pr •JiSS. FREEMASONRY. The Templars in Cyprus. A Drattiatic Poem. By F. L. Z. Wemer. Translated by E. A. M. Lewis. London, 1886. Cr. 8vo, doth..^ . .$1.0 ^muW THE GIFT OF JilrtMg HEBER GUSHING PETERS | CLASS OF 1892 fek-3t.f=.'2U.C..fe'i 5226 The date shows when this volume was taken. To renew this book copy the-call No. and give to the librarian. hqTme use rules. All Books iubject to Recall. Books not used for iusfiuction or research are returnable within 4 weeks. Volume of periodi- cals and of pamphlets are held in the library as much as possible. For special purposes they are given out for a limited time. Borrowers should not use ^their library privileges for the bene- fit of other persons. . Books not needed during recess periods shQuld'be returned to the library, or arrange- ments made, for their return durin|r borrow- er's absence, if wanted. ~ Books needed by more than one person are held on the reserve list. Books of special value and ^t books, when the giver wishes it, are not allowed to " orculate-. I __ ^Readers are asked to report all cases of books marked or muti- lated. Do not deface^oka by marks and writing. Cornell University Library PT 2555.A6L67 Templars .jn ...SyfifiM 3 1924 026 231 906 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924026231 906 BOHN'S STANDARD LIBRARY. THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. A DEAMATIC POEM BY FEIEDRICH LUDWIG Z^CHARIAS WERNER. TRANSLATED BY E. A. M. LEWIS. " God has given the Increase." \ , , jj, 1 Cor. iii. 6. LONDON : GEORGE BELL AND SONS, YORK STREET, COVENT GARDEN. 1886. "rTT^Tfe^ ■^^ ^.^(^^t>b'^ fhAf CHISWICK raESS:-C. WHITTINGHAM and CO., TOOKS COURT, CHANCEKY LANE, LONDON. DeDication TO HIS DEAR FRIENDS OF BOTH SEXES BY THEIR EBIEND. The tears are upward to God's throne ascending, We wept beside tlie fount from five jets streaming ; All God sends down strives back to reach Him. O'er us He lets seven stars pour forth their radiant gleaming, Man's darkness to annul their lustre lending. And light whereby to decorate the Torus. But when the eyes of man Can that which is for him alone discover, Then Him that All is, he has comprehended. Then tears and stars for him alike are ended ; Then is he God's ; deceits and shams are over. Meanwhile, let tears and stars, with scintillation. Till those are dried, these set, maintain their station. We, till the Lord's sign come, will pray with supplication. Written on Mid-Lent Sunday, 1807. In " The Templars in Cyprus " "Werner ascribes to a Carmelite body, calling themselves " Sons of The Valley," the downfall of the Templar fraternity, designed with a view to the establishment of a more extended system of mysticism (which he calls the " Valley of Peace ") ; to make way for which the poem hints that the Templars are to be destroyed. The activity of the "Valley " does not appear, except in the glimpses of it shown in the character of its two highly mystical delegates, Eudo and Astealis, and an intimation of Molat's in the last Act that he has authority for what he is doing, and will account for his actions to the " Valley." Werner was a Freemason, and his religious notions, of which he makes " Sie Eobeet " the mouthpiece, were, at the date of his writing this poem, of a theosophic order. In fact he aimed, at that time, at establishing a New Religion of his own invention ; though ultimately he became a Priest, and preached in Roman Catholic pulpits. PROLOGUE. IN darkling nigbt, mid wind and tempest's roar, A light is shining from a burial-ground ; The furious storm, a moment, and no more. Has quenched it, then it flares anew — -each mound Green-turfed it brightens which lay dim before, And radiates all the azure ether round ! This is the aureole of that Order old, Once for the Temple's guardianship enrolled. Art has not drawn the curtains back that hide The inner mysteries ; we do but hear The echo of the billows' distant tide ; But to no searching is the sea made clear. Forth drawn from ancient night the world did glide ; Tet showed no working of the lever's gear ! — ■ Historians still things seen and known declare ; The Undiscovered is the poet's share. What I can show you is not much to tell, If only outward forms we contemplate; A group of men like many we know well, Athirst for glory, over-borne by fate ; With eyes humane where pity's dewdrops swell, Not independent heroes, worldly great ! They would not one should shine above his brother, ~Fov every one is member of the other. Tet draws it near to full perfection's goal, This friendly calm where all self-seekings cease. No stone predominates o'er the Building's whole. And no blasphemer shames the old Order's peace. i THE TKMPLAES IN CYPBUS. Nailed to the Cross is every egoist soul, Nor guerdon craves for martyr's services. Only a bower of roses, far away, Mist- veiled springs from the dust of green decay. Then pause and contemplate the picture fair Of times whose virtues are for ever gone ; Bright fields Elysian are dispersed in air, The infant from the mother's breast has flown, His shield is bright with wisdom's chilling glare ; But blind his inner eye is as a stone — For darkness, tomb-like night, beclouds our way When glows no more within the heavenly ray. 'Twas flickering faintly in the Templar band, — - They are but shadows of their old renown ! Taken from them is now the Holy Land. World-wanderers are they scattered up and down ; Only a pious few maintain their stand. The Order's doomed beneath death's deepening frown. Nor are they hostile hosts that deal the blow. Their own unworthiness must lay them low. At Philip's beck the gathering storms draw near. With rolling thunders, but they will not mind. E'en now the Vatican's fell fires burn clear, And only Molay sees, the rest are blind. Ah ! 'gainst their foes a bulwark they might rear, Oould they, degenerate ! needful courage find ; They dare not — therefore now the engulphing wave Must whelm them in fate's dark abysmal grave. Now whilst they draw their faintest breath, their last. Their strength already to the grave brought low, Above them float the spirits of the past. Like lightning flashes in dark night that show. Still fain would some brave hearts the last die cast, But, overborne, they like the rest must go, Eor God the Temple Order called from strife. That it through Death might be new-born to Life ! THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEOS. And therefore still triumphant is the Pure, Truth flourishes in funeral pyre's despite ; Her holy commonwealth, her reign is sure, For out of smouldering ashes springs the light. The flesh must severance from its frame endure Ere the true body can be raised aright ! — Tet, till the grave's night passes, art shall show To mortal eye the eternal covenant-bow, PERSONS RBPEESBNTBD. Of the Valley. Adept Temple Brothers. Eddo, formerly Marshal in the Crusading Army, now Adepts Brother and Delegate. AsTEALis {called also Astralon), a fourteen-year-oldV Christian anchorite from the desert of the Thebdid in Egypt, Adoptive Daughter and Delegate. I James Bernard Molat, last Grand-Master of the Temple' Order. The Presbyter of the Order. Philip, banished Duke of Anj'ou, Malay's confidant, now Serving -Brother and Brother of the Garden.^ Marshal of the Order. Draper of the Order. Banner-Bearer of the Order. Claijs EbSNER, a yming German handicraftsman, and Associate of the Order. Hugo de YiUjAhs, formerly Grand-Commander, now Elder' and Seneschal of the Order. The Preceptor of Cyprus. Heribekt, Ex-Prior of Montfaucon. Sir Noefo di Nofpodei, an Italian Knight. Sir Gottfried von Sai.za, u, German Knight. Sir Robert of Heredon, a Scotch Knight. Sir Charlot de Gutonne, a French Knight. Brother Squin, called Cyprianus, Chaplain of the Order, Malay's private Secretary. Serving-Brother Otto, Bell-Binger. Serving-Brother Gregor, Molay's Attendant. Frank of Brienne. Adalbert, Count of Anjou-Maine, Son of Philip. A Tunisian Privateer. A Troubadour. Wipe of Glaus with two Children. Four Preceptors Knights, Chaplains, Serving -Brothers and Pursuivants of the Order, Workmen, Choristers, Tunisian Captives, People. Other Templars. 1 Young Secular The scene is laid in the island of Cyprus, at Zimasol. the year 1306, and occupies two entire days. The action is in (Richard Cosur de Lion conquered Cyprus from Isaac Comnenus, brother of the Emperor Manuel, in 1191, and sold it to the Templars, who returned it to him in 1192, when he ceded it to Guy de Lusignan in indemnification of his claims to the kingdom of Jerusalem. The Templars reserved their Preceptory at Limasol, and the King fixed his residence at Nicosia.) 1 So is called the Gardener of a Templar Lodge or Preceptory. ACT I. SCENE I. Forecourt of the Templar-Souse; in the haekground the Church, to the right of which adjoins the yet unfinished building of the Sacristy surrounded ty scaffolding, to the left the Castle of the Order. Before the Church, the statue of the Bisen Saviour with the flag of victory. Early morning. The hell sounds to inatins. Templars and people cross the stage, some coming out of the Church, and some going in. A Knight Templar and a Priest thus meet. Knight Templar. ■p RAISE be to Jesus Christ ! Pkiist. Eternally ! \They go together into the Church. Astea- Lis, approaches, carrying a m,endieant's hag, and dressed in hright yellow.^ AsTRAtis (Alone). Soon will the jubilant sun pour forth, his rays, The little bell of morning rings him greeting. — ■ Author of Life, I also give thee praise ! Soon, Robert, will thy feet, to forest fleeting, ^ It was only in later times, and in the West, that the ecclesiastical Anchorite-garb became dark in colour. The early Christian Anchorites andCenobites oftheEast.as in the Egyptian Thebaid and so forth, were brightly clad in yellow, blue, &c. &c. 6 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [ACT I. Tread lightly o'er the flower-enamelled ways, Plantains and palms to cool thy path competing. Oh, cam'st thou soon ! — The Master I will move With prayers, who also won the Crown of Love ! — [She hneels in the hackground before the statue of the risen Prince of Victory. [Glaus, vnth his wife Anne, and, other me- chanics and labourers carrying various tools come forward. Glaus. Gomrades, fall to ! 'Tis morning bright ! For shame. Sluggards ! Behold the Knights already wend Home from God's service ! Quick, fall to ! We've now But seven weeks to St. John, and for that feast Must be complete the Sacristy. So wills Great Molay, who knows work, and to reward it ! All. Long live he ! [They mount the scaffolding and set to worh with alacrity. Glaus. Now, bestir ! Anne, bring the mortar ! Anne. There 'tis. Glaus. How long I have carved this capital's Embellishment, yet come not near the end ! An Appeentice. What then — one capital ? Glaus. Thou'd'st call it one. Apprentice. Were it indeed the dome itself ! sc. i.j the templaes in ctpeus. 7 Claus. Oh, fool, Eacli capital's a dome, for it supports The vaulting of the roof which shuts it in. Make thou thy pillars for the capitals ; The dome, forsooth, will follow of itself. Another Appeentice. Tour speech is like our valorous lord's ! Glaus. May be, Since seven long years I've served the noble Molay' And am, — like all things here, — his handiwork. Anne. Clans ! Glaus. Well? Anne. See there ! the lancers newly come From France, are being mustered ! Glaus. May be so ! Annb^ Well-looking folk ! So fair, so fresh, so agile ! \ A Churl. The Order's bought all that ! Claus. Bungler ! — It may Fair presence buy, not discipline and skill ; These it can only to exertion give. ■ Molay was admitted into the Order about 1265, and had distinguished himself under the Grand-Mastership of Guillaume de Beaujen, — Trans, 8 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [aCT I. A "WOEKMAN. Wlio would not be a soldier ! Helm and lance ! How different from the apron and the trowel ! Think'st so ? Claus. "WOEKMAN. Aye sure ! So thinks not. Glaus. The noble Master Molay WOEKMAN. No ?— and he a man of war ! Claus. He says, before God's kingdom comes on earth, Lances must plough-shares be and armour trowels ! Seveeal Lads. How? Claus. And the sword be changed into a plummet, And it shall have two fastenings : Strength and Truth. The Chuel. What may he mean ? Clatjs. How should I tell thee, bungler ? [During these remarks, they disperse, as they work, into the side-wings; Anne also, who drags the mortar after her husband. AsTEALis (rising from, prayer'). thou, the eternal Mother's gracious Son, 6C. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 9 Thou beckon'st me towards love's ttomy throne — I love — my heart foretold ! \_81ie remains stamding, scarcely looking round. A troop of yowng soldiers of the Order come forward, singing. Adieu < Adieu ! O Fatherland, Mother, and Friends ! Adieu, thou beloved one weeping for us, We follow together The banner that's cheerfully floating above. The Cross that shines o'er us with love ! GoTTPElED YON Salza comes forward. A SOLDIEE. The knight ! AsTEALlS (in the hackground, Aside). Tet Robert comes not ! GOTTFEIED (to the soldiers). Are all here ? [He inspects them. AsTEALlS (Aside). Doth sickness fold him in its close embrace ? Or lieth he e'en now transformed by death ? — I will but to the little door, and beg Oblation for my daily need, then go. l_8he goes to the little Temple door in the haclcground, and rings, while she calls rather loudly — Praised be Horus ! ^ (Aside.) Still must I forget How in this land they style the Valley's Master ! [Aloud in the doorway — Praised be Jesus Oheist ! ' Horus was the Eising Sun, and according to her teaching by the Sons of the Valley, one with the Eisen Saviour, the eternal Fountain of Light. — Trans. 10 XHE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. [aCT I. POETBE. Eternally ! [He hands her through the lattice a white loaf, which she puts into her satchel, then speaks softly with the Portee. Gottfried (to the young soldiers whom he has continued reviewing}. Swing rapidly the lances ! Grood ! For so The Master likes to see it. Soldiers (shouting gladly). The Master likes it ! [ROBEET comes forward with javelin and hunting pouch, and a hound in leash. AsTEALlS (hastens to meei him). Glad welcome, Paladin ! Robert. Fair anchorite, thanks ! ASTEALIS. Wilt thon again go hunting by the sea ? Robert. Aye! ASTEALIS. Roses and acacias bloom again On Isis,' Mary's image. ROBEET. Thou holy maid Mysterious, strangely am I drawn to see Thy Palms. ' Isis was mother of Horns. — Trans. so. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 11 ASTEALIS. And wilt thou taste the dates again ? Thou com'st ? Thou wilt ? — by morning's splendour lured ? E.OBEET. Lured by — (suddenly restraining Jdmself). I come ! ASTEALIS. And new-pressed wine I'll give thee ! [^Hastens off. GoTTFEiEX) (newly conscious of Robert's jpreseiice, goes up to him as he is going off). Whither so early ? EOBEET (absently'). Whither ? (Aside, looking after Astealis). There she flits, Fair dove of peace ! Gottfeied. Ofi to the noble chase ? Egbert. For bear and boar. Come not within my throw ! Gottfried. Tou love to banter ! But, do you not know, To-day is Chapter held ? Tou have the watch. Egbert. I, say you ? Has my turn so soon come round To do that tedious office ? They select Another often, if one is not well ; Say I'm unwell ! Gottfried. Tou can do anything ; Tou are the favourite with the Master. Tou Could very well — 12 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. [ACT I. EOBEET. Yawn ! (turning round quickly to the soldiers) . Now, my gallant lads, Like you the service ? An. enemy's blood ! Soldier. It but lacks its sauce, B-OBBET. Bravo ! Gottfried. Jesting apart, Know you that the Tunisian, Christendom's Worst foe, prepares, folk say, three privateers ; And one already cruizes in the bay ? EOBBET. My friend, the Christian's nearest foe, the tiger, That fourteen days has through the forest howled. Demands our first attention. Two whole days I've been upon his track. Gottfried. You have not then Heard all the news ? Eobeet. When I can hear my horn, And listen to the rushing of the storm. What care I for the hiss of rumour's tongue ? Gottfried. Learn that the boat arrived from France yestre'en Despatches of most grave importance brought, And all with anxious expectation wait The frigate that should anchor here to-day. • ' Robert. With what ? — May-be, from the Grand- Almoner SC. I.] THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. 13 A letter with the glad and glorious uews Who carried at the Paris Candlemas The first flambeau before our Lady ; or else, Tidings of comfort from the old driveller, Aix' Grand- Prior, who tells how our good brothers sleep Over the service of dear Christendom, Now and for ever ; and a host more such Fine circumstantialities to be In Chapter pompously read out to us. Gottfried. Tou are a scoffer — But this time there's talk Of serious import ; for, as Chariot tells, The Master yesterday the whole day long "Was with the Chaplain closeted, without A taste of either meat or drink, dictating. Hour after hour, long letters, which yestre'en Went France-ward in the self-same ship that brought Despatches hither ; and 'tis whispered here That his old friend the Cardinal has sent Him intimation of most weighty matters, Which are, 'tis said, in Paris set on foot. And for the Order augur nothing good. Robert. They say ! they whisper ! — Augur nothing good ! Ah, shame upon yoa ! Are you Knight or Priest ? Are we not men ? and if we are, what harm Can reach us from the puerile King Philip, Backed by his host of sycophants and hirelings ? Gottfried. The Crown of France has been from olden time Protector of our Order; and 'tis said One friend offended's worse than seven foes. Robert. Old times are dead. Long sleeps in his cold grave Our old antagonist Richard. — Side by side The lion's heart sleeps soundly with the hare's, Engulf 'd in that insatiate monster's womb 14 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT I. That brings forth only to devour again. What was, is now no more. Of venturous knights, That pious handful, now Colossus grown, Strikes terror to its nursing-mother Europe ; E'en he, the old man crafty, triple-crowned, Shod in those sandals whose engirdling thongs Bind all the world, dare not contend with us ; Else surely would he not from Interdict ^ Have set us free for ever. G-OTTFEIED. True enough. But were his wrath aroused against us ? Robert. Stuff! Himself he armed us ! And all else we lack Can be supplied by virtue of that gold Saved from lost Palestine, and dearly bought With much brave blood and over-much lost honour. G-OTTFEIEl). Gold ? — Ah ! but what we need is arms ! EOBEET. E'en so, And we shall find them easy to be bought In these disabled, these impoverished times When all is saleable. So we'll defy The Lily and Tiara. Ah, believe ! The arrogance of Princes sprang from gold And only gold can bridle it. With gold They bind the servile hearts of human kind ; Spin stronger cords, and you shall wrench them free. Metal is easily by metal ruled. But by mind only can men's minds be schooled. Gottfried. By our dear Lady, Robert, tell, I pray, ^ The Pope had excommunicated the Order some time previously but almost immediately withdrew the ban. — Trans. SC. I.] THE TEMPIAES IN CYPRUS. 16 Wtence fisli you all these maxims ? in. the woods For ever coursing, yet you often talk More wisely than that legend-worm, the Chaplain. Robert. Those things, my friend, we hunt not out in woods We surely shall in legends never find. The spark of human reason glows as bright In forests, growing with the cedar's growth. As it is dulled within the narrow cell. But your reminder of the sylvan joys Comes in good time. Farewell ! GOTTFKIED. Saw you not yet The Master ? Sleeps he out the past day's trouble ? Robert. He sleep ! — "Was ever such a stormy day As could tire out the old man ? E'en as I Was starting out at three o'clock, he trod That mountain-path already, which to climb Before the sun-rise daily is his wont. Gottfried. A quaint old grey-beard ! Ever wise and staid As fits his Masterhood — yet, when his heart Is stirred to efiervescence, forth he goes At full burst over every obstacle. Robert. Poor heart, magnanimous, insoriitable ! Gottfried. There on the mountain, so the old folks say, He with his tutelary spirit holds, Each morning, converse ; many indeed pretend That, after heathen fashion — God be with us ! He doth the sun adore. Robert. Knight-Brother, say, 16 THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT I. Have you the great World- Spirit ever seen ? GOTTFEIED. Never. Robert. Then question not to whom it is The Master prays ! — Gome, deerhound, march ! [Is going. Chaklot (enters hurriedly). Know yon. That Privateer of Tunis, which has cruised Since y ester- morning early in the roads. Has anchored ? Robert. Where ? Chaelot. Hard by the hermitage That's on the strand. Robert (exolaims loudly). What there ? Chaelot. I'm sent to tell The Master of it. Robert (to the soldiers) . Comrades ! are you fain To earn your burgonets ? Chaelot. Would you then — Robert (as iefore) . Gottfried. What ! without orders and authority ? Come t SC. I.] THE TEMPLARS IN CTPRDS. 17 RoBEBi (pointing to Ms heart). They're here ! [To the soldiers, as he selects six out of the troop. Come ! thou — and thou — come also ye — Ton seem brave fellows. Six. So we're full seven. And were but seven valiant men so minded, Methinks we should see no more privateers. Gottfried. Whither away ? 'Tis now lance exercise. Robert. That they shall learn in action ! Comrades, forth ! For by mine oath, we'll seize the privateer ! [Hastens off with the six soldiers. Gottfried (oalls after him). Do not forget the Chapter-watch ! — He's gone. O'er hill and valley ! Chablot. I must follow him And warn him — {hurries off.) Gottfried. He's a foolish fellow, Robert, And most peculiar ! — If he speak twelve words 'Tis much to partly comprehend but five ! — Here comes the Chaplain. [Gottfried, Chaplain Ctprianus,^ coming out of the church — behind him a choir-boy. Gottfried. Whither on your way So early, reverend Sir ? ' Otherwise, Squin de Florian, a native of Beziferes, who was brought before Philip the Fair and well rewarded, in^return for an accusation on oath, charging the Templars with heresy, and with the commission of the most horrible crimes. See Addison, " Knights Templars," ch. is. — 7?rans. C 18 the timplaes "in cyprus. [act i. Chaplain; I come from matins, Pronounced is missa est ; and we go home. Gottfried. And have you on hand much business, reverend Father ? Chaplain. Eor Christendom's well-being, who would not toil ? Gottfried. True — in things temporal and eternal you Are foremost ! Yesterday, for instance, you Were writing, so they tell me, all day long, Most urgent and most weighty documents. Chaplain. Wisdom and knowledge gave the Lord to me. And these my gifts are often in demand. Gottfried. ■* Were not those missives to the Cardinal sent, And to the Marshal of Brienne ? Chaplain. To whom ? — I could not rightly say. Gottfried. But were they not Dictated by the Master to yourself ? Chaplain. Dictated ? Certainly, the phrases were ; But all the strokes and flourishes were mine. Gottfried. They'd weighty matters in them ; had they not ? Chaplain. To that I paid no very great regard, SC. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPETJS. 19 But, if I rightly gathered anything, The Order and the Clergy were concerned. Oh, Holy Father, tell ! I can recall to mind. Gottfried. Chaplain. I' faith 'tis all Gottfried. And yet you wrote it ! Chaplain. Look you, good Gottfried mine ! When one of us, A Literate, writes, the letters buzz and swarm By thousands in his head ; he scarcely marks What things are written by his crafty pen. For instance : if " God greet you" be the words — Two G's are writ, you think, as soon as spoke, No, G-ottfried, by no means : for each G must Wind cunningly like spiral of a snail ; And this volute must also delicate be As finest cobweb. In such subtle wise The U must terminate, that should need be, Tou might without much trouble call it X — And only so the text can suit the reader ; It must be seemly even though it kill ; The writer, — well, — can always write again, — And so provides himself, whate'er befall. Is not this so ? Gottfried. Yes, that the mind can grasp — Chaplain. So grasp it then ! Gottfried. 4 No easy thing, to write With all those crooks and twists ! 20 the templaks in cyprus. [act i. Chaplain. Oh, friend, this art Ranks o'er all other arts, the Quintessence It is (as by my Prior I was taught Who understood what I but speak) of all States-craft and of all dogma. Gottfried. I am lost In wonder. Chaplain. Yes, beloved Son in Christ ! Therefore, observe ! when high and noble Lords Or Prelates shall be written for, one makes Immense parade of twisted characters Themselves unmeaning, and in context only As they're together strung, to be explained, And that in various ways as best they please ; And an assemblage of such crooked signs (With which one wisely spares ©neself the pains Of what blind heathens call a " train of thought ") Is called, when it has neither stamp nor seal. And if 'tis thick, — a book — an actual book, ' Such as the reader with his fists can grasp. Per contra, when an aggregate of letters. Meant to secure the writer his desire, Has under it a pliant seal of wax. And large, — 'tis called an Instrument of Peace, Bull, Mandate, Rescript, Record, Interdict, Or when, as reservatio mentalis, The wax is spared, and only L. S. stands At bottom, then, d'you see, its value's nought. Gottfried. That last I can most readily conceive. ' The word booi is used frequently to imply a paper of political instructions or a signed agreement. See I. Henry IV., Act iii., 1. "Our book's drawn: we'll but seal." Vol. I. Brewer's Henry VUl., p. 234. Every composition whether play, ballad, or history, was called a hook, on the registers of ancient publications, — Ckalmei^s note to Henry IV. — Trans. sc. i.j the templaes in cyprus. 21 Chaplain. Then mark ! to writer of such documents A fair caligraphy must be the sole Object of his endeavours ; — and the rest He may entrust in faith to holy Luke, The patron saint of painter and of scribe ; And prudent, whilst the letters form and flow, Restrain his thoughts from dwelling on the sense. Gottfried. Save that there is an ancient saw which says, Men cannot choose but think of what they write. Chaplain. Well, yes, my friend, with Laymen that may hold ; But then, the Church is, you should know, inspired ! The same, too, may be said of potentates. And the superior Knights, so long as they Believe, and pray, and offer to the Church. Gottfried. Now see I clearly, Reverend Sir, how much One learns by talking with the erudite ! And here's hot-headed Robert been to-day, Boasting that in his forests he can learn More wisdom far than you from breviary ! Chaplain. ' So says the heretic-dog, the ignorant dolt, Who scarce knows how to scribble his own name ? And understands engrossing just as well As I do Greek ? (Aside.^ But softly. Brother Cyprian. (Privately to the Choir-boy.) To Mother Elsie go, and bid her cook The calf's-head for my luncheon, with sharp sauce. \_Ghoir-hoy runs off. Gottfried. Yet by the Master this wild huntsman's held In great indulgence. Lately gave he him A splendid charger. 22 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPETJS. [aCT I. Chaplain. Ah ! that's like enough ! He has good points, poor Robert, though sometimes He's indiscreet, but years will mend aU that ! He comes not oft to Church, 'tis true, and that Is bad ! But then sometimes with meats and drink He comforteth her servants — and indeed Sent me quite recently a fine fat haunch. And (mark the humour of it !) round the shank He slung a silver collar, on it scrawled, " Fellow to the fat Chaplain." Gottfried. Bold, indeed ! Chaplain. It matters not, dear brother, for the Church Only considereth the giver's heart ; And so a little cup I have had made Out of the thick neck-band, and that fat haunch. Devout, I ate to my soul's health, and gave To Robert absolution for ten days.' Chaelot {co-mes up). No devil could o'ertake Robert ! GOTTFEIBD. Let him sro ! What recklessness ! Oharlot. gottfeied. I'd not exchange with him ! Chaelot. Nor I, indeed ! But I saw one to-day ^ This Cyprianus, or Sqiiin, is no bad portrait of tlie clergy of the eai-ly half of the fourteenth century. Worldly and vicious for the most part, indolent and inert, their wickedness was a powerful stimulus to the rise and spread of tlie Gei-mau mysticism, and the pietists known amongst themselves as the "Friends of God." — Trans, SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 23 I'd gladly change with. He is a new Brother — Doubtless you know of him already ? Chaplain. No, Praise God, we know of nothing — - Chaelot. Then I'll tell you ! As yester-night, when from the bastion I Was coming back, and to Colossa came ; — Chaplain ! you know, just where the pretty hostess— Chaplain. I ?— God forbid ! Chablot. Well, well, but hear me out ! As I rode np to the inn, a young exquis Had just arrived before me. He is son' Of Poitou's seneschal, a rich old churl, Who in his stronghold quietly consumes The golden gain that in the holy wars He plundered from the Turks. Good Sirs, 'tis long Since such a head of game as this youth is Has run into our snares ! Just think of it ! He comes with ten Arabian steeds as rich In gear as is our Lady of Malplaquet, More handsome than ithe Master's own dear Tartar. He has ten followers with him ; strike me dead ! Why on the chapel altar the St. John Is but an errand-boy compared with them ; So fine they are ! Himself, a student lad Of milk and blood complexion, so figged out. So hung with chains and bells, that by their tinkle He'd dance you on Shrove Tuesday the Chaconne Without a fiddle. I Chaplain. Your preface end, and come To facts. 11 24 the templars in ctprtjs. [-^^ct i. Chaelot. The fact's just this ; — he has money which Will soon, please Grod, melt in sweet Cyprus wine !For us, for he has withal the frankest heart Of Brotherhood ; this morning, quite unasked, He bade them slip a flask into my wallet. Gottfried. He comes to join the Order ? ChA-ELOT. Naturally ! He bared his heart to me, for we were both Quite fresh and not fatigued, and we caroused Into the night's small hours, and drank the healths Of our brave brothers and our sisters fair. Then in frank confidence he told me all. His father, who from earliest youth had been The Master's fellow-soldier, sends him now His son to make a Templar, and he pays More money for his woollen Cross than cost^ A hundred gold ones. Chaplain. Knows the youth, in sooth, His alphabet ? Charlot. Priend Chaplain, there's a lad Who'n ask you posers. In one hour at Eheims He argued with ten Doctors, and he laid About him with such vigour, that like flies His victims fell. Chaplain. That we may understand No doubt, in sense of metaphor. Chaklot. Ay, 'twas To their skins metaphorical he gave SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 25 So dire a drubbing ! Ho-w be carried on With ladies, too, at the Burgundian court ! True, tbis be did not say, but then be gives Tou all to understand. — ^A pretty lad. Bedizened like a Sultan, young and rich, And lively, irresistible ! Watch well Your Elsie, good friend Chaplain ! for be sure He'll track her out, more quickly e'en than I. Chaplain. Peace ! miscreant ! peace. This Judith slander not ! Chaelot. Who holds her Holofemes' ponderous head Lapped in her apron ! — Come, let all be well ! Wash down your wrath in Cyprus wine with me ! Now must I to the Master bring report •Of the Tunisian pirate. Chaplain. No, it shall Not all be well ! I excommunicate Tou, trebly, miscreant ! Chaelot. Trebly, in return, We'll crown you, Elsie and Poitou and I. Chaplain. I put you under ban ! Chaelot. But ban me not From Elsie's paradise, is all I ask. GOTTPEIED. Hush, Sirs ! Behold what yonder, tottering, comes ! Chaelot. Oh sorrow ! — Here's the old head-shaker come ! \_Gommander Huso, supported hy a crutch, conies out of the Church. 26 the templaes in ctpetjs. [act i. Commander. Why stand you there and gape like prattling women ? What ? Have yon. nought to do ? GOTTPEIED. We met by chance, Just here, and one word led up to another. COMMANDEE. Ay ! there's no lack of words, that I know well. But as for deeds ! Grod mend it ! — GOTTrEIED. Any way There's Robert who does nothing. Even now He strolls the forest careless with his hound. There came — Chaelot (quichly and aside to him). Hush, pray ! Who'd be a tale-bearer ? COMMANDEE. Whst hast to do with Robert ? Hast thou won Like him three Horse -tails ? ' Hast thou put to flight rive hundred Turks with fifty men, like him ? Yet he is too, a giddy-pate, God mend it ! On whom one must not leave the bridle loose. GOTTFEIED. What's more, — to-day's his turn at Chapter watch. COMMANDEE. And goes to hunt, the scape-grace ! Well, God mend it. He knows the service ; he will soon come iDack. Chaelot. Most Valorous ! CoMMANDEE. Well ! — What sort of loom-product ^ Tiirkisli standards or ensigns. — Trans. SC. I.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. 27 Have you got here of red and yellow silk Upon yonr breast-cloth ? ^ Charlot. 'Tis tte latest mode At Court. Commander. God ! — Master Hugo ! — These are they, Whom thou didst band together to protect Poor Christendom, and guard the Holy Land ! Behold this rabble, see how bare they are Of honour and of discipline ! To-day, Is Chapter held, and one sets off to hunt. One pranks himself with parti-hued Court bows, Another goes to Church to gaze upon, Instead of our Lord God, young wives and girls. Alas ! what proper knightly virtues these ! Here's Poverty, Obedience, Chastity, Which you have all upon the Evangel sworn ! While sword- blades rust, the scabbards brightly gleam ; The Turk's proud crescent laughs to scorn the Cross ; Because 'tis only on the jerkins borne Of such poor trifling creatures. Action's now A dwarf, the tongue'sa giant — Ancient Hugo, Sleep ! — Soon I follow thee ! 1 " What say our statutes, and how do our brethren observe them ? They should wear no vain or wordly ornament, no crest upon their helmet, no gold upon stirrup or bridle-bit ; yet who now go pranked out so proudly and so gaily, as the poor soldiers of the Temple ? " — Ivanhoe, vol. iii., fih. V. — Trans. ° " Well thou knowest we were forbidden to receive those devout women, who at the beginning were associated as sisters of our Order, because, saith the forty-sixth chapter, the Ancient Enemy hath, by female society, withdrawn many from the right path to Paradise. Nay, in the last capital, being, as it were, the cope-stone which our blessed founder placed on the pure and undefiled doctrine wliich he had enjoined, we are prohibited from offering even to our sisters and onr mothers the kiss of affection — ut omnmm mulierum fugiantur oscula. I shame to speak — I shame to think of the corruptions which have rushed in upon us even like a flood. The souls of our pure founders, the spirits of Hugo de Payens and Godfrey de Saint Omer, and of the blessed Seven who first joined in dedicating their lives to the service of the Temple, are dis- turbed even in the enjoyment of Paradise itself." — Ivanhoe, vol iii., eh. v. — Trans, 28 the templars in cyprus. [act i. Chaplain. Ah, true indeed ! Sore is tlie need of Christendom ! Commander. And you Stand here and gape ! Chaplain {offended). Most Valorous — Commander. By your leave ! You too, Sir Cyprian, are not to my mind ! Tou are, I know, a learned man, for you Can read and can engross ; natheless that you, An old Church-minister, should loiter here With these young jackanapes, and gobble like A turkey-cock, is scandal ! Turn you to Your breviary — and if you'd be so good, Pray one or two oremus for myself. Chaplain (Aside). I'd rather far say masses for your soul. Old croaking jay ! — [_Snealcs off witTi a malicious leer. Commander (to Gottpeied, pointing to the soldiers) Why stand these staring here ? Forth with them to the Place of Arms ! Thou'lt find A levy of new troopers just arrived, Go practise them in thrusting with the lance ; There's work cut out for thee till Chapter time. And lo ! the horses too, not yet turned out ! The men not called to account ! They're Templars just Like thee ! — Now go ! [Bxit Gottfried. Commander (to Charlot). And thou, my youngster, tell What news thou bring'st us of the privateer ? Charlot. The Under-Marshal sends you word, the Turk Has anchored fifty paces from the bastion — SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 29 COMMANDEE. God mend it ! — And the Marshal calmly sits, God mend it ! — on the Bastion and looks on ! A Templar Knight ! — How many Turks are they ? Chaelot. Two hundred men, six Captains and a Colonel. COMMANDEE. The barest handful ! Has the Under-Marshal Essayed a brush with them ? Chaelot. He sends to beg The Master and your Lordship, will despatch In succour fifty men. COMMANDEE. The man's possessed ! Yet fifty men ! when on the Bastion stand Already fifty ! That should be enough '■ Por thrice two hundred Turks ! God mend it, but That man's the merest milksop ! Pray, how much Munition has he still ? Chaelot. That I know not. COMMANDEE. Here's a fine messenger ! Let be ! Let be ! I'll ask the old soldier who rode out with you, For his old eyes have better sight than thine. Thou'st been to tell the Master ? Chaelot. I was just — Commandee. Not with the Master yet ? And here he stands, ' "It used to be said of them: ' Un Templier poursuit mille Sarrasins, deux mille, dix mille ! " — Hist, de St, Louis, by the Marquis de Villeneme. — Trans. 30 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [ACT I. God mend it, gossipping the last half-hour ! Not yet been to the Master ? Does he know The service, the obedience, or the rules ? March ! — forth ! Six minutes, and I come myself. [Chablot hastens away. Commander. These are the Temple's guardians ! Ah, poor Molay ! Thou, thou remainest only ! Tet with such As these thou need'st must fall, and I ! O, take Me, Hugo ! soon to thine eternal rest ! \_Exif. SCENE II. A natural garden set with many floivers and sJiruhs ; Behind, a trellis adjoining a court-yard, and at th^ side, 'part of the Temple-court, with Farm-huildings. Philip {busy gardening, sings). Ere the early sun has left his bed, (While yet from the steaming sea AboTe and below floats the morning-red. Nor with gleaming spear strides he ;) Hither and thither the blithe birds go. Singing above and singing beloVv ' A song, a jubilant song. Little birds, why are ye always so gay, As ye welcome the sun's warm fostering ray ? We rejoice that we live, and exist through the hours, Kejoice that such blithesome companionship's ours. Our fashion is good, So gaily to flit through the wood ; While fann'd by sweet breezy dawn's quickening powers. The sun too is merry of mood. Little birds, why sit ye silent and pressed To the eaves in your mossy nest ? We sit, for we feel not the warmth of the sun ; Night has buried his beams in the waves, every one j SC. II.] THE TBMPLAES IN CTPBUS. 31 Bnt through the night The moonray bxight, Beflection fair of the glad sunlight, Faithfully shines through our dark, that we May abide in a calm felicity. Oh Youth, oh, cool, sweet morning-tide. When we with hearts expanding wide, Alert and awake in the spirit are, Exulting in life's fresh pride, ' Thou bast flown afar, afar. We old men sit close, on our nest ! . Only the lovely after-glow Of youth's morning pride, " By the roseate dawn-flush glorified. Our old age forsakes not that by it is blest ; — 'Tis the calm of contentment thftught-sanctified. \_Leaves off singing. The song goes tingling through my aged nerves Like hot-spiced wine. Delicious days of youth, 0, -were ye endless ! — But, who's this comes here, So richly, so fantastically clad ? Perhaps a novice of the Order ! Then I'll in my usual fashion, test his worth. \_Goes on busily digging. (JEnter Feank of Poitou, dressed richly and rather fancifully as a dandy of the fourteenth century, hut not outre. He ivears peaked shoes, doublet and mantle bordered with bells.) Fkank. Friend, cg;n I with the chief of Templar Knights, Grand-Master Bernard Molay, speak ? Philip (without interrupting his worW) . Perhaps. Feank. Then say where I can find him. Philip. Tou can find 32 THE TIMPLAES IN CYPETJS. [ACT I. The way to him more easily by far, Than, when once found, you can go back from him. Fkank. Tou speak in riddles. Philip. • You're a walking riddle ! For by your pointed shoes with bells, forsooth ! And by your jingling doublet, who could tell If you a sexton or a court-fool were ! Frank. You are a jester ! — Show me to the Master. Philip. Look straight before you — past the Crucifix — Along the wall — there through the trellis-door A pigeon-house — ^you leave it on the left. Now comes a brook — is't not so ? A grey man Is standing by it with a stable-bucket — !N"ow he draws water- — that's the Master Molay ! Feank. That small thin man, who wears a trooper's jacket, And like a groom a bucket holds ? You jest ! Philip. You mannikin, the man whom you call small Is such a man that spite his sixty years A dozen such light, child-men he could bear To our dear Lady of the Mount, pick-back. As lightly as he now fate's mill-stone bears. Feank. Yet say why the Grand Master of the Order Does servant's work ? Philip. Nay, rather tell me why You plant the cabbage by another hand. SC. U.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPETJS. 33 Which yet you will with your own mouth consume ? Teank:. Scarce know I, 'sooth, which I should most admire, The Master there in aspect of a clown, The clown with Master's tone and Doctor's sense ! I stand amazed. Philip. Stand not amazed — nor prate, But act ! I also must to work. . Farewell, Sir Wonder-struck ! and have you not enough Of food for wonder, ask the Master. See ! He comes himself ! [^Goes.'] Feank {AloTie). A churlish fellow ! yet I cannot bear him grudge. Now nearer comes The Master ! How my heart beats ! An old man ! Yet so impetuous — something in his look, That well might make me humble, and withal So mightily attracts me. MoLAT (in riding-doublet, a covered stable-buchet in his hand, comes lyo quickly, calling behind the scenes). Philip ! Phnip ! (Becoming aware of Feank as he comes on). Pardon ! My sight deceived by distance, I Mistook you for my gardener. Wiat's your wish ? Feank. Are you indeed th' august Grand- Master Molay ? MOLAT. My name is Molay. Well ? Tour business, friend. Feank. I am the son of Henry of Brienne. MoLAT. The Seneschal of Poitou ? 34 the templaes in ctpeus. [act i.. Teane. Even he. MoLAT {sets down the pail and hastens to Feank with open arms). Ah ! Welcome then a thousand, thousand times, My heart's dear lad of gold ! And tell me now What does thy father ? stumps he bravely yet Upon that wooden leg ? — He goes on crutches. Feank. Yes, but three years. MOLAT. Poor friend ! Lives he still His own old life ? Doth he still polish up The lances ? Gives he drink to the Polak And to his faithful Nimrod ? Feank. He is dead. MoLAT. Then let him pass ! — Doth he still think of me ? Hath he not sent me greeting ? Hath he not ? Forgive ! I'm well-nigh wildered with the joy Of seeing mine old faithful Henry's son ! Feank. These words he sent you. " Brothertood and Gaza." And after them MOLAT. Eight, right ! That was the watchword Of our eternal bond of brotherhood ! Ah, Gaza, Gaza ! Plague on my hot zeal ! — Has he had nought to tell you about Gaza ? Feank. A thousand times he has, and how he lost His leg, in action sorely wounded there. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 35 MOLAT. Ah true ! 'tis true ! — but through whose fault was it ? I'll tell thee all ! Fbank. If you would first permit — Molat. No — now it must be — for m.y heart will feel More light when I've related to the son, In its true colours, all I owe his father. His wooden leg resulted from my rashness, In the last holy war — quite forty years Since then have flown already — we two served, Beardless and bold, two lads of noble birth. Under the brave Count Robert of Artois, Who, too adventurous brother of St. Louis, Left at Mansoura victory and his life.