.is VwJ 1 i CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY THE Joseph Whitmore Barry dramatic library the gift of two friends of Cornell University *934 Cornell University Library PS 3503.R62H7 1904 by Thomas W. Broad 3 1924 022 296 341 The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924022296341 THE HOLY CITY The Holy City was first pre- sented on Tuesday, March 31st, igoj, at the Collingwood Opera House, Poughkeepsie, New York. Mary Magdalene The Holy City A Drama ifl by THOMAS W" BROADHURST With an Introductory Note by WILLIAM ALLAN NEILSON PHILADELPHIA GEORGE W. JACOBS & CO. PUBLISHERS Copyright, 1904, by GEORGE W. JACOBS & CO. Published, March, 1904. Entered at Stationers' Hall, London, England. INTRODUCTORY NOTE One common response to an outcry against the degeneracy of the theatre, such as is often in our ears to-day, is the entrance into the field of stage- craft of the literary man with a mission. As a rule, his condescension goes unrewarded. Aca- demic and studious, he knows neither his audi- ence nor the tricks of the trade: the public is bored, the manager is disgusted, and the Philistine triumphs as before. If literature and the acted drama are to be joined in a more constant union, clearly this is not the destined agent. For at all periods when the drama has been at once a form of art and a part of the popular life, it has been written by men who were not above their busi- ness, who took pains to understand the practice of the profession of acting, and who had sym- pathy with at least part of their public. It is be- cause the author of "The Holy City " fulfils these requirements, and at the same time betrays the Introductory Note inspiration of a genuinely artistic aim, that I ven- ture to speak the prologue to the present piece. His success on the dramaturgic side need hardly be pointed out to any one who reads his play. In spite of the absolute familiarity of the theme, the element of suspense is so skilfully managed as to hold the interest powerfully throughout; and a really remarkable mastery of climax is apparent in the culminating situation at the end of each act. The hints as to grouping show that the author has honestly visualized each scene, with the result of suggesting a series of telling and ap- propriate settings for the dialogue, or even at times of indicating the action so effectively as to make the lines merely the rendering articulate of gesture and pose. The figure of the Magdalen is, of course, the pivot of the whole drama. The structural sym- metry depends on the balance of the earlier scenes showing her relations with Barabbas, against the later scenes when she is dominated by the force that brings about her conversion; and the transition and contrast are delicate and convincing. The significance of her change is Introductory Note brought out not only by the difference between the passionate warmth of the first acts and the lofty spiritual elevation of the close, but also, and more subtly, by the change in the relative posi- tions of Mary and her sister Martha, whose homely serviceableness is later thrown into the shade by the power that Mary acnieves by virtue of her greater spiritual reach. Behind, and forming a background to these and the other main char- acters, move the two great opposing currents of Jewish and Roman life; and the treatment of these, though they are never obtruded, serves ad- mirably to give color and atmosphere. The dramatic presentation of such a subject as this inevitably brings up the question of its pro- priety. But it is surely by this time well agreed that this must always be a matter of method and spirit, and as to the fitness of these in the present instance there would seem to be no room for doubt. The marked reverence with which the language and personages of the Scripture narra- tive are handled is not merely negative, but is characterized and made possible by a genuine feeling for their religious significance ; while the 8 Introductory Note blank verse, tinged throughout with the phrasing of Scripture, and rising at times to a fine elo- quence, serves to bestow that touch of aloofness which is so essential in dealing with sacred asso- ciations, but which is so difficult of attainment in prose. When a practical playwright is moved to de- vote his well-proved craftsmanship to the treat- ment of such a subject as this, and displays as well so strong a literary quality as we find here, no one interested in the future of the acted drama in America can withhold the sympathetic hearing which I bespeak for " The Holy City." William Allan Neilson. Harvard University, January, 1904. CONTENTS ACT I '' ACT II 75 ACT 111 121 ACT IV '57 ACT V l8 5 ILLUSTRATIONS Mary Magdalene Frontispiece The Dance .... Facing page 54 " Once more thy lips " . « » 58 The Reunited Family . • " " 94 " Forward to Gethsemane " . " " 112 Mary's Appeal to Pilate • " " 154 " I am not fit to die " . " " 176 The First Easter Song . " " 212 CHARACTERS Barabbas A Zealot. Peter . i John ' Disciples. Judas . Lazarus Brother to Mary. Zacharias A Convert. Caiaphas High Priest of Israel. Habakk.uk A Priest. Micah . . A young Jew. Pilate . Procurator. Calchol Centurion. Marcus . A soldier. SlLENUS Mary Magdalene Martha Sister to Mary. Miriam . Grandchild to Zacharias Flora . Salome • Dancing Girls. Hebe Scribes, Pharisees , Soldiers, Citizens, Etc. ACT I The Holy City ACT I Scene : — The roof of Marys house at Magdala. At the back is a low parapet which ex- tends also along the left side, dividing the roof. The parapet is broken in the left corner by an opening from which a flight of steps leads to the courtyard. In the upper right hand corner is a round tower with a doorway opening on the roof and hidden by a curtain. Over the parapet can be seen roofs of houses, etc. , and, in the distance, the Sea of Galilee, breaking gently at the base of a group of jagged rocks. About the roof are scattered flowering plants, etc. Two vases stand on the back parapet against which is placed a 18 The Holy City marble seat. In front, at the left, are a chair and a round table on which are drinking vessels and a dice box. On the right is a lounge placed diagonally from right to left. An awning affords shade from the afternoon sun. As the curtain rises sounds of music are heard and Micah is discovered seated on the arm of the lounge playing a harp. He is a Jew, about twenty-twoyears old, slight in figure, and effeminate in speech and man- ner. His face is shaded with the first down of youth and his costume is partly Jewish and partly Roman. Seated in the chair is Flora, a pretty little girl of eight- een. Her dress is of light blue gamy ma- terial, draped after the Greek style, and her hair is dyed about the same shade as her dress. Salome, slightly older, some- The Holy City 19 what taller, and also pretty, is leaning against the parapet at the back. She ■wears a pink dress arid her brown hair is crowned with a wreath of flowers. Other revelers, men and women, are grouped on the scene. Micah stops playing when cur- tain is up — the others applaud. Flora. Here on the roof 'tis fresher than below. Eh, Micah ? Micah. [Rises.] True, my Flora. There, perfume Dulled the air and scents of meats and wines made mock Of appetite. Here, cool blows the breeze across Blue Galilee. Flora. Didst note the guests ? Herod— Micah. [Interrupts.] Did look with envy on thy azure hair. 20 The Holy City Flora. Its color doth not hide the thefts of years As Herod's doth. All Palestine was there. Micah. Silenus failed to appear and he's not wont To leave a vacant couch and empty cup When Mary bids him to a feast. [Silenus appears' at entrance, back, flushed and puffing with exertion. He is forty-five years old and slightly bald. His dull eyes, bloated face, and heavy figure, indicate his character. He is richly dressed and wears a festal wreath. Silenus. All hail! [All greet him with cries of "Silenus! Silenus I" Flora and Salome drag him on. The Holy City 21 Micah. See you, the word is one to conjure with. Cry " Feast" and lo, Silenus straight appears. Silenus. [Anxiously.'] Am I too late? Micah. [With mock solemnity.] Thou art too late. The feast Is done. [Silenus sighs despondently. Micah. And such a feast. Mary herself Surpassed. Caesar could not have equalled it. With wanton recklessness she spoiled the earth. The eggs of herons, — Flora. Oysters, — Micah. Peacocks' tongues, — Flora. A boar, from the black forests of the Gaul,— Micah. And roasted whole. Salome. Melons, from Alexandria. Micah. Olives, from Bethany. 22 The Holy City Flora. And grasshoppers — Mashed grasshoppers ! In saffron stewed. Micah. And wine, Silenus! Amber and ruby wine; bubbling And creaming in the crystal cup and cooled With spoil of snow-crowned Lebanon. Such wine Olympian Ganymede doth serve thy gods When Jove holds revel high in golden halls. [During these speeches, Suxms'sface betrays his varying emotions. He looks from one to the other of the speakers. At the men- tion of wine, he licks his lips, etc. When Micah stops speaking, Silenus sinks into chair at right of table and groans. All laugh at him. Silenus. [Hoarsely.] A drink! A drink! My lips are cracked. My throat's The Holy City 23 [Holds cup on table. Flora fills it with water. Silenus takes a mouthful and spits it out, etc. Silenus. [Disgustedly.] Faugh! Water! [All laugh at him. Silenus. [To Flora.] Wouldst poison me, thou Ate ? Give me wine. [Flora gives him wine. Silenus. [Drains the cup.] More. Mor^wine. [Flora fills cup. Micah. Why, thou sponge, thou — [Silenus motions Micah to stop. Drains cup slowly and puts it down with a sigh of satisfaction. Silenus. Ah ! Micah. Tell us What weighty cause did make Silenus miss The feast. Silenus. [Confidentially.] Twas Herod. 24 The Holy City All. [Amused.] Herod ? Silenus. [Pompously.] Aye, 'twas Herod ! He sent for me — on business of the state. Micah. Ah me! The cares of state weigh heavily Upon — thy altitudinous paunch. Silenus. [Sighs and pats his stomach.'] Ah! Micah. And how long since the Tetrarch let thee go ? Silenus. But now. Scarce half an hour has passed since then. Micah. My friend, thou liest— worse than any man In Magdala. Herod was at the feast. Silenus. Was he ? Micah. He was. Silenus. And doth Herodias know ? Flora. Silenus, why that question ask ? Thou knowest The ftoly City A husband keeps naught secret from his wife. Micah. The truth, Silenus. 'Twas thy gentle spouse Who would not let thee come, and thou hast stolen Away from her. Silenus. Tis true. She doth not love The Magdalen. Micah. What honest woman would, Who has a husband — handsome as Silenus ? Silenus. The gracious gods are sparing of their gifts. Flora. Alas ! 'Tis true. To Micah they gave beauty, To thee — Silenus. My thirst! Fill up the cup. 1 parch. [Flora fills cup. Silenus drinks. Silenus. 'Twas yesterday that Herod sent for me. 26 The Holy City Micah. On business of the state again ? Per- chance 'Twas of Barabbas that ye talked. The Jew Who sets at naught the power of Rome and laughs At all her legionaries. Silenus. He is a thief, Barabbas is — a thief — a common robber. Micah. The captain of a patriotic band, Silenus. One who ne'er will bow the knee Before the eagles of Imperial Rome. A chieftain, he, who like a whirlwind strikes, Then vanishes as doth a summer cloud. Beyond the Jordan yesterday he took A Roman caravan; struck down a legion; And now — Silenus. [Interrupts.] He's skulking in his lair. He hides As doth the jackal when the lion's near. The Holy City 27 Micah. He walks Jerusalem in open day, Or, mayhap, Magdala. Silenus. He would not dare. Micah. If rumor hath no lying tongue, there's naught Barabbas would not dare. Flora. It may be he's That stranger, who, of late, with mystery comes To visit Mary. Silenus. Ha ! What like is he ? Flora. Swart-skinned and eagle-eyed, with hair that glints Dull copper in the sun. Silenus. Then he is not Barabbas. Micah. No ? Perchance thou knowest him. Silenus. The gods forbid 1 'Tis said his face is monstrous; His form is satyr-like. 28 The Holy City Micah. [Laughs.] A tale, my friend, Brought by some Roman whom Barabbas hath, Through pity, allowed to escape his dreaded sword. Silenus, this Barabbas is a prince Of Israel. Beloved of all is he — [Stops abruptly. Silenus. 'Twould seem Barabbas is a friend of thine. Micah. [Angry at having betrayed himself. Mine, only as he's friend of all my race. I tell but what is known to every Jew. Silenus. [Watching Micah.] Herod hath set a price upon his head. Micah. Not all the wealth of Rome could tempt a Jew Betray Barabbas. He — Flora. [Covers her ears.} Peace I Peace, ye twol The Holy City 29 Is this the Senate or the Sanhedrim That 'bout Barabbas ye should squabble thus ? [Pulls Silenus's ears. Smile, satyr, smile on me. [Silenus leers at her. Flora. Ye gods ! I swoon. [Salutes Silenus mockingly. Silenus, pardon. Satyr thou art not But Leto's darling son. Silenus. [Chases Flora and catches her. A kiss, thou Circe. Flora. Kiss thee! What for? Silenus. For pleasure. Flora. Thine or mine ? Silenus. Both thine and mine. Flora. Silenus, peace! I fear The pleasure would be wholly thine. [Silenus sits with Flora on his knee. Tries to hiss her. 30 The Holy City Flora. Nay ! Nay ! I'll throw the dice with thee. A kiss against Thy emerald. [Shakes dice on table. Silenus. [Pushes her away.] Thou siren, out! I saw Thy mistress, Mary, that game play with Pilate. Micah. The stakes ? Silenus. His bracelet 'gainst her lips. Micah. Fair hazard! 'Twas rubies matched 'gainst rubies. And who won? Silenus. 'Twas Pilate made the higher throw — the gems Are worn by Mary. Micah. Tribute for tribute. She but despoiled the spoiler of her race. If Mary — Flora. [Interrupts.] Mary! Mary! Always Mary! The Holy City 31 Tis Mary saith thus and Mary doth so. Holds not the world another one as fair ? Silenus. Thyself perhaps ? Flora. Myself! Have I not eyes To see, two lips to kiss, a tongue — Micah. [Interrupts.] To scold. Flora. Thy tongue is ever forward, Micah. Jews I like not. They're o'er-fond of their shekels. Silenus. A hit, O Israel, by all the gods ! Flora. [Back of Silenus. Smooths his hair. At the same time mocks him.'] The noble, generous Roman wins my love. Silenus, drink to me. [Hands him cup. [Barabbas appears at stairway, unseen by the other characters. His age is about thirty- five, his hair and beard are a reddish brown and his eyes black. He wears a Jewish robe of dark blue cloth, confined 32 The Holy City at the waist by a brilliantly striped sash which holds his sword and dagger. Over this a cloak is draped and around his head is a scarf of the same material as the sash, the whole forming a striking and picturesque costume. His tall, somewhat spare and sinewy figure, his free stride and his bronzed face, are eloquent of the desert. His alert movements and compre- hensive glance bespeak the man accustomed to command. He gives a look of contempt at the assembled company and is about to withdraw when Silenus's pledge arrests him. Silenus. To thee, my Hebe ? Nay, I drink only to thy mistress. Hers The name I pledge. To Mary — [Silenus holds the cup in his right hand. Before he can finish, Barabbas comes down and takes him by the wrist. The Holy City 33 Micah. [Recognises Barabbas — aside. Barabbas ! Barabbas. That name pollute not with thy wine-thick tongue, Thou libertine. Silenus. And who art thou ? Barabbas. I am — A Jew. [ Throws Silenus's hand from him. Silenus. Thy manners might so much have told. The Jew was ever a barbarian. Barabbas. God of our father Abraham, how long Must we, thy people, bow the neck beneath The oppressor's yoke? How long, O Lord, must we Endure the ravenings of this wolf of Rome ? 