ? Aaron. Nay, lord. But for the moment^you being gone So long upon the mountain, and no tidings Reaching us from you — I too deemed it best To humour with some customary rites The people's minds, and cause them to forget Their present hardships. Moses {sarcastic.} Thought you too, perchance. That Apis and Osiris and the rest Might serve you better than the Lord Jehovah ? Aaron. Nay, Sir ; for well I know that Egypt's gods Rule only by the Nile ; nor can extend Their domination here. Moses. And yet you did Devise this Calf-god for the people's wor- ship ? Aaron. Nay, lordly brother, be not overhasty. I made it not ; it was not as you think. You know the people's mischief ; it was they Gave me the gold ; I cast it on the fire j And there came out a calf. Voices (in derision.) Came out a calt ! 62 Act II. Sc. 2. A Drama Moses. Go, Joshua, And smite this mighty Calf-god to the ground. [Joshua plunges down and overturns the alta/r and the column with the calf. Sensation and more recrim- ination among the people. Surely among you all some may be found Who side with me and with the Lord of heaven Against these evil doers ! Voices {some of the people raise their hands or their swords, and shout) : Aye, we do ! we do ! Moses. Come forth, come forth then^-all that hold with me ; And most, ye sons of Levi, oh, come forth ! To-day must bring an end to aU this trifling ; And those who will not forward to the Land Of Promise and of Freedom under heaven. Let them not back to Egypt, but he here For ever, for a warning. For thus saith The Lord God, God of Israel : if need be Take every man his sword,- and go from gate To gate throughout the camp; slay,- every man. His brother, his companion, and his neighbour. [Renewed uproar, fighting, and Curtain. 63 The Promised Land SCENE 3. Interior of the Booth of Hebron, which is hung with skins and furs for sale. Hebron and a Levite. Lev. The scene was awful. As the people danced And revelled naked round the altar, I, Who feared some evil, saw upon the mount Jehovah 'light in flame ; and there uprose A smoke as of a furnace, and a fire Forking to heaven, as though the rovmd of earth Were made His altar ; and, even while I watched, A voice, a voice of trumpets, and thereafter Quakings of earth, and then again a voice. And all the people stood, and fear stared pale Their speechless faces, while full in their midst Strode Moses from the moimtain ; and he said, " What is this thing ? " But no one moved or spake. Then, when he saw the calf, and Aaron there, His brother, raimented for sacrifice. He threw his arms to heaven, and in anger Hurled the two tables earthward ; and they fell, A thousand fragments, at the feet of Aaron, And Joshua, in giant act of rage. Smote the offending column, and it bowed And fell, with the golden god, in heaps of ruint And Moses, in a voice of mortal wrath, 64 Act II. Sc. 3. A Drama Cried, Who is on the Lord's side ? Unto me J And many turned to him ; and most of us. The sons of Levi. And he bade us smite . . . And so we did. And there were slain that day But little wanting of three thousand men. Heb. I know, I know : it is an evil thing. Lev. Why so ? Heb. There wiU be striving, after this : And more and more ; and less of peace, I know. And strife brings but disquiet, and that brings Little prosperity, and more and more Of want and bad times both for man and beast. {Enter Rigel.) Lev. Well, sir, I'll leave you now. You have, I see. More entertainment ; and I wish you prosperous days ! [Exit Levite. Rig. Good-day, Master Hebron ! I have sought you out on some pretext of business. Heb. That suits me well. From what this son of Levi tells me, I shall see little of that for many a day. Rig. Wrong ! wrong ! and my very point. Heb. How so ? Rig. Indeed I will not say. This news is too rare 65 E The Promised Land a merchandise for common gift ; we must make a bargain of it. Come, my good Hebron, promise me what I shall afterwards ask, and you shall know all. Heb. Nay, nay, you are too merry. I cannot tell what you ■wdll ask. You may ask the disgorge- ment of the good fortune that you bring, and that were no bargain. But you know me, Rigel, and if you have wool, or even moss, for my nest, I will never forget. Rig. I do know you, good heart, and therefore hear — After the late exasperations, Moses, whose anger never endures more than a day, fell into some flatness of dejection— doubtless foreboding in the frivoUty of the people the ruin of all his purposes. And Aaron, with ready wit seizing the moment, showed in this bent of the popular mind, not his own apology merely, but his necess- ity and justification ; and thus re-admitted him- self into his brother's confidence. But not only so. For he pleaded his case with such skill that he convinced Moses — of what most of us long ago perceived — that the people cannot live and breathe in his attenuated religion, but must have something that they can see and touch — ^temples and incense, altars and a priesthood, as in Egypt. And Moses, to choose the lesser' of two evils, 66 Act II. sc. 3. A Drama and avoid the calf, will bend to the argument of Aaron (for this I heard from Korah, who him- self heard it from Aaron), and will institute a temple and special priesthood to Jehovah ; the temple and its offices to be after the Egyptian fashion, yet with less circumstance of idolatry and superstition, and Aaron himself to be high priest. Heb. This is most notable, and plausible too, I think. Withal you wound my generous atten- tion ; for this is rather a matter of public weal than of private good fortune. Rig. You have no hint, then ? What, your ancient heart is losing its cunning ? Yet the conclusion presses. For us outcasts, a temple is but a tabernacle ; a tabernacle is (is it not so ?) a large tent ; and a tent Heb. fanciful heart ! — is thatched with skins. Rig. Rams', goats', and badgers' ! What desire you more ? Heb. I have a doubt. If this is made a tax ? Rig. Not so : 'twill be an offering ; the people Will give — ^and buy of you. Heb. Most favourable Aaron ! And you say This is yet quiet ? there is time to store And stuff my secret coffers, till they burst In pride of future profit ? 67 The Promised Land Rig. It is known To one or two at most ; and if my suit Meets your acceptance, it shall so remain. Heb. O tender-hearted Rigel, how I love you. Rig. Not more than I your daughter., Heb. What, my Zillah ? Rig. You have a ready talent. Heb. My Zillah ! now indeed you touch me nearly. Rig. Most nearly would I, being your son. Heb. WeU, well, I had not thought of this. Rig. Be sure, old man, Tba.t with all dues of form and circumstance 1 am prepared for purchase. You shall want, Though I'm not rich, no customary dole Of sheep or cattle, or their worth in silver ; And what I've told you, Jet that be as nought ; I still shall count it pride to be your son. Heb. You flatter me — ^myself, my hopes, my daughter. I love you well already j and ere long Shall love you better. You have in my head Hatched a deUcious fever ; for the nonce I rave of tabernacles, rams, and badgers. 68 Act II. Sc. 3. A Drama Give me a day or two, and we will talk This matter out more calmly ; now, the place And pressure of the hour forbids us more. Rig. Good-day, then. Master Hebron ; for I see This is no private opportunity. But let delay be brief, for still I fear. Holding time's loss too cheap, to lose what's dear. Enter Joshua. Heb. Farewell, sir, till to-morrow ! Rig. So. Farewell! [Exit. Heb. {aside) Now, who is this ? I should, yet do not, know him. Josh. I come, good sir, to treat with you on themes Not intimate to your trade, yet to your heart (If you will hear me) of no httle moment. Heb. Your servant bids you speak. Josh. Because my heart Is in this matter too, I cannot speak Except most plainly : sir, I love your daughter, And in most honourable bonds of love Would make her mine — to be my very wife. Heb. This is soon asked and answered. 