ar*'^^**-' VAC:. BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Henrg M. Sag* 1891 (^.^SiSlfc ^^ajil/f 97U Cornell University Library PS 2554.P4C2 Caesar :a dramatic study. In five acts.B 3 1924 022 145 944 Cornell University Library 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/cu31924022145944 CAESAR; A I>RAMATie STUDY. Bv h;einry eeterson, - 4.uthdr. of " The Modern Job," " Pembertoji," &c. PHILADELPHIA: ■ H.' P,ETEliSON & CO., 18 79. C^SAE; A DBAMATIC STUDY. m FIYE ACTS. BY HENEY PETERSON, Author qf " The Modem Job," " Panberton," die. Act I. Pbosceibed by Stlla. Act II. The Divorce op Pompeia. Act III. Ceossing the Rubicon. Act IV. Aftee Phaksalia. Act V. The Death of Cjlsae. PHILADELPHIA: H. PETERSON & CO- 1879. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, ty Henky Peter- son, in the oflfice of the Librarian of Congi'ess, at Wasliington. NOTICE. "Any person publicly performing or representing any dramatic composition for which a copyright has been obtained, without the consent of the proprietor, or his heirs or assigns, shall be liable for damages therefor ; such damages in all cases to be assessed at such sum, not less than one hundred dollars for the first, and fifty dollars for every subsequent performance, as to the Court shall appear to be just." — Revised Statutes of the United States, Section 4966. PRICE, 50 CENTS. PREFACE. The popular idea of Julius Csesar is derived from Shaks- peare's admirable play. Shakspeare's conception of that great man's character was undoubtedly drawn from Plu- tarch. But recent historians have shown that there is another view to be taken of Csesar. The freedom which Brutus and the other conspirators sought, was inore probably the right of the aristocracy to rule as it pleased, than the estab- lishment of those equal rights for all, which we term free- dom in the present day. I trust that I may not be deemed presumptuous in choos- ing the dramatic form in which to develope my conception of the character of Csesar, and of the cruel "and licentious times in which he lived. Of course only a certain amount of success can be my justification. And yet I cannot fairly be blamed for falling far behind the great master of dra- matic literature. If his conception of Caesar is essentially a mistaken one, owing to his want of adequate historical information, it does not seem to me overstepping the proper line of literary modesty, for modern authors to attempt a more correct personation, even if they should not possess a tithe of the genius of Shakspeare. As to the question whether Brutus really was Caesar's son, I may briefly say that it was a common belief at Rome ; and I think the weight of the evidence is in favor of that belief. Of course it is sufficiently probable to allow of its reasonable use in a drama ; which has the right to deal with history in a rather freer manner than the historian is com- pelled to observe. I may add that the murder of Roscius and the divorce of Pompeia are in their essential facts historical. The Author. CHARACTERS. Caius Julius Cjesae. Cornelius A sage. Csesar's friend. Clodius A dissipated Roman noble. Sextus Friend and tool of Clodius. Make Antony. Cicero. Cassius Brutus Decimus^ Conspirators; CiMBER Casca Roscius A country gentleman. Chrysogonus Sylla's favorite freedman. Saculia A leader of the mob. Soothsayer. AuRELiA Caesar's mother. PoMPEiA Caesar's wife. Calpuenia Caesar's wife, after the divorce of Pompeia. Abra Pompeia's maid. Senators, Citizens, Soldiers, Vestal Virgins, &c. CvESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. ACT I. PEOSCRIBED BY SYLLA. Scene I. — A Street in Borne. Enter two Citizens. First Git. Yes, you say right, neighbor — these are terrible times ! Half the people in. rags ; and thousands living in cellars. See, OIL And yet there's plenty of money ; that is, for the nobles. They fling their silver about, as if it were copper or brass. First Cit. It's just as bad in the country, too. No man can live any more by honest labor in Italy. He has to sell his little farm, and join the rest of us beggars in the towns. Sec. Cit. Oh, that's because the great nobles with their gangs of slaves can undersell them. No free man will come down to a slave's long hours, and a slave's mean food, till he is absolutely forced to. Enter Saculia. Sacu. How now, masters, what are you conspiring about ? First Cit. {Alarmed.) Conspiring ! We are not con- spiring. We are honest citizens. Sacu. You'd better be! There's a dozen more heads hanging in the Forum this morning. Old Mulberry must have had a bad dinner yesterday. First Cit. Old Mulberry? Sacu. Yes, old Sylla ! His face looks more like a mul- berry, sprinkled with white flour, than anything else. They say the reason his hair and his eyes are so red is, that he washes them in a bowl of fresh, warm blood every morning. Second Cit. Aren't you afraid to talk thus? Eemember that walls have ears. b C^SAU; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Sacu. Oh, I know you. You belong to old Marius's party. You are friends of the people. First Cit. We are honest, peaceable citizens, and do not meddle with political affairs. Seo, Cit, Yes ; they are above such as we are. Saeu. (Lavghs.) Oh, of course. But don't be afraid. "Why you are not worth killing. Kow if either of you had plenty of money — or a pretty house that some one wanted — (ir a pretty wife — why then I wouldn't give a drachma for his life from one day to another. But it is good to be poor sometimes. My head would have been off a month ago, only that my pockets are empty. {Looks L.) But who comes here? A countryman, I'll wager. Country people always walk like this — they are so used to stumbling over clods and stones. {Mimics a countryman — lifting his feet very high). Good morning, my worthy high-stepper — how's corn to-day ? Enter Roscius, L. - . Hos. Good friends, I am seeking the house of Tullius Magnus. Can you tell me the nearest way to reach it ? Sacu. What brings you to town ? If I were outside a wolf's den, I would stay outside. Hos. Magnus is my kinsman. Besides, he owes me some money, and wrote that if I would come to Rome, he should be greatly pleased to pay it. (Citizens smile. Saculia bursts out laughing.) Sacu. Show him to me 1 Show me that man in Rome who wants to pay his debts! We will have him exhibited at the circus — and his statue erected in the Forum. Seri- ously, my good rural friend, more debts are being settled now with the point of the sword than in any other way. Are you rich ? Hos. Oh, no, not rich. But I have a very pretty little villa at Ameria. There is no harm in that, I hope? Sacu. There is infinite harm in it. See here, my friend — what do you call yourself when at home? Ros. My name is Sextus Roscius. Sacu. Well, my good rural friend Roscius, take a fool's advice. Put a day's ride between you and these streets of Rome as soon as possible. I know your dear cousin Mag- nus — and that he is often seen in company with Chrysogo- CAESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 7 nus, old Mulberry's favorite freedman. Take a friend's advice, my dear high-stepper, and say good-bye to Rome. First at. Yes, 'tis wise counsel. Beo. Ci't. Numa couldu't have given better. Bos. You frighten me. But my cousin expects me. Besides, 1 have never before been in Kome, and wanted to see something of the great city. Sami. If you had been here a few days since, you might have seen these streets of Rome spotted with bloody bodies. And now — if you stray as far as the Forum — you will see it strung around with human heads. It is a new style of ornament adopted in Rome of late. It's a head — if not a head and shoulders — above everything else. Enter Cheysogonus, with Guards, E. Chry. Clear the way, you miscreants ! What are you gathered here for ? Planning new insurrections ? Take care ! or Sylla's sword, after the grain is reaped, may sweep down among the weeds. Sacu. Weeds! well said, that! All Rome wears the blackest of weeds now. Chry. Who are you that speak so boldly ? Ah, Saculia, the leader of the mob ! Well, you're a licensed jester. My master likes a joke ; but still, take care ! Sacu. Yes, old Mulberry knows a good joke when he hears it. What did he say to you the other day in the Forum, when he heard me call him old Mulberry ? Chry. I asked him whether I should throw your head to the hogs. Saea. Very kind and neighborly that, to be sure ! And what did Sylla answer ? Chry. That if we killed all the fools in Rome, there would be nobody left. Scieu. That's true. Even you wouldn't be left then, good Chrysogonus. ( Citizens laugh.) Chry. ( To First Citizen, fiercely.) And who are you, you grinning cur? First at. I am only a poor shopkeeper. ■ Chry. A poor shopkeeper — a very poor one, I should think ; who passes his time talking in the street, instead of attending to his bu-iness. And you complain of hard times to.i. ( 2o Second Citizen.) And who are you ? Sec. Cit. I am an armorer — an:l an old soldier also. 8 CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Ghry. Well, ymt have plenty of business. Arms are always wanted. Sec. Oit. Yes, my shop is swept clean at every fresh out- break, whether of people or nobles. Chry. That makes thy business lively. Sacu. Yes, his arms and armor go off very lively ; so lively that his customers generally forget to stop and pay for them. Chry. ( To Soscius.) And who are you ? Mos. I am a stranger in Rome. My name is — Sacu. (Ptfttinff him aside.) lie is an old friend of mine — from Capua. Ros. {In surprise.') No ; I am from Ameria. And my name is Sextus Roscius. Chry. (Aside.) The very man! {To Roseius.) Well met, good Roscius. I know thy kinsman Magnus. He is to meet me this very hour in the Forum. Ros. Indeed ! I was going to his house. Chry. You had better come on to the Forum. Shall I tell him you are coming? Ros. Yes, if I can find some one to guide me. Chry. {To SoGulia.) Buffoon, thou wilt guide him. And play no tricks either on him, or me. You will not fail me, good Roscius? Ros. Oh no, I shall be there shortly. Chry. { To Citizens.) As for you, fellows — ^you come too. That you may see who's master now in Komfe. {Exeunt Chrysogonus and Guards, L.) Ros. What great Senator is that? II y cousin seems to fly high in Rome. Sacu. Great Senator ! {Laughs.) Oh thou quintessence of rural innocence ! That is Chrysogouus, old Sylla's favor- ite freedman. Ros. A freedman ! Saeu. Oh, all kinds of fowls wear eagle's feathers nowa- days. Better have the ill-will of half the senatoi'S of Rome, than of old Mulberry's freed slave. And now, get thee home to A meria as fast as thy old horse can foot it. Ros. Why I have just promised, as you heard, to meet my kinsman in the Forum. Saou. Promised ! Wouldst thou keep a promise to meet a hungry tiger in his junule? Ros. Yes, if I had made it. Whatever may be the new CiESAR; A DKAXIATIC STUDY. 9 fasliion iii Rome, he has the word of an Italian gentle- man. Sacu. He means thee no good. I could see that in his falfe eyes, hear it in his false voice. Bos. Why, what harm can he mean me? I have lived quietly on my farm — ^have had nothing to do with politics — have taken no Side, either with Marius or Sylla. Sacu. So said the innocent sheep to the wolf. " I have never harmed thee," said the shesp. " I do not mean to eat thee because thou hast harmed me ; but because thou art fat," said the wolf. Go home, Eoscius — secrete thyself for a while — and die in thy bed. Bos. I have given him my word — and I have harmed no one. Secure in my innocence, I fear no wolf in Rome. First Git. Oh that old Marius were alive again ! See. Git. All the old leaders of the people are dead ; and none are left to fill their places. Saeu. Wait a while, and the young sprouts will grow. There is Marius's nephew, young Julius Caesar. He's got the right stuff in him, or I'm no judge of sword-fish. First Git. What ! — that idle, dissolute yciung Ctesar ? Sacu. Wait a while. The fire is crackling and wavering yet ;_ but watch and see if before long, it does not begin to burn with a bright and steady flame. Sea. Git. Ah, would we had a young man now like Tibe- rius or Caius Gracchus. Sacu. What, to be killed off in a few years as they were ? We need something of wilier, sterner make to suit these times. But come, friend Roscius — it you really in- tend to keep your foolish promise. You'll see a sight in the Forum that will show you how the avenging Furies are raging now in Rome, Come — this way ! Hold, one cau- tion ! When you get to the Forum, don't you either laugh or cry at what you see there. They killed one man for crying the other day ; and then, when another man laughed, they killed him for laughing. Come ! (Exeunt Saculia and Roscirs, L.) First Git. Let us go too. It is about the hour the new lists of proscription are posted. Whose turn comes next I wonder. {Exeunt Citizens, L.) 10 C^SAE; A DEAMATIC STUDY. Scene II. — Tlie Forum. The Rostrum wiih a number of human heads strung around it. Enter Ciceeo and Cjesar. Oic. Oh, horrible sight ! The noblest heads in Rome Brought here to be the sport and ridicule Of a vile mob of freedmen and of slaves ! . GcBS. Who can say now it is the mob are cruel ? My uncle Marius I own, my friend, Was not renowned for mercy ; and his sword Stopped not its slaughter when the battle ceased. As swords of brave men should ; but he was mild Asa young lamb, compared to this red wolf Who rages now in Rome. Sylla, thp pet And leader of the nobles! Sylla, chief Of those who proudly call themselves " the best !" Sylla, the beast, the wolf, the murderer ! Cie. Speak lower, Csesar. Know you not these stones Have ears ? For less — far less — than those few words Poor Lucius was condemned. C(BS. Curses upon His red-eyed slayer ! If the assassin's blade Were ever rightful — Cie. Hush ! be careful, Ceesar ! You know he loves you not too well already. Cces. I ought to know. He took my priesthood too, Yesterday morn. (Jic. That was because you failed To obey his will, and marry as he bade. Cces. Yes, we must marry now, as well as die. To suit the tyrant's pleasure. Did you hear The dowry of my wife was taken too ? Clc. Take care then, Csesar ; you'll have nothing left For him to take soon but your precious life. Cces. Four thousand men — the noblest souls in Rome — Men of the gentlest breeding ; scholars, statesmen — Five hundred Senators, the choicest spirits Of this our wretcliel time, all now lie low Beneath this butcher's sword. What was their crime? Because they loved the people — saw them ground Into the mire, beneath the cruel wheels Of tlie rapacious nobles — saw their farms Torn from their hands by cither force or fraud — C^SAE ; A DKAMATIC STUDY. ] 1 Saw the stout soldiers who had fought for Kome In scores of battles, turned in their old age Out in the streets to die, as you would turn An old horse on the common — and, seeing this, Vowed they would make things better, and bring back The good Rome of our fathers, where no man, Honest and brave, could ever fail of bread. Oic. Beware, my friend, the Gracchi reasoned thus — And perished ! CcBS. Yes, and from their sacred dust, Scattered in scorn upon this Roman air, A Marius sprang* — who did not bow his head So meekly to the butchers, but struck back With blows that make bad men remember yet. Clc. But now the luck is changed. Who are these coming ? CcBS. Why it is Clodius. You don't like the man ? Oic. Like him ! gay, reckless, idle, dissolute, — I wonder much that you can call him friend. CcBS. Oh, I am not myself a paragon. My blood still runs too hotly in my veins. And yet I do not pride myself upon My want of strength, as our young nobles do. But Clodius, whate'er faults he may have, Has this one virtue, that he loves the people. For me I love all men who are my friends, And serve the people's cause. Enter Clodius and Sextus. Clo. Is that you, Ctesar ? Bv all the gods who love a merry life. Why have you kept yourself so close of late ? Cam. Are these safe times to go much out of doors? Clo. Oh, if you once begin to think such thoughts, No pleasure's left in life. Life's dull enough Without our making it more dull by moping. You should have been with us last night. Oh, Phoebus, What sport we had ! — had we not, Sextus mine ? Sex. In faith you may say that. For iirst we danced Until our legs gave out — and then we drank Until our throats gave out — and then we reeled Into the streets, and (sinks voice) broke from off their bodies Some of the prettiest marble heads in Rome. *"The. mother of the Gracchi cast the dust of her piurdered sons into thevi air, and out of it yprung Caius Marius." Mirabeau. 