34 The Holy City [To Silenus.J Barbarian! To me, whose race doth boast Of warrior, poet, priest, and lawgiver, Whose wisdom and whose glory reach the wide Earth's bounds. Thou thing of yesterday ! Ages before The walls of thy seven-mounded city rose, Long ere the Greek in marble wrought his dream And called it Athens, Israel's sons did build Their city aureate, shrine of their God, Home of their law and race. Dead Thebes, proud city Of the hundred gates, was her contemporary And still Jerusalem is. A thousand years Before their wolfy foster-mother suckled The founders of thy race, my ancestors Were kings; and I — I am a Jew. Silenus. Thy race The Holy City 35 And city shall be dead as Thebes ere many moons, While mine shall flourish. Barabbas. My race and city die, Thou dotard! When thy Imperial Rome Shall be the jackal's lair, a spot all desolate, Of God accursed and by man forgot, Jerusalem shall sit serene upon her hills And point her gold-topped temple to the sky. When thou and all thy misbegotten brood In black oblivion's deep shall be engulfed, My race and I shall live, and Israel rule The world. [Fills cup.] A pledge! The Jew, chosen of God! Before his banner may the Roman eagles fall, As falls the desert palm when the fierce sirocco's blast Hurls devastation cross the shuddering plain: And prostrate fall — to rise again no more. [All hesitate. 36 The Holy City Silenus. Tis treason ! Barabbas. [With contempt and sarcasm. Cravens! Ahl I did forget Tiberias and her dungeons are full near. [Is about to replace cup on table. Pauses. A toast that all may drink ! Roman and Jew ! To one, fairer than Bethsaba for whom Gread David sinned ; prouder than Sheba's queen Who conquered Solomon. Within her hair The sun hath woven a golden net to catch The hearts of men. Her voice makes sweeter music Than summer wind sings to the ravished palm ; Her lips have stolen their crimson from the heart Of luscious-blooded pomegranate. Her teeth Are little pearls, her brow is ivory. Upon her cheek's the shimmering sunset's flush And in her eyes, the soft gray dawn. I pledge The Magdalen. The Holy City 37 [Slave appears at doorway of tower, draws aside the curtain, and, as Barabbas ends his speech, Mary enters. Of medium height, her figure is moulded on voluptuous lines. Her beautiful hair is gathered in a coil secured with gemmed pins and topped with a diamond star. From a bandeau across her forehead hangs a row of pear-shaped pearls. Her dress indicates her artistic sense and her disregard of convention. It is of soft, clinging stuff, scarlet in color, embroidered with gold and jewels, cut low in the neck and apparently held up by a single jeweled strap over her left shoulder, thus leaving practically unbroken the grace- ful line of neck and arm. From beneath the gown peep Roman shoes of gilt leather sparkling with gems. Her left arm is bare. On her right, from a jeweled band above 38 The Holy City the elbow to another at the wrist, hang strings of pearls and her fingers and right thumb are decked with rings. A diamond girdle, with a clasp of emeralds, circles her waist and a broad strap of the same gems is pendant, almost touching the ground. Mary starts on seeing Barabbas, but does not betray her surprise. Ap- parently she is in good spirits and she greets the party with a jest. All. Mary! Mary! All hail! Mary. Cry not your homage from the house- tops, friends. Herodias' ears spread wide. Should they but catch A whisper of your worship, — well, a woman, Jealous, stops at no revenge. Micah. Fearest thou Herodias, Mary ? The Holy City 39 Mary. Micah, gaze on me. Seest thou not fear writ large upon my brow; Black dread within mine eyes? Note how I tremble when I hear her name. Silenus. She loves thee not. Mary. {With a mocking sigh.] Alas, 'tis true! Were I the Tetrarch's wife and knew my lack Of beauty and of wit, the Magdalen, I trow, would little get of love from me. [Mary lies on lounge. Barabbas arranges her robe. Slave stands at foot of lounge, with fan. Mary. [Apart to Barabbas. J Beware Silenus! Barabbas {With a shrug of contempt.] Beast! I fear him not. Mary. Silenus, friends were calling thee. The feast 40 The Holy City Was dull, lacking thy presence — and thy tongue. Micah. His loving wife, with soft-compell- ing arms, Detained him. Silenus. Partly it was my wife. Chiefly This vagrom Nazarene. His followers So thronged the way, my litter could not pass. They hail Him as Messias. Micah. Messias! Can any good come out of Nazareth ? Silenus. Israel must answer that, not I. The man Grows dangerous to the state. Herod doth fear Him. Barabbas. He e'er was lily-livered, was this Herod. No cause hath he to fear the Nazarene. Mary. [To Barabbas.] Knowest thou the man? The Holy City 41 Barabbas. I once did know Him well. As boys we played together on the hills, Dipped in the self-same brook, tended the sheep Thro' winter's storms and quivering summer noons. A tender shepherd, He. Oft in the silent night His voice I've heard calling the wandering lamb, Which caught, His arms would bear back to the fold. All gentle things did love Him and He them. There was a wondrous magic in His touch. Once, when in wanton sport I hurled a stone And struck a snow-white dove, with tear-filled eyes And tender hand He touched the broken wing Which straight was healed. Flora. 'Tis said He hath to-day That self-same gift ; that with a touch He heals The hopeless sick and e'en can raise the dead. 42 The Holy City [General chorus of incredulity. Micah. [Jestingly.] Tis said He will be king of Israel. Silenus. What ? King, sayest thou ? [Judas enters by the stairway and crosses toward Mary. He is of medium height, spare almost to meagreness, and walks with a slight stoop. His long hair is rusty-red, as are also his straggly beard and moustache. His eyes are greenish and his mouth weak rather than wicked. The color of his dress is dirty yellow. Micah. Not I. But here is one Can tell. Iscariot. A chosen one. [Stops Judas, who shows a desire to escape. Fear not, man. Here is neither Herod nor Stern Caiaphas. Mary. [To Judas. J Followest thou this Nazarene ? The Holy City 43 [Judas hesitates. Micah. Deny it not. I've seen thee in His train. Judas. And if I do, what then ? Silenus. 'Twere best to seek Another master. The Nazarene is doomed. Herod will drive Him forth from Galilee. Micah. And in Judea waits fierce Caiaphas. Judas. Nor priest nor Tetrarch fears the Nazarene. The lightnings and the winds are at His call To blast His foes and sweep them from His path. [All laugh but Mary, who seems impressed. Judas. Aye, laugh an ye will! Laugh! But what is said Is true. Ere long ye'll see the Nazarene The king of Israel. Twelve thrones He will set up 44 The Holy City Over the tribes and — [Slops suddenly. Barabbas. [Sarcastically.] One of them will fall To thee, Judas of Kerioth. There lies The loadstone of thy love, thou fool. Micah. [Mocking him.] Which one, O Judas, wilt thou take ? Shall it be Dan, Or Reuben, or young Benjamin ? Perchance Thou wouldst prefer to sit on Judah's throne ? [Takes wreath from Silenus and crowns Judas. Behold Prince Judas of Jerusalem ! [Laughter and mock salutations by all but Mary and Barabbas. Judas throws down the wreath and turns away. Silenus picks it up and places it on his own head. Mary. Peace, Micah ! Bait him not. Thou'rt ever forward The Holy City 45 With thy jests. Barabbas. [To Mary. J Hast thou seen this Nazarene ? Mary. I know not. But one night I saw, or dreamed 1 saw, I know not which, a miracle Most wonderful. If 'tis as Judas saith, This Nazarene can call upon the winds Of heaven, and that they heed His call, and that I did not dream, then have I surely seen Him. Micah. Thy prelude hath as many "ifs" as Joseph's coat Had colors. Silenus. [To Micah.] Silence, babbler! [To Mary. ] Tell thy tale. Mary. 'Twas on a sultry summer night. My soul Surcharged was with thoughts of other days,— Of days when as a gentle child I strayed 46 The Holy City By Jordan's banks and plucked the lilies fair, No whiter than my virgin soul. [Silenus chuckles with drunken contempt. Mary. Silenus, To Mary, even, will such fancies come, Unbidden and unwelcome guests. My heart Would not be stilled. My couch had thorns for down And gentle sleep refused her offices; So to the roof 1 came, where raged a storm That matched the equal tempest in my breast. Low in the western sky the red moon hung. Across her face the howling wind did drive The fugitive clouds, as drives a conquering foe His erstwhile opponent. Fierce lightnings tore The quivering heavens apart and forth was hurled The riving thunderbolt to pierce the shuddering earth. The Holy City 47 The sea with anger roared and chafed his confines, Where black rocks gleamed, like fangs i' the yawning mouth of hell. The lightning's flash revealed a little boat, Her crew in helpless terror gathered round A sleeping figure in the hinder part. The pre)' of vengeful wind and ravening sea, The hand of God alone could save her. And To me it seemed that boat were my own soul, Doomed to Gehenna's pit, sans grace, sans hope, And in my agony I shrieked a prayer. When, lo, as if in answer to my cry, Methought I saw that sleeping figure rise, Serene amid the clashing elements, And with a gesture of command put forth His hand. Instant the servile sea grew calm; The thunder rolled no more; the lightning ceased; Th' obedient wind was hushed, and on its last 48 The Holy City Expiring breath was borne the message, " Peace, Be still." The tumult in my soul was quelled. My heart in wonder spoke: " What man is this That even the winds and sea obey him ?" [Throws off the mood. Rises, walks about with gestures of impatience. Wine, Girl! Wine, that glads the heart of man! That bathes His soul in Lethe's stream and brings him— peace. [Raises cup to lips but does not drink. I know not why that dream should trouble me. Judas. Thou didst not dream! For 1 was in that boat. All. Thou! Judas. I! The Nazarene did still the tempest. What think ye now ? Can He work miracles ? He is Messias. The Holy City 49 [Mary impressed. Others incredulous. Barabbas shows impatience. Silenus asleep, nodding in chair. Barabbas. And will be king and thou A prince. Go to! Mary. [Recklessly.] Prince of Jerusalem! Silenus, wake, and pledge Prince Judas. Silenus. [Wakes with a start and drinks me- chanically.] Prince! Prince Judas! What! Tis treason! Treason to Rome! Micah. And thou, Silenus, traitor. Thou art caught. Of this shall Caesar learn. [All laugh. Judas. Ye fools and scoffers, My day shall come! Next Passover will find Him at Jerusalem. Then shall ye see. 50 The Holy City Silenus. [Stupidly.'] Then shall we see. Judas. In Galilee, yea, in Jerusalem itself, His followers are, And countless as the sands upon the shore. [To Mary. Thy sister and thy brother are among them. Mary. [Fiercely.] Martha and Lazarus are naught to thee, — Judas. [Interrupts.] I come to say that Lazarus is sick. Mary. Is sick! My gentle brother, Lazarus ! Judas. Sick unto death. Mary. [Drops cup]. To death ! Judas. So came the word to-day. Micah. [Calls after Judas.J When to Jeru- salem thou goest, sell then Thy Master to the high priest, Caiaphas. He'll give thy price, and 'twill be better thus The Holy City 51 For thee, than waiting for thy promised prince- dom. [Exit Judas. Mary. [Murmurs.] And Lazarus is sick! Micah. [Soberly.] And yet He's wise, This Nazarene. Shrewd Caiaphas hath vainly tried To trap Him. Flora. Why doth the priest so hate Him ? Micah. He preacheth a new faith and a new law. His voice is all for mercy. Yesterday — [Slaps Silenus on back. Silenus, wake. This story is for thee. But yesterday they brought to him a woman In hot adultery ta'en. Silenus. [With a drunken leer.] A wanton, like Thyself, O Magdalen. 52 The Holy City Barabbas. [Starts for Silenus.J Thou Roman beast, — Mary. [Stops Barabbas.] Peace 1 Peace! Silenus speaks but truth. I wear The scarlet livery of sin. Barabbas. But Mary — Mary. [Interrupts.] 'Tis women like myself who rule the world. We smile and at our feet are slaves who kiss Our garment's hem. Where we appear we van- quish. Men die and women weep because of us. For fair Delilah's amorous lips and eyes The mighty Samson paid with strength and life; For beauteous Helen's face high Ilium fell And proud Andromache wept bitter tears; In Cleopatra's swarthy arms great Antony lost, And deemed well lost, the empery of the world. Into the wanton's lap the whole earth pours. The Holy City 53 Its wealth of gold and gems and all things beau- tiful, In never-ending stream. She's drunk with power. Her foot is on the neck of the universe. For, call her by what name ye may, — Helen, Delilah, Egypt, Mary, — the scarlet woman Is conqueror still. {Aside.] But, ohl the price we pay! The price — our very souls. — Thy story, Micah. Micah. They brought the woman to Him and they said, " 'Tis Moses' law that such should stoned be. What sayest thou ? " Mary. What answer made He them ? Micah. He said, " Let him among you with- out sin The first stone cast at her." Mary. Dost hear, Silenus ? " Let him among you without sin." How well 54 The Holy City He knows thy sex. [To Micah.] Did one among them dare ? Micah. Not one. Mary. The dogs! I know them — whited tombs, All fair without, within unclean. Lip servers. Smug hypocrites. They make us what we are And then would stone us. The woman, what of her? Micah. To her He answer made and said, " Go thou, And sin no more." Mary. " Go thou, and sin no more." He knoweth woman too, this Nazarene. That word hath bound her soul to Him for aye. [With forced gaiety. Why waste we fleeting hours in dull discourse Upon this man of Galilee. For us The cup, and music, life and love. A dance! The Holy City 55 A dance! Bid music sound. [After dance, Flora and Salome run Silenus off left, followed by all except Barabbas and Mary. Mary motions slave to retire. Mary. Barabbas! Barabbas. [Back at parapet. ) Well ? Mary. Why didst thou come to-day ? Barabbas. [With veiled sarcasm.] The Mag- dalen's doors ope wide and all the world Does homage at her shrine, and all the world Is welcome. Shall Barabbas be denied The common liberty ? [Sits on bench.] Mary. [Goes to him.] Thou knowest well I could not speak to thee before. Silenus Was not so drunk as he did counterfeit. Should he discover who thou art — thy life Would be the forfeit. Barabbas. A man can die but once. Mary. Be gentle with me, Barabbas. To-day 56 The Holy City I'm not myself. I dread I know not what. A thousand gusts of passion stir my soul, As stirs the wanton wind yon Galilee. [Rises and paces about. Red Judas, curses on his evil face, Must bring me word that Lazarus is sick. Then Micah with his tale must memories Recall. [Lies on lounge. They would have stoned me but for thee. Barabbas. Perhaps. Mary. Be not so cold. Come, sit thee here, — Here at my side. [Barabbas at first refuses the invitation, but finally yields to Mary's solicitations and sits on lounge. Mary. Hast thou forgot that day, Barabbas, the day when first we met ? The Holy City 57 Barabbas. I well Remember it. Mary. I see them now, a pack Of jackals yelping 'round their prey. No hope For me, when, like a lion came Barabbas And I was saved. My heart went out to thee That day. Barabbas. And from that day my soul has been In hell, — hell of desire for thee. To touch Thy hand, to sense the perfume of thy hair, The rose-sweet fragrance of thy breath, to gaze Upon the scarlet wonder of thy mouth, My life, my hopes, my cause, my everything, I've counted naught. In the lone camp-fire have I seen Thy face. 