'Tis a suit Incapable of acceptance. Sir, my child Is pledged elsewhere, nor can be given by me — She's mine no longer. 69 The Promised Land Josh. What is this ? Who, say you ? Heb. O a most favourable gentleman, Well got and worthy of her hand, be sure ; Indeed she loves him dearly. Josh. Now you Ue ! Old man, you would deceive me. Heb. Ho ! young slip, This is plain insolence, and such as youth Condemns itself in using. Josh. Who is he — Tell me, old man, who dares to come between . . . Heb. {taking him up) To come between ? . . . And who, pray, gave you leave To address my child at all, or claim a place In her affections ? Josh. I will not believe Her heart is given — though 'tis Uke enough You may have given her hand. Heb. Think what you will ; but pray do not suppose, I to a frantic stranger wiU detail The dear relations of my daughter's love. Suffice it that her unconcealed desire Suits with my will. Josh. You lie, old badger-pate ! Heb. Ho now ! and who are you. To insult and beard an old man, by the door 70 Act II. sc. 3. A Drama Of his own tent ? Your name ? Josh. 'Tis Joshua. You know me ? speak no more. Heb. {changing tone) What, good my lord, Our noble and incomparable captain ? {Aside) And rich despoiler of proud Amalek. {To Joshua) Let, now, your servant find grace in your eyes j For age comes like a veil and folds a man Out of the world, and makes his senses dim. My lord, this matter will admit of words. Josh, {angrily) No more, no more. We have had words enough. Heb. What hinders, then ? Josh. No more, enough, enough. I wish you now farewell. [Exit. Heb. Farewell, my lord ! This is a fooUsh matter. Here I've lost The confidence of fortune, marring thus Her most assured promise. 'Tis a proud And passionate young man. But what a day ! A festival of fortune ! I may yet Reason it with him : Rigel, it is true. Has ta'en niy promise ; and, for private love, I would he were my son ; but prudence oft Makes private liking luxury, and so Against our inclination bids us go. [Exit. Curtain. 71 ACT III SCENE I. Kadesh, a rocky Valley. The Camp of Israel — A Public Place. RiGEL alone. Rig. a most perfidious old man ! May he eat no more of fish and cucumbers, or see an onion again for ever, but starve on manna till he is mum- mied ! For I might have gone to Egj^Jt with those wise ones who left us at Sinai, and still have returned in time to be the plaything of his postponements. Since his first promise there has been a matter of at least ten moons, and as many plagues of quails. Yet, now, the contract's made and signed, the dowry paid, the notaries satisfied. So she is mine, and in a few days will to my tent by her father be rendered. She's mine — even though for my property in her I seem to lose hold over myself. For I marvel how I change. My mind swings like a gate, this way and that, as she passes through it ; and if little Zillah were a Zipporah I should change 72 Act III. sc 1. A Drama my skin and have thick lips even while the Z yet served for either name. Zillah loves Miriam ; and now that Miriam consorts with Korah's party, and there is a coolness twixt her and Moses — that doubtless is the reason why I too consort with Korah — ^who, even now, if I mistake not, comes this way with his wary Reubenite, Dathan. Enter Korah and Dathan. Good-morrow, masters ! KoR. Most well met, good Rigel. Since last I saw you, many things have happened which make your knowledge and co-operation needful, and which a few words will furnish you withal. Rig. Speak on, my lord. KoR. Briefly then. Since his discomfiture, our lordly Aaron is more than ever enviously- minded against his brother Moses ; but secretly because, having lost the people's confidence, he has now no public footing of his own. Rig. And the conduct of this matter, as well as the final glory, will rest with Korah. KoR. You flatter me. But, to continue. It has been easy, then, to induce Aaron to gain the ear of his sister Miriam ; which he has done to 73 The Promised Land such purpose that she, knowing nothing of our real purposes, sees in our rebellious preparation oidy a just protest against the pride of Moses. Her defection, for she is the dehght of the people, draws with it a most numerous following, and thus we now, this way and that, may number full two hundred and fifty chief men of the con- gregation, men of weight and instance, besides the rabble multitude. With this authority success is sure. Yet, to add certaiinty to cer- tainty, I have (and this is for your private ear only) persuaded Aaron, whose will is now mine, to stand up in pubhc audience, with his sister Miriam, and tax Moses to his face. The open- ness of the procedure commends itself to Miriam's generous temper, but it is certain that it will in- flame Moses, and make that rupture between him and his sister final and undisguised, which till how has been secret and medicable. Mean- while it will incense the people, and give us authority and excuse for a decisive blow. Rig. a most honourable and ingenious plot. Dath. May we, then, count you in it ? and will you hold your hand in readiness to strike at any mo- ment for us ? Success is something to be orga- nized. If you and others will, for the hour, accept the leading of my lord Korah and his council, we shall do memorable things. 74 Act III. sc. I. A Drama KoR. Rigel is ours, I know. Rig. I am scarcely myself, my lord ; but that is, doubtless, that I am yours. Yet I would know what is our end in this. Without Moses we shall be without a head, and that is an end without an end. Dath. Most true. We must have a head. Our end is liberty, but liberty must have a head. Rig. That wiU be the end of liberty. KoR. Well, good-day, sir, we must be moving. We shall count upon you. And whoever has de- served best of us shall be our head, be it you or I. [Exeunt Korah and Dathan. Rig. You, doubtless, desert or no desert. I do not think I can do better than cast in with these. Korah is a man of wit ; and with his easy frank- ness has fooled Aaron as giddy as a dry leaf in the breath of the East. Aaron is lost, blotted out, has become the scorn of the people, and the toy of Korah's ambition, and his only friend is the brother whom he has betrayed. Korah will win. His cause is well enough ; and that must qualify his treachery. [Exit. 75 The Promised Land SCENE 2. Without the Tent of Miriam. HuR and Miriam. HuR. O you do wrong your brother, Miriam ! This will attaint your honour to all time, Even that a sister from so noble a brother Should warp her natural affection. MiR. In this I suffer, and must suffer, alas ! One sorrow twice : in separation once. And once again in all men's misconception. Yet do I count this (though the public voice. Denying approval, makes the conscience even Tremble as guilty) nought, compared with that. It is a joyless task I have before me ; Yet, having entered on it, aU your words And the contempt of all men to all time Shall not dissuade me. HuR. You are led in this. Believe me, by a false heart, and by that Which can betray its brother. Mir. If you point Me in this doubtful speech, then I am dumb ; For that you wound my heart too deep for