12 c^-:sAE; a dramatic studv. Clo. The statues, you know. It is tlie fasliir'n now To take off heads in Rome ; and so we followed The fashion, Csesar. Was it not well thought ? Ctes. Whose statues were they ? Clo. Some of fat old Sylla, And some of Scipio, and other ancients. All were, however, of the other side ; For though it's no harm to be drunk, a man Should never be so drunk as not to know Who are his friends. But where were you last night, My worthy Csesar ? C(B8. With my mother, Clodius. Ch. Oh no, my Csesar— that's too good a boy. If you had said, somebody else's mother, I might have thought it true. The fair Servilia — Cws. Pardon me, Clodius ! Think you are my fiiend. Servilia is old Brutus' honored wife. And we were boy and girl together when She married him, as ladies do in Rome, Because her father willed it. Not a breath Must touch her fame, spoken by friend of mine. Clo. Let it pass, Cfesar. All my faith was lost In women years ago. And still I held There are a few Lucretias left in Rome. Sex. (Lauchs.) Yes, that is true. There are four of us here ; — There are four virtuous women left in Rome, And each of us has one. As for the rest ! {He flings up Jiis hands.) Cic. There was a time when, for three hundred years, III Rome's first days, no woman false was found. And no man false to woman ! Clo. Oh, great Bacchus ! Life must have been intolerably dull. &a;. No stabbings — no divorce — no jumpings o'er The garden walls ! I'm glad I was not born When women were so good. Cobs. So am not I ! Oh, Cicero, had I breathed purer air. What might I not have been ? The fruit must grow liitter or sweet, as is the parent bough. 'Tis in me to be noble. But, alas ! CiESAE; A DllAMATrO STUDY. 13 l^Fy friends must take young Cjasar as the world Has fashioned him, nor blame too much his faults. Cie. Here comes Chrysogonus, ^vith the red list Of the proscribed. Were it not safer, friends. To leave at once? For no man here can tell Whether or not his fated name is down Upon the tyrant's blood-roll. Clo. I'll not run. Like a scared rat. Ev'n Sylla will think twice Before he lays his hand upon a Claudius. CcBS. Nor I. Sylla can do no more than Fate Allows him. Csesar was not born to die, Before his time, like some poor village boy. Fear not, my friends, for Destiny has arms Stronger than Sylla's. Enter, R, Chrysogonus with Guards — and goes to the Ros- trum. Guards range themselves. Enter also, L, Sacu- LiA, Roscius and Citizens. Chry. (Ascends Rostrum.) The list of the proscribed is short to-day. Great Sylla's heart is growing merciful. Saeu. (Aside.) Just as a man grows tired of eating, when He's had a pig or two. ( To Ohry.) Bless his kind soul ! Chrysogonus produces a scroll, and begins to read. Chry. (Reads.) " The following citizens are doomed to death. All persons are forbid to harbour them. Or give them food or shelter, under pain Also of death. Whoever brings the head OK either of them to the Capitol, Sliall have for his reward ten thousand drachmas. Witness my seal. Sylla the Fortunate, Dictator of the World." Clo. (Aside.) There's modesty ! Now let us hear the names. Chry. (Reads.) " This is the list of the proscribed : — Quintillus Publicola, Lucius Aurelius, And Sextus Roscius of Ameria." » Ros. (Horror-struch.) Not I ! not I ! I have no enemies. I take no part in politics. Good friends, 'Tis a mistake ! Some other man is meant. 14 CjEsae; a dramatic study. Chuysogoxus deitcends from Rostrum, and draws his sword. Cruards inclose Roscius. Chry. Tliou liest, knave ! Thou art a secret plotter With all the vilest elements of Rome. What dost thou here in company with curs Like this Saculia — this leader vile - Of the vile mob — whom we let live awhile Only because his life's not worth the taking ? Wretch ! Thou shalt die at once. Don't be a child ! Die at least like a Roman. Ros. Save me, friends ! (Breaks through Guards, and flings himself before CcBsar and his friends.") Pave me, great Senators ! There's some mistake. I know there is. I take no part in plots. I am a simple farmer of Ameria, Come here to see the city, and collect A debt that's due me. Save me, Senators ! Caes. There must be some mistake, Chrysogonus. This man is not a plotter. Hold thy hand, Till Sylla's will is known ; and hold him too, That he may not escape. Have pity, man ! Chry. And dare you, Cse^ar, interfere between Great Sylla and his victims ! Know you not The fearful penalty for shielding those Who are proscribed ? This man's an arrant knave. I know him to be guilty. Saeu. (Aside.') Not a doubt He's guilty of possessing something nice That this Chrysogonus wants — the cruel wretch ! Chry. Back, plotter ! I^ies can now no longer save thee ! (He seizes Roscius, and drags him back among the Guards.) C(es. (Starts forward.) Now, by the eternal Gods ! Cic. Be calm, my friend, Put not yourself in peril. See you not. You can do nothing now? If wrong is done, The laws of Rome will some day right the man. Co5ESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Menaced his breast with his uplifted steel. " Who art thou," cried the hero, " that dost dare To raise his hand 'gainst Caius Marius !" .And now I ask. How dar'st thou, graceless Wretcli, To menace me, great Marius's nephew? Chry. I know that I am nothing of myself. But I am everything as Sylla's arm — Sylla, to whom great Marius was a child. Prepare to die, then, Caesar, 't is thy fate. G(£8. {Calmly ) I have no thought of dying in this hour. My p3rt Chrysogouus. The Augurs said, "When I was priest of Jupiter, that death Should never touch this frame, till I was sworn First Consul. More, they said the man that slew me Should not survive my death over three days. Clo. I'll take my oath on that ! Saeu. And so will I ! Cces. I judge the Augurs knew that I had friends AVho would not suffer such a wretch to live More than thiee days. What good is money then. When thou canst not enjoy it? Chry. But my duty As Sylla's officer. That must be done. des. Can Sylla's warrant pluck thee from the tomb ? Thou seest now, it is not quite so small And light a thing to hunt and kill a Caesar. — What are you wolves to get for killing me? Chry. Ten thousand drachmas ! CoRS. What ! no more than that ! No more than for a common, worthless knave ! Ten thousand drachmas only for a Ca;sar ! Sylla is growing mean ! Why I will give Five times ten thousand drachmas as a gift To you and these brave soldiers, who no doubt Have flown our eagles on a hundred tields From Parthia to Spain. (Chrysogonus looks at Guards, who nod assent.') Chry. Give me the money ! And for to-day, count thyself safe from us. To-morrow, we will hunt thee, yea or nay. (CiBSAR taJees out tablets and writes on one.) CcBs. Take this to-morrow to my mother's hou?i', And slie will pay you. CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 17 Chry. What security Have you to give we shall uot be betrayed ? Clo. I will secure it you. Cces. Nn, thank you, Clodius. The word of Csesar is enough in Rome, And they shall have no other. What, thou slave, Dost thou pretend to talk to Caius Csesar About security — as if he were Some vile usurer ? Know that Caesar's word Once broke, Csesar is dead — more truly dead Than if his heart were cloven with your swords ! Take this, and hand it to my mother— she Will pay you every drachma of my bond. ( Chry. takes it.) Chry. (^To Guards.) A good day's work, my noble vet- erans. Mark — fifty thousand drachmas — sixty in all ! Csesar, to-morrow, we will hunt and kill thee, And earn ten thousand more — if Pluto wills. Cces. Fair warning is it, good Chrysogonus ! I give thee warning too. The time will come When I shall stand in this red Sylla's place. Then thou shalt plead for mercy. Mark me now ! I will not spare thee, though thy wife and mother Beseech me on their knees. Thou and thy scum Of slaves and freedmen all shall surely die ! For while you live you outrage Gods and men. Come on, my friends. My time is precious now. {Ex'eunt.) ExD OF Act I. 18 CiESAIl; A DRAMATFC STUDY. ACT II. THE DIVOKCE OF POMPEIA. Scene I. — A Street in Moms. Enter Saculia. Sacti. (Looks around.) Well, things look natural enough again in Rome. One might think the whole city would go til the dogs, just because he had left for awhile. It's curi- ous how the world always manages to get along so well without us. Enter Fird Citizen. Hallo, neighbor !— glad to see you're still kicking this dirty old earth with your stampers. First Oit. Why, Saculia, where have you been? I've not seen you for many a day. Sacu. No, I suppose not. In fact I thought after that affair in the Forum, I had better retire to one of my country houses for awhile, as the other big bugs do. I thought the weather was getting rather too warm in Rome. First Git. Ah, that was a very sad affair — that murder of poor Roscius. But there's one good thing — his son has got the property back again. Sacu. Yes, I heard that Cicero had prosecuted Chrysogo- nus, and got the property back. There's some good left in the lawyers yet — if you'll only pay them big enough fees, and elect them to all the fat offices. First Cit. I suppose when old Sylla died, you thought you might come back again. Sacu. Oh, I was in no hurry. I rather liked the coun- try. That old wretch Sylla— did you ever hear how he died? First Git. I suppose in the usual way — shortness of breath, or something of that sort. Sacu. Yes, that's true. But one of his slaves told me all about it. What with his feasting and drinking, and his loose women, he grew rottener and rottener every day. Un- til at last he was fairly eaten up by worms. They washed him three times a day, but 'twas no use — they couldn't keep c^sae; a dramatic study. 19 liim clean of the lice and worms. Fit end, wasn't it, for such a bloody old tyrant? I tell you, my friend, the phi- losophers may say what they choose, but the Furies, with their whips of Scorpious, aren't all dead yet. . First Oit. No, indeed, neighbor — we couldn't get along well without them. A man may be too ricli and strong for the laws in this world, but at the end of life, he will have to meet the J<'uries. Sacu. And Cissar is back too, I hear ; — Prsetor and Pon- tifex Maximus, and carrying all before him. Hurra for Csesar, the friend of the people ! But good day, neighbor ; I have a host of old friends to see. Ah, are you going my way? {Exeunt, L.) Enter Clodius and Sextus, R. Clo. Oh, the beautiful Pompeia ! "What else did Abra say? Sex. She said that Pompeia would give you an interview this evening — if you had the nerve and daring to attempt it. Clo. Nerve ! daring ! Thou told'st her I'd stop at noth- ing, short of meeting her in Cjesar's presence? That I own is more than I'd like to do. There is something in Csesar's eyes when he is roused, that even I, Sextus, do not always care to meet. 8ex. And yet a little spice of danger makes an adventure all the pleasanter. Clo. Of course — of course! I really believe it is because Pompeia is so jealously guarded — as if she were the golden fruit within tlie gardens of the Hesperides — that I so long to kiss her sweet lips. But how shall we manage to evade that terrible mother-in-law? Dear Sextus, tell me how. Sex. To-night you know is the great festival of Bona Dea — that mysterious goddess brought from the East, which it is the ruling fashion now for all our great ladies to worship. Clo.' Oh yes, but they will not allow a single male — mar- ried or unmarried — to remain in the house whei e their mys- terious rites are carried on. Sex. Would you not like to witness those rites which are . kept so secret ? Clo. Indeed I should. The whole thing is outrageous. It is an insult to every man in Konio. Oi course we men 20 CiESAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. do not care that our wives should have their little mys- teries ; — it is the keeping them from their husbands that is so unwifely and abominable. But how, Sextus ? Some of these ladies, it is said, carry poniards on such occasions — and would not hesitate to use them too. And it is bad enough to be killed, without being laughed at afterwards as the man that was poniarded by a pack of crazy women. They'd soon have it in the Forum that I had been pricked to death by the women's knitting needles. Sex. Abra has planned all that. You must go disguised as a woman. Not every man could do that, Clodius, — but you could. Clo. I think I could. I tricked some ladies famously a year or so ago, dressed in my sister's garments. Sex. You must not speak though. Your voice would at once betray you. Remember that ! Clo. Oh, mum's the word. But how shall I see Pompeia? Sex. You enter boldly. Abra will be near the door. She will lead you as soon as she can get an opportunity to Pompeia's own sitting room ; where, as soon as possible, the fair dame will join you. By Venus, I wish it was myself, and not you, my Clodius. Clo. It is well planned. I'll try to find out too, what those secret rites are that the ladies of Eome are so fond of. I hope that I shall not meet Caesar, though ; his keen eyes would see through my disguise at a glance. Sex. He would be angry enough to kill you. Clo. Not at all. You do not know Caesar. His marriage with Pompeia was merely a matter of policy. Besides, I am too necessary to him ; for any moment he may break with Pompey. He has great plans to rejuvenate old Rome, and will allow no private griefs to come between him aud his purpose. Sex. Well, it is worth some risk to meet so fine a woman ! Do you go this morning to the Forum ? Clo. No, I must go and make ready my attire. My sister will think it the best of sport to help me, and trig me out as a grand Roman dame. Good day. Sex. Good day — and Venus give you luck ! {E.veimt R. and L.) Caesar; a dramatic study. 