'Mid the fierce battle's crash thine eyes Have lighted me to victory. Above The busy hum of cities have I heard 58 The Holy City The music of thy voice. In starlit desert nights The whispering wind hath soothed me into dreams With murmur of thy name, " Mary, Mary." — [During the speech Mary responds to Barab- bas's advances and he is about to take her in his arms, when she smiles triumphantly and he tears himself away. Mary. Barabbas, stay ! I love thee. Barabbas. Me ! Mary. And thou, Thou lovest me not. Barabbas. Not love thee! I adore thee! Thee only in this universe I want. My soul is sick with longing for thy kiss. Let my hot lips make havoc of thy mouth. [ They embrace. Mary. How long I've waited for that kiss. Once more Thy lips. ' Once More Thy Lips" The Holy City 59 Barabbas. Thy kiss is custom-staled. [ Throws her from him. Mary. No! No! My lips, my soul, myself, are wholly thine. Place thus thy hand upon my throbbing heart. How like a prisoned thing it beats 'gainst its Confining bars and seeks to join thine own. Barabbas. Me only dost thou love ? Mary. Thee, only thee! Since first I looked into thine eyes and clasped Thy hand, thy brave, strong hand, whose touch doth send The blood hot-coursing thro' my swelling veins, My one desire hath been to lie upon thy breast; To melt into the circling rapture of thine arms. Kiss me again, my lord, my life, my king. Barabbas. My rose of Sharon! This is perfect joy. And thou wilt be my wife ? 6o The Holy City Mary. [/» wonder.] Thy wife ? Barabbas. My wife, My queen ! Tis little 1 can offer thee: A tent for shelter from the too rude blast And scorching sun; for food, a date; for drink, A draught of water from some bubbling spring. A desert home, but love shall make it rich. At noon we'll rest in some green oasis And 'neath the feathery palm-tree's shade — Mary. [IVho has been listening with grow- ing wonder, rises. No! No! Barabbas. Thou lovest me not! Mary. [Clings to him.] Indeed, indeed, 1 love thee. See how I tremble at thy touch. Barabbas. Away ! Mary. With all my soul I love thee. Barabbas. Wilt thou wed me ? The Holy City 61 Mary. [Pleads.} Barabbas! Barabbas. God of Abram, can it be My father's son has lived to see this day ! A wanton's wanton wouldst thou make of me. [Mary covers her face. Barabbas pulls away her hands. Here! Let me gaze once more into thine eyes, Thine eyes, that drag men's souls to the lurid brink Of hell. Mary. Barabbas, hear me! Listen! 1 — Barabbas. {Interrupts. ] Wilt be my wife ? Mary. [Breaks from him.} No! I will not be thy wife. Barabbas. God ! Mary. Look 'round thee. Here thou wilt find power, pomp And luxury, — all that the heart desires. 62 The Holy City Swart Afric's gold, the rich East's gems, are mine. See, thus I toss them to my slaves. [With a superb gesture she tears off rings and throws them over the parapet. My form's In Tyrian purple clad. 1 sleep on down. My feasts outrival Caesar's. And thou'lt provide For food, a date; for couch, the burning sand. Would'st know the men who're at my feet? Name all The great in Palestine. Proud Pilate's mine. The Tetrarch does my will. Imperial Rome Himself shall be my slave. Tiberius Shall build for me a palace on the Tiber's bank, Where all the world shall worship me. And thou Dost offer me, a desert home. A tent For shelter. The Holy City 63 [Barabbas, with a hoarse cry of rage, draws his dagger. Mary. [Offers her breast.] Strike! Strike an thou wilt. My heart Is but thy dagger's length away. Perchance Thou'lt reach it thus. Barabbas. [Rage and desire struggle in his face. His hand slowly drops.] Thou wanton! Mary. Wanton 1 am And wanton will remain, till creeping age Doth stale my charms, cool my hot blood, make hollows Of mine eyes, and steal the flushes from my cheeks. Barabbas. [Sheaths dagger and goes to exit, back.] I'll never look upon thy face again. Mary. [With bach to him, waves hand.] 64 The Holy City Farewell, Barabbas. But thou wilt come back. [Exit Barabbas. Mary. [Stands for a moment, a scornful smile on her face, which gradually softens.] To- morrow, he'll return and then — [Sits on lounge. Murmur of crowd heard. Mary. Barabbas! He is caught! [Rushes to parapet and looks into street. Micah enters from left. Micah. What noise was that ? Mary. I know not and I care not, since 'tis not Barabbas. Micah. [Goes to parapet. ] Tis the Nazarene ! Mary. Which one Is He? Micah. The tall one with the long white robe. [ Touches vase. The Holy City 65 Mary. Be careful of that jar, my friend. Tis easily O'erthrown. [Looks into street.] There's some- thing king-like in His form. Mark how the throng press round Him. Peter. [Below, in street.] Woman, back, And touch Him not. [Crowd murmurs. Mary. Look, Micah! See, He calls One to Him! Micah. Hagar, widowed and lame. Oft Have 1 given her alms. Mary. He toucheth her. She throws away her crutch. Hagar. [Below in street.] I walk! I leap! To God on high the praise! [Acclamations from crowd. Mary. A miracle! The lame can walk. 66 The Holy City [Looks intently into street. Woman's sobs heard and low murmur of crowd. Micah. And now He speaks to her. What saith He, Mary ? Mary. [Repeats words.'] " Only believe, and tho' Thy sins be scarlet, I will wash them white As snow." [Starts back from parapet.} Didst note that glance ? 'Twas meant for me. "Only believe and tho' thy sins be scarlet." He saw my robe. Micah. Nor robe nor thee He saw. [Mary sits on lounge. Micah in chair watches her with a smile. Mary. His face is godlike and His form divine; His voice, soft as a cooing dove's. And yet There is a something in its tones doth stir The Holy City 67 The deeps within me. "Tho' thy sins be scarlet" — [Silenus, Flora, Salome, and others enter from left. All watch Mary who does not notice them. Mary. His eyes are mirrors of the infinite. The sorrow and the suffering of all time Are in their wondrous depths. [Mary goes bach to parapet, stands with her right hand on vase, looking earnestly into the street. Micah. [Whispers.] She's thinking of her sins. [All laugh silently. Silenus takes Flora and Salome each by an arm and they cross to Mary with exaggerated caution, then laugh loudly. Mary starts at the laugh and knocks the vase from the parapet into the street. She screams. An in- 68 The Holy City stant's pause, then a roar from the crowd, punctuated with cries of "She threw it!" "The harlot!" "Stone her!" "Tear down her house! " [Crowd rushes on, back, followed by Peter and John. Peter is a sturdily-built man of about forty, with short, iron-gray beard and hair, both inclined to curl. His dress is of dark-brown cloth. John is slender and youthful-looking, about twenty-five years old, gentle of face and voice. He is dressed in dark gray. From this time the scene grows gradually darker. Peter. [Comes forward.'] Back! Back! Leave her to me. Mary. It fell! It fell 1 The Holy City 69 Woman. She lies. The harlot threw it at the Master. [Crowd starts toward Mary. John inter- cepts them. John. My brethren, peace. Peter. Where is the man was struck ? [Crowd opens up and discloses man with face cut. Mary shows horror, etc. Peter. Tis thy work, wanton. Mary. No. I threw it not. It fell. [ To man.] Take this and this and this — [Gives him jewels. Crowd shows approval. Peter. Unclean! Unclean! The scarlet woman's spoils. They're stained with tears and blood of souls. Their touch Pollution is. [Man slowly drops jewels. Crowd threatens Mary. 70 The Holy City Peter. Woe unto thee! Woe! Woe! Thy beauty hast thou made a snare to men And an abomination before God. Mary. Who dares to judge me thus ? Peter. I, Simon Peter, Chief follower of the Nazarene. Mary. Art thou Then sinless ? Think of thy Master's words. Peter. Breathe not His name, thou wicked one. Repent thee, ere It be too late. Repent, ere thou become Anathema. Repent, and God's dread venge- ance thou Mayst yet escape and save thy soul from hell. [Crowd approves. Mary. [With scorn.'] Thou'rt no true fol- lower of the Nazarene. He bears a gentler message. Gol The Holy City 71 [Mary turns from him. Peter, John, and crowd start to go. Peter. [Stops.] Beware! The hand of God's already laid on thee; Thy brother Lazarus is dead. Mary. [Faces him.] What ? Lazarus Is dead! Peter. Aye, dead. And died because of thy Iniquities. Mary. Thouliest! Thouliest! Thou Iiest! Go! Leave me! Leave me, all of ye! Out on ye! Dogs, jackals, cowards, hypocrites, the scum Of Israel that ye are! Go! Go! [Drives Peter and crowd before her from the roof. John remains. Micah, Silenus, Flora, Salome, and others go off left. Mary springs on landing and hurls defi- ance at Peter. 72 The Holy City Mary. And thou, Chief follower of the Nazarene, go tell Thy Master that — \_A flash of light, indicating the glance of the Master, strikes Mary and slops her. She covers her face and with a shuddering cry, shrinks back on the roof. He looked at me. The Nazarene did look At me with the accusing eye of God. John. No accusation was there in His glance But only love. Mary. His look burns in my heart. His love is not for me. John. For all the world And thee. Mary. That glance revealed my guilt-stained soul. My sins are many. John. Only believe, and tho' The Holy City 73 Thy sins be scarlet, He will make them white As snow. [Exit John. Mary. He'll make them white as snow. {Shows mental struggle. Springs to her feet. I will not yield. 1 am the Magdalen. I — [ The conviction of sin overpowers her. Ap- propriately with the speech she tears off jewels and robe. These gems are stained with tears and blood. This coil's A serpent 'round my arm. Away, thou viper! "Tho' thy sins be scarlet." My robe! My robe! It burns into my flesh as burns His glance Into my soul. Lord, I believe. My sins Are scarlet. Make them white as snow. [The scene is now quite dark. A bright light streaming from above discloses Mary, the penitent, dressed all in white. ACT II ACT II Scene : — Court-yard of the home of Martha and Lazarus near Jerusalem. On the left is the house, a one-story structure with a door opening into the court-yard. On the right is a high wall with a wide opening at right second entrance leading into the garden. Flowers and foliage show above the wall, and over the house creeps a vine. Across the back, dividing the court-yard from the road which leads to the city is a low hedge of cactus, in bloom. Two trees, forming a natural entrance in the centre of the hedge, meet overhead shading the court- yard. The city of Jerusalem is seen in the distance, straggling up a hill on the 78 The Holy City left which is crowned by the temple. In the middle distance is a large building which hides the crest of a hill on the right, somewhat lower than that on which the city itself is built. A rough table and chairs are placed outside the door. Back against the wall is a rough bench and on the bench a water-jar and a bowl. As the curtain rises, people are seen pass- ing from left to right on their way to Jeru- salem, singly and in groups, on foot, riding asses and camels, etc., some carrying their baggage, doves, etc., for the temple, others leading lambs and kids for the Passover. Some stop and look over the hedge, point to the house, and whisper, etc. The time is just before sunset. During the act the sun goes down. Zacharias ap- pears in the road from the left, led by The Holy City 79 Miriam. They slop and look into the yard. Martha enters from garden. During the scene a group gathers at the entrance and listens to the conversation. Zacharias is bent with years and carries a staff. His thin beard is gray ; his dress of faded blue is dusty from travel. Miriam is ten years old, a pretty child, and wears a bright-colored, striped dress. Martha is a matronly woman of about thirty-five. Her black hair hangs loose. Her robe is of dark gray. Lazarus is about twenty- three, with a soft, short beard and wavy brown hair. His voice is low, and there is a pervading sadness in his tone and manner. He wears a fawn-colored dress. Zacharias. Upon this house be peace. Martha. And unto thee Be peace. 80 The Holy City Zacharias. Art thou not Martha ? Martha. I am. Zacharias. Sister Of Lazarus, who died ? Martha. The sister of That Lazarus who died. Wilt thou not enter And rest awhile ? [Zacharias and Miriam enter the court-yard. Zacharias. 1 thank thee, Martha. I And the little maid come to Jerusalem To keep the feast. [Martha seats Zacharias at right of table. Miriam stands by his side. Zacharias. I follow the Nazarene. Martha. His blessing on thee! Thy name ? Zacharias. Zacharias. This, Miriam, is daughter of my daughter. We dwell on Jordan's bank and there have heard The Holy City 81 Much of the Master's work. Is Lazarus Within ? Martha. Jerusalem doth claim him. Soon He will return. Then mayst thou see him. Zacharias. Alas. My poor old eyes will see him not. And yet 1 would be witness to the truth. Among My neighbors there be those who scoff, and doubt The Master raised him from the dead. Martha. 