words. If Aaron, then I say you basely slander ; For Aaron's heart in all this is as mine, 76 Act III. sc. 2. A Drama And true to Moses ; for the truest truth Lies not in any act or outward form Of words, but in the heart that wills no evil. And we toward Moses entertain (God knows) No mean or spiteful humour ; but because He, through some negligence (oft noticeable In guileless hearts) of popular report, Or by some hard core of imperiousness. Which knits the roundure of rich, fruitful natures. Has hurt the people and so jeoparded The general well-being, therefore we. And therefore only, will withstand him now. HuR. Know, then, that ye withstand God's chosen one. Mir. God hath not chosen Moses, but to make Us aU his favoured people; therefore now Moses is no more blameless, in that he Usurps the honomrable claim of aU, Will suffer no approach of dignity. Nor hear a voice of counsel ; but will stand A Pharaoh o'er us, yet to thrust us down To thraldom worse than Egypt's. HuR. God by him Leads to the land of promise : lift a hand. And it is sacrilege. MiR. Go ! have you not A heart of indignation in you ? Go, 77 The Promised Land Grovel at Moses' feet, then : as I would — But will not. HuR. Out, out ! treachery peeps through The thin veil of your wrath. Be sure that I To forewarn Moses will not fail. Farewell ! [Exit. Mir. O, bitter, bitter day ! Now have I seen The end of all our wanderings, and Egypt Triumphing gloriously o'er us ! Come, I have a mind to die; for I have put War in the tender chambers of my heart. And steeled myself to action over it. I wound, and am the wounded ; and I strike. Through Moses, my life's midriff. Let me die ! For discord is drawn downward hke a knife. Dividing all this people : factious rage And wretched spites devour us, and revolt Raises its monstrous misshape in our midst. And I (they say) because my brother's love Is closer to me than the bond of life. Must bear the word which from these Ups, alas ! Will wound him most, and so most hopefully Work heaUng of omr sickness. I must live. Yet die through all of life, because of love. Enter Zillah. What, ZiUah ? ZiL. O dear lady, I am sold 78 Act in. Sc. 2. A Drama As so much rubbish, bargained for with dross, Bartered for money, marketed like sheep ! Death were not worse than this is. O but you May save me ! Mir. Speak, and yet be calm, my child : You word it like a wayside soothsayer In autumn 'mid the gleaners and fat sheaves. Professing to read fortunes and rule fate, Who talks and yet tells nothing. ZiL. I am sold In marriage, by my father, to a man I will not look on, so he does offend My natural eye. Mir. Why, that is hard indeed. Your father doubts your wish walks with his will. Else had he first forewarned you. ZiL. Why, I think My father cares no tittle for his child. But places her affection where his own Advantage prompts — and thinks no more about it. Oh, it is cruel ! I will ne'er beheve There's any root of grace in man, if thus The dear relation of a daughter's love Counts less than aU contempt. I am counted, Paid for with money ! and it recks not now To rend my father's heart of pity ; he, 79 The Promised Land If he hath pity, hath no power ; for I Am Rigel's, am his slave, his beast, his body. And in imagination's dread foreboding Am lapped already in his loathed embrace. Mir. Stand, Zillah, you shall live. This shall not be; For woman was not always merchandise. Nor shall be so for ever. I can see This kills your very soul. I recollect That there was one (latterly to our sight Somewhat a stranger) who unto your thoughts, If I mistake not, was more dear than many. ZiL. Ah, surely never ! Or so long ago It seems a Tiever : do not speak of this. For so, dear lady, do you pluck a hope Out of my heart to make my eyes behold How vain a thing it is. And if I lose All hope, I am a soulless thing — a thing To buy and sell, and justly sell for nioney. But why delay ? You, dearest Miriam, Can, so you will it, save me. Mir. Doubt it not : I will, past fate and fortune. ZiL. 'Tis but this, To cast the matter at the feet of Moses — You are his sister, he wUl hear you. 80 Act III. Sc. 3. A Drama Mir. {painecl) Ah 1 ZiL. And he is judge and can do what he will. Mir. Ah ! you have hurt me — ^let us go. ZiL. My lady ? Mir. Enough. Best con this o'er in quiet — come. \_Exeunt. SCENE 3. A Public Place, same as Act III, Scene, i. Two Israelites. 1ST IsR. I saw it all. The fire in Moses' face Flashed when they touched on Zipporah. 2ND ISR. What's that ? Spoke they of Zipporah ? Why then I trust They tongued it sharply ; for it is a shame That Moses, having made it matter of death For common lust to trespass on the pastures Of other tribes, should stUl permit himself To keep this Ethiop cow ; but 'tis a piece With other his presumption. So you saw ? Well, tell me all in order. 1ST. IsR. You must know, 'Twas at the time of incense, and the cloud Still Ungered by the tabernacle door, 81 F The Promised Land When Aaron and his sister Miriam — For Moses did the sacrifice that day, Usurping Aaron's ofi&ce — ^boldly stood Forth from the multitude, for it was many, And questioned Moses, sa5dng, " Hath the Lord Indeed spoke only unto men by Moses ? Hath he not spoke by us too ? " Then they touched. As I have said, on Zipporah, and he Flamed at this last with wrathful eyes, and said, " Come up, now, hither." And the three came out And stood before the temple; and he spake. And bade them mark, in many mighty words Whose meaning I can give you, how that God Indeed had chosen him to single honour In the high task of our dehverance. By many signs and portents ; and had spoke Face to face with him, as unto no man Before or after. And his fiery wrath Wrought a great silence on the multitude; Nor Aaron nor his sister spake a word. But were ash-pale, and shrank, as those who see The dun-red sandstorm darken all the sky; And in that moment the white altar-cloud Was ended, and went up, as though Jehovah Removed himself in wrath. And Moses turned And passed beneath the cherubs of the cornice Into the Holy Place, and Mirisim 82 Act hi. Sc. 3. A Drama And Aaron and the multitude went down, Some murmuring, but mostly very silent. 2ND IsR. 'Tis likely, after all, that Moses is Justly approvable in this. 1ST IsR. 'Tis said That Miriam is smote with leprosy, And lies without the camp. If this be true, Moses of divine favour is assured. 2ND IsR. Well, I shall weigh and balance. There will be Far more and solider matter of strife ere long, Whose bias will be best known in the act. 1ST IsR. Well, I shall be for Moses. For I see His presence is an empire, and his breath. Like the clear north wind winging up the Nile, Blows wavering sails in flocks against the stream. Whenever the encounter, doubt it not, Moses prevails. 2ND ISR. Well, we shall see. Meanwhile We need not less be friends. These feuds are stuff For politicians, not for men like us. [Exeunt. 