2] Scene II. — Hall in Ccesar's house (the palace of the Pon tifex MaximiLS.) Enter AueeliA; Aure. We mothers of Rome scarce dwell a day in peace What man in Rome, worthy the name of man, But bears his life in daily, hourly hazard ? Rome slaughters always those who love her best. And strive to make her prosperous and great. Thus fell Tiberius and Caius Gracchus, Cornelia's brilliant jewels. What their crime? Only they loved the people — pitied the poor — And sought to curb the selfish greed of gain Of Rome's proud nobles, so the poor might live. And now my Caius steps the self-same path, I trust with firmer tread. He is a noble ; But, as the nobles say, false to his order. Yes, false to thera, but true to heaven and Rome ! But it is time he came. Ah, that is he. Ihiter CiESAE. Cces. My noble mother 1 (Kisses her.) Aure. My Caius ! Thou art late. Cobs. Yes, state affairs pressed more than usual. Ah, Sometimes I wish I were a villager, And had no thought save of my pigs and cows. It is no pleasure, mother, to rule men. They are more obstinate than pigs or cows. And far more apt to turn and gore their ruler. Aure. Men were not born for pleasure ; but to work The will of the great gods. Each in his place. Where they have put him, finds his destined task. He cannot shun that task and be a man Worthy the name of man, much less of Csesar. Cces. 'Tis true, my mother. I have not forgot Thy noble teachings. But the task sometimes Seems doubly hard. No matter. This is folly. Where is Pompeia ? Aure. She seems vexed to-day. Why didst thou give that costly pearl of thine, That pearl unmatched in Rome or in the world. To Brutus' wife, Servilia ? Was't well done, My Caius ? All the drawing rooms of Rome Are babbling over it. 22 c^sar; a dramatic study. CcES. Let the fools babble ! Aure. I ask again, Was it well done, my Gains? CcRs. If any other tongue in Home had put That question to me, I would turn and say It was well done — and bid them hold their peace. Thou art my mother ; and I bow my head. As when I was a boy, here at thy knee. And say : 'Twas not well done — nor fitting Csesar. {Sits down at his mother's feet.) Aure. I pain thee, Caius. But, my noble son, I wound as surgeons do, only to heal. That pearl of thine Servilia '11 wash with dew, And lay it in the sun, to make it glow With added lustre. Thou my pearl art, Caius ! I have no jewel but thee. And I would wash Thee with my tears, and hang thee in the sun Of.heaven's great eye, if so thou might'st become Purer and nobler ev'n than thou art now. Cces. Bear with me, mother. Gems sometimes have flaws That go down to their hearts. You can outroot The fatal flaw only by shattering The gem to pieces. Aure. Is it so bad as that ? Cobs. We marry now in Rome, not whom we love, But whom we must. That is the great lords do, Who seek for power to spoil or save the state. Pompeia is Pompey's cousin as you know. Servilia married by her father's order. Old Marcus Brutus. Thus we give our hands, Both men and women, as ambition wills. But hearts are different things, and will not be Thus coldly given to order. And I love Only one woman in Rome. Aure. And her name is ? Cces. Servilia. Aure. Still it was not wise, my son, To set all Rome thus talking. Cces. 'Twas unwise. Yet they had talked, and talked, till they were hoarse, Of that affair already. Besides, where all Are guilty, who can have the face to peep Into his neighbour's windows, and make mouths. Without himself accusing ? All are the same. CjEsar; a dramatic study. 23 Ev'n Cato, who aspires to lead the van, Aud be a moral pattern to all Rome, Has given, you know, his wife uuto his friend, Though she has borne him children. Aud, mark this — If ever his friend should die, and leave her rich, Your virtuous Cato '11 take her back again ! Ah, times have changed, my mother, since the day When Manlius was banished from the Senate, For kissing his wife before his daughter's eyes. The bow thus drawn too tight, has since then broken. But where's Pompeia ? I wish much to see her. Aure. Well, here she comes. (Enter Pompeia slowly. iShe takes no notice of C^sar, but goes to one side.') Cms. Pompeia, I've a word To say to you. Pom. Say on ! About pearls perhaps ? C(es. (Frowns.) No, of your maiden, Abra. Pom. What of her ? Does she not please my lord ? I'll try to find A fairer maiden for him. CcBS. Cease this jesting ! Abra was seen last night in company With Sextus Claudius. It is not fitting. Pom,. Why, is he not a friend of Clodius ? And is not Clodius a close friend of yours ? Goes. He is a tool of Clodius — and therefore If Abra meet him, it but gives the vile A chance to slander you. Pom. To slander me ? How can that be ? Could Caesar's wife meet harm From Csesar's friend ? Csesar must have poor frieiids, To harm his wife. Were it not well, my lord. You chose such friends, women as well as men. As slander on such poor and paltry grounds Could not assail and cling to ? Goes. We demand, And rightly, purer lives from women than men. Men bear the brunt of war, the toils of life ; A thousand ills assail them daily, which You ladies of high rank are shielded from. Your part in life is simply to direct 21 c^sae; a dramatic study. Your households, live in peace in pleasant homes. And make yourselves as happy as you can. One thing, in due return, is all we ask : That we may warm no serpents at our hearths. Pom. I'll give you, Cajsar, a sure recipe, By which you may insure a virtuous wife To every man iu Rome. CcBs. And what is that? Poin. Let every man be virtuous ! C'oES. True, Pompeia ! And virtuous wives will bring that time about. It is the woman's task to set a mark. Which she first reaching, shall hold out her hand To aid the man to strive for and attain. Aure. Pompeia, having heard your wish, will see To Abra's doings, Caesar. Pom. (Aside.) You old dragon ! I'll do as I please — as I have always done — And as the other Roman ladies do. If he divorces me — why, all the better ! I'd like another husband. Tullia Is not as old as I, and she has had Three husbands now already. Aure. Have you remembered, Csesar, that to-night Is the grand festival of Bona Dea ? Not a male soul, be he or young or old, Must stay within this house. The vestal virgins, And all the noblest ladies of our Rome Will take part in the holy mysteries With which we worship the Good Mother of all This fruitful earth — from whose abounding womb Spring fruits and flowers and all the precious grains. And women and men — perhaps ev'n the great Gods ! GcBS. I've given strict orders. No one shall profane Your sacred mysteries. I will myself Be near at hand, in case some scoffing cur Of these irreverent times, should dare disturb Your pious rites with his blasphemous tongue Aure. Thank thee, my son. And now I judge. Pom peia. Our evening meal is ready. Shall we go ? Cms. I am quite ready, too. I'll lead thee, mother. Pompeia will excuse me ? C^SAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 25 Pom. With pleasure, Caesar. {Aside.) There go the male and female dragon ! Bah ! {Exeunt Cjesae leading his mother by the hand. Pompeia following.) Scene III. — Passage in Clodius's house. Enter Clodius, Abea and Sextus. Clodius in female attire. Clo. {To Abra.) The beautiful Pompeia then still wishes me to come in spite of Csesar's suspicions ? Abra. Oh yes ; she thinks it only adds to the sport. Sex. If he finds it out, he will divorce her. Abra. 8he doesn't care. She says there's as good fish in the sea as CsBsar. Clo. Thou'rt a pretty minx. {Kisses her.) Abra. You'd better keep your kisses for my mistress. She's not had many of late. Caesar's as cold as an icicle. Clo. The wretch! But I've got plenty for you both. For since I got these feminine garments on, I feel just the same passion for kissing that all women do. I don't think I can keep from kissing all the women there — even to the vestal virgins. Sex. Pray, my Clodius, do not touch the vestals. That's a burning matter, you know. Shame on such old supersti- tions ! Clo. Oh, I'll let the sacred vestals alone. Half of them are as sacred as parchment cheeks and a bad breath can make them. But how do I look, Abra? Will I pass muster ? Abea turns him around — and inspects him critically. Abra, Keep down your head and your eyes. Your dress is all right. Stay — I'll fix this. Clo. Oh, hold on! — you're hurting me! Abra. That's of no consequence — so you look right. No woman cares how much she hurts herself, when looks are in question. Now let me see you walk. Clodius walks — taking long strides. Abra. Not such big steps. Go mincing along, so. {Shows him. Clodius imitates her.) Clo. How will that do ? If I had only thought of tying 2 26 c^sar; a dkakatic study. ray legs together with a strap, it would have kept me in mind. Ahra. Oh, you'll do pretty well. Now, can you keep your mouth shut ? Glo. I don't know. Since I've been made a woman, I feel prodigiously like talking all the time — whether I have anything to say or not. Ahra. Bah! Women can be quiet enough when they wish to. Not a man in Rome knows what goes on at the women's worship of Bona Dea. Sex. That's true, Abra. It's wonderful — very wonderful — ^but it's true ! Even I don't know. Clo. I'll tell you to-morrow, Sextus. Sex. Half the men in Eome are dying to know. And so, if you are found out, they will all be disposed to shelter you from punishment, as an unlucky soldier in a good cause. Ahra. Well, I must go. I'll be on the watch for you. {Exit Abka, L.) Sex. If Csesar should divorce Pompeia, why then you can marry her. Glo. Hem ! not exactly ! In truth, while I like spices as a condiment, I should not like to make my whole dinner of spices. Besides, Sextus, while I am not exactly a pat- tern of propriety myself, I think I should rather like my wife to be a pattern. Sex. Oh, of course, that's human nature. Clo. Yes, it's natural. Come this way, Sextus. This is the kind of woman I mean to marry. (Exit, B., primly — followed by Sextus — hoth laughing.) Scene IV. — Hall in Caesar's Palace as before — but lighted and decorated for celebration. Enter Aurelia and Pompeia. Aure. Are all the inner chambers ready ? Pom. Yes, They all are decorated for the rites. And the white doves are panting for the knife. Where's Abra ! Have you seen her ? Aure. She came in Just now in haste. She gads too much, Pompeia. Speak to her sharply. Pom. That I will, good mother. C^SAE; A DEAMATIC STUDY. 27 (Calls.) Abra! Enter Abea. What mean you, Abra, by this gadding ? {Takes her one side.) Will he be here? Abra. By Venus, you may think so ! He is as mad with love as a spring sparrow. He's in over his head. A pretty dame He's made himself — ev'u handsomer than his sister. Pom. I'll eat him, pretty boy ! Bring him at once Into my parlour. You will find me there. I've locked it, to keep curious meddlers out. (To Aurelia.) I go to see that all is right within. {Exit Pompeia.) Aure. Ah, here they come. Enter Procession of Vestal Virgins in white, with tapers in their hands, headed and attended by Priestesses in black ; and followed by Roman ladies. Procession marches around the hall singing. Song. Bona Dea ! gracious mother ! Low we worship at thy shrine. Hear our prayers, oh Bona Dea, Goddess holy and divine ! While we heap upon thy altar, Bread and fruit, and flesh and wine. Hear us, goddess, lest we die ! Hear us, goddess, lest we die ! Bona Dea ! grant us women All our hearts are keen to know. Gracious mother ! men are cruel, We lie trampled, crushed and low ! Bona Dea, be thou near us, In our hours of bitter woe ! Hear us, goddess, lest we die ! Hear us, goddess, lest we die ! Exit Procession, singing, into inner chambers of Palace. Aure. Follow the ladies, Abra. They may need thee. I will stay here, and welcome those that come. 28 CjEsak; a deamatic study. Abra. My mistress bade me not to leave this place ; And left a message with me. Aure. And I bid That thou shouldst go within ! Abra. (Aside.) I must at once Go to Pompeia, and despatch her here, Or there'll be trouble. {Exit Abea.) Enter Clodius in dress of Soman lady. Aueelia looks at him sharply, and approaches him, but he evades her. Aure. That looks like Claudia — Clodius's sister ; — And yet a trifle tall, and somewhat oldejr. No, it's not she ! Clo. (Aside.) By Mercury, and all unlucky gods I There's the she-wolf that guards the sacred fruit ; But where is Abra ? Has she played me false? Enter Pompeia. She glances at Clodius, and then goes to AUBELIA. Pom. Dear mother, I will now relieve thy charge. Our friends will miss thee at the sacred rites. Aure. In a few moments I will join them there. (She still observes Clodius.) (Pompeia goes to Clodius.) Pom. Ah, Claudia, is it thou ? I will conduct Thee to the inner rooms. (Aside.) Take shorter steps ! Enter two Priestesses from loithin. First Priestess. Aurelia, we await thy coming. AU Is now prepared to make the sacrifice. (Aurelia steps before Clodius.) Aure. Why, Claudia, is it thou? How strange thou look'st. What is the matter? Pom. Claudia has taken a vow she will not speak Till these great rites are over. Come, my dear. They take a few steps — Clodius forgetting himself, and tak- ing long strides. Aure. That is not Claudia. Claudia walks not thus. Ah, now I know her. That is Clodius. Clodius ! Pompeia ! Shame upon you both ! cjbae; a deamatic study. 