'Tis truth. Miriam. And was he surely dead ? Martha. He was. Miriam. And buried ? Martha. Both dead and buried. [Group in road incredulous. Martha. Four days the grave had claimed Him for its own,— four weary, weeping days — Before the Master came. Gently He took 82 The Holy City Me by the hand; looked tenderly into Mine eyes; saw there the sorrow and the tears, And Jesus wept. Zacharias. Behold how much He loved him. [Group shows sympathy. Martha. Then to the grave we came. From its black mouth The stone we rolled away. The Master called, In voice commanding, "Lazarus, come forth." [Group shows expectation. And he that was dead came forth, [Lazarus appears at door of house. bound hand and foot With grave clothes, even as we had buried him. [She sees Lazarus. O Lazarus, my brother! Lazarus. Sister mine! [Lazarus and Martha embrace. Group shows sympathy and awe. The Holy City 83 Zacharias. [Passes his hand over Lazarus's face.] And art thou Lazarus ? Lazarus. I am. Zacharias. Praised Be God! In very truth the Nazarene Messias is of whom the prophets spoke. Come, child. Rejoicing let us go our way. Farewell and peace! Lazarus. Farewell to thee, old man. [Exeunt Zacharias and Miriam by the road to right, followed by group. Enter Rebecca by the road, from left, carrying a water- jar on her head. She is a pretty girl of fifteen and wears a short dress made of gaily-striped material and edged with a red fringe. She walks slowly until she sees Martha, then quickens her steps and passes into the house. Enter Peter and John by the road from the left. 84 The Holy City Peter and John. God's blessing on this house. Martha. To ye, His peace. [Peter walks about, muttering to himself. Lazarus. The Master! Comes He not? John. He follows and The others with Him. Martha. 'Tis not meet that He Should enter this way. [Goes to the door and calls. Open the door, Rebecca; Make all things ready for the coming guests. [Exit Martha, into the house. John. Peter, what troubleth thee ? Peter. 'Tis Caiaphas, High Priest of Israel, that troubles me. He'd have the Master's life. John. I fear 'tis true. And yet the Master heeds it not. The Holy City 85 Peter. Here, in Jerusalem, are men of Galilee Five thousand strong; good men and true. Each one His life would give let but the Master say The word. Let Him but speak, five thousand swords Will leap their scabbards out and make Him king. John. He asks no earthly throne. Peter. It is His life They seek. Fierce Caiaphas doth wait and watch. No hungry leopard, crouching for its spring, Hath less remorse than he. Chance and a man Are all he asks. Lazarus. Chance and a man! What man ? 86 The Holy City Peter. A man whose sordid soul loves gold ; who for A price would sell the Master. Lazarus. Dost suspect — Peter. {Interrupts."] No man. But one I know will nothing lose By watching. Enough! {Draws his sword.] One sword there is will flash, One arm will strike, one man will die for Him! {Enter Martha, from the house. Martha, at Magdala I saw thy sister. Martha. Saw Mary! Peter. Aye. Both saw and spoke with her. Martha. She said — ? Peter. With scorn and bitter words she drove Me forth. The Holy City 87 Martha. Mary was ever wont to give Back scorn for scorn. John. I fear thou wert too harsh. Peter. Too harsh! Wouldst have me cringe and bend the knee And kiss her scarlet robe ? Lazarus. If only God Would in His goodness bring her to the fold! Peter. She is a wanton. Dost thou love her still ? Lazarus. She is my sister, wanton though she be. Martha. And mine; my little sister. Lazarus. Every day 1 pray for her. Martha. 1, fifty times a day. John. Such prayers will answered be. [Enter Rebecca from the house, gesticulating. 88 The Holy City Martha. What dost thou mean? The guests ? [Rebecca nods. Martha. [To Lazarus.] Go thou and wel- come them. [To Peter and John.] And ye Will find fresh water there. And thou, Rebecca, Clean napkins give them and attend their wants. [Exeunt Lazarus, Peter, John and Rebecca into the house as directed by Martha, who follows them. Psalms 113 and 114 are sung in the house. A moment before the singing is finished Mary enters from the right. She is dressed as a woman of the lower class and wears a thin veil, through which her face can be faintly seen. She is very pale, shows signs of physical and mental suffering, and leans against the gate-post for support. When The Holy City 89 the singing is ended Martha enters from the house. She sees Mary but does not recognise her. Martha. Poor soul! Thou'rt ill. Come. Tarry with me awhile. Mary. [Aside.'] My sister! [To Martha.] No! I must go on, go on. [As Mary starts to go, she staggers and is about to fall when she is caught by Martha. Martha. Dear child! Thy feeble limbs can scarce support thee. Not one step farther shalt thou go until Thou'st rested here. [Seats Mary in the chair. Drink this. 'Twill do thee good. [Mary motions the cup away. Nay, take it, child, and drink. [Mary takes the cup. Her hand trembles. go The Holy City How thy hand shakes! Give me the cup and I will wait on thee. [Takes the cup and forces Mary to drink, in spite of her feeble resistance. Thou tremblest like a poor, lost lamb. There! There! Take off thy veil. I'll wash thy weary feet. [Mary removes her veil. Martha washes Mary's feet. Mary. No! No! It is not meet. I am not worthy. Martha. How now! 'Tis but a simple thing I do. I warrant me if I were in thy place, And thou in mine, that thou wouldst do the same. Hast traveled far ? Mary. From Galilee. Martha. From Galilee! The Holy City 91 Alone ? [Mary nods. On foot ? Mary. Alone, and all on foot. Martha. 'Tis many a mile. Small wonder thou art tired. Hast thou no friends here in Jerusalem ? Mary. Alas, no friends ! Martha. Then let me be thy friend. My heart goes out to thee. 1 know not why, But thou remindest me of one I love. Mary. Thou saidst " I love." The sadness in thy voice Doth tell of unrequited love. Martha. The one 1 love is lost to me. Mary. She is — ? Martha. My sister. Mary. Thy sister! Should she come back to thee — 92 The Holy City Martha. God grant She may. Mary. Should she come back to thee and kneel, Thus, at thy feet — Martha. Mary! Mary. Not yet! Not yet! Thus at thy feet with head bowed low in shame — Martha. No! No! Mary. And kiss thy garment's hem and cry, "Forgive! Forgive!" what wouldst thou do? Martha. [Raises Mary and embraces her.] Thus, thus Within my arms, and thus unto my breast I'd fold her close and cry, " Glory to God! To Him be all the praise! " Ho, Lazarus! Mary. My brother ? The Holy City 93 Martha. Aye, thy brother Lazarus. Mary. But he is dead! Martha. Was dead. Is now alive Again. Ho, Lazarus! Mary. I surely dream ! Martha. Nay ! Nay ! The Master raised him from the grave. Lazarus. [Enters from the house.] Why dost thou call me from the feast ? Martha. 1 bid Thee to a banquet for thy soul. Behold The answer to thy prayers. Lazarus. Not Mary ? It is 1 My sister! Mary. Lazarus! Oh, Lazarus, My brother! [ They embrace. To see thee thus, alive, and find A welcome. 94 The Holy City Lazarus. Aye, a thousand welcomes! But This garb ? What means it ? Martha. Mary, sit down. Say How cam'st thou here and thus. Mary. God's hand it was Directed me. I follow the Nazarene. Lazarus. [Kneels.] This is the answer to my prayer. For this He brought me back from Paradise. For this ! Martha. O double joy. Two graves give up their dead. Sister and brother both restored. United are We now in faith as love. Lazarus. What was't revealed The truth ? Mary. The Master's glance. One look from His Dear eyes — when from my roof I would have hurled w 1j The Holy City 95 Scorn and defiance at His head — showed me The horror of my sins. Lazarus. I know that look. Mary. That night I spent in prayer. The morrow's sun Saw me in search of Him, to find Him gone; Left for Jerusalem. Martha. And thou didst follow ? Mary. But first I sold all that I had and gave It to the poor. Lazarus. A true disciple thou! Martha. Sold all ? Mary. Gems, house, lands, — everything but this. [ Takes a small alabaster box from the folds of her robe. Martha. And that — ? Mary. Is spikenard I reserved for Him. And then I followed Him. 96 The Holy City Martha. The way was long! Mary. The way was long and hard. Martha. 'Twas doubly so For thee, poor child. Mary. But that I heeded not; Each step but brought me nearer Him. I reached Jerusalem and saw Him enter. Around Him pressed the multitude. Palms, flowers, and e'en Their garments, strewed they in His way, and all With voices loud, exulting cried, " Hosanna! Hosanna in the highest! Blessed be He That cometh in Jehovah's name! " The voices Of children, even, joined that hymn of praise. Lazarus. 1 saw and heard it. 'Twas a glori- ous sight! Mary. 'Twas the triumphal entry of a king, But one whose kingdom is of peace. He brought The Holy City 97 Nor spoils of villages nor wealth of harried towns. No stream of ravished captives dragged He in His train. Could I have thrown myself beneath His feet And died, thrice welcome would have been that death. Martha. And then — ? Mary. He vanished. And F, alone And friendless, wandered, weary, through the streets, No roof to shelter, and no hand to aid. Martha. My poor, lost lamb! Mary. God brought me to thy door, Or else to-night I'd died,— had died without Or look or word from Him, my Lord! My Master! To-morrow must I seek Him further. Martha. No need 1 He's here beneath this roof. 98 The Holy City Mary. Beneath this roof! Martha. Aye! Aye! And thou shalt see and speak with Him. Mary. To hear His voice, to look into His eyes And read my pardon there — Judas. [Enters from the house.} The Master waits Thee, Lazarus. Who's this ? [In an ingratiating tone. 'Tis Magdala! [Mary shrinks from Judas. Martha pro- tects her. Martha. Our sister, Judas. Lazarus. Welcomed home. She seeks The Master. Judas. Seeks the Master! What for? Mary. Only To worship Him and, if I may, to pour This ointment on His head. The Holy City 99 Judas. [Takes the box.] Tis spikenard! Worth Three hundred pence. 'Twould be a waste of money. Mary. Ah, no! Were Caesar's treasure in that little box, And all the wealth of all the world besides, It were an offering all too small. Judas. I'll sell It, Mary, and give the money to the poor. Twill please Him better thus. Lazarus. [ Takes the box from Judas.] What thy hand touches The poor get little of. Judas. What meanest thou ? Lazarus. I mean, thou art a thief. [Gives the box to Mary. Judas. What! I! A thief ! By Abraham's beard I swear — loo The Holy City Peter. [Enters from the house.] What causeth this unseemly noise ? Judas. This woman Would precious spikenard waste upon the Master. Peter. This woman ? [Recognises Mary.] Ah! the Magdalen 1 Mary. I would But pour this ointment on His head. Peter. Away! Mary. I am not worthy ; that I know. Martha. Deal gently With her. Peter. Sack-cloth and ashes be her lot. She, who did make a glory of her shame Into the Master's presence go ? Profane His sacred head with her unhallowed hands? Never! John. [Enters from the house and holds open The Holy City 101 the door. J The Master saith, "Let Mary enter." [ The light from the open door brings Mary into strong relief, the gathering dusk throwing the other characters into shadow. Mary slowly advances with downcast eyes. When near the door she hesitates. Martha. See! He calls thee. [Mary looks up with an ecstatic cry and goes into the house followed by John, Peter, and Judas. Lazarus and Martha look into the house. Martha. Down at His feet she casts herself; Hot grief and shame have claimed her for their own. She weeps : he'r tears fall swiftly on His feet, 102 The Holy City Swiftly and softly, like a summer rain. Surely such tears were never shed before. Lazarus. The Twelve in wonder stand. They gaze in awe, The while His tender eyes look down on her. Martha. The golden marvel of her hair she takes And wipes His feet, and dries away the tears, As sunshine sips the dew of early morning. His hand He places on her head. And now She looks at Him as one might look on God, While from His eyes there speaks a glance of love And pardon. 'Tis repentance kneeling at The feet of mercy. Lazarus. The precious spices now She pours upon His head and all the room Is filled with odor. Mark! Iscariot doth Protest; and cringes, fawning on the one He would betray. The Holy City 103 Martha. The Master takes her hand. He speaks ; gentle His voice and low : ' ' Much hath She loved, and much hath been forgiven her." [Zacharias, led by Miriam, enters hurriedly, by the road, from right. Zacharias. The Master! Is He here? Lazarus. What wouldst thou ? Zacharias. I'd Warn Him. They seek His life. Lazarus. They ? Who ? Zacharias. The scribes, The Pharisees, and cunning Caiaphas. Lazarus. Thy news is old. Zacharias. 'Tis true. To Caiaphas Hath Pilate given ear. They wait to take Him secretly. Beg Him to fly. Lazarus. I'll give Thy warning. [Exit Lazarus into house. 104 The Hol y cit y Martha. [To Zacharias.J How didst thou learn this ? Zacharias. The Priest Hath boasted to his friends. Among themselves They whisper it with joy. That whisper reached My ear. [Enter Mary from the house. She is trans- formed. The light of peace is in her eyes and her face glows with ecstasy. Mary. The Master thanks thee for thy warning. Zacharias. [With grateful surprise.] Ah! Mary. And to reward thee for thy love — Zacharias. I ask For no reward. Mary. And to reward thee for Thy love He saith — [Pauses.] Zacharias. [Eagerly.] What ! The Holy City 105 Mary. This. Ask what thou wilt, And what thou wilt believing ask, thou shalt Receive — from me. Zacharias. \ln wonder and awe.'] From thee! Martha. O, wondrous grace ! From thee! Mary. Such were His words, " From me." I know I am not worthy, but He said, from me. Zacharias. If only I might see His face! Mary. [Astonished.] Thy sight! Zacharias. Only to see His face and then, if so He wills it, darkness,— darkness evermore. [Mary looks through the open door as if to gather inspiration, then places her fingers on Zacharias's eyes. Mary. In the Master's name, 1 bid thee, see! [Zacharias drops on his knees. For a mo- 106 The Holy City ment he covers his face with his hands ; then looks into the house. Zacharias. His face! His glorious face! O God of Abraham, I thank Thee for Thy mercy. Lord, let me, Thy servant, now depart in peace. Mine eyes Have seen the glory of Thy people Israel. God's grace be on this house. [He picks up his staff and instinctively takes Miriam's hand, then drops it.] No! No! I see! [Exit Zacharias, walking boldly, followed by Miriam. Martha embraces Mary with tender joy. Mary. His hands have touched, His voice has blessed me. Now am I consecrated to His work. And O, The joy of it! My heart too little is To hold it all. I'll share it with the stars. The Holy City 107 [Martha hisses her on the brow. My soul's at peace with all the world. [Exit Mary into garden. Enter Peter, much excited, followed by Lazarus who is trying to calm him. Peter. Am I Not Simon ? Chosen one ? Did He not name Me Peter, saying, "This is the rock on which I'll build my church " ? Lazarus. But, Peter,— Peter. And now to say 1 shall deny Him thrice before cock-crow. {Enter John from the house. John, thee I call to witness. Have I not My life been ready always to lay down For Him ? John. Aye, Peter; never lion braver. Peter. And yet He says I shall deny Him— thrice. 