83 The Promised Land SCENE 4. Interior of Moses' Tent. Moses alone. Moses. Who leads a people, let him learn that love And smiles and daily music of dear lips, And children's laughter, yea, and friendship's hand. Are not for him. Let others have joy thereof. All, all are gone. The day of loneliness Lengthens before me now, down to the grave. God strikes his mountain-summits, gives them light. But scars their sides with terror ; so I turn And stand aloof to all time for a sign. What, Miriam, couldst thou, too, think a lie ? And lend thy rare lips to the rabble breath For such unworthy ending of our love ? Thou needest so no more ; for even now. Far hence, her face set homeward to her kin, Zipporah leaves me wifeless. Peradventure Thine was a just rebuke. And I will ne'er On the least peradventure of a wrong Build any dear advantage ; lest men say, " This man regards his own good, let us wrest The rod of power from him." 1 must die That these may live and people a new land. — If Miriam were near me it were weU, 84 Act III. Sc. 4. A Drama And I were worthier master of my mind. Come, I will warn her, Zipporah is gone; No word more, for the thought is like a worm. [Moses writes. Enter Joshua. Josh. My lord, your brother Aaron waits without. Moses. You come in time, my friend, to do me this Most gentle favour : pray you, give these words Unto the eye of Miriam, my sister. My love and near relation to you must Commend this service to your hands alone. {Gives tablet. Josh. My lord, I am but yours. Moses. Let Aaron enter. [Exit Joshua. Enter Aaron, and throws himself at the feet of Moses. Aaron. My lord and brother, I crave and pray for pardon ! I come not from, but on behalf of her Who shared this deed with me. Alas ! I pray, Lay not this sin upon us that we dared Rebuke God's chosen witness. Let her not Be as one dead, whose flesh is half consumed Ere he is born ! 85 The Promised Land Moses. What? Hath God lifted up His arm on Miriam ? Doth the leper spot Blotch aU her beauty ? Rise, I pray, my brother ; I have no heart against you, for we are Twin sufferers in our sister : I will turn And pray the Eternal for her. He wiU heal. Let us speak no more of the past, 'tis over. Aaron. My princely brother ! Moses. Go to Miriam, Take two young birds, the scarlet and the hyssop. According to the law which was appointed. And cleanse her that she live. Let her remain Seven days without the camp, nor speak to man Or womankind : two laws there shall not be, — One for the many, and one for Moses' sister. Thereafter will we see her ; may it be soon. Farewell, my brother ! Aaron. Brother, dear, farewell ! Be sure I will, and without fail, fulfil The law of Moses. [Exit. Moses. The law of Moses ! what a word is that To mark for always this queer cross and medley 'Twixt sense and superstition, which the times With all their contrarieties have forced On my adoption ! Well, what must be, must. 86 Act III. Sc. 4. A Drama Enter HuR. HuR. My lord, a moment from your reverie. Moses. What is it, my lord Hur ? Some angry thought Convulses to its image aU your features. Hur. Anger forbids me speak what anger bids. Intolerable treachery, dear lord. Lies close around you : Korah Moses. Ay, I know ; Korah, in undisguised enmity, Speaks, hears but evil of me. Yet I will Lift not a finger on him, tiU his act Openly courts conviction. Hur. 'Tis not this, But worse confusion I must warn you of ; For Aaron, your own brother sorts with Korah And joins the brood against you. Aye, and even Miriam, my wife, your sister, does incline To cast her influence with them. Moses. Can it be That metal so debased is found in man ? Hur. Or woman. my lord, account this not A bastard birth of fancy ! Fear for you. Now breaking silence, doth but bring to light The long conception of my mind. I've marked, 87 The Promised Land Watched, weighed, and wondered : Aaron's heart is given To Korah's cause; and Miriam — perchance By very reason of her singleness Of heart, which sees no craftiness in others — Fastens her faith on Aaron : all are gone. Nor do they cease to sow dissent abroad. But court the public favour, and embitter All hearts against you. Moses. Miriam ! how This second wound seems opened in my soul Where there can be no healing ! For the first Closed not so kindly or without a scar, But this has time to touch me to the quick. . No more : no more I'll trust Even the soft compunctions of my own Heart, seeing I cannot thine — thine, Miriam. Henceforth the way lies straight before me. Fear, With sweet affection, is removed afar. Nought now can warp my purpose. What ? and Aaron ? Though weak, I deemed him worthy trust. Away ! Let him remain with Korah, and be true At least to one man. Tell me, Hur, how stands The people's loyalty ? Hur. There will be war, War in our midst, my lord. Over two hundred 88 Act III. sc. 4. A Drama Of high distinction are devised with Korah ; A rabble follows them. There will be war. Moses. Go you and Joshua among the people, Sound their affection, call our friends together. Prepare some arms, and be in readiness. We will not nap, yet will we shed no blood Till we have warrant from our enemies. HuR. Doubt not, my lord, our utmost will we do. And with good issue. [Exit. Moses. I will Uve and not Die till I see that land, and Israel Standing among the cornstacks and the vines.. Curtain. 89 ACT IV SCENE I. Before Miriam's Tent. Miriam, her leprosy having departed, and Joshua. Josh. Farewell, my lady ! and I will forthwith Inform lord Moses of your health regained. And happily complete recovery. Mir. [with tablet) Did. my brother Give you no other matter for my ear Than these few words ? Josh. None, lady. Mir. Then, perchance, I may expect his presence, always welcome. And now, despite our lamentable estrangement. Dearer than ever to me. Josh, {aside) O false, false ! {To Miriam) My lady, the late discords in the camp Bring much anxiety upon your brother, 90 Act IV. sc. i. A Drama And cares he cannot shift on other shotdders, And sorrows which his loneHness alone Makes doubly grievous ; knowing this, you know The answer I would give you, without words Mir. Farewell, then. Josh. Peace be with you — ^if it may. [Exit Mir. The breach grows wider, and therewith the hurt Gapes inward past all healing. These are words Sharper than thorns within a thirsty wound. Look, " Zipporah " — ^no other touch than this — " Zipporah is departed : " no reproach. No word of sharpness, but this one sad line Which lengthens out before me into fire. I have thrust forth a robber-hand : 'tis I Have spoiled the nest, rooted it from its hold, And made the tender twin-delight of love Fly from the world for ever ! Woe is me. That I had madness to devise, or heart To do this deed of iron ! O who says Moses is proud, let him come forth and prove it ! No longer shaU men slander ; I will take This little brief, and go about the camp. And with this one line plead more eloquence Than Aaron with an army of fair words. Come, Aaron too shall know it : this may yet, 91 The Promised Land E'en though much pain, work unexpected peace. And pour balm in the wounds of Israel. Enter Attendant. Att. My lady, the lord Aaron and lord Korah Linger without, and will await your leisure. Mir. I will give audience here ; go, bid them enter. [Exit Attendant. 