^ I should have gained already the Red Cross ; But it was far above my poor deserts. Thy father, though not many years my senior. Was far beyond me in a wise discretion ; He often warned me ; yet I ever fought Unheeding, in the thickest of the fray. — My spirit burnt within me to set free The Saviour's tomb, or find my own tomb there. At Gaza,^ once surrounded in a melee, And at a distance from my company, A Mameluke in the shoulder wounded me — God ease his soul, he was a valiant blade ! — ■ And stunned I fell to earth. But Henry saw, And like a startled lion hewed his way Through the throng'd Saracens. His black horse fell. He fought on over me, the seeming dead, ^ His body was never found. Fellow-victims of his rashness, fell the Earl of Salisbury and other leaders, and 1,500 Templars, Hospitallers, and I^glish ; and this disaster was followed by the captivity of St. Louis and the surrender of Damietta, which he had taken at the commence- ment of the Crusades, by the aid of the Christian supremacy. — Trans. ' At the battle of Gaza, 312 knights and 324 serving brothers of the Temple are said to have fallen, as well as the Grand-Master Herman de Perigord. — Trans. 36 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT I. On foot. — Exhausted, then on his left knee He sank, but on his right foot planted firm He parried so the Heathen damascenes. That, ere our succour reached us, they had fled — But yet the javelin of a fleeing Turk Struck his right knee-joint ; then his nerveless arm He tightened round my neck convulsively. And in this fast embrace, and scarce alive, They bore us to the camp. I opened first Mine eyes, and, anguished by despair, beheld My friend nigh unto death, who sacrificed Himself for me. I nursed him carefully. And when at last he woke — oh ! more than I Can tell thee was that moment's rapture ! — Then The sacred covenant on the Oriflamme,^ We swore to, and to seal it fast for ever. Together were partakers of the Host Which by the Patriarch's pious hands to us Was with his blessing ^ven ; ! fresh morn Of life, oh, golden dream ! Come you no more ? Oh, come you never back ? — Thou too, young man. Must undergo the noontide's sultry heat. Be like thy Father ! — Say — doth he still love To think upon our fighting days ? Feank. His eye Flashes youth's fire, when o'er the genial glass He speaks of Molay and of Palestine. And many more things tells he me on which Tou purposely keep silent ; how you saved Him from the tiger's fury in the chase And ever gave him booty that you won. How when one day he fell into the sea Near Damietta, you, without a thought For your own safety, plunged in after him. How you the Chan's head clave asunder, who — 1 The consecrated standard of the Cross, which recurs so often in the annals of the Crusaders. SC. II.] TEE TEMPLARS IX CTPKUJ. 37 MOLAT. Ah, let them rest, I pray, these boyish feats ! How kind mj friend is still to think of deeds That by myself hare been so long f oigot ! Yes, faithfnTly, brare sonl, has he fnlfilled The TOW of his yonng, scarce awakened heart ; He was my friend when I not yet could spell The name of friendship. Many siace hare been Comrades to me in war and victorr : But none of these my Henry I — Fbask. Confident In this sworn coTenant of his youth, he bids Me bear to you this letter, with the prayer That if conTenient I may be received Into the noble circle of the Knights, Tonr brothers.^ MOLAT. Ah ! a letter ':' IJet me read Lines traced by that dear hand. Sit down the while. Bat here's no stool — ^then seat thyself npon This corered bucket ! Stay thongh ! my old steed Of battle and the Tartar hare not yet Been watered, oft as they hare suffered thirst With me. Joy has eclipsed my constency, Which should not be. So thou, my dear one, go Down to that white and red house, 'tis the stall. And there on the right hand they stand. Grire drink Freely to both ! My usual morning-walk Tends thither, but to-day my limbs are slack With jay. Do me this kindness I in return I'd give thy horse to drink ! — ^ CaaSarnabJj to Bole I TOW in childhood, 1^ afterward the grown man should fonOy Cdl awaT.~ — Trans. 38 the templaes in ctpeus. [act i. Prank. If you command. MOLAY. And come soon back again. [Feane takes the tucket and goes. Wliat writes to me My old companion in life's ups and downs ? [Be reads. " Jack ! greeting in God's name ! Now here's my son. Not bad, only — more knowing than his father, A lady's man, a Doctor — brief — a fool ! Thou art a Man ! Then make him one, like thee. With or without the Cross. — Thy brother, Henry." — There recognize I thee, frank rugged soul. Rude as thy sword, word-chary yet how strong ! Ah ! these disjointed times mere chatterers breed, Not men like thee. So that's the sort of lad ? — With bell-hung doublet and pathetic tone ! Thou'rt right, mine ancient ! First he must become More simple — he must learn to comprehend His nothingness, ere he be anything. A Templar would he be ? — Ay, trumpery Enough goes with the Red Crdss and to spare ; Yet is he son of Henry, of my friend ! So he must turn to good or to sheer naught. — Lo, here he comes ! — Now naust fond memories No longer sway me. Still, my heart ! I am sorry ; But this while he must only see in me The Master. Frank (coming hack.) Heartily the horses drink. The Tartar has bespattered all my doublet. MOLAT. Ah ! well ! I crave forgiveness in his stead And thank you for your trouble. — Sit down here Upon the ground by me ; my buffskin hose Are well accustomed to it, and yours must learn. [Si'is down on the ground. Frank some- what unwillingly does the same. Now look me in the eyes ! for until now SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEITS. 39 I have not half regarded yon — Ton are A gallant youth. Tour father's eyes — his hair Of gold — Yet he was knit more closely — Tou Some day, if my belief deceives me not, Might rise to something great. Feank. Tour great soul sees Me in the reflex light of its own greatness — MOLAT. Ah ! spare fine phrases, child ! For no delight Take I in greatness. — It is but to clash And struggle for precedence, and usurp. At last, the place that other men desire. Are you yet bearded ? Ha, short stubble only ! Tet, were you with the ladies cock o' the walk ? — Feank. At any rate, the Countess of Provence Has often given me vouchers of her favour. MoLAT. For shame ! Who asked for names ? Have you perchance Already tried your skill in feats of arms ? Fbank. At the Burgundian Court, from whence I come, I've broken many a lance not without fame ; The Duke himself I hoisted from his saddle. MoLAT. Tour lords oft sit not tight ! — Go on. Did you By chance learn there some other things besides ? Frank. The seven free arts and sciences at Rheims I studied in the high school ; and although Nine times I there disputed. Fortune stood My friend in these encounters also. 40 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPRUS. [ACT I. MoLAT, (^S]pringmg up mvpatienthj, whereupon FeANK also rises.) Peace, For heaven's sake, peace ! For what could such a man Learn more in all the world, what wish to learn, When he knows everything ? Say, my young friend. What would you with our Order ? Tou have been By ladies much and highly favoured ; here Awaits you a cold vow of chastity. Tou were a hero in the glittering toumee ; Here you will find no playful tilting-match, — Tou wear a jingling doublet, tinkling shoes ; My old buffskin's my holiday attire. The sharpness of your wit brought Doctors down ; We only deal death-blows to Saracens. Tou are a master of all liberal arts ; And here the chief thing to be learnt is manhood ! Good sooth ! go back to Rheims and to the Duke. What would you here 'mid poor unlearned Templars ? — Feank. Tou make me blush with shame. MOLAT. That's something ! Feane. Tou- Forgive me — but you quite depress my spirit, Molat. If there's right stuff in it 'twill rise again ! But seriously ! — What seek you in the Order ? Feank. Long since I've known that here were linked together The flower of men in innocence' defence And for protection of the Holy Land And to safeguard the Right. SC. II.] THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. 41 MOLAT. So may, please God, All valiant knights, e'en those without the Cross ! Frank. They are tmited in the practice of Virtue, obedience and self-abnegation. ** MOLAT. So could not you do, in your modish doublet ? JPrank. As you so closely press me, have I leave To speak to you quite unreservedly ? MOLAY. 'Tis my desire. Frank. I am ceaselessly consumed By thirst of knowledge. In the schools I learnt High-sounding words, and, chain- wise linked together. Conclusion on conclusion ; but the truth Hid in the kernel of those words, my search Eluded ever — and still I vainly seek To find the basis of the Infinite, To gaze untrammelled on the naked Truth, And contemplate her unveil'd countenance. MoLAY (not ironical, hut with suppressed emotion) . 'Twill come to pass ! — Now let me hear the rest ! Frank. Oft have I heard your sapient Masters hold That thing for which so ardently I strove. And times unnumbered sought, but never found But keep it hidden closely from the world. That so the world bum not its fingers. MoLAY. "What Might that thing be ? 11 42 the templaes in cyprus. [act i. Frank. The true Philosopher's stone, The key that opes the Future's iron door, And all the hidden caverns of the Past And Nature's most occult laboratory. With revelation of her inner life. MoLAT (lost in thought over Frank's last words, after a little pause, with emotion, aside, as he loohs upon Frank) . Poor child ! For thee too has the Siren sung ? But, hold l—(Aloud) You're seriously disordered, friend — Such heated nervous ferment must, I know, From manifold convulsions suffer, till The hardening process gives it power to stand Against life's frost, wherein no nature thrives Except it he of cold and fungus kind. Tet only surface- deep your ailment lies, Thank God : — and, first of all, its remedy In exercise and movement must be sought. See you that man down yonder, standing by The cabbage beds ? Frank. I see him, yes. He is MOLAT. Philip, mine ancient gardener. Frank. Even now I spoke with him. A sharp old fellow, though He's somewhat rough, and not of the best manners. MOLAT. Polish his rudeness with your courtesy. Whose mirror will thereby the brighter shine. — See, how he toils, — how busily he digs Assiduous to complete his daily task ! — SC. II.] THE TEMPLARS !>' CTPEITS. 43 Poor fellow ! and there lacks him company. — Go you and help him ; few beds yet remain. To-day, to-morrow, next day, aU is finished. Feakk. Excuse me, if, with all submission, I Eemind you of my station — ^I, the son Of Poitou's Seneschal — Peer of the realm ! — MOLAT. "We're all of us the sons of various fathers, "We've all been fain to sow before we reaped. The Seneschal's father was a Marshal ; his "Was Equerry, his, Ealconer, and so on. Back to the groom who currycombs the nags. And on to the primeval Adam who, Himself a labourer, needs must earn his bread With sweat of brow. Then conversely perchance May Philip's grandson wear a Cross of gold, "Whose grandson, in his turn, may rule as King O'er land ajid people, and for froUc hunt Some shepherd's dieep, himself once from a Peer Of France descended. — So I pray thee, go And help poor Philip ! Frank. I am stiU full tired. MOLAT. Stay not for that ; your food will taste the better. Frank. But in this knightly garb ! MOLAT. Oh, throw it ofE ! I must attend the Chapter — "We shall meet, At latest, at the midday meal. 44 the templaes in ctpeus. [act i. sc. ii. Feank. And my Eeception ? MOLAT. Learn to do and bear, the rest Will work its own accomplishment. [Exit. Feank. ■ Is that The foremost step to Wisdom, or the last ? — Alas ! my head's already in a whirl. [Exit thoughtfully. ACT II. SCENE I. Sea-shore, with a small Hermitage. In the background the Sea. EuDQi (Alone). THE stars move subject to their laws eternal ; Harmonious all creation works, obeying, By joys or terror ruled, one will supernal. So also me shall one sole aim be swaying. To whicb I woke through birth of blood and night ; Death's darkening shroud the bloody Cross must cover, One day to wake to new existence bright. Which now the silent Yalley broodeth over ! — {Galling into the hut.) Astralis ! — AsTEALis (coming out of the hut). Sir!— EUDO. The bread !— [When she has given Mm the loheaten loaf which she received in the court of the Temple, and he has hroleen it into two halves. ' Eudo, an emissary from the mysterious Order called " Sons of the Valley," is sent to prepare Molay for the fall of the Order. The " Sons of the "Valley" had determined on their destruction because they I'evealed too much of the true light with which they had been entrusted, and sought openly to free mankind and defy princes, without the sanction of the " Valley."— rmw. 46 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCI II. Take thou thy half, And ia thy dearest, love thou wholly God ! — [Se gives to Astealis her half, which she eats gladly ; as he brings the other half to his mouth, it becomes liquefied, and some of it dropping on his raiment, cleanses some spots that are on it. After he has consumed the remainder, he lies down and sleeps, for as long as is convenient to the economy of the piece. Whilst he sleeps, Astealis busies herself in various ways, plants flower-shoots, and when these have grown up ' she talks to them in their language, and spri/nMes the floivers with the waves that come lapping around her, picks them, crowns with them the figure of Isis — or Mary — that is within the hut, and so forth : then EuDO awakes. Hast offered sacrifice ? Hast prayed ? EUDO. Astealis. Prepared it only. EuDO. Astealis. Yes !— Ardently for Robert ! ' EuDO. Sweet The prayer ! 'Tis the last time he comes to thee ' The above phenomena would, no doubt, be intelligible to the Theo- sophists. The "Valley" claims to be in possession of absolute truth and of miraculous powers. — Trans. ' ' To Astralis, a deputy of the " Valley," was given the task of pre- paring Robert for the fall of the Order, and the establishment of a new Order, to be founded by him in Scotland. — Trans. SC. I.J THE TBMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 47 In gladness — Anguisli waits on Mm, till ye Shall in the Valley's peace united be ! ASTEALIS. Alas ! must death so soon engulph him ? EUDO. Nay! He must he purified to form anew, With thee, a country for the Beauteous One ! Come, Sister, tender me the kiss of peace ! [After she has hissed the drops which had fallen on his raiment from the oblation of bread. Now — list ! — ASTEALIS. So glad I feel, yet fearful ! e'en As heretofore when that first time, a child High Isis' grot I entered. EuDO. Time conceives In fear and trembling, now, that which at last It shall bring forth with joy. How oft hast thou Beheld the Acacia's bloom since thou remember'st ? ASTKALIS. Ten times at least. EuBO. Fall fourteen times it has Attained perfection, withered, and decayed. Since Isis newly formed thy spirit, and this Soft tender covering lent it. Who revealed To thee the Eternal Mother's presence ? ASTEALIS. EuDO. Who let thee see the elemental war. And how one breath of love can still it ? Thou! v^ 48 . THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT II. ASTEALIS. Thou! BUDO. And him the all beauteous youth, our Master who Rides on star-crowned, upon the beam of morn, And flies the red-blood banner of the Cross, Who showed him to thee ? ASTEALIS. Thou ! — and thou hast shown My Brethren to me, in the Valley calm "Where lion roars not, and tears never flow. EUDO. Then must thou cheerfully their work fulfil. Six days ago in Carmel's vale I sought thee, Where Sharon's roses pour their perfume still. And here where earthly storms still rage I brought thee That now this youth thy heart should fire and fill With love with which, foredoomed, thy fate has fraught thee. Thou lov'st, he yearns to thee, but torn asunder. His course must be where life's wild surges thunder. ASTEALIS. O Brother, mercy ! EUDO. Stay me not, but hear ! — The Templar league should wrestle self -forgetting. But wantons idly, and unmasks the light ; Eor this its death-knell sounds, its sun is setting. Who fails in force of will and vigorous might, Him fate's dark storm whirls on, no hindrance letting ; The Templar league must pass away in sorrow, And even Molay find through death new morrow. AsTEALIS. Even Molay ? — EuDO. To prepare for this the Master, SC. I.] THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. 49 The Valley's brethren sent me to this land ; Thou must inspire, drive on bold Robert, — faster And faster round him wind love's silken band ; Seize from the times' uprooting and disaster The Master's staff for his beloved hand. This task is thine, thus hath the Valley spoken. — ■ He comes, — be strong, thy vow must not be broken. [Ilxit. ASTEALIS {alone). ISIS, great Mother, high-favoured of God, Thou that bathest all being in radiance divine, The Pitiful, Thou, the Eternal, Approaching as Virgin to sin-stricken man. That glorified, strengthen'd by infinite might, The Master, the Saviour hast borne ! Oh, HORUS, my Master, If ever thou'st flamed on me from the red day-dawn, If, oh ISIS, thou'st beamed on me from the tide's mirror. Give strength to me, feeble, for this mighty work ! — Enough to do for him, who mine is, Accepting me through him, who mine is, To exult with him, in Him who all is, — By beauty subduing the strong son of power ! [Robert Mid six soldiers ooTne up. Robert {to Astealis). Well met, fait anchorite maiden ! {To the soldiers.') Ye'U haste up yonder rising, And should ye see the Turks appear, signal for mine apprising. [The soldiers go. Astealis. Thou'st respite got from fighting. I'll let thine hair go free. \_She takes his helmet off. Robert. What art thou, wondrous Being ? Astealis. A fire-altar for thee ! E 50 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT II. ROBEET. Oh, ever since these seven mornings past when first I found thee, A spell of sweetest sorrow from thy beaming eyes hath bound me ; The breath of life that vibrates from the welkin and the wold I draw but from thy lips, yet thou remain'st austere aud cold! ASTEALIS. See'st thou yon goodly palm-blossoms, so tenderly inter- lacing ? Pain would they mingle their perfume and tints in a fervent embracing, Yet separate and cold, Each its station must hold ! They may not enjoy, they are only for blooming and gracing ! Robert. Ha — ■ [_Suddenly suiik in thought. ASXEALIS. I was nigh forgetting ! [Bringing wine and fruits frovi the hut, and setting them hefore him. See dates and cool palm-wine ! ROBEET. To bloom — but not enjoy ! AsTRALis (childlike). Ah, thou must not repine ! ROBEET. And should I then think shame because this fire is in me burning ? AsTEAtils (putting her arms roxmd him). Gives not new splendour to the sky the roseate dawn's returning ? so. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 51 Pare shines the Virgiu Mother, yet she lavishes her light ! Robert. Art thou a Christian maiden ? ASTRALIS {emphatically') . Art thou a Templar Knight ? Robert. (Freeing himself with violence from her encircling arins.) Ha ! thou awak'st me from slumber, I'll loyally stand to my vow, I'll flee thee. Enchantress ! — ASTBALIS. Thou'lt flee ? — Into Nature's kind bosom wilt thou ? The Soldiers (hurriedly running in). The Turks, knight !— Robert. Then follow, exultant, me into the thick of the fight ! [Surries off with the soldiers. AsTEALls (Hastening after him with outstretched arras). Stay, Robert !— EUDO. (Coming out of the hut, stern and commanding.) Astralis ! AsTRALis (suddenly pausing). Him draws, as it draws me, omnipotent Might, Into blood, into night ! \_Goes slowly into the hut. EuDO (Alone, with folded hands). So the lover retireth, but — Love Waits the Light. [Exit, on the same side as Robert. 62 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT 11. SCENE II. Temple Garden. Philip (occupied throughout the scene with garden-work). Feank (in his previous costume, hut without mantle, working also). Philip. Now, how do you like the work, young gentleman ? Peank. Right well — Tet see I not with what design I have been set to do a servant's work. Philip. Design ? — Why, look on these poor beans ! They hang Their heads as droopingly as though they strove With throes maternal. — Loiter not, give water, So drink they breath of life. — This water-melon Is almost stifled in its leafy shroud. I give it air — and see ! as though it thanked. It looks at me, confiding, from its leaves — Feank (sviilwig). It looks at you ? Philip. Its Master am I not ? — [^Keeps on working, now here, now there. The flaunting Ivy ! — round the Vine-stock twined So unabashed, its dark shade smothers up The vir.e's best sap ! — I bend it. Feank. Somewhat rudely ! sc. ii. j the templaes in cyprus. 53 Philip. Ah well ! its leaves so glossy and so green Indemnify me not for sweet ripe grapes. Back, proud intruder ! Thou, behind, may'st serve To some good use, but my deUoious fruits Thou must not curtain, overweening one ! Pride take I also in my lowlier crop Of roots, — my Endive, Sage, and Watercress ! Not brilliant they, but gracious gifts of God ; They heal and freshen our disordered blood. Here it's too crowded. 'Tis the mass of Tulips ; They vaunt themselves as though the whole parterre Were kept for them alone ! — Out, out, vain things ! l_Weeds them out. Frank. 0, pity for the splendid Tulips ! Philip. What? Because they blow so beautifully, should My pious, poor herb-folk lie perishing ? Out with the trash ! Why were ye not discreet Enough to leave a little ground for others ? Te give up nothing, therefore ye lose all. \_Going to another part of the garden. How now, thou sapless Cedar ! stand'st thou yet ? I thought thou must have withered long ago. Drained as thou art of vital power and sap. Eeank. Gardener ! you'll be considerate, you'll not fell This most majestic tree ? Philip. Yes, he must go. To-morrow, hence- — This perishing intruder Has lost himself amid the stir of life. And robs the soil of its best juices. 64 the templabs in cyprus. [act ii. Frank. 'Tis So old a tree ! Philip. The rather, that it is ! An ancient evil must with all dispatch Be abrogated — See, 'tis dead below, And thinks, poor fool, that it shall live for ever, With the whole garden for its sole domain. Frank. Tet, grubbing up its roots yon must destroy The Larkspur too, the Chickweed, and the Mushroom, And golden Wall-flower so rich of hue ! Philip. Ah, that's but painted dust ! — Quite long enough Has all that rubbish from the thirsting Rose Absorbed our Lord God's dew ! — Te noxious weeds ! The dew befits the Rose ! — Away with you ! \^Roots out all the weeds. Frank. Be not too hot ! Philip. Nay ! better hot than lukewarm ! Frank. Saintfoin you cultivate, and Clover too ? Philip. A German gardener brought it here ; 'tis good For fodder, so long-suffering too, it lets Itself be five times mown without complaint. And greatly prides itself if a sixth time It brings to market its last remnant small Of vigour, just that my old ass may eat. — 'Tis verily an excellent good crop ! But has one serious fault ; it sucks its plot SC. II.J THE TEMPLAKS IN CYPRUS. 55 So cleau, that not one particle of strength The soil retains — in three or four years grows Not e'en the smallest Violet on such ground, Far less a Vine or Rose. 'Tis useful now, So it must stand ; though gladly would I have Some little space for Pinks and Mignonette. For — is't not so, young Lord ? — when you have filled Tour belly, eye and nose assert themselves. And each demands its own especial share. Aye, oft indeed I think, if our Lord Grod Should take our stomachs, and should only leave Our nose for scent, and our small pair of eyes, That so we only lived by Sight and Smell, We should be much less gross — much more alert. Now many a man has got no nose at all ; That's the worse part of it ! — You wipe your brow, Your doublet you unloose. — Are you so warm From such a little digging ? (Aside.) Doth it work ? Fbank (Aside). No, this I cannot stand, he drives me wild. (Aloud.) Hark thee, old man, say truly, who art thou ? A peasant ? Nay, most surely not ! A Sage ? Perhaps my Genius, whose behest it is To loose my shackles. Philip. You are weary. Rest Beneath this palm-tree's shade. Perhaps its leaves Will tell you something, as at times they do. It sounds more pleasant so than when another Accosts you with such wares. Frank. But who are you ? Philip. I ? I'm a man. — And you ? — Ah, yes ! — the son 0' the Seneschal of Poitou ! I (Frank goes away — Philip looks after him.) This youth will mend, 66 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT n. But hardly has the makings of a man, A hero of humanity ! — Alas ! Pate's hand alone can shape ns into that ; But mostly grips ns with such iron grasp, That we lie shattered ere she has moulded ns — My Adalbert ! — (Be stands deep in thought). MoLAT (comes up. He is in complete vestments'). So sad, beloved Anjou ? Philip. Let me not hear again that tragic name ! Oom'st thou from Chapter ? MOLAT. Even now. Thou art Oh, first. Philip. In strong excitement. What has passed ? MOLAT. Let me inhale God's air ! Philip. My friend ! MoLAT. Thou know'st The long suppressed hostility with whicTi Philip of Prance eyes evilly our Order. Only too gladly, lay it in his power. He'd plunder us, and our possessions add To those extorted, which nefariously He grinds out from his burghers' bloody sweat. Philip. I know him well, the kingly usurer ! SC. II. J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEIFS. 57 MOLAT. The crafty' Bernard Got, his bosom friend, With whom he chaffered the Tiara for Such paltry pay, is firmly leagued with him ; Our treasure, it may be, the ransom is He promises to pay for Peter's keys. Philip. Tis very like him, priestly hypocrite ! MOLAT. The Pope is at Poictiers, and even now, So sends us word my friend the Cardinal Praneste, there's a letter on its way, "Whereby the Master of the Hospital And I are thither summoned with intent. To organize, they say, a new Crusade. The packet-boat of yesterday brought me Praneste's letter, and the Brief may come Perhaps to-morrow with the frigate. — You Perceive the insidious snare ! Philip. Aye, from the cowl The devil's face looks out full evident ! This was the motive then that caused to-day's Assembling of the Chapter ? ^ MOLAY. This it was ; For there was urged to-day the weighty question, '. Bertrand du Got, a Gascon, Bishop of Comminges, Archbishop of Bordeaux, and Pope Clement V., who was the first Pope at Avignon, the Papacy having been transplanted thither under the auspices of Philippe le Bel. The chronicler Jean Villain said that the King and future Pope met privately in an Abbey in the depths of a wood near St. Jean-d'Angely, and then sold and bought the Papacy in a contract of six articles, sworn to on the Host. One of these articles involved the destruction of the Templars. Of the ten Cardinals created at his conse- cration nine were Frenchmen, a proof how he was the Fi-ench King's creature. — Trans. ^ Grand-Master Qoq.) : " It is not defect of power in us which hath occasioned the assembling of the congregation ; for, however unworthy in our person, yet to us is committed, with this baton, full power to judge and try all that regards the weal of this our Holy Order. Holy 68 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPKUS. [aCT II. Should we, as cited by the Holy Father, Compliantly betake us to Poictiers, And there, before St. Peter's huckster'd chair. Ourselves unarmed, surrender to the toils By Philip cunningly prepared for us ; Or should we, at this crisis, publicly, Anathemas defying, and the banner Borne by the people's tyrant, — drop the mask. And storm by their own soldiers' venal hands The stronghold we have long since undermined In secret, seeing it militates against The pious pilgrim-folk, in whose defence We're Templar Knights. Philip. Deep problem ! Raged thei'e storm ? MOLAT. Aye ! So that in the whole long period I Have served the Order, never have I seen The like. Philip. Thy verdict was — MOLAT. For resolute, Unflinching manhood in the cause of right, For the plain duty of the present hour, For open war with clergy and with crown. Philip. And was — St. Bernard, in the rule of our knightly and religious profession, hath said in the fifty-ninth capital that he would not that brethren be called together in council, save at the will and command of the Master, leaving it free to us, as to those more worthy fathers who have preceded us in this our office, to judge, as well of the occasion as of the time and place in which a Chapter of the whole Order, or of any part thereof, may be convoked. Also, in all such Chapters, it is our duty to hear the advice of our brethren, and to proceed according to our own plea- sure," — Ivanhoe, vol. viii., ch. vii. — Trans. SC. II.J THE TEMPLAKS IN CTPEUS. MOLAT. Outvoted ! — Philip {embracing Mm). Rest on thy friend's heart ! MOLAT. Brother, thou tnow'st if I mean loyally, — How ■warmly for my brethren's welfare beats My heart, wear they the Cross or wear it not, — Too warmly beats ! Philip. Alas ! yes ! — Let it beat ! — MOLAT. Thou know'st in how degenerate a case I found the Order, from those rabble dregs How much I have created, how much more I fain would yet create ! Philip. And it shall be Created ! MOLAT. No — 'twill not be ! Nevermore ! From such a lifeless mass the Phoenix pure Will never rise ! — That they should misconceive. That they should scorn me, that they should ignore, — Nor even deign to dream of, — all that I (Bear with my storm-tossed heart !) as sacrifice Have freely ofEered in our holy cause, — God is my witness, that I can endure ! But that they now, in the full light of day. Blindfold their eyes, and cannot, wiU not, see The one thing needful to humanity For whose defence they're consecrated ; this Torments me with a thousand martyrdoms. Philip. Thou livest still — thou art a young man stUl ! 60 THE TEMPtAKS IN CTPEUS. [ACT II. MOLAT. In contact with their icy callousness My warm life freezes. Philip ! Friend ! — I feel Now, after sixty long years' faithful fight, That I have lived in vain ! Philip. Despair not yet ! — The king's sword has not power to overthrow Your sovereign league ! MOLAY. Ah ! not the king I fear ; Not through the king the Order falls, but through Itself, and strangled by its sons. To shield Their own most precious selves from chilling blasts. They sacrifice the welfare of mankind. Oh, bitter, bitter ! — Must my Henry's arm Have rescued me to live for times like these ! Philip. Surely the Grand Commander, he was staunch To stand by thee ? MoLAT. "Well, yes, he was ; but yet Thou know'st thyself how much the ancient forms lu which his spirit has been welded, now These eighty years, have weight with the old man. How break through these himself, so suddenly ? — In truth, his better spirit has been long Enlarged, but prejudice constrains his wUl. Should the whole Order, Christendom itself, In ruin fall, he'd lay his life down ; yet The nobleman, the vassal of the Crown, He cannot sacrifice. His reason shows How void is the hereditary claim. But though he sees, his shuddering will recoils. Philip. And Norfolk,^ Armagnac and Villa Franca ? ' Werner thinks only of the history of the Order, and his characters are for the most part typical rather than historical. There could have been no Earl of Norfolk present at the Chapter, because Roger Bigod, so. II.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. 61 MOLAT. Thou know'st that haughty man, who more esteems The golden dragon than the Stigmata. — His verdict is, we should of England crave Forgiveness that so many a time we stood Across the path of lion-hearted Richard, And were so backward his football to be. — This done, she possibly might condescend To pity our distress. Philip. And Armagnac ? MOLAT. Expects some speedy miracle will save The Church from losing her defenders. Philip. Aye ! Such is their way. Heaven must bestir itself In lieu of them ; and they'll look on. — ^The Roman Gebbo, was he, too, mindful of the soil That bred him ? MoLAT. Quite ! — To Poictiers he would go Himself, and ask the Pope for Peter's sword : " Then " cried he, " not our direst enemy Could harm us." Philip. Rome, are these thy sons ! O Brutus ! Cassius ! — and the others ! MoLAT, Most of them fifth earl, and last earl bearing that name, was twice married, and could not have been a Knight Templar. He surrendered his earldom and estates to Edward I. for a pension in 1302, with the proviso that they would be returned to him should an heir yet be born to him. He died childless in 1307, and his brother John inherited neither title nor estates. Thomas Plantagenet, son of Edward I. by Margaret of France, was created Earl of Norfolk in 1312, with possession of all Eoger Bigod's titles and estates. — Trans, 62 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCT II. Are but loud-throated echoes ; they believe No brand consumes the building's lower floor, Although the roof be smoking. But the few, Who see the flame, examine only how Each, circumspect, may snatch his own small cell Forth from the burning ! — Then the rest may crash Together, if so be God's will — Aye many Whose boast is foresight, would not shrink to see Substructure, dwelling-house, to ruins fall If yet the gothic tower, with foliaged scrolls And shining pinnacles could hang intact. Suspended in the air ! — Philip. Was no one, then A man ? MOLAY. yes ! — twelve recently received Would fain equip this very night the sloop. And with a hundred soldiers sail to Rome, London, Madrid, where not ? There help demand Trom Princes, and, dare any of them refuse it, Slay him forthwith. They dreamt they felt themselves Appointed the sole saviours of our league. Philip. Fools, fools ! — for how can boldness profit us. With immaturity ? Some night-sortie Is planned with care, and straight with trumpet-call They wake the enemy that he may see The moon reflected from their shining helms. Then whilst, scarce wak'd, he arms him for defence. They, prudent, wheel their steeds about for fear Their saddles might be sprinkled with some blood. gag your mouths, and task, instead, your hearts And arms, ye rabble rout of parrots ! — Friend ! Your great full heart has lost indeed its way Amid these desolate steppes ! MOLAT. Such is my fate ! — SC. II.J THE TIMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 63 'Tis for posterity to judge of me, The Order has condemned itself to death ; 'Twas my desire to save it, failing that. My duty calls on me to share its grave. Philip. What dost thou purpose then ? MOLAY. With spirit pure And manly heart, to follow my star's lead. — A second letter from the Cardinal I look for, with the frigate that should bring The Brief. Should Philip show himself, declared, The antagonist of the Order, then will I To-morrow start for Paris ; — fearlessly Approach his throne-steps, and such truths proclaim As many a long day since he has not heard From his smooth sycophants. Then to the Pope At Poictiers go, and all the subtle web Of treacherous artifice unfold to him. Avails that not, I'll whisper in his ear How shameful were the means by which from France He bargained the tiara. There's no means So apt to overcome malignity As showing that its secret game is known. Philip. Keflect how great the danger, my friend ! MOLAT. The Ordffr hath reflected — I am he That serves it, not its ruler. If denial Beseems its youngest Knight — how much the Master ? Philip. Thy life— Molat. A loan is, which I must repay With interest to the giver. I have gained Therefrom a sum of precious hours, thank God ! 64 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCT II. Philip. If thou should'st lose the game — MOLAT. 'Tis never lost When born of faith and courage. Whether I Be called to play the game out, or another, Is matter of no moment. Philip. Yet bethink thee ! While yet it stands within thy choice. MoLAT. Say, friend ! If with the high I may the low compare, Stood it not also in the Martyr's choice, Not to have sufEered for the truth he own'd ? Uncertain is the strife, but our defeat Not yet assured. Still fairly may I hope To see perfidiousness succumb before Our righteous cause. The Order's holy rule, My silver'd head, my very linen mantle,' — The purple's brother — safely guards my breast From every thunder-bolt. E'en should it strike, It cannot rob me of my firm belief The seed my labour sowed will fructify ! — Thrice blest who falls a willing sacrifice In duty's cause ! — Yet [ifis head, hitherto erect, droops, mid he folds his hands. Might I reach my goal ! — Philip. The goal of labour ? Dost thou yet believe In that ? — Deluded man ! see yon small snake, So iris-hued ! — With upward darts and shoots, She seems to aim at reaching the high sun ; Poor fool, she sees a fluttering in the blue, ' The white mantle of the Templars was a regular monastic habit, having the red cross on the left breast ; it was worn over armour, and could be looped up in battle. — Trans, ,SC. II.] THE TEMPLiES IN CTPE0S. 65 So dreams that she has wings. Yet can she fly ? — She can but coil in circles, nothing more ! — MOLAT. Tie ! from thy spirit no such emblem sprang ! Philip. It came not with my spirit to this world ; Men wrote it there in characters of blood. MOLAT. And wonld'st thon. blame the firmam.ent, because 'Tis mirror'd turbidly in turbid eyes ? Feauk (with hleediiig hind, running in). (To Philip.) "Water ! old fellow ! (Perceiving Molat.) Pardon, noble Sir ! Philip. What ails you, then ? Fkank. I lay immersed in thought Reposing 'neath the shadow of yon tree. When near me drew a confident gazelle. Lured by the fragrance of the juicy crops. Molat. My little favourite ! Philip. Well?— Peask. Some evil star Next sent a jackal, nowise of the smallest. - He, furious, seized the tremulous beast, and rent My heart with pity, and I uprose in wrath. And ere he could destroy the gentle thing I struck him, being unarmed, with my bare fist, A blow that told. The slayer I destroyed, And saved the victim, — and that's all. 66 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [aCT II. Philip. Destroy, — To save !— 'Tis well ! MoLAT (who has heard Frank's speech with increasing emotion, and can no longer contain hirfiself). My son, — son of my friend ! Thy father's but a croaker, and thou art A true Brienne ! — Praise Grod for that ! But go Dear lad, and lave thyself at yonder spring. Then hie thee to the castle, there to take Thy vow. Be sure thou art forthcoming, — go ! \I!xit Peakk. He has a heart, — is worthy of our league, Thank God ! Philip. Why, my dear Molay ! — MoLAT. Shame, old doubter ! — There spoke his manly heart ! And all his bells, With all their jingling, deadened not the cry Of suffering innocence — Whereof I am glad ! Philip. I too. One jackal lives the less ! — the youth Has instinct ! — MoLAT. Let us not contend, but share All delectation of this lovely hour. Philip. Will you not then to dinner ? — It is time ! MOLAT. Erewhile I was o'erf uU of bitter feelings ; Now revel I in sweet ones, — Thank the Giver ; Oh Brother ! could I dissipate, withal. Thy clouds ! — sc. ii.j the templaes in cypbus. 67 Philip. My sky was lost with Adalbert. MOLAT. " Dead also is Patroclns ! " — Call to mind The roundelay we in the forest sang As boys so often. Thou Achilles wert, — Patroclus I ! — Philip. Oh, Youth ! — Thou cruel friend, Wherefore just now remind me of it, when Renewed grief rages in my soul for him With whom departed my last spark of youth ! MOLAT. be a man ! See ! Millions of fresh lives Are slowly languishing 'neath tyranny's Sirocco. — Weeping bitterly they call On thee for succour, whilst thou selfishly Dost naught but mourn thy dead ! Philip. No less than they 1 languish also. MOLAT. Help to rescue them. Philip. O Tyranny ! with thine envenomed slaver, Thine own, I would I could thy thousand heads Poison, and in the blood of all thy slain — My own son's blood — would I could see thee drown ! The tree's corona died with him, what can The trunk do ? MOLAY. Richly flowering shoots For the new planting of our Eden can It give us. Of our Order be tljpu Knight ! — Thou art a Peer of royal race, thou art 68 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKOS. [ACT II. A Temple-brother, an Adept ! Thy fate The Ancient Brethren know : and many know Thee personally, only never think To find thee in this working garb. Disclose Thyself unto the brethren — Philip's ban. In Cyprus, cannot hurt a hair of thine. Philip. Ha, that I mock at ! — Tet I cannot be. And may not be, a Templar-Knight. MOLAT. O, let The ambrosial blossoms of our youth once more Breathe round thee ! When as yet we scarce were men, Thou wert my brother. Be so once again In holy sense ! I journey forth — To whom Leave I my new creation ? — Can he act. The veteran Grand- Commander ? Let him bear The name — but do thou carry on the work ! — And if it be God's will that I must fall, To His most holy cause a sacrifice. And for His Promised Land, — then do thou Complete what I began ! Philip. My friend, my brother ! The kernel of my life ! — Thou only tie That to this disenchanted earth still binds My worn-out heart ! For thy sake, once again I might consent to plunge me in the whirl Of this wave-tossed, upheaving, turbid vortex Which falsely men call life. But, vain the thought ! A solemn vow debars me. MOLAT. Ay ! a vow ? — Astonishing ! Philip. Tes, friend ! without reserve SC. II.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPRUS. 69 My fearful fate I will disclose to thee Or else my heart must break indeed. That night When Philip's hirelings barbarously dragged Me — Prince of the blood, and his first favourite, The only man in all his servile court Who bore him loyal duty — dragged me forth Prom my wife's side, who then had wrestled through Twelve hours of labour-pains — My wife who died Two days thereafter with a still-born son ! — (A dungeon held me when the ill news came ;) — * When on a mere suspicion false and vain, Untried, unsentenced, I was driven forth To exile ; when, to sum up all, I heard, — In that same moment when at last the frost Benumbed me, and by hunger overcome I needs must beg for food, that my good son. My only son, my Adalbert, — because He loved a maid whom the licentious King Had marked down for himself — by hired hands Of murderers had fallen ; then I swore A dreadful oath to fling aside -mj birth, With my upbringing, rank, nobility. And nothing be but Man ; nought would I be But simply human, so to revel in The full intoxication of revenge, UntU I cooled it in the tyrant's heart ! MOLAT. Philip! Thou'rt horrible ! Philip. 'Tis but one blast One feeble glimmer of the hellish fire Within me ! Grant me, friend, this blest relief. One moment thus my heart, silenced so long. So long repressed, to pour forth in a cry Of rage to heaven ! {Falls sobbing on Molat's breast ; then after a pause, in which he has recovered himself) When through half Christendom, Long time I'd wandered, and, repulsed by all. 70 - THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. [aCT II. Could find no roof, no cave, no tree, where death. "With peace, might claim me, I engaged myself As boatswain on a man-of-war. She went Ashore by Cyprus — all the crew went down. Three hundred vigorous young lives, and I O, irony of fate ! was saved. How then, As Troubadour to Limasol I begged My way and met thy friendly welcome, — how Thou bad'st me call to mind our pact, and I Forgot f6r one blest hour, — my happiest one — All sorrows in my oldest friend's embrace ! God ! — Praise be to God ! — Tears come at last. MOLAT. Let my kiss dry them !— Come into mine arms, — Such moments are a sweet foretaste of Heaven. [Enter Geeger. Geegee. The Grand Commander prays your Honour's presence. Dinner is ready, and the Brethren all Await you for the Benedicite. MOLAT. 1 will not eat. Geegee. "Which Ancient Knight shall say Grace in your Honour's absence ? MoLAT. Ah, 'tis true ! — I'll come at once ! [Exit Geegee. 