108 The Holy City May God do so to me and more — John. [Interrupts.] Remember thou His words: " Swear not at all." Curb thou thy wrath. Ill news have I for thee. The Master saith that one among us shall Betray Him. Lazarus and Martha. What! Peter. Betray Him! Ha! Perchance That shall be Peter also! Martha. [To John.] Which one shall It be ? John. To whom He gives a sop. [Looks into house. All gather around him. Behold! One reaches for the dish and drops his bread; The Master dips and hands it back to him. With treacherous smile he takes and eats. 'Tis Judas, Perdition's son ! The Holy City 109 [Peter starts to go into the house. John restrains him. John. Peace! Peace! He comes this way. [Judas enters from the house, closing the door after him. He starts with surprise on seeing the group, then goes slowly to- ward the gate. All point at him and cry, ' ' Judas ! " He pauses, then goes off right, by the road. Peter. We must away ere Judas can re- turn. [Exeunt Peter, John, and Lazarus, into the house. Martha goes into the garden. Psalms 115 and 1 16 sung in the house. Lazarus. [Enters from house.] Ho, Martha! Martha. [In garden.] Here! Who calls ? Lazarus. I, Lazarus. [Enter Martha, from the garden. Lazarus. The Master goeth to Gethsemane. no The Holy City Martha. Go with Him. He may need thy help. Lazarus. I go. [Exit Lazarus, into the house. The lights in the house are put out, leaving the scene illuminated only by the afterglow of the sunset. Barabbas. [Enters hurriedly by the road, from left. Calls softly.] Within there! Martha. What wouldst thou ? Barabbas. The Nazarene, Dwells He here ? Martha. Who art thou that asks ? Barabbas. A friend. He is betrayed. Martha. Betrayed! O God of Israel! Barabbas. Go warn Him quickly. [ Exit Barabbas, right. Martha. [Goes to garden and calls softly.] The Holy City ill Mary! No! She must Not know. [Exit Martha by the road, to left. Mary. [Enters from garden.] Martha, didst call? [Looks into the house. All dark within, And 1 am all alone. How still it is! The world's asleep and my glad heart dreams music. Its crooning chords vibrate to joy's soft touch As sigh the harp-strings when a loving hand Strays over them, groping with wistful fingers For some dear, haunting, half-remembered tune Of long ago. [Approaching mob heard, right. Then fol- low cries of, " There he is!" " No/ this way ■'" "Ah, he's gone ! " Mary, startled, looks into the road. Barabbas dashes in 112 The Holy City from the garden. Mary turns. He places his hand over her mouth and forces her down, right of the gate, so that the hedge hides them from persons on the road. Neither recognises the other. Calchol. [Calls, from right.] Who goes there ? Marcus. [Calls, from left.] Tis I. Marcus. And there ? Calchol. Calchol, centurion. Whom seek ye? Marcus. We seek Barabbas. And ye ? Calchol. The Nazarene. [Enter, from right, Judas followed by Cal- chol, soldiers, and a mob; some carry weapons; others carry torches which fit- fully light up the scene. They are met by Marcus and soldiers who enter from left. Calchol is a heavily built man of forty, 11 o o The Holy City 113 whose war-seamed face and muscular figure tell of hard campaigning. His voice is gruff, but has an undertone of hearty good nature. Marcus is tall and hand- some; about twenty-eight : a typical, dash- ing Roman soldier. Both wear cuirass and plumed helmet which gleam under the light of the torches. Calchol. Dog of a Jew. Thou'st lied! He is not here. The house is dark. Judas. [Calls softly.'] Ho, Martha! Calchol. Where next, Judas ? Judas. Gethsemane. There shall we find Him. Often He goeth there — to watch and pray. Calchol. If there We find Him not, thou wilt have need to pray. On to Gethsemane! 114 The Hol y Cit y [Mob takes up the cry, " To Gethsemane ! " Exeunt Judas, Calchol, and mob to left; Marcus and soldiers to right. The light of the rising moon struggles in through the trees and strikes Mary and Barabbas. He looks careworn and haggard. Mary. Barabbas! Barabbas. Mary ! • Mary. What dost thou here ? Barabbas. I was escaping for My life. Mary. Thy life! Barabbas. My life! And thou? Mary. I follow The Nazarene. Barabbas. [Laughs sarcastically.} Now is Isaiah's prophecy Fulfilled: the wolf and lamb lie down together; The leopard, with the kid. The Magdalen The Holy City 115 Follows the Nazarene. Mary. And Judas hath Turned traitor. I must warn the Master. Barabbas. He's doomed. Thou Canst not save Him. Stay here! Mary. No! No! And thou Barabbas, fly! Barabbas. When I go, thou goest with me. Mary. I ? Barabbas. Thou! When last we met, thou saidst I should Come back to thee. What magic's in thy voice, Thou sorceress, that from that day thy words Have dwelt with me. What devil didst thou plant Here, in my heart, that always cried, " Go back To her. Go back! Go back! Go back!" Mary. [Rapturously. ,] Barabbas! 116 The Holy City Barabbas. I went back; found thee gone. For joy 1 laughed. For joy! The bitter joy of desired defeat. " Now am I free! " I cried, and yet, — O God, That a man should be so cursed of love! — I would Be prisoner still, for still I love thee. Always And everywhere I see thy face. The day Is brilliant with thine eyes; the night, on fire With them. I yield. Welcome the fetters so Thou rivet them. Do with me as thou wilt. I love thee only. I am thine forever! Mary. [Carried away by his passion and her own love, springs to his arms.'] Barabbas! My king! My — [ Tears herself away. No! No! It may Not be. The Holy City 117 Barabbas. Changes thy wanton heart so quickly ? Mary. [Almost hysterically.] It is not that! I love thee truly. Truly I love thee; better than all the world. But, I follow the Nazarene. From henceforth all My life is consecrate to Him. I would That I might lead thee in His way, Barabbas. Barabbas. Fool! His way leadeth to the cross. Mary. Then to The cross I follow Him. My life, my soul, All that I am, all that I hope to be, Are His alone. Barabbas. Thou'rt mine. Thy life belongs To me. For thee and for thy love I will Do everything. I'll carve an empire from The desert for thee; thou shalt rule as queen; I'll give thee — n8 The Holy City Mary. [Interrupts.] My heart is thine, Bar- abbas, and if aught Could tempt me to desert my Lord, 'twould be To spend my life with thee. But, I may not go. Barabbas. Thou mayst not go! Barabbas says thou shalt And who shall say him "Nay " ? Mary. The One to whom My life belongs. Barabbas. The Nazarene! A dreamer Of dreams. Preacher of peace, who even now's Condemned to die the death. What! He de- liver thee From me, whom Rome herself hath learned to fear? [Seizes Mary.] Thou'rt mine and with me shalt thou go. Mary. [Struggles.] No, no, Barabbas! No! I may not go. I — The Holy City 119 Barabbas. {Interrupts.] By Israel's God Barabbas swears thou shalt. I'll drag thee from the very pit of hell; I will not be denied by heaven itself. Call on thy Nazarene. Mary. [Breaks from him with uplifted hand.] Master, I call! [Barabbas, stopped by an invisible power, stands awestruck, then stoops and hisses the hem of Mary's robe. Exit Barabbas, by the road to right. Noise of approaching mob heard, left. Mary stands listening. Clash of swords heard off right. Marcus. [Off right. Calls.] Ho, Calchol. Is it thou ? Calchol. [Off left. Calls.] Tis I. What luck ? Marcus. We've ta'en Barabbas. [Mary starts toward the road. 120 The Holy City Calchol. We, the Nazarene. [With a cry of despair Mary falls, fainting. Judas, Calchol and the mob cross from left to right, coming from Gethsemane. ACT III ACT III Scene: — The portico of the Hall of Judgment. It is above the street level and reached by a flight of steps on the left. On the right are three doors. The first, from the spectator, is heavily barred and leads to the dungeons. The second, used by Pilate, leads to the Hall of fudgment. It is set back in an arched recess and is reached by four marble steps, forming a dais on which stands Pilate's chair of ivory and gold. The third door leads to the public portion of the Hall of fudg- ment. At the back is a wide opening from which a balcony projects over the street, and through it may be had a view of the city, rich in Oriental coloring and 124 The Holy City glittering under a cloudless sky. The flat roofs of the houses are crowded with people, who are evidently expect- ing an event of more than usual interest. Marcus is standing on the balcony, lean- ing carelessly on his spear. Calchol stands in the foreground and soldiers guard the various entrances. Marcus. As thou wast saying, Calchol ? Calchol. Men of all nations have I met and fought, But from the Jew, deliver me. 'Twere better Far Pluto's self to rouse, than touch his God, His Temple, or his law. [Shouts of mob heard in the distance. Marcus. Hark how they howl. Calchol. I've heard that cry before. Marcus. Thou hast ? And where ? The Holy City 125 Calchol. At Caesarea. Six long days and nights Just such a pack howled round the palace gates; And all 'cause Pilate placed the eagles o'er Their Temple door. Marcus. Why not drive them away ? Calchol. Drive pigs! We beat them ; starved them ; marched o'er them ; Did everything but kill them. Marcus. Why not that ? Calchol. Pilate fears Caesar. Priests have tongues that reach Imperial ears. [Cries of mob heard, nearer- Marcus. Mark that! Calchol. That cry means blood. Marcus. Of whom ? Barabbas or the Naza- rene? Calchol. The Nazarene. 126 The Holy City Marcus. What trouble had ye taking Him last night ? Calchol. None. That traitor, Judas, whom May jackals eat, betrayed Him with a kiss. Marcus. And then ? Calchol. The Nazarene surrenderdd, speak- ing No word. Marcus. His followers. What of them ? Calchol. All scattered. One only of them drew a sword. His face I did not see, but heard one call him " Peter." Marcus. What did he ? Calchol. Clipped an ear from one named Malchus, A servant of their great High Priest. Marcus. Didst thou Arrest him ? Calchol. What for ? Slicing a Jew's ear ? The Holy City 127 [A pause.] I tell thee, Marcus, that this Naza- rene's No common man. Marcus. What I Calchol, the centurion, Among His followers! Calchol. I'm not. Nor am I like to be. The gods of Rome be good Enough for me. But eyes have I and see With them. The Nazarene did touch the spot Where once the ear had been and, lo, the ear Came back again. Marcus. The ear came back. Ho! Ho! Good tale to tell. A fine tale, Calchol. Calchol. Laugh ! Ye younglings think ye have a sibyl's wisdom : Know everything. By all the gods, I swear I saw it done. And once again I say, This Nazarene's no common man. [Enter John, left. 128 The Holy City Marcus. [ To John. J Begone ! John. Thou know'st me, Calchol. Calchol. Marcus, I know him. Let him remain. John. I have a friend outside Would enter. Calchol. More of ye ? Well, bring him in. [John beckons to Peter, who enters left. John goes to Calchol and thanks him in pantomime. Marcus goes to Peter. Marcus. Art thou a follower of this Nazarene ? Peter. The Nazarene ? 1 know Him not. [John joins Peter. Peter. [Apart, to John. J He'll let The Master go. Though cruel, Pilate's just. [Peter and John talk in pantomime. Marcus. After that ear grew on what did ye with The Nazarene ? The Holy City 129 Calchol. To Annas first and then To Caiaphas we took Him. Marcus. Charged with what ? . Calchol. They swore the Nazarene had broke their law. Marcus. What law ? Calchol. Dost think that I know aught about Their law ? Something it was of Sabbath- breaking And eating with unwashed hands. Marcus, now To thee I put this question: — Had thou and I Been hanged each time we ate with hands un- washed, How many times had we been dead ? [Exit John, left. Enter Hebe, right. She is a saucy, little Roman girl of sixteen. Marcus attempts to hiss her. Calchol watches them. 130 The Holy City Marcus. How now, My Hebe ! Wouldst not kiss an honest soldier ? Hebe. An honest soldier? Aye, when one I find. Marcus. Didst hear that, Calchol ? Flouted ! Calchol. Ah ! Have done. Marcus. Wilt kiss a dishonest soldier, then ? Hebe. Nay. But he may steal a kiss — an he can catch me. Marcus. [Catches Hebe.] Thy lips, thou antelope. I've earned that kiss. [Hebe slaps Marcus's face and breaks from him, laughing. She runs against Peter, who looks sternly at her. Marcus watches them, much amused. Hebe. [ To Peter.] Wouldst thou like such a kiss? Peter. Away from me! Hebe. Thou followest the Nazarene. The Holy City 131 Peter. Go to ! I know not Him of whom thou speak'st. Hebe. Thou art From Galilee. Thy speech bewrayeth thee. [To Marcus.] Farewell, my honest soldier 1 [She throws him a kiss. Marcus. [Starts after her.} Sorceress! [Exit Hebe, laughing. Marcus. [ To Calchol. ] What said He ? Calchol. Never a word. He stood with head Bowed down and in His eyes a look as of Some sorrowing god. Again I tell thee, He's No common man. There was a something in His face that said: " If so I would, I could." Marcus. How liked they that ? Calchol. They liked it not. Their Priest Cried, " I adjure thee, by the living God, Tell us if thou Messias be." Marcus. What meant he ? 132 The Holy City Calchol. I know not what he meant. I'm telling thee What happened. Marcus. Pardon, Calchol. Tell thy tale. Calchol. The Nazarene looked up. He softly smiled, And murmured, " Thou hast said." Then Caia- phas With rage grew purple; screamed, " 'Tis blas- phemy! He's guilty of death!" Marcus. What then ? Think'st thou He will Die for it ? Calchol. Jove alone can tell. The gods Be thanked, I am a Roman and not Jew. [Cries of mob heard, still nearer. Calchol. Full soon they will be here. Marcus. Why come they here ? The Holy City 133 Calchol. More laws! To-morrow is their Passover. Into the Judgment Hall they may not go. Twould render them unclean. [A man's head appears above the balcony- rail. Marcus strikes at it with the butt of his spear. The head disappears and Mar- cus turns away. Two heads appear, and mob hisses. Marcus drives them away. Calchol. [Crosses to Peter.] Thy form's familiar. Where have I seen thee? Peter. [Ingratiatingly.'] I know not. Per- chance 'Twas on the street, Centurion. Calchol. Ah, now 1 know thee, by thy voice. Last night, wast with The Nazarene. 134 The Holy City Peter. Why should ye all accuse me ? Calchol. [With rough good humor. ] Deny it not. Thou art the sturdy fellow who Did use his sword. Peter. 