/ Pass P & % tTdC Coisyiight}^?. ^'4 COPYRIGHT DEPOSm SAUL OF TARSUS A Religious Drama BY JOHN FIELDING CRIGLER BOSTON SHERMAN, FRENCH & COMPANY 1914 50^ DEC -^ \m CoPYaiGHT, 1914 Sherman, French 6* Company CLA388771 44^ J . TO MY FATHER JASON CORNELIUS CRIGLER THE SOUL OF HONOR AND A LOVER OF TRUTH FOREWORD I take my pen and now begin to write The foreword to a story that's complete; Mixed motives prompted me in what I've done, The chief of which^ to magnify His Son; How well I've failed in what I undertook, All may judge who read this little book. St. Paul is the central theme of my lay; He is pure gold, if all else is but clay. What liberties of speech I have assumed Were licensed by great poets now entombed; Let critics, then, be not greatly ired. If all that's said is not what they desired; Inspired writers sometimes say a deal That's uninspired; therefore do we feel It is not wrong to make them human, too. To help to match the false life with the true, And speak the things that unrecorded stand. But yet are true to what their hearts demand. Another purpose, too, had I in view, — To help my brother see the noble, true; And all the world to much more deeply feel The lastingness of each man's woe or weal; That here a chance is given every soul To win success and so complete the whole. And since a good example doth remain Of one who here did seek a lasting gain, I bid all men to come with me who can And see the doings of this matchless man. CONTENTS ACT PAGE I Saul in Tarsus 1 II Saul in Jerusalem 43 III Saul in Damascus 67 IV Paul in Antioch 95 V Paul in Corinth 127 VI Paul in Ephesus 151 VII Paul in Rome 177 ACT I SAUL IN TARSUS DRAMATIS PERSONS Saul Father to Saul Mother to Saul Lydia, cousin to Saul Adelphus, friend to Saul and suitor to Lydia Marcella, Saul's lover Eunice, companion to Marcella PoMPEius, father to Marcella Decia, mother to Marcella Glaucus, brother to Marcella Flavius, suitor to Marcella Friends, servants, musicians, oflBcers. SCENE I Place: Tarsus. Hall in Pompeius' Palace. Present: Marcella and Eunice. [^Enters Saul] Saul Good morrow ! Marcella Good morrow ! What brought thee hither this untimely hour? Saul The weather, this auspicious weather — tempted me. Eunice [To Marcella] The weather, did he say, Tempted him, or did he tempt the weather? Saul Whew ! The heavens are convulsed ! The elements are at war! The trees are wrestling with the wind ! The clouds are angry with the earth! ^aul of Cat0U0 Thunder ! lightning ! torrents ! rivers ! Marcella must not venture out ! Marcella This weather is naught. Saul, I fear no dan- ger, none! Eunice Yes, 'tis tempting. He says, 'tis tempting. Saul I am tempted that thou mightest not be ; That none beneath this roof might venture out ; That no brave heart might yield to indiscretion And pay the price in hacking coughs and swift consumption. Marcella Indiscreet — cough — hacking — pshaw ! Adieu ! Adieu ! Saul will not venture out. He knows not indiscretion, ha ! ha ! ha ! [Ea^eunt Marcella and Saul after'] [Enter Pompeius and Decia] Decla. Where is Marcella.? Eunice Gone ! Teasing girl ! She would not hear nor heed. §)aul of Cat0U0 3 Decia Was Saul displeased? Eunice His words were smooth ; his face bespoke it. Decia My inconsiderate child! Eunice A poor reward for all his pains. She loves him not! POMPEIUS What infidel is here? Who loves not? Who is not loved? Eunice Marcella loves. Saul is not loved. POMPEIUS Ah, whence hath goodly wisdom fled from thee That thou canst not behold the living truth ; Such unwarranted speech displeaseth me. Decia Dear impetuous child ! she's born to rashness. What a noble man is Saul ! How worthy To be loved, — brave, true, strong, pure, gal- lant! There was no lack when he was made. ^aul of Cat0U0 The virtues of all heaven did compete In generousness that this hipped time Might get a glimpse of sweet perfection. POMPEIUS Most amiable wife, thou speakest truly! There are no eyes in all free Tarsus With such depths ; no head so full of wit ; No voice so eloquent. His very manner bears conviction, Fair judgment sits enthroned upon his brow. And high ambition reigns within his heart. No lady ever walked these cobbled streets That would not gladly jump at such a chance — - A golden queen might sigh for such a bait. Eunice, speak! Why dost thou hesitate .