'Tis well : this meeting shall have other issue Than that for which we planned it. Enter Aaron and Korah. Enter, sirs. Aaron. Peace be upon you, sister Miriam ! Kor. My lady, the whole camp, with glad consent Of song and dance, doth welcome your return. We, too, do mix our voices. Aaron. Miriam, We have great deeds before us, and do come To make you partner of them. Kor. We do seek The polestar of our purpose and the staff Of our prosperity. Mir. Speak out, my lords. Aaron. All works the way of fortune. Miriam, 92 Act IV. sc. I. A Drama Friend you with us, and we shall win from fate. Your favour with the people will so pile The weights upon our scale, that we shall count As lead to feathers 'gainst the force of Moses, We'U carry aU before us, and will buy. Without bloodshed, the boon of liberty. Mir. Bloodshed ! Who argues that ? KoR. Why, none, my lady. As long as you, allying us to peace. With your fair angel-face do turn the edge Of bloody opposition. Mir. Ah, indeed. How are ye strangers to my brother's heart ? Ye know it not at all. In it are depths Whose calm ye cannot fathom. Read and learn : Let this disarm you. [Gives the writing. KoR. {reads and shows to Aaron) This ? Why, 'tis a nothing ! Aaron. A pretext and a show of deference ! KoR. A private matter, and for private ends ! Why should this move us ? Zipporah ! Mir. My lords ! KoR. My lady, we have graver argument — Such as must waive formality — before us. 93 The Promised Land Leave we this now. Time presses, and our troops. Such, namely, as our faction draws together. Though secret now in their tents, stand on the word Of instant action. Blow we this on the wind. And we shall have an army. Mir. Who says this ? KoR. The moments spur to action. We have fanned A speirk of hot sedition : now it flames And runs in wildfire through the camp. To-day Serves us. To-morrow is too late. Mir. Lord Korah, Stand from me : you have tricked me ! KOR. Nay, I swear: Because I plead for peace I do adjure you, Stand with us now. See, here are roaring Hons Ravening for prey, and raging like the sea ; And none can tame them, noble Miriam, Save one — who will not ? Will she see the mob Make ruin of her brother ? She alone. Whose presence, like a flag, makes all men one, Smooths out the Uon's mane, makes smile the sea. Mir. Go from me ! I abhor you hence for ever. KoR. {aside) Woman — damned, faithless woman ! 94 Act IV. sc. i. A Drama {To Miriam) Hear me then. Open your eyes and know well what you do. I cannot hold this people : it is mad ; And mad for Moses. You — forget not — first Cried out to heaven against him ; you, forsooth. Started the rolling stone of discontent Which brings the mountain of men's spite upon him. Will you stand off now, plant yourself aloof, So better to be witness of the ruin Yourself have wrought ? Forgive me, fairest lady, I cannot round my lips to softer words. And would not wound with sharp ones. Mir. Oh, the wound Is deeper than all words ! Your Ups, my lord. Sheathe but a sorry sword. A leaden knife Is sharper than a lying tongue. Enough ; No more of this. Away ! what I have done I will undo, or expiate in death. KoR. Undo you cannot. What is done is done r Heaven's stars do stand not farther out of reach To fix or to uniix them. Rather-more Make perfect your first purpose, and complete This incomplete commencement. Come with us. 'Tis headstrong strife and bloody rage you fear—; The fruit of opposition, — make us one, Make opposition impotent, you make 95 The Promised Land Our sword-blades bloodless. Where the brook descends To battle with the ocean, there is seen An angry gnashing of white teeth, natheless The tide (so they of Egypt say, the wise) Rolls round the fretful world without a wave. Because the moon makes all its waters one — Be thou our Moon ; shine on us unto peace. Mir. Speak, Aaron. Aaron. Sister, I have nought to say. You did compact with Korah, wherefore, then. Deny your plight ? — more, Moses is unmanned. Forsaken, lost, you cannot friend him now. Mir. God free me from you ! Nay, I snatch myself. For had I sworn my soul yours before heaven, And bound my faith by ever5rthing on earth. In heaven, and over heaven, I would yet Strike through that deed, and cancel so all claim Even to the meanest gift of man or God — Discovenant my life-blood, to be free. God shall not scorn you traitors, but your souls Shall wither from his face for very fear. [Exit. Kor. That was a fool's speech, Aju-on ; you have lost The lodestar of our fortune. 96 Act IV. Sc. r. A Drama Aaron. Softly, sir; 'Tis most congenial to the commonest minds To fasten blame where they should own defect. KOR. We both are cowards, and fools too, forsooth To count upon a woman Aaron. Without her I misdoubt all our ends. KOR. And you are one To whine what's done and undone. Courage ! Hark! [Uproar without. The time is instant on us. To the front I Aaron. Count not on me — this matter is not mine. KOR. Villain ! I'll brand you traitor before Moses, And bear the pains of twenty deaths to do it, Ere you shall hide your falsehood in his faith. Aaron. One can forestall another. Fare you well ! [Exit. KoR. AccursM hound ! Away ! Where's Dathan ? Come, Korah, be fearless ; you have friends enough. [Renewed uproar. I come, I come. [Exit, 97 The Promised Land SCENE 2 A space before the Tabernacle. Early morning. RiGEL and an Israelite. Rig. Well, I must on. IsR. One word more. Did the crowd Give her speech audience ? Rig. Why, my friend, they stood As touched to marble — each in act to move, Yet motionless with wonder. For her words Were like a challenge, and each several man Received it to himself. They could not stir. IsR. Yet were they bent (if that is true I hear) On violence to Moses. Can a mob So easily be mastered ? Rig. Miriam Strikes with her words the very hearts of men, And wakes them up to manhood, swaying them Where all their wills are one. They would have struck, But were stone still. Then she (as one who rules) Bade them meet Moses solemnly this day. Before the temple, to confer with him. And so they parted. ISR And you range with Korah ? 98 Act IV. Sc. 2. A Drama Rig. I do. IsR. With all this eloquence to prove How traitorous his heart is ? Rig. - What is that ? Some must befriend this Korah, else there were None honour left for Moses in his fall. Come, these are matters that affect me not, Except but indirectly. Let us go. [Exeunt. Enter Miriam and Zillah. Crowd slowly assem- bles to witness the Judgment between Moses and Korah, and ranges itself according to Party. Mir. Great God, who guidest all the host of heaven, Redeem this day from evil; look, and lend Peace to this stricken people from thy cloud ! Do with mewhat Thou wilt ; take this stained Ufe And pour it out like water on the earth. To win the grace of heaven : grant but this, No harm behap to Moses. Not of him Ask I the precious balm of pardon — sweet. Too sweet to assuage my sorrow — not a life Of menial service were the price of this. Enough that coldly he encounters me — So would I have it — ^and that yesterday. Not without danger, I did beard the mob, Faced his mad foes, and gained a day's delay, Postponing arms to public argument. 99 The Promised Land ZiL. Like one inspired, and with command, you spoke : Rude man was wrought to mute astonishment. Mir. O child, henceforth our paths must go apart I Who's this ? your father ? Enter Hebron and Rigel. Stay, how stands that matter ? ZiL. Incapable of furtherance, dear lady — Speak, think no more of 't. You have grief enough To hold both eyes in fee. And, in good faith, I am content so. Mir. Fare you well, then, sweet I I'll to my tent, with penitent tears to pray The peaceful issue of this evil day. [Exit. Heb. {to Zillah) Come, child, look cheerfully. Here is your husband. Commend you two together. Good, my friend. The wedding shall be shortly ; this must be Your last farewell. Her evil sprites are fled. And she comes forth to greet you from her cloud (Which late she wore so closely) Uke the sun. See ! now she shines upon you. 'Tis a girl You'll love right tenderly. 'Tis a good girl, ZiL. Ah me ! this goodness is a fell disease. 100 Act IV. sc. a. A Drama Rig. Sweet coz, your cruel frowns are changed away For winning smiles. ZiL. Sir, I am as I was. 'Tis you are changed. Rig. Nay, nay; that little flag Love hangs upon your cheek makes change high treason. And falsehood civil war against myself. ZiL. You are a friend of Korah. Rig. What is that ? ZiL. 