1 tell thee, thou art wrong. I swear by Abram's God that I know not This Nazarene. [Faint cock-crow heard. What's that ? Calchol. Naught but a cock-crow. What ails thee, man ? Peter. [Shows terror and remorse. Whis- pers.] Three times! Three times have 1 Denied Him. [Exit Peter, left. Calchol. [Stares after Peter. Then shakes his head.] Mars and Jupiter! What think Ye ailed that man ? These Jews do certainly Pass my poor comprehension. Now, last night The Holy City 135 There came a woman — Marcus. Ah, a woman ! Calchol. None Of thy sort. Fair as Venus' self; with hair Of yellow gold, and as a vestal pure. Like Niobe she wept and prayed to see The Nazarene. \Mob now close at hand. Woman's voice screams, "Crucify Him!" Mob howls approval. Calchol. Guard thou that door. Let none Get past but Caiaphas and those with him. [Marcus goes to entrance, left, and admits Caiaphas, Habakkuk and scribes and Pharisees, who form a group, back. He keeps out the mob, some of whom block up the entrance and crowd in a little way. Caiaphas is of gaunt but impressive figure, richly dressed in a long robe of 136 The Holy City white linen over which is a wide-sleeved coat of green-striped cloth, trimmed with heavy gold fringe. On his head is a characteristic turban in which sparkles a jeweled buckle. His long, snow-white beard and hair betoken his sixty years, but, under his heavy brows, his dark eyes burn with all the fire of early manhood. His harsh voice has lost none of its strength and carries with it an unmis- takable tone of command. Habakkuk is a young man with jet-black hair and beard. He is dressed in white. Caiaphas. Habakkuk, Pilate's mood is mercy. 'Gainst It we must guard. [Caiaphas goes to the balcony and is greeted with shouts of, " Caiaphas ! Caiaphas ! " from the mob in the street. The Holy City 137 Caiaphas. Give ear, O men of Judah ! [Mob roars. No mercy must be shown this Nazarene, Contemner of our laws, blasphemer of The God of Abraham. For these crimes must He die the death, [A woman screams, shrill and terrible, "Crucify Him!" Mob shouts approval. Enter Pilate, from the Judgment Hall. He is about forty years of age and wears a Roman tunic of white, trimmed with imperial purple and draped with a toga of the same color. His closely cropped hair is sprinkled with gray. His patrician face wears an air of authority, as becomes the representative of C&sar, which is belied by his sensitive mouth and weak chin. He listens for a moment with a look of scorn, then motions for silence. 138 The Holy City Pilate. This man, O Caiaphas, Whom ye have brought before me, I have well Examined, and find no fault in Him. Caiaphas. [Suavely.] Most worthy Gover- nor, a malefactor Is He beyond all question. Were He not, Should we bring Him to thee ? Pilate. What crime hath He Committed ? Caiaphas. [To mob.] The Procurator asks, "What crime?" [To Pilate.] Shouldst rather ask what wicked- ness He hath Not done. Read thou the scroll, Habakkuk. Thus Acquaint our worthy Governor what crimes This Nazarene stands charged withal. Pilate. Be brief. I want no long-drawn catalogue. The Holy City 139 Caiaphas. [Angrily.] Know then O Pilate, this man goes about through all Fair Palestine, from Galilee unto Jerusalem, and Pharisee and scribe And priest He doth denounce as hypocrites. He calls them robbers of the poor; devourers Of widows houses; whited sepulchres, All full of dead men's bones and foul unclean- ness. Is this no crime ? Pilate. Aye. Truly 'tis a crime — To speak the truth. Caiaphas. Did He not boast and say He would destroy the Temple and in three days Build it again ? Pilate. [Sarcastically. \ A heinous state- ment, truly, And worthy punishment. Caiaphas. Once more, then, Pilate. 140 The Holy City This man blasphemeth 'gainst our God. Ac- cording To our laws — Pilate. [Interrupts.'] Take Him, ye, and judge Him under Your laws. Caiaphas. [Suavely.] My lord the Gover- nor, we have So judged and found Him guilty. But, be- neath Thy Rome's puissant rule, the Jew may not Condemn a man to death. Thou standest there For Caesar, and to thee we look for justice. [Enter Slave from the Judgment Hall. Pilate. Not justice, but revenge ye want. The Man Is naught to me. As ye are bent on murder, Take Him and — The Holy City 141 [Slave hands Pilate a scroll. Exit Slave. Pilate. Thy pardon, Caiaphas. A writing from my wife. [Caiaphas turns away with a gesture of an- noyance. Pilate. [Reads.] " Have thou nothing to do with this just Man ; for many things have I suffered this day in a dream because of Him." [Repeats.] " Have thou nothing to do with this just Man." Caiaphas. We wait thy answer, gracious Governor. Pilate. Ye charge no crime against this Nazarene That by the law of Rome is worthy death. Caiaphas. Is treason then no crime against thy law ? Doth He not call Himself " King of the Jews " ? Release Him and thou art no friend of Cssar. 142 The Holy City Pilate. [Startled, pauses.] I will again ex- amine Him. [Exit Pilate into Judgment Hall. Caiaphas. [Addresses mob from balcony. ] Attend, O Judah. This profaner of our Temple, This scoffer at our law, this Nazarene, Hath found a friend in Pilate. Pilate's friend Is friend of Rome. Rome's friend is the enemy Of Israel. [Mob shouts approval. What then shall be His punishment ? [A man shouts, "Let Him die the death! " A woman screams, " Crucify Him! " The mob takes up the cry and roars, " Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! " Caiaphas. Aye, crucify Him! Pilate is dis- posed To mercy. Therefore give ear, O Israel. The Holy City 143 When Pilate, as the custom is, doth ask What prisoner shall be released, [whispers'] de- mand Barabbas. [Motions silence. Pilate. [Re-enters. He is perturbed and mutters.] "Nothing to do with this just Man." Caiaphas. [Sarcastically.] Speak louder, Governor. We do not catch Thy words. Pilate. I've questioned Him again and find No fault in Him. [Mob roars disapproval. Caiaphas. [Angrily.] No fault! Does He not rouse The people to rebel, advising them To pay no tribute unto Caesar ? Pilate. Silence! Have ye no witnesses ? 144 The Hol y Cit y Man. [At entrance, left.] Aye! Here is one. Another Man. Make way there! [Enter Judas, forced on by the mob, amid howls of derision. He shows physical and mental terror. Caiaphas. [Aside.] Judas! Pilate. Dost thou know him, Priest ? [Judas looks at Caiaphas. Caiaphas. Tis possible I may have seen the man Before, but that I know him — [He shakes his head. A scribe whispers to him. ] 'Tis told me He's a disciple of this Nazarene. Pilate. [To Judas.] Thy name ? [Judas, da^ed, looks at Pilate, but does not answer. Caiaphas. [Eagerly.] My lord, he is be- wildered by Thy presence. His words — The Holy City 145 Pilate. [Interrupts.] He shall answer me. What is thy name ? Judas. [Hoarsely.'] Judas Iscariot. Pilate. Art thou a follower of this Man ? [Judas hesitates. The words stick in his throat. Pilate. Thy tongue, When Pilate speaks. Art thou a follower of This Nazarene ? Judas. I was. Pilate. Dost thou know ought Against Him ? Judas. {Looks first at Pilate; then at Caiaphas. Speaks slowly.] I know naught against Him. Caiaphas. Traitor! Didst not betray Him ? Judas. [Slowly, then with increasing vehe- mence.] I betrayed Him! I 146 The Holy City Betrayed Him! But ye tempted mel With money. With money ! Thirty pieces of silver. Price Of a slave! But — I know naught against Him. Oh! Take back thy silver, Caiaphas, and let Him go. He is guiltless of crime. He hath done naught But good. Caiaphas. The fool is mad! Judas. [Kneels, and offers money to Caia- phas.] No! No! Release Him and take back thy money, Caiaphas. 1 have betrayed the innocent blood. Caiaphas. [Spurns Judas who grovels at his feet.] Fool! What's that to us ? See thou to it. [Caiaphas turns his back on Judas. Judas rises, again offers the money to Caiaphas, The Holy City 147 looks around like a hunted animal, thrusts the money into his breast, and rushes off amid the jeering yells of the mob. Pilate. O Priest, Thy witness did not help thy cause. [To the mob.} The Man Is guiltless. I'll release Him unto you. [Caiaphas motions to the mob, which cries, "No, no! Bar abbas! Release Bar ab- bas!" Pilate. [Angrily.] A thief 1 A robber! Traitor and a rebel! Guilty of all the crimes ye charge against The Nazarene. Release him, I will not. [The mob renews its cries of, " Bar abbas! Give us Barabbas!" Caiaphas. [Apart to Pilate.] They thirst for blood. 148 The Holy City Pilate. The blood of innocence. Caiaphas. They will not be denied. Hast thou forgot What hap'd at Csesarea ? Pilate. Ah ! Caiaphas. Six days And nights the palace was besieged thus, And all thy legions could not silence them. Pilate, beware! [Mob howls, "Bar abbas! Bar abbas ! '" etc. Pilate. [After a struggle, puts up his hand. Mob stops shouting. To Calchol.] Bring forth Barabbas. [Exit Calchol, to dungeon. Mob yells triumphantly. Pilate. What Then shall be done with the Nazarene ? [Mob yells, ' ' Crucify Him ! Crucify Him ! ' ' Enter Barabbas from dungeon. His head The Holy City 149 is bound up and his hands are manacled. Calchol follows him. Barabbas. Thou butcher Of Rome, I fear thee not ! Canst crucify Me an thou wilt. Pilate. I willingly would doom thee To that death, miscreant! But these, thy friends, Demand thou be released. Barabbas. Released ! What then ? Pilate. I'm wont to free some malefactor at This season. Thee will I yield unto them. Barabbas. Whom would they crucify ? Pilate. The Nazarene. Barabbas. This is thy doing, Caiaphas. Be- ware Lest thou regret. Some virtue is there in Him, Some power, I know not what, — Caiaphas. [Interrupts.] If power there be, 150 The Holy City Let Him release Himself. [Mob shows approval. Barabbas. [To Pilate.] What hath He done? Raised up the standard of revolt ? Before Him swept thy cohorts ? Bowed thy eagles in The dust, as 1 have done? Take me — [The mob interrupts him with cries of, "Barabbas! Release Barabbas ! Crucify the Na^arene ! " Pilate. What! Shall I crucify your King ? Caiaphas. We have no King But Caesar! Mary. [Fights her way through the mob, her hair streaming and her dress awry.] I ap- peal to Caesar! [Barabbas, Caiaphas, and Pilate surprised. Mob silenced. The Holy City 151 Pilate. [Aside. ] Mary ! [Sarcastically.'] Another witness for thee, Caiaphas. Caiaphas. I know her not. Pilate. Is't possible ! Caiaphas. Give sentence! Pilate. Not know the Magdalen ? Where hast thou spent Thy days, that she, whose purse is bottomless, Whose beauty is a toast in Rome itself, Hath 'scaped thy searching eye? [To Mary. J What folly's this, O Magdala ? Mary. I follow the Nazarene. [Mob jeers at her. Pilate. Thou followest the Nazarene! What hath He done for thee ? Mary. He brought me back to life. 1^2 The Holy City Caiaphas. [Sarcastically.] A miracle! Mary. Thou dost not understand. The tomb does not hold all the dead. [To Pilate.] The charge Against him ? Caiaphas. That He call Himself a king. Mary. He is a king, but not of this base world. His realm is love; His kingdom, peace; and shield And sword and spear He knoweth not. Caiaphas. False! False! 'Tis known He teacheth treason and rebellion. Mary. [Slowly.] "To love your enemies; bless them that curse you; Do good to them that hate you ; pray for them That spitefully use you and persecute you." These are His teachings. Call ye that rebellion ? And when ye brought to Him the tribute money, The Holy City 153 Demanding of Him: " Is it lawful tribute To pay to Caesar ? " What then did He answer ? "To Caesar render all things that are Caesar's." Call ye that treason ? Caiaphas. [To Pilate. J Wilt thou longer heed This wanton ? [The mob jeers. Mary shrinks away. Mary. Wanton I was. And who made Me wanton; helped me on the path of shame ? Who drove me down its steep incline? Such men As ye, who now cry for His blood. And He, He made me what I am; showed me the hor- ror of That downward road, the black abyss to which It led; brought me forgiveness for my sins; Taught me the way to God. Caiaphas. 'Tis blasphemy 1 154 The Hol y Cit y Away with her! Give sentence, Pilate, on The Nazarene. IThe mob cries, "Crucify Him! Crucify Himt" Pilate calls Slave who enters with a silver bowl, into which Pilate dips his fingers. Pilate. Bear witness all that 1 Am innocent of this Man's blood. See ye To it. [Exit Slave. Caiaphas. [Triumphantly.] His blood be on us and on our children Forever I [ The mob takes up the cry. Mary. Ye have said. On you and on Your children be His blood forever. [With a burst of her former vehemence.] Ye Dogs! Cowards! Murderers! Fiends! Who five days back V The Holy City 155 With palm-leaves strewed His path; made car- pets of Your robes; cried out, " Hosanna unto David's Son," And hailed Him as your King. And now ye'd — [The mob cries, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him!" Mary shrinks in terror and cov- ers her ears. Mary. No! No! Not that! That torture terrible ! Pilate. [Motions silence. To Calchol. Release Barabbas. [Calchol strikes off Barabbas's fetters. The mob shouts approval. Pilate. [To soldiers.] Render unto them The Nazarene. {Exit soldiers to Judgment Hall. Mary throws herself at Pilate's feet in a last appeal. He turns from her. Barabbas 156 The Holy City snatches Calchol's sword to defend Mary from the mob, which breaks past the guards, climbs over the balcony, and fills the portico, shouting, "Crucify Him! Crucify Him 1 Crucify the Na^arene I " ACT IV ACT IV Scene : — Same as Act II. The sky is now over- cast with lowering clouds, and all is dark and gloomy. As the curtain rises, heavy thunder is heard, accompanied by vivid lightning. These continue intermittently throughout the act. A woman crosses, back, from right to left, screaming with terror, and is followed by men and women fleeing from ferusalem. Enter Marcus, from left, with two soldiers. He stands in the road, watching the fleeing people. Marcus. How now! What frights this mob ? Hath Pilate turned His war-dogs loose that, like a pack of hares, 160 The Holy City All Jewry should be fleeing thus ? [Enter Hebe, from right, evidently frightened. Marcus. [Stops Hebe.] Ha! Whither Away, my pretty one, and in such haste ? Hebe. I am afraid. Marcus. What frights thee ? Hebe. Tis the storm. Marcus. The storm will pass and I'll pro- tect thee. [Hebe shrinks from him. Nay! Shrink not from me. I bear no malice for The kiss — thou didst not give. I will not harm thee. Hebe. 