29 First Priestess. A man ! a man ! Treason ! oh sacred goddess ! Sec. Priestess. A man ! a wolf! (To Pompeia.) Oh, shame- less woman thou ! False to thy husband — falsest to thy sex ! Enter Abea. Also Vestal Viegins, vrith ladies, in alarm and indignation. Aurelia. (To Abra.) Go tell thy master that I wish his presence. (Exit Abea, reluctantly.) Sec. Priestess. Behold the traitor and her paramour ! Who dare profane the rites of Bona Dea ! ( To Clodius.) Blasphemer, death by fire were far too good For thy deserts ! First Priestess. Make an example of him ! Let's sacrifice the wretch upon the altar Of mighty Bona Dea ! Let him feel That Roman matrons can avenge their wrongs. Without the aid of men ! Come, sisters, on him ! The Peiestesses pull out daggers. All gather around Clo- dius, and pull his false hair off, and tear his garments. Clo. Bless me, fair ladies, but your claws are sharp. Be oiT, you cats ! Come now, have mercy ! What ! You'll spit me with your daggers ? No, by Pluto ! That goes too far. Aurelia, will you see Me murdered 'fore your eyes by these she-tigers ? Aure. I have sent word to Csesar. When he comes He doubtless will protect you. Could he tell That you were Clodius till your borrowed plumes Were stripped from off your bold, audacious front? Clo. Oh I'm not anxious that your son should know To whom he is indebted for this rumpus. It's not Pompeia's fault, but mine. She thought I was my sister Claudia. First Priestess. Oh, of course ! (All the ladies laugh.) Pom. Laugh on, you hussies, so it pleases you. Clodius is wrong. I knew him from the first. But, in my woman's heart, I could not think To bring dishonor on my husband's friend, Ev'n though his impious prying into rites With which he'd naught to do, deserved all blame. 30 cjesae; a dramatic study. I meant to lead him off— tell him I saw Through his disguise — and send him liome in peace. You, mother, with your folly, spoilt my play, Marred our great rites, and placed a brand of shame On your son's wife, aad on our noble house, Which were I chaste as Dian would not out. Aure. I hope thy story's true — upon my soul ! First Priestess. I know her story's false — upon my soul ! If there's a wanton left in Rome, 'tis she! Pom. (To First Priestess.) Thou'lt never be a wanton! Wouldst know why? No man in Rome would play at kisses with thee. Clo. A blind man might, Pompeia. Pom. Not if he had A nose ! First Priestess. The curse of Dian on you both, you strumpets ! But here comes Csesar, he will see through you. CiESAE enters with Abra and attendants. CcBS. What means this scene of wild confusion ? Peace ! As Rome's great Pontifex I must command it! {Looks at Clodius.) Why Clodius, my friend, and is that thou? (Laughs.) Is it a male or female costume, that Which hangs so airily about thy limbs? Art masquerading as a Vestal Virgin ? A better part thou surely couldst not play ; And yet a man's attire becomes thee better. Clo. Laugh on, great Csesar. As I've lost the game, Of course I'll pay the forfeit. Curse these cats, They've nearly stripped me. Please now cut this short. Order things as thou wilt. And yet one word — Blame not thy wife, for she is innocent. CcBS. Of course my wife is innocent. For she Is Csesar's wife, and thus could not be false. And thou art Caesar's friend, and could not be A secret foe to Csesar. Let that pass. But thou hast outraged all the women of Rome, By thus profaning their most sacred rites In honor of their goddess Bona Dea! The Courts must judge what heavy penalty Is meet for such a crime. CiESAK; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 31 Clo. That is all right. (Aside.) Rome's Judges nowadays are ever for sale ; Just like so many steers within their stalls. C(BS. For thee, Pompeia, thou art innocent ; So Clodius says ; and so full well I know. But Csesar's honored wife must ever be Far more than that. Not only innocent ; She must not be suspected. Here I tear Our marriage bond to pieces. {Produces and tears bond.) Take her keys, Aurelia, emblem of her wifely state. Divorced I now declare thee. Pom. Take your keys ! Now, Csesar, you can marry meek Calpurnia ; Whom you love better than you e'er loved me. Cces. To-morrow, so it please thee, fair Pompeia, Depart for thine own home. Take with thee all Thou brought'st to Csesar, all that he has given. Aurelia, see she goes in fitting state. As one who once was Caius Csesar's wife, Within my chariot, guarded by my slaves. Her purse well filled with gold. Come, Clodius, now we will withdraw, my friend. And let the sacred rites go peaceful on. End op Act II. ACT III. THE PASSAGE OF THE EUBICON. Scene I. — Night. Moonlight. Open country. The small river Rubicon. Enter C^sae, Antony, Cornelius and Soothsayer. Cces. 'Tis a sweet night. How quiet all things seem ! The moonlight sleeps upon the dreamy earth. As if no tumult e'er could break its rest. Oh, peaceful earth ! oh, patient, meek-browed earth ! Sad mother of the whirlwind and the storm ! — Is that the Rubicon ? 32 c^sae; a dramatic study. Cor. It is, my lord. Cms. 'Tis a small stream to bound, so great a world. Is there a ford ? Cor. The ford is just below. Cces. What is the hour ? Cor. 'Tis nearly midnight now. Cobs. Still 'tis to-day then. And then comes to-morrow. And after that, what then ? Cornelius, My heart is heavy — for I dreamed last night A foul, unnatural dream. Cor. What was't, my lord ? CcBS. A dream that frights me yet. I dreamed I raised This hand of mine in open, impious strife Against my honored mother, who now dwells Among the gods — if death does not end all. Ant. Dreams are but phantoms, Csesar, born of care And the unruly mind. They are but fumes Of bodily excess — of fevered brains — • And all which throws the system out of tune. Thou art a sage, Cornelius ; is it not As I have said ? Cor. Doubtless 'tis often thus. Dreams oft are merely memories of the past, Marred and confused. Cces. Your words no doubt are true. My worthy friends — and yet not all the truth. The Mount of Wisdom lies halfway between The gulfs of Unbelief and Superstition ; And I am well assured the immortal gods Oft visit men in sleep, and mostly so Those who are favorites ; and with whose lives The destinies of nations are inwove. And thus my dream affrights me. Does it say, Cross not the Rubicon ; Rome is thy mother ? Cor. Thy mother would not seek to take thy life ! Thou dost not menace Rome, but those who tear Our Rome to pieces with their crimes and lust. Thou goest to save thy mother from the hands Of those who would outrage her. Ant. It is truth. Hast thou not offered them the hand of peace, And have they not refused it with stem scorn ? Why was I forced to fly, save as thy friend, c^sar; a deamatic study. 33 Disguised, and in the night ? Go on to Rome, Unguarded by thy legions, — and the fate That Clodius met, that fate will soon be thine. There is no choice. Meet force with force, or die At the proud feet of Pompey. Then, perhaps, Thy friends may save their lives by bending low At Pompey's knees, and telling how they sinned In loving Caius Csesar. But I have done. Sooth. In virtue of my office, I declare, Great Csesar, that thy dream has other purport Than thou wouldst place upon it. Rome, indeed. Is thy great mother. If within thy soul, There lurks a thought to do that mother wrong. By mean ambition, selfish lust of power. Desire to wreak thy vengeance on her sons, To be, in one short word, another Sylla, Then cross not that small stream, but quick disband Thy legions ; dying, if need be, a man. But if thy aims be pure — if thou to Rome Wilt be as a deliverer and restorer — A champion of the poor, now trodden down Beneath the feet of spoilers — and a foe To all that now corrupts and harms the State — Then go on boldly, and, in the great name Of Jupiter the Mighty, I invoke Upon thy head, the blessing of the gods ! ( Outspreads his hands, as invoking blessing.) Cois. This deed once done can never be undone. Think not I hesitate because I fear Aught for myself — my thoughts are all of Rome ! I draw a sword now that I ne'er can sheathe, Till I or Pompey master all the world. Therefore I pause. That little stream once passed, The die is thrown ! — We cannot take it back. Oh, that the gods who feel for human woe. Who love the right, and execrate the wrong. Would stoop from high Olympus to make known The course these feet should take. Could I but know Their sovereign will, at once would I obey, Nor care if death and ruin were my doom. — Ha ! what is that ? (An Apparition appears on the other side of the Rubicon, - and beckons to him slowly. It then disappears.) 2* 34 CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Didst see it, Antony ? Arrayed with sword and shield like mighty Mars ! Ant. In faith I did. It seemed to beckon, " Come !" Sooth. It was a phantom sent by the great gods, In answer to thy prayer. It bade thee '' Come!" Cobs. "Come?" Yes, by^ Hercules ! Cornelius, AVhat dost thou say to thaf ? It is the will Of the immortal gods ! 'Twere sacrilege Longer to pause, when they have marked the way. I doubt no longer. All my path is clear, As if my eyes could pierce this gloom to Rome. Let us go on. Led by triumphant Mars, We cannot fail to scatter all our foes. Our force as yet is small, but Caesar's name Will bring recruits by thousands. Pompey says, He need but stamp his foot upon the ground, To raise an army. I'll try stamping too ; ■ And see whose stamp is most effectual. Enter a Messenger. Mess. My lord, your faithful Gaul sends me to say. That it has raised some twenty cohorts for you. Cces. {Laughs.) They hear my stamp in Gaul already then ! Enter another Messenger. 2d Mens. Csesar, I come from the army of Domitius. The soldiers bade me say they would desert His standard in a body, when you came Within sight of their eagles. Cobs. Ha ! Antony ! they hear my stamp there too ! Aye, we will cross the Rubicon, and lead Our swelling forces straightway into Rome. Before wise Pompey wakes up from his sleep, Our troops shall camp before the seven-hilled town. I long to cross that stream, and break at once With all my enemies. And so they thought I would disband my legions — bare my neck To Pompey's sword, and yield up all my friends To slaughfer and to pillage? By the gods, What do they take me for? -Or more, or less. Than mortal man ? Haply, they'll iiud me more. Midnight is past ; aud daylight lies before. {Exeunt all.) CJESAB; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 35 Scene II. — A Public Place in Rome. Enter Cassius and Ciceeo. Cass. They scamper off like rats before the cat. To-morrow there'll not be in all this Eome A dozen Senators. What's Pompey doing ? Cic. He's still at Capua — so Brutus says. Cass. Aye, still enough, I warrant. Where's his foot — That foot whose stamp upon the ground he said Would raise an army ? Now he has the sword That old Marcellus gave him with such pomp. And bade him save the State, why does he stand As if't would use itself? What does he mean — To fly from Italy, and leave Eome bound At Csesar's footstool ? Cic. It would seem so, truly. Cass. Well, follow you the crowd ? Or will you stay And meekly bend the suppliant knee to Csesar ? Cic. What do you say, my Cassius ? Is it wise To seek one's safety in a general wreck ; Or go down like a hero with the ship ? Cass. The ship will not go down — unless its crew Desert their oars, and quail before the storm. Shall we, the best of Rome, allow this Csesar — This creature of the mob, to beard the Senate, Scoff at its orders, give up to the rabble The public lands, divide the public treasure. The spoils of war, among the common herd ; And strip the nobles as the Gracchi would Had not their lives been shortened? Cicero, Are you a Senator, and have a doubt As to your duty ? Cic. If we win, what then ? Cass. Imitate Syllal Cut the foul weeds down. He stopped too soon, or now we should have peace. Ev'n when he pardoned Csesar, he cried out, " 'Tis weakness — for there's many a Marius In that rebellious youth." Cic. Yes, either way, Caesar or Pompey, lies a path of blood. Yet Pompey is my choice, as well you know- As one it seems must rule. Alas, the reign 36 CiESAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Of Law and Justice seems now dead in Rome. But here comes Brutus. Let us hear him first. Enter Brutus. Brfi. Why do you linger here ? The rumor goes That Caesar's troops are closing in around us. To-night I leave for Capua and Pompey. Cass. Has Cato gone ? He surely will not stay ? Bru. My uncle Cato went some days ago To Sicily, whose safe defence has been Intrusted to his care. 'Tis a grave task. Cic. But thou art safe. Thou hpst no need to fly. Caesar's thy' mother's friend ; and will be thine. Bru. But he is Cato's foe — and more, the foe Of Rome and Freedom. I can ne'er forget I am a Brutus. While a Brutus lives, No king can reign in Rome. So, it is said, The oracle replied, when asked how long Great Rome should flourish. When do you go forth. My worthy Cassius ? Enter Saculia and Citizens. Sacu. Ah, here's a party of them. Have you heard That Caesar's near at hand ? Ah, Cicero, You are a trimmer, aren't you ? Pray, which side Of the fence art sitting now, Caesar's or Pompey's ? do. Peace, babbler ! Learn to reverence the men Whom the wise gods have fitly placed above thee. To know one's place — that is a piece of wisdom That ev'n a fool may have, and be no fool. Sacu. Hast on thy breastplate, Cicero ? The one Thou worest in the Campus Martius, When we poor voters were to be dismayed ? Put it on now — perhaps 'twill frighten Caesar. 'Twould gladden Pompey's heart, to see that breastplate Come shining down the road to Capua ! He'd know the battle was half won already. etc. Paculia, thou wert better far employed In mending rents in togas, than in making Sad rents in the fair state. Go, get thy needle! And I'll give thee a job. My rube is torn. Sacu. And thou, smooth Cicero, wert better employed lu pettifogging out the eyes of Justice, CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 37 To save some guilty knave, than hatching plots With two such traitors as these ! Cass. Traitors, you scum ! Go to your cobbling, to your mending of soles ! First Clt. I'm not a cobbler — but I can cobble you. {Menaces Gassius.') Sec. CM. I'm not a mender of bad soles, young Brutus ; But I can mend your soul, and manners too. {Menaces Brutus.) Sacu. (Interfering.) Come, come, good citizens, this would not please Great Caesar. For he wishes no disturbance. Go on your way, proud sirs — there may be those Not far behind, more difficult to manage. Cass. Come, Brutus, let's get out of this cursed rat -hole. We'll come back soon, each bearing a good whip. Come, Cicero ! you see they need a master. {Exeunt Cassius, Brutus and Cicero.) Sacu. { Calls after them.) You are near-sighted, Cassius — better take Cicero's arm — he'll keep you out of rat-holes. Cicero, how much are vetches nowadays ? Your father was a gardener, I've heard. And famous for his vetches. So they called Him Cicero ! Brutus, your worthy father Was a Plebeian, and no more descended From the great Junius Brutus, than I am A son of Hercules. A curse on them ! Talk of their blood ! The best they have is stolen From us Plebeians, and the rest's as thin And weak and watery as milk that's skimmed Three mornings over. " Blue " — of course it's blue. From so much skimming. First Cit. As for that Brutus, he's not even the son Of his own father — so the gossips say. See. Cit. Whose son is Brutus then ? First Cit. Why, he's his — mother's. Sacu. That much is mostly certain. You have heard The story too ? I'd think so, if his heart "Were softer, and he loved the people more. Come, let us on unto the Foi'um. Csesar May be in Home at any moment now. {Exeunt.) 