'Tis to be arm-in-arm with falsehood. Sir, You are a merry quibbler. Rig. Come, methinks You fancy words. ZiL. (hotly) Unwarrantable man I Why do you friend with cowards, and make cause With one who'd perjure himself into power ? Rig. My pretty child, what a white heat is this ! Methinks we once were one mind in this matter. And now the world's gone mad on't. ZiL. Tell me, then, Has Moses wronged you ? has he wronged this people, lOI The Promised Land Dealt fakely, or forsaken it in need ? — But Korah fools you, and befouls his name With treacherous breath, that ye may murder truth. Make falsehood king, and sell your freedom to him. Rig. Nay, nay ; there's not much credit in this tale; And 'tis too weighty matter for our loves : Let us use love's own themes. ZiL. My love is dead. Speak loud or low you will not wake her more. [Flourish of trumpets. Heb. Stand aside, children ! Ho, there ; ay, and there ! Make room for Moses and his men-at-arms ! Rig. To stand with Korah I am deeply sworn. [To Zillah] I must begone. ZiL. Ay, sir, of course you must. Go, do not dally ; get you to your mate. What, is the word injurious ? Come, sir, go ! [Exit. Rig. a feather am I, flying on her breath ; She blows me with a word. Why, Moses, Korah, What are their foolish rivalries to me ? But, though I worship neither man nor God, 102 Act IV. sc. 2. A Drama She touches but my shoulder and I follow. Faithful, to any fate. How am I changed I was a common, gross, unleavened man, FuU of unshapely, ill-digested thoughts. Such as I now can think no more. Love comes, Searches the lump through, tries with fierce assay The good and evil, burns away the false, And like a piercing flame fuses together All passions into one. The thought of her Is vital now in every argument And act that I am lord of. Well I know A traitor is this Korah; and, though he And his designs are all indifferent to me. Her image in my heart doth no more brook Contamination of his treachery. But bids it thence — and with authority. How now ? [Flourish of trumpets. Enter Moses, attended by Hur, Joshua, and others, and takes his station in front of the Tabernacle. Moses. Blow, challenge back the tempest with your blast ! And wake these rocky caverns till they roar Discordant music round us. I will call Heaven and earth to witness us this day. Lo ! the sun rises ; blow a solemn blast, And let the camp assemble. Enter Korah, Dathan, and Elders of the Con- gregation, and take their place opposite Moses, t03 The Promised Land Aaron, in his robes, is seen standing in the entrance of the Tabernacle, from which a cloud of incense ascends continually. Are all men here ? — O sons of Israel, Because in all things I have only sought How most to harm you ; since (so these maintain) Now many months I neither sleep by night Nor slacken care by day, bethinking me How best to compass your destruction ; Hear them I pray : for this you're called : hear them. And let no ancient love or tenderness Warp judgment in my favour ; give their words The utmost of your hearing. Speak, my lords I KoR. I am not slow to speak ; nor, Israel, Dost thou, I wot, want Eirgument to hear. We all have heard this Moses. Many times Hath he, with feints and fair false promises. Cajoled our judgment and inveigled us Farther into this desert — for what end ? If not to sell us, when we're faint with famine And far from rescue, to some swarthy tribe Wherewith he holds foul commerce. But of that We'U treat hereafter. Now, befits me best To dip a cupful for you from this ocean. You all remember how he spake to us Under the mountain walls of Sinai — Declared us equal, and, in God's high name, 104 Act IV. Sc. 2. A Drama Holy unto His service ? Well, my friends, Why stand we here without ? What ! hath he thrust you — Hath he, and Aaron, like the priests of Egypt, Rejected you for rabble, thrust you forth Into contemptuous distance, counting you As beasts before them ? Answer me, lord Moses, Since this whole people is holy, all of them. And the Lord is among them, why do ye Lift yourselves up above the Lord's elected ? Ye take too much upon you. O my friends. Ye suffer long ; but see ye not the end ? The sons of Reuben dwell within their tents. Disdaining to regard a traitor's summons — A traitor, mark you, that is what they say: And Dathan shall deliver you their words. Moses. Speak, my lord Dathan. Dath. Ay, my friends, hear these, The men of Reuben : " We will not come up. Is it a small thing, thou hast brought us up Out of a land flowing with milk and honey To kill us in this wilderness, except Thou make thyself in all prince over us ? Withal thou hast not brought us to a land Flowing with milk and honey, or given us Inheritance of vineyards or of fields. Thinkest to put this people's tyes out ? Nay ! Nay, we will not come up." 105 The Promised Land This is the word of Reuben, O my friends. True dignity is in deed. Abide no more. Betake you to your tents, O Israel ! Voices, Let us hear Moses first. Others. Ay, let him speak. Moses. Children of Israel, ye have heard these men. Behold I I stand before you, in y6ur midst. And if I e'er have injured one among you. Stolen his ass, or wdted for his life. Let him stand forth and say it. If ye deem Dishonour is the measure of my deeds. Despatch swift vengeance on me. But if so Ye weary of my service, and would have Dathan your king, and Korah your high priest, [Uproar. Slavedom and civil broils — ^why, say so, bravely ! For know, O Israel, though I have yearned — Watched o'er you like a mother — ^these wild years, I weary of you. Will the wild ass hear His master's voice, or turn him back to eat Bread from his hand ? Are not his ears too gross ? — Run wild, then, 'mid these mountains. Get you gone. Be beggars of the ibex and gazelle io6 Act IV. sc. 2. A Drama For scraps of famine. Let the promised land Be never nearer — since ye will it so — Than your false hearts would make it. As for you, Korah, and you, ye sons of Levi, hear : Is it a small thing that God honoured you, Over all Israel, to be his own. And stand before the people in his stead ? Will ye the priesthood also ? Is it for this Your spleen is stirred against me day and night. And small heart-burnings move you to defeat Great ends ye cannot measure ? And for Aaron — Aaron — ^why, what is Aaron in your eyes That ye should murmur against him ? — Go to ! KoR. Now, hear, ye people, how this man of yoiu-s Is honeycombed with falsehood to the core ! Hear how he thrusts his brother, who, ye know. Has ever been his trusted counsellor, To arm's length of contempt, with What is Aaron ? Rig. O shame ! I will contain no longer. Listen ! This Korah, who would curvet in your sight As saviour of your liberties, indeed Is but your deadly foe. Dathan and he Are vultures to devour you. For that end 'Gainst Moses do they trump false charges up, And stand in secret links with Aaron. 