'Tis thus I never live One precious moment to myself alone — Ah me ! the Master's mantle ! — It would press Me down too sorely were it less sublime. Philip, how much I envy thee thy spade ! "When shall I too partake of blest repose. And be, once more, plain mortal ? — ■ sc. ii.] the tbmplaes in ctpetjs. 71 Philip. So let me Remain then, and in garden-culture still, (The work thou kindly gavest me thyself. As balsam for my wounds,) forget that I Was once myself a garden parasite ! Let me the picture of a quiet life. With circumscribed horizon, still behold Mirror'd in these sweet flowers, and, pondering o'er Their forms renewed by Nature's boundless powers, Forget how men demolish recklessly The garden of their God within themselves. Here too I somewhat aid thy purposes ; Thou mad'st me Garden-Brother, giving me An oflB.ce, in the Order, of high worth ; ■ Lightly to loose the bandage from the eyes Of every youthful neophyte that comes To us, with gay chimeras all aglow, And in this world of plants, where each as part, Promotes, within its working-limits assigned, The sure advancement of the garden's whole, With all its might ; — where high and low alike. On pain of being uprooted, cheerfully Partake the nurture of their fellow-plants ; — Tour Temple's Holy of Holies show to them, The nursing-cradle fair of human kind. Let me proceed stiU further with this work. Still love again in every vigorous youth. Whose false self's stains I wash away for you, The reflex of my dearly cherished dead ! — My brother, grant'st thou this ? MoLAT {seizing his hand tvith emotion). Be gardener still ! [Exii quicMy. Philip (Alone). Thus ye young lives, I linger still with you ! Ah ! could ye never more my peace renew ? Or must creative Nature always show Destruction only to the sons of woe ? \_ExU pensive. 72 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT II. SCENE III. Prison : on the right a large iron door, on the left, more in the haokground, a smaller door. The Ex-Peioe op Montfaucon (on one side of the front), NoFPO OP NoPFODEi (on the other side, sitting at a table, upon which lies a guitar) . Peioe. Noffodei ! Noppo. Well, ex- Prior ! Peioe. No insults, knave ! Noppo. Ho ! I'm as good a kniglit as you. We both Are thrust together in one equal cell, Save that you sit on that side, I on this. Peioe. Thou -wretched man ! Must I ten times repeat That 'twixt a villanous criminal and me. Mere victim to an infamous cabal. The distance is as great as earth from heaven ? NOFPO. Ah, yes ! You're here, because you'll not believe A maid could be a mother ; I, because A fortress to the Sultan I betrayed Por twenty beggarly purses. "lis all one And if betwixt us there be ought to choose, Revenge steps in and makes us comrades sworn. Peioe (starting up). Tes, yes, revenge, revenge ! Porgive this once. SC. III.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. 73 That I spoke scomfnlly ! — 'Tis true we pine Together on one chain. — Sing me, good brother, The song about the priest felled by the knight, Which at nightfall the pilgrims sang to us At Acre. I cannot recall it quite. The end especially — NOFFO. Neither can I. Peioe. It sounds like fifes of Hell — the reason I So long to hear it ! — NOFFO. Always the same song ! Still, if it gives you pleasure I will sing it. \_8ewes the guitar, plays and sings, seated, during which the Pkioe, who stands hefore him, listens with every sign of inward rage. Knight "Willibald rides at all speed from the fight, About the midnight ; i The smart of his wounds is unceasing, and he Puts spurs to his steed through Ae forest free. He speeds through the mooii-ray bright, And thinks of his wounds all night, Nought heeding the little stai-s' radiant light. He came to the cross-road where midmost the wood A crucifix stood, And there stood a nebulous priest by the way. And " Greeting in God's name. Sir Knight ! " did he say. " Stay, Sir Willibald," said, where he stood ; " Thou'st o'er ridden thyself, 'tis not good ! " " Would'st thou stay me, pale spectre in hood ? " " And if I do stay thee, thy safeguard am I," Was the priest's reply. "Wounded thou wert 'neath the sun-ray bright. Healing thou'lt find 'neath the cool moonlight," Was the shimmering priest's reply. " Ride not so quickly by ; Thy aches and thy pains for a respite cry." 74 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. [aCT II. " I ask not repose, I'm not tired," said the knight, " But no more I'll fight. Wounded sore, out of the battle I've come, And I'll rest myself soon at my house at home, And no more in Crusades I'll fight." " But hast thou a dwelling-site ? " " 'Tis Goldburg— " "Ah, there I had shelter one night." " And how was my true wife ? for news I am fain ! " " She died in her pain." " What sayest thou, priest ? " " Thy children are dead. Slain by thy foe in the evening," he said. " My sword shall pay back blood and pain When I come to my house again ! " " Thy house lies in ashes, an omen ! — refrain ! " " Let me press on ! " " But whither ? " " To seek my foe ! " " Thou'rt too weak to go, Thy servants have all from thy retinue fled; Thy friends are o'er all the land scattered and spread, Thou scarce for thy wounds can'st go." And e'en as the priest said so, He broke the knight's lance at a blow. " What doest thou, priest ? " cried he desperately, And his sword grasped he ; The priest did but toiich it, it snapped in two, And all the knight's wounds began bleeding anew, But firm in his seat sits he. And spurs his horse savagely ; The horse falls dead ; pale is the knight as can be. Then out spake the priest — " To the Cross draw near : Thy shelter's here ! " " No Cross do I need — I sufiice for myself. Thou art nought but illusion, a warlock elf! This rock be my shelter here, This rock give me rest and cheer ! " The rock as he climbed fell in fragments, sheer. So there lay the knight, and the priest to him ran ; " Thou hapless man. Disabled thou art, but one salve is sure. Turn, turn thee to Jesus thy wounds to cure ! " " Disabled, yet still a man," Snarls the knight, and as best he can, Strikes the priestling, who melts in a trice from his scan. Thereat, ere his soul from his body went, jeered The knight in his beard : " The priest's is the fault that my sword I lost. But sweet is revenge, and his life it cost." SC. III.] THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. 75 Every night with a bloody beard, Still haunts he that rock ; and feared Is the Cross as he rides by it, raging and weird. Peioe. " The priest's the fault." O, sing it once again, Peioe and Noppo {singing together). The priest's is the fault that my sword I lost, But sweet — EuDO {passes unseen hy the lattice and sings eTtvphatically) . Is the Cross to the tempest-tossed ! — • Ho laughs in his beard every night. But with tears ! — And the Cross gives him light ; While the night-storm wings o'er him its flight. [EuDO goes on further. The sou/nds graduallg cease. Peioe. What was it ? (Enter Chaplain Ctpeianus.) NOPFO. Ha ! The greasy Cyprianus Is making game of us! \_8portiveIy rapping the Chaplain on his hald head. Thou, rascal, thou ! — Chaplain. What ho ! So jovial, sons of Belial ? Peioe. Ay! So jovial are we that, wer't worth our while, We'd strangle thee right off with our own hands. Chaplain. Will nothing turn you from your evil ways ? Peioe. First turn thyself, thou cozener of men. 76 THE TEMPLAKS IN CYPEUS. [ACT II. NOFFO. What boots it quarrelling o'er the Emperor's beard ? ^ Tell us some news, fat bald-pate, that we may Have something fresh to vegetate upon In our too quiet cell ; for wanting that One yawns one's life away, from sheer ennui. Chaplain. News ? — What ? — You surely must have heard the story. Known in the stable to the grooms already ? NOFFO. Story ?— What story ?— Chaplain. That the Holy Father, Who now presideth o'er the Church's weal At Poictiers, bids the Master join him there. Pbioe. We knew no syllable on't Chaplain. Is't possible ? NOFFO. Ay, truly. In. this thrice accursed hole, No note of Fame's hoarse trumpet penetrates. Peioe. And what's the motive of this invitation ? Chaplain. To talk about a new Crusade, for which ' German Proverb. — Um des Kaisers Bart streiten, or spielen. It was a disputed question whether Charlemagne ought to be repre- sented with a beard or without. This proverb has its equivalent in all the languages of Europe. — Trans. so. III.] THE TEMPLAKS IN CTPEUS. 11 Our Master, and the Hospital's Master, who Is also bidden, must to the Holy Father Lend helping hands in word and deed. Peioe. Ho! Ho!— Is that the way of it ? — The datary ' That fain would be regilding Peter's keys Possesses nought but tinsel ; so the tomb. The holy tomb, must be ransacked anew. A heritage 'tis they want, and no one can Inherit from the living, therefore now Must Christendom once more, with Cross on back, Be'hounded on the sabres of the Turks, And feast on their good things. Upon my word 'Tis well devised ; yet just a little played out I Chaplain. Oh, why yawns not the earth to swallow you, Malignant, venomous heretic ! NOFFO. What ! not done With wrangling ? — Dominus vohiseum ! — Can't You keep the peace, then, for a single hour ? Chaplain. Peace, yes, forsooth ! yon heretic merits not That I should burn with zeal in his behalf I Peioe. Most miserable priest ! NOFFO. Friend Chaplain, tell, How came this news here ? Chaplain. By the packet-boat, ' The chancery of Eome, where the datum Soma ia affixed to the Pope's bulls. — Tram. 78 THE TEMPLAES IN ^TPEUS. [aCT II. Which reached the haven early yester-morn. Peiob. And what is Molay doing ? Chaplain. He convoked This morn the Chapter. God have mercy on iis ! What scenes there were ! Not as heseems Christ's flock, Like heathens they were shouting all together. Peioe. What was determined ? Chaplain. Oh, the noise was such A man could scarce distinguish his own voice ; The portly Marshal held his baton up Full seven times, but none heeded. Norfolk was Jet-black with spleen and venom. Wildung like A German buffalo roared. Montreuil himself, The constant-smiling, in his fury bit A piece out of his mantle. To shout about ? NOPFO. What found they Chaplain. Some shouted about England, And others for the Order's rights ; ay, some Stooped, God be with us ! even to urge that help Should from the accursed Sultan be implored. Peioe. And Molay ? Chaplain. Him you know. He always can SC. III.] THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 79 Control himself. He waited till the storm Had spent its sharpest fury ; then he rose And slowly looked around him — calm and still ! But yet with eyebrows sternly knit. Right well You know that look of his — It ever seems To me as though he'd stolen it from the Saint In Stephen's chapel. Peioe. Tes, I know that look With which he captivates men's hearts. Chaplain. Then he Inclined his head and spoke. And yes, indeed, He spoke most excellently — I myself Could scarce have spoken better. Tes, he spoke Of heroism, and that the time was come. And we should now appeal to arms and fight. Beloved brethren ! So spoke he, and stretched His hand out — and he said — Nojio. Thou rainest words, Fellow ! my little complement of wits Is, like the ark of Noah, almost drowned In deluge of thy speech. Thy rainbow nose — ■ Oh, use it as a pledge to us that thou Wilt leave ofE raining ! Prior. Well I comprehend Of Molay's speech the meaning. He, proud man. Desires to break the last hnk of the chain. And, independent grown of all the world. Insidiously attach the purple to The linen mantle. Chaplain. He will not succeed. (Softly.) Between ourselves ! — Art sure no warder listens Outside the door ? 80 THl TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCT II. NOFFO. Tear nought. E'en had he heard, He'd be already asleep again ere now ! Chaplain. Look you ! This good crusade, most necessary It is to priceless Christendom, and our sins Have much deserved that God's correcting rod Should scourge us ; — ^yet is this Crusade — ^how should I put it into words ? — Between ourselves — But as the mantle is the pallium, 'sooth. That overhangs the surplice. Peioe {with increasing attention). Plainer make Tour meaning. Betray me — Scoundrel ! Chaplain. If you gentlemen will not NOFFO. We ? Such warm, devoted friends ! PeIor (Aside). Chaplain. Then look you ! the Provincial Father, My reverend friend and patron, writes to me — But secretly, as though under the seal Of the confessional ! — Hark ye, betray My confidence, and ye shall one day roast A longer spell by so much in Hell-fire ! Peioe (Aside). Coarse, virulent numskull ! NOFFO. ■ We'll be silenter Than e'en these prison walls. sc. iii.] the templaes in ctpeus. 81 Chaplain. Then mark my words ! Thus Father Vincent writes : His Holiness Is ill-affected to the Temple Order. The Master, rumonr runs, himself is not Quite orthodox in dogmas of the Faith, And has, in conflict with St. Bernard's rule. Amassed great wealth wherewith to aggrandize The Order, and e'en make it — God forfend ! — A standing menace to the Holy Father, Perhaps, one day. Peioe. Tour noses are so fine. It should be true. The dullest Priest scents out The devil sooner than the sharpest layman Can track him. Chaplain. Therefore has the Holy Father Only imagined a Crusade — You take me — To inveigle hence the Master to Poictiers. Peioe {with an increasing, hut restrained, rage) . I understand you, yes. Chaplain. How easily There, might aspiring Babel have a fall ! Peioe. 'Tis plausible ! And did the cunning rogue Write you aught else besides, in confidence ? Chaplain. Why, yes ! for this was Father Vincent's thought : If something could be proved against the Order, Of heresy, or violated oath — You understand me ? Peioe. Yes, your quest is for G 82 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPE0S. [ACT II. The primitive club, that only strikes behind, And surely slays. Chaplain. And so he thinks, if now A pair of valiant and God-fearing men Connected with the Order, could resolve For their own good and for the Church's health, — Peioe. Well! Chaplain. And attest at Clement's judgment seat All the abominable things the Order has Already practised, equally with those Which might be practised probably, 'twould have Great weight — Peioe. I can believe it ! Chaplain. {Looking at them both askance, significantly.') Yes, indeed. And certain men might find themselves set free Prom charge of heresy, from dungeon air ; {Looking at the Peiob.) Some men might rise, should some events befall, • To posts of highest honour. NOFFO. Thou dost speak Like Habakkuk. Come, here's a kiss for thee, Thou archchaplain of all the cowled ! {Throws his arms round hi/m.) Chaplain {hastily). Then may I to the Holy Father tell— Peioe (bursting out in a rage). That I SC. III.J THE TIMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 83 Will send to Hell thy devilish embassy And thee ! What, Heribert ! Hast thou then sunk So low that this accurst, this shameless priest Dare come to thee with messages like these ? Chaplain. Tet thou dost hate the Master ? Peioe. Abject worm ! Hate him I do, more bitterly than Hell, But am not by my hatred made a villain. These overtures are made me by the man Whom James de Molay lifted from the mire, And made for him the road to fortune free ! Ha ! 'tis the first time that I do not grudge The Master's mantle to thee, James de Molay, Since snakes like these are warmed in it for thee ! Chaplain. Do but consider — Peioe. Speak, accursed slave ! Wherefore would'st thou betray thy Lord and Master ? He's been as father to thee — that I know. Wherefore betray'st thou him ? Chaplain. The Lord hath said^ " Thou shalt obey thy God rather than men ! " 'Tis true that Molay has in temporal things Dealt with me liberally, with sundry gifts. But I am subject to the Church ; if she Demand his blood, I, faithful, with one hand Bless him, and with the other immolate. Peioe (who, without heeding the Chaplain's last speech, has been standing lost in thought, after a pause). Grave is the situation ; yet I must, — Revenge must yield to honour's high demands, I must disclose this treachery to the Order. 84 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPBUS. [ACT II. Chaplain (Aside to Noffo). Jesu Maria ! NoFFO (Aloud to the Chaplain). Let him have his way ! Could you prevent him ? Wherefore should he not ? You've promised him, 'tis true, the dignity Of Master, but he likes it not : he will To Molay, his forgiveness to implore, As guerdon for revealing all that you Have trusted to his honour. And he'll succeed ; I'll wager Molay will at last entrust Some little Priorate to him. And, friend Chaplain, This course is much the wisest, for 'tis clear. If Molay lives, will never Heribert Be Master ! That is clearly understood. And plainly was evinced that time when he. After G-audini's death, so craftily Snapped up the Mastership before his face ! ^ Peior. Ha ! thank thee for reminding me of that ! Priest, I am silent, and I will forget All that thy villany has revealed to me. This I may justly do, since he from me, — The worthier, — robbed the linen-mantle fair, The prize so long desired, so long deserved ; And flung me, then — he, or his Chapter, 'tis All one to me, — into this mouldering cell. On the mere empty and exploded plea, That I had called a sacred legend lies,^ — ^ The Grand-Master Gaudini, overwhelmed with sorrow and vexa- tion at the loss of the Holy Land, and the miserable situation of his Order, stripped of all its possessions on the Asiatic continent, and des- titute of houses to dwell in, died at Limesol after a short illness, and was succeeded by Brother James de Molay, of the family of the lords of Longvic and Kaon, in Burgundy. Gaudini wa^ appointed Grand- Master at Acre in 1291, after the death of William de Beaujeu from the arrows and darts of the enemy ; and soon afterwards escaped, with a few Templars, to Cyprus. The remainder of the surviving 300 Templars were buried in the fall of the tower of the Temple at Acre, which was undermined by the Mamelukes. — IVans. ' " Answer me not," said the Templar, " by urging the difference of SC. III.] . THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. 85 While in his heart he mocks at it himself. He derogates from duty : therefore I Relax my duty also ! Chaplain. Praised be God ! Then you are with us ? Peioe. No. WhUst I draw breath, , I'll not degrade myself by such a compact. ' Had James de Molay, sooth, slain wife of mine, Murdered my first-bom in the cradle, ay ! Or even called me liar, then fain would I In open challenge kill him, and I could drink, As a life-giving cordial, greedily His heart's blood to replace the wine so long Denied me ; but with you to treat on terms Of fellowship, — never shall Heribert Achieve revenge at such a monstrous price. Ton have my knightly word of honour on't, I will keep silence ; but conspire with yon I will not, never, never. — Let common clay Ally itself with clay ; the eagle still Aspires to wing its way to loftier ends ! [Hxit. Chaplain {after a paiise, querulously). Well, Brother Noffo ? NoFFO (imitating him). Brother Cyprian ? our creeds; within our secret conclave, we hold these nursery tales m derision. Think not we long remained blind to the idiotical folly of our founders, who forswore every delight of life for the pleasure of dying martyrs by hunger, by thirst, and by pestilence, and by the swords of savages, while they vainly strove to defend a barren desert, valuable only in the eyes of superstition. Our Order soon adopted bolder and wider views, and found out a better indemnification for our sacrifices. Our immense possessions in every kingdom of Europe, our high military fame, which brings within our circle the flower of chivalry from every Christian clime — these are dedicated to ends of which our pious founders little dreamed, and which are equally concealed from such weak spirits as embrace our Order on the ancient principles, and whose superstition makes them our passive tools." — Ivanhoe, vol. id., ch. ix. — Trwm. 86 THE TUMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [ACT II. And have you driyen your coach well up the hill ? Chaplain. I must confess — Nopro. That, with the best of wills, Your thick skull fails you in the accomplishment ? But fear you nothing. — Only set us free, Forth of this place, and ship me off to France, I'll answer for the Prior. His pride secures Him to us. Thou can'st write ? Chaplain {Offended). I write ! — I can Engross, forsooth ! NOFFO. Then write on thine own heart, In characters engrossed, this short wise dictum : " When as the Devil on easy terms can't get us, He sends concupiscence and pride to fret us. To the Devil, the Devil's power long since had flown. Had he not set these scouts around his throne." ACT III. SCENE I. The Mall of the Masters ; the pillars and entablature are of blue marble ; on the right the principal entramce, opposite it a niche, both framed in jasper ; the niche is veiled by a blue ^ curtain. Midway in the background stands the statue of the first Master of the Order, Hugo of Pay ens ; on both sides of the hall, statues of the vther five-and-twenty Masters, all life-sized in jasper — of which those which are more narrowly described in the scene following, are charac- terized by the attributes there ascribed to them. CoMMANDEB Hugo. Eeank of Poitou. Commander. TIS true, is't not, my dear young gallant ? Grod mend it ! The Order's not so poor as it appears ? Eeank. Amazed I view this splendid affluence. Simplicity so wed with solid strength. — Ennobled, hallow'd by the Cross of Christ, ' Blue is the colour of the Virgin Mary [Stella Maris, Star of the Sea), the name il/ary implying the bitterness or saltness of the sea ; and blue is expressive of the watery and moon-like principle, Isis. The patroness of the Templars was " la doce mere de Dieu " (the sweet Mother of God). See " Secret Societies of the Middle Ages " : and in our Temple Church of London, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the fundamental colour of the East window and of the adornments of the altar is blue. This " Isis " principle was a great point with the Eosicrucians, with whose ideas there can be little doubt some of those of the Templars were closely allied. — Trans. 88 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPRUS. [ACT III. The strong heroic age appears to speak, — A spirit blest, — in welcome kind to me. From all these columns, all these cupolas. Commander. Sheer truth thou sayest ! — I am an aged man And long I've dwelt within these castle walls ; No charm, of novelty can influence me ; Tet oft, in these dim halls a shuddering takes This breast unused to fear, and then meseems As though the antique columns which have upborne, Through ages, the dome's boldly curved concave, Did call to me : " Be faithful unto death ! " When I sometimes at eVening-tide survey The ancient tower in Gothic pomp ornate. And see its ball that in the moonlight shines Like some small star high in the firmament ; Then seems it me, the earlier knighthood, like A giant- counterpart, peers down on me. Immense and yet most comforting ; then is it As though one whispered in mine ear : " 'Twas men Piled up this bulk stupendous, by their zeal And courage, and their living faith that they Must give some holy gift, to overlive The dust." Then I reflect how niuch men might Achieve of good, and how, God mend it ! they So little will ; amazed, — the pious race Of valiant heroes could so dwindle down To such a breed of earth-worms ! — Then no draught Of wine, no nice repast refreshes me ; I seem a stranger in this world of dwarfs : I limp in sadness to my little room, ' And groan to think I should have lived for this ! Feank. Methinks, excuse me ! — you mistake the mist Which heralds shining morn, for black midnight. All yet may mend and take a better turn ! — COMMANDEE. It may ? God mend it ! but it shall ! it must ! SC. I.] THE TEMPI/AES IN CYPRUS. 89 We've sworn so much to Christendom ! — But enough Of this ! — How pleaseth you this hall ? Frank. When one Has left behind the Chapel's holy dusk, And grand solemnity of choral chants, And seen, in the refectory's bright array Of garnished tables, well illustrated The varied aspect of our daily life, Then is it well in this grand hall to view Such tender blendings of the grave and gay, Together interfused with matchless skill. The eye might fancy in these jasper forms. That gleam so grandly from the marble's blue. It saw the eternal Temple manifest. And in the azure of high Heaven beheld, — Irradiant in the Holiest's glorious light, — ■ All noble souls, to their best nature true. Who to high Duty wholly gave themselves. Commander. Ton read aright. — Around this hall they stand, The illustrious Temple- Order's holy saints, The Masters' sculptured forms from first to last. Undaunted leaders in the work they loved. In this same hall, when any Master dies, His successor the elect thirteen must choose,' This is the old typical number, twelve, with its head, or thirteenth, which, beginning with the Sun and 12 Zodiacal signs, is repeated throughout the world's history : as in the 12 hours of the night assigned to Osiris as his companions and assessors, and personifying gods at whose head was Horus the rising Sun : as in the hero of the Babylonian epic, Izdubar, and his 12 great adventures : in Hercules the Sun-God and his 12 labours : in the Council of 12 of the Areopagus, under which were besides subordinate conncUs of 12 ; in the legend of Alexander and his 12 Cheders : in Odin and his council of twelve : in the 12 satyrs or wild men, appointed by the witch Kalyb to accompany St. George : in Arthur and bis 12 Knights : in Charlemagne with his 12 peers, down to the electoral Chapter of the Temple with its Chief. This number was also chosen by the Sun of Righteousness to be that of his Apostles. However, in Act VI. Scene 2, which deals with the innermost ineffable mysteries of the Order, the number of persons engaged with them is brought down to the more deeply mystical number seven. — Trans. 90 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [aCT III. Who, by their number, keep in memory that Of Christ and his disciples ; they must choose Among our elders him who shall be named Protector of the Temple, and those forms Of eld look down in warning, and preside. That no elector be by love or hate Induced to give the preference to his friend, Over some worthier brother, or to ignore An enemy's deservings. They remind TJs all how absolutely needful 'tis The Masters' mantle they with glory wore Should never from a faineants shoulders hang, Of duty and of honour negligent. When thus the Master by established use Is chos'n, the Electoral-Commander goes Anew into his Chapter with his twelve. And to the brethren says : " Beloved Knights, praise Te Jesu Christ our Lord, and our dear Lady, Because that now, as ye have given command. The Master we have chosen in God's name ? Are ye content with this that we have done ? " And all the brethren say with one accord, " In God's name ! " Thereupon the elect thirteen : " Promise ye him obedience, all his life ? " Then all say — "Yes, with God's help, verily." Then The Electoral-Commander speaks unto The eldest Brother in such terms as these : " Commander ! if so be that God and we Have chos'n thee out for Master, dost thou vow True fealty to the Order all thy life, And maintenance of good morals and good manners ? " Then answers he, " With God's help, yes ! " The same Questions the Electoral-Commander asks Our ancient Brothers, second, third, and fourth ; And then to the elected Brother goes. Calls him by name, and thus addresses him : " I' the name of God the Father, Son and Spirit, Brother, for Master we have chosen you. Ton stand elected." To the Brethren then Says, " Knights belov'd and Brothers, thank ye God ! Behold the Master ! " These words said, at once SC. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 91 The Chaplain Brothers chant, with solemn choir, Their loud Te Beum, the Brethren all vacate Their stalls, and with great joy of heart take up Their Master, whom they reverently bear Forth to the Chapel, placing him in front Of Christ's High Altar, that the Crucified May look upon the man ordained of Him To be the Order's head. Meanwhile intone The pious Chaplains : " Kyrie M&ison, Christ' Meison, Amen! Salvumfao Servum tutim," and so forth, which the Choir Divinely echo back. Our Ancient Men Then seize the Master, and enrobe him with His mantle, then into this Master's Hall Conduct. Then speaks the Eldest : " In God's name Here show I thee the perfect counterfeit Of men who have been better men than thou ! And if thou follow them, and, single-souled. Display the Order's banner, thou shalt live ; But if not so, — the Lord will thee forget. And thy remembrance fade away from us." Then says the Master : " As I have sworn to you My vow I'll keep, so help me Jesus Christ ! — And these old men, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose, shall all Accuse me to my God, e'en as they now Draw near the Lamb for me with saintly prayers. If I deal other with you than I said." Thereon the Marshal three times calls his name, ' From every window to the assembled folk. These things we use to do when we elect A Master. And, thereafter, call this hall Hall of the Masters. Frane. 'Tis a noble use ! Blest be that chosen one whom God promotes To ornament this place ! COMMANDIR. E'en you too, might 92 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT III. Attain thereto, if diligently you Would seek that holy thing the world knows not. But I must point out to you, -and explain. The ancient statues — Peank. Leave it, valiant Lord And Father ! Tou have already shown me all The place ! It is not well that you should stand So long — defer it till another time ! COMMANDEE. No ! After dinner 'tis good to circulate. Moreover, you're the son of old Poitou ! He was my comrade in so many a march "When not fatigue in question was, but death. So faithful always at my side, that I Can well afford to hobble with his son A little longer than my usual wont. See here (^'pointing to Hugo's statue) the ancient man with folded hands ! What do you think of him ? Feank. In these deep lines. The steadfast eyes, the firm shut mouth, hair smooth. As though anointed with God's peace, which ends Long bearded, in the true Cross which his breast So fences that it needs no other shield, His lifting of the banner of the Cross, Clasped in his folded and most virile hands. And in his raiment's holy folds that hide, In part, the armour beautified by it : In the whole man, a Sage I see inspired With holy strength to consummate the Right, Himself a sacrifice without reward, For Right's pure sake. COMMANDEE. He is the Tounder of SC. I.J THE TEMPLAKS IN CYPRUS. 93 Our Teijiple-Order, Hugo of Payens/ First Master. Him the Spirit moved to leave His fatherland, the lovely fields of France, To sufEer trouble, and want, and poverty, But more to him than empty earthly joys Was highest holiness. Thereto he sought ; He went, accompanied by eight more knights, French-born, forth to Jerusalem in the year Eleven hundred and eighteen, to found The Order, those poor pilgrims to protect Who journeyed to the Holy Land in faith. Then swore they to the Patriarch Stephanus The three vows of the rule canonical. Poverty, chastity, and obedience. Frank (^pointing to the pedestal of the hust) . There stands upon the upper pedestal A man's bust, crowned. Commander. Our first protector, he Baldwin by name, King of Jerusalem.^ He gave our Fathers, for a dwelling place. His palace that stands eastward, close upon Solomon's Temple : they were Temple-Knights, And therefore Templars we still call ourselves. This wise King also gave, well knowing how From small commencements oft great things result. Raiment unto our Fathers, food and drink. And to their needs benignly ministered. For Hugo boldly his great work began Without house, clothes or food, with only trust In God, he and his eight companions. Tes, In those old times our Fathers were so poor ^ Instituted in 1118. The Templars took monastic tows and engaged to defend the Temple of Jerusalem against the Moslems. Hugh de Payens, founder of the Order, recruited in Europe 300 knights of the noblest families. He was a native of Provence. — Fkost, Secret Societies, ' Godfrey of Boulogne, in humility and reverence rejected the crown of gold, and was crowned with thorns in Jerusalem. Therefore Baldwin, his brother, who succeeded him in two years, entitled himself, Sex Hierasctlem, Latinonim primm. — Trans. 94 THE TBMPLABS IN CYPRUS. [aCT III. That two must ride together on one horse,' And so 'tis graven on the Order's seal — !Feank (still lingering hy the pedestal) . And now, this other bust ? 'Twould seem a monk, Although his open mouth, his fiery eyes Seem half from the old Roman Cicero, And half from Kaiser Karl the Great derived. COMMANDEE. That is the pious and most eloquent Abbot of Clairvaux." Peank. Ha ! is that indeed The holy Bernard ! COMMAKDER. Nonie but he. At Troyes, At the Church Council, he himself drew out The Order's holy Rule ; on Hugo's breast He hung the Order's habit, the mantle white With the red Cross. Much he rejoiced that we, !Few as we were, were willed to consecrate Our life-blood to defend the holy tomb Whose rescue was his only dream, himself Forgot. To those Princes and Lords impelled. By God's voice in him, forth to the Crusade, He us commended, and the Patriarch's soul Impressed that he should open all his heart To these preservers of the Church. (Pointing to the two others next in order on the pedestal of the statues.) ' The emblem of a winged horse, which is seen all over the Temple- Church, is thought to be the time-corrupted image of the two Templars- on one horse. This, at least, is one interpetation. But, knowing how largely the Crusaders flooded Europe with myths of the Orient, we may, with equal fairness, see in it the "Winged Horse of Kurdistan" (recog- nized by the Greeks as Pegasus), of which St. George's horse of mira- culous velocity was, no doubt, the antitype. — Frmis. ' Clairvaulk is situate among the woods near Bar-sur-Aube in Champagne. Bernard its Abbot became in many ways the oracle of Europe ; he chiefly shone in the proclamation of the second Crusade. His. l)reaching was a triumph of eloquence and zeal. — Trans. SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 95 The third And fourth are sovereigns both ; that represents Henry the first of England, this, the first Alphonso of Navarre. The Pounder this ' In London of the Templar- House ; and that Bequeathed his kingdom to us ; but his heirs Annulled his promise, in accord with God's Wise providence, think I : for God the All- wise Appoints us not for rulers of mankind, But as mankind's exemplars, that we may Be to all people as a shining light. Shining in darkness. Prank (pointing to another statue). Who's the stalwart man With high plumed helmet, from whose countenance Gleams forth a hero's spirit ? COMMANDEK. He is Bernard Of Tremelai, fifth Master ; a brave man, ^ But too fool-hardy quite to have deserved The name of hero. For, true courage is But vassal unto wisdom : valour is The fief it holds of her ; but should it too' Audaciously transgress its vassalage. Itself and others it to ruin hurls. So Tremelai when, with his Templars, he Camped before Ascalon ; there skilfully A lofiy wooden tower on wheels he built And in the Saracens' teeth, who vainly strove To ignite it, Bernard made a breach, and through The opening gallantly with forty Knights Made his resistless way into the town. But all too keenly he pursued his foe, And space for conflict failed him in the fight ; And, so befell it, the whole forty fell With him to his rash deed a sacrifice. 1 Haydn, " Diet, of Dates ', says the Templars came to England early in Stephen's reign, and settled at the Temple in London ; and at other places in the reign of Henry II. — Trans. ^ A Bargundian, — Trans. 96 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEDS. [aCT III. Peank (going tip to another statue). And now this other, with the oookle-hat, And pilgrim staff ? — Commander. The seventh he ; Andrew Of Montbarri, to great Saint Bernard kin, Who loved him dearly and foretold to him His dignity as Templar. Thus he wrote : " Tou say, perhaps, with Jacob — nought had I Beside this staff when I o'er Jordan passed. And now I lead three bands." — It came to pass As said. He who a needy pilgrim came To join the Order, was our Temple's Master, And nought ashamed to own his former life Of indigence, chose thus to be portrayed. For then 'twas to a Christian's praise to rise By self-exertion from his lowliness. Now, if some David, of a thousand, lift Himself above the Throne, or under it. He gilds with tinsel-gold his shepherd-pouch. That in the rank may be forgot the man. Frank. So was the nephew of the uncle worthy ! Commander. Thus, by his uncle's fatherly advice. Became he Templar, and no prince's thrall. " Woe to our Princes ! " Bernard wrote to him. They bring to pass no good thing in God's land. But follow rapine and iniquity. What power they have they put to evU use ; The good they might do, understand they not.' Frank. I hope with some exceptions. Commander. Yes, God mend it ! 1 To those who know the history of the Order, it is superfluous to remark, that all these traits, together with the above description of the Masters' Election, are in accordance with historical facts. SC. I.] THE TEMPLAKS IN CYPRUS. 97 Fbakk (turning to another statue) . Who is that spare, emaciated man, The ninth there, in the Masters' circle ? He Looks down with gaze so earnest, so sublime. As though he would not buy the world itself At cost of the most trivial peccadillo ! — Why weareth he a chain on his left foot ? Commander. Bow down before him ! The great Odo 'tis De Saint Amand, Martyr to righteousness. After a long life fruitful in great deeds. At Belfort, where he like a lion fought. He fell a prisoner to Saladin. The Sultan's wish was to exchange him for His favourite cousin, by the Christians ta'en, In that same action. Odo then proclaimed : " There is an ancient statute of our Order, By force of which no ransom may be given For any captive of oar fellowship Save knife or girdle. And upon this law Rest the foundations of the Order, for Each one thus dies a hero's glorious death. Since such a price avails not to redeem. This law relaxed, its influence soon declines. Saladin will not for such ransom loose My bonds : So be it ! in prison I will die ! " He said, and steadfast as a rock remained. Weeping the Elders from the dungeon went, And Odo died starvation's lingering death. Eeank. Oh, how I pity him ! — Commander. Not such should be thy cry. First live for B;ighteousness, and then for Duty die ! Tour senses mortify, to vivify your spirit ; The Temple's guardianship the Templar-Knights inherit ! — B,OBEET (rushing in impetuously, without noticing Frank). H 98 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCT III. RoBBBT (addressing himself tJiroughout to the Geand- Commandee). Commander ! joy !— I've taken the Tunisian ! COMMAKDEK. Where wert thou at the Chapter-hour to-day ? EOBEET. Hear you not, then ? — I bring, you the Tunisian ! COMMANDEE. Where wert thou at the Chapter- hour to-day ? EOBEET. I was — out in the forest, watching for The tiger, but a better prize I bring ! COMMANDBE. Though duty called thee to the Chapter- watch ! ROBEET. I heard upon my way the turn was mine, But thought — (as the Geand-Commandeb is going to [inter- rupt him impatiently) Permit me speech. A substitute Can do this trifling service — often does, — And leaves me rougher work. So it befell ! — The news came that the Turks had anchored. I Could not endure this ; forth I rushed in haste. And six young giants followed where I led. We couched ourselves in ambush on the beach, And soon saw Turks who with their Captain came Ashore, the fortress to investigate. CoMMANDEE (hastily interrupting). How many ? — ROBEET. Well, I did not number them. COMMANDEE (irritably). God mend it ! — sc. i.] xhe templaes in ctpeus. 99 Robert. They were quite enough for us, And we for them !i — We charged them, in God's name. And cut down with our sabres all we could. By my spear wounded in his shoulder-blade, The Captain yields. The others follow suit. We towards the bastion go ; the Turkish flag Displays its crescent in full sight of the fort ; The ship's crew rush towards us with drawn swords ; " Surrendei"! " loud I cry, and lay my sword ~' Upon the Captain's breast. They yield themselves. The Under-Marahal looked on while we fought. When all went well, he came. Into his charge The prisoners we confided, with their ship. Only the Officer I bring you, and four Enfranchised Christians. Will you see them now ? — Commander. Robert ! thy deed, e'en though thy gallantry Doth credit to the Order, is threefold Subject to penance, by the Order's rules. Thou didst forsake the Chapter-watch to-day At thine own pleasure, that is punishable ; Thou hast hunted with thy hounds wild beasts, although It stands commanded that a Templar Knight Should only hunt the Devil out from his Tieart, Not the poor wildings in the forest-chase. That's punishable also. Finally, Thou hast, without permission given by me, The Master, and the Chapter, faced the foe. Hast brought seven Templars, (a most serious thing) Well-nigh to put to shame, by bootless deaths. The Cross's banner, through thy recklessness ; So art thou trebly punishable. — Thou Deserv'st to lose a year and day, thy mantle. RoBEKT (angry). And call you those the statutes of our Order P — If gallant courage — I must boast myself Thereof, howe'er unwillingly — be crime. Then, thou deceitful mantle, fare thee well ! \_Tears off his mantle. 100 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT III. Thou once adom'dst heroic brotherhood, Now art thou nothing but a monkish cowl ; And that I care not for — so take you it ! [Tiirows the mantle at the feet of the COMMANDEE. COMMANDEE. Robert, take up thy mantle ! — Think, reflect. What thou art saying ! Be of better mind ! ROBEET. I will not have it, and what I've ceased to will — The Devil himseK compels me not to will. CoMMANDEE {getting excited'). Ho ! Dost thou reverence the Commander thus ? Thou — rascal, thou ? ROBEET. A rascal ! — Tet, because Of your grey hair, and for your office' sake, I'll take it from you. Commander. Tes, again a rascal ! Three times a rascal ! craven dastard, too ! For he who has not courage to restrain His idle thirst for fame beneath the yoke Of duty's just a dastard, so God mend it ! — RoBEET (breahing out in fury). I, dastard, I ? Thou insolent grey-beard, Thou hast not said all that to me for nought ! [jETe seizes the Commandee on the breast, and tears the belt from his mantle. Feank (who springs forward and tries to heap him, off). Bethink you. Knight, unhand him ! Let him go ! so. I.J THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 101 Commander. Ton drag the sacred belt from oS my mantle ! ^ Robert. \ He wLo assails my honour, murders me ! MoLAT, accompanied hy several Knights, comes up. MOLAT. What loud outcry ! — Why, Robert ? what is this ? Robert. Pardon me. Master ! — But the Grand- Commander Assailed me with the most insulting words ; My indignation then o'ermastered me ! MOLAT. Commander ? Commander. In the Chapter will I speak ! (After a pause.} He failed to fill his post at Chapter- watch ; He went forth hunting in the forest wilds ; ' Without superior orders, he has seized The privateer ; — when I an aged man, In right of my high office, censured him, Straightway his mantle he insultingly Threw down before me, seized me on the breast. And tore from me the Order's holy belt. — Now speak his sentence ! MoiiAT (rvith suppressed emotion) . Robert ! Punishment Thou hast incurred. Not only forfeited ' It was one of the fundamental rules of the Institution, that no Knight should go hunting or fowhng. " They are forbidden to take one bird by means of another, to shoot beasts with bow or arblast, to halloo to a hunting-horn, or to spur the horse after game. But, now, at hunting and hawking, and each idle sport of wood and river, who so prompt as they in all these fond vanities ? " — Ivanhoe, vol. iii., ch. 5. — Trans. 