38 C^SAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Scene III. — The Forum in Rome. Enter Sextus, followed by Chbysogonus. Chry. Dost think, brave Sextus, that Caesar is near at hand? Sex. He moves like lightning. He may be now at the gates of Rome, for all I know. Then comes our turn again. I wouldn't give a pea-pod for the heads of those who way- laid and murdered my dear Clodius. Chry. Thou kuowest I had nothing to do with that, Sextus. Sex. I know thou sayest so. Chry. I swear to thee I had not, Sextus. I might have seemed to dislike him — but it was all seeming. If there was a man I admired in Rome, it was Clodius. Such manners! Such an example to all the young men! No- body could toss off a goblet of wine as he could. Sex. No ! nor wink at a woman. Ah, he's gone — and left no equal behind him. Chry. Dost think it safe for me to stay in Rome, now Cse?ar is in power ? Sex. Of course it is. Stay by all means. Chry. But he said he would not spare me — if ever he got the upper hand. Sex. Words ! words ! what does an eagle care for a cater- pillar ? He will not even recognise thee when he sees thee. Chry. I think so too. Yes, I will stay. Thank thee, Sextus, for thy good counsel. Sex. {Aside.) The villain ! Csesar will know him at a glance. And punish him for that Roscius affair, and a dozen other murders. Enter Cassius, Brutus and Ciceeo. Cass. ( Ooes to Sextus.) Is there late news from Csesar ? Tell me, Sextus. Sex. Cassius, thou didst me once a kindness. Hear ! Csesar may be in Rome within an hour. Cass. Is't really so ? Sex. True as thou art alive. Cass. ( To Cicero and Brutus.) The tiger's at the gate. Cie. What meanest thou ? Cass. Caesar's at hand. We have no time to lose. Wilt thou go, Cicero ; or wilt thou stay ? C^SAB; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 39 Thou hast thy choice, but no one can do both. Thou art too great a man to be allowed To take no side, but wait the side that wins. Thou stayest here — then thou art Caesar's friend, And Pompey's enemy. Thou goest with us ; Then art thou Caesar's foe, and Pompey's friend. Make up thy mind — thou hast no time to lose. Come, Brutus ; we will leave the Southern gate, Csesar will enter from the North. Farewell, My Cicero. We'll say we left thee halting, Just like the ass in the old fable, 'twixt The rival stacks of hay. Jiru. Before we reach The Southern gate, thou'lt surely glad our hearts By joining us, good Cicero. For thou hast Too great a name to fling it like a pearl Into the mire beneath a tyrant's feet. Thou owest a debt to coming centuries, friend. Such men as thou should live not for one age. But all the ages. Olo. Brutus, thou art right. I'll hesitate no longer. Where the best Of Rome's sons gather, is the place for me. If Rome can yet be saved, Pompey's the man. We all remember how he met the foe When Mithridates, hot child of the sun. Streamed forth from Pontus o'er Bithynia, And on our Asia laid his conquering arm. But we must hasten, for this Csesar moves As on the wings o' the wind. Let us to Pompey — And then to Greece, to Asia — where he will. Where we are is the Senate, and where that. Were it the depths of Afric, there is Rome ! {Exeunt, E., Beutus, Cassius and Cicero.) Enter, L., Saculia and Citizens. &CM. Ha, Sextus ; what's the latest news from Csesar ? Sex. Csesar is near at hand. See how the nobles, Those -heroes of the fish-ponds, fly in fear At sound of Ctesar's tread. 'Tis well they haste — His speed is like the lightning's. Sacu. Yes, and when The lightning strikes, why then we shall hear thunder. 40 CjEsar; a dramatic study. (Points to Chry.) What does that knave do here ? 'Twould serve him right, To send him to join Roscius. Sex. Peaceful now. Leave him to Csesar. Caesar saw it all ; And he has a long memory. A flourish of trumpets mihout. Sex. Here he comes — Like Mars or Jupiter ! Hurra for Csesar ! Sacu. Old bull-neck's coming! Hurra, my boys, 'tis Caesar ! Cits. Hurra for Csesar ! Chry. Hurra for Csesar ! Amid the cheering, enter Cjesae, Antony, Cornelius and Soldiers. Cxs. Thanks, my good friends ! Your welcome back to Rome Is sweet to me, as to the mariner, Who long has buffeted the angry waves, The sight of land and home. Ah, my good Sextus, The sight of thee is pleasant. Clodius I heard. Was slain by villains. Sex. Welcome, mighty Csesar ! Hadst thou been here, my Clodius had not died By traitors' hands, because he loved the people. Chry. Welcome, great Csesar ! Say but thou the word, We'll take revenge on Clodius' murderers. Tear down their houses — spoil and burn and slay ; As Sylla did when he was uppermost. CcBS. And who art thou that giv'st such fiery counsel ? Chry. Chrysogonus, my lord ; who once belonged To savage Sylla. But the kindly gods Have shown me how I erred ; and now I swear To. live and die by Csesar and the people. Cms. It is well sworn, Chrysogonus — for thou Shalt surely die by Csesar and the people. Thy hands are crimson with the blood of Roscius. Dost thou remember what I promised thee, If ever power were mine ? Swords here, my guards ! Two soldiers step forward with bared swords. Seize ye that villain ! No, profane not steel CjEsar; a dramatic stujdt. 41 With Ws base blood. Take him and hurl the wretch Prom the Tarpeian rock ; that Eome may know That Justice reigns once more within her walls. Chry. Mercy, great Csesar ! Mercy ! Cobs. Mercy for thee Were cruelty to Rome. Off with him, men ! ( Guards drag off Cheysogontjs.) That ends the list of my proscriptions, Romans. Shall we who hated Sylla tread his path ? I have not come to Rome to slay, my friends. I've come to heal and pacify the State. Who strikes a needless blow does Caesar wrong. I hear that Rome's deserted of the nobles, Flying in fear. Would they had stayed to learn From Caesar's lips how kind his purpose is. ( To Sextus.) Has Cato gone ? Sex. He fled a week ago. CcBS. And Cicero ? He knows I love him well ; My old schoolfellow. Does he also fly, As if I were a Fury ? Sex. Till to-day He seemed to hesitate ; but then he went. Brutus persuaded him. They went together ; Along with Cassius. Cces. {Agitated.') What, Brutus gone ! Why, Pompey killed his father ! It must be false. Brutus would surely stay, and learn of me What are my plans. Sex. He's set his life of late After the mould of Cato's. C(BS. Foolish boy ! Cato's a dreamer ! For he talks and acts As if we lived in Plato's feigned Republic, Instead of this most complex one of Rome. Some men, my Antony, are like fair fields, Which oft grow weeds in sheer luxuriance. But also grow rich grains. While other men Are narrow, dry and sterile, like a cave, Which bears no weeds, but also bears no fruit. And Cato is a cave. — When did they leave ? Sex. Not half an hour ago they all were here. They soon could be o'ertaken and brought back. They have so little vantage. 42 C^SAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Cms. Antony ! Take horse and overtake them. Bring them back !, Ant. CsBsar, I will. Dead or alive, I'll bring them. CcBS. No, harm them not. If Brutus will not come, Why, let him go. Mind that thou harm him not ! Upon thy life I charge thee ! Ant. Fear not me ; I'll be as tender with him as his nurse. (Starts to go.) CcBS. On second thought, we'll let them go in peace, And so they will, my Antony. Let them go ! They will be wiser men when they come back. Ant. So be it, Csesar. {Aside.) Csesar is afraid To trust his darling Brutus in my hand, Lest I should squeeze too hard. And so I would, By Bacchus! Enter a Messenger. Mess. Csesar, I bring thee word from Capua. Pompey has sailed for Greece — perhaps for Asia. He bade me say he would not talk with thee, Save with his sword, upon the fateful field. He bids thee to dismiss thy numerous legions. Obey the Senate, come to him in Greece ; And then he'll use his powerful influence To see that thou'rt forgiven. Gas. Was Pompey sober, And in sane mind, when thus he talked with thee? Mess. He seemed so, Csesar. CcBS. Whom the angry gods Wish to destroy, they first make proud and mad. He might learn that in Greece, Cornelius. Well, we will follow him to Macedon, To Asia, Afric, wheresoe'er he goes. He will not meet us? We will then meet him. He thinks to play great Sylla's cunning game ; O'erwhelming Eome with all the mighty East. We'll break that thunder-cloud before 'tis formed. Antony, tell my legions that their march Is just begun. We start at once to seek This braggart foe in Macedonia. (To Gits.) All ye who wish to further Caesar's cause. Can find a place beneath his conquering eagles. Ifis soldiers are his children. All the spoils cjlsae; a dramatic study. 43 Of war he shares with them. Ask aud you'll learn This is no idle boast, but simple truth. — Come, Antony; if Pompey will have war. We'll test which of us has the mightier star ! {Exeunt all.) End op Act III. ACT IV. AFTER PHAESALIA. Scene I. — A Street in Rome. Enter Saculia and Citizens. First Cit. And were you in the battle, Saculia ? Saeu. By the sword of, Mars you might think so. You know that when Csesar invited us citizens to fill up his ranks, as I was an old soldier, I could do no other than join him. Sec. Git. Fun — wasn't it? Sacu. Why ye-es, fighting's prodigious fun ! That is — so long as you are chasing the other fellows. But, it be- comes rather too exciting when the other fellows turn, and begin to chase you. First Oit. But how of the battle ? Tell us all about it. Saeu. Well, it was at a place called Pharsalia. Pompey had more than twice as many men as we had ; but then, you know, we were veterans. I didn't see everything, not being able, like many old soldiers, to be in all parts of the field at the same time. Therefore I can only tell you what I saw myself, and what others told me. Csesar didn't consult me about the plan of the battle at all ! First Oit. Didn't their cavalry scare you when they came thundering down ? Sacu. Yes ; for they were seven thousand to our one thousand. But Csesar — he's a shrewd one, I tell you — had trained a lot of us foot soldiers to act with the cavalry, and told us just what to do. 'Twas a good idea, by Hercules ! (Laughs.) Sec. Cit. How was it ? Sacu. Why, you see, all the good-looking young nobles of Rome were in their cavalry ; and Csesar told us to push our javelins at thiir eyes and faces — as they would hate 44 CiESAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. having their beauty spoiled more tlian they would being killed. And so we did. And, after a little while of that kind of thing, they swore we were cowards, and were afraid to fight fair ; and turned tail, the whole posse of them, and ran for their lives — no, for their good looks. First Cit. Nobody but Csesar would have thought of that. Sacu. No— for he knows how it is himself— he is a famous lady's man, you know. Sec. Cit. And they say their tents were splendid ! Sacu. Oh, magnificent — ivy and roses trained over them, and all that sort of thing. Silver dishes and gold goblets too! And their slaves had everything ready for a fine dinner, by the time they should come back, all tired from thrashing Caesar. Poor fellows ! fifteen thousand lay dead on the field — and twenty-five thousand surrendered next morning. First Cit. And Csesar pardoned all of them ? Sacu. He pardoued the whole of them — Senators, nobles and all. If Pompey had not run off, I believe he would have pardoned him too. Ah, well, it was better that the Egyptians should cut his head off, than that Csesar should pardon him. First Cit. Yes — he'd only be making fresh trouble. Sacu. And his head was getting to be worth very little to any one — though I suppose he didn't want to part with it. First Cit. I suppose not. We all have our little weak- nesses. And Pompey always had an obstinate disposition. Sec. Cit. Yes, some men liave — especially old men. Sacu. Yes, yes— -ver.y few old men are willing to die when their time comes, and their heirs begin to wish them out of the way. Man is an obstinate animal — just as bad as a mule. Poor, weak human nature ! First Cit. Let's go up to the Forum, and see what's going on to-day. Perhaps Csesar will be there. Sacu. As you say, friends. My share of the spoils, will make me a man of leisure for many a day. (Exeunt omnes.) cjesae; a dramatic study. 45 Scene II. — A Public Place in Borne. Enter Cicero and Cassius. Cic. Well, you must own in fairness, Cassius, That Csesar's clemency o'ertops the height Of aught e'er seen in Rome. For me, I feared A second Marius. But he is bland And soft as summer. Not a word is breathed Of bloody vengeance. All his thoughts seem bent To make of us, his enemies, firm friends. Cass. 'Twas a shrewd game, I grant. Cic. "lis more than shrewd. My Cassius. 'Tis wise, and great, and good ! Cass. Stuff! stuff! Why did he save us? 