107 The Promised Land KoR. Liar I [Stabs Rigel. Rig. Nay, but you are too late ! The word is out. And all your villainy exposed. [Falls. Joshua rushes forward and stabs KoRAH. Tumult. Josh. Unsheathe yoxu* swords, ye men of Israel ! Slay, slay, and slay these traitors from your sight ! [Joshua leads an attack on the party of the Rebels. They fight. The Rebels are driven off the Stage. Exeunt fighting all, except Moses and Hue. Enter ZlLLAH to RiGEL. ZiL. My noblest friend ! Rig. O Zillah, I am dead ! Forget me quickly. ZiL. Nay, within my heart, Rigel, your love shall like a star in heaven Shine free of earthly mist or stain for ever. Imperishable in glory. Rig. Sweet, farewell ! [Dies. MosES. Hold, hold ! shed no more blood. HuR. My lord, their shouts Are almost out of ear-shot. We must leave This ulcer to its issue. [A pause — the noise dies away. io8 Act IV. sc. z. A Drama Moses. Hur, I am very weary of this world. Can one who wades through bloodshed land at last Upon the shore of peace, and not defile it ? My path is stained with slaughter; for what end ? To hold a handful — Shaving slain the rest ? To teach men justice, mercy, and sweet peace — Out of a book of blood ? To point the blue Expanse of stainless heaven, and say that God Willed earth should be a shambles ? Can it be. His footsteps are not known, and where He walks Men see but ruin and unrest for ever ? How know his work then ? I do think the words That broke the desert stillness of those days In Horeb's shadow, when my heart was young. Are grown a dream now. Faint they sound, and far; The glory fades from earth, and I remain Alone with my own failure. HuR. Hark, my lord, A noise of music ! here comes one with news. Enter Messenger. Mess. Hail ! mighty vanquisher I Revolt is crushed In its own adder's den, and Israel Is once more one. 109 The Promised Land Moses. Are many slain ? Mess. My lord. They lie in thousands : all are slain, I think. Who were not of the slayers. Moses. What, can earth Drink so much blood, and not be black ere this ? Mess. By their own tents we buried them, my lord, Just as they fell, in undistinguished heaps. Earth opened wide her mouth and swallowed them. Their tent-gear, and their goods ; into the pit We cast them all, the earth has closed upon them. And they have perished from among the people. Moses. This is God's doing. Mess. And right glorious ! Moses. Come, Hur, and let me breathe away this weight That sits upon my heart. [Exeunt. SCENE 3. Within the Tent of Moses. Some days later. Moses and Hur. Moses. It is all over then ? Hur. My lord, she's dead, no Act IV. sc.3. A Drama I saw her at the last. She did commend These words unto your ear : " Entreat," she said, " My brother's pardon ; pray him to forgive And so forget me. Let him fear no more A sister's faith : soon shall I take farewell Where I can hinder him no longer." Then, As though her eyes, dilating, let her mark The cloud-land of the future : " Now the path Opens full clearly, fortune shines," she said ; " I see the willows dimple in the brooks. The towers flash greeting, and the graceful palms Wave welcome to the hosts of Israel. Bid him arise and have good heart and go Forward into the future. All is well." Then the flush left her face, and, with a smile Of pale and peaceful beauty, she was dead ! Moses. Why sent you not for me ? HuR. All was as quick As I have said it. Moses. And befoi t- that hour ? HuR. Always, my lord, in aspect she remained As when you saw her : frozen seeming at heart. As though some stony grief was stationed there And would not be removed. Moses. Most grievous was 't. HuR. And still when I assxired her of your love, III The Promised Land Thrice counting o'er your kindly words to her, She marked me not, but made as if her mind Peered through her eyes, and instantly returned To feed upon its sorrow, Moses. Woe ! alas I Enter Messenger. Mess. My lord, I am a bearer of ill tidings ! Moses. Speak ! Mess. Lord Aaron, your own brother, our high priest. Died, by the hand of God, an hour agone. Moses. 'Twas sudden, then ? Mess. It was, my lord. Moses. Yet not Unlooked-for by himself. Some mornings since. Before the congregation, he resigned His office to his son. Feeble old age Did prematurely press on him of late. He will be widely wept for. To the people He wore a kindly manner, and was ever Intimate to their wants, which he relieved With liberal favour. Spake he, at the end ? Mess. His mind seemed erring painfully o'er the past. Few were his words, yet once we heard him say, " All must fail in the end : " and there he ended. 112 Act IV. sc. 3. A Drama Moses. Well, God be with him ! Let him sleep henceforth On Mount Hor, on the summit, opposite The resting-place reserved for Miriam. And be there solemn mourning through the camp For thirty days. Go and proclaim it now. [Exit Messenger. Then forwcird. Let the tendrils of the past Cling no more round our courage. The new land Lightens before us. Forward we must go ; And so best be forgetful. Who will hve Must" Unger not with love and memory, Lest their sad smiles undo him. Sister mine, From aU this world farewell ! These eyes, these hands. This very sense, and all my mortal part Must weep thy loss for ever. I alone Shall see thee and not lose thee. These must shrink. And, at the end, die, because bitter pain, Which is their very being, is its own death. But death beholds not us. So, still, farewell ! Come, Hur, and have good courage. Let us go. [Exeunt. Curtain. 113 H ACT V. (after an interval of many years.) SCENE I. Summit of Mount Pisgah — The Hosts of Israel below — In the distance, the Jordan and the Dead Sea ; and, beyond, Jericho in the midst of her palms. Enter Moses and Joshua. Moses. Enough ; rest here and leave me, Joshua : I will go forward yet a pace or two. Josh. My lord, I will not leave you, for your steps Do falter on the extremity of age ; And no man knoweth Moses. Joshua, my friend. Of aU who while my purpose yet was young Had courage with me, you alone remain. For all your tender service from the first No words acquit my thanks : I ne'er can thank you. You have heaped debts upon me. Now, in this Life's last remainder, let me rather more 114 Actv. Sci. a Drama Be lost in your fresh favour, than lay claim To sway your loyalty. Leave me, I pray. Josh. Nay, my lord Moses, I protest. Moses. Enough. Leave me awhile : I will not tarry long. [Exit Joshua. Moses, {reaching the sttmmit) , One step, no more. And lo ! — It is enough. Now let me die. Thought even is escaped Into Thy arms, God ! I have outlived Evil and good — all mortal energy — And cannot farther. Failure and defeat Fade from me, and for ever. Hark ! the breeze Is musical with murmurs from below. The hosts of Jacob dapple all the plain: Like Uttle children of to-day they lie About their camp-fires in the acacia groves, And count the coming fortunes. Children stiU, Fresh to the fair world, beautiful as when God led them first on Earth, they follow still. Still follow where he leads them. Even now The cornfields whiten to their hands, the wells O'erflow with verdure, and the meads with milk. All works to some accomplishment ; and i Work too — a child like these — ^in simple faith Surrendering my soul to unseen ends. And the land waits them. Look 1 the towers are bright 113 The Promised Land Amid the palm-groves, and the land is fair; And far the great sea flashes in a line. Far, far to northward ; ay, and snowy white. High quivering in the hot air, that is Hermon. Thus far I falter : the unseen, at length. Is actual before me. Now my hfe Stands quit of its sole purpose, and I pass. Content, O well contented from the world To wander, and to sleep from all its troubles ! These will go forward, go, and pot in vain; The end I know not, covet not to know. Having known God in the act. Perchance, this land Shall see a new state rise, rise nearer heaven, With pure laws, simple customs, and sweet lives. To make the dream of human love no dream. Perchance, for all is hidden but from Him, The end shall yet be sorrow, blood, and strife, Strife, blood, and yet more sorrow. He who hides The whole world in his counsel looks beyond The snowy caps of Hermon and