102 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT III. Hast thou tty mantle ; thou'rt in interdict, And meritest, at least, to be expelled The Order. Give to me thy sword ! ROBEET (gently). Since you Demand it (morehotly, glancing at i/ieCoMMANDEE andYRASK), Else the Devil himself should not Have wrenched it from me. MoLAT (sJiarphj and sternly'). Thou hast lost thyself ! (To two Knights.) Take him away ! — [RoBEET goes away quietly with the two Knights. \ CoMMANDEE (recovering from his choler). A curious fellow that ! MOIAT. Tou are avenged — although I fain had wished You'd been more tolerant of the youthful hero ! (To a Knight.) Where is the privateer ? Knight. He waits without. There is, among the rescued Christian slaves, A gentleman, a Knight of France, 'tis said. MoLAT (to the Knight). Admit the prisoners to the audience-hall. (Softly to the Gra.'sd-Comma.sti-eu, pointing to Fkank). Hast thou made ready the Recipiend yet ? COMMANDEE. I have prepar'd him. MOLAT (to FeANK). Gro thou to thy cell ; Prepare thee for the holy midnight watch. [Frank goes. SC. I.j THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 103 [A Ttjnisun Peiyateee (witJi landaged shoulder^ is brought in by a Knight ; behind, a Teoubadotje with a harp, Adalbeet op Anjotj, and two other Peisonees of the Tunisians). MoiiAT (to the Tunisian). What are you ? Tunisian. I ? A gallant officer Of Turks, confessing most Tinwillingly Unto a Christian dog. MOLAT. The abusive term But does me honour — Who are these with you ? Tunisian. A couple o' hounds of no account, unless To be spiked up upon the walls of Tunis. MOLAT. How came they in thy hands ? Tunisian. At Cadiz, I Had come across a Spanish frigate, laden , With a whole cargo of such knaves as these. The Captain yielded like a caitiff slave. Albeit his force was thrice the strength of mine, So took I them ; but soon that ballast proved Too heavy a load, therefore at Tripolis I trafficked all the worthless trash away, Reserving these four to amuse myself And win diversion from their foolish ways. Thus towards Aleppo I had turned my course, Intending them as gifts for the Pasha ! But then I thought I'd also take with me A few white hides of these your Templar dogs. I climbed to land ; but there my evil star Launched on me quite the best of thy sleuth-hounds ; 104 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [aCT III. The fellow had a sword, by Mahomet ! The Dey of Tunis strikes not better blows ! — ■ The rest thon know'st. Dismiss me now and thrust Me into narrowest cell, if only there I may scent out no savour of the Cross. Foul is its wood and shines but in the dark. (Shuddering.) Ugh ! — At its very mention I am seized As with an ague — MOLAT. Silence, thou blasphemer ! And who art thoa, ol^ man ? Teoubadotje. A minstrel, Sir, Who many a lay to Knights and lordly Counts Have sung in Burgundy and Flanders, till Old age approaching, my poetic gift Began, alas ! to dwindle ; then to Spain I wandered, to the home of noble song. To warm myself amidst her wreathing vines, To sun myself beneath her lucid sky. There smiled on me once more the tuneful Muse, But folly moved me, and I chose myself A little youthful wife in nuptial bonds. Beauteous as day, but shrewish as the fiend. Tunisian. The old tune — MOLAT. Interrupt him not. Troubadode. Alas! Dear Master, what a bitter change ! Before, , ' I had through fifty swiftly fleeting years Rejoiced me in. the golden gift of song. Glad as a child on holy Christmas eve ; Before, I seemed to reign o'er earth and heaven ; "When I in forest chase, on vine-clad slope. Did hail the rosy dawn, the twinkling star, — so. I.] THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. 106 In kindly unison, vine, streams, and tree Seemed all to call to me, " Exult with ns ! " Then I, a humble citizen, appeared. In mine own eyes, a world-creative God ; And such in moments of my ecstasy In truth I am ! but that, when it is past. Is like a dream and I myself know aot What then I dreamed ; back into nothingness I sink again and am as fibreless, As simple as before. Tunisian. Pool's paradise ! Teoubadoite. Most exquisite ! — Ere yet the day with cheeks Sleep-reddened, peered forth on the world, and woke Lightly, with rosy finger-tips, the Sun, His dear birth-giver, forth I roam'd with hair Loose flowing, and bared neck, through villages, Through towns, o'er hills and dales. In palace now, And now in Seeter-hut, by great and small Welcomed with hearty kindness, I to-day Passed through the fields of Provence that I "might To-morrow in the glaciers mirror me, Then on the next day, from the Vatican, With awe survey the tomb of earthly greatness. My mother-art seemed to support me e'en As doth a hen her chicks. No care was mine To seek me out a lodging, which each friend Art-loving, and all trees, provided me. MOLAT. Never at home then ? Teoubauotje. Ah ! an artist's life Is but a pilgrimage. No spot on earth Is his abiding place — a priceless gem Still draws him on, which visible to sense, Tet unattainable, before him floats. — ■ 106 THE TBMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [ACT III. Alas ! that I forgot it ! — Foolishly, I longed for home and hearth, for sweet repose, And won it, but 'twas Hke a churchyard's rest. My Hippogriff, by Hymen's bridle curbed, Soon drooped his ears like a prosaic ass. I, "wretched man, the lyre laid by, must now The distaff take, must hew me my own wood. With worry and plague, instead of blissful joy. At evening must I cower behind the hearth. And, for the nightingale's sweet choral song. Must hearken to the chatter of old wives. But, by good fortune came a Knight our way. And stole my spouse and all my worldly pelf. And I was from my fetters free once more ; For property and women are the chains Which drag us down from Helicon to dwell 'Mid earthly fustian. — I to Cadiz strolled. And so took ship, with maravedis few. But with a heart divinely rich, to sail For Palestine, and carol there my hymn To the Redeemer. MOLAT. Try, meanwhile, our house ; Here too, you will find the heavens — and a heart. Teoubadouk. I thank thee ; and, if heard my wish, with favour The gods shall smile on thee, nor ever waver ; Earth-discords, changed to silvery strains, depart From him who loves the minstrel and his art. [Exit clieerfully. MoLAT {to the Othee Peisonek). And who art thou ? Second Peisonee. A cobbler I from Windsor. I could not bear that Parliament abridged The privileges of my craft. So I A hole punched in an Aldermanic head ; SC. I.] THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. 107 Tor this they'd fain have hung me, so I fled To Calais in a little bark, and thence Tramped on until at Cadiz I arrived, And put to sea in that same hapless frigate Seized by this (pointing to the Tunisian) Jew-like trafficker Tunisian. Cobble he would the shoe political, The corporate State-cobblers then seized him. — There's nought but cobbling 'mongst you Christian dogs ; And what all cobble at, you call a State. MoLAY (to the Third Prisoner). And thou ? Third Prisoner. I am a man experienced much In tapestry and divers rarities. 'Twas said that in the Egyptian pyramids (This earnestly I beg you'll not reveal !) A piece of Jacob's famous ladder, might Be seen worked up in some material rare ; And thither I was going (for no expense I grudge that takes me to the beautiful !) — I wished also to measure by mine own ears Whether the ancient Sphinx (as privately "Was told me, and I beg you'll keep it dark) Has veritably ears so long that they Are longer still than mine. And finally, The mummies of old Pharaohs I would see. Which still must much of their old savour reek. (That smell, much as I've smelt, I much desire.) With my own nose I longed to sniff them out. The ancient Pharaohs — Tunisian (hitting the Prisoner on the nose). Fool !— SnifE at thyself ! Por thou art deader than those mummies are ! 108 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT III. MoLAT (pointing to Adalbert, who stands in the hacJcground dejected a/iid hanging his head; to the Tonisian). And what young man is this whose wasted cheek Bears signs of much deep-seated inward grief ? Tunisian. An excellent youth ! i' faith a pity 'tis He may not come into the Pasha's harem To be the women's darling ! All the day He spends in sighing. Does the moon light up A little, in the twinkling of an eye He flies to his guitar and sings a lay Of his lost sainted Agnes, oh ! so sad, That even my rough heart's been stirred by it. {To Adalbert, tahing him by the chin.) Come, Adalbert, cheer up ! for here in truth Thou art amongst thy co-believers. MoLAT (to Adalbert). Come Nearer to me, young m.an ! (Aside.) A haughty mien ! How noble ! — with a sweet sad dreaminess ! — I feel as if already I had seen These features somewhere ! (Again to Adalbert.) Thou'rt named Adalbert ? Adalbert. At dawning of my sultry earthly day. They called me Adalbert of Anjou — Molat (astonished). Anjou ? \_The Commander (ivho, without attending to the preceding conversation, has been standing all the while iinmersed in thought, looking sometimes at Hugo's statue, som,etim,es at the niche, now becomes attentive). Son of the Constable ? SC. I.] THE TEMPLAKS IN CTPRUS. 109 MoLAT (with eager inquiry'). The banished Duke ? Adalbeet {sighing deeply). Ah ! yes ! Tou see in me the hapless heir Of the unfortunate Duke of Anjou ! MoLAY (losing all his self -control). Hal- Praise be to God ! (collecting himself, aloud to the CoM- mandee). My honoured Eldest Brother, Conduct the prisoners to the dining-hall ; I will detain this youth. CoMMANDBE (to the others). {Goes with Tunisian, both Peisonees, and the Knight. Come ! Follow me ! MOLAT. (Talcing Adalbeet kindly by the head, and Mssing him.) Oh dear young friend, most welcome ! come at once Into the garden ! [Surries him out. Adalbeet (astonished). Why? MOLAY. Ask not, but come ! — Oh, blessed day ! when I with interest can Repay my friend's devotion ! — Come, at once ! [He drags out with impetuosity the still astonished Adalbeet. 110 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [ACT III. SCENE II. (The further end of the Temple Garden : on the left m the foreground the gardener's cottage, and in the bacJcground a mountain ; hetween both, a view of the sea. The scene is illvmbinated hy the last rays of the evening sun, soon about to fade into the darJcness of night.) Philip (alone, standing before his cottage). How glorious sinks the sun into the sea — A flaming ruby on the purple rim Of quickly fading day. The exulting waves In all his undiminished beauty's might Engulf him. So in fulness of his strength My own sun set — He set at highest noon. Alas ! my Adalbert ! [^lAes doiun on a plot of turf in front of the cottage. Here will I sleep This lovely night. Oh, would that when I wake, This shell thrown by, in yon pure ether's blue I might enfold him to my tortured heart ! \_Ooes to sleep. The Teotjbadoue (comes in from left to right, strolling towards: the hill; plays on the harp and sings to it). Why hastens the sun, his cheeks all aglow with their jubilant fire, Down — down to the wave ? — See ! — in the deep to still, deliquated, his anxious desire. He leaps to his billowy gi-ave ! — Then with the exquisite anguish he's filled of complete separation. For ever to part ; The sea closes over beneath, and, rich beyond all estimation, He falls on his Father's heart ! — [Croe« atvay, the harp-tones gradually lost in the distance. SC. II.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. Ill MoLAT and Adalbert (^appear in the hackground in front of the hill). MoLAT (who comes on the scene leading Adalbert hy the arm, — eagerly, Aside). Where hides the old man ? Adalbert. Venerated Sir, Forgive my asking — whither must I go ? MoLAT. Nay, go yet further forwards ; soon thou'lt see — (Aside, perceiving Philip.) Ha ! there the old man sleeps. I must prepare him ; A sudden joy might kill him — Hark ! dear youth ! (To Adalbert, still speahing guicMy.) Go thou a little on that side, among The shrubs — I'll call thee soon ! — Adalbert (perceiving Philip). There lies a man Asleep, 'neath yonder tree ! — MoLAT (pushing him on with good-humoured eagerness}. "Well, let him sleep ! — But go, my youngster, go ! Adalbert {immovable, loolcing at Philip). A fine old man He seems to be, by his long silver hair ! MoLAT (still eagerly trying to get him away) . Yes truly ! yes ; — but go ! Adalbert (gently resisting Molay). I know not why, — Like one that's rooted to the soU, I stand, A thrill of expectation shakes the frame Of my whole being — such terror and such bliss Vibrate in me, I almost long to clasp The evening-glow and press it to my heart ! MOLAT. Away ! Thou wilt feel better amid the shrubs. 112 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT III. Adalbert (still looking longingly at Philip, whilst he tries to free himself from Molat). I cannot, cannot part from that old man. He draws me as with, superhuman might — Good Master ! let, oh, let me see his face ! Molat (with emotion, letting him go). Go, enter then thy Heaven ! — Adalbeet (having hastened from the hackground, where loth had been standing, to the sleeping Philip in the foreground, and recognized him). Jesu ! Maria ! — My father ! Philip (awaiting, and still half asleep). Help! Adalbert. Tes, help I bring indeed ! — Oh, it is he, — 'tis he ! Philip. Ha!— Adalbert (warmly embracing him). It is 1 ! Thy son's heart beats on thy dear heart once more ! Alas ! he faints ! Philip (who had hitherto stared strangely at Adalbert, feebly raising himself). My Adalbert ! Adalbert. My father ! Molat (who has been standing on the other side of the foreground, lost in joy as he surveys the group, with eyes raised to Seaven). My God, Thou hast been merciful to us ! SC. 11.] THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 113 The Troubadour {comes hack from, his ramble over the m,oun- tain in the background, singing as he goes, without remarking the persons present, accompanying himself with his harp). "Witli winglets twain drooped over, The rather doth us cover, Gladness and guilelessness ; And when night's shades loom dreary, He visits the life-weary, With comfort, peace, and Heaven's repose to bless. [Se goes — the harp-tones resounding hack. ACT lY. (The following day, towards evening .") SCENE I. (Prison — At one side a table.') RoEEET (without sword, hat, or mantle, sits dejectedly at one side of the table). Gottfeied (keeping guard over him, sits on the other side of it). H°S Gottfeied. OW could' st thou then so far forget thyself ? ur pride, the Master's friend and favourite ? ROBEET. 'Tis done ! Gottfeied. Why need'st thou be so goaded by A word from the old irascible Commander ? Robeet. Ask me no further — Human nature's but A cobweb, — vehement passion's not man's work. It is his Genius' breath that circulates, Unseen, its threads among, the faithful slave Of Fate eternal ; from the common dust He cleanses them, dust that would earthward press The web-work down — Let Fate but nod, at once The little breeze to whirlwind grows, and rends SC. I.J THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEUS, 115 To shreds the web we fondly dreamt we'd spun To last for ever-more. Gottfried. Yet none the less Man is the moulder of his destiny ! Robert. Impotent being ! Can'st comprehend the words Thy lips repeat ? — Has that old myth of Force And free Volition, which at the atom mocks, And at annihilation, and which drives By laws methodical the car of fate. Re-echoed e'en to thee ? Dream'st thou indeed, Thou molecule ! that thou and m.en like thee, And tenfold better men than thou or I, Could by a hair-breadth's space avail to turn The wheel of fate from its eternal track ? I too have had such dreams ; but terrible Has been my wakening ! See our Order ! — lo ! How many thousands has it sacrificed To further its high aim — And is it won. That Promised Land ? — Behold our Master's hair Grown grey ! the fruit of vigils of tlie night. Of days spent fighting, of an ardent heart Broken, though never cooled from its desire. Sixty long years that noble heart has beat In vain, and his creation's but a fair Illusion, dreamt of by his lovely soul ; It dies with him ! In vain will pilgrim seek. Tears hence, the spot where sleeps the noble dust. Gottfried (yawning). Yet has the Christian meed of heavenly joy ; And in his flesh he shall behold the Lord. Robert. In flesh ! — Good luck upon the journey then ! Thou'st but to stow it on the Angel's back Who to eternal glory bears thee off. — ■ And may thy most delightful memories Of precious hours when, at refection time. Thou hast enjoyed good cheer, or groomed thy mare. 116 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT lY. Or scoured thy rusted armour, and so fortli, Go witli thee there and not be left behind ! Ah, self-deceiving race of man ! Is't not Enough for you that, at each step you take, This carcase should oppress and hem you in. That tooth-ache, head-ache, gout, what not besides, At every turn degrade the lord of earth To equal rank with cattle ? — "Will you take This medley, of all elements the rude Abortion, which lays bare, beneath the ray Of light that strikes upon it from on high. Its nakedness the more disgustfully ; — With all its freakish eccentricities. That blister-like are bubbling in your blood. And which you by such splendid names baptize. Into your heaven ? — By all means, take it then ! — ■ (As his glance casually falls on Gottfeied, who has meanwhile fallen asleep.} Asleep already ? — ^Well ! To pigmy folks All's lullaby — Ay, e'en these rattling chains ! AsTEALls (entirely covered iy a red mantle which hides her face, has glided in during the last sentence, and unre- ma/rTced hy Robeet ivhere he sits, has placed herself close behind him; now taking him hy the shoulders luith both hands). A man and — chains ? RoBEKT (starting from, his seat). Who's there ? (Clasping the figure when he perceives it.) A spirit embodied ! \_IIe tears away the mantle and recognizes AsTEALls standing before him in her usual cloister-dress. AsTEALlS (very earnest and with sublimity, now, and throughout the scene). Knight [ Robeet (taking off his hands from her, and sinking back sorrowfully in his chains). Thou com'st ? SC. I.] SHE TEMPLAES IN CTPETJS. 117 ASTEALIS. I must go hence and would take leave to-night I ROBEET. Ah, whither ? ASTEALIS, Through the land of tears to the Valley of peace intense. Robert. I, — prisoner ever ! — ASTEALIS. Strife for thee, then rest and quiescence ! After victory only, the Palm sweets exhaleth, O'er bough and o'er blossom the tempest prevaileth ; But the tower that trouble builds never will cease To mock at the storm, — in the Valley, — the sun-lighted Valley of peace ! — RoBEET. Can I trust thee ? ASTBALIS. As those that send me surely. — ROBEET. My spirit soars ! AsTBALis {Aside, with fervour) . To Mother Isis' throne ! RoBEET (with returning, hut softened sorrow). We part ?— AsTEALis (to Mm in her original tone). Held by our Mother's hands securely. ROBEET. And what for me ? ASTEALIS. The Valley and (Aside, with infinite tenderness). Astralon ! 118 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEITS. [ACT IT. ROBEET. The Valley ?— AsTKALis (again earnest and solemn). Ask not, deeds dispense thou purely, Give, not for meed or fame, thyself alone ! — First wonders work, would'st them unveiled be seeing, And so achieve the fulness of thy Being. [Veils herself in her cloak, and goes lightly away. E.OBEET (without remarlcing her disappearance, lust in thought, to himself, Aside). Deeds ? — 'I ? — Yet, is renunciation not An act ? — Perhaps man's genuine aim and end ? Could, thus, ev'n I act, endlessly immured. And live unfettered in my very chains ? (looking round.) Where is she ? — Flown ! — a light-winged morning dream ! I scarce can comprehend my bosom's fever. Seven days since first I saw this vision gleam ; — My heart scarce holds this ecstasy supreme, Unf elt before, — what was't ? ' But act, and question never ; — It was a dream — which, also, I'll renounce for ever ! Chaelot (enters quickly, laughing). Good even, Robert ! ROBEET. How did'st thou pass in ? Chaelot. Why, by a leg of veal ! QoTTPElED (ivho wakes up at this interesting moment, yaivning, as usual, widely). Whar- Chaelot. From the priest, 'Twas stol'n for me by Elsie, and with it then I bribed the guard. ' Eobert, brought up from earliest childhood in quasi-monastic seclu- sion by Molay, has been aroused, by the sudden appearance in Cyprus of the beautiful Anchorite, to bewildering sensations, of which, while he feels the force, he has hardly had time to understand the meaning. — Trans. SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 119 EOBEET. Thou pleasant rogue ! Come give A kiss ! Without or mast or rudder sails Thy pinnace, yet no less securely so It clears the rocks ! Chaelot. I understand thee not. EoBEET. Thou'st managed very -well ! Chablot. But tell me, now, How was it thou cam'st here ? Robert. An ancient tale It is of yester-evening, aged almost Of four-and-twenty hours, and can nowise Repay thy hearing. — Tell me, rather, news Of some sort, that the demon of ennui Take not too fix'd possession of my poor head. Chaelot. Early to-morrow morning to Poictiers, The Master sails with twenty knights, of whom I'm one. RoBEET (starting from his seat). Thou liest ! Chaelot. Why, with the Draper, then, I lie in company, who has already sent On board all coats of mail and linen mantles. With helmets, shields and lances. Robert (deeply moved). And he leaves Me here, — without his Robert he will go. — The son may not accompany his father ! 120 THE TEMPLAES IN OTPEUS. [ACT IT. trial worse than death ! — Yet, she has taught — [Breaking off suddenly.) He has taught me to relinquish and renounce, And, in a quicken'd sense of duty, left His heaven behind with me ! Good luck attend Thee, Molay ! Chaklot. Poor, good Robert ! — ■ Gottfried (who has at last arisen). We ! To Erance ? (smiling feebly.) You're only joking ! Decided ! Chaelot. By no means ! 'Tis quite Gottfried (still hesitating and doubtful). Verily ! Can it be ? Chaelot. This night, Soon as appeared the cutter in the Roads, Shone — (I was watcher on the Castle wall) A light, iDy three o'clock, — in Molay's cell ; By five, the varlets hastened to and fro. In every quarter, and at six o'clock Went out the Grand- Commander, Draper, Marshal, Treasurer, Standard-Bearer, Turcopolier,' With all the other Ancient Knights^ unto The Master, — currently 'tis said, to hold Exceptional Council. ' Commander of the Turcopols or half-caste light cavalry. Ducange derives the word from the Greek ttioKoq, a colt, thence offspring gene- rally, of a Tm-kish parent, probably of Christian fathers. See " Notes and Queries," sixth series, April 4th, 1885, p. 277. — 7¥ans. 2 The dignitaries of the Temple Order were called " Ancient Knights," also " Good Men." KC. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 121 GOTTFBIED. Early yesterday They held already one. Chaelot. "What if they did ! The old stage-coach itself goes joltingly, Because its horses now have got the staggers ; So there's no striding on with Spanish strut : But rather break-neck haste with little speed. B/OBEET. This must have made you very late at table, Poor Chariot ! Chaelot. Not till one o'clock did they Disperse. The meal was wholly spoilt. The Master Came not himself to table. By half-past two, Rode forth, full-speed, four hasty messengers. Bound for the Bastion, Nikosia, Colossa, G astir a. In the Castle's such a stir. The busy people run against each other. They're packing now the treasure, and they flit. With varied play of colours to and fro. Much like the mummers on Shrove-Tuesday, when They lead the old Fool-mother by the nose. The Grand-Commander shakes incessantly His head ; the Master is not to be seen, Himself. Just think ! From three this morn till now (Soon sounds the bell for complines) he has sat Not tasting bite or sup, dictating letters. Holding deliberations, messengers Despatching ! 'Tis a marvel to me how He weathers it, for this is the fourth night He hath passed thus. E.OBEET (pained, almost envyingly). His God within him keeps Him up ! 122 the templars in cyprus. [act it. Gottfried. Some news of weighty consequence Must surely have arrived here. Chaklot. They all say, A Bull has from the Holy Father come, Wherein he cites us to him at Poictiers, Safe-conduct guaranteeing. At midnight. The Brief, they say, will be in Chapter read — • Also this night Poitou will be received, And yet another, (to JRoherf) whom indeed you know ! 'Tis he who with the pirate yesterday Was taken. Robert. Tell me not of yesterday ! God! Gottfried. What ? Who ? Charlot. The stranger, the French Knight ; He is the son of Anjou's banished Duke. Gottfried. He ? — What, so soon ? Charlot. 'Tis so indeed. The Master Gave his consent reluctantly, they say — But the Knight pleaded with such urgency, He yielded to his prayer. He and Poitou This coming midnight are to be received, And in the early morning-tide — huzza ! We start for France I' — Gottfried, thou also com'st With us. Gottfried. I am willing. For a gallant man Is always complaisant. And come also, The Brothers' Cook and Butler ? SC. I.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPKUS. 123 EOBEBT. Parasite ! Chaelot {to Gottfried). Thou Prince of gormandizers ! Ay, they come. (To Robert, pointing to Gottfried.) He's found his proper niche ! Come, foolish Robert, Why so torment thyself ? Thy father owns "Wealth, rank, authority. — My God ! had I Such power, such prospects, I'd be very glad To lose my mantle. Then, light-hearted I Would ramble through the world, until at length I'd strike root in some castle of my own, Take a young wife, go hunt the hart and roe, And leave the Crescent, Cross, and Palestine To God Almighty's guardianship. Gottfried. I too !— Here's nothing but vexation. People say We're necromancers,'' and I think myself There's something that is not quite orthodox About our teraph-head.^ God help us all ! 'Tis well to keep one's sheep in pastures dry. Robert. A spurious wisdom now you're babbling of, The offspring of these frost-numbed latter times. And, were it wisdom truly, oh ! yet there floats High o'er my heart a wholly different aim. Be this a dream, — (I doubt it be scarce more) — ■ Yet ne'er would I exchange it for your Truth, And for your joyless heaven. The Master may Indeed have sacrificed himself for nought ; Yet would I sooner burn in that sweet dream Than in the winter of your Truth I'd freeze. ^ " They were commanded to extirpate magic and heresy. Lo ! they are charged with studying the accursed cabalistical secrets of the Jews and the magic of the Paynim Saracens." — Ivanhoe, vol. iii., ch. v. — Trans. ^ See note to p. 232, Act \i. — Trans. 124 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCT IV. Gottfried. Why, what do you mean ? Robert. For you, nought ; to myself I am defining why it is my sighs Are not a sound from empty organ-pipes, And why I love one swan well-limned more Than twenty living cuckoos. — Leave me in peace ! Chaelot. Original that thou art, and ever wert ! Robert. In souls awake to love, and thought, and yearning, A special ray of light, God-sent, is burning. A man who manifests this ray from God Stands out distinguished from the common clod. Charlot. Alas ! the Grand-Commander ! Commander Hugo (comes hohhling in). Commander (to Gottfried and Charlot). Now, now, now, God mend it ! Tou do well, good lads, to while Poor Robert's time, your comrade. But now, go And court your pillows for a little space, For you must be in Chapter at midnight. \_Exeunt Gottfried and Charlot. Commander (fatigued, sitting down). Hast heard ? — we go to-morrow morn to France ? Robert. I have. Commander. Wilt thou not drink a little draught Of old wine of this country ? ' 'Tis allowed, — ^ " The vines clothing the slope near Limasol produced the celebrated wine ' of the Commandery of the Temple.' The Knights, when they SC. I.J THE TEIIPLAKS IN CYPRUS. 125 For, to sick men and prisoners, the rules Permit a cordial drink. 'Twas Molay's wisli To send it thee : but I begged it of him. Because I fain would bring it thee myself. EOBEET. Herein I recognize both you and him, COMMANDEE. Then drink to faithful brotherhood in life And death ! Come, drink. God mend it ! Robert. 'Tis scarce meet An outcast man should revel in the juice Of golden grapes ; but since he sends it me — (lie driiiks.) COMMANDBE. That's right, my lad ! {Pause, — during ivhich he gazes on vacancy, lost in thought ; then, looking up, as'Jf recollecting himself.} Ah, dost thou know ? We sail For Prance to-morrow. ROBBET. Tou were saying so. Commander. My poor old head bec0n3.es a little weak At times. — This journey's strange ! — It worries me, — But since the Holy Father so decrees, A Christian man must with good will obey. — And hast thou slept well, through this night, dear youth ? ROBEET. As a condemned angel might, who fell With sudden shoot from his all beauteous heaven. ceded the island to Guy de Lusignan, reserved the exqusite vineyards of Limasol, to establish there a Preeeptory, where liberal potations were accredited to them, whence the proverb, Bou'e comme un TempKer I" — Hist, de St. Louis, by De Villeneuve, vol. ii., p. 152. " The wines known as Commanderia have always enjoyed a high repu- tation on the Continent." — Handbook to Cyprus, Col. and Ind, Exhibition. — Trans. 126 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPBUS. [ACT IT. CoMMANDEE (with increadng embarrassment, which he vainly tries to hide). Well, but— How tliink'st thou ?— Come witi. us to France ! ROBEKT. Tou mock me ! I am in the Church's ban. My destiny is, Expulsion from the Order, An endless dungeon. — Well, — 'tis my desert ! COMMANDEE. Tes, that's all wrong !— Hark, Robert !— (No, I can't!) Drink, then ! What, thou — thou whom we need so much. Of soldiers best, — thou, in this hole for life ? — ROBEET. Right well you know the Order's rule severe. OOMMANDEE. 'Tis true, God mend it ! — Carping old man ! I — I, — now, thy health ! IJDrinhs from the flash, which Robeet, after drinking, has replaced on the table; his hesitation is constantly he- coming greater. I — spoke — too hastily — In truth. But thou, to be so heated too ! — • Fie, Robert, fie ! Why, what a fool wast thou ! Robeet. I was — a man — whom you've so often taught To rate my honour higher than my life ! COMMANDEE. Thou'rt right, dear, youth ! Yes, in good sooth, I have — Truly I have. (Half aside.) Come, out with it, old man ! Why shame thee ? If so madly thou eould'st act. Thou can'st but pay the forfeit ! {Aloud.) Like a fool I've borne me ! Robert — Robert — come, forgive ! — (Relieved, and saying the rest with more composure.) Thank God ! 'Tis out now — it oppressed me sore — SC. l.j THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 127 Robert (^deeply inoved). My noble, honoured father ! Oh, you heap Hot burning coals upon my troubled head ! Oh, pardon, that for one brief space I broke So sinfully through my sweet duty's bonds ! COMMANDEK. Tes, that was foolish ! — Robert. Grant me once again Your grace, and all my deepest wounds are healed. [With these words he falls on his Tenees before the Commander, and embraces his hiees. Commander. What dost thou there ? — God mend it ! Fie, stand up ! — A Templar kneels to no one but his God ! Fie, fie ! stand up ! (Robert gets up.) There's moisture in mine eyes. Fie ! Shame on thee, disgracing an old knight With tears like women ! Fie ! — For shame, old man ! Robert (embracing him). Oh, Father, let me kiss these tears away ! Commander. They are my first ! — Leave me alone, bad Robert ! For if the people saw me, they would say : " The old Commander now begins to dote ; He fought through eighty years, and lo, he weeps ! " Robert. Oh could I set these first heroic tears As pearls of price on that red Cross which now Is lost to me for ever ! — Commander. 'Tis not lost !— No, no, God mend it ! I will know no rest But thou remainest in the Order ! — 128 THE TEMPIiAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT lY. ROBEET. Aye ?— And Odo Saint- Amand in prison died For right and duty. Did not you yourself So tell me ? — COMMANDEE. Go, boy, go ! — Again thou mak'st Me blush with shame (^embracing him). This is not right of thee ! — Come to my heart ! — It draws new warmth again, God knows ! from thine ! 'Tis e'en as though thy youth Infused new life into mine aged veins.- — - \_jEnter a Puesuitant. Ptjestjivant. His Grace the Master sends me to command Sir Robert to his presence. (To the Commandee.) He has asked To see your Lordship also. Commandee (low to Robeet, pointing to the Puesuitant). I cannot Confront him with these eyes so red ! Go thou, Dear boy ! Things may be better yet, — but go ! \_Exeunt Robeet and the Puesuitant. Commandee. But should he fall ! — Oh father Hugo, spare ! Mete not strict justice to thy son's grey hair ! Oh shame on him who, when life's close draws nigh, Must blush to think he fell from equity ! so. II. J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. 129 SCENE II. (Molat's cell; in the centre a writing-table covered with papers.) Molat (sits behind the table, in the centre). Chaplain Ctprianus (writing, on the right hand side). Several Templar-Kniglits and Messengers. Gregee (behind Molat's chair). Molat (to a Knight). This missive take to the Most Valorous The Master of the Hospital (gives him a letter) .. I send Him greeting, and I hope, on my return. To visit him at Vesper-bread. [Exit KifiGHT. (To another Knight, also giving him a letter.) This note Thou'lt bear to Nikosia,^ to the King Of Cyprus, and deliver it unto His Highness' very hands — mark that ! and I Commend to his good- will the Temple. Go ! — [Hxit Knight. (To another Knight and three Messengers, to whom he gives letters.) Tou four, in half an hour, will go on board The barque from France which brought the mail last night. And is prepar'd to sail. Soon as you land (To the 1st Messenger) Proceed to Paris, (to the 2nd) and thou to VUle-Dieu En la Montague, (to the 3rd) and thou to MontpelUer. And each of you will give the Brother Prior His letter. (To the 1st.) And moreover greet from me The illustrious Prior, Guido of Normandy ; — Tell him that I depend most certainly . ' Guy de Lusignan, the first king, made Nicosia his capital city, a city embellished by magnificent palaces and churches. In the Cathedral of St. Sophia the Templars and Hospitallers had celebrated their Insti- tution, and there also most of the kings of Cyprus had been crowned. — Trans. K 130 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT IT. On finding him at Paris. {To the Knight.) But do thou Speed fast as on the pinions of the wind To Poictiers ; first to the Preceptor show Thyself, and then, without delay, present This letter to the Cardinal Promotor. — Then, haply should the Holy Father grant The foot-kiss to thee, tell him reverently What's passing here, and that, in a few days, Myself will come and kiss his Holiness' hands. And with me, of the Templars sixty more. Now go. God prosper you ! {The Knight and three Messengers go.) {To the Chaplain.) Is't ready, Chaplain ? Chaplain {writing). I am bat colouring the initial letter. MOLAT. Ah, let be, — give it here ! {Takes a 'pa-per out of his hands and reads it.)' Gregeb {who has hitherto heen standing behind Molat's chair, after a while addresses him timidly). Will not your Grace Be pleased to break your fast ? — Collation 's ready. — - MoLAT. The brothers may partake. Geegeb {with gentle pleading). But, gracious Sir ! Since two this morning you've sat fasting here ! MoLAT {with emotion). That troubles thee, poor Greger ? — Let it pass ! Hast thou not still thy mother in Toulon ? Geegeb. These seven years past she lies in Hospital — The " Holy Ghost's " — She sent me word she fain 1 " Mrs. Markham " says that De Molay could not read, in conse- quence of which he was led to affix his seal to a confession of crimes. — Ikans. SC. 11.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 131 Would see me once again before her end ; — But— MOLAT (quickly). So she shall ! To Tonlon thou shalt come With me; there Brother Major-domo I'll ' Appoint thee, and thy mother then can live With thee. What think'st ? 'Twere not so well for me ! Geeger Qdssmg his hand, unable to control his delight). God's Angel that you are ! (Beaollecting himself and drawing hack respectfully) My gracious Lord ! (Enter a Puksuivant.) PUESUITANT. The Grand-Commander and the Draper wait Without : the Marshal also, as your Grace Commanded. Also, Brother Robert waits In the ante-chamber. MOLAY. Let the officials in — Poor Eobert must be patient yet awhile ! [Herald goes. (Aside). I must be Master first ; let feelings wait. (Enter the Marshal of the Order, the Preceptor, the Draper, and the Ptjesuiyant.) MoLAY (standing up, to the Peeciptor). Brother Preceptor ! Has the frigate been Got ready to make sail to-morrow morn At early dawn, according to my orders ? Peecbptoe. E'en now, sails bent, she lieth in the Roads. MoLAY (to the same) . The treasure, is't yet laden ? ' So are named the Household Managers of the Country Preceptories of the Order. The word is Meier (allied to the L. major, and the old German meh ; mekf). It is now obsolete in the sense of Major-Domo. — Trans. 132 the templaes in ctpeus. ' [act it. Peeceptoe. Yes, the jewels, The gold and silver vessels all are packed Already — and the golden crown of Baph — MOLAY. Yes, that, of course, stays here. {To the Marshal of the Order.) Are, Brother Marshal, The lansquenets all equipped ? Marshal. They only wait The bugle-call. MoLAT (to the Deapee). You would submit to me The manifest of the baggage, Brother Draper. Draper (hcmcUng him a pa/per). 'Tis here. MoLAT (reads). One cuirass, helmet, sword, shield, lance, And three surcoats ; one Turkish club, and one Doublet, two mantles, one fur coat and belt,' Two shirts, two pair of breeches and two pair Of hose, one paillasse, and one coverlet. One sheet for each Knight — sixty Knights in all — (Reckons it up mentally ; then reads on.) Also for the Most- Valorous, mantles six, And half-a-dozen shirts, and six pair hose. (Glances over the pa/per, then stops reading, and says to the Deapee) Wherefore so much for me ? Draper. The custom is. The Master takes thrice more than other Knights. ' Eule XXIII. " We have decreed in common council that no Brother shall wear skins or cloaks, or anything serving as a covering for the body in the winter, even a oasaock made of skins, except they be the sMns of lambs or rains." — Trans. SC. II. J THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 133 MoLAT (to the same). Stands it so in the Statute-book ? Deafer. Why, no, But it is customary. MOLAT. Ancient use Can ne'er shed lustre on a mean abuse. Of old the Masters served their f ellow-knights, The essence surely of true Masterhood ! Not for their body's comfort, but to show Ensample to their Brethren, did they wear The Master-mantle ; therefore will I too So bear me, with God's help ; and if on straw Pallets the Brothers lie, no less can I, Whom God appointed servant of them all. {Qiving the pofper hack to the Draper.) ^ Tour reckoning therefore change, and set me down On equal terms with all the other Knights. — Now, which of you has seen the Grand-Commander ? Pursuivant. He has taken the B.ecipiends to Confession. MoLAT {to the Pursuivant). Thou'lt bring them to me after Sacrament. Claus Rosner (Ilnters qmcldy, cmd hastily appproaches Molat). MoLAT (Aside to him). Who'll close the vault ? ' " The Draper was charged with the clothing department, and had to distribute garments, ' free from the suspicion of arrogance and super- fluity,' to all the bretluren. He is directed by the Eule to take especial care that the habits be neither too long nor too short, but properly mea- sured for the wearer, with equal measure, and with brotherly regard, that the eye of the whisperer or the accuser may not presume to notice anything." — Addison, Knights Templar, ch. iii. — Trans. 134 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. [ACT IT. Glaus (also Aside). The Presbyter and I. MoLAT (aloud to the Marshal) . Is all made ready for the Chapter ? Makshal. Tes. MoLAT (to the same). Who has the watch ? Marshal. 'Tis Chariot of Guyonne. MoLAT (to the Knights). You are dismissed ! \_The officials of the Order go. (To the PUESTJIVANT.) Call Eobert now to me ! lUxit PUESUITANT. (Aside.) Eternal Father, yet this bitter cup ! Shall I, yet one while, taste the cnp of joy ? (Enter E.OBEET. Se remains standing at a distance with howed head.) MoLAY {turning to Robeet). Draw nearer, Robert. (To the Chaplain and Geegee.) You no doubt are tired ? Chaplain (softly yau-ning). Ay, verily ! MOLAT. Then sleep until midnight. Gejegee (Aside, and indicating Molat). And he, these six nights through, has slept no wink ! — [The Chaplain and Geegee go. so. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 135 MoLiT (to EoBEET, who is now alone with him, and has tneanwhile come nearer). When I'took thee, a little child of eight, Into this Castle, and thy little sword Girt on thee, and thy first lance gave to thee, What vowed'st thou then to me ? Robert (respectfully, and deeply moved). Obedient ever, To guide my ways by thy paternal Toice. MOLAT. When, two years later, with my spear I slew The wild boar, ere he rushed on thee, what then Did'st swear to me ? Robert. To love thee as thy child, And garner stores of joy for thine old age. MOLAT. And lastly, when I led thee, seven years since. In that most solemn midnight of thy first Induction, to the holy martyr Saint Sebastian's shrine, what didst thou swear unto The great World-master ? Robert (eagerly). Combat for the Right, And law- enlightened daughter of the Right, Immortal Freedom ; self -surrender to The inflexible control of iron Fate ; Obedience, self-denial, fidelity,^ Unswerving to my grave ! — MoLAT (with solemn earnest.) Robert ! — this day ' " At the feet of my Superior I have laid down the right of self- action, the privilege of independence." — Ivanhoe, vol. ii., oh. ix. " The Templar, serf all but in the name, can possess neither lands nor goods, and lives, moves, and breathes but at the will and pleasure of another." — Ibid. — Trans, 136 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPETTS. [ACT IV. Stem Destiny reminds thee of thine oath. The law's austerity expels thee forth The Order — takes perhaps thy liberty For ever from thee. Wilt thou, valiant Eobert, Practise renunciation, self- surrender ? — ROBEET. I ■vrill— (whilst he represses the springing tears). Porgive my manhood's last revolt ! I will observe mine oath ! MOLAT. To-morrow morn I go to France. Thou stayest in prison here — What wilt thou do ? EOBEET. I will obey, renounce ! MoLAT. The general Chapter yet may abrogate Thy life-imprisonment, give thee freedom back ; Yet even this will scarcely profit thee, Por, as an outcast Templar-TCnight, thou'lt be A by- word to all people, high and low ! — And what, poor Eobert, wilt thou turn to then ? ROBEET. Proud in my rectitude, in deserts wild I'll scorn the judgment of a foolish world ! MoLAT. Should that be all thy brothers and mankind May hope "from thee ? — Eobert ! 