'Twas to bring Us home to Eome like captives, bound with bonds Invisible, but strong as iron bands. We simply grace his triumph — just the same As if we followed at his chariot wheels, Our limbs bent down 'neath chains. We serve him better, Thus witnessing his glory and our shame. Than if we lay, all mouldering, stiff and cold. On sad Pharsalia's field. Cic. We played our game. And we have lost it. Had we won, his life. And that of all his friends, had been the forfeit. He wins, and yet he spares. Takes no man's land, Degrades no man. Would we have done the same. Had we been conquerors ? You know we would not. Cass. Of course we would not. Sylla was wiser far Than Csesar e'er will be ; — and he ne'er spared A foe, or e'er forsook a friend. Mark this ! Csesar's a fool ! Cic. Better to be a fool, A generous fool, than be a cruel god I But as for Csesar, he is greater far Than ever Sylla was. Wisely to speak. Is to be great. To write with Csesar's pen, Is to be greater still. To act, still greater. He then who can do all — speak, write and act — And of them all is master, is a man Whose claim to be called great, must be allowed Against both hate and envy. That's my mind. 46 c^sak; a dramatic study. Cass. Oh, if a man can act — and make a sure, Deep mark with his good sword — it is enough To stamp him great with me. As for the pen, And the glib tongue, we're better off' without them. But mark my words — for time will prove them true. Caesar's a fool ! Only a fool would think He could mix oil and water. There's too much hate 'Tween him and us, to live in peace together. Oie. What then ? — another war ? Cass. War was a blunder ! There are more ways than war for men to die. ( Cicero manifests alarm.) Enough of this. These are but idle thoughts. My Cicero ; — thrown out in random mood, More than for thought of action. Cic. So I trust. But even thoughts like those are dangerous. Please keep all such, my friend, for other ears. I am too old for a conspirator. Cass. Of course — of course — 'twas a mere argument, Having no meaning, save an idle mood. You've written much the same to Atticus. Cic. (^Alarmed.) Not I. Indeed, indeed, you miscon- strue. Cass. Tut! I will not betray you. We are all In the same boat, we Senators of Rome. do. Let a man make a hundred wise remarks, They'll be forgotten. Let him breathe but once A piece of folly, straightway it is told All over Rome. Cass. Of course it is. And why ? Because a thistle is the food of asses. They always treat me so — then why not you ? But, by the way, what do you think, my friend. Of the new Senators ? There is some more Of our great Caesar's doings. Cic. Oh, 'tis horrible ! To thrust barbarians 'mong the Conscript Fathers. Perhaps you saw that lusty giant from Gaul? Cass. Of course ! Next we shall have some savage chief From Britain's isle — naked, with painted skin I You know they have their wives in common there. But that's not unlike Rome. CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 47 Cie. No, more's the pity ! Ah, these are solemn times ! No virtue's left — No reverence for rank, or birth, or mind. All will be buried 'neath a muddy flow Of dirty waters, raked up from below. Enter Betjtus. Cass. Good morrow, Brutus ! Bru. Health to you, my Cassius ! And you, my Cicero ! What's the news to-day ? Cass. Oh, nothing ! only we shall have a king In Rome within the year. Bru. No, Cassius ! Cass. Why, We have a king already, save in name. Where the thing is, the name will follow soon. Bru. Csesar will never dare a step like that. Cass. Perhaps not. But last night some unknown hand Placed crowns of laurel upon all his statues. do. Ha! That is growing bold indeed. What wretch, My noble Brutus, could have moved in this ? Bru. It is enough to make the mighty soul Of Junius Brutus come back from the shades. Cass. (Aside.) I thought that scheme would work. Say the word king, And Rome will tremble to its Capitol. Call the king Consul, Emperor, Dictator, And then it is all smooth. But men are fools ! Cie. What is it that you mutter, Cassius? Ca^s. Oh, nothing. Bru. Cassius seems not pleased to-day. Cie. Oh, were he pleased — why then he would not be Old Caius Cassius. Cass. Thank you, Cicero. But you're a lawyer, that's a falsifier. Were lawyer's swords as sharp as are their tongues, They'd cut the world in slices, and divide It up among them, like a stolen orange. Bru. (Laughs.) You're even now, I think. Come now with me. I go to call on Csesar at his palace. 'Tis his reception hour, when all may go. He will be glad to see us, for he bade Me cortie whene'er I could, and bring my friends. 48 C^SAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Cass. Well, we'll go too. {Aside.~) Caesar's as kind to Brutus As most men to their sons. — Come, Cicero ! Ca3sar admires your genius, as he calls it. Scene III. — Room in Cjesae's Palaee, as before. Enter C^sak and Cornelius. Cms. I'm weary! weary ! good Cornelius. I'm tired, and sick at heart. Time.is at best But like a flight of stairs ; which falls away Behind us, thundering down in the abyss. As fast as we ascend. And thus to stay All idly where we are, is but to fall. To mount forever is life. While still the prize Was to be won, I nerved me to the task. But now my foes are conquered, justice done To me and to my friends, and Rome at peace, I feel that Csesar could lie down and die. Cor. 'Tis the recoil of many wearing years Of active, dangerous strife. Your weary marches In Gaul and Germany — your late campaigns In Macedon and Spain. Such active toil In marching, fighting, planning, with your life Always in peril — all your nerves strung up To the high pitch — must needs result at last In utter weariness. Give yourself rest. Retire as much as may be from the crowd. Take all things easy for a few short years. And you shall find Csesar is young again. Cobs. Dost know, Cornelius, I have sometimes thought Of doing even as old Sylla did ? Give up all offices, resign all power. Become a simple citizen of Rome, Retire to some sweet villa on the coast. And with my books and pen enjoy my life. I look out on the world, and all seems dark, Fierce and tempestuous, as a stormy sky In a wild night. But then I see sweet homes. Like peaceful spots of blue amid the gloom. And little children shining there like stars. Were not that better far than all this strife? CiESAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 49 Cor. True, Csesar, I myself have always thought That happiness lay not in wealth or power, But in the golrlen mean 'tween high and low. The wheel of Fortune speeds along its way ; Those at the top move fastest — so their hour Is o'er the sooner. And along the ground The wheel moves slow, with a perpetual grind. Give me the centre of the wheel — there glides Our still life onward, free of chance or change. But great men cannot dwell there, much I fear. What would thy friends say ? — what Calpurnia ? And couldst thou do it, and live ? Cms. Oh, as to life. That would not matter much. A few short years. And death will claim us all. And after that. What then ? I thought at one time with Lucretius, That, formed from out dull atoms, we at the end. To atoms should return. But can this soul, That burns so brightly in its earthly lamp, Go out in death, and cease to be, and die ? My mother — noble, good Aurelia ! My daughter Julia — so loving and true ! Can their pure souls have vanished like a flame Blown out by the mad wind ? It cannot be. I feel within me that it cannot be. But call Calpurnia, kind Cornelius. I wish to talk with her. {Exit Cornelius.) And is there one that loves great Csesar for Himself alone — now that Aurelia's dead? My mother — she I knew was truth itself; But who now can I trust? Enter Calpurnia. Calpurnia I Cal. Csesar ! My lord ! Cces. I've had a thought, Calpurnia. Thou art, my wife, the first of women in Rome. Cal. Thanks to thee, Csesar ! But do I not wear My honors as becomes great Julius' wife ? I've sought to do so, but perchance I've failed. Still I am apt to learn. What shall I do To show that Csesar's wife is worthy Csesar ? Coss. Csesar can find no fault with Csesar's wife. 3 50 CJESAE ; A DRAMATIC STUDY. She wears her honors as a rose its red. Calpurnia ! Cal. Well, my lord. CcBS. I had a dream — A silly dream ; but I will tell it thee. How wouldst thou like to lay thy honors down ? How wouldst thou like that I should put aside All shows and pomps of power as Sylla did — All high commands, all offices of state — And be a simple citizen of Rome ? Go to some villa by the murmuring sea ; And there we two should live and love until Death came at last with his consuming fire. What say'st, Calpurnia — would this please thee, sweet ? Cal. Oh, Csesar — oh, my husband ! could this be, It were a gift of the immortal gods ! I live in constant terror now, my Csesar ; Not for myself, but thee. What is this state. Beneath a sword, just hanging by a hair ? The nobles dread thee, Csesar. All thy love Returns on thee in hatred. This I see With my keen woman's eye— because my sight Is sharpened by my love. Oh, let us fly From this accursed Rome, which reeks with blood, And live for one another — not for men Who cannot feel or love or gratitude. And in return for honors give but hate. Enter a Slave, and hands letter to Calpurnia. Slave. A letter for my lord. (JExit Slave.} Cal. (Smiles.) It is a woman's writing, Julius. Cces. {Takes letter.) 'Tis from Servilia. She agrees with thee. {Sands letter to Calpurnia.) Cal. {Reads.) "Guard thyself, Csesar. All the nobles hate thee. Cicero, Casca, Cassius — even, oh. That I should have to say it, my own son, My Brutus ! For he says thou mean'st to make Thyself a king. And also keep thy eye On Decimus. From thy old friend, Servilia." Cces. { Gloomily.) Cicero, Cassius, Casca ! All their lives CiESAK; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 51 Were mine, by doom of war. I hailed them friends, And raised them from their humble, suppliant knees. I touched not their estates, levied no fines. But gave them a full pardon. Brutus, too ! I gave strict orders he should not be harmed Upon the day of battle. They have sworn Unto the gods, as all the Senate have sworn, Perdition to the wretch who touched my life. AVhen men scorn oaths, how then can they be held ? They keep no terms — how then can I keep terms ? There's only one safe course with men like these. Cal. And what is that ? Cobs. The unsparing sword of Sylla ! Gal. Oh no, my husband. Let not loose again The vengeful sword of Sylla. Surely these men, The chief of Rome, have souls that can be touched. Kill them with kindness ! Pierce them to the heart With favors past desert. Make thus thy cause Their cause, and turn these enemies to friends. C(BS. It is a woman's counsel — but the gods Perchance may smile upon it. Well I know There is no safety now, no sure repose Save in the sword. That would make certainty ! And yet I cannot do it — cannot give Rome up again to vengeance. Let death come To me, if so it will. For I am tired, Calpurnia, of this unthankful task Of striving to make whole a rotten State ; Whose noblest souls are dead to gratitude, And think no more of breaking solemn oaths, Than spilling a cup of wine. But 'tis the hour When I give audience. Let the doors be opened. Cal. I will, my lord. Great Pallas prosper thee. And aid thee with her counsels. {Exit Calpuenia.) Enter Beutus, Cassius, Cicero, Antony and Decimus. Bru. Hail, Csesar ! Health and happiness attend thee ! Cobs. And health and happiness to thee, my Brutus ! And to thee also, Cassius ! Cicero, Thou'rt looking better. Decimus, my friend ! Antony, thou art flourishing as usual, — My strong right arm art thou ! What is the news In Rome to-day 1 52 c^sae; a dbamatic study. Bru. There is no news, I think ; Save of the rising of the Parthians. Gas. Yes, much I fear that I shall have to take An army into Asia. AVhile I'm gone, I'll need your help, my friends, both there and here. I have been planning for the provinces. You, Cassius, did good work in Syria, When Parthia's mail-clad horsemen, swarming west, Impinged against our power, and Crassus fell Before the fierce Orodes. Hapless man ! His head was severed from its bleeding trunk. And in his mouth was poured the molten gold ; Orodes crying : " Take thou now thy fill Of that which thou through life hast coveted!" We need a man in Syria — one of steel ! How will that wealthy province meet thy views, My worthy Cassius ? Cass. Csesar doth o'erpay My poor deserts. I am his servant ever. Owe. Brutus, my friend, thou hast done well in Gaul Thou too shalt have a Province. Macedon W^ill suit thee well. I know thou'lt govern wisely. Bru. Caesar, my thanks ! I'll strive to do my duty. Alike to Macedonia and Rome. Gas. Brave Decimus, most faithful and most true Caesar has alv/ays found thee. Thou hast been Near to my side through many a long campaign. I give to thee near Gaul. They love me there. And will receive thee gladly in my name. Deo. As I have been, oh Caesar, will I be — Faithful and true, forever ! Many thanks ! Gas. Thou, Cicero, I will not take from Rome. Thy son-in-law I've named for Consul. But Thy place is in the Senate. He wrongs Rome, And wrongs the Senate, who would take the flower And choicest ornament of these dull times, The master orator of all the world, And place him where his matchless speech could have No fitting theme nor audience. Cicero, Thy name itself outranks all olher titles. Gle. Such praise from Ctesar makes all other honors Seem mean and stale. I'll strive henceforth to make My poor orations worthy of his praise. CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 53 Cces. The Senate, Brutus — does it meet to-day ? Bru. Yes, Csesar ; and I think the hour is near. Had we not better leave, my friends ? Oie. I think so. Cws. One moment. I am debtor to the Senate For a long list of favours. Honor on honor They heap upon me. I would not seem graceless ; Yet I could wish they now would let me pass. I have a surfeit now of praise, my friends. Please then think more of Rome, and less of me. And you will please me better. Pardon me ; I would not seem discourteous — only Rome Is suffering so for greatly needed laws, To make its people prosperous and free. Bru. {Aside to Cass.) That has a good ring, Cassius. Cass. {Aside.) Pshaw, that's mere talk. Mere honey to catch flies. Oie. We'll try to meet your modest wishes, Csesar. But we are few, you know ; and the great tide Of gratitude to Csesar, bears us on. Despite our small obstruction. C(Bs. Do your best, And it will serve me. {Exeunt Beutus, Cassius, Cicero and Decimus.) Ant. A precious lot of scoundrels ! Dost thou know That scarce a man of the whole Senate is true ? And yet thou giv'st their leaders Prsetorships, And Provinces ! By Jove, 'twere wiser far To give me orders to take all their heads. And hang them 'round the Forum. Give the word. And I wUl do it too ! CcBS. That's the sure course ; I know it well as thou. And yet, and yet, I will not do it. No, my Antony, Not even to save my life. Ant. Nor my life too ? The lives of all thy friends ? What madness is this ? I've known thee in Gaul, to take ten thousand lives. So it were necessary. And now thou haltest At some half hundred, which would give us peace. Cces. They were barbarians. These are my brothers — The noblest souls of Rome. 54 c-aesAE; a dramatic study. Ant. Jove pity Rome, If such men be her noblest. Thou hast given Them all their lives — and now they menace thine. Thou giv'st them cities, provinces, and still 'Twill be the same ; they'll kill thee if they can. Trust thou a tiger — ask him not to tear The hand that gives him food — but trust not thou To one great lord in Rome. Thou lov'st the people. That is enough for them ; outweighs all virtues. Makes all agreements naught, and marks thee out To die by open or by secret war, As died the glorious Gracchi ! Cobs. Be it so ! Rome's had enough of blood. The world shall judge. In after ages, 'tween their deeds and mine. Ant. " The world shall judge !" Caesar, thy enemies Are keepers of the record. They will taint Thy glorious name to all succeeding time. They make the histories. Thou hast no voice. And all the coming ages '11 call thee tyrant ! Cobs. Then I appeal to the great gods above ! They'll do me justice. Even on this earth. Wrong cannot triumph ever. The great mass Of mortal men will not lie always thus Beneath the feet of proud and selfish nobles. Freedom at last shall reign, if not in Rome, Then in some new Atlantis of the West, Beyond the mighty