the sea ! And sees to-day his children in far lands. Sees them as near as these, yearns over them, And touches now their blinded eyes to light. [A cloud descends upon the mountain. My limbs grow faint : Hfe distances me now. I must descend — and meet the world once more. ii6 ActV. sc. 2. A Drama Yet first a moment's rest, for I am weary ; This cloud will pass, and all will soon be clear. {The cloud hides Moses from mortal sight. SCENE 2. Early morning. At the foot of Pisgah — Before the Tent of Joshua, Captain of the Host. ZiLLAH comes out of Tent. Enter Joshua. Josh. There is a stir throughout the camp to-day ; We have lain idle long enough, and now Our men will all be moving. ZiL. What of Moses ? Josh. We've searched the mountain, ay, from base to summit. But in this mortal world we cannot find him. ZiL. The rocks are steep and ragged. Josh. It may be Death overtook him on some giddy height. It may be so — it may be. But my mind Can frame no image of it. Chance, mishap, Had no part in his life. He lived near God, And now he hves, but nearer. ZiL. All the years Roll backward from this moment. Do you mind "7 The Promised Land The first days out of Egypt, when his eyes Were fire because of hope, and men afraid Ahnost to look upon him, but they had No other hope to cling to ? I, a child ; You vaunted o'er the stars, young, valorous, The people's idol. Do you mind the days That followed those days, — days of suffering. Death, and dissension, and misunderstanding. Days not to be recalled save in such hght As now shines round us. For now all is changed. The fire is in our eyes now. He is gone. I look on you, and see the whole of love, With all its discords and its sufferings. Read backward into music. Josh. Have an end ; A very Lot's wife art thou, Uttle one. ZiL. I prithee ! Josh. Well, proceed. ZiL. ■ Were Miriam Beside us now, her word would sure be forward ! Josh. Forward it is. Yet the word is a blank. The river flows beneath us, at our feet — The land — the land of so much mortal longing — Its wild bees gather honey where we stand ; Yet to move on ! to move, and without Moses ! I am amazed with grief. ZiL. But you must use ii8 Acrv. sc. 2. A Drama Grief's passion to surmount the grief itself. To fashion out his future is for you, He watches o'er you. Josh. Walking, as at night, With the innumerable watchful stars O'erhead, no light below. ZiL. Courage, I say ! Well-nigh his last word to your ear was Courage ! Josh. Come, I was sickly, but am well again. Your clear voice, Zillah, rings me to the front With the old inspiration ; for my soul Is ever in your keeping. Let us go. This very day, at sunrise, will we hence ; The whole camp waits. I will go give the word. [Exeunt. Enter Captain, Youth, and other Israelites. Some strike and pack tents in background. Capt. The morning air blows fresh. Awake ! awake ! To-day to new adventures ! Youth. No word, then, Of Moses ? Capt. No, man. Youth. We have known a god, And knew it not ! 119 The Promised Land IsR. How many have I known Who did desire this day even more than death — So full of pains their hfe — to be as we be, Knee-deep ere mid-day in these shallow fords. And died desiring ! Youth. Who can teU ? the land May be as barren as the one we've left. Capt. What, fellow, barren ? Can you see these vines ? When the Ught grows a httle, we shall catch The bunches on them. Why, the land o'er- brims With rich confusion. Corn there is, and oil. Honey and figs and melons, kid-flesh, fish. Cucumber, quinces, cattle, innumerous sheep. And every bird on earth — that is not quail. Youth. This has a curious sound, and delicate. ISR. Yet wine o'er-towers all. All these I'd sell For single that, if need were — ^which is not. Youth. What taste has wine ? IsR. Like nothing mortal else. Youth. Is't cooUng to the tongue ? IsR. Cold is its kiss Upon the Ups, but in the heart 'tis fire. I20 Act V. sc. 2. A Drama Youth. Sweet ? IsR. Sweeter than old malice ; sharp and sweet : And yet not neither. Youth. By my life, old sir, This is a strange drink. ISR. Just to smeU of it Is to forget all grief. Youth. And they who drink ? ISR. Live in these white-walled palaces, and we Youth. Must live in place of them ; saving they be. As some say, giants. Capt. Have a heart, my lad ; Think you that all these wonders have been worked — That Moses came to lead us like a god. And now is gone to heaven — that we've escaped From slavery, through famine and through fire, To die now at the gate of Paradise ? There is some purpose in it, so I say. Youth. Well, I must think so too, although I've •seen But half of the whole story. Capt. Hush, attend ! Hare comes our leader ; we must fall in place. The start will be at sunrise. 121 The Promised Land Enter Joshua and Zillah. Josh. Well, my men, Is all in order ? Capt. All, my lord. Josh. Throughout The camp all stand on starting. Do you hear There is a hush now ? they do hark the sign. ZiL. Over the mountain, look ! — where Moses was — The eastern heaven is all aglow, its rays Dart upward to the zenith. Josh. See, that rock ! Methinks he stands there in the golden light. As in God's bosom, blessing us. Capt. Hark ! Youth. Hark ! {Flourish of trumpets. Josh. The silver clarions of the morning sound, Lo ! the sun rises. Forward, evermore ! [Exeunt marching. Butler & Tanner The Selwood Priming Works Frome and London 122 Works by Edward Carpenter : (Published by Swan Sohnenscheih & Co. Ltd. Those marked * published also by S. Clarke, Manchester.) •TOWARDS DEMOCRACY: Complete Poems in four parts. Library Edition, one vol., large crown 8vo, pp. 506, cloth gilt. 3/6 net. •The same. Pocket Edition, one vol., India paper, limp binding, gilt edge. 3/6 net. ENGLAND'S IDEAL, and other Papers on Social Sub- jects, Fifth Edition, 1902, pp. 176. Cloth, i/6 ; paper i/-. CIVILISATION: ITS CAUSE AND CURE. Essays on Modem Science, etc. Ninth Edition, 1906, pp. 176. Cloth, 2/6 ; paper i/-. •LOVE'S COMING-OF-AGE : a Series of Papers on the Relations of the Sexes. Sixth Edition, 1906) pp. 190. Cloth gilt 3/6 net. ANGELS' WINGS : Essays on Art and Life, with nine full-page plates, cloth gilt, pp. 248. 4/6 net. ADAM'S PEAK TO ELEPHANTA : Sketches in Ceylon and India. New Edition, 1903. Cloth gilt, 4/6. THE STORY OF EROS AND PSYCHE, with first book of Homer's Iliad done into English, and frontispiece. Cloth gilt, 2/6^ •IOLAUS : An Anthology of Friendship. Printed in Old Face Caslon type, with ornamental initials and side notes. New and Enlarged Edition. Cloth gilt, 2/6 net. CHANTS OF LABOUR : A Songbook for the People, edited by Edward Carpenter. With frontispiece and cover by Walter Crans. Paper, i/-. 195 Worh h Ed-aard Carpenter {continued) ! (Published by Georoz Allbh.) THE ART OF CREATION : Essays on the Sdf and its Powers. Second Edition, enlarged, 1907. Crovm 8vD, doth gilt, pp. 366. 3/6 det. DAYS WITH WALT WHITMAN, with some Notes on his Life and Work, and three portraits. Crovn 8vo, cloth gilt. 3/6 net. 1906. SKETCHES FROM LIFE IN TOWN AND COUNTRY, with some verses and a portrait of the author. 1908, Cloth gilt, pp. «7o, 3/6 net. (Published by A. C. Fifield, 44, Fleet Street, B.C.) PRISONS, POLICE, AND PXWISHMENT : An Inquiry into the Causes and Treatment of Crime and Criminals. Crown Svo, cloth, a/- uet. 1905. Paper, i/- net. EDWARD CARPENTER ; The Man and His Message. Pamphlet by Tom Swan, with two portraits and copious extracts from the above works. Price 6d. net. Cornell University Library PR4451.P91910 The iromlsed land; a drama of a leople's 3 1924 013 461 599 '! i 'i lilil! I m