^^ What cobwebs have found their way to thy brain That thou shouldst come to dreaming lies.'' Saul I dearly love ! And Decia loves ! And Marcella, her sweet love hath pledged Forever. Eunice! Thy reason.? Eunice My Lord will forbear me, As patience doth become a gentle prince? My mind is clear ; my vision knows no dimness ; Maidens dream but little in halcyon days ; Sir, wine, these lips have never tasted. And sweet reason lingers with me yet. ^aul of Cat0U0 Decia Acquaint us with thy reason ? Make haste ! Waste no time in juggling with fair words - speak to the point. Eunice Thou knowest my faithfulness to Marcella ; Trust me, then, as truly as thou knowest. As I love her, I seek her happiness ; When not commanded away, am always near - Last night, forsooth, I was commanded — My sweet lady would alone with Flavins — < heavens ! I was not so far away ; 1 could not keep my ears from hearing, And hearing, my poor eyes would see. POMPEIUS And what didst thou hear? Decia And what didst thou see.? Eunice Full well you both do know how Flavins Is Glaucus' other-self — boon companions, Most lovable and devoted friends. Another David and his Jonathan ; Twins, forsooth, could not be nearer. Pompeius No preludes. 6 ^ml of Car0U0 Eunice One year ago, thou dost well remember, Much time Flavius spent beneath this roof. Then began his kindness to Marcella ; I felt it, I saw it troubled her. She seemed to wish that they had never met ; Yet when absent they have written constantly. POMPEIUS But what didst thou hear ? Eunice One month ago he returned from Rome ; Ever since he dwells within these walls. Here's where he's disadvantaged Saul; No sweet morsel has he her lips refused ; No glistening treasure her eager eyes denied. He's lavished her with boundless pleasures, — Sir, hast thou been blind? A Roman knight, Experienced in all worldly ways. Knows how to bend unto his wicked will The tender heart of sweet maidenhood. So simple are the highways and the by-ways To a girlish love. O guardians awake! That holy angels be not put aweeping. Decia Eunice ! He is the friend of Glaucus ; Then he must be kind to Glaucus' sister — He knows she is betrothed ! 'Tis but kindness. ^aul of Cat0U0 Eunice O heavens ! Had I never known such kind- ness — It wearies me. POMPEIUS Tell! What didst thou hear? Answer! Eunice Confession. He confessed. It was a smooth and sweet confession As though his lips were lined with roses And his tongue doubly dipped in honey ; He measured well the length and breadth And height and depth of love. Decia What did Marcella say? Eunice She could not say ; she looked believingly, Her spirit, like the ever restless sea Moved by a full-orbed moon, felt his power. She longed to be away ; she could not go. Her gentle nature seemed subdued. Decia And what didst thou see? Eunice Oh, shall I believe these eyes of mine? Love confessed: he took that lily hand, 8 @iaul of Cat$u$ Pressed it to his lips, once! twice! thrice! I thought of Saul, — 'twas a most bitter thought, As though a poisoned arrow pierced the heart. At the first I sighed ; the second I groaned ; The third I cried aloud, " Saul ! Saul ! Mur- der!" Till they came to see if I were being murdered. Decia Pompeius ! POMPEIUS Be calm ; hasten not to borrow trouble. Decia If Saul should know this, all Tarsus — \^Enter Glaucus and Flavius, whistlvngy singing^ Glaucus What means this sober conference? Is Caesar ill? Flavius This coterie is incomplete. Where's Marcella? Pompeius Decia ! This is too gay a match. 