gate and boundless sea. When that time comes, the world's heart shall begin To know me as I am, a man who loved And labored for the People ! Ant. Well — so be it ! If the worst comes, I'll die, my lord, with thee ; Or, if I live, avenge thee! That curs'd Senate. Thou mark'st their cunning and perfidious game ? Cces. I mark it well. It is to make me odious To all the people. Make me seem ambitious, Greedy for power and praise, beyond all men That ever ruled in Rome. "They'd smother me 'Neath flowers and peacock's feathers. Ant. Mark that move To place thy statue in the Capitol, Among the kings of Rome — as if thou meant To make thyself a king. C^ESAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 55. CcRS. We'll block that game This very day ; according to the plan We late arranged. Hast thou prepared the crown ? Ant. The crown is ready. Wilt thou walk to-day ? Cobs. In half an hour. Ant. All shall be ready, Csesar. Cobs. What folly, senseless folly, 'twere in me, Having the substance, like the dog in the fable. To risk it for a shadow, a mere shadow, A name, an empty title ! Have they not, This gracious Senate, showered upon my head Titles enough ? Dictator, Emperor, Commander of the Army, for my life ! More power than ever King was given in Rome. What need I more ? To take the name of King Would be to shock the people, now my friends. And make them doubt my loyalty and truth. I am too old a soldier, Antony, To walk into this trap the Senate sets. Enter Coenelius hastily. Cor. Csesar, the Senate have just now resolved, To give thee further honors, as they term them. They've voted thou'rt not mortal, but a God ! That a new temple shall be built to thee, As to great Romulus , and Antony here. Shall be the Priest of the temple ! Ant. {Laughs.) I a Priest ! I'd like to offer them up on the altar. As the first sacrifice to Caesar's fame. Cor. A delegation from the Senate, now Is on its way to bring thee news of this. I hurried first, that thou might'st be prepared. (CiESAE takes a seat.') Cms. {Laughs.) And so I am a God now ! Well, I'll act The god a little, and see how they like it. A god ! — I never felt so like a man As I have felt this month past. Oh, my friends, Csesar has won the world, and fi^nds at last It is not worth the winning. Cor. Here they come ! 56 c-aESAE; A dbamatic study. Ant. I will go, Csesar, to prepare our plans. (Exit Antony.) Enter Deputation of Senatoes. Senator. Csesar, we bring thee greetings from the Senate. Cjesab remains silent and seated, gazing vacantly into the air. Sen. I say we bring thee greetings from the Senate. CiESAK makes no response — takes no notice of them. Sen. (Angrily.') It ever has been the custom in our Rome For citizens to rise, whene'er the Senate Has deigned to honor them with Deputies. Cobs. Oh yes, for citizens ! But I'm a god. By your own showing. Gods do never rise When mortal men approach. Be I a god ? Then down upon your knees, and give your message. Sen. Csesar, so great an insult to the Senate, Bars out all further words. We will report To those who sent us, with what gross contempt Their envoys were received. CcEs. (Rises.) Pray tell them this : — Csesar is not a god ; but a mere man, Who has found favor in his country's eyes. The Senate would not like him as a god. More than poor Csesar thus would like himself. If he were god, why then upon their knees Should they approach him — which he would abhor Ev'n more than they would. Would the Senate seek To honor Csesar further ? — let them pass The laws he has proposed to prosper Rome. To set the poor at work, by draining all , The Pontine marshes and the Fucine lake. By sending eighty thousand landless poor To build up Carthage. Let them further pass The law to give the Provinces a stake In the Republic ; making Senators Of all their worthiest men, from Spain and Gaul To Macedon and the far Syrian shore. For thus we bind all in one equal bond. All noble souls are kindred. Through the bars Of country and of race they clasp warm hands. CESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 57 And even o'er the yawning chasms wide Of intervening centuries, they send Their messages of warning and of cheer. Thus honoring all, we build up the fair state In still securer power; while all mankind Shall hail a mother in almighty Rome ! Sen. Csesar, we'll bear thy answer to the Senate. Cces. So do, and you will please me. (Exeunt Senators.) Goes. (To Cor.) ' Now for the games. (Exeunt C^bae and CoRNELins.) Scene IV. — A Public Place in Pome. Enter Saculia and Citizens. Sacu. We are in good time. Something's going on to- day that'll be worth seeing, my masters. If it isn't so, call me screw-eye. First Oit. What is it, Saculia ? Sa£u. Never you mind ; you'll see. Old Csesar '11 show the people what he means. He'll stop here as he goes to the games. First Git. They say that Brutus says Csesar wants to be king. Sec. Oit. Well, if we had to have a king, Csesar would be the man for me. Sacu. We don't want a king: Csesar wouldn't be a king. Brutus is a prig — he's got a nose of wax ; and his brother- in-law, old Cassius, squeezes it into just what shape he pleases. First Git. Here they are. Sacu. Shout for Csesar when he comes. Split yovir throats, boys ! Enter CiESAE, Coenelius and attendants. Sacu. and Gits. Hurm for Csesar ! Hurra ! Goes. Thanks, my good friends. Cornelius, I will rest Here a few moments. I feel weak to-day. Gor. Here is the chair of state the Senators Have placed for thee. f CiESAR tahes seat in golden chair.) Sapu. Csesar, upon thy head We citizens of Rome invoke the blessings 3* 58 CiESAE; A DKAMATIC STUDY. Of all our Fathers' Gods. "We know that thou Lovest the people, as thou lovest Kome. Cces. Saculia, thanks ! — and ye, kind friends and true. Csesar loves you ; and you, I know, love him. And we love Rome — and strive to make her great, And make her people prosper in their homes ; So honest toil may meet its fair reward, And honest parents happy children rear. And not an honest man e'er beg in Rome. First cut. That's the right kind of talk. Hurra for Csesar! CiU. Hurra for Csesar ! Enter Antony with a king's crown. Ant. Csesar, thy legions love thee more than all The rest of Rome can love thee ; for they are As thy own children. On a hundred fields, From Macedonia to farthest Gaul, They've shared with thee the perils of stern war. And thou hast ever cared for them, thy sons. As if thou wert their father. So they send This golden crown, and pray that thou wouldst wear It on thy sovereign brow until thou diest, And be the mighty King of mighty Rome ! Antony would put the crown on Gssae's head, but Cesar vnll not suffer it. Sacu. Csesar will wear no crown ! You see, my friends ! Oits. Hurra for Csesar ! CcBs. {Rises.') Oh, Antony, how much thou wrongest. Go tell my legions I return their love Even from this heart's core. But tell my sons That Csesar says, Rome is no place for kings. In this free Roman air kings cannot breathe ! Romans will never own a mortal king ; They'll have no king but God ! Take thou this crown Unto the Capitol, and place it there Upon the mighty brows of Jupiter, Great king of Gods and men ! Ant. Csesar, I will ! I stand rebuked before thee ! Thou art of the most ancient stock of Rome, And worthy of thy fathers. Citizens, C-a;SAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. .59 Let us record upon a plate of brass, And place it here for after times to read, That on this spot we offered mighty Caesar A kingly crown, and here his godlike words Taught us our duty to himself and Kome. /S'acM. Mark Antony speaks well. Hurra for Antony ! Oits. Hurra for Antony ! Cxs. Let us proceed To see the games. My Antony, thy arm. Have that inscription placed without delay. (Exeunt CiESAR, Antony and Cornelius.) Saeu. Come, friends, let's follow Caesar to the games. Hurra for Csesar ! Cits. Hurra for Csesar ! (Exeunt omnes.) End of Act IV. ACT V. THE DEATH OF C^SAE. Scene I. — Night Boom in the house of Cassius. Enter Cassius. Cass. It is the hour, and yet not one has come. Do their hearts fail them at the very last ? (It thunders.) Perhaps the storm deters them. Men of straw Alone would plead that bar. And yet such men Make up the bulk o' the world ; and we must work With such material as the careless gods Think well to furnish. Ah, here's one at last. Enter Decimus. Dec. Thy good health, Cassius. Where are all the rest ? It is a fearful night ! Has no one come? Cass. The storm no doubt detains them. Thou art here Just on the hour, my Decimus. Dec. Yes, trust me For that. I'm an old soldier, Cassius. When Csesar set an hour, woe to the man. However high his rank, who came too late. 60 c^sae; a dramatic study. Whate'er his faults, Csesar's a general, The pick of the whole world ! Cass. He's good enough. But other men might be as good as he, With equal chances. Dec. Does our Brutus hold Still to the bond ? For we shall need him much ; The people have great faith in Marcus Brutus ; They think him honest above the common rule. Cass. The people are fools ! They're taken with a show A mere outside. Brutus puts on a face Long as your arm — longer than Cato's even. Talks loud of virtue, morals and all that. Says he's a stoic — makes the people think It is old Junius Brutus come again ; And after all — between us two, good Decimus — He's but a solemn prig ! Dec. Do you think so ? Cass. How did he make his fortune ? I will tell you. By lending money, at four per cent, a month. To the Cilicians. Claudius was governor there — Brutus had married Claudius's daughter — His debtors could not pay. He marched an army, And forced the money from them by the swords Of Roman soldiers. Four per cent, a month ! There's usury for you ! There's a stoic's morals ! Dec. I had not heard of that. I was in Gaul. Cass. And just the other day, what does he do? Tiring of Claudia, his wii(3 — this stoic. This proud despiser of all earthly joys, Divorces her, and marries Portia, His pretty cousin, stoic Cato's daughter ! There's morals for you ! Get a name, my friend ; A good, strait, solemn mask; then you may punch Old Bacchus in the ribs, and take your pkasure Wherever you can find it. Dee. Ah well, all men Are pretty much alike. But, here is Brutus. Jollier Brutus and Cimber. £ru. A wild night this, brave Cassius. Cass. All the better To hide our meeting. Where's Trebonius ? CESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 61 Cim. Sickness detains him. But he bade me say, He will not fail you. He is resolute To overthrow the tyrant, or to die. Bru. ks we, the chiefs, must do the dangerous work. Let's settle all our plans. First, Cassius, How many Senators are now enrolled To aid us to the death ? Thou hast the list. Cass. Full sixty Senators have set their names. And pledged themselves to stand or fall together. Bru. Has Cicero signed ? Cass. I have not asked him, Brutus. He is too old— too weak and wavering ! If tongues were swords, he'd be a mighty warrior. But as it is, he's a mere piece of dough. That'll stick to the winning side. Bru. Now as to Antony and Lepidus. Must they too die ? Cass. I vote for Antony's death. For Lepidus we needs must spare him, seeing We cannot help it — being with his troops, Outside the walls of the city. Else I'd say. Why, kill him too. Bru. Let us not rashly shed A drop of needless blood. They are but as The vigorous arms of Caesar. When he dies. The head drops off from all that mighty trunk. The arms can then do nothing ! Cass. No, not so. Mark Antony's not Csesar ; but he is A man of no slight mould. Great Caesar dwarfe him. And there is also young Octavius. He must not live. I've weighed him well, my friends ; And mark my words, he'll prove a second Csesar. Dec. I do not go with you, good Cassius. Mark Antony's not much. I've fought with him. And know the man. And as for young Octavius, I went with Csesar and him, you know, to Spain — All travelling together in one carriage. He is not strong — a modest, kindly youth ; Not the least dangerous. Bru. Besides, you grant, Wise Cassius, that we cannot easily reach The man most to be dreaded, Lepidus ; ■ 62 CjEsae ; a drakatic study. Who has this moment under his command, The only troops at Rome. If we should kill Mark Antony, he'll know he's only spared, Because we could not strike him. Thus we throw Him and his soldiers 'gainst our noble cause Just at the critical moment. My advice Is to spare Antony and Octavius too ; And gain their aid by offers of promotion. Get them to work on Lepidus, and thus Prevent a struggle for supremacy, Within the walls of Rome. Csesar once dead — He's dead ! And vain, aspiring men like Antony Will think far more of building up their fcflrtunes. Than of avenging that which cannot be By mortal man undone. Dec. Brutus is right. My judgment goes with his. Oim. And so does mine. Cass. So does not mine. You will repeat, I fear, Caesar's own blunder. For, had he not spared Brutus and me, and fifty nobles more. We should not now be plotting 'gainst his life. Bru. We owe to Csesar gratitude, I grant. And yet we owe a greater debt to Rome. The smaller debt must yield before the greater. Thus Junius Brutus — Cass. ( Aside.) Ye gods — he's started On Junius Brutus ! When will he give o'er ? Bru. That great first Brutus, when he found his sons Had joined with traitors to bring back false Tarquin, And make him once more king ; he had them bound, Brought to his judgment seat, and there, before His own stern eyes, first scourged, then put to death ! 'Twas like a Roman ! I would do the same. Were Csesar my own father, I would doom Him to the death, Freedom to save and Rome ! Cass. (Aside.) Yes, I believe he would. He's as cold blooded As any fish ! I warrant that he knows The half of Rome think Csesar is his father. Dec. Oh, gratitude claims nothing. All the gifts That Csesar gives, belong to Rome, not him. My mind is very easy on that score. c^sae; a deamatic study. 