'Tis said this tempest's come because the Jews Do crucify the Nazarene. Marcus. Believe It not. Here cometh one in double haste. The Holy City 161 It is the hag that screamed out, "Crucify Him! " [Enter Old Woman from right, hurriedly. Marcus. {Stops her.] What dost thou fear ? Old Woman. Delay me not! I dread The wrath of God. [Exit Old Woman, left. Marcus. His wrath must needs be slow An she escape it thus. [To Hebe.] Return with me. I'll see thee safe. Hebe. I will go back with thee. Thou art so brave and strong my fears have vanished quite. [Exeunt all, by road right, Marcus protect- ing Hebe. Enter Peter, from house. Peter. And I denied Him ! I denied Him ! [Sits at the table with his head bowed. Enter Zacharias from road, left, hurriedly. Zacharias. Peter, 162 The Holy City What curse hath come upon the land ? Peter. I know not, Nor do I care. These thunders and these light- nings, These terrors dread that rage without, are naught To me. Within my breast doth beat a storm That will not down; a raging fire no tears Can quench. Self-accusation is that storm, And fierce remorse that flame. Him I denied! Zacharias. Thou didst deny the Master 1 Peter. Yea. Denied Him. [Rises.] Gaze on a traitor worse by far than he Who sold Him. I, Simon Bar-jona, strong In pride and arrogance, did boast my strength. But He, He knew my weakness. I denied Him even as He said I should. No more The rock am I, but shifting sand. No more On me His gentle eye will rest in love. The Holy City 163 For I denied Him, thrice. Zach arias. Have comfort, Peter; He will forgive. Peter. No comfort more for me. Descend, ye messengers of wrath, and find My breast! Heap all your terrors on my sinful head! [Bares his breast. Strike here, ye lightnings fierce, ye bolts of heaven! For Peter hath turned traitor to his Lord. Zacharias. Know'st thou what came of Him ? Peter. Naught do I know But that I did, with foul revilings, Him Deny. Disowned Him, myself forswore, And fled; fled like the caitiff knave I am, And left Him to His foes,— alone. [Kneels.] O God, His Father, forgive me that I did deny 164 The Holy City Thy Son. My pride of strength is humbled in The dust. Thou know'st I love Him. Lord, grant me Thy aid, that henceforth 1 may worthy prove Of Him. [He remains a moment in silent prayer, and then rises. No more the sword ! My strength's in Him Alone. [He breaks his sword and goes into garden. Enter Mary and Martha from road, right. Mary supports Martha, and seats her. Mary. Art better, Martha ? [Calls.'] Lazarus! Lazarus. [From the house.] Who calls ? Mary. Bring water. Quick! [Enter Lazarus from house, with water. Mary gives it to Martha. Lazarus. What ails thee, sister ? The Holy City 165 Martha. O God, I saw it! Lazarus. Saw what ? Martha. Saw Him mocked And scourged ; a crown of thorns pressed down upon His bleeding brow. Zacharias. The Master's ? Martha. Aye, the Master's. These eyes beheld Him, faint and weary, bending Beneath the monstrous cross, urged on by taunts And cruel blows to blood-stained Calvary. Zacharias. O, God of Israel, hold Thou Thy hand A little while! Visit Thy people not As they deserve. Martha. They reach the spot and then — [She stops, overcome with horror at the rec- ollection. Mary. They nailed Him to the cross. 166 The Holy City Martha. 'Twas that I dared Not see. Mary. I heard the hammer fall, and felt, — Aye, felt, — the nails crush thro' His sentient hands, Those tender hands that have done naught but good; And thro' His feet that nothing brought but peace To all the world. I saw the crimson life Spurt out, then trickle slowly, drop by drop, From His dear veins, and every drop, weighted With woe unspeakable, fell on my heart. The sun grew dark, the firm earth trembled at That fearful sight. In thunder tones God spoke. The lightning of His glance brought terror to our souls, And thro' it all the Master's voice I heard, Breathing a prayer for those, His enemies: — The Holy City 167 "Father, forgive them. They know not what they do." Zacharias. Could love divine do more ? Mary. 'Twas then I found Thee, Martha, fainting by the way. Martha. And brought Me home, poor weakling that I am, and thou So brave and strong. Mary. I must go back to Him. Martha. Thou canst not help Him now. Mary. That, who can tell ? If His great love doth touch His Father, high In heaven, it may be that my lesser love, All poor and sin-stained tho' it be, can reach Him on the cross; may find His bleeding heart And help Him bear its weight of grief and pain. [She starts to go. Lazarus. I go with thee. 168 The Holy City Mary. Stay here! I go alone. [Exit Mary, by the road, to right. Zacharias. Woe unto thee, Jerusalem! The hand Of God is laid on thee. Cruel and fierce His wrath. Repent, O Israel! Repent, Ere yet it be too late! [Enter Judas from the house. He takes the money-bag from his breast, and places it on the table. Crash of thunder. Judas throws himself on the table, in terror, to protect the money. He recovers himself, cautiously pours the money on the table, takes a piece, examines it, and softly rings it on the table. With a greedy smile he sweeps the money into a heap, and is about to replace it in the bag, when his smile be- comes fixed and a look of terror over- spreads his face. Hesitatingly, he touches The Holy City 169 the money with his fingers, then looks re- lieved. Judas. {Hoarsely, ,] I thought it blood. [ Touches the money again, then looks at his fingers. Screams. It is blood! The world is red with it. The sky Rains crimson drops. The earth's a sea of blood. 1 taste it! Breathe it! Drink it! I — [Recovers himself. Touches the money again. Looks relieved. Sweeps money into bag. They shall take back the accursed stuff. I'll force It down the throat of that high priest of hell. They shall release the Master. Him they shall Not crucify. Peter. [Enters from garden.] Whom would they crucify ? 170 The Holy City Judas. The Master. Didst not know ? They all did cry Out, " Crucify Him ! Crucify Him!" God! 1 hear them still. Peter. [Seizes Judas. J Thou traitor! 'Tis thy work! Thou didst betray Him. [Releases Judas.] 1 am worse than thou, For I denied Him and deserted Him. Judas. They tempted me, with silver. 'Tis the price Of blood and Caiaphas shall take it back. They shall not crucify Him. [Starts to go. Martha. Thou'rt too late ! Already He is on the cross. Judas. The cross! Martha. Go, Judas, go, and look upon thy work! The Holy City 171 Judas. [At the gate. Whispers.] The cross! The cross! Already on the cross I [ Thunder and lightning. Judas clutches the post in terror, then exit to right, slowly. Enter Barabbas, left. Barabbas. Ho, Mary ! Art thou here ? Hast seen her, Martha ? Martha. But now she left here. Barabbas. Safe ? Martha. In God's hands, safe. Barabbas. And well ? Martha. Not well. Her heart is lead with grief Unspoke; her eyes, with unshed tears. Barabbas. Where went she ? Martha. To Calvary. Barabbas. Again ? [Starts to go. Martha. Follow her not; She'd be alone. 172 The Holy City Barabbas. Alone, on Calvary ! Well hath she kept her word: "Then to the cross 1 follow Him! " O God, that such a crime Is done and called justice! From this day forth Both Rome and Israel be accursed ! [Enter Caiaphas and Habakkuk, on the road from left, followed by scribes and Phari- sees. Caiaphas. [To Habakkuk. J Tis true. To-morrow being Passover, to-night He must be taken from the cross. Habakkuk. [To Caiaphas. J Here dwell The followers of the Nazarene. Caiaphas. [To Peter and the others.] What think Ye now ? Is He the Son of God ? Peter. He is The Holy City 173 God's Son: that One of whom the prophets spake. Caiaphas. If so He be, why then doth God permit Him to be crucified ? {Heavy thunder. Peter. Blaspheming priest, The voice of God thus answers thee. All nature Doth protest against thy crime. Caiaphas. My crime! Barabbas. Thine! O Caiaphas! Caiaphas. Barabbas, too, a henchman Of the Nazarene ? Then true it is that He Works miracles. Barabbas. Out on thee for thy mocking! Hast thou no pity, no remorse ? A crime It is to thus condemn a man, good, gentle, And innocent, to die the death of infamy. 174 The Holy City Mark well my words, O Caiaphas. This day Shall cause thee many a sleepless night. For me, I'll have nor part nor lot in it. Caiaphas. What will Barabbas do ? Turn Roman ? Barabbas. No! Not Roman, but An Ishmaelite; his hand 'gainst every man — Caiaphas. And all men's hands gainst him. 'Tis well to know, Barabbas. [To the others.] He'd destroy the Temple: now, He's hanging on the cross. Others He saved, Himself He cannot save. Mark me, Barabbas; If yet another sun find thee within The borders of Jerusalem — Barabbas. What then ? Caiaphas. Look to thyself! Barabbas. Thou dotard ! The Holy City 175 [He starts toward Caiaphas. Martha stops him. Peter. Caiaphas, For this, thy work, all Israel must pay. [Exit Caiaphas, right, laughing mockingly, followed by Habakkuk and the scribes and Pharisees. Barabbas. Where are His followers gone ? Martha. All fled. Barabbas. The cowards! To thus desert Him ! Is there none will aid Me in His rescue ? Give me fifty that Will go with me, I'll save Him. Martha. Thinkest thou He needs thy help ? If so He willed it He Could on His Father call, who would send legions Of angels to deliver Him. Barabbas. Believ'st Thou, Martha, that He could ? 176 The Holy City Martha. I do. And thou ? Barabbas. I know not what to think. Not yet am I Prepared to hail Him as Messias. But There is a something in the very air Proclaims Him more than man. [Enter Judas from the road, right. Judas. He would not take The cursed silver back, and laughed at me. I hurled it in his face. [Lightning and heavy thunder. Judas, ter- ror-stricken, throws himself on his knees. Not yet, O God! Not yet! Spare me a little while! lam Not fit to die! [Pauses.] See! Demons! De- mons all Around me! They drove me to Gethsemane! [Reeogni^es Peter and the others. Goes to each, in turn, fawningly. > The Holy City 177 'Tis Peter, — Martha, and — Look! See them there ! They've emptied hell to follow me! Save me! [Clings to Barabbas. Barabbas. [Throws him off.] Away, thou spawn of Beelzebub! Touch not My garment's hem, thou thing unspeakable! Thou traitor ! Judas! Synonym of all That's base! Wherever treachery stains the name Of friend, and man makes barter of the one That loves him, there let thy name give title to The act, and in that word all time shall speak Thy epitaph ; thou Judas ! Judas. That's my name, — 'Tis Judas. I sold Him, — for thirty pieces Of silver; round, bright, shining silver. No! 'Twas blood! 'Twas thirty drops of crimson blood ! [Screams. 178 The Holy City They cheated me! They robbed me of the price And gave me blood. But I had my revenge. Into the face of scornful Caiaphas, I hurled th' accursed stuff. Look! There he is! Dost see the blood ? Mark how it trickles down His long, gray beard and stains his spotless robe. 'Tis retribution! [Triumphantly.] There's no Passover For Caiaphas to-morrow! No feast for him! He is defiled! Unclean as Judas is! Martha. 'Tis terrible! Take him away! Peter. [To Judas.] Come thou With me. [Judas stares at him blankly. Peter. Dost thou not know me ? I am Peter. Judas. Thou liest! Thou art Beelzebub, the prince Of darkness. 1 know thee for all thy beard. The Holy City 179 Thou'rt come to take my soul. But Judas hath No soul. Tis dead! Dead! Dead! The soul of Judas is No more. Since time began, no soul hath died, And till eternity shall end, no soul Shall die, save that of Judas. My soul is not For thee, my prince of devils. For my body, [Laughs a maniac's laugh. This body that once held a soul, thou'rt wel- come To't, Beelzebub. I'll give it thee! 'Tis thine! Thou'rt welcome to 't. [ Takes off his rope girdle and goes toward the garden. Laughs triumphantly. Stops suddenly, with a warning Sh-h-h.~] It is the Master's voice I hear: — " One of you shall betray Me." I Betrayed Him; sold Him for thirty drops of blood. 180 The Holy City And Judas' soul is dead. [Triumphantly.] I come, Beelzebub, I come! My body thou canst have but not My soul. My soul is dead! [Laughs.] I come, Beelzebub ! I come, I come! [Exit Judas into garden, waving girdle. Barabbas. Poor fool, his soul is dead. [Judas, in garden, screams loudly. Peter. [Calls off into garden.] Ho, Judas! [Points off.] See! Judas hath hanged him- self! Martha. Horror on horror's heaped, this awful day! [Enter John by road, from left. John. The Temple veil is rent in twain! All The veil 1 John. Strange signs and fearful portents fill the sky: The Holy City 181 Above the Temple rests a flaming sword; The altar fires are dead; the veil is torn From top to bottom by some unseen hand, And all the sacred place within exposed. Zacharias. It is the hand of God who thus proclaims His covenant with Israel at an end. No more His chosen ones are we. [Enter Mary by road, from right. Mary. O day Of doom, O fearful day! [All greet her with exclamations of astonish- ment. Mary. The solid earth Doth labor; from her rocky womb come forth The sheeted dead, all wrapped in ghostly cere- ments. Like Rachel for her children lost they mourn; 182 The Holy City With bony hands they beat upon their hollow breasts, And make such hideous cries as fill the souls Of men with terror. [Thunder, lightning, wailing and ghostly cries. Barabbas starts to go. Mary. Whither goest thou ? Barabbas. The Nazarene once called me friend. I go To rescue Him, or die. Peter. And I with thee. Mary. Too late! Ye are too late! The end is near: The end ordained from the first by God, His Father. His face, His beauteous face, I see; The wing of death's dread messenger doth shadow it. Upon His heaving breast His head droops low, And from His parted lips escapes a sigh. — The Holy City 183 Ah, God, that He should thus endure for us! — I hear His voice, and oh, the loneliness And dread it speaks: " Eloi, Eloi, Lama Sabachthani ! " My God, my God, why hast Thou Forsaken Me ? Peter. And I denied Him and Deserted Him. All. O day of doom ! O fearful day ! Mary. His task is done. His Father calls Him home. With one world-piercing cry, His great white soul Leaps to the heart of God. And it is finished. [Lightning, heavy thunder, and earthquake shock. Wailing and ghostly cries. Spec- tral forms seen flitting in the gloom. All characters kneel except Barabbas. The building in the middle distance falls and shows, in silhouette against the lurid sky, three crosses. ACT V ACT V Scene: — The Garden of Joseph of Arimathea — a level spot on the crest of a rocky hill, with flowers and trees in profusion, partly wild and partly cultivated. On the right a path leads to the tomb of Christ; further bach another path winds over the brow of the hill toward Jerusalem. On the left is caught a glimpse of a tent, before which a campfire smolders. In the distance, crown- ing another hill, the city itself may be dimly seen through the gray light. The time is just before sunrise on Easter morning. Mary is discovered seated, leaning against a sloping rock. Marcus stands watching her, and soldiers are posted at various points. 188 The Holy City Calchol. [Enters, left.] How goes the night ? Marcus. All well. She sleeps. Calchol. [Approaches Mary.] Well may she sleep. A lonely vigil hath Been hers. Two nights, from sun to sun, she has watched, With tears, yon tomb where lies the Nazarene. Her robe is heavy with the dew of night. [Mary shivers and sighs. The wind of dawn blows chill upon her. Marcus. I'll Wake her. Calchol. Nay. Let her rest. [Gently covers Mary with his cloak. The sun will soon Be up; then will she wake. Marcus. And I'll to sleep. We'll be released at sunrise, praise the godsl The Holy City 189 The eagles have I followed now for twice Four years, but never yet have seen a watch Kept o'er a dead man's grave. Calchol. Tis Pilate's orders. Marcus. 'Twas that long-bearded Jew, called Caiaphas, Did set him on. Old fool! To think a man That's three days dead can live again ! Calchol. He thinks It not: he fears it. Marcus. Fear or think, 'tis all The same to me. I know I'm here on watch Who might be in my bed. Why should they fear ? The Nazarene is dead. Calchol. Aye, dead He is, As well I know who saw Him die. Marcus. Suppose That by some art He should come back to life. 190 The Holy City There's no escape for Him. Safe prisoned In yonder tomb, all swathed in death-clothes, He Could not cry out, much less arise. The stone That guards the grave can scarce be moved, and not At all by Him. Calchol. Marcus, I feel there is Some magic in the Man. 