'twas thy desire To gamer joy for me ! — - ROBEET. Can I do so ? MOLAT. Eobert ! this day I tell thee once for all SC. II.], THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 137 Thon art a hero — Nay, far more than this, Thou art a Man ! — and 'tis my pride and 'tis The solace of my age, thou'rt such through me. My valiant Robert ! only a weakling's strings Lie shattered by the iron hand of Fate. Fearless, the lofty-soul'd lays bare to fate The harp which the Creator's hand has set Within his bosom. Fate may strain the strings. Yet not destroy the innermost accord Of glorious tones, and soon the dissonance Will melt again in purest harmony, Because God's peace is breathing through the chords. Strong-hearted Robert ! Shall the stalwart man Succumb, or rise triumphant from the dust ? ROBEET. My Father ! — MOLAT. Shall the unalloyed true man Be slave to his environments, or free ? Shall he not pluck from each storm-blast, — nay, more, — From all the fond allurements of this life, His purer Self ? — The cosmos in his breast. Part is't o' the elemental aggregate ; And shall not Nature's ferment, working there. Upheave him also ? Man ! can'st thou succumb ? — Robert. Yet there are moments — MoLAT. Yes, in truth there are. But — God be thanked, — they're moments only, when Subdued by mightier Nature's forces, man Esteems his higher self a sport for waves. In moments such as these, the Godhead shows The distance yawning 'twixt itself and us. And castigates the impious pride of man Aspiring to equality, and casts 138 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [A<3T IV. Him back into his natural nothingness. In moments such as these the sage himself Sinks into dust — the dust, whence he, too, sprang ; But soon nplifts himself and, purified. Springs from the fateful crisis ; and 'tis thus The Holy Will proves its omnipotence. Thou too, brave Robert, wilt rise up again ! ROBEET. "What can I do ? MOLAT. Be greater than thy fate, Thy hater love ; in works creative seek The highest good, thy self-perfectionment. Thou art the image of the Eternal One ; He, when mankind reviles Him, only smiles, And round their huts creates a Paradise. Wilt thou still, selfish, turn thee to the wilds ? Robert. Humbled I bow before thy loftiness ! MOLAT. That shalt thou not ! — thou shalt me so surpass, The best shall say hereafter : " good was Molay, But Robert's a refulgence of the Highest ! " The Order, as I hope, will set thee free ; Thou knowest what Freedom's worth, and what she claims. — Go back into the world !• — not the great world ;• — The world that's thine ! — About thy father's castles Thousands of men who are thy brethren, groan 'Neath heavy yoke of bondage ; — set them free ! — By thine example, bring to nought the vile Barbaric residue of Roman folly. Which separates the free man from the serf. As though all men had not one equal right. By that first principle in-born to all, Heart-glad to draw their breath in hope and love And freedom ! — Thou wilt be a feudal lord, SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 139 A lord of men ! but they are likewise lords, Because they're Men ! ' Show them the way to reach Our Order's goal, which gleams victoriously O'er death and tyranny ; their father be, And they most certainly will never dream A warm paternal heart can beat the worse If covered by no Cross ; behold ! all this Thou canst do, — thou may'st do far more than I Can compass. Oft, indeed, one man alone Can more achieve than when combin'd with thousands ; For hard to influence are the wills of men. And rarely does the better sense prevail. EOBEET. Thou pourest oil into my bleeding wounds. But hast thou balm to soothe the agony Of leaving thee ? MoLAT (restraining his feelings with difficulty} . The balm for noble souls Is, doing good. I, — to my sorrow too oft Denied, O God ! — this privilege by fate. Commend it unto thee ; it does but wait Thy coming — go and meet it, happy man ! (Overcome hy emotion.) And if some day, thou lean on thy wife's breast. Thy children round thee, and a ray of joy. Beamed from the world's Creator, thrill thy veins ; Then think of me who knew not father's joys, Nor on flesh of his flesh might evermore Repose his weary head, his bleeding breast ! — ' It is commonly admitted that, while the accusation brought against the Templars of Eastern heresies and the vilest criminality (how far true or false it is hard to say) was the ostensible motor of then- down- fall, the actual cause of it was their immense wealth, which had be- come a menace to the rest of the world. But this is an insufficient explanation. They were obnoxious through having taken up the cause of the people and the rights of humanity ; and by being the first to lift their voices against the iniquities attendant on feodality, and the despotism of Church and kings, they became antagonistic to the ruling; powers of Europe.— Trans. 140 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT lY. Robert (sinldng on one Tenee before him in gentle grief). Give me thy blessing, Martyr !— MoiiAT {with deepest, yet solemn emotion). May the Lord Illumine thee with His most holy truth ; Exalt thee high, by hope and love and strength ; Refresh thy soul with joy and inmost peace. And, when He to thy fathers gathers thee, Leave thou this heritage unto thy sons, — That when, one day, — we shall be sleeping then — Bursts from our Temple the imprison'd flash. And strikes asunder all the people's chains, They shall already have rent in twain their own, And stand array'd for battle, fully arm'd ! The PuESDivANT (comes up). The Grand- Commander, as yon have desir'd, — MOLAT. Let him come in. [Exit Pdrstjivant. MoLAT (to Robert, who rises). Go hence in peace, my son ! Robert (in unspeakable grief). And thou ? — MoLAT. My own peace haply draweth nigh ! — \_Exeunt Robert and the Puestjitant. (Enter Commander Hvgo from the other side.) MOLAY. Has now the Chapter been convoked ? Commander. It has. MOLAY. My brave old comrade, wherefore art so sad ? SC; II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 141 COMMANDEE (pointing to the opposite door through which ROBEKT went out). Was not that Robert, who went forth from thee ? MOLAT. Ay, it was he. Commander. I can't describe it, but 1 feel that something snaps within my heart, To see the young man thas. MoLAT. And is it not Bad for me also ? Commander. Hast thou yet commands For me ? MoLAT. When have I ever laid commands On my paternal friend ? Commander. Tet thou hast bid Me hither. MOLAT. Sit thee down here by my side. I hold here in my hand the instruction for The Marshal, Brother Ulfo. Art thou now Disposed to hear it ? Commander. My head's so confused ! Let be till morn ! ' MOLAT. Because thou didst not wish To take the Banner, I've trusted it to him. Commander. 'Twas that I asked of thee ; for now, oh Molay, My strength is drawing very near the grave ! — 142 , THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. [ACT IV. All's very strange with, me to-day, God mend it ! Most marvellous ! All that I do, I do As though 'twere only for appearance' sake. To-day there's such confusion — so much stir As, usually, would quite have turned my head, But now 'tis all the same to me ! Erewhile, I went down to the harbour where I saw The rigging of the ship, and then, methought. Some voice was whispering in my ear : " Behold, That is thy winding sheet, and yonder bales Thy coffin, that shall on the east-wind's wings To-morrow to thy fathers carry thee." MOLAT. Then bide thou here ! Enjoy well-earned repose, And take the quiet ruling of the House.^ COMMANDEE. Nay ! leave me not behind, comrade in arms ! I'll go with thee, and warm my aged limbs Once more in that glad sun which has so oft Burnish'd my bloody spear ! and when in France, Old Hugo calls me to his halls, lay thou My body, in all its knightly panoply, In oaken coffin ; send it then to Aix In Provence, that I there may sleep in peace Sepultured in my fathers' tomb. MOLAT. And who, Hugo, will lay my body in a grave ? (Puesuivakt eomes up.') Pursuivant {to Molat). The Acolytes — Commandee. Now all go well with thee ! I go to try and rest a little while. [Ooes. ' Namely, the Templar-House (or Preceptory) at Limasol. SC. II. J THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 143 Feank of Poitou, Adalbert of Anjou appear, both dressed in hlach ^ MoLAT (to Feank and Adalbeet). Have ye your sins unburdened before God ? Have ye been purified, to firmly face The stem probation, in tbis world your last ? Frank. We bope so, in tbe Fatber of all Grace. MoLAT. Are ye prepared all those things to renounce Which heretofore have chained you down to earth ? Tbe golden and irradiant crown of wealth, Of pride tbe richly-tinted peacock plume, Tbe false, illusive jewel of self-will, Tea, and no less, true valour's laurel-wreath, Tbe cord that bound you to your mother's heart. Tea, e'en tbe perfumed myrtle-breath of Love, Tbe whole creation filled with all delight. To bury in the Temple's open grave ? Frank. I am prepared. Adalbert. I also ! — Agnes sleeps E'en now in her cool grave ! MoLAT. Te are but boys ! Consider what ye vow I^Tbat moment when This mantle falls upon your shoulders, rent Are all your former ties, rent even those Higb bonds by Nature ballowed, — severed all ! Ours are ye wholly : separated to The Order, and betwixt you and those flowers ' " Behind them followed the Knight Companions of the Temple with a long train of Esquires, Pages, clad in black, aspirants to the honour of being one day Knights of the Order." — Ivanhoe, v. iii., eh. 13. " The inferior officer of the Order wore black." — Ivan/toe, oh. 5. 144 THE TSMPLARS IN CYPEUS. [ACT IT. Of earth, lies deep a terrible abyss ! — Turn back to them. ! Delicious is their scent, And all around you lies God's earth outspread. There also smiles on you His kindly sun. And there right well ye can His children be ! Peank. I'U to the Highest devote my earthly fortune. Adalbert. Mine's sleeping in the grave — my life is yours. MOLAY. Rush not unheeding to calamity. Retreat is open still ; soon 'twere too late. Here persecution lies in wait for you. And tribulation ; worldly pleasure dies Within these halls, desire of evil grows More keen by its renouncement ; should you here Give place to it, you'll never rise again ! But e'en should you — I cannot guarantee it — March forth as victor from the deadly fight ; E'en should you win the Order's highest prize. The Saviour's glorious crown of martyrdom, Suppose you that its thorns inflict no wound ? See, I am Master ; painfully! won The noblest prize you might by any means Acquire, — this mantle. I am an old man, I speak not vauntingly, I know full well My strength is nought but merest impotence, And God is mighty in me, who am weak ; Say I for my sake what I say to you ? — I say it to save your souls ! Behold and see ! This linen mantle cost me six red wounds, (baring his head) . Feel on my skull and count them for yourselves. One sword-cut would have surely cleft my head Had not your father (to Pbank) warded ofB the blow. (To both.) Yet little count I these, matched with those wounds That pierced my inmost being, bleeding stUl ; The giving up of love, denial of that SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 145 Wkich Nature looks for from her children, oft Has cost me many a strenuous conflict. Now I tave waxed old, and many of my wounds, Are healed already by victorious Time ; Yet, other old men court repose in arms BeloveS, while I — I must turn night to day. And ever restless strive, and ever fight Against o'erwhelming force. With silv«red hair, I must bestir myself like a young man. Must persecution undergo, and hate, And may not rest nor ever taste the sweets Of Love, the bright reduplicated Life. — When sleep enfolds me in the late-drawn night. No wife spreads me my couch; and when at last The long sleep shall encompass me, mine eyes No daughter tenderly ,shall close ! Such then, Am I, the Temple-Order's Master ; One, Elected o'er all others, called by Christ To dominate o'er his Banner ! And could ye Hope e'en so much as that ! Speak for yourselves ! Frank. I am resolved. Adalbeet. Me heavenly rest allures ; {Aside.) Soon will her spirit close my weary eyes. MoLAT (to Adalbeet). Rest seek'st thou here ? — Almost thou mak'st me smile ! Look round thee ! see from East, and West, and South, Are darts directed to the Order's heart. His sabre not alone the Saracen Doth whet, to dye it with our blood, {to hotJi) and yours ; The mighty powers of Christendom, beguiled By futile dreams, are all against us ranged ; Around us rages on all sides the storm. And round the Order's stronghold lift their crests The hostile phalanxes, like waves upheaved. Unless God's hand upholds us, we must fall; And what will be your lot then, ye poor souls ! L 146 THE XEMPLAES IN CTPEtTS. [ACT IT. Where'er ye look, on every side, is death. Turn back again ! Thou, my good Adalbert, Thou knowest the place where blooms thy sanctuary ! Adalbeet {Aside). Yes — in the grave ! — MOLAT. And thou, my dear Poitou ! Back to thy mother's loving arms return. Thy sire's ancestral castle seek once more ; Support his hoary head, so battle- worn ! Frank. Himself he sent me here — I waver not ! Adalbert. For me remains no home but Heaven ! I stay. MOLAT. Then stay ! — But me accuse not before God! For of this step of yours I solemnly Absolve me of all consequence, and cast Its burden on you ! — Tou have made your choice, I consecrate you to your destiny. (Long solemn pause.) Prepare for the midnight solemnity ; When stroke of twelve comes booming from the tower, Then will your lot be sealed. Depart and pray ! [Frank and Adalbert go off. MoLAT (Aside). Ay ! there they go, the victims ! \_Suddenly rising from his seat. But by Heaven ! Almost I had forgotten ! \_Galling after them. Adalbert ! (To the Pursuivant.) Watch thou without, that we be not disturbed. [Exit Pursuivant. Adalbert comes hack, MoLAY (to Adalbert, as he opens a folding-door leading to the garden). First take leave of thy father ! — SC. II.] THE TEMPLARS IN CTPETJS. 147 (Philip comes out of the garden, and in at the folding-door). Philip (to Adalbert, loAjing his hands on him). Be a man ! May the Lord's strength be poured abundant o'er thee ! To God, who gave thee to me, I restore thee. [Hxit Adalbert. MoLAT (throwing wide open the folding-doors and looking out into the adjacent garden,- which is already in twilight). One freshening look on Nature's open face. At close of this long, troublous day of pain ! Philip. The evening's sultry. MOLAT. Therefore the green earth Pours forth for us sweet, wholesome fragrancy ! [-He inhales the air with a deep inspiration. 0, thanks be to thee for the breath of life, All Bountiful ! The spirits of the flowers Return to thee, but as they pass, they cool My burning temples tenderly ; they love, As I ! (After a pause, during which his gaze has rested on the vale enamelled with flowers, to Philip.) To-morrow, when the stars revert To gold, I shall be, Philip, far from thee ! Philip. Now God forbid that I should thee forsake ! Past recognition grief has altered me ; Beard, raiment, ochre-staining will complete My transformation, and I'll follow thee Incognito, as one of thy armed men. I'll stand as guardian angel by thy side, I'll be thine escort to this island back. And shouldst thou fall, I too will fall by thee ! MOLAT. Into God's hand ^ 148 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [aCT IT. (PoMse, dwring which he gaaes across the valley.) Yes, Brother, come with, me ! Achilles and Patroclus once again ; Children we were, as children be our end. Philip. Strike hands on't. Life and death ! {Giving him his hand.) MoLAT (Joining ha/rpds). For life and death ! Philip. One ship, one God, one credence, and one grave ! MoLAT. Ay, and one myrtle from the Paradise "We planted in the darkness of midnight. lUmhracing him. Now down fate's sultry highways we are going ; But o'er our steps faith's cooling airs are blowing. Though round our ashes soon the winds shall play, Sublime the seed we've sown will rise one day. [Whilst they a/re thus engrossed with one another, EuDO passes hy unseen, and unobserved hy them,, with folded hands. EuDO. For, from dissolution Springs life's evolution. And Love wins a treasure of Love without measure. [Passes on. SC. III.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 149 SCENE III. Prison, as in Scene II. of Act III. Late in the evening. The scene is dimly lighted hy a lamp standing on the tahle. NoFFO,'- Chaplain Ctpkianus, stealing in, looking anxious. Chaplain. Have you yet mixed for him the electuary ? NoFro. So well that, if 't be not the death of him, He's ours entirely to command. Chaplain. All praise Be unto God, who such great things hath done Through his unworthy servant, Cyprianus ! NOPFO. Yet tell me, thou fat hulk ! Deal honourably For once ! — say what it is they want of us ? Which coal is it thy Father Vincent would Withdraw forth of the embers by our paws ? Chaplain. Why, look you, Noffodei, you're trustworthy ; And I may tell it you. NoFro. Superfluous prologue !• — Friend, to the facts ! — Thy gallows-tree's not yet built. ^ " AccordiDg to othei-s, Noffo de Plorentin, an apostate Templar, who had been condemned by the Grand Preceptor and Chapter of France to perpetual imprisonment for impiety and crime, made in his dungeon a voluntary confession of the sins and abominations charged against the Order." — Addison, Knights Templars, ch. ix. — Trans. 160 the templaes in ctpeus. [act it. Chaplain. Of course a man of Father Vincent's rank "Writes not explicitly on every point ; But this much I am able to perceive, Against the Order there are grave designs. " Deleatur ilia rubra crux," he writes, Where, writes he, " supra clerum laicus." NorFO. What does that mean ? Chaplain. It means that the Red Cross Must be expunged, according to God's will. Because it is obstructive to the cowl. Much has the Father heard, too, touching you, And your shrewd wiles when to the Saracens Ton made the fortress over. " Pity 'tis," He writes, " that this m.an should so vilely serve The heathen's ends, for, with such gifts as God Has lavished on him, he might be," writes he, "A chosen vessel." Nor less well knows he The impetuous man, the Prior. Of him he writes " The resinous pine-knots serve to kindle fire ; Ply but the bellows well, he'll soon inflame. And straight consume himself ; and so 'twere best." NOFFO. What ! that's the way oft, bellows ? Well, go on ! Chaplain. Also the Father privately has given Me charge to free from durance vile both you And Brother Montfaucon, and so promote Tour welfare and dear Christendom's ; and he waits In Paris for yon with a holy longing. The note which as I hear you did but now Read to the Prior, I drew up artfully In Molay's name, and then to give the thing A better colour I addressed it to The Marshal of the Order. That part where so. III.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 151 The Master plans the death, of Heribert Should, as I fain would think, remove the doubts Which, by a culpable virtue's blinding spell. This worldling from God's service still detain. Could he be gained, — as sanguinely I hope Through God and you he will be, — you will both Escape to-day. The Prankish privateer, Now anchored by the watch-tower to take in Fresh water, as 'tis said — takes you on board, And then — with God to France ! NoFro. Hear ! — strike me dead ! — For by thy holy grey frock, brother Priest ! On Balaam's ass no mightier miracle Was done, than this the Church has worked on thee. The note thou'st forged with such dexterity With Molay's signature stamped under it. Wherein thou, clumsy devil else, conldst paint The Master as a subtle fiend so deftly : Who would have look'd for such skill'd artifice In such a plethoric, thick, bald-pate ? — Say now Most eminent Cyprian, how doth holy Church Contrive to raise up children for herself From clods like thee ?' — Chaplain. You're jesting with your servant. For know you not how mightily the Lord Works in the weak ? My patron said, (whose soul God keep,) The humble monk is but a stone ; No higher and no lower he may lie Than his place is : and if somewhat he be Smaller than is the hole he's planted in, The hole with mortar is filled up ; but if He's larger, his superfluous corners then Must be chipped off : So superposed one stone Lies on the other, no one knows aught of each ; And none returneth to his rock again From whence they quarried him ; one firmament O'er-canopies ahke the rough and smooth ; 152 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEtlS. [ACT IV. None seetii the foundation, and thus, or e'er One looks for it, the holy Church is built. NOFFO. And twirls her weathercock to right and left As veers the wind ! Chaplain. Silence, thou reckless railer ! Where is the Prior ? NoFEO (pointing to the little door on the left) . There in the little cell. Chaplain. What said he when you read my letter to him ? NOPEO. Said ? — Naught ! nor word nor sound escaped his lips. First he stood still ; then listened, as though he would Seize with his ears each separate syllable. Then shook his head, and pale as death clutched hard The prison stool. At length to Heaven he raised His eyes and clenched his fist ; then ground his teeth. Then threw his head so violently back As though by dislocation of his throat To burst his swollen veins, and separate By violence chin from throat. So firm his feet Were planted on the floor, not twenty men Methinks could have dislodged one foot of his. Then he began to laugh. I tell thee. Father, Beelzebub will not more shrilly peal, That day when he shall snatch thy sordid soul ! But soon this laugh to spell-bound stupor tnm'd And from his straining eyes two tears unchecked Fell down, while foam stood on his parted lips. I gently laid my hand on his clenched fist. And undesignedly he struck me with't So rude- a blow I could not see nor hear ; Then stood he still, nor budged for half an hour ; Then heaved a sigh a fathom deep, which soon Was followed by loud cries, and staggering like SC. III.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 153 A drunken man, he sought with tottering steps The chamber, where he sank upon the couch. Chaplain. And sleeps ? NOFFO. And sleeps ! — well ! if we call that " sleep." I rather would keep watch in purgatory, — ■ Come in thyself and see. [Taking the lamp from the table, he leads the Chaplain to the little door on the left, which he opens slowly. Can'st make him out By the lamp's glimmer ? — See, open stand his eyes ; And yet I'd wager he would nothing see Albeit the devil himself stood there and grinned. \_LooMng more closely into the cell and searching round with his eyes. But look ! Is't fancy ? — Verily methinks There glitters round him vaporously a light — Chaplain. No, 'tis the lamp-light's shining, and we know It is the property of light to shine ! NOFFO. May be ! Chaplain (also peering into the cell). Look, how he's crumpling that fair sheet Of paper ! — all those well-formed characters ! •NOFFO. That is the letter which he grips, as though 'Twere rooted in his palm. He knits his brow. He stirs — hark ! — hush ! — what words are these he mutters ? Chaplain. Nought hear I ! NOFFO. Hark ! Now dost thou nothing hear ? 154 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS- [ACT IT. Chapiain (listening). I hear ! — He murmurs somewtat of " revenge " And " sweet " I think, — and so forth. NOEFO. I Ay ! that's it ! 'Tis the old burden of a horrid song That haunts his head, unresting like a ghost. See there again ! he shudders, he gets up ! Come out, come out, if we would keep whole skins. The man is raving — he'll lay hold on us. [He hurries to the front dragging the Chaplain with him, and sets the lamp on the table. Peioe Hbeibbet comes wildly rushing through the door on the left. Peioe. Who's moving yonder ? — (wearily to the Chaplain). Chaplain, is it you ? Methinks I've dreamt a fearful dream. Chaplain. How so, My worthy Prior ? Peioe. Look you ! — I dreamt there was A letter most malignant and most black, Most devilish and accurst — but sure 'twas naught But dreams ! [The letter he was holding falls from his hands. Chaplain. E'en now, you are letting fall the note — Peioe (turning upon hivi). What, thou vile caitiff ! Would'st thou play on me More of thy scoundrel tricks ? — Down with thee, cur ! [He seizes the Chaplain, ivho shrinks terrified. NoFPO (unloosing hini). Prior, are you possessed ? At such a time. With all our lives at stake ? — Peioe (to Nofpo). Ay ! — thanks, my frieud ! SC. III.J THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 155 Thanks, rascal-friend, for timely warning me. (Softened, to the Chaplain.) Hear me, your Reverence ! — Some time ago — ■ About eight days, I think — did Noffodei Read me a curious letter, -which gave me much Amusement. I would like to hear it read A second time. My dear friend, read it me ! — Chaplain. "With pleasure ! only I fear — Peioe. I' the devil's name, read ! Chaplain (reads with every sign of fear, at the same time keep- ing sharp watch on the Peiob, with stolen glances). " Private instruction for the Brother Marshal. I must, beloved Brother, ere I go, Unfold to you the secret of my soul. Repeat no word of it, upon your life ! Tou know the arrogant Prior Montfauoon, You know what has occured 'twixt him and me. 'Tis true he lieth in prison, but the snake Is only scotched, it keeps its venom still, And dangerously will raise its head again Unless we tread it down. Dear Brother, while He still draws breath, Molay sleeps not secure. The Chapter, Brother, is favourable to him. Should one decree be in his favour passed. He'll start up stronger than he ever was. This needeth haste ! — To-morrow, Brother, I go, The following day will set the prisoner free. Let him be freed — you mark me ! — from the bonds Of prison and of life — and without blood." Peior. The thing's impossible ! — Give me the note ! [He snatches it from the Chaplain's hands and loohs at it. NOFFO. Tou cannot read ! 166 the templaes in ctprtis. [act iv. Pbioe. Trae — true — My head ! — [CHves the letter bach to the Chaplain. Go on ! Chaplain (reading on). " Of prison and of life — and without blood. — A little hemlock with his cabbage mixed, A little hole the depth of seven ells ; So sleeps he peacefully, and so do we. — Farewell ! And if this be a sin, — I take The burden of it on my shoulders ! — Molay." Peior (brealdng mto the hottest rage). Oh, lend to me thy lightnings, Heaven ! Hell, Give me thy flames ! (To NoPFO) Tell me, thou scoundrel, how Thy hands obtained this gallows-reeking letter ? NOFFO. Must I repeat it ten times ? (Pointing to the Chaplain.) He can tell ! — Chaplain. When Molay was dictating, yesterday. Despatches to me, he stopped short and looked Me shrewdly in the face ; " Chaplain," said he, " You're a true man. Can you a secret keep ? " And I, all unsuspecting, answer made, " Most Valorous, sure my bosom is no echo : 'Tis but a shrine which faithfuUy conceals All you repose within it," I said : thereon, Many injurious things he said of you. And bade me, by mine oath and by Christ's wounds, Divulge them never ; and when I'd promised him. He bade me that disgraceful note inscribe. Six times I longed to throw in his vile face The pen, but used discretion, you to save. I wrote the note and handed it to Molay ; But during the brief space when he was gone To lunch, I seized my opportunity. Transcribed the note, and thrust into my hood SC. III.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 157 The copy I had made for you. ; you being Asleep, — I gave to faithful Noffodei The draft, which he delivered, I hear, to you. (Aside) Thank God, that now I've got well through the task Set me by Father Vincent ! — NOFFO. Well, Prior, what Say yon ? Peioe (who hitherto has stood stiff with rage, now ireahing loose upon the Chaplain). Priest ! If thou liest, yea, if thou liest, — Then God have mercy on thee ! — Chaplain (trembling). Surely as Christ's living waters freely flow for me ! This is pure truth which I make known to you. NofFO (to the Chaplain). The letter's gone ? Chaplain. Delivered to the Marshal. NoFFO (aloud to the Chaplain). Now, Chaplain, best of friends ! ( Quickly and aside to the same. ) Tou must be quick ! He'll break loose from our toils if he reflect. (Aloud) Tell us, friend Chaplain, what' have we to do ? # Chaplain. All has been carefully provided for. This night upon the stroke of twelve there'll be Reception in the Chapter. The Brothers all Will there assemble ; at which time will creep Beneath your window, and call " Cuckoo " twice, The Sexton Otto, in whom you may confide. But ere he come, you'll with this crowbar raise [^Draws a crowbar from under his robe, and gives it to Noffo. 158 THE TBMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT IT. Tte lattice, and precautionally don These cowls. [Vraws out two monks' cowls and gives them to the same. Here ! — They are consecrated robes, And so your shield 'gainst evil chance. Then he Calls " Cuckoo," and the third time he shall call You'll let yourselves descend by these two cords. \_Oives them also to Noffo. He has the key that opes the garden-door : And to the bastion will conduct you through it. Where there's a subterranean way, unknown Save to the Master, and some few of the Elders ; A small door shuts it in, the key of which I, subtly, from the Master have purloined. With this key Otto will unlock the door. And through the passage to the end of it Will lead you safely ; then he'll part from you. And you keep to the left, as far as to The Chapel of our dear Lady of the Sea. Then comes, you know, a little stretch of forest. And then, at once, the harbour. At the watch-tower, One, clad in mantle blue, will stand and say To you, " It rains." Then you shall answer him, " Sets the wind fair to-day ? " He'll bring you then On board a ship, which came, express, from France To take you off. And she, ere morning break. Will stand to sea, and with a favouring wind, Tou'll be at Calais after seven days. NoFFO (feigning to he overwhelmed with joy). Chaplain, thou'rt born to be a Cardinal ! Chaplain. The skipper will provide you money. When You land in Trance, make haste without delay To Paris ; at Saint Augustine's abbey ask For Father Vincent ; give to him this note [Gives it to Noffo. And trust the rest to him and our dear Lady ! — NoFFO (to the Pkiob). Comrade ! thou hear'st ? sc. iii.j the templaks in cyprtjs. 159 Peior. Comrade ? Well be it so, Hell Has made us brothers. (To the Chaplain) Priest, thy hand upon it ! ( To, NoFFo) Here, Noff odei, thy hand upon it ! — I'm yours ! — I'll go to France, the Pope, the King himself. Ha ! I'd not murder him, foul hypocrite ! Ah, no ! but I will slowly torture him, And when the torm.ent's gnawing at his life, I'll taunt him with this grisly cry : " Behold The serpent's head ! " ^Seizing one of the cowls from the table. Give me the cowl ! So ! Now I'm ready for the jonmey. Chaplain (to the Peioe). Fare you well, Dear friend, soon Master of the Order !■ — Now I must be gone. Soon tolls the Chapter-bell. E'en now the Acolytes wend towards the Church. Adieu ! — ^ Peiob. Adieu ! "We meet again, unfailing. E'en now the owl's prophetic death-songs wailing ; The great exploit begins at midnight, when The fiend and vengeance watch o'er blindfold men. [Exit Chaplain. {Curtain falls. } ACT V. SCENE I. Midnight. Interior of the Church of the Order. Behind is a far perspective of alta/rs and Gothic pillars. Towards the right side of the foregroumd, a small Chapel, and in it an altar with the statue of 8t. Sebastian. The scene is dimly lighted by a lamp hanging in front of the altar. Peane of Beiinnb (Clad entirely in white, without doublet and mantle): HEI^E must I wait ? — How from tlie lofty dome Each footstep that I take reverberates down E'en to ttie cavernous dwellings of the dead, — Safe home of hearts that sufBer pain no more ! — Mine only beats— (I almost hear it throb) In this terrific stillness of the tomb ; Eor those who lie beneath now breathe no more ; They rest in dissolution's long, long sleep ! (Pause.) Hark ! something moves ! — 'tis but the pendulum That sounds with hollow beat from the tower-clock. Its stroke is calm, yet never ceasing, e'en Like Fate. Beneath it hearts may break or glow Exultant ; neither troubles it ! One, two, Three, four, five, six — like blows which iron death Deals with his hammer on our hearts, thereby To stamp on them remembrance of the path Erom which there is no possible return ! — Me will he lead to light's eternal source. Or draw me downward to the dark abyss ? \_Pause. The tower-cloeJc strikes twice. Half-past eleven ! — one only half-hour more, SC. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPBCtJ. 161 And twelve strikes from the tower ; cast thencefoi'tli is The lot, and rent the links with human kind ! Is this chill shiver coursing through my bones, So clammy-cold, their valediction ? — Ilold !— The church doors clang together gloomily. The floor re-echoes with an iron tramp ! Is this perhaps death's footfall entering ? (A man clad in blaok armour from head to foot^ with closed vizor, com,es up.) Aemed Man. Pray !— (Feank hieels down.) Disrobe thyself ! [ffe strips him, down to the girdle, and raises him up. Look downwards ! — Follow me ! [Ke leads him to a trap-door, on the left, iyi the background, then goes down first. 1? RATSK follows him, whereupon the door closes. Enter Adalbset (cladliJce Fbank, groping in the darkness). Was I not told to wait for the Unknown At St. Sebastian's altar ? Yes ! I think 'Twas so ; but this thick pall of darkness veils The figures — (stepping to the altar). Here is the fifth pillar !. Tes, The Saint is there. The mild gleam of the lamp Falls softly on the youth's half swooning gaze ! 0, here's no work of Saracenic lance ! These are the pangs of love, which, scorching, pierced Thy bleeding heart, companion of my pain ! O mine own Agnes ! — Doth perchance thy shade Look down upon me in this solemn hour ? In yonder moonbeam haply dost thou float. Which shimmers through those painted window-panes. And in the cloister's darkness vanishes ? — Or else, behind those arrows dost thou bide Which loom on me so black, so ominously, As on the Present, loom horrors of the Past, ' Namely, the Presbyter of the Order. M 1'62 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [aCT T. And hide from me thy pure and lovely form That thy pale countenance dismay me not ? Hide not thyself from sight of thy belov'd Spirit of my Agnes ! Thou affright'st me not ! — Hark ! Is not someone rustling even now ? — Father, is't you ? Philip {who comes in wildly and Tiurriedly). Yes, Adalbert. But time Is precious ! Come with me, my only son ! Adaleeet. What would you, Father, now, in such an hour ? Philip. If not this hour, my son, then nevermore ! [Leading Adalbeet to the altar.) Approach ! Thou knowest this youth, and who he is ? Adalbeet. 'Tis St. Sebastian ! Philip. As he would not yield. And disavow his faith, a tyrant's will Transpierced him with these arrows. Tyranny Has likewise bleached this head (pointing to his own), a despot's rage Has also ploughed with many deep-cut lines These furrows on thy father's countenance ! My son ! my firstborn, and my only child ! In this supreme, in this most awful hour, I here adjure thee — do as I command ! Adalbeet. What you command is right, and I concur ! Philip. Then swear to me in this tremendous hour — By this thy father's head made early grey, Thy mother's terror-stricken death of pain, SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 163 And by the blighted blossom of thine Agnes, — Eternal, bloody, unrelenting hate To Tyranny, these victims' murderer ! Adalbert. There spoke the eternal Nemesis through thee ! Tes ! Agnes' funeral torch shall bloodily Burn in the tyrant's heart — and that I swear ! Philip (wiih ever-inoreasing excitement). And if thou violate this awful oath, If with the tyrant thou be reconciled, If golden chains and gifts of his, his prayers, Or his death-rattle even, disarm thine hand — The avenger's hand — shall then this hair, too soon Turned grey, the agonizing cry of her Who bore thee, shall thine Agnes' withered bloom Accuse thee, all, before the Eternal's throne ? Adalbert. So shall they, if I ever break my vow. Philip. Be strong then ! [_Loolcing up and hastily shrinking, whilst he peers around. Was not that his lightning flash ? Farewell ! — The doors are clanging even now, I hear the footfall of the Terrible One ! — Remember always this midnight, and me ! \_Exit hastily. Adalbert (alone). Yes, grey head, sent me, at the Lord's behest, To wake to action out of abject sleep ; I will remember thee and this midnight Avenged shall be my Agnes' spirit ! (Another Man in Aemode,^ equipped precisely like the first'). ^ Namely, Claus Rosner. 164 the templaes in cyprus. [act t. Man tn Aemoue. Pray ! [Adalbeet kneels doiun. Disrobe thyself ! [Strips to the girdle and raises Mm up. Look downwards ! — EoUow me ! [Leads him to the bachground, on the right, to another trap-door, into which he descends first, like the former man in armour, and which closes as soon as Adalbeet has followed him. SCENE II. Crypt of the Templars under the Church. The scene is lighted only hy a larrip, suspended from, the vaulting. Around are tombstones of deceased knights, engraved with crosses and bones of dead men. In the background, two colossal skeletons, holding up a large white book marked with a red cross, from, the under edge of which hangs a long black cur- tain. The hook, of which only the cover is visible, has an inscription in black cipher. The right-hand skeleton holds erect in its right hand, a naked sword ; that on the left holds, in its left hand, a Palm-branch pointing downwards. On the right side of the foreground a black coffin stands open : on the left is a similar one, with the corpse of a Templar- Knight in full panoply of the Order; on both coffins are inscriptions in white cipher. On both sides, nearer to the background, are visible the lowest steps of the flights of stairs, which lead up to the Church of the Order, above the vault the First Aemed Man (with naked sword) and Eeank. Afterwards, the Second Aemed Man and Adalbeet. Aemed Man. The trial's ended ! — Forth to the reception ! Second Aemid Man {not visible as yet; above, on the right- hand stairs). Terrible One ! Is the tomb open ? sc. ii.] the templaes in ctpeus. 165 Hidden Yoice. Yes! Second Aemed Man {after a pause, shows himself on the right-hamd stairs). May lie behold the fathers' tomb ? Hidden Voice. He may ! [Second Aemed Man, with nahed sword, leads Adalbeet carefulhj down the steps on the right. Armed Man (to Adalbeet). Do not look up ! — Thy life shall pay for it else ! \_Leads him to the open cofin. What dost thou see ? Adalbeet. A coffin, open, void. Aemed Man. That is the house that shall be thine to-morrow ! Canst read the inscription on the coffin ? Adalbeet. No. Armed Man. Its purport is : " The wage of sin is death ! " [Leading him to the opposite coffin, wherein lies the corpse. Do not look up — thy life would pay for't ; follow ! \_8hows him the coffin^ What dost thou see ? Adalbert. A coffin -with a corpse. Aemed Man. To-morrow thou shalt be like this thy brother ! Canst read the inscription on the coffin ? 166 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPKUS. [aCT T. Adalbeet. No. Aemed Man. 'Tis " Dissolution is the name of Life." Look up, go forward now. Examine and act ! [Pushes him towards the laclcground of the Stage. Adalbert {observing the hook). Ha, wliat is this ? The book of Ordination ? {Drawing nearer to it.) The inscription on the cover seems legible. (Beads it.) " Knock four times on the floor, Thou thy belov'd shalt see." Ha ! is it possible ? Shall I look on thee. Mine Agnes glorified ? (hastily approaehing the hooh). Come to my heart ! (Saying the following words, he stamps four times with his foot upon the floor.) One, two, three, four ! \The curtain hangiiig from the hooTc, rolls rapidly up, so as to cover it. A colossal demon's head appears be- tween the two skeletons; its counte- nance is horrible ; it is gilt, has on a huge golden crown, a heart of the same on its broiu, rolling fiery eyes, > serpents instead of hair, golden chains round its neck, ivhich is visible as far as the breast, and a golden cross (hut without crucifix) projecting over the right shoulder, and seeming to crush him doion. The whole bust rests on four gilt dragon-feet. At sight of it Adalbert starts back full of horror and cries :) Jesu ! Maria ! Joseph ! Armed Man. Terrible One ! May his ears hear it ? sc. ii. j .the templaes in ctpeus. 167 Hidden Voice. Yes!— Aemed Man. {_Touches with his sword the rolled-wp covering. It rolls down in front of the demon-head, which is thus with- drawn from sight, and above it, as before, appears the hook, but now opened, with immense white leaves, and red characters. The Aemed Man pointing constantly to the hooJc with his sword, and turning the leaves with it, says to Adalbert, who is standing on the other side of the booh, more towards the foreground. Now hear the history of the fallen Master ! [-His reads from, the book as follows, stand- ing not in front of it, but sideways at a few paces distance, and as he reads, turning the leaves of the booh with his sword. And when the first foundation-stone was planted The Lord called forth the Master, Baphometus, And said to him, " Complete my Temple's huilding ! " But in his secret heart the Master reasoned : What profiteth it me to build the Temple ? And took the stone, and built himself a dwelling ; And whatsoever stone was left thereover He bartered it for paltry gold and silver ; But after forty moons, the Master-builder Met him with "Where's my Temple, Baphometus ? " " My own house, I was forced to build," he answered, Have patience yet for forty weeks, I pray thee. Then came the Lord when forty weeks were over. And asked, " Where is my Temple, Baphometus ? " He said, "Behold, there lacks me stone for building," (Tet he for paltry gold the stone had bartered ;) " And therefore yet for forty days have patience." To him, returning forty days thereafter, The Lord cried, " Where's my Temple, Baphometus ? " 168 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT Y. And weighed down was his soul as by a mill-stone, To have for paltry gold the Lord defrauded. But yet the fiend to further evil drove him ; And so he cried : " Yet forty hours accord me ! " And when the forty hours were passed and over, The Lord upon him in his wrath descended, And threatening cried, "My Temple, Baphometus ! " Then fell he on his face and begged for mercy, All trembling ; but the Master-builder answered : " Because with empty lies thou hast deceived me. And for a purse of paltry gold hast bartered My stone which I had lent thee for my Temple, Behold ! now also I will cast thee from me. And will by Mammon's very self chastize thee. Until one day there shall arise to save thee. Sprung from thine own seed, one that shall deliver." Then took the Lord the purse filled with gold pieces, And shook into a crucible the pieces ; Then set the crucible in burning sunlight. Till to a liquid mass the gold was molten ; Then in the crucible he dipped one finger And stretched the finger out to Baphometus, His brow, Ms chin, his right and left cheeks daubing With molten gold, the gold his purse had yielded. Then changed in countenance was Baphometus, Like flames of fire his lurid eyes were rolling. His nose became a hooked beak of vulture, His tongue from out his throat protruded bleeding, The flesh that clothed his hollow cheek was shrunken, And from his hair came actual serpents growing. And from the serpents sprouted horns of devils. The Lord then raised his gold-anointed finger, And pressed it on the heart of Baphometus ; Then was his heart set bleeding and was shrivelled, And all his limbs were bleeding and were shrivelled. And dropped away, first one and then the other. And last of all the whole trunk sank in ashes ; The head alone continued gilt and living. And where the trunk was, sprouted feet of dragons. Which blasted from the earth all living juices ; The bleeding heart which even as he touched it. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 169 Was turned to gold, tte Lord from the floor lifted, And set it in the fallen outcast's forehead ; The gold yet in the crucible he fashioned Into a red-hot kingly crown, and pressed it Down on his snaky hair until the circlet Burnt to the very bone. Gold chains he twisted Tight round his neck, well nigh to strangulation ; And that still in the melting-pot remaining, Upon the ground he poured it, cruciform-wise. So that it formed a Cross, which he uplifting Upon his back laid, and to earth so bent him He could not lift his head again for ever. Two Deaths he set as sentinels beside him : One, Death of Life, and Death of Hope the other ; He cannot see the first's sword, yet it smites him. But sees the other's palm, yet it evades him ; So languishes the outcast Baphometus, Through years four thousand and moons four and forty. Till once a Saviour from his own seed risen Shall come at last, redeem him and deliver. {To Adalbert.) That is the story of the fallen Master ! [With the point of his sword he touches the curtain, and it rolls up over the hook as hefore, so- that the demon- head beneath it becomes again visible as before. Adalbeet {looTcing at the head}. How horrible a shape ! The Head (in hollow tones). Deliver me ! Armed Man. Terrible One, say shall the work begin ? Hidden Voice. Yes! Aemed Man (to Adalbeet). Take his throatlet off ! (pointing to the head). 170 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. [aCT T. Adalbert. I may not dare ! The Head (lolwse tone grows more piteous). Deliver me ! Adalbert (talcing the gold chains ofi him). Alas, thou poor apostate ! Armed Man. Take off his crown ! Adalbert. It seems so dire a weight ! Armed Man. Thou, need'st but touch it, and it will be light. Adalbert (after he has talcen off the Crown and thrown it on the ground as he did the chains). 'Tis done !— Armed Man. Now take off from his brow the heart Of gold ! Adalbert. Ah me ! it seems to burn. Armed Man. Thou err'st, 'Tis colder far than ice. Adalbert (talcing the heart from the forehead) . Ah ! — freezing cold ! Armed Man. The cross take from his back. Throw it on the ground ! Adalbert. The token of my Saviour's martyrdom ? — The Head. Deliver, oh, deliver me ! sc. ii.] the templabs in ctpkus.' 171 Aemed Man. Not this Thy Master's cross, the bloody cross ; this is Only its counterfeit. Throw it on the ground ! Adalbert {taking it from, the bust, and softly laying it on the floor). The cross of my dear Lord, who died for me ! — Aemed Man. OUE FAITH IS NOT IN OnE WhO ONCE HAS DIED : "We but belie ye in One who sueelt lives. And neyee dies ! — Obey and question not. Tread o'er it as you go ! Adalbeet. Oh spare me this ! Aemed Man (threatening Mm with the sword). Tread over it. Adalbeet. With shuddering I obey ! [Treads over it, and holes up to The Head, which raises itself as if freed from a heavy burden. Ah, with what sensible relief this shape Looks up and rolls its eyes ! Aemed Man. Him whom thou hast Been wont to serve, deny ! — • Adalbeet. Deny the Lord My God ?— Aemed Man. Nay, not thy God — the world's False God ! — Deny or {approaching Mm with the sword) perish ! 172 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPK0S. [ACT V. Adalbert (trembling'). I deny ! Ahmed Man (pointing to the demon-head with his sivori). Approacli the fallen one — and kiss his lips ! Adalbert {with uttermost horror'). For God's sake, no ! for all my blood runs cold At the bare aspect of his gory mouth. Aemed Man. He is thy twin-brother, — therefore kiss thou him ! Adalbert. No, — rather death ! The Head (with soft heseeching tone). Deliverance, Adalbert ! — Adalbert. Thy tone is soft, 'tis like my Agnes' voice ! (Besolved.) I will deliver thee ! — Oh radiant maid ! Be thou my help, lest Nature's vital power Succumb to the drear horror of this deed ! \_After yet a few gestures of loathing, he at last steps quicldy to The Demon-Head and embraces it. , I thank thee ! The Head. \_At this moment The Head, carrying with it Adalbert embracing him, the skele- ton, and the booh, sinks beneath the floor. Adalbert. Save me, I am sinking ! Help ! Armed Man (stretching his arm into the opening). Climb up, my Brother, on thy Brother's arm ! [He pulls out Adalbert, 20^0 clampers out by his arin. sc. ii. j the templaes in cypeus. 173 Adalbeet. Thank, oh thank God ! — My hair still stands on end ! (Pointing to the still open cavity from which he came vp.) What dreadful darkness ! Ha ! I am drenched with blood ! Aemed Man. Listen ! \_The lamp suspended from the Dome goes out; in the background, where lately stood the skeletons and The Demon's Head, there appears above, in a co- loured transparency, a decapitated head and a sword lying in a trencher p- from the spot where it appears, the following words sound forth. Redemption springs from Blood and Darkness ! [The apparition goes slowly to one side, while Adalbeet is speaking, and then disappears. Adalbeet. See I aright ? — Whose is the bloody head ? (Hastening towards it.) Depart not yet ! 'Tis e'en already gone ! Aemed Man. 'Tis the Baptizer, who with fire baptizes ! From his blood's fountain the red Cross arose, The true Cross of the Saviour, and our sign. [Points with his sword towards the -middle of the background, where on the very spot where The Head had been, seen appears a transparently-painted red Cross, having the attributes which he proceeds to enumerate. And from the Cross shoot upwards unto Heaven The solstice, and the roses and the palms. [He swings his sword. Close up thy portals. Heaven ! [The apparition vanishes. ^ Apparently the head of John the Baptist, whose name Molay in the next scene couples with those of God and Our Lady. — Trans. 17,4 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPBUS. [aOT V. Brood, dark midnight ! [The Stage becomes completely dark. The trial's ended. Forth to the reception ! [He leads Adalbert to the left-hand steps, which they ascend together. Note. — On this Scene, Carlyle thus comments: " How much of this mummery is copied from the actual practice of the Templars we Icnow not with certainty : nor what precisely either they or Werner intended, by this marvellous story of the Fallen Master, to shadow forth. At first view one might take it for an allegory, couched in Masonic language, — and truly no flattering allegory, — of the Catholic Church : and this trampling on the Cross, which is said to have been actually enjoined on every Templar at his initiation, to be a type of his secret behest to undermine that Institution, and redeem the Spirit of Religion from the state of thraldom and distortion, whex-e it was then held. It is known at least, and was well known to Werner, that the heads of the Templars entertained views, both on religion and politics, which they did not think meet for communicating to their age, and only imparted by degrees, and under mysterious adumbrations, to the wiser of their own Order. " But on these secret principles of theirs, as on Werner's manner of conceiving them, we are only enabled to guess : for Werner, too, has an esoteric doctrine which he does not promulgate, except in dark Sibylline enigmas, to the uninitiated." — Life and Writings of Werner. — Trans. SCENE III. Interior of the great Chapel of St. John, Midway in the hachground, the altar, with life-sized statue of John, and fully illuminated with tapers. In a semi-circle on either side of the altar, covering half the stage, the choir, with the stalls of the Brothers. On the right of the altar, raised hy a step, the throne of the Master : to the left opposite him tiuo tabourets, all splendidly decorated, Sigh mass is being celebrated. The Peesbttee of the Order and two Chaplains stand before the altar vested in rich chasubles embroidered with the Gross of the Order. Two Choristers ministering in surplices, Molat and all the Templar-Knights kneeling ; the first in the centre, the rest on each side of him, all forming a semi-circle round the altar, and facing towards it. sc. iii. j the templies in ctpeus. 175 Peesbytee of the Oedee. Descend, God's Spirit, bright and clear. On this Thy band of servants here ; That this world's spirit we despising, May steadfast towards Thy truth be rising ! Lead us Thyself by Thine own hand. Into Thy blessed Promised Land, That we with hearts devout and lowly. May build Thee there a Temple holy ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! [ffe leaves the altar, followed hy the two Chaplains and preceded by the Cho- EiSTEES ringing their hells, and exeunt. MoiiAT (who with the other Brothers rises, and takes his seat on his chair). Beloved Knights and Brothers, take your seats ; I shall, God helping me, a Chapter hold. [The Knights take their places in the Choir, the elder on Molat's side of the altar, the younger on the other side. Are all our company assembled here ? Is no one not a "Templar in our midst ? CoMMANDEE HuGO (standing up). All are assembled. Valorous Lord and Master, And there is no intruder on the Chapter. MOLAT. Then in the name of Father, Son and Spirit, And of Our Lady, I open now the Chapter. Stand up, beloved brethren, and pray God To pour down over us His heavenly grace. \_Pause, during lohich all the Brothers stand up, in front of their seats, and pray with covered faces, and then resume their places, sitting down. Beloved Knights and Brothers ! Many of you Are willing two new brethren to receive ; Peers, both, of highest birth, Frank of Poitou, 176 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS, [aCT T. And Adalbert, the Count of Anjou-Maine. Dotli any one of yon know ought whereby They may not lawfully and meetly be Received as brethren here, let him speak out ; For better were it we should hear it now, Than later, when they in our presence stand. (Pause.) Does no one speak ? They are elected then ! Therefore, go both, yon Brother Seneschal, And Brother Marshal, [Commander Hugo and the Marshal rise from their seats. to the elected twain. And notify to them, as stands prescribed. The austerity and compassion of the Order ;' And if they will endure it for God's sake. And give you speech and answer meet to all Te shall in virtue of your office ask. Then you shall come back to us and repeat All that you've heard from them as told to you. [Exeunt the Commander and the Maeshal. {To Charlot, who stands by the door.) Go fetch me hither Brother Cyprianus. [Exit Charlot. (To the Assembly.) Beloved Knights and Brothers ! Ye are aware In what terms yesterday his Holiness Enjoined me, by an autographic brief, With sixty others of the Temple Order, For Poictiers to take ship without delay, There to deliberate of a new Crusade. (Chaplain Cyprianus and Chaelot come in; the latter resumes Ms place by the door.) MoLAT (to the Chaplain, to ivhom he gives a paper). Read out the letter. Brother Cyprianus. ' Rule LVIII. " If any Knight out of the mass of perdition, orfany secular mau, wishes to renounce the world, and to choose your life and community, he shall not be immediately received, but, according to the saying of Paul, Prove the spirits whether they be of God : and if so, let him be admitted. Let the rule, therefore, be read in his presence," &c. — 2 runs. SC. III.] THE TEMPIiAES IN CTPEUS. 177 Chaplain {reads). " We, Clement, Bisliop, Servant of God's servants, Present to thee, beloved son, and Master Of the Temple Order of Jerusalem, James Bernard Molay, greeting from ourselves, And blessing apostolic primarily ! — Whereas the Lord commands us to effect And carry on the weal of Christendom So far as we his worthless servants may ; And it would almost seem the Church of God Might in these latter and degenerate times Be swallowed up by impious Antichrist ; We therefore have resolved, inspired by God, And in all humbleness and holy fear, Once more to take up arms in faith, and send The Cross unto Jerusalem, to snatch The city from the heathen's guardianship ; [Further, the Most Christian, and Catholic, Our well-loved sons, with him of England too, Themselves, and aided by their vassalage And Saxons, have determined to take up Christ's holy Cross ; wherefore, right fatherly, We summon thee to us, dear son de Molay, And charge thee to repair with sixty more Knight-Brothers of the Temple to Poictiers, With utmost haste and minimum of delay, And there present thyself before our Chair; Because, thy wisdom being well known to us. We would take counsel with thee, seeing thou Thyself hast borne the banner of the Lord With fame and glory in the Holy Land, And knowest well all the roads and streams and ports. We hope, thou wilt, as fits a pious son. Conform thyself to our paternal will. Likewise, the Master of the Hospital ^ We've summoned hither : and we guarantee Safe conduct to thee, and we will not fail To hold thee in remembrance in our prayers. ' As is well known, the Knights of St. John were called Knights of the Hospital of St. John at Jerusalem. 178 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [aCT T. Given at Poictiers in the Datary, Tear of our Lord, thirteen hundred and six, And the third year of our Apostolate. Vincent Albano, Cardinal Promotor." \_Gives the paper hack to the Mastee. Chaelot. The Elders have returned. MOLAT. Let them come in ! {To the Chaplain.) And, Chaplain, you will for a space retire. {Exit Chaplain. CoMMANDEE HuGO and Maeshal of the Order approach. MoLAT. Have you made trial of the Acolytes ? COMMANDEE. My Lord and Master, as in duty bound, We have held converse with the Knights who wait Without, and clearly have disclosed to them Our Order's rigour, as we have proved and known ; But they maintain their first desire, to be Our Order's slaves and soldiers. Answer meet. And all due speech, they gave the questions asked By us, as it behoved us ; therefore, now, Prom this time forward, nothing hinders them Prom greeting us as Brethren, if so be God's pleasure, yours, and all the Brotherhood's. MoLAT (to the Assembly). If there be any here, beloved Knights And Brothers, knowing any cause whereby These may not rightly join us here as brethren. Let him speak out, for better now than later. {Pause.) 'Tis then your will that we admit them both, In God's name, to our confraternity ? SC. III.J THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 179 All the Knights. Yes, let ttem, in the name of God, come in ! MoLAT (to the two old Men). Go out, then, to them, ancient Knights and Brothers, And ask them if their resolution holds ; And if they answer. Yes, instruct them how To plead for their admission in right terms.' [Exeunt Commander and Marshal. (To the Assembly.') Your ears just now have heard the Brief read out. Sent to ns by the Holy Father. Clear Its meaning is, and leaves no room for doubt ; Yet since the Order, from its earliest rise. Maintains its rights to scrutinize and choose, And we, although we honour Peter's chair. Yet are not, like priests bound by cloister rule. Thereunto subject with obedience blind ; But are, much rather, knights of noble birth, Not vassals and not serfs to any man, But free, with power to do and leave undone, And prove intelligently which course is best : We therefore, in the strength of this oar right, I and the Elders, held prolonged debate Whether the call with free-will to obey. Or else remain where now we are, at home ; For weighty is the step, and counsel sage Dissuades crude rashness with too late regret. But now we have, after long earnest search, Decided that it best becomes the free To show to all men an intrepid front ; And even if, beside the said Crusade Of which there is clear mention in the Brief, The Holy Father mean yet something more Than he has written (as is their custom there), — We yet, undaunted, calling on our God, And trusting boldly in our righteous cause, ' Eule LVIII. If it please the Master and the brothers to receive him, let the brothers be called together, and let him make known with sincerity of mind his desire and petition unto all. — Trans. 180 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [ACT T. To-morrow will take sMp bound for Poictiers, Whereby we shall — Fate favouring our intent, — Securely reach the Templar-House at Paris, And bring a greeting to my brother Philip.' Chaelot. The good men with the Acolytes are here. MOLAT. Let them come in, and call the Chaplain back. [Exit Chaelot. Enter Feank and Adalbeet dressed as hefore, who take their position hefore the Master s chair, facing him. The CoMMANDBK and Marshal of the Order, who come in be- hind them, at once tahe their former places. Feank {to Molat). Sir ! we are come as suppliants to pray, Here, before God and you and all the Knights, For love of God and of our Lady dear, Tour leave to join your confraternity. And share in all the Order's holy work. As men who henceforth are resolved to be The Order's slaves and soldiers all their lives. Molat {to the Acolytes) . Dear brothers, 'tis a solemn thing you ask Who do but see the Order's outer shell : Ay ! but the outer shell ! — When ye behold Our splendid steeds and brilliant equipage, See that we eat well, drink well, well are clad, Ye dream, that ye shall profit being with us. Yet know not how severe the inner rule ; 'Twere hard for you, being your own masters now. To make yourselves the slaves of other wills ; For scarcely shall ye licence find to do Or leave undone, those things yourselves would wish. Would you remain on land this side the sea. You'll be sent over to the other side ; 1 Meaning King Philip the Fair, whom the Master, having princely rank, stylos his bi'other. SC. III.] •THE TEMPLABS IN CTPKOS. 181 Would you in Cyprus be, you'll oft be sent To Apulia, Naples, Lombardy, to France, To England, or to lands of other lords. Where we still keep Preceptories ; would ye sleep, Te will be told to watcli, and would ye watch, Ye will be sent to bed ; when ye would eat, Te'l] be sent to the stables. Greatly, too, 'Twould disadvantage both yourselves and us If ye should harbour anything concealed ; See here {holding hefm-e them an open Gospel) the holy Evangel, word of God, And answer frankly with unvarni.shed truth, All questions that I now shall ask of you. For if ye answer lies, ye are foresworn And of our Order quit, — which God forbid ! Adaliseet. We speak the truth, as Knights are bound to speak. MOLAT. Then first I ask you, both and separately, Have you a woman, wedded or betrothed, Who could lay claim to yoa by canon-law ? Frank. I ne'er was wed. Adalbert. A widower am I, For my betrothed they hurried to her grave. MOLAT. ' In any other Order have you served ? In any, have you sworn your oath and vow ? Frank. No Order have I entered. Adalbert. Nor have I. 182 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [aCT V. MOLAT. Owe you to any layman any debt, Which neither you yourself, nor through a friend, Without our Order's help can liquidate ? Frank. I nothing owe. Adalbert (Aside). To one great secularist I owe yet somewhat ; but he shall be paid. MoLAT. Are you quite sound in body and in mind ? Have you no secret blemish or disease ? Feank. I am quite healthy. Adalbert. I have no disease. MOLAT. Have you to no layman or Templar-Knight, Or any other person, promised gold. Reception in our Order to secure ; And are you quite pure from all simony ? Feank. I would not so disgrace yourselves and me. Adalbert. , How should I purchase what may not be bought ? MoLAT. Are you a Paladin of gentle birth ? In honourable wedlock were you bred ? And sprang your father from a knightly race. And was your mother a lady nobly born ? sc. iii.j the templaes in cyprus. 183 Feank. Henry, my father is, Lord of Poitou,^ Seneschal, and a Peer of France's crown. My mother's lineage borders on the throne ; ' Matilda, Countess of Bretagne, is she. Adalbeet. My father is poor Philip of Anjou ;'' My mother — oh ! be lenient to these tears ! — Was Anna, Flanders' murdered daughter, alas ! MotAT. Is either of you Priest or Chaplain ? Have You holy ordination e'er received ? Feank. A literate I, but not a priest. Adalbert. Nor I. MOLAT. Have you been ever in the Church's ban ? ' Poitou became English property as part of the appanage of Eleanor, wife of Henry II., but was taken from John by Philip Augustus, whose son and successor Louis VIII. left the province to his son Alfonse. Alfonse dying without heirs, Philip III. re-united Poitou to the crown. The Counts of Brienne were a noble family of Erance. One of them, previous to Molay's time, was elected King of Jerusalem, and after- wai'ds Emperor of Constantinople ; but no Henry of Brienne is recorded amongst the numerous biographies of members of that family. A seneschal is a high official under the crown, answermg to Lord High Marshal. — Trans. ' Anjou and Maine came to the crown of England through Henry II.'s mother, Matilda, who married Geoffrey of Anjou and Maine; but they were taken from John by Philip Augustus. Louis VIII, left them to his*son Charles, whose bi-other Louis IX. obtained from Henry III. of England full renunciation of his claims to them. Charles of Anjou, brother of St. Louis, became King of the two Sicilies, and afterwards of Naples only ; and Charles of Valois, brother of Philip IV. (the Eair), obtained from the King of Naples the cession of these pro- vinces, Anjou and Maine. So that there is no place in history for Werner's Philip, Duke of Anjou, Prince of the Blood, and banished by Philip IV.— JVans. 184 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPETJS. [ACT T. Teank and Adalbert. No. MOLAY {to the Assenibly) . You have heard them. Speak then, elder Knights ! Remains there anything to ask them ? The Ancient Knights. No. MoLAT (tn the Acolytes) . Dear brethren, I conjure you both once more, Beware ye tell us nothing but the truth ! Frank. A Knight I am. Adalbert. Am I not Anjou's son ? MoLAY (to Charlot, who has oovie in again during the fore- going scene). So be it then ! Now let the priests come in ! [Charlot opens the door to the Acolytes, whilst he and oil the Knights stand up. But ye, mark well what I shall say to you ! [^Two Ghoir hoys, each carrying a cushion on which lie the insignia of the Order, namely, the Mantle, the Gross of red cloth, and the Girdle of white linen, which they deposit on the two tahourets standing opposite the seat of the Grand Master. Two Chaplains of the Ordei- and the Presbyter of the Order in mass vestments come in. [The Presbyter and the two Chaplains go to the Altar, and place themselves before it, their faces towards the as- semMy. Molay passes in front of SC. III.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPKUS. 185 them, going to the right-hand side of the altar; the two Acolytes kneel opposite to him, on the left. The Knights leave their seats and place themselves in a semicircle round the altar. MoLAY (to the Acolytes, holding before them the open Gospel). Do you to God and oar dear Lady vow, To render true obedience all your lives Unto the Temple's Master, and Commander ? Trank and Adalbert (laying their forefinger on the hook). Yes, Sir, God helping. Molay. Do you to God and our dear Lady vow, To live in chastity your whole lives long ? Trakk and Adalbert. Yes, Sir, God helping. Molay. Do you to God and our dear Lady vow. To keep all the praiseworthy usages And ritual of our Order all your life. And loyally to share our poverty ? Frank and Adalbert. Yes, Sir, God helping. Molay. Do you to God and our dear Lady vow. Your life's devotion in chivalric strife To wrest the Holy Land from hostile hands. And to defend it manfully when won ? Frank and Adalbert. Yes, Sir, God helping. Molay. Lastly — do you to God and our dear Lady vow, 186 THE TEMPLARS IS CTPEUS. [aCT V. Never to look upon the Order as Stronger or weaker, worse or better, without Permission of the Master and Convention ? Frank. In the name of God ! Adalbert. All this we truly vow ! \_TJie Ghoir hoys remove from, the two ta- howets the cushions with the insignia, and holding them place them,selves on each side of the Master, facing the Acolytes. MoLAT (to the Acolytes). Then in the name of God and of our Lady, And also of St. John, the holy Father, And in the name of all the Temple-Brothers, To all works of the Order which have been From first to last achieved, admit I you. Tour fathers and your mothers and all kin, And what more there may be for whom you wish it ; Ye on your parts shall Christianly admit Ourselves to all good works and worthy deeds Which you have undertaken and would do. Moreover, water and bread we promise you, And our strict Order's poor habiliments. With plenitude of labour, trouble, and need. And thus devote I you, Frank of Poitou, And Adalbert of Anjou, to be Templars, And here invest you with our naantle white, \^Invests them both with the mantle. And fasten on your breast the Saviour's Cross, \_Fastens the Gross of red cloth on the mantle of each. And with the holy Girdle four times gird, [Bb girds them both round the waist with the girdle of the Order. SC. III.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPBUS. 187 And give you lovingly the brotherly kiss, \Kisses each upon the hreast, raising him from, the ground as he does it. That you may to the Brethren give it back. [Frank and Adalbeet go, one on the right, the other on the left side of the altar, to all the Brothers, and hiss them all upon the hreast. Meanwhile the Peesbttee of the Order a/tid the Chaplain sing, standing before the altar, but luithout aivy instrumental accompaniment. Oh ! how delightful, How good and joyful 'Tis to see Brethren In unity dwell ! Precious as ointment From the head dropping, From the High-priest's head, Down to his skirts ; Like dews of Hermon On Zion's mountains, Doth the Lord's blessing On unity fall.' [The Mastee and the Knights resume their places. The . two Acolytes advance in front of the altar, where they hieel down facing the Priests. Peesbytee of the Order (to the Acolytes). May the Lord bless you and be your defence ; The Lord redeem and purify your souls, The Lord with his own strength invigorate you. And herewith, as my Brothers, kiss I you, [Kissing each on the breast. And send you to the Master's feet again. [Exit, with the Chaplains and Ghoir hoys, in the same order as before. Peane ^ The 133rd Psalm, which is chanted by the Priests according to the ritual of Keception into the Order. 188 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPETJS. [ACT T. awri Adalbert approaoh the seat of the Master and sit down at his feet, upon a carpet spread beneath his chair. MOLAT (readivg out of a book which has been handed to him by a Knight). Now sit, and let the words I speak thrill throTigh you ; And if yonr heart of hearts observe them meetly, The Temple will its doors throw open to you. You now are with the Order Joined completely, Which many great things has began with power, Broods greater yet within her soul, discreetly. But not yet breaks the mist in clearing shower ; The red Cross casts its gleam athwart midnight. But pales before the sun's full noontide hour. And all you've heard to-day, your souls with might Subduing, wells from that source, pure and holy. The parent, in this world, of warm delight. But not yet grows your darkness clear, for slowly Wears out the night ; only the lightning's blazes Are brief and swift ; therefore not yet ye wholly, Of all that, heard this day, your soul amazes. Can penetrate the innermost foundation ; But I'll make plain to you my utter'd phrases. When first before my chair ye took your station, I asked if you were married yet, you noted : Here no wife's husband meets with acceptation, For him God hath to one alone devoted, While we but seek the Great, Pure, Unaffected By Recompense ; for man's proof -armour-coated Only by sacrifice. Were you connected With other league, I asked. Our Cross demandeth From all its devotees a heart deflected To unshared union with it. I asked, commandeth Some layman you as debtor ? Subjugated Is borrower to lender. Here none standeth Accepted, unless free. Nor, enervated By sickness, bodily or mental, nears This altar any man ; this instigated My fourth demand ; because 'tis strength that rears SC. III. J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 189 The child Perfection. The sick soul conceiving Acts not, whilst effluent from Life's sap appears Activity. I asked if for achieving This Order, you'd used gold ? That metal base Chokes and contaminates beyond retrieving The fount of noble thought. Prom lofty race, Not causelessly I asked, are yon descended ? High birth's a loan, to spur you and to brace ; You'll lay it oif what time yoar course is ended. I asked if you had been as Priests ordained ? Such for sweet works of blessing are intended. Most unlike us : the swordsman's weapon's stained With slaughter ere he bless. Last, — with good cause — I asked if you were excommunicate ; The sin-beset contends for Truth's pure laws With little spirit. Now, when we heard, with great Joy for yourselves and us, you'd passed unshaken The ordeal, gladly was my heart elate. You were found worthy of the vow you've taken, Which sworn to at the sacred hour, midnight, Must never be through life till death forsaken. Ye swore obedience ; for the governing might. The lever's, must command each wheel-spoke's turning. One executes, though many co-unite In work. To curb desire with manful spurning. Ye swore. The Mother-Maid draws near the pure Alone, but no voluptuary is earning Admission to the hallowed Land. — Ye swore Assent to Poverty. For wealth withholden Makes pilgrim-journeys hard to travel o'er ; The steel must shine well-polished but not golden. In holy conflict to wax weary never. Ye swore moreover, like the Masters olden ; That is our Circle's uttermost endeavour. For only endless war wins endless peace, And nothing but the sword the Palm can sever : To win your meed, tax your own energies. Your last vow was humility and trust. Your eye, however far ahead it sees. You must to see but what we show, adjust. Since you're resolved all this to accomplish truly, 190 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPBUS. [ACT T. I've given you to share our penury's crust, And Brothers of the Cross ordained you duly ; While, subject to the Order, you've laid by Henceforth all action's scope, all thought unruly. The rights you owned, this day sepultured lie. Wherefore, to each new member, for his wearing We hand a hueless robe ere he draw nigh' Whereto the Master's hand, with thoughtful caring, May one day tint significant supply ; A sacred blood-red sign this robe is bearing, Because you can through blood and death alone Attain the Highest. We keep the interpretation Of the intersected triangle unshown. And its prime wearer ; haply in reservation Por you ; but shun lies' brood, and mark this zone. And what it shows you, which, in midway station, Tour higher from your lower parts divides. And yet unites them with a fair adorning. A flame there is that in the ether bides. And where the higher powers revolve is burning. And in pure hearts of men ; this flame's ray rides Aloft, and sevenfold cleft, to colour turning, The azure dyes, the sea, the pastures green, Cloud-lands to us and aery forms unsealing. — When in our breasts these fervent rays convene, They melt, strange phantasies to sense revealing : Our germs, expanding all to bloom are seen. — With such a vision o'er our league soft stealing The tender Father did its morn endow. Which turned to flowery plains its desert places. He only, whom adorns the girdle now Of innocence, which as a fillet graces That mystic head, can hope himself that brow To see one day ; if, too, his heart embraces That holiest joy, high love of humankind. Whose gage the girdle is. Take it ! It guideth 1 Eule XX. To the professed Knights, both in winter and summer we give, if they can be procured, white gai-ments, that those who have cast behind them a dark life may know that they are to commend them- selves to their Creator by a pure and white life, &c. — Trans. SC. III.J THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. 191 The Idol in the promised land to find, Which far off, yet attainable, abideth, Since One, not God, once found it.' — Eise ; with mind Thought-filled, go, work, say nought, whate'er betideth. ^ [Exeunt Frank and Adalbert. (To the Assembly, having set down the hooh.) Before we close, beloved Knights and Brothers, A painful task is left me to fulfil, The Brother Robert of Heredon, my charge, Whom I have cherished with a father's heart. And who has never, never wrought me grief, — The Knight Sir Robert of Heredon yesterday Rudely transgressed against our reverend Brother The Seneschal, and lately Grand Commander ; He failed to mount guard at the Order's watch ; Without my order, he pursued with six, — The Order's Horse, — the Turkish privateer. And though he captured him right vaKantly, Yet grossly thereby he infringed the law. And when for this the Brother Seneschal Was reprimanding him, he roughly turned On him, and gripped him on the breast, and tore The sacred belt from off his mantle. Speak Now therefore. Ancient Knights, and rightly judge. ' This mysterious language appears to point, not to the " sweet Tision of the Holy Grail," but to some vision of a head, to be seen only by the pure. Molay speaks of it as the Idol, and no mere vision, just as the Holy Grail was no phantom, but the cup itself from which our Lord drank at the Last Supper, and which Sir Galahad was pure enough to meet " face to face," and Sir Percival to " behold afar off." " Oh, Galahad, Galahad," said the King, "for such As thou art, is the vision, not for these." The Head had from the earliest times been an object of eastern mystical cultus, and the idea had been imported into Europe by the Crusaders, together with the dragons and winged horses and other dreams of the East. St. George's (supposed) head was kept sacred, in silver, in more than one place. Roger Bacon possessed a head which was supposed to speak. Molay perhaps is thinking of a glorified state of the mummy- head mentioned in the last Act — possibly of John the Baptist, who was worshipped by one Asiatic sect. — Trans, ' In several articles of the Rule, the brethren are enjoined to speak sparingly. — Trans. M. 192 THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEDS. [aCT Y. E'en as yourselves ye also would be judged. COMMANDBE (risi', _ Accord me leave to speak I pray, dear Lord ! MOLAY. 'Tis granted you ! COMMANDEK. Sir Knights, beloved Bretbren ! The thing is as the Master told it, true, But yet the offence is not so raven-black ; For any roughness I'm alone to blame, God mend it ! — If my old hot head had not Struck fire, the good youth never would have dreamt Of being so choleric with his old friend. Dear Knights, I am no man of many words, I am indeed ashamed, God mend it, here To make confession like a serving-brother At penance ; but the valiant Robert, he Hath not deserved we should so sternly judge A first offence ; so, this while, let it pass ; Take off his mantle for a fortnight : so Have done with it. \_Sits down. A Younger Knight (standing up). The Seneschal is right ! He is so young ! Another (of the same). A Third Our bravest and our best ! A Fourth (of the same) . Did he not win three horsetails ? MOLAT. Silence, there ! Permission was not given you to speak ! — \_The Knights sit down. SC. III.J THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. 193 {To the Marshal.) Marshal! You're free to speak, what saith the rule ? Maeshal {stands up). Whoso lays hands on his superior, Or damages the Order's holy belt. Hath in the Order neither part nor lot. Whoever is of three grea.t faults accused Must in the little cell with loaf of bread And jug of water, be immui'ed, and yield His soul unto the Lord ; thus saith the rule.^ Commander {starting up). Grod mend it. Marshal ! — With your leave. Lord Master ! If ye thrust Robert in the little cell. Then let my grey head bear him company. For no such deed will old Hugh overlive ! Many Knights {standing up). Pardon for Robert ! For our own good Robert ! ' Among the many interesting objects, says Mr. Addison, to be seen in the ancient church of the Knights Templars, is a penitential cell, a dreary place of solitary confinement formed within the thick wall of the building, only four feet six inches long and two feet six inches wide, so narrow and small that a grown person cannot lie down within it. In this narrow prison the disobedient brethren of the ancient Templars were temporarily confined in chains and fetters, in order that their soul» might be saved from the eternal prison of bell! The hinges and catch of a door firmly attached to a doorway of this dreary chamber, still remain, and at the bottom of the staircase is a stone recess or cupboard where bread and water were placed for the prisoner. In this cell Brother Walter de Bacheler, Knight and Grand Preceptor of Ireland, is said to have been starved to death for disobedience to his superior, the Master of the Temple. His body was removed at daybreak and buried by Brother John de Stoke and Brother Kadulph de Barton in the middle of the court between the church and the hall. The Temple discipline in the early times was very severe ; disobedient brethren were scourged by the Master himself in the Temple Church, and frequently whipped publicly on Fridays in the church. Adam de Valaincourt, a deserter, was sentenced to eat meat with the dogs for a whole year, to fast four days in the week, and every Monday to present himself naked at the high altar to be publicly scourged by the ofEcia,ting priest. — See Capell's Old London, by Walter Thornbury, vol. i. p. 152. — Trans. 1 94 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPETJS. [ACT T. MOLAY. Silence before the Master and the Chapter ! The next who doth the holy silence break Shall this day lose his robe for fourteen days, And on the ground 'partake of lenten fare.^ [The CoMMANDEE, Maeshal and Knights sit down. (To the Maeshal.) You are quite right, respected Brother Marshal, As you have said it, so the law decrees. Thus have v^e at our consecration sworn ; And would we Justice unimpaired maintain We must not swerve from it by one hair's breadth ! There's no more shameless use of tyranny Than nullifying law for favour's sake : And law-abiding are free Templar-Brothers ; 'Tis only slavery that knows no law. Nevertheless this case is one wherein — As rightly urged our reverend Seneschal — The rule's full rigour should not be enforced. For Heredon is young, it is his first. His only fault ; his exploits might beseem xTo simple stripling, but the first of Knights, Ay, even the man who carries Hugo's sword. All this avails — not to exonerate him — But to the lessening of his punishment. Doth it content you, ancient Knights and Brothers, That from the Order I now banish him For ever, and to the world restore him ? The Ancient Knights (rising from their seats). Ay! MoLAT (promptly standing up, with raised voice). Be it then known. Sir Robert of Heredon, Knight- Templar, from the Order is dismissed. From sin and frowardness. Lord, deliver us ! (After he and all the Elders have reseated themselves, to Chaelot.) Hath he been summoned, as I gave command ? ' One of the minov punishments of the Order. sc. iii.] the templaes in ctpeus. 195 Chaelot. E'en now lie waits without. MOLAT. Let him come in. [Chaelot goes. CoMMANDEE {standing up). Grant me permission, Master, to retire. The youth, God mend it ! else will break my heart ! MoiiAT (to the Oommandee). Go, Brother Seneschal ! (To Gotteeied.) Tou, Gottfried, lead Sir Hugo to his cell. \lSxit CoMMANDEE, GoTTEElED leading Mm. EoBEET (in his shirt and underclothing only, with a rope round his neck, led in hy Chaelot). MoLAT (to Robeet). Draw nearer, Robert ! (To Chaelot.) Take the rope ofi him. [Chaelot takes the rope from Eobeet's neck, and goes hack to the door. MoLAT (Aside). Scarce can I restrain My feelings any longer — God, God ! — (To Robert.) Come here to me ! The oSence charged on this paper, — Feel'st thou that thou art guilty of it ? — \_8hows him the paper. Robeet (after reading it). Yes. MoLAT. Hast anything to say on thy behalf Might mitigate thy fault ? Robeet (much moved). No. 196 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [ACT T. MOLAT. Dost thou know Wliat punishtnent, according to our rules, Now waiteth. thee ? EOBEBT. Death in the little cell. MOLAT. Gravely thou hast offended, Heredon ! 'Tis true thou hast by manly deeds, erewhile. And by obedience and submission now. Kept, in integrity, thy vow to us ; Tet even a lif e-tim.e stainless bateth not The endless' consequences of one crime. (With ever increasing emotion.') Thee as our valiant Brother we have loved ; 'Twas thy first fault, poor Robert, for which cause, Our Order mitigates its rule severe ; It gives thee life, and sorrowing gives thee back Unto that world whence it uprooted thee To plant thee in its beauteous Paradise. Go home, my son ! — This once the Master may Melt and be man ! — My noble nursling, go ! Be mindful of thy lofty powers and parts ; They beckon thee to duties grave and high — The Eternal lets no grain of seed-corn fail ; Take my last blessing for a parting gift. (ROBEBT hneels to him. He lays his hand on Robert's head. Tears start from his eyes, and he says softly to Robert, who in deepest emotion wipes them away for him) So ! — Dry my weary eyelids ! We shall meet Hereafter, through the portals of decay ! (Inspired.) Ah ! 'tis an angel's wing sweeps]^over me ! A phcBnix rises from my funeral urn ! [SinJcs fainting hack into the chair. A Knight. What ails the Master ? Another. He is pale as death ! SC. III.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. 197 A Third. His eyes he closes Robert (starting up, overcome with emotion). Die, thou noble soul ! \_JRusJies out, Chaelot after liim. Marshal (approaching Molat). By your leave, most valorous Master, you're not well. Chaelot (brings in a goblet, offering it to the Mastee) . This cordial swallow ! Molat (after he has drunlc). I thank thee. It was but A passing weakness. Is he gone ? — Chaelot. E'en now He went. Molat (looks up suddenly'). Is't mere illusion of mine eyes ? Doth it not lighten violently ? A Knight. Yes, A fearful storm is gathering in the west. Molat. Well, we'll be brief. (To the Assembly, after Charlot has returned to his place.) Forgive an old man's weakness, And if 't be possible, grant me one request. Which long I have cherished in my inmost heart. I go my way to France, — the days of man Are numbered, — it might easily befall That I returned no more. Full fain would I Go to my fathers burdened by no curse ! I hope there's no man living curses me, Who have done no conscious wrong to any man ; 198 THE TEMPLABS IN CTPEUS. [ACT V. Tet one I know of who in prison groans ; True, 'twas the Chapter's sentence ; still he groans, And fain am I to dry all tears, and close, 'Mid cheerful looks, my grand account with fate. Tou know Prior Heribert of Montfaucon, How long in vain he languisheth to meet The light of day, the sun's enkindling beam ! He's no ignoble man, the Order much Has been beholden to him — set him free ! Peeceptoe. Thy deadly foe ? An Old Knight. The infamous heretic ? MOLAT. The Eternal judge his faith ! For Enmity, — 'Tis but the severance of two sister souls ; That, oft, which seems a dark cloud seen from far. Shines out a noble temple, nearer drawn. Each man, thank God, to whom the human form Is his fair heritage, more beauty wins As we draw nearer him in faith and trust ; Aye, ev'n although it squint, in every eye The clear reflection of the skies is seen ; Grant me then nearer access to the Prior, Who, did he know me better, might perchance Porget to see the cast that's in mine eye ' — Dear Brethren, grant me freedom for the Prior ! (Pause.) Ye nod assent ? Now then, I thank you for it ! Chariot, at daybreak, go to him, and lead Him to me, so from mine own lips to learn He owns the bliss of freedom long desired. Now call the Presbyter to benediction ! l_Exit Chaelot. (Opening the Ritual hook of the Order, he reads.) " Beloved Knights and Brothers, we may now Well close the Chapter ; for by God's will, all ' In the portrait on the title-page of the original, Molay has, really, a decided cast in his eye. — Trans. SC. III.j THE XBMPLAKS IN CTPEHS. 199 Goes well, and that the Good be permanent And ever still increase and grow to more, May God and our dear Lady grant, I pray." [Enter Ghaelot with the Peesbttek of the Order, in hlach mass-gown ivith the red Cross, holding an hour-glass in his hand, who steps directly in front of the Mastee, whereupon the latter aiid all the Brethren stand up. Peesbttek. The sand runs out ! — Bethink you of your sins ! [MoLAY and all the Brethren hneel down. MOLAT (kneeling'). Stand not in judgment with thy servants, Lord ! [Be and all the Knights hiss the ground : the Peesbttee blesses them. Solemn pause. MOLAT (Stands up and stretches his arms towards the Assembly). You by iny power as Master I absolve ; £After all the Brethren have risen to their feet. Te likewise will discharge me of my debt ! The Ancient Knights. The mercy we receive we yield again. MoLAT (talcing the Peesbytee by the hand.) Come, Presbyter, say, after ancient use. The song of peace with me, that so the Lord May look with favour on the Templar League ! [Me goes with him, to the Altar, where both, hand in hand, face the Assembly. In exactly the same position, but facing the altar, and with bowed heads and bachs bent, the Brethren approach the Altar in pairs one after the other, so that they form a double row with the Mastee and the Peesbttee. 200 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. [aCT V. Thy peace, Lord of might, give unto us ! By peace alone thy works are prosperous. — That in thy strife we weary not nor cease, Grant us thy peace ! Peesbttek. Give peace, that so Jerusalem the true. The overthrown, may be rebuilt anew ; And ne'er the Church to this world's spirit may Become a prey ! MOLiT. As to our fathers who to thee gave life. Give peace to us who wander still in strife ; Give hope that he who, striving, fights shall wear Faith's palm-crown fair ! jPeesbttee.' So shall in wisdom, beauty, strength divine. At last, the Temple's seven wonders shine. O'er faith, and hope and love, our heavenly dower, Death wields no power. {They emhrace one another, then the Knights go slowly away in pairs, followed at last hy Molat and the Peesbytee. Chaplain Cypeianus (creeps out from behind the Altar, where he has been hidden during the preceding scene). Ton and your peace the Devil fly away with ! If he release them, God have mercy on us ! — Bell-eingek Otto (anxiously ope^is the door and peeps in"). Sir! Chaplain (low). Otto! Otto (coming in). Oh ! I'm as wet as if I'd swum ! sc. iii.] the templaes in cyprus. 201 Chaplain. Tell me, for God's sake, Otto ! are they off ? — Otto. Yes, Sir ! by this time in the forest, please God. Such a to-do we had, Sir ! — Montfaucon Refused to stir. And had the other one. The red-bearded, not twanged on his guitar A foolish song, there they'd have been till now. When his ears caught the tune, the Devil possessed His legs. And like one sense-bereft and blind He ran as though sev'n spirits were after him. Nor stopped for lightning or the lashing hail. Chaplain. Another time ! Here we might be o'erheard ! 'Tis well they're gone. High time indeed, or else The morn had seen a reconcilement feast. From which may God deliver us by his mercy ! Otto. And now, your Reverence ! — Our agreement stands ? The holy father would not tell a lie ? — I'm really Banner-Bearer ? Chaplain. Yes, oh yes ! (Offering Mm his flash, which he draws from under his robe.) Take this small flask for your refreshment— take it. And now {'pushing him out) be off, that no one find us here ! [Otto goes away with the flash. Chaplain (alone, looleing after him with a sneer). In Heaven, thou fool ! If my flask please thy palate. Thy chattering mouth shall gape no more to-morrow ! But hold — Sir Cyprianus, is this sin ? — Nay ! Father Vincent says himself : " So long As there's no scandal, all's permissible." How better could I scandal obviate than 202 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. [ACT V. By giving his quietus, pleasantly, — And following an old custom of tlie Clinrcli, — To this man whom I've made my tool ? Once done, Then whether it were right or wrong can be Discussed in the confessional. 'Tis enough. It leads towards the Pallium ! — For the sin, I shove that under Father Vincent's cowl. \_Uxit. SCENE IV. A wild part of the forest, not far from the harlour. Thunder, lightning, and rain. It is n/)w deep midnight. Ex-Prior Heeibbet rushes in with hare head, and hair on end. NoFFO, rather slower, and as if wearied out, behind him. Both in monk's apparel. Peiob (throwing himself doivn on a roch) . Here will I rest me. NOFFO. Heribert, what the devil ! You run as if pursued by the wild huntsman ! Peioe (listening wildly). Hark ! Hear'st thou nought ? — NOFFO. What the fiend should I hear ? The storm so rages one can neither see One's hand, nor hear the words one's own lips speak ! Yet, am I right, amidst this wild uproar A sound comes of the roaring of the waves. Come, haste ! — The sea is surely close at hand ; And here 'tis horrible ! sc. iv.] the templaes in cyprus. 203 Peioe. No, we'll remain ! This wild place pleases me, and beautiful The night is, as with howls it echoes back The frenzy raging in me ! NoFFO (shuddering'). Why, it is A murderous night, as though all fiends were loosed ! Like red-hot witches'-brooms whiz slantingly The ruddy lightnings — rain pours down in streams, Mixed with a thousand heavy hail-stones. Fast And furious fares the unfettered blustering wind Through all the boughs ; all round in the dark forest Are shrieks and groans, as though old Night brought forth. In dismal emulation of the storm Cry owl and jackal ! — brr ! — 'Tis fearful, fearful ! Peioe {starting and drawing Noffo to Jiim). Hist ! NofEo !— look !— See'st not yon little flame ? It has a human aspect. (Springing up and shrinlcing in terror to one side.) Noffo, see ! Is it not Molay, whom we would sacrifice ? — EuDo's Voice. Heribert, turn from thine infamy ; Child of the light, let the fire be ; In the Now dwells thine Eternity ! Peioe (hreaJcing into wild laughter). Ha ! Ha ! the thunder speaks ! (suddenly paving.) Shall I or ? NOPFO. Come ! — An 'twere the devil himself — revenge to find ! Peioe (seizing him furiously by the hand). Ha ! — thank thee. Owlet, for thy lullaby ! Yes, Hell ! — Here take my whole self's dedication ! — That laughter, is't the expression of thy joy ? 204 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPETJS. [ACT T. (To NoFFO.) Come ! — for the moment quickly passeth by ! Come ! — for our victim's hour is nigh — Come, mate ! we'll share the wages, thou and I ! [ffe rushes out like a Tnadman, dragging NoFFO along with him. EuDO {appearing with a lute). The night-storm drives him on. His help's in the Cross alone ; — I wander till to Templars the Temple shall be shown . Then rest me in the chamber, there with my bride made one, Who seals my union With Him by power and love for ever known ; Unending, still beginning, I revel, godlike, on In the Shall Be, and the Has Been that is gone. And embrace them with the Present all in one ! [^VDO passes on as he utters this rhapsody, holding his lute under his arm. SCENE V. Molat's sleeping cell. The moonlight streams in through an open window. It is still night. Molat (sitting alone by the window). A fearful hurricane ! — So old I am, Tet ne'er saw such a tempest !• — Now praise God ! 'Tis over, and the Eternal's levin-flash Hath only served to purify the air And our poor dwellings graciously hath spared. Do like results await us ? Will the storm. That o'er our heads is gathering fearfully, Oar work so purify, and not destroy ? Destroy ? — What chaos ! — Tet canst thou, mere dust. Command the flame to purify, whose work SC. T.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPETJS. 205 Perhaps, God ! is to annihilate ? My sacristy ! — Ye golden halls, that shine Brilliant as glitter in the night the stars, — • Must ye fall shattered 'mid the Temple's flames ? My thorny crown with which I hoped to hind These brows that happy myrtle never pressed, Was't but a dream, a puerile tragedy ? — And must my latest garland also fade ? (Tears strea/ming down his face.) Thou Light Eternal, parent thou of flowers ! Is such indeed Thy will ? — so must it be ? — • {Pause, during which he gazes, lost in thought, from the window down on the still oiscure valley.) Night shrouds the mirror-surface of the sea ; The moon is hidden in the storm-clouds yet ! {Pau^e, during which light appears in the valley.) The cloud is gone, the moon is bright once more, And like a bridegroom ' decks the sea with pearls And smiles, — e'en while he sprinkles tears, he smiles ! And our small ship made ready to depart Swells out her gleaming sails ! The All-Merciful Bring all to pass according to His will ! (Pause, during which he loohs down cheerfully on the valley hathed i/n moonlight.) What sounds of lute (motioning outside the windoiv) are those I hear without ? So melting soft, as though too kind to wake The midnight out of her last sleep ? — The lute Draws nearer from the valley upwards. What ! Doth haply some poor luckless Troubadour, Astray, and wandering from his road, wet through With rain, and tempest-wearied, seek with us A hospitable shelter ? How ! — Deceive Me not mine ears ? — Already in the cloister ? Why, truly this is strange ! The liite is playing At hide and seek ! (Galling.) Greger ! — What ! at my door ? Already art thou here ? Aerial Ambassador, come in, whoe'er thou be ! [He starts from his seat. ' In German, in defiance of mythology, the moon is masculine and the sun feminine. — Trans. 206 THE TEMPLAKS IN CTPEUS. [ACT T. Enter Eudo (dressed as a pilgrim; his face so shrouded that only his heard appears. He carries in his hand his lute, on which he strikes a few notes before speaking). Tour pardon, Sir, that thus so late I come With twang of lute ! — My wont is on the strings To herald my approach, and eke the chords To touch when forth I -wander on my way. [Short pause, during which MoiAT observes him with close attention. Permit me to sit down, for I have gone !Far in my pilgrimage of ninety years (sits down). MOLAT. Right willingly ! But say, how did you gain Admission here so late ? EUDO. I played without, First, yonder on the wall. A friendly porter There opened me the door, and quietly I glided through and on. MOLAT. You glided fast, I' faith ! — A moment hence you had just reached The Cross-vault, and already are you here ! Eudo. That is my manner ! MoLAT. Did no one of my guard Arrest your steps ? Eudo. No— men are never wont To stop me on my way. MoiiAT (with increasing astonishment). Who are you, then ? Eudo. A poor bard, I, who in the holy wars Fought, as men fight, and now, in his old age, so. v.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 207 Sings joyously the song of manly jousts In which he once took part. MOLAT. But what would you Do here ? EUDO. I'd sing to you one pious song, And then fare further on my way. MOLAT. 'Tis now Deep night ! Abide until the morrow and court Eepose ! — I call my servants ! E0DO. Let them rest ! Blessed are they who from their labours rest ! But stay not ine ! — For I must further roam When I have sung my song. MoLAT. Then sing it me, Night-raven ! but the muffling hood take off Which masks you from me. EUDO. I prefer it so ! And now ye antique lute-strings, sound the times That have been, and the days that are to come ! {Sings, acoonnpamying the song with his lute.) When the knell of death tolls down, When the martyr wins his crown, Then is smoothed the Judge's frown. What though hell oppose in ire ! Polycarp lived on the pyrd,' While his ashes fed the fire. ' Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna, and one of the first Christian martyrs. He was burnt because he would not deny his faith ; and the legend (legend means " that which may be read ") says that in this fiery death he suffered little or nothing. 208 THE TBMPLAES IN CTPRUS. [aCT T. Death o'er him won no control, Cool while flames around him roll, On Jesu was stay'd his soul. When the ashes had burnt low He was quit of earthly woe, Caught up heavenly joy to know. — Thou, like Polyearp, also I MOLAT. A pretty song ! Praise to the noble wrestler For whom Christ wove the holy martyr-crown ! EuDO (with altered and, elevated voice'). Praise, my brave Molay, be to thee ! MOLAT. "Whose voice ? — Pray thee unmask thyself ! — EuDO (in Ms previous quiet tone'). I like it so. MOLAT. You spoke to me just now in tones that thrill'd Through all my nerves ! — EuDO. May be ! for, after singing. There lingers sometimes in mine aged throat A ring of melody. MoLAT (Aside). I cannot err ; Yet I must have conviction ! (To the old man.) "Will you not Be strengthened ere you go with meat and drink ? . EuDO. My part is to feed others, not myself ! — MOLAT. Bat wherefrom come you, then, enigmatist ? "Where dwell you ? SC. T.] THE TBMPLAES IN CYfEUS. 209 EUDO. In the Grrey-Friars' monastery At Acre, the good monks assigned to me A small rest-chamber. Yet offcwhiles I'm driven Porth like a sweeping tempest, and, like fate, I restless roam o'er field and heath and sea, And enter where good people dwell, by night. To sing what has been done, and what shall be. MOLAY. At Acre, in the Grey-Friars' monastery ! How strange ! — Some forty years ago fell there My worthy friend and uncle in the fray, Guarding the Cross's banner ; they interred Him in that very cloister — EuDO (with changed raised voice) . Marshal Eudo ? MoLAT (eagerly). For Christ's dear wounds' sake ! Let me now behold Thy face, for 'tis mine uncle's voice I hear. \_As he presses towards him, EuDO stands up, and throws bach his hlue rohe so that his golden armour hearing the Oross, and the hridal wreath on his head are seen. EuDO (in deeply earnest and solemn tones). When torments hedge thee round. They spring from starry courts that shine before thee, Let this thought reassure thee ; Love beckons thee through pain ! — Be lord of fate. When flames are curling o'er thee ! Thou art the power that can the stars create ! Fire wastes the Cross, for thee the eternal harps resound. (Covering himself anew, and reassuming his former tone.) Sound, lute-strings, sound, in the cold house of death ! Home to warm cell the old man hasteneth ! \_jExit, playing on his lute. KJfUCJKxHIi. Here, Master ! MOLAY. Geegee. I watch, the cloister, Sir! 210 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT T. MoLAT (hastening after him and calling him) . Ah, stay yet ! Stop him ! {Hurries after him, and presently com,es hacic, confounded.) 'Tis as though the earth Had swallowed him ! Could it be possible ? Or might the sentries ? {Galling through the door.) Greger ! Guido ! Hath The sleep of death turned you to stone ? (Geegee and two other Men-at-Aems, running in hastily.) Where hold you watch ? Second Man-at-Aems. And I the door ! Thied Man-at-Aems. And I the ante-chamber. MoLAT. Saw ye, then, not that pilgrim cloaked in blue. Carrying a lute, who went from me just now ? Second Man-at-Aems. We have seen nothing. MOLAT. Have ye, then, not heard The music of a lute ? Thied Man-at-Aems. Nought have we heard. Molat. Were ye awake, then ? SC. v.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPETJS. 211 The cricket cHrping. Gee GEE. Wake enougt to tear MoLiT. It is very strange ! {Then to the two Men-at-Aems.) Go to your posts. [They go. (To Geegek.) But thou make haste to seek The old man who went forth from me but now ; He must be at the door, or hiding in The Cloister. Go ! Run quickly. Thy reward Is my dear Tartar if thou find him. Haste ! Gee GEE. At once, Sir ! [Hastens away. MOLAT. Fain I'd sleep — ^yet slumber flees Before my spirit's eyes, and many thoughts Are whirling in wild eddies round my head ! I, dust, that power which can the stars create ? That fire the Cross consuming, and the harps ! — Perhaps illusion. — End all with thy Grace, O Father ! in whose hands myself I place. ACT VI. SCENE I. Temple Garden. In the foreground, Philip's cottage ; in tlie hackground, the sea. The morning begins to davm. Philip. NOW morning dawns, out yonder. True, the sun Tet resteth. in the sea : but yon thick clouds, Exhaling o'er the billows, harbinger His advent. Why must his approach to us Be still mist-hidden ? When shall we attain The privilege to see him as he is, In unveil'd splendour ? — Patience still, and hope ! [^Going to the flower-teds. How the terrific storm of yester-night Hath comforted my little darlings here. The flowers ! — Night- Violet, hast thou felt no fear ? Poor thing, fear nought ! — the devastating flash Of lightning only strikes the cedar tall ; Small things like you, your very littleness Protects, and that same hurricane which rends Eock-masses, to the corn-fields adds new strength. (Pause.) Securely I have slumbered in your midst, But now once more my fitful destiny Impels me to the heights. I go, dear friends ! Soon as the warm sun, whose mild friendly beams Hath fostered you, shall this day from your cheek Kiss off the tears of joy ye shed to feel The renovation of your vital powers ; Soon as ye unfold in gladness, to drink in His ray, your friend will toss on far-off waves SC. I.J 'J,'HE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 213 That bear him onwards to return no more, Ah, certainly no more ! {Pcmse.') Farewell, then ! Thanks For every hour of calm delight, for all Tour soothing, all sweet balms exhaled on me. That which in vain I sought 'mong human kind, — Proud souls who vaunt themselves creation's kings, — I've found among you here, in union fair, Simplicity, love, peace. Ah, never hang, Lily, thy little head ! God ! I might Be proud indeed had I thy purity ! Thou regal rose ! — Not regal, nay, not stained With blood, like Philip Augustus' robe is thine.' Avaunt, detested image ! Desecrate Not thou these homes of calm beatitude ! 'Tis past ! The stern reality dispels My fair dream-vision, it has fleetly fled. Brief are the moments which a man may snatch From earthly trammels, and into ether soar On golden pinions ; always to be thrust Down to the inevitable dust again. And forced into the yoke ! — Who cometh here ? Adalbert approaches, completely equipped as Templar. Philip. Ha, Adalbert, is't thou, mine only son ? Hath the past night of terror robbed thee too Of power to sleep ? Adalbert. It hath tormented sore My bleeding heart by stirring up the source Of torturing memory. In such a night, O Father, I was widowed. Let me hide These tear- distilling eyes on your kind breast ! Philip (taking Tiiin in his arms). Give thy tears vent. These witnesses of poor Humanity dishonour not the Knight. ' Philip II., called Augustus, was great-great-grandfatlier of Philip IV., styled the Fair, and went to the Crusade with Eichard Cceur de Lion. As Adalbert makes use of the title " Augustus " further on, when speaking of the reigning King, Philip the Fair, Werner must have confused the sobriqiiets of these two kings. — Trans. 214 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPETJS. [ACT TI. Oh, break this weary silence which doth vex Thy father's darkened soul ; one day and more Have we lived through since fate united us ! And still thou hidest, unrevealed to me, The story of thy woes. Adal-beet. Oh, Father mine ! Philip. Am I not that ? Oh, think ! brief moments now Remain to us, the vessel claims us soon, Bat here we are unwitnessed ; Adalbert ! Shall then thy father, shall thine earliest friend, Shall he who by like sorrow hath been made Associate in woe, not share thy grief ? Adalbert (who during this speech has been staring before him, lost in thought). In such a hideous night — yes, I will tell Tou all ; — though I have long forborne to kill Tour peace with such a poison-breath ; enough That you desire it, and I will ! — In such A night my Agnes gave me her last kiss ; The morrow should our endless union seal : The guests were ready, everything prepared, I went from her that evening, light of heart ; The fury of the terrible north- wind To me seemed airs from Eden. What love is Tell me yourself, my father ! — In its eyes What shows so black but with a roseate hue It can invest it ? Philip (darkly). Truly? Can it that? Then it shall tint black murder's raven-clouds For me with blood of ravished roses ! (Excitedly.) King Philip ! Adalbert (with enthusiasm). My Agnes' spirit, wilt thou that ? — What, silent still !— so. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. 215 Philip. She will, by Saint Sebastian ! Proceed ! Adalbeet (collecting himself with difficulty). From Agnes' thresbold through the streets I made my rapid way, and with me went Our servant Humbert. All seemed animate With joy because the morrow morn should see Me claim her for my own, my fairest love ! But suddenly, just at the corner, where The Street Faydeau bends round towards the Seine, A voice aroused me from my ecstasy : Ere I could think, a heavy blow behind Had struck my head and felled me to the earth. All senseless. When bewildered I awoke, Lo, I was in a ward of many beds, Surrounded by the dying and the dead. A pious maid of that devoted band, The Sisterhood of Charity, stood, veiled. By me. I see her still ! Right glad was she. She said, to see my eyes re-open, I Was numbered with the dead, and had received Already the last unction, and my knell Was to be tolled. 'Twas in St. Roch I lay. The Hospital ; and seven days before A man not known had brought me. I had lain Unconscious ever since. In vain I sought To question of her further. With all care She tended me ; but never could I win Free speech of her ; in consolation rich, And benefits, she had too much to do For me, and all the rest, than to exchange Mere words with individuals. When, at length, Seven sufEering weeks lived through, I left my bed Once more, aud turned me from that house, with thanks To my kind nurse, — (Her constant aim it was To seem to all poor death-sick folks nought less Than Agnes to my life is. Daily dying Herself, in death she lived, like me, but far More nobly — for she left herself no time •'i 216 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. [aCT TI. ] 1 'For her own tears, for her own comforting ! God be her comforter, good mistress ! ) Philip. Then? Adalbeet (recollecting himself). Yes !— When I left St. Roch's hospital I found our Humbert waiting at the door. And then the enigma terribly was solved ! Philip {inth ever-increasing curiosity). Now ! — Adalbeet. Nogaret's^ paid assassins dealt the blow That laid me low ! Philip. Oh, my presentiment ! Adalbeet. Not satisfied with working thine undoing, Nor with my mother's death, the villain thought To extirpate the last of the Anjous, The sole remaining scion of that great tree. The King's lust smoothed for him the way thereto Por Philip Augustus, the crowned profligate. Had long cast eyes of covetous desire On her, my bride, of angel-purity ; But I stood in his way. Nor wist he how To reach me with the sharp sword of the law, Though well the crafty Chancellor Nogaret Was skilled to wield it. So, to gain this end, A murderous pack must needs be slipped on me To slay me on the threshold of my bliss, And for the royal villain smooth a way To my beloved Agnes, by my death. He could not compass it. His deadliest foe ^ Chancellor, and principal minister of Philip IV. — Trans. SC. I.J THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 217 Still lives, but all ! a lovelier victim fell The misdoer's prey ! Philip. And how then didst thou learn This ghastly news ? Adalbert. My servant, who as soon As fled the assassins (who all deemed me dead) Dragged me, that same night, to the hospital. Swore to the truth of all I tell you now ; For one, a servant of the King and comrade In arms of Humbert, told him privately, To warn him of the danger. Philip. And thine Agnes ? Adalbert. Swiftly the dreadful tidings of my death Had spread abroad through Paris. Philip. Yes ! — thereby I also was deceived, and my last lock Of brown hair changed to grey. Adalbert. Our Humbert dared Not gainsay the report, my life at stake, Scarce dared creep in by stealth at night where I In hospice lay, nigh locked in death's embrace. A fortnight had passed by, ere, — -oh, too late ! — Had he gone earlier she would have been saved ! — He stole to Agnes' dwelling. There he learnt — Oh, God Eternal ! — Bid me say no more ; These old wounds bleed with two-fold agony ! Philip. They shall not staunch ! — Recall the awful oath 218 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [ACT TI. Sworn at midnight, at vengeance' sacred shrine, Think of thy mother, and that final cry She sent np, in her last birth-giving pangs. Unto the avenger ! Adalbert. Oh ! a thousandfold May it fall back again on Philip's head ! Philip. Go on ! Adalbert. I will ! — where was I ? Tes ! — not till A fortnight had elapsed did Humbert seek The house where Agnes dwelt, to learn there how When tidings reached her of my death she swooned, A burning fever ravaged her. Her friend The pious Abbess of St. Clare then caused Her, in her bed-clothes swathed, to be conveyed Into the Convent of St. Clare, where, given The holy Sacrament, she breathed her last A few days after. To the Convent straight I sped, and heard the portress there confirm The truth of Humbert's tale. Then, then would I Have slaked for ever in the tyrant's blood My thirst of vengeance, but to Bordeaux he "Was gone, to sell the priest ' the papal crown, And watchful were his murder-mongers. Needs Must I my life preserve to compass his. And first I wished to make my peace with God And in the Holy Land seek new-born strength From Him, for my revenge; so at Marseilles Embarked, from thence to sail to Palestine ; How then the pirate captured us, to fall Himself a prey to Heredon, you know ! Philip. Enough, enough I know ; yet let me ask ^ Bertrand de Got, Archbisliop of Bordeaux, — afterwards Clement V. — Trans. SC. I.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPBUS. 219 One question more, my Adalbert ! "Why ttus Hast thou from me and Molay, with design, Concealed the station and the parentage Of thy dear lost one ? Adalbbkt. Father ! oh, because — But why conceal it from yon ? — Until now Mere weakness closed my lips, lest I should cast A slur upon the ashes of my love. She was what people call the bastard child Of a high lord — so said report — the fruit Of intercourse unlawful. Philip. What then was Her father's name ? Adalbeet. I never learnt from her What name he bore ; but she herself was called Agnes of Clairmont— Philip. Clairmont ? Was her home Not in the Faubourg Marceau ? Adalbeet. There she dwelt. And with her lived her aunt, named Percival. (Astonished.) But what ails yon, my Father ? Philip (Aside). Terribly The light dawns on me. (Aloud.) Thou didst name but now The Abbess of St. Clare. Hast never seen her ? Adalbeet. Once only can I call to mind I saw her, 'Twas when a novice took the veil ; a being Majestical and lofty she did seem. Soft dignity appeared to me to shine 220 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. [ACT TI. In her expressive serious countenance And something else, not just anticipation, But rather a deep-rooted certainty ; And therewithal such rigid smiling gaze, As Mary might have worn had she been, by The angel's greeting, turned to stone, and yet Pull conscious of the Saviour that she bore ! So looked she ! Philip (Aside). Molay's sister he beheld ! (Aloud.) Tell me, had not thy love a red brown spot No bigger than a fly near her left eye ? — Just on the temple at that juncture where The little rivulets of blue veins meet ? Was she not very fair, slender, well-grown. And — lived she — would she not be now seventeen ? Adalbekt (vrith loving enthusiasm). Ah ! Lived she, so should I live, now and ever ! (Restraining himself.) Tes, Father : thus, O God ! her shade I saw. Yet clothed in form more infinitely fair ! Aye, infinitely ! For when my gaze and hers Then, each with each, were blended, I was not On earth, nor even in heaven, but in the sea. My Being interfused with it, streamed out Through ocean and through earth, through Heaven and Hell, How she was formed, or were she truly ought, I knew not, only I was — infinite ! Philip. Come to thyself — (seizing him bij the hand, and observing a ring on it) . What is this ring ? Adalbert (agitated). The ring Of my betrothal. Philip (casts another glance at the ring, then hiding his face convulsively in both his hands, Aside). Molay's ! SC. I.J THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 221 Adalbert (mournfully embracing hvrn). Ah, dost thou Feel with me, comrade of my pain ? Philip. Ask not — Thee, to my comfort, will the Master take With him to France ; but not yet may'st thou show Thyself in Paris— there too easily Thou might'st be recognized, therefore thou shalt Go only to the Priory Notre Dame, The Order's first House on the Prankish coast. And bide there quietly until I send Thee further news from Paris — Make thee ready ; We go on board at sunrise ; but say nought To Molay, on thine oath, of all these things We twain have here discoursed. Go, expedite ; The day already dawns ! [Adalbert goes. Alas, poor father ! And pitiable friend ! He nothing knows As yet ; but he will hear of it. This cup. Too, is reserv'd for him ! — O Destiny Inscrutable, most strange ! — The offspring, Molay, Of thy sole friend must all unwittingly Destroy, alas ! thy fair and only flower, Thy stolen one ! and bared of all thy leaves There thou dost stand, thou lordly Palm-tree, pride And foremost ornament of all the grove ! (Darhhj and smiling Utterly.) They call me Illuminate, and they say true, The name of Pate's envenomed dart I know. 'Tis Hazard ! — Shines life's ignis fatuus ? Lo, 'Tis out !— and deathly mists shroud all the view. \_Ijxit. 222 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT TI. SCENE II. The Master's Sail, as at the commencement of Act III. Com- mander Hugo, fully equipped. An Esquike, carrying Ms sword and lance behind him} Commander. Only thus far ! I thank thee ! — How stands all I' the harbour ? Is the galley there, full-rigged To saU ? Squire. She only waits the trumpet-blast To start ; for favouring blows the wind, praise God ! Commander. Praise God, say'st thou ? God mend it ! — Give them me, I still can carry lance myself — now go ! \Talces sword and lance from, his hands. Exit Esquire. (^Alone ; approaching Hugo's statue.) Well, ancient Hugo ! my foreboding soul Warns me we meet from this day forth no more ; IFarewell ! — Thy grey disciple ne'er again Shall see thy face ! It hath me many a time. When blackness lay before my soul, God mend it ! With magic power revived. This day they lead To France thine aged son ; there, boys will come Deriding the old grey-beard's antique style And bearing ; nor shall them my trusty sword Chastize, for now my arm has lost its nerve And power ! and therefore I have rather brought To thee the sword. These seven deep notches here (^Showing them on the sword.) ' Rule XXXI. " We grant unto each Knight only one esquire." — SC. II.] THE TEMPLABS IN CTPEUS. 223 Thou know'st them well ; for always when I fought, Thy spirit with me dwelt ! \_Lays the sword on the pedestal of the statue. Thou hast received The better part of me : — the outer frame Goes tottering still ; — then leave old Hugo not To make child's sport ; but gather him to thee ! {Advancing to the wiche.) And now unto the Mother of all Grace ! [His draws hack the curtain which veils the niche, and easposes to view a small Altar with a figure of Mary, which latter he addresses as follows. Dost thon remember still how much I pledged, Now sixty years ago, a lad of mettle, To thee, and the beloved Queen, Lady Blanche,' And all I vowed — I liv'd amongst you then. An active Templar ; wife, or child, or hearth, All joyaunce that makes glad the heart of men, I never had ! — Only the double-Cross Upon my mantle, and my trusty sword. And she the royal lady of my heart, And thou, the Lady and the Queen of Heaven, (I cannot separate you each from each !) Ye stilled within me thoughts of wife and child (Which otherwise would oft have haunted me), I was not satiated, God mend it ! — yet Content ; in battle's heat, the strong man found Love's guerdon. Now I am eighty past, God mend it ! Bald is this head ; but loyally I've kept My vow of seemliness and courtesy. These wounds {^pointing to his head), thou mind'st thee yet of them, I gained Long since at Acca, fighting in thy cause. When we were forced to evacuate, for aye. The Saviour's land of marvels, I, with ten. Last remnant of so many warriors true ; Ah, when we had thence embarked in our frail skifE Blanche of Castile, mother of St. Louis and Regent of France. — 224 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPBUS. [aCT YI. For Cyprus, few were we ^ but with us went The Lord's own strength ! That time is over now, Those ten are dust and ashes, yet God mend it ! Old Hugo still crawls slowly on the earth, But can no more his prancing steed bestride, Nor swing his shimmering lance. Thou gav'st it me (Laying his lance upon the Altar.) And now take back again thy gift — God mend it ! I have been steward of it with perfect mind. With perfect mind ? — Nay, Holy Virgin, there The old man lied ! God mend it ! No !— Fell not Poor Robert ? — Mother ! Can thy mantle's grace Enfold and hide unreason's blemished face ? Yet ofttimes may thy servant, perchance, the right have done ; Accept the grey-haired sinner, for the love of thy dear Son ! [Be Jcneels iefore the image of Mary and tries to pray. Enter Robekt, dressed as a secular Knight, unobserved hy Commander Hugo, who is deeply absorbed in his endeavour to pray. Robert {perceiving the Commander). At last ! He's here. He seems absorbed in prayer. Shall I disturb him ? How his silver'd head Gleams in the rosy light of dawning day ! How curiously it shows reflected back Upon the shafts of lapis lazuli ! How home- like all here seems to me, and yet Estranged, depressing ! {Loohing at the statue of Andre of Montbarry.) Hast thou still thy scrip, ^ After the loss of Jerusalem, Acea, now St. Jean d'Acre, became the metropolis of the Latin Christians, and the Templars exercised there one of the numerous independent commands by which the city had many sovereigns but no government. It was stormed by the Mamelukes, May 18, 1291. The convent-fortress of the Templars resisted three days longer ; but the great Master was pierced with an arrow ; and of five hundred knights only ten were left alive. The King of Jerusalem, the patriarch, and the great Master of the hospital effected their reti-eat to the shore ; but the sea was rough and many were drowned before they could reach Cyprus. — Gibbon, ch. 59. — Trans. so. II.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 225 Pilgrim ? I too must wander. Shall the end My pilgrimage awaiting, be like thine ? {Loohmg hack again on the Comma.ndbe.) How fervently the old man yonder prays ! He draweth nigh his goal. Why melts this heart Of mine with sadness never felt till now, Not heretofore so nerveless ? Wherefore is't Cold shudderings thrill through all my frame, as though The spirits of the giant times of old Were hovering round me in this spacious hall ? 'Twould seem the marble forms took on them life ; Is this illusion ? {pointing to the statue of Hugo, founder of the Order.) Hugo beckons me, Holds out to me his banner ! False conceit ! Vain-glorious dream, no more ! Still he prays on, The aged Grand-Commander ! What would I Not give for one kiss on those eyebrows grey. One benediction from that hero hand ! Yet — No ! Not now profaned by earthly griefs That saintly spirit's quiet calm shall be ! riee, sorrowing Eobert, flee this land of rest ! And shalt thou win another yet, my soul ? (Loohing at the statues of the Masters.) Obeys not subject nature man's control ? Ye smile, ye ancient Masters ? — well and good I Know I, too, am a man, ye giant brood ! Ye could create, and I ? — ^I can renounce as surely. And, freed from thrall, can reach, alone, my goal securely I AsTKALls appears as a youth, dressed in bright blue, with a letter in her hand. AsTBAIilS (approaching Robeet, just as he is turning round to go out by the door, with disguised voice} . Greeting to thee, Sir Eobert of Heredon ! EOBEET. Who calls me ? ASTEALIS (offering Mm the letter). Eead, and what thou readest, mark ! 226 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPBUS. [ACT TI. ROBEET (loohing at her in astonishment). Thy name is ?— ASTEALIS. Astralon. Robert. I had a dream A while ago, a dream that looked like thee ! ASTEALIS. Thou shalt not dream ! Haste to the harbour, where E'en now the ship from. Scotland waits for thee. Wake up ! Expect to see me in thy home ! [_Exit quickly. Robert (looking after her calmly). Wake up ? I am awake ! A curious note ! {Exam/ining it). The address is Scotch, my mother-tongue. The form A pentagon, the wax and letters green ; The seal a quartered field, whereon I see A lion, a fox, an ape, and — as it seems — A sparrow-hawk the fourth. Astonishing ! 'Tis almost like a fable. Let us see ! " Brave Scot ! who art no Templar KJnight, and yet Art guardian of the Temple ! Much that now Shows dimly will be manifest, one day. Go home in peace ; but on the eighteenth day Of the third moon in the twice seventh year. In the century the four and fiftieth,' Of the Revealing, be at Paris by The Temple-tower,'* and rescue the red Cross ''- i.e., 14th year of the 14th century, 1314 ; leaving 4,000 years before Christ. Molay died in 1314. " The Temple, formerly the head-quarters of the Knight Templars in Paris, consisted of two buildings — the Palace, facing the Kue du Temple, usually occupied by one of the Princes of the Blood ; and the ToWer, standing behind the Palace. The Tower was a square building, with a round tower at each corner and a small turret on one side, usually called the Toiu-elle. Louis XVI. and his family were imprisoned in the Tower. — Mme. Campan's Life of Marie Antoinette, Annexe to chap, xi. — Trans. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 227 From midst the flames. Subject to change are form And colour, but the primal element Abides eternally.' We wait for thee In the green Valley of Peace, where stilled and mute For ever is the royal lion's roar." [ffe folds wp the letter and gazes thought- fully hefore him, then makes Ms exit quickly from the hall. CoMMANDEE {rising from hefore the Altar where he has hitherto knelt, and for the last minute only has been able to pray, — much exhausted by this long effort of prayer). Thank thee, pure maid, that thus thy grace did'st manifest. I ne'er in my whole life have been revived so throughly. Yet am I tired, so tired. Prayed I ? Was my prayer blest ? No ! — Speechless, void of thought, in air I floated ; truly, Methought a suckling babe, I pressed my mother's breast, And^shuddering through my frame, a second birth dawned newly ! If 'twere indeed a prayer, I might believe it nearly ; For a man has done with weeping when he can pray sin- cerely. [Se looks out of the window, down on the valley, from, which the morning mAsts are beginning to rise ; after a pause, during which he has in some msasure recovered from his extreme exhaus- tion, he is sufficiently revived to open the side-door leading into the cloister. Is this not'Molay, coming from the cloister ? (To MoLAT, who comes in.) Astir so soon, old boon-companion mine ? MoLAT. Aye ! For the last time I've been watering ' It is a matter of no essential importance where or how the Sun selects a temple of flesh to contain his godhead. The confraternity of the Valley of Peace aim at preserving the pristine element of truth, so that, on the destruction of the Templars, it may resurge like the Phcenix from its ashes, and this task is to be entrusted to the Scottish Knight, Sir Kobert of Heredon. — Trans, 228 THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. [ACT YI. The Tartar, comrade of my fighting days ; And I've been up the mountain. Brother Hugo, How good for him, who's hastening towards his grave, It is to contemplate the wide expanse Of all the bright, free, living world of God, Where all seeds sown to snch fair harvest come ! And those seeds, Hugo, we too have been sowing. They are not lost ? COMMANDEE. Be that as the Lord will ! I question not ; God grant a happy end ! MOLAT. Thou'rt come forth of thy cell full early. Commander. Yes! The howling of the storm, the thunder's roll By two o'clock had driven me out, God mend it ! Sure never have I known so wild a night ; 'Twas e'en as though the foul fiend with his knaves Were playing skittles. MoLAT. God has fore-ordained The skittle he shall strike ; the servant plays ; The Lord doth win the game. Brother, thou'rt arm'd ! (As Ms glance falls on the Commander's armour.) Commander. Comrade ! I must confess myself to thee ; 'Tis foolish, but, God mend it ! everything Just now's a chari-vari ! — And so I thought. My Brother ; " Thou shouldst show thyself once more, In all thy pomp of arms, to these thine old Companions here ; for all too soon thou'lt be Surrounded by a young and frivolous world." Therefore I went, and dedicated sword And lance to old Hugh, and the Holy Maid ; And then — deride me not, my comrade, — then SC. II.J THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 229 It seemed to me the blank unlighted eyes Were softening to me ! MOEAT. Spare me ! — I have need Of strength to-day : the stately Master's garb But scantly clothes my aching human heart ! Sails Robert yet towards his native land ? Commander. Surely the young man will take leave ; but, Molay, Believe me I am much forewarned of Robert That God has greatness yet in store for him. Whilst here before the gracious form I knelt, It happened that I in the crystal looked Whereon shines back the Virgin's radial crown ; Sudden, it seemed, I in that mirror saw Our Robert, and by his side, an angel, garbed In heavenly blue. And they were radiant both As though the Light of Glory lit them up.' I saw him also in my dreams last night. Girt np as simple handicraftsmen are; When suddenly he stood before me there. In form gigantic ; with his head he touched High Heaven, and with his feet earth's central point : Embraced the world from east to west, and cried "Nature irradiates and serves the Pure." MOLAT. It was a dream ! — COMMANDEE. No doubt, but yet, God mend it ! I'd fain interpret it ! — '■ This crystal was probably of the family of the Magic Crystals which have been so widely esteemed for purposes of divination from East to West. Held in honour by the Babylonians of old, they command even now the reverence of the people in the Hebrides and West of Scotland. (See " From the Hebrides to the Himalayas," by C. F. Gordon Gumming.) Sir Hugo, who really saw the reflected forms of Robert and Astralis (Astralon), was not surprised to think he beheld a vision. — Trans. 