63 Cass. Of course I yield my judgment to you all. I hope you'll not regret it. Let that pass. Now for the main plan. Who will strike the blow — The first, I mean ? We all will follow suit. Oim. I'm not much of a talker, so I'll do My share in striking, if it please you all. Cass. Make up some story, Cimber. dm. Oh, that's easy. I'll plead anew to gain my brother's pardon. > He will refuse me ; and be angry too. Because I dare to press it. Cass. Very good. Then we will second you — and he will grow Still angrier than before. And then you'll strike. Bee. Who will take care of Antony? He's a man To give us trouble. Cass. Ah, I've thought of that. Trebonius must detain him at the door. Offer to lend him money — that will keep him. For Antony is always wanting money ; Always would want it, were he governor Of half the provinces. -Bnt. What more's to plan ? Cass. I think of nothing. -Dec. Nor I. ( Ooes to vdndow.) See, morning breaks ! Bru. We'd better part at once. The storm is fled. Cass. That storm's blown by ; a greater lies ahead ! (Exeunt Beutus, Decimus and Cimbee.) Cass. What fools men are ; how they delude themselves ! Now I know what I do, and what I mean. Caesar has injured me. He seized the lions I'd purchased for my games, and left at Megara. That's one offence. Then when I made petition For the first Prsetorship, he owned that I Deserved it most, having done Rome most service ; But gave it all the same to Marcus Brutus, Who had done naught, because forsooth he loved him ! He may love Brutus, but I'll prove this day. By Brutus' sword, what Brutus' love is worth. Brutus ! he is my tool ! — this wondrous Brutus Of whom Rome thinks so highly ! He might be, Next to great Ccesar, the first man in Rome. 64 C^SAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. And, after Csesar's death, the very first ; For Csesar loves him as he might his son. Were Cassius Brutus, I would sooner die Than wound the man who loved me in that sort. But then I'm no philosopher ; my eyes Are fixed on earth, not wandering in the skies. {Exit Cassius.) Scene II. — Room in C-ssak's house. Enter CjESAE and Coenelius. Cor. I also counsel, Csesar, 'gainst thy going. Nothing is lost by staying, nothing risked. In such a case, why not remain at home ? Cos. Only because I will not live in fear. Csesar would rather die this very day Than live in constant dread of any foe. I should have died a hundred deaths ere this. In my campaigns in Gaul, in Greece, in Spain, If I had given myself the least concern About my safety. Why am I here now ? Because the great gods ordered I should live. To do their work in Rome. When that is done, And it is best for Rome that I should die. Then all the swords of all my friends would fail To save me from my foes. Cornelius, I have no dread of death. The doom the gods Have made the fate of all, or soon or late, Cannot be bad for man. What's natural. Cannot be evil. As for me, I feel Like one whose work is done ; and to whom rest. In this world or the shades, were now the great, Yes, the supremest blessing ! Enter Antony. Ant. Stir not from home this morning, mighty Csesar ! There is a plot on foot. I'm sure of it. I hear the whispers of conspiracy On every side. Treason is in the air. Men shake their heads and mutter as I pass. Stir not a step from home without a guard Of thy old soldiers. They can not be bought. C-SHAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 65 Cobs. I'm sick of all this talk of plots and treason. See, here's a letter has been sent to me, Or, rather, to Cornelius. {Takes out letter.') Here's a list Of sixty of the noblest names in Rome. Among them Brutus ; yes, the man I love Above all other men — because, because His mother was my friend, my dearest friend Of all the women in Rome. And Decimus, Who fought with me in Gaul — the officer I trusted next to thee, my Antony. And Cassius, who, although he loves me not, Accepted life and honors from my hand. Why, even thou, my Antony, art accused ; And Lepidus. And why not also you, If all the rest are faithless ? By the gods, If all the world be made up thus of knaves, If there be none Csesar can longer trust, Why then his time has surely come to die ; Yes, and far happier then to die than live ! Ant. Well, take thy guards ! That I am true, I prove By giving thee such counsel. Cobs. Antony ! When I believe that thou, my friend, art false, Death will be more than welcome. Enter Soothsayer. Sooth. Great Caesar, go not forth from home to-day. In offering up the morning's sacrifice, I've found a yearling calf that has no heart. It is most inauspicious, dire and dreadful ! The gods say to thee, Csesar, go not forth ! Cces. It is not wondrous calves should have no hearts. If all the noblest men in Rome have none. But I should think that if the gracious gods Had any word for Csesar, they would send it Direct to him in visions or in dreams. For me, I never felt more calm a mind Than I do now, when I have schooled my soul To meet what fate the mighty gods ordain. Sooth. The night was terrible. The lightning smote The turrets of thy house. Roarings were heard. As if of lions, in the empty streets. Men fought in the skies. Earth shook. Red meteors 66 C^SAR ; A JPRAMATIC STUDY. Crashed down within the Forum, smiting there Thy statue to the pavement. Cms. And all this Portends great harm to me ? Sooth. Most surely, Caesar. Cces. And if I stay at home, I shall escape ? Sooth. Of course. How else ? C(ES. Why then it seems to me The mighty gods have ta'en great trouble for naught. All this mad strain of the wild elements To keep one man at home ! Why a mere rind Of melon placed beneath my hasty foot, Had better done the work at trifling cost. Sooth. Caesar, respect the gods — the ordaining gods ! Ctes. I do respect them more than thou canst know — When they decree that Caesar's time has come To leave this world, then naught that he can do. Or going or staying, will that doom avert. A Persian monarch once, in grievous fear. Went to a wise Magician. " Shield me now From harm this day ; it is my day of doom. Send me by thy great power to the world's end ; And -name thy own reward." The Magian did. That afternoon the dreadful angel Death, Came also to the Magian. " Where goest thou ?" Said the Magician. " I am bound straightway," Replied stern Death, " unto the end o' the world ; Where it was doomed one thousand years ago, Thy monarch should await "me." Such is Fat« ! No art can bafile, and no sacrifice Change the resolve of the eternal gods. All man can do, is calmly to submit. Sooth. Well, I have done my duty by thee, Csesar. {Exit Soothsayer.) Enter Calpuenia. Cal. Oh, Caesar, thou must not go forth to-day ! I pray thee, go not ! I, Calpurnia, Thy wedded wife, beg this one favor of thee. I could not sleep last night — the door flew open, Without a cause. There was no one without. Then, near the morn, at last I fell asleep. And then I dreamed — {Clasps her hands.) CjEsae; a dramatic study. 67 Cms. What didst thou dream, Calpurnia ? Col. I cannot tell thee, Csesar ! Cms. Fear thou not It will alarm me. I can show perhaps, It has but little meaning. Cal. 1 heard the fierce, vindictive tread of foes Approaching through the empty corridor. It echoed through my dream. The door flew wide. There was a gleam of swords. And then I held A murdered body close within my arms. The blood was streaming from a hundred wounds. I could not see the face, although I strove With all my might, as we oft do in dreams. Then like a flash, my eyelids sprang apart, And I beheld thy face! {She seems about to- faint.) Cms. ( Catches her in his arms.) My sweet Calpurnia ! Cal. Thou wilt not go to-day ? Grant me but this ! 'Tis the first favour I e'er asked of thee. And, if thou goest, the last ! Thou wilt not go ? Cms. I will not. Friends, I shall remain at home. Not that I fear, but that Calpurnia fears. Gal. Thanks, Csesar, thanks ! A weight is ofi" my heart ! I will not trouble further. Worthy friends, Good-day ! Cms. One kiss, my love ! When Csesar dies, His chiefest grief will be to part from thee ! {Kisses her. Exit Calpurnia.) Ant. I also will go now, since thou art safe. {Exit Antony.) Cor. 'Twould be a good occasion to review Those letters I have written. Cms. No, not to-day, My dear old friend. I'm ill at heart to-day. Enter Decimus. Dec. Csesar, the Senate waits thee. Cms. Decimus, I have resolved to bide at home to-day. Dee. Why, how is this? Thou saidst thou would be there ; And Csesar's word was never like a vane Which veers from North to South ev'n while we gaze. Cms. The omens are unfavourable. 68 CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Dee. {Laughs.) The omens ! What ! Csesar, loo, is growing superstitious ! I well remember when thou wast in Gaul, Fighting the Celts, those children of the night, The Augurs said the entrails of a sheep Forbade the battle. And that Csesar said, " 'Twas not to be supposed a silly sheep Could know the hour that it was best to fight So well as an old soldier." Then all laughed. Cobs. {Laughs.) Yes, I remember that. And Decimus What's more, we won the battle ! Dost thou know, Of all my deeds, I pride me most on Gaul ? As Cicero told the Senate, 'twas not merely Another Province gained ; but that a cloud Was now dispersed, which had o'erhung the State Since the sad days when Brennus and his Gauls Stormed madly into Rome. But it required Hard fighting — did it not, my Decimus ? Dec. Ah, those were glorious days ! Cces. ■<■ Indeed they were. And dost remember, my brave Decimus, How, at that very battle, thou and I Eallied the Tenth, my favorite legionaries ; Seizing their standard, telling them the foe Lay just the other way — until for shame They ceased their flight, and turned defeat to glory ? Dee. Yes, I remember well. But 'twas thy work ! I saw thee — dressed in scarlet, with bared head — Flashing like Mars before the runaways. Filling their hearts anew with life and hope. And making them invincible ! Yes, in truth, It was thy victory, Csesar. All I did Was naught compared with thee. CcBS. And then again. When we two fought in Spain. That was a fight. That last at Munda. Arm6d hand to hand. And foot to foot. 'Twas Roman then to Roman ! Ah, we have seen great deeds, we two, together. Strange how my mind doth wander off of late, ' To the old days — our victories, au'd reverses. For Fortune wills, my friend, like a coy maid. To hide herself at times from ev'n her lovers ; To be won back by importunities. C^SAE; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 69 And make her doubly sweet. But thou cam'st, Decimus, To take me to the Senate. I would go, Only I promised my Calpurnia To bide at home to-day. She had a dream That moved her much last night. Dee. That is a pity ! For 'tis arranged to take a final vote On thy new laws to-day ; — the laws to drain The Pontine Marshes, and improve the Tiber. If thou'rt not there, I fear the laws may fail. But 'tis the way o' the world. A woman's dream Often has swayed far greater plans than these. What must be must. And yet one little hour Would serve to work jio common good to Kome. Gees. When I decided, I knew not my laws Were now before the Senate. Else I had Come to a different judgment. When Duty calls, 'Tis Csesar's part to go ; nor ask what dreams. Dangers, or omens seek to bar the way. Cor. I thought it settled that thou wouldst not go. Calpurnia thought so. Were it not then well To beg the Senate to postpone their vote Until to-morrow ? Dec. 'Twere an unwise move. 'Twould cause dissatisfaction ; no good reason For Caesar's absence given. CcBs. Peace, good friends I When I resolved to stay, I did not know There were such weighty reasons for my going. If dangerous to-day, why not to-morrow ? Cornelius, tell my wife Calpurnia — Nay ! it is best that thou shouldst hold thy peace, And tell her nothing. It will save her pain. In a few hours I shall again return, If 't please the gracious gods, before she knows I have been absent. Come, good Decimus ! Cornelius, a few words with thee, my friend. {Exeunt C,iESAR and Goenelius.) Dec. So goes the lion where the hunters lie ! Caesar, the hour has come that thou must die ! I am a villain, and I know it well ; But I'll be first in Rome, if lowest in hell ! {Exit Decimus.) 70 CiESAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. Scene III. — Pompey's Portico, with Statue of Pompey. CiCEEO and Senators at back of stage, seated. Beutus, Cassius, Casca and Cimbeb in front. Bru. {To Cass.) Perhaps he will not come. Where's Decimus ? Cass. He's gone to bring him. Bru. Not an easy task, If Csesar wills to stay. And yet though rude At times to some, he's always kind to him — His old companion in so many wars. Cass. Oh, Caesar has his little weaknesses. Like other men. I knew a cunning lure Would bring him here to-day. There are few locks That some key will not open. Bru. What lure was that ? Cass. The story that the Senate's now to vote On his new laws. Bru. But, as it is not so. He'll find he's been deceived — and know at once Some mischief is intended. Cass. We must strike Therefore at once. Cimber, thou know'st thy part ? Cim. I'll anger him, and then will pull his gown From off his shoulder. Casca then will strike. Cass. Thou wilt not fear him, Casca ? Casca. No, not I ! I killed a lion once with one sharp thrust. Cass. Well, think he is a lion, and strike home. Avoid his eyes, though. Casca. Oh, I'll strike him quick, And from behind. He'll turn, you know, on Cimber, And then I'll strike him. Cass. And then all must strike. Thou wilt not fail us, Brutus ? Every steel Must redden with his blood, to show that all Have taken part in this. Bru. I will not fail. Brutus shall do his part in freeing Rome, Whate'er the end may be. Cass. Hush ! here he comes ! \ Enter Cjesae and Decimus. Senators rise from their C^SAR; A DRAMATIC STUDY. 71 Cobs. Be seated, Senators ! { Comes forward.') Good morning, friends ! Brutus, thou'rt well ? Ah, noble Cassius ! And Casca — and thou, Cimber. Hail to all ! (5e takes his seat.^ Oim. Hail, mighty Csesar ! I would ask a favor. CcBS. Cimber, proceed ! If 'tis in Csesar's power. It shall be done. Does it concern Bithynia, Thy province ? Oim. I would once again implore. Oh, mighty Csesar, pardon for my brother ! CcBS. Cimber, thou vexest me 1 — to ask for that AVhich is not mine to give. Thy brother's deeds Were fitly punished with the avenging sword. Yet he is simply banished. Say no more. I will not hear thee. Hast thou not a province ? Surely, I have been generous to thee. Casca. I second noble Cimber, mighty Csesar ! Grant him his wish. I pray thee on my knees ! {Se kneeb.) Gees. Eise, Casca— you offend me ! Romans should Kneel only to the gods ! Cass. {Sneerinc/ly.) Thou mak'st thyself Great as a god. Therefore men kneel to thee. CcBS. (Indignant.) Cassius ! What meanest thou ? Such shameless words Are not to be o'erlooked. ( C(esar rises.). Oim. Keep thou thy seat. Thou cruel tyrant ! (Cimber pulls back Caesar's robe off his shoulder.) Cobs. What ! How dar'st thou, Cimber ? Casca. Down with the tyrant ! (Stabs Casar from behind.) Cces. (Seizes Casca' s arm.) Villain ! Thou shalt die ! Casca. (Frightened.) Help, brothers — help ! dm. I'll die then too ! (He stabs.) CcBS. Oh, thou ungrateful wretch ! (Turns upon Cimber, who struggles with him.) Cass. I'll make another, Csesar ! ( Cass, stabs him.) Cms. Cassius — and thou ! This is thy thanks — because I spared thy life ; 72 c^sae; a dramatic study. And made thee Prsetor ; and then gave to thee A noble province ! (C^3AR stands as if faint from his wounds.) Cass. {To Bru.) Why stand'st thou aloof? Dost thou lorget thy promise? Bru. Die, tyrant ! Die ! {He stabs C