1 am not in mood. Come with me away ! [^Exeunt Pompeius and Decia] giaul of Car0U0 9 Glaucus Eunice! Didst thou not hear Flavius ask the whereabouts of Marcella? If thou knowest, tell, and go ! Eunice Sir, she's with her own beloved Saul — Perhaps in her studio, maybe at his home — to return I know not, except at her own sweet will. Glaucus The Jews ! Flavius The Jews, damn 'em ! Ten thousand times had I rather be a heathen With a red head and a Roman nose than a mon- grel Jew. [Eait Eunice] Glaucus Tell, dear Flavius, pray, why should this house Be so partial to an insanguine Jew.? There are nobler knights of our kith and kin. Saul did oft outstrip me in the schools, Carried away the laurels in debate, — Is not this food enough for malice.? And yet he is loved and honored here. Flavius My dear Glaucus, thou must pardon me 10 ©aul of Cat0U0 If I reveal what I have cherished In my inmost heart for many days. If the gods so will, then by your leave Saul shall yet be outdone in this city and in this very house. Glaucus I pledge. Flavius Come, let us away, where with wine and music We may make our plans, and swear our fealty to them. [Exit] SCENE II Place: Home of Saul. Drawing Room. [Enter Lydia and Adelphus] Adelphus Where is Saul to-night? Lydia 'Tis hard, perchance, to guess the ways of men, But should I guess a thousand times. Every time would I guess — with Marcella. Adelphus I love the way you guess. Let it be so ! Lydia To my knowledge, not a single night For a whole year has worn a wee Without he's proved his fondness and devotion. In love he bounds excess. In all things else He's temperate. But let a man leap The bounds in one thing only, he will be loved. And if he can outlove, in love — glory ! The world will reverence and adore him — Eternity shall mark him for a crown. 11 12 @)aul of Car0U0 Adelphus Speak on, sweet love! I love to hear thee speak ; Thou dost plead my ample cause far better Than it could e'er be pleaded by myself. Thank heavens, that not a single candle For twice two years and more hath burnt to naught Within its dingy gruesome socket But I've seen it flicker into ashes ; Not a dog hath bayed the gentle moon But I have forestalled him. Lydia If thou wert not Adelphus, I might wish thee Saul. Adelphus Most happy am I that this my name Can ne'er be changed, nor yet myself. For sweet Marcella's sake, I wish Saul, Saul ; For Adelphus' sake I wish Adelphus still Adel- phus. Lydia Owned I all Tarsus thou shouldst be paid. Adelphus Man's dearest fortune is in woman's face; His richest treasure her own sweet self. S)aul of Car0U0 is Lydia Then thou art amply paid, and some fair one may claim the interest. Adelphus Yes, compound. Doubly compound. l^Seizes hand and kisses i^] There ! Lydia O Adelphus ! Adelphus And now I shall compound it. [^Kisses it again^ Lydia Hush ! I hear the gong ; some one arrives. Adelphus Let's be sober! ^Enter Saul and Marcella] Lydia This livelong day we have looked for thee. Marcella Then not unexpected is our coming. Lydia The news.? 14 %ml of Cat0U0 Saul Cousin, thinkest not 'tis rather warm in here? Thou dost seem quite flushed ; and Adelphus, Poor Adelphus is being roasted alive, — He looks it. Adelphus Nay, noble friend! Amid the blinding storm We're told you left this house at early mom, I fear thou seest grave anxiety Sadly depicted on our countenance ; We had not heard of all the thunder did. Nor yet perchance the angry rolling Cydnus Seized and rushed thee out to sea. Marcella Most truly, 'twas a blinding, drowning storm; Praise the gods that we are not drowned! Thank heaven that we still have eyes to see! Saul ! Let us not tarry here ! 'Tis too warm. Crimson cheeks, I fear, ill becometh thee ; Unlike Adelphus, thou wert not born to wear them. Lydia O Marcella, knowest thou Eunice Was here this morn inquiring after thee? And when she learned Saul had not returned. She went away content. But — %aul of Car0U0 15 Marcella But what? Tell ! I dread that little word. It broodeth separation. What meanest thou.'' Come, pray tell ! These men will give us pause. \^Ea:eunt Saul and Adelphus] Lydia Poor Eunice ! How I do pity her ! She did not mean to tell — evermore Her heart is burthened with a grief. Maecella Thou troublest me ! Oh, tell quickly ! I must know at once ! Lydia She feared — Marcella — she feared. Marcella Do not rack my nerves with dread suspense ; Speak ! Tell, do ! Lydia She feared for Saul and thee ; she'd say no more. She gaveth not the grounds of her suspicion. Once she mentioned the name of Flavins, And then 'twas with a deep, mysterious sigh. Thou knowest whether these fears are ground^ less, And canst no doubt explain. 