230 THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT TI. MOLAT. Oh, we dream all ! But our capacity for dreaming proves To me the existence of tho^e Holy Heights Which waft down cooling breezes on the waste, When the Sirocco dries our juices up. Commander. I will go look for him, lest he escape Without leave taking ! MoLAT. Good ! I'll wait for thee. Till to the port we go. \_Exit Commandee. (Alone.) They tarry long ! [J. knocking is heard at a small door coii- cealed hy the Altar of Mary. Ah, there they are ! — Come in, ye who elect ! [Be draws the hood of his mantle over his head, and locks the principal door. The Pebsbttee, Philip, Brother of the Garden, the Marshal, the Draper, the Standaed-Beaeee, and Clatjs RoSNEE ' come in from the concealed door. All have drawn the hoods of their mantles or frocks over their heads ; each carries a short hlood-red sword, on a girdle to match, which, as he comes in, each hangs round his neck. MoLAT (going in among them). Place yourselves in the figure ! — Peesbttee (interru'pting him). Brother Leader, Tour leave to speak ! ^ They form with Molay, the mystic number seven. In the time of the Crusade, seven Syriac Christians who had inherited esoteric doctrine from the Essenes, received protection from the Templars and confided to them their secrets. — Fkost, Secret Societies. — Trails. SC. II.J THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 231 MOLAT. Speak ! — Pbisbttee. Thus the Spirit spake Within me : that the second Brother Watchman {pointing to Philip) Was not collected in himself to-day. (To Philip, sharply observing Mm.) Art thou so ? Philip (after a pause). No! Pkesbttib (with mild seriousness). Why, then, disturb not thou The office of last unction ! Philip (in a similar tone). I thank thee. \_He takes his sword from round his neeJc, and hands it to Molat. MoLAT (embracing him). My Brother, God invigorate thee ! [Philip goes out. Molat (to the Makshal). To-day, Thou must be second Watchman, in the place Of Philip. Maeshal. There can be no office : we Are not full seven ! Peesbtteb. Therefore have I brought My youngest choir-boy, whom I've taught to say 232 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [A.CT TI. The Holy TJrim-Thuminini ' whicli may be named By the youngest of ns only. He is ready. Shall he lead us to-day, Brethren ? MOLAT. Adept, A child is, since so newly come from seeing ; Bring then the boy here, that he us may lead ! [The Pebsbttee goes out, and returns immediately, liringing in a Chorister five years of age, loitJi eyes bandaged, and places him before MoLAT. MoLAT (laying hands on the child's head). The Lord be with thee ! The Othees. And with thy spirit ! MOLAT {To the others, after he has hung Philip's sioord round the Child's nech). Now, Form yourselves in the figure ! B,aise the Cross ! ^ The Urim and Thummim worn by the Jewish High Priest inside the breastplate, on his ephod, whenever he went in before the Lord, may probably best be rendered in English as " Light and Perfection ; " by some it has been rendered " Perfect Illumination." Scripture repre- sents it as divinely oracular ; and some have thought the Urim to reside in the rock-crystal (or diamond) of the breastplate. The old Grand- Commander imagined himself to have seen a vision in the crystal on, or above, the altar of Mary (Act VL Scene 2), in front of Which these mysterious proceedings of the Templars are taking place. The high attributes of their mummy or teraph-head, mentioned a little further on, recalls the further scriptural fact that, in some cases of deflection from the established religious order, we find the ephod connected not with the Urim but with the Teraphim, which in the day of Laban, if not earlier, had been conspicuous in Aramaic worship. (Jud. xvii. 5-18, xiv. 20, Hosea iii. 4.) The Teraphim were probably unauthorized substitutes for the Urim, and used in unholy forms of divination. (See " Diet, of the Bible.") Gottfried complains (Act IV.) that they (the Templars) are called Necromancers, and he thinks himself there is something not quite as it should be about their teraph-head. — Trans. so. II.] THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 233 [Tfee Adepts, amoMgrs^io/iom iTie Peesbttee leads the hoy into the fifth place, form themselves into a special figure, of which the Leader and the two Watch- men form the three ends} Then thetj lift up their small swords in the form of a great Cross. Leader. In the name of Him, the One and Everlasting, I open in the morning these our halls ! — Tou know the King who built them ! Name his signet ! Second Watchman. Dimension ! First Watchman. Area! Leader. Boundary ! The halls Rest. And now let your swords be lowered again ! [All step out of the figure, and let their swords fall hack again on their breasts. The First Watchman leads the Youngest before the Altar of Mary, leaving him Icneeling there with folded hands, and returiis to the Adepts. Leader. We come together, we seven Adepts, to-day For the last time, — so saith to me the Spirit, — To execute a task of great concern. Which partly I've informed you of already. The time is short ; the deed needs haste and silence. ' As the Adepts in this transaction, which they hold so important, entirely forget their own personality themselves, neither will the author remember it on the present occasion, but will call Molay (now not appearing as Master) the Leader ; the Presbyter, the First ; the Marshal, the Second Watchman ; the Draper, Standard-Bearer, and Kosner by the general term Adepts, and the child, simply the Youngest. 234 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT TI. I go to France. You, some of you stay here. — Pure though our meaning be, our duty is, To arm ourselves -with foresight, and expose To Envy's sight no least weak point whereby Contempt might be upon our Order thrown. Therefore by counsel of the enlightened three. Who in the Temple are, besides ourselves. Adept, — Prior Guido, Peter of Boulogne, Adam of Yalincourt — and in the name Of fourteen Masters who, outside the Temple, Are yet Adept upon the earth's expanse, — I am minded to commit unto the flames Some several of those writings which reveal The Order's secrets and might serve to feed The envious ill-will of the enemy. The Brothers three, already named, at Paris, Are of like mind ; these letters are from them. [iZe gives to each of the three eldest W^ATCHMBN ft letter; they give the writings hack to him after loohing them over. Ton, too, deliberately I ask again. Do you approve it ? First Watchman. Under the condition The Holy Things be not destroyed, we do ! The Leadee. (^Raising the flagstone of a vault which lies before Hugo's statue, and bringing up a chest from, the cavity that is beneath it, and placing it on the ground.) Stored in this coffer are the Order's books. (To one of the younger Adepts, after he has opened the box.) Brother, their titles read ! ' ' Sir Gerard de Cans gave information, according to the French action-at-law concerning the investigation decreed against the Order, that Molay previously to his leaving Cyprus, burnt the most important documents of the Order, and took some of them with him. — Trans. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPEUS. 235 Adept (reading'). " Rules of the Order Of Temple- Guardians of Jerusalem." The Leadee (talcing the hook out of his hand, and closing it again, as he lays it upon the pedestal). I'll not take this, — Pure as tlie Master's word TMs book is — Brother, take a key and keep It safe. — (Gives the Second Watchman a Icey.) The others I will keep myself. Adept (reading). The same, a copy. Leader (to the Second Watchmak). Take it, we'll leave it here. Adept. (Talcing another booh out of the chest and opening it, reads.) " Veracious Record, how by Thomas Berald, The four and twentieth of the Temple Masters, The knowledge of the one God was restored, And, darkened by no shadow of the Cross, The Moon shed light upon men's path of old." Leader. We've ceased to use it, and to younger men This Light might prove an ignis-fatuus. (To the Adept.) Bring me the fire, go kindle it at the lamp ! [The Adept advcmces in front of the Altar of Mary, takes a chafmg-dish which stands upon it, kindles the coal at the lamp which hangs down in front of the altar, then comes hack again with the burning coal in the pan and places it before the Leader. Leadee (taking the last-named book and holding it over the pan of coals, to the other Adepts). If you consent ? 236 . THE TEMPLAKS IN CTPEUS. [ACT YI. First Watchman. Be it reduced to ashes ! — ■ IThe Leader throws it in the flames. Adept (taking out another looJc, reads). " Concerning Baphom, the Illuminator." Leader (taJdng possession of it) . Analogous contents ; then shall it share A similar fate ? — "Watchman. So be it ; we are content. [The Leader throws it into the flames. Adept (talces out another hook, and reads). " Touching three Masters, Moses, Christ " — the third I cannot read, for it is writ in cipher. Leader {to the two Watchmen). Tou two both know the name ? Both Watchmen. We do. Leader. Then may I take it ? First Watchman. Be it trusted to thy care ! Adept (brings out a very small book, and reads). " The Star out of the East." Both Watchmen (both together hastily snatching at it). On no account Must this be burnt ! Leader (taking it). Could I so dissipate The Diamond ? (he sticks it in his girdle.) SC. II. J THE TBMPLAES IN CTPETJS. 237 In my girdle here safe-stowed I'll gnard it, but you have my knightly word That I or an Elect will bring it back. {After he has covered, up the brazier, containing the burnt papers.) The writing dies, the eternal symbol lives ! Adept (searching in the coffer). There's something gleams like metal underneath. Leadee (springing on him and thrusting him bach). There let it lie ! First Watchman. Where that book is, this must Be also. Leader. (To the Adepts, pomii'wgf to the chest and its remaining contents). 1 will take with me to France The coffer. Second Watchman (astonished). What ? the silver vessels and jewels, The candlesticks, the palm-leaves also ? Leadee. All! All the Adepts (except the leader and First Watchman). Wilt thou despoil the Holy Things ? Leadee. Not so ! But guard them carefully till happier times.' [Indicating the First WATCHMAN. The Watchman knows I have full powers. ' De Molay took with hira to the palace of the Templars in Paris the chest, or chests, of the Ordei- — twelve mules' load of gold and silver. The treasure was put away in the Templar vaults. — Fkoude, Good Words, July, 1886.— K-ans. 238 THE TEMPLAES IN CTPRUS. [ACT VI. First "Watchman. He tas. Leadee. (To an Adept, handling to him the coffer, after he has placed in it the two hoohs preserved from destruction, and care- fully loclced everything up.) Thou'lt put the cofier secretly on board The ship ; thy head stands surety for it ! The Adept. (As he tahes the coffer and hides it under his garment) Brother, I am Adept ! Leader. There only now remains One thing. [_He pulls out a slide which is in the pede- stal under Hugo's statue, irings out of the opening thus made apparent a mummy-head crowned and wrapfed in a golden veil, and shows it to the Knights. This head. Its twofold portraiture Te know — the Fallen, as to the wholly blind We show it, and the Arisen, as to the half Illuminate.'^ I love these mysteries not. They are, how pure soe'er their origin. The source of much abuse, which I intend To regulate at our next general Chapter, With others of like nature. — Tet the veil Is o'er our eyes no longer, and this head Shows us, without an effigy, the dear * Meaning, apparently, as Baphometus to those without dawn of insight, and as the Arisen Prince of Victory (see Act I. Scene 1) to those with partial insight ; while to the fully illuminate, he shows the relic of the King, — be he called Solomon, or Hiram, or Dis, or whatever be his Masonic-theosophic name, — whose glorified essence is the Vision or Idol of the Promised Land, to be sought, till found, by the Pure. (See Act V. Scene i.)— Trans. so. II.] THE TEMPLABS IN CTPEUS. 239 Eemainder of the King geometrical, Baptized with wisdom, beautified through strength. Friend of the Lord, who showed Himself to him. And granted him the signet of his power. Kiss him for the last time ! [The Adepts how low. The Leader Tiolis out the head for each one to Itiss. So ! — now to earth I yield him till that seed in honour rise Which we have sown in bitterness and pain. [He lowers the head into the open vault, which he covers with the flagstone. This transaction, in which he is as- sisted hy some of the younger Adepts, is performed in complete silence. The remaining Adepts look on with hajnds crossed over the breast, and reverently hawed heads. Solemn pause. MoLAT (pointing to the stone). So, rest thee here for ever ! — But, ye swear That none shall henceforth lift the stone again ! — First Watchman (sharply and earnestly to him,). Hadst thou, no less, for this momentous step Authority ? Leader. I had. (He says something in his ear ; then to the others.) What now I do I will account for in the Valley. [The Adepts how reverently — Molding out to them that side of his mantle on which is the Gross. Swear ! The Adepts (each laying two fingers on the Cross). We swear ! Leader (to the youngest Adept). Give to the lamp its own ! 240 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [ACT TI. {To the First Watchman.) Admit The Leader ! [The Adept tahes the 'pan of coals and carries it back to the Altar ; then re- turns. The First Watchman goes to the Youngest, who has all this time been leneeling at the Altar, and leads him with eyes still blindfolded into the group of Adepts. Leader. Form the figure !^ — Raise the Cross ! — \_The Seven Adepts place themselves, with their swords in the figure as before. In the name of Him the One and Everlasting I hereby close the Halls for the last time ! How is the Valley's Gate named ? Second Watchman. Brightness ! First Watchman. Depth ! Second Watchman. (To the First Watchman and the Leader.) Tell us the Valley's name ! First Watchman. Not I! Leader. NorL [The First Watchman conducts the Youngest to the Leader's place. All Icneel down, except the Youngest, to whom approach first the Leader, then the First, and lastly the Second Watchman. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPKUS. 241 The Youngest (smjs atrisijllabic wordinthe ear of each of the three eldest Adepts, then says aloud to the three younger) . Love ! Leader. What doth that mean ? The Youngest (in a faltering habhle). — I in me— we are — Existence ! [With these words the Child closes the Halls. The rest stand up. Peesbttee. (Confounded, as are all the others, hy the formula, hitherto unJcnown to them, whioh has been stammered out by the Child, half Aside to him.) 'Twas not so I taught it thee ! The Child (with infantile smile). Gottlieb can't say it any other way ! ^ MoLAT (as well as Glaus regarding with delight the Child who has thus fraternized with them,, aloud and distinctly to the rest) . He help ns to the Valley ! — The kiss of peace ! (They embrace one another.) Pray we that His own Spirit's light may in our souls be shown, That so the Temple's Lord may to the Temple be made known ! [The two Elders, namely, the Presbttek and the Marshal, led by Gottlieb, whose eyes still remain blindfolded, go softly through the side-door hidden by the Altar, through which they are followed by the three younger, namely, ^ That is to say, the Pi-esbyter had taught the Child the customary formula of the Adepts, much resembling the above formula and differing from It but very slightly in the expressions; yet, through this slight varia- tion, quite different from it in the sense and in the result : which formula of the Adepts the Child, newly come from seeing, could not repeat. E 2-12 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPRUS. [ACT YI. the Draper, the Standard-Bbarer, and E.OSNER, all having first taken off their swords and hidden them under their garments. Glaus ! MoLAT {calling after Kosner). [Glaus comes in again. Molat throws haah the hood of his mantle, goes to Sugo^s statue, takes out of the opening in its pedestal a paper with seven seals, hides it under his mantle, then having pushed in again the slide of the pedestal, comes up to Glaus. Molat (to Glaus, half smiling, half serious'). If so be I die, wilt thou still live ? Glaus. Not willingly. Molat. Glaus ! thou'rt Illuminate ! Glaus. But human still ! Molat. What gave I thee, when first Thou cam'st to Gyprus ? Glaus. How could I forget Thy goodness, ever ? — Molat. 'Tis not that !— Forget My part in it, but hold fast what is thine ! Glaus. A brave wife, healthy children, these are mine.' ^ Kule LV. We permit you to have married brothers in this manner; let both the man and his wife grant, from and after their death, their SC. II.] THE TEMPLA.es IN CTPEUS. 243 MoLAT (iinpressively). God sent thee these, and He can take them back ! Glaus. My joy is, that I can provide for them ; For this, I owe your generous kindness thanks, Which, when I came here, a poor working man, In search of better fortune such as ne'er At home in Germany had smiled on me. Received me, educated, set me up ! MOLAT. Enough of that ! — What hast thou learnt of me ? Naught but to earn bread for thyself and thine ? Clatjs (confused). Brother ! MOLAT. What? — Polished I thy Square for naught But that thou should'st thy private angle measure ? I grant 'tis good and regular. Glaus (gloidly). Aye, is't not ? Molat. Each in its own niche all is ranged within Thy cottage. With thy wife and children, thou An Order form'st which shames the Temple league ; Thou art — Friend ! very few achieve so much, — Almost thou'rt perfect, — as regards thyself ! Glaus. It is thy work ! Molat. But only as regards respective portions of property, and whatever more they acquire in after life, to the unity of the common chapter ; and in the interim, let them exercise an honest life, labour to do good to the brethren : but they are not permitted to appear in the white habit and white mantle. — Trans. 244 THE TEMPLABS IN CTPEUS. [ACT VI. Thyself. Tliou'rt far yet from tte goal, — a good, A well-trained — bungler — Claus (naively). Were I thee ! Molat. What more Am I ? Tet higher is my aim than thine ! He who but seeks to garnish his own hut Is but a bungler ! Gave I thee thy cot, Plied'st thou thy tools thereon, but to remain A bungler, and build up no solid house For all mankind ? — Claus. Fain would I — though 'tis hard, — And yet, because of thee, I fain would part From wife and child, and go with thee to France. Molat. Ah, bungler ! — why should'st thou pull down to build? Art thou the master-builder ? Scarcely thou Art journeyman ! Leave each man his ; perform Thine own. Claus. What is it ? Molat. The red Cross perhaps May fall ; but even if a thing be like To One, the Eternal ; yet it lets itself This way or that be handled; by who would Lay fast hold on it. Claus. Do I comprehend Thy meaning ? Molat. I believe thou dost. Thou knowest SC. II.J THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 245 My estimation of the coloured Cross, As also of the Knights. Claus. Tes ; thou dost oft Throw in one pot so many things, one looks To see a hotch-potch come of it, yet when The broth is ready, it is nutritive. MOLAT. Thou art a handicraftsman, Brother Claus, A German true ; ye Germans apprehend Slowly indeed but surely, and 'tis well ! Dear Claus, I die ; the Order too, perhaps, — But I undoubtedly ! Claus (with intense pain) . "Wilt thon destroy Me utterly ? MoLAT (smiling'). Poor fool ! — a testament Is not yet absolutely death ! (^Seriously.) I gave The Knowledge to thee, seeing thou could'st act ; Thou stridest forth in action, so no less In Wisdom surely ! The red Cross — the Knights ! A colour red is ; it can be wash'd out ! A Knight, a Chevalier, is one who rides, But like his poor old horse, goes lame at last ! E'en though the Cross be shatter'd, there remain Tet ftagments doing duty for the whole ! And as for knights, there's no great need of them. For who knows how to use his arms and legs. He has been knighted by Queen Nature. (After a pause, during which he holds Claus with a fixed gaze, looking into his eyes with intense and increasing scrutiny.) Claus ! What wilt thou do ? If I should die, what part Wilt thou perforia ? Thou canst do much ! Be mine 246 THE TBMPLAES IN CTPEUS. [ACT VI. This solace, that I leave behind me one, At leastj who's not a blunderer ! My Robert — Clatjs. Robert is more than I am ! MOLAT. Truly, yes ! But only towards the esoteric works His strength divine, thine outwards ; for which cause Thou art initiated, not he. Clatjs. And thou Could'st cast him out ! MOLAT. And thereby broke my heart, But justice was maintained. Lovest thou him ? Glaus. Not as my Anna, not so much as thee, Far less ; but more than any other man. MoLAT (gladly). Praise be to God ! — the morning dawneth. Rosner ! Is Robert highly gifted ? Claus. Yes. MOLAT. Is any Within the Order comparable to him ? Glaus. Not one ! Molay. Lives he in vain ? , sc. ii.] the templars in ctpeus. 247 Claus. No single stone Of a foundation lieth there in vain ! MOLAT. (Regarding his disciple with augmenting enthusiasm.) I feel God mediates between thee and me ! (Steadily.') My Robert, Brother, ere I cast him out. Already had outgrown the Temple-Order : Long since, the Temple-Master was to him As nought ! I am a saint to him, remote Prom him, and though the halo of a saint I could forego, yet so 'tis well for him, And well for — me ; for. Brother, hard it is To die without an heir ! Poor Robert goes To Scotland now, and goes with God ! Will God Bring me and him to realize my aim ? Him also ? — But should we with idle hand In bosom thrust, look on ? — Look on ; no more. And take no part ? Not such God's will ; 'tis true He doeth all things of Himself, but we Are placed here to co-operate with him ! Thou art adept, my Rosner : Templars may Be brought to nought, even the Illuminate ; But all shall not, please God, — they shall not all ! In Cyprus thou'lt remain — deny me not ! My death, not thine, can profit, — therefore live To merit it ! Our Halls in Edinburgh Thou knowest, and the key, — make use of it ! Should this our Order, fall, and — as I have Deserved because of it — should I too fall A sacrifice for it, guard then that young Tree I have planted in the North, that so It may, fruit bearing, over-shade the world,^ And not in. vain the gardener may have lived. — ' The Bose-Croix of Heredon, or Heredom, is one of the degrees of Scotch Masonry. It was established first at Icolmkil), then at Kilwinning, where the King of Scotland presided in persQn as Grand Master. See Thuileur de, I'Ecossisme dii rit ancien, dit acce(pt6, p. 132. In the degree of the Knight of Palestine, substituted by the Chevalier de St. Martin in the place of Kose-Croix, is celebrated the Institution of 248 the tismplaes in ctpeus. [act vi. Glaus. In vain ! (striking hands xvith Molat) . My brother, I will live ! MOLAY (looJdng wp thanlcfully to heaven). I knew That well — My Rosner's care will grow me flowers. [Braws the sealed pa/per from under his mantle and hands it to Rosnee. There is my testament ; the hieroglyphs Thou comprehendest ; nothing more is needed. (Imploringly.) Thou wilt protect both it and Robert ? Glaus. Yes, God helping ! Molat. So my work survives, and I Am satisfied. Brother, the parting kiss ! Thou weep'st ? — Hast thou anew forgot the Square ? Glaus (Jdssing away Molat's tears'). Art thou, then, iron ? Molat. My aim is so to be ! Greet wife and child. — Whilst they are thine — be theirs. God leaves them to thee just so long, no more. As thou art blessed in their possession. — Go ! the Oi'dei* of the Templai's. This degree is cens^ to draw its origin from the Crusades. The Master represents Godfrey of Bouillon. The pass- word is Sieu-le vent, the Templars' war-cry. The 27th degree of Scotch Masonry is called Grand-Commander of the Temple, or Sovereign Com- mander of the Temple of Jerusalem. Ibid. p. 196. This degree is not to be confounded with the Order of modern Tem- plars. Ibid. p. 199. The 30th degree of Ivadosch, though only the 30th, must be regarded as i/te real end of Scotch Masonry, as it is the ne plus ultra of Templar Masonry. It commemorates the abolition of the Templar Order by Philip the Fair and the Pope Clement V. ; and the death of the last Grand- Master, James Molay, who perished in the flames, March 11, 1314. Ibid. — Trans. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. 249 [RoSNEE goes. The Mastee revives himself after his strong emotion., by loohvng out into the valley, which is already flooded by the crimson of dawn. Pause. Thank Gad ! the important duty all is done ; The Lord may call me now, for I am ready ! — Commander Hugo limps wearily in. COMMANDEE. Robert is off already — gone without Even taking leave of me, me who — God mend it ! MoLAY (wearily). Already gone ! - Enter Chaelot (to Molay). The Brother-Messengers, They whom your Grace sent lately to the King, And to the Master of the Hospital, Are back again, and wait without. MoLAY (to Chablot). Hast thou Been to the harbour ? Chaelot. Tes, the people tbrong Down there in crowds to see you once again ! All fear you will return to them no more. MoLAY. Kind souls ! — Good sooth, there's none that curses me ? Chaelot. Most eyes were wet, dismay is general ! Enter GoTTrEiED. The "Watch sends word the hurricane this night Has from the tower thrown down the Cross ; also, 'Tis said the vault sent dismal wailings up ! — 250 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPETjS. [ACT VI. MoLAT (annoyed). Silence ! Secure the Cross, and warn tLe "Watch ISTot to disturb the people with such tales. [Hxit Godfeet. (To Chaelot.) Now introduce the Brother-messengers ! [Exit Chaelot. Enter Knights in coats of mail. MoLAT (to the First Knight). What bring'st thou from the King ? rirst Knight. I was denied Admission to his presence ; ' but his minion Count Lusignan, to whom I in your name Commended the protection of the Temple, Replies to you — these are his actual words : " Do thou defend the Temple for thyself ! You'll find King Henry will protect the Crown, For so 'tis meet." MOLAT. Denied admission ! Such Reply to me ! (Aside.) Dost thou already scorn Th' old Lion ! (To the other Knight.) My Brother of the Hospital, What doth he say ? The Other Knight. He bade me greet your Grace, And charged me with this letter to deliver Into your hands. MoLAT (to the tioo Knights). Go ! [Exeunt the two Knights. " Fulke de Yillaret To James de Molay — Not thy friend am I, Yet frank plain-speaking well becomes a Knight. Molay ! Go not to France. — I also have My summons thither, but I do not care ^ There was a continual tendency to jealousies and disputes between the Templars and the King of Cyprus, who viewed with distrust their increase and power. — Trans. SC. II.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPEUS. 261 To pay the score. Dost not thou know the cowl ? Sleek it is outwardly, but hides within A tiger's teeth ; creep under it and see If thou shalt come with whole skin out again ! I'm not that sort : but from the Turk, God willing, I shall recover Rhodes. And, if thou wilt. Look in upon me there and dine with me ! " (Folding up the letter and putting it in his hosom) . Unquiet, headstrong man ! COMMANDEE. The old soldier's right, God mend it ! My own head is in a state Of marvellous perturbation. I foresee Much detriment from this beginning ! MOLAT. God Begins, not we. When many cross-roads lie Before us tending divers ways and we Doubt which to choose. He sends us Duty then, A guide that ne'er misleads ; and we will go ! COMMANDEE. Well ! — to the harbour I will go before, And wait thee there. [Exit. Enter Geegee. The old man with the lute Is nowhere to be found ! MoLAT (Aside, looking vp to Heaven). Should the end come. Oh, might I be the victim, one for all! Enter A Soldiee (quiahly}. The guard has just announced that Brother NofEo And Prior Heribert of Montfaucon,' Have broke from prison. — ■ ^ The Templar (in Masonry) sees in " the three murderers of Hiram " (the Tyrian sculptor and engraver, called metaphorically "the Architect 262 THE TEMPLAES IN CYPRUS. [A-CT YI. MOLAT (shocked and alarmed) . NofEo ! In God's name Pursue him ! — Yet, no, stop ! — For liberty- May bring him punishment or emendation ! Heribert too ! — {Aside.) Alas ! how fiercely stings An injury done that cannot be repaired ! Ijnter Chaklot. A favouring wind invites us out to sea. MOLAT. Then in God's name unfurl our banner free ; Peal bells ; with song and music greet this day, Our last in Cyprus ! — To our goal, away ! [IjxU quickly ; the rest follow him. SCENE III. Harbour, the sea in the background ; on the left, on the sliore, the Gastle, whereon waves the flag of the Order. An armed warder with a trumpet, stands on the battlement. A red glow suffusing the shy announces the approaching sunrise. The bells sound from the distance, faintly at first, then louder. People of every age and sex throng the shore in the background. Amongst them, Clads with his wife and two children, a boy and a girl from, four to five years old. A Woman. Are they not yet in sight ? of the Temple of Solomon " whose murderers are said to hare stood out- side the doors of the Temple to take his life) Squin de Florian, Noffodei, and the JJnlcncmn, on whose depositions Philip the Fair accused the Order before the Pope ; or else, (besides) the three abominable owes, Philip the Fair, Clement the Vth, and Noffodei. Other degrees of Masonry substituted others (such as Judas, Caiaphas, and Pilate, murderers of Jesus). — Thuileur de I'Ecossisme. Froude speaks of Squin (he calls him Esquin von Florian) as having been Prior of Montfaucon, in " Good Words," July, 1886. — Trans. so. III.] THE TEMPLAES IN CTPBUS. 253 A Citizen. Not yet. Anothee. The sun Must soon be up. A Youth. How clear and bright expand The heavens after such an awful night ! A Citizen (pointing out to sea) . See yonder canvas ? Even now lit up By a bright sun-ray ! 'Tis the ship which home To Scotland carries Robert. Anothbe. They've expelled Him from the Order. A Thied. Say you so ? Alas ! The pity of it ! Such a gallant Knight ! A Fourth. He must be guilty of some grave ofience ; For just is Molay, and would rather bear A thousand ills himself than punish once. An Old Man. Lo there ! — the oldest Knight, Sir Hugo comes, With the two youngest stripling Knights. A Sixth. How droops His head upon his breast ! A Woman. 'Tis certain he Will never home return. 254 the templaes in ctpeus. [act ti. An Old Man. He's done much. good. Clatjs (half Aside to Anne his wife). See where lie comes, Anne, whom we have to thank For Molay's favour. Anne. Oh, God bless him for it ! [Clatjs jesses to the front through the crowd, ivith his wife and children clinging to him. Commander Hugo (appears in the foreground fully armed, supported hy Feank and Adalbert ; an IJsguire goes before him, carrying his helmet). COMMANDEE (to his companions). Stand still awhile, whilst I take breath. Flits not A small star yonder on the far-off sea ? Feank. The ship of Scotland. People (pressing forwards and crying out). Long live Father Hugo ! Clatjs (hissing the Commandee's hand). Sir Hugo, fare thee well ! Anne (doing the same, tears in her eyes, holding her children hy the hand). Will you not bless These little ones once more ? Little Giel (to the Commandee, naively clinging to him). Father, wilt thou Bring me another necklace for the feast ? Hot (jpushing her away). Father, a lance for me ! SC. III. J THE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 255 CoMMANDEE (to the KwigMs, who are supporting hivi). God mend it ! — Gome ! (To the children who, at the command of thevr mother, have hnelt down before him, and embrace his hnees.') God bless you, children. {To the Knights.) Come ! I shame myself ! These old eyes swim with tears. Support me, guide me ! I cannot see at all ! Come ! (To the people as he goes away.) God be with you ! ^Staggers off, leaning on the two youngest Knights; the Esquire preceding them. Old Man. The worthy Knight ! [Glaus retires into the hacTcground with his wife and children. The bells peal louder. First Citizen. Hark ! how the bells e'en now Are pealing from the tower of St. John ! ^ See ye yon dust-cloud ? Now they're on the way ! A TOUTH. Ah, yonder flutters now the red-Gross flag Swayed by the morning breeze — a noble banner ! First Citizen. ' Can ye not hear them sing ? In order first Advance the Priests, next come the Knights ! A Giel. Rose-hued Their mantles white shine through the blush of morn. ^ It does not seem quite clear what connection the Templars had with S. John Baptist. He was patron saint of the Knights of S. John (Hospitallers) of Jerusalem, but Dugdale (Monasticon Anglicarmm) ■does not appear to mention the Knights Templars as being under the patronage of any Saint. Werner, however, connects them throughout with S. John, and the cognizance of the Agmis Dei which is seen all over the inside of the Temple Church, as well as carved over the gateway in Fleet Street, which gateway was rebuilt by Inigo Jones after the fire of London, would seem to confirm him. — Trans. 256 THE TEMPLARS IN CYPEUS. [ACT TI. Second Citizen. See just behind the Cross, bare-headed walks The Master Molay, — see how sad he looks, And yet most calm ! An Old Woman. May God forgive me ! — -when I look on him, I seem to see our Saviour ! Old Man. Aye, and in truth a Saviour he has been To us, good man ! First Citizen. Hark ! listen to the chant ! l_The tinkle of the mass-iell is heard, and hehind the scenes the hymn of the arpproachimg "procession. Hymn. A nd when misfortune's ravening sea Would in its angry rage close o'er us, The might of God will set us free, And victory o'er the foe secure us ; Across our path she shines, a star, — Pure maid, to whom we subject are ; And God is all our strengh. \I)uring the singing of the three last lines, the procession appears m solemn order — viz.. First, Musicians icith flutes and clarionets; after them, Soldiers with lances, flanJcing the procession on each side ; Ghoir-hoys with small bells ; Chaplain with small harmers of the Cross, and censers; then all the others, so that the Elders go last, all in pairs, next to them the Standard-Bearer, carrying the great white banner of the Order, on which is the red Cross ; the Knights in coats of mail, also in pairs, and last of all the seven elder and official Knights ; SC. III.] THE TEMPLABS lU CTPEUS. 257 the Brother of the Garden, Philip hearing Molat's helmet; the Pres- byter of the Order with the Holy Cross,^ lastly Molat in full armour, all with uncovered heads. People streaming behind him, and towards him. from the shore. All is imhued with solemnity and calm,. After the procession has wound round the stage m a half circle, they place themselves in scenograpMc ranks, — right, the Preshyter with the Gross; left, the Knights; behind both, the Soldiers. The intervening space betiveen the two rows in the bachground is occupied by the people. Molat comes forward alone into the centre, close behind him the Standard- Bearer with the waving banner of the Order. Molat enforces silence by a gesture. Miisic and singing cease; all the Knights cover their heads. Solemn pause. Molat (to the Standaed-Beaeee). Read out tlie proclamation ! [Durvng the following proclamation, Clads presses up to Molat ivho gives him the Master's kiss. Glaus hurries back to his wife and children ; all this he does rapidly, and without looking up. Standaed-Beaeee (half turned to the people, in a loud voice). Cypriot Bnrghers ! If any of you have present claim or future On James de Molay, of Jerusalem's Temple Grand-Master, who this day departs for France, Let him stand forth and fearlessly declare it ! ' Which the Templars believed they possessed in the original, and held this original in high honour ; although precisely because, according to their belief, they possessed it, they with reason esteemed lightly its various multiform and spurious facsimiles. 268 THE TEMPLAKS IN CYPRUS. [ACT VI. The Whole People {falling on their knees). Only thy blessing crave we, righteous lord ! MoLAY {turning to the people and fervently Messing them). The peace of God be with you ! AsTEALls {crying out hehind the scenes). Woe ! ah, woe ! [_Movement among the people ; all spring to their feet. Many Voices of the People. The crazy hermit-maiden ! Keep her back ! AsTEALls, the Emissary of the Valley. {Dressed in penitential rohe of yellow hair, girdled with a cord, and barefooted. Her hair streams wildly over her shoulders ; she carries in her hand a blood-red crucifix in the form, of a siuord of justice, and shriehs out, as she rushes in, inspired with holy frenzy, to the many who want to pursue and take hold of her, — in harrowing tones) Let no man touch me ! — Sent I am and holy ! {Pointing to Molay aiid the Knights ,- addressing the people with mid exultant laughter.) See ye the flame-wreaths circling round his head ? Hear ye the air-borne wailings, " Molay, Molay ! " And fiery tongues leap o'er their mantles — Ho ! Hence, to the funeral-pile ! away, away ! [Exit. Molay {faith-inspired — after a pav^se, during which his by- standers, of whom but few stand proof under the trial of the Order, and the greater number of whom succumb to it, give vent, some to their hopes, and some to their doubts, but all, excepting the Presbyter carrying the Gross, to their terror). God is my refuge. {Takes the banner from the Standard-Bearer and delivers it to the Marshal, saying to him loudly and firmly) Take the banner. Marshal ! T shall demand it back from thee unstained, As God will one day claim of thee thy soul ! SC. III.j THE TEMPLAES IN CTPRUS. 259 [_Trumpet-blast from the warder on the Castle. The rays of the sun, at that moment risen, gild the battlements of the Temple. The hells are again heard pealing ; the ship appears by the shore manned by Lansquenets, among them stand the Commander and the Harper, and then begins a soft music of flutes arid harps, which contimies to play during Molat's (Rapturously, with arms uplifted.') The call resounds ! — The sun that mounts the sky Is hailed by chimes, and harpers' melody. — Come, Brothers ! So from night our star shall soar ; I breathe sweet balms from Life's eternal shore ! — [The Master Molat hastens to the ship, following the Cross borne before him ; the banner and the flag of the Cross are ivaved aloft, the Brothers make their wa/y through a confusedmultitude to the shore, amiid the shouts of the people. They go on board. The sound of bells and harps continues, accompanied by the tender tones of EuDO's lute, silenced at last as the ship disappears in the distance. EPILOGUE. LEAVE we the Templars now to go their way, And ask, what is our special aim in view. The while we read this book, or while we write it. Eor if aright we read it, then we write it. Reading an action is as much as writing. But we must couple action with volition ; For action without will is no true action. Is virtually, though often done, a non-act. But to volition must belong clear Light ! When we are willed to read, to write a poem. The world we would contemplate in the little, That is, would look on mankind in the large ; We want the soul's sublimest sphere of Life. The spirit alone, the heart alone, are dead ; Each lives but in its cognate essence, — Love ! — That sighs its life out in their warm embrace. 'Tis not this cosmic mystery of begetting. The birth it is. Art watches o'er and paints. Tho' circumscribed, of lofty origin, It is the infant born of faith and joy. And more, — the grandchild of the Deity. Tet Love hath sent his children's child to man. Who, made in Love's own image, and of himself A token, yet requires a sign. Wherefore Art cannot give, if Art to men would speak. The Essence, whereof man himself but dreams. But only, of Love's joys the external Sign. All Art symbolically points to Love, But yet the symbol, like mankind, is poor. aHE TEMPLARS IN CTPEUS. 261 The lifeless letter and the barren word, (Tho' they be living inspiration's mask) Yet are they ever of the Sign but signs : Art-plastic apes more truly outward form, The essence, Melos' child more clearly shows •,'^ Yet are there points where form and essence meet In close embraces ; glances, sighs, and tears ! And how shall he who ventures tremblingly Anigh the flowery fields of holy Art, And lights upon the poorest plot of all, Where nought springs up but barren letter- thorns ; Say, how shall the poor poet his work begin ? He 3aaust, to bring you 'neath illusion's spell. So interweave word-symbols that they paint A picture, even such as Melos' own ; Tea, fortune favouring, even looks, sighs, and tears. But vain the Sign's best effort if you fail To rise therefrom to the intrinsic Real ; Tears in themselves are water, nothing more ! Therefore would you not your enjoyment mar. Probe not too far the Sign's anatomy ; Embrace the Real that in the picture lives ! — Dead many of my pictures are, I know, — Tet albeit few, I have some sparks of life ; Transcend me ! — where I've smouldered, flash to fire ! Moreover, to conclude where I began, — If you read poems, (for example mine) Be willed, lives anything therein, to live it ; And just to live, for better cannot be, Grasp or grasp not, the outward Sign, yet live it ; And seek not that Light which is born of evil ! Light, though't be visible, may not be grasped ; The words themselves of this concluding charge Are dark to all who have not truly lived. — ' Homer is said by some to have been born at Melos. — Trams. 262 THE TEMPLAKS IN CTPETJS, Tlius mucli tlien for the many ! — Those pure souls For whom my song has sounded, — they know well I have but borrowed fable's mask, that so The hallow'd thing conceal'd therein may not Blind suddenly their eyes who dimly see ! — For that, I've given the first book of the Valley, Now, bold in God I dare announce the second ; But all for those alone whose insight knows That Faith and Art and Yearning — these are Lote. Thou loving Brotherhood, I come to thee One Easter-even, I and this my song ! — What though the world find foolishness in me, (I'm right in one thing, if in much I'm wrong.) Yet, least and last of all, myself I see, And not for laurel crowns, but Light, I long ! 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' Seventy years passed before Johnson was followed by Webster, an American writer, who faced the task of the English Dictionary with a full appreciation of its requirements, leading to better practical results.' . . . ' His laborious comparison of twenty languages, though never pub- lished, bore fruit in his own mind, and his training placed him both in knowledge and judgment far in advance of Johnson as a philologist. Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language was pub- lished in 1828, and of course appeared at once in England, where successive re-editing has yet kept it in the highest place as a practical Dictionary! ' The acceptance of an American Dictionary in England has itself had immense effect in keeping up the community of speech, to break which would be a grievous harm, not to English-speaking nations alone, but to mankind. The result of this has been that the common Dictionary must suit both sides of the Atlantic' . . . ' The good average business-like character of Webster's Dictionary, both in style and matter, made it as distinctly suited as Johnson's was distinctly unsuited to be expanded and re-edited by other hands. Professor Goodrich's edition of 1847 is not much more than enlarged and amended ; but other revisions since have so much novelty of plan as to be described as distinct works.' . . . ' The American revised Weljster's Dictionary of 1864, published in America and England, is of an altogether higher order than these last [The London Imperial and Student's]. It bears on its title-page the names of Drs. Goodrich and Porter, but inasmuch as its especial im- provement is in the etymological department, the care of which was committed to Dr. Mahn of Berlin, we prefer to describe it in short as the Webster-Mahn Dictionary. Many other literary men, among them Professors Whitney and Dana, aided in the task of compilation and revision. On consideration it seems that the editors and contributors have gone far toward improving Webster to the utmost that he will bear improvement. The vocabulary has become almost complete as regards usual words, while the definitions keep throughout to Webster's simple _ careful style, and the derivations are assigned with the aid of ^ood modern authorities! ' On the whole, the Webster-Mahn Dictionary as it stands is most respectable, and certainly the best Practical English Dic- tionary extant.' — From the Quarterly Review, Oct. 1873. London : G. BELL & SONS, York Street, Covent Garden. ( 24 ) New Edition, with a New Biographical Supplement of upwards of goo Names. WEBSTER'S COMPLETE DICTIONARY AND BOOK OF LITERAEY REFERENCE. 1919 Pages. 3000 Illustrations. Besides the matter comprised in the Webster's Guinea Dictionary, this volume contains the following Appendices, which will show that no pains have been spared to make it a complete Literary Reference-book :— A Brief History of the English Language. By Prof, James Hadley. Principles of Pronunciation. By Prof. Goodrich and W. A. Wheeler, M.A, Including a Synopsis of Words differently pronounced by different authorities. A Short Treatise on Orthography. By A. W. Wright. Including a com- plete List of Words that are spelt in two or more ways. Vocabulary of Noted Names of Fiction. By W. A. Wheeler, M.A. This work includes Mythical Names ; including also Pseudonyms, Nick-names of eminent persons and parties, &c. &c. This work may also be had separately, post 8vo, price ^s, A Pronouncing Vocabulary of Scripture Proper Names. By W. A. Wheeler. M.A. A Pronouncing Vocabulary of Greek and Latin Proper Names. By Prof. Thacher. An Etymological Vocabulary of Modern Geographical Names. By the Rev. 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