'Tis said He brought Back others from that unseen world beyond The grave. Who knows but He can bring Him- self? [A Jew appears, right. What's that ? Marcus. What ails thee, man ? 'Tis but a Jew, A watcher on the watchers set. The Priest Comes here himself at times; inspects the seal He placed upon the tomb, and bids us keep The Holy City 191 A closer guard. [To Jew.] Out, Jew! [Exit Jew. Mary. [Awakes, startled.] O faithless me ! I slept, and dreamed His enemies had stolen The body of my Lord. But, no ! The stone Is there, safe-sealed as when I saw it last. What cloak is this ? Calchol. 'Tis mine. 1 thought per- chance — Mary. 1 might be cold. And 'tis to thee 1 owe My safety here. Thou art a gentle Roman. 1 thank thee. [Gives the cloak to Calchol. Calchol. 'Tis but little 1 have done. Mary. To thee 'tis little; much to me. To let Me watch beside the grave of my dear Lord, Dead now to all the world and me. 192 The Holy City Calchol. To die Is but the common fate. Mary. But not to die His death. Our sorrows and our griefs He bore; Sinless He was and suffered for our guilt. And never shall we look upon His face Again; that face so patient in its love, So godlike in its glory. Calchol. He was thy friend ? Mary. He was the Friend of all the world. To me Much more than friend, — my Saviour. Out of the depths He lifted me and set my soul on high. Scarlet with sin I was, and at His word My sins were washed away. Calchol. 1 understand Thee not. But this 1 know, rough soldier though The Holy City 193 I am, thy soul is pure. Mary. Rough soldier though Thou be, thou hast a gentle heart. For all Thy kindness, thanks again. Farewell. [Goes left] Wilt thou Another favor grant ? Calchol. If in my power. Speak on. Mary. Ere long I shall return and with Me others who did love Him. We'd anoint His body ere it be too late. We could Not yesterday ; it was the Sabbath. May We enter then the tomb ? Calchol. Our watch ends when The sun appears. Till then, ye may not enter. After, — do what ye will. [Exit Mary. Marcus. Whom will they get To roll away the stone ? Four sturdy Jews 194 The Holy City It took to place it there. Calchol. Tis no affair Of thine or mine. Our watch ends with the night. [Enter Caiaphas and Habakkuk, right. Who's there ? Caiaphas. 'Tis Caiaphas. Dost keep close ward ? Calchol. Being a soldier, and on guard, I do. Caiaphas. [Apart.] Mark that, Habakkuk. The wolf's brood snarls at touch. [ To Calchol.] No imputation on thy soldiery, My friend. I know thou'rt honest, but I fear The followers of this Nazarene may play Some trick on thee. They're cunning. Watch them well. Hast heard no sound ? Calchol. From whence ? Caiaphas. From out the tomb. The Holy City 195 Calchol. Nay. I've heard none. Caiaphas. Ah ! [Exit Caiaphas, right, to tomb. Calchol. Marcus, what said I ? Fear haunts his soul. He dreads he knows not what. Tis in the air to-night. [Calchol and Marcus retire, left. Re-enter Caiaphas. HABAKKUK/oms him. Caiaphas. Fast bind, fast find. The stone's untouched, the seal's intact, and silence reigns Within the tomb. Habakkuk. There's naught to fear. Caiaphas. There's naught To fear! Who knows? Three days He said — three days — And dawn is near. Last night I dreamed a dream 196 The Holy City That strangely troubled me. Methought I saw The throne of God and round it gathered Abraham, Isaac, David, and Solomon, With all th' elect of Israel, and on The right hand sat this Nazarene, while all Bowed down and worshipped Him. What if I should Be wrong. If He should be Messias. Ah ! The day will tell and dawn will soon be here. [To Calchol.] Good soldier, keep good watch. Let none approach The tomb. I will return anon. [Exeunt Caiaphas and Habakkuk, left. Calchol. He hath The sin of murder on his soul and 'twill Not down. [Enter Zacharias, left. Marcus. Who'rt thou ? Zacharias. A poor old man The Holy City 197 Marcus. What dost Thou here ? Zacharias. My little maid is sick. Marcus. Thy maid Is naught to me. Away! Zacharias. I ask no alms. I do but seek to touch the stone; to kneel And pray before the grave wherein He lies. Marcus. [To Calchol.] A follower of the Nazarene. [To Zacharias.] Some trick Thou'dst play. Begone before 1 — [Motions to strike Zacharias. Calchol. Marcus, hold! Here is no cause for dread. [To Zacharias.] Why wouldst thou kneel And pray before yon tomb ? Zacharias. My little maid Is sick, nigh unto death. And she is all I have : my one ewe lamb. Could I but touch 198 The Holy City The grave wherein He lies, and thus entreat: "I pray Thee, Master, heal my little maid," Then would the maid be healed. Marcus. Old dotard, go! Calchol. Peace, Marcus, peace! [7oZacha- rias.] Dost thou then truly think That this dead Nazarene can heal thy child ? Zacharias. I think it not; I know. And if I may But touch the stone, — Calchol. Go then. Lay but thy hand Upon the stone, and have a care thou dost Not break the seal. \_Exit Zacharias, right, to tomb. Marcus. Thy heart grows softer with Each day. Calchol. Picenum, Marcus, holds a cot Nestling in vineyards, where the morning sun First strikes. There dwells a maid who calls me father. The Holy City 199 [A look of understanding passes between them. Marcus. But then, if Caiaphas should come ? Calchol. No harm Is done. See, there he kneels and prays. Who knows What good may come of such a prayer. Once more I tell thee, friend, there is some magic in Yon Nazarene, dead though He be and laid Within the tomb. Zacharias. [Re-enters.] Good sir, an old man's blessing On thee and all thou lov'st. Calchol. Believ'st thy maid Will live ? Zacharias. My faith doth teach she will not die. [Exit Zacharias, left. 200 The Holy City Calchol. \Looks after Zacharias.J 'Tis pass- ing strange, this faith. Marcus. Methinks I see The first faint flush of dawn. Calchol. And yonder shines The morning star. Brighter and brighter still It seems to glow as tho' to herald some Unearthly thing. Marcus, 'tis said, that on The night this Nazarene was born, so shone A star, effulgent and serene, and from The East brought three great kings to worship Him. Marcus. So have 1 heard. Dost thou believe it true ? Calchol. Who knows? Hast thou forgot the day that He Was crucified? How signs and portents filled The sky; the graves were opened and the dead The Holy City 2oi Came forth ? Marcus. A fearful day. Calchol. Would such things be If He were of but common clay, like thee And me ? Marcus. I know not what to think. I would The day were here. Calchol. I drove the spear into His side. 'Twas kindly meant, but then — if He Should prove a god ? The dawn is long in com- ing. All nature pauses, eager, — expectant. There is an ominous quiet in the air; The listening earth scarce breathes: as tho' both earth And air did wait as waits a man— with bated breath And ear alert, straining into the night — The coming of an unseen foe. 202 The Holy City Marcus. Or as A new-made bride, with pulses stilled, who dreads Yet hopes, the coming of the groom. Calchol. What noise Was that ? The wind ? Marcus. Naught did I hear. Calchol. Methought 1 heard a rushing as of wings; as though A thousand eagles beat the air. And see ! What light is that ? Tis not the dawn ! Ah God! [Opalescent lights stream from the shy, followed by the rumble of a moving rock. Then a brilliant white light flashes from the tomb. All of the soldiers fall on their faces. Enter Mary, Martha, and Woman from left. Mary. There is the rocky casket that doth hold The Holy City 203 The fairest jewel that was e'er encased: The body of my Lord and Saviour; And all my heart lies buried there with Him. These costliest spices that we bring, spikenard And myrrh and frankincense, to anoint His corse, Are all too poor for their rich offices. If only that my life could pay for His! If only that my love could bring Him back ! Martha. Our Lord is dead, and all thy tears and all Thy love will naught avail to bring Him back Again. Mary. Alas, 'tis true! Here will I live And die. This holy spot shall be my care, Daily to tend, and nightly watch. My sighs Shall serve as heaven's own airs: my tears, its dew. Around His grave all beauteous flowers shall grow; 204 The Holy City Sweet-voiced birds shall come at morn and even- tide And sing their songs, making such music sad The sun shall stop to hear, and all the stars Shall veil their eyes for grief, and all the spheres Shall voiceless be and dumb, singing no more Their praises unto God. [Enter Caiaphas and Habakkuk, left. Caiaphas. Whom have we here ? Disciples of the Nazarene? [To the prostrate soldiers.] "We're soldiers and on duty." So! 'Tis thus ye keep your guard. Rouse! Rouse! Ye dogs Of Rome! Dogs, did 1 say? Nay! Dogs at least Will watch. These men sleep not, they die. Awake ! Put off this leaden slumber. Pilate shall The Holy City 205 Learn of this. Calchol, wake ! Martha. [To Mary.] The soldiers sleep. Whom shall we get to roll away the stone ? Mary. [Looks off, right.'] The stone is rolled away. The tomb's black mouth Gapes wide, and all the yawning void within Calls, eloquent of some base treachery. [Exit Mary to tomb. Martha. Who can have done this thing ? Mary. [Re-enters.] 'Tis gone! 'Tisgonel His precious body's gone. [Caiaphas has succeeded in rousing Calchol and Marcus. He hears Mary's cry. Caiaphas. What do ye here ? Depart. Mary. They've ta'en away my Lord. Caiaphas. Have ta'en Away thy Lord! What meanest thou? Mary. His body's gone. 206 The Holy City The stone is rolled away. Caiaphas. The stone! Away! [Looks off, right. A fraud! A trick! [To Calchol.] Thy life shall pay for this, Thou sluggard, thou — Oh ! Calchol. [Still da\ed.] How now, Caia- phas? Caiaphas. His body's stol'n while thou lay- est there asleep. Calchol. Nay. 1 slept not. Caiaphas. O God of Abraham, He did not sleep! Did I not find thee here, Stretched prone upon the ground ? Thou and thy crew ? The while the followers of the Nazarene Have come and ta'en away His corse. Mary. Believe Me, Caiaphas, we have not done this thing. The Holy City 207 Caiaphas. Tis false. Get ye away from here. [Mary, Martha, and Woman retire. Caiaphas. For thee — Calchol. [Stops Caiaphas with a gesture.] What happened, Marcus ? Marcus. I know not. I saw A light and then — Calchol. A light! Ah, now I know. Wide swung the gates of heaven and glowed the glory Of a thousand dawns. I heard a rush of wings. Down swept a god, all flaming radiance like A falling star. The portals of the tomb He touched; the massy stone rolled back; forth stepped The Nazarene and round Him shone a splendor that Did make the whole earth bright. And then, 1 knew 208 The Holy City No more. Caiaphas. A splendor that did make the whole Earth bright. God of my fathers, am I wrong ? Is He Messias ? [To Calchol.] Thou wast asleep and this A dream. Calchol. Is it a dream that yonder stone's Rolled back; that He is gone ? What mine eyes saw They saw. Old priest, what thou didst dread is true. Ye Jews did crucify your God. Caiaphas. Our God ! Thou fool! Son of a carpenter was He; Despised of men ; by all rejected. Had He Been God would He have died upon the cross ? 1 will to Pilate; say ye slept. And while Ye slept the body of the Nazarene Was stol'n. And if thou darest repeat thy tale The Holy City 209 Of gods, and dawns, and such-like foolishness, Thy life shall be the forfeit. Mark me well ! Thy life! [IV hispers.] But oh, Habakkuk, I do fear 'Tis true. [Exeunt Caiaphas and Habakkuk, left. Mary. [To Marcus.] O sir, if ye have borne Him hence, Tell me, I pray, what ye have done with Him. Marcus. We nothing know of Him. Get ye away! You and your Nazarene will cost us dear. [Calchol and Marcus retire. Mary. Oh, let me look once more upon the place Where His dear body lay. Oh, let me press My trembling lips upon that sacred spot; Let me again bedew it with my tears. [Goes right. Brilliant light appears from the tomb. Mary stands, transfixed. 210 The Holy City Angel. [From tomb.] Fear not. Why seek ye here among the dead For Him that lives ? Mary. For Him that lives! Angel. Thy Lord! He that was crucified is here no more. He that was dead is now alive again. Thy Lord is risen ! Mary. Risen! From the dead ! 'Tis true! Tis true! [To Martha.] Behold! Within the tomb An angel stands, who brings the tidings glad That Christ is risen. {Light disappears. Martha, wait here. I To the city go to spread the glorious news. [Exit Mary, left. Enter Barabbas, right. Barabbas. Is Mary here ? Martha. She's to the city gone The Holy City 211 To spread the news that Christ is risen. Barabbas. From The dead ? Martha. See there the empty tomb. John. [Enters, left, running.] Is'ttrue? Martha. 'Tis true. Behold! [John goes right and looks off. Enter Peter, left, running. Peter. Thy younger feet outstripped Me, John. Where was He laid ? John. In there Peter. [Runs off , to the tomb.] Tis true! The joyful news is true! Here are the cerements In which He was encased — the cloths that bound Him. [Re-enters.] To God the praise, that Christ the Lord is risen. Barabbas. Thou art on guard, Calchol. What sayest thou ? 212 The Holy City Calchol. I say, Barabbas, if this Nazarene Be Christ, then of a truth the Christ is risen. This I believe and will maintain with sword And life. Mary. [Enters, left.] Oh, I have seen Him. These mine eyes Have gazed upon His face, more glorious than The morning star. Mine ears have heard again The music of His voice. Barabbas. Hast thou in truth Beheld the Nazarene ? Mary. In very truth. And, O Barabbas, if thou couldst believe. Barabbas. I do believe. No longer Nazarene, But Christ, Messias, now I hail Him. Mary, For thee and me there is no other love, No other life, but in His service. Mary. Jesu, To Thee the praise! My cup of joy brims o'er. T1 3 The Holy City 213 And Peter, He sent word to thee. Peter. To me ? Mary. To thee especially, and all the rest, To meet Him soon in Galilee. Peter. God grant Me strength to follow Him. This time, if need Be, to the death. Zach arias. [Enters, left.] My little maid is well! All. And Christ is risen ! [ The sun rises, and lights the scene, touching first the gold-topped temple. Mary. As yonder sun, with his Far-reaching rays, doth lance the pathless and Illimitable air, so shall our Sun Of Righteousness burn through the world and, like Some golden-pinioned messenger of joy, Scatt'ring the darkness with his balmy plumes Bring light to all mankind. O ambient skies 214 The Hol y cit y That veiled your azure when He bled; ye ele- ments That voiced your terrors when He died; O earth That held His corse; ye heavens to which His soul Took flight, and all ye radiant hosts of God, Rejoice! Paean on paean sing. The light Of life hath pierced the dark of doom and love Hath conquered death, for Christ our Lord is risen.