16 @aul of Car0u0 Marcella Give me a breathing spell. [Enter Saul and Adelphus] Adelphus Come, sweet Lydia ! Let us to our promenade ! The Cydnus is a silver stream to-night ; The moon's full orbed ; the music's sweet ! The time's propitious ! The Gods do sleep ! Leave this goodly company here alone, To woo sweet happiness or not. [Exeunt Lydia and Adelphus] Saul My beloved, pray tell what aileth thee.? Thou seemest not thyself. Marcella Saul, Marcella wearies much to-night, Somehow she dreads — she knows not what. Saul What hath engendered this in thy breast, — This brooding trouble? Let us search the cause. That which mars thy peace, first must conquer me. When did it begin? Last night? g)aul of Car0U0 17 Marcella Why dost thou say last night? Whom hast thou seen? That maid of mine hath been having strange dreams — Last night ! I fear a nightmare — maybe worse. She did groan and cry aloud until I ran and wakened her. Saul Nightmares have suspicious causes, And to-morrow eve we shall find it out Whether her ears, eyes, or stomach Did beget it. Marcella Saul, dost thou not love me? Wilt thou not believe me? Saul O Marcella ! My dearest Marcella ! How could I ever live without thee? And if confession doth make music to thine ear. My lips shall speak no other language. Marcella Saul, Saul, thou makest me happy ! Saul O sweet Marcella, wilt thou but hear me ! 18 ^aul of Car0U0 If love hath power to add a single drop To thy golden cup of happiness, Then thou must hear and know how miich I love. I love thee stronger than the zones That bind the center of this rock-ribbed earth; I love thee gentler than the moon and stars ; I love thee warmer than the midday sun ; I love thee deeper than the deepest sea ; I love thee with my mind and heart and will; I love thee to my fingertips — I love, And in that single word I bind my fate. Marcella OSaul! Saul! Saul Believe! If every book ever written Had ten thousand times ten thousand pages. And every page ten thousand lines, And every line a thousand words, And every word with love o'erflowed, And thou couldst live ten thousand times ten thousand years To ponder what each word amply conveyed, Thou couldst not know how much I love thee. 'Tis far beyond all thought and speech and time; I love as though this generous heart would break. %a\il of Car0U0 19 Marcella What happy fortune smiles upon us here? O holy gods, that crowd all heaven into this precious hour! [Enter Lydia and Adelphus] Marcella Why so short awhile away? Lydia A mackerel sky, a dark horizon ! The music ceased ; a storm is brooding. Saul Many floods are needed to cleanse This world of its corruption. Adelphus Dear Tarsus is excepted. Saul Vile Tarsus is accepted. Lydia Hearest thou not Flavins' ships arrived. And with what treasures they were laden? To-morrow they take leave again for Rome ; Flavins and Glaucus shall accompany. Saul Peace go with them. 20 giaul of Cat0U0 Adelphus Then 'tis an unexpected departure. Marcella, how is it? Marcella Some Jack has conjured up a false report; To-morrow eve he's our guest of honor — At my own home he shall be entertained ; Then he leaves not. We shall all be present. [Knocks and enters Servant] Servant Master Saul, pardon. A letter ! Saul To Marcella. Marcella [Opens, readsl " Home — haste — storm pending — carriage awaits ! " [To coinpany~\ Goodnight! To-morrow eve, remember ! Saul I shall see thee home in safety ! [To companz/^ Goodnight! Adelphus Good night ! Good night ! [E{veunt~\ SCENE III Place: Pompeius' palace — drawing room. Reception to Flavius. Present: Glaucus and Flavius. Glaucus Dost thou think this scheme will carry? Flavius The time seems ripe ! Glaucus Give thy reason? Flavius Dost thou not know, my dearest Glaucus, How I have whiled away this precious day? She loves to have me call her sweet Marcella, And to my imaginative story Of wealth and fame she gives a most attentive ear. I have a power o'er thy dear sister — Did I not hate — would make me pity Saul. When I talk in earnest, cooing form, I put her dreaming — what an angel, then ! And so she gives a yes to all I say, 31 22 ^aul of Cat0U0 And leans-to, as though I were a magnet. — I am prone to fear it is mesmeric, And I do play a foul demon's part. Whene'er I speak of leaving her dear home She then confesses deepest sorrow ; And when I put my kerchief to mine eyes And force therefrom such a parting tear, She sobs right out and says I must not go. Thinkest thou not the time propitious ? Glaucus Surely, a day of Roman eagles and auguries ! Flavius I have planned, with her consent, to drive ; It all comes off before the guests arrive. To the club we quickly go, as if by chance ; Once there, we must play our game in haste. Rejoice that Saul is out of town, perforce — Pray the gods that he return not till too late! Glaucus This will be a further tonic for dear Marcella's nerves. \_Enter Pompeius and Decia] POMPEIUS Why look so melancholy. Son.? What trouble now.? §)aul of Cat0U0 23 Glaucus Nothing, dear Father ; late hours last night ; Our nerves are yet unstrung, — nothing ! noth- ing! Decia Where is Marcella? Flavius Resting most peacefully, we hope, And dreaming of a better land. GiiAucms Mother, wilt thou not have her shortly wakened. She's promised a drive with Flavius — Already 'tis time. I shall accompany. Decia Must not remain long away, remember ! Flavius' many friends demand each A bit of his most precious time to-night ; So soon he leaves us. Glaucus We shall make all due haste. Flavius tarries till to-morrow. [Enters Marcella] Flavius Dear Marcella, how thou dost anticipate us. Yet with this gift fair woman is endowed, 24 ^aul of Cat0U0 To know man's wishes ere they are expressed, And match them with a sweet indulgence. Here is where divine tuition Sweeps away his stoutest logic, And most unconsciously he bows To her mandate, — a willing slave. IKnocks, enters Servant"] Servant Sirs, the coach is now awaiting. Glaucus The pressing time bids us haste ! Flavius And so we shall but say adieu. \_To company'] Adieu ! Adieu ! lExeimt] SCENE IV Place: Club hoiise Romanus. Present: Gu^ucus, Flavius, Marcelia, and Servant. Glauctjs \_To Servant] Come and serve us quickly ! Flavius Bring rich viands and sweet valarian wines ! Marcella What meanest this ? We must not eat so much, Nor yet imbibe; to-night we feast at home. Flavius Make merry while we may. Glaucus At home we feast another day. Come! To Flavius' health and safe voyage We three now do drink. Marcella Water! 25 26 @aul of Car0U0 Flavius Wine ! Wine ! [They drink, Marcella reluctantly'] Glaucus Girl, Glaucus is proud of thee, his sister. Didst thou not find life and j oy in that cup ? Now, rich viands ! [They eat] Flavius Soon I shall be in dear old Rome — Ah, think of that ! Beneath Italian skies Where plenty dwells and pleasure knows no sleep ; Where golden temples shine, and palaces Of snowy white ! My heart is in Rome. Glaucus And I shall be with thee, dear Flavius. Glory ! Glory ! Glory ! Marcella Would that I were going. Glaucus Poor unfortunate girl! Would it were possi- ble! Flavius Come, let us drink to poor Marcella's health. %ml of Car0U0 27 Mercy ! she's denied so much ; what a pity ! Well, let these glasses all be filled — And so let us seek to drown her sorrow. {^They drimkl Flavius Dear Marcella, to-morrow imagine My white winged ships riding o'er the great sea ; And brave Glaucus and myself, then kissed By every tempered breeze, there in ease and lux- ury! Marcella What a tempting voyage ! So sweet the haven. Work not so upon fair woman's fancy, Else she must entreat permission Or suffer such a disappointment That she shall pine away with longing. Glaucus Dear girl, wouldst thou go were it possible.? Marcella Glaucus ! Methinks it would be glorious ! Flavius Sweet Marcella, be my bride ! Speak the word, And thou, dear Love, shall go with me to-night And in snow-white palaces shall e'er dwell. Ah ! What an offer cupid now doth make ! 28 Saul of Car$u0 On silver wings lie comes floating by with bliss — Then tell me not that love is known by age. At his sight, she leaps up with an eagle's strength, In a moment's time is born immaculate, And flies at once to her sweet paradise. Marcella But Saul ! Saul ! I do remember Saul ! Glaucus Where is the will that masters memory ! Girl, learn to know oblivion once; Here is still the sweet valarian wine, Doth it not sooth thy troubled conscience? Bathe thy temples in forgetfulness. What golden chance hangs upon this hour! Neglect it, and thy future shall be bound With poverty, sighs, and wretchedness. Marcella What troubles here within my soul? Do I Remember Jove? Doth Saul remember me? And can oblivion be commanded? Methinks to-night that I am not myself! Flavius Let us drink a health to Saul, since he's ill. Wine ! Wine ! ^aul of Car0U0 29 Glaucus Marcella will go with thee, of course; Dear girl, I've always known her wise and pru- dent. Flavius Sweet Marcella! What sayst thou to-night? The chief magistrate is here to wed us two. Let me place this ring on thy dear finger? This string of pearls about thy precious neck? They bespeak the love I've always borne thee. Marcella Saul loves me ! Saul loves me ! Glaucus Leave Saul with his Tarsus ! An ugly Jew ! Let Marcella inherit Rome ! Flavius Will Marcella say two words for me? Marcella I fear I cannot speak but one. Flavius Then I ask but one, — say, yes ! Glaucus Yes. Yes. Yes. Say it quickly; we must haste ! •" 30 %ml of Car0U0 Marcella Y-e-s. Glaucus You shall wed on board of ship. This place is too auspicious. Flavius In this one thing we do obey thee, Most precious Glaucus. GlAUCUS And now I write this dispatch to thy Father. When we are out to sea, my post delivers it. 'Twill explain all. Flavius Let us haste ! SCENE V Place: Pompeius' palace^ drawing room. Present: Pompeius, Decia avid Eunice. Decia Eunice, are all things now in readiness? Eunice All, except the guests. [^Enter Adelphus, Lydia and friends'] Pompeius Come ! Welcome to all this house affords ! Adelphus Happy are we to find this presence. Lydia Be well assured ! Adelphus Where is Glaucus? Lydia And where is Marcella.? Decia They are away, driving with Flavins. 31 32 S>aul of Car0U0 They are now past due ; soon they shall arrive ; I trust no accident o'ertakes them. Lydia Driving with Flavius? What swifter steeds Could e'er be found than his black chargers? See them fly to his willing mandate! Eunice Oh, pardon me, dear Lady, where is Saul? It makes me sad that he's late to-night. Lydia He is away. 'Tis most imperative. What time he shall return I cannot guess ; But this all who know him may conjecture, — Not later than necessity demands ; Saul rides on the forelock of occasion. Eunice I fear my regret is everlasting. Lydia Conjure not up evil omens To spoil our happiness. Eunice Dear Lady, I still do fear, with reason, Glaucus and Flavius have been scheming. Believe me, something's going to happen; I feel it in my bones. ©aul of Cat0U0 33 Lydia And where was Marcella? Eunice She was here, 'tis true, but much alone; She loves her own sweet company of late. Ah ! that solitude that broodeth trouble And doth not know what it is brooding ; Others may see and apprehend it, And in mercy cannot help but show it. Lydia Why should we go to borrowing trouble And pay thereon so dear an interest? Let us not suffer, then, before the time; Cross not the bridges, ere you do arrive. That you have built with other men's decep- tions ; Many slip and fall and break their necks On these wild imaginative traps. [Enter other guests and friends, and are welcomed^ POMPEIUS I feel I'm due a swift apology For this unwonted absence of our hosts ; That their detention's unavoidable Thou must in charity believe. Make merry, then, each one as best he can ; We do but hope that they shall soon arrive. 34 ©aul of Cat0U0 A feast delayed whets the appetite, Gives a new and unimpeded relish When with eager eyes thou dost come to it. Adelphus What fortune should occasion such delay, Will not Pompeius grant me leave to see? POMPEIUS Trouble not thyself, my dear Adelphus ; We cannot spare thee. Thou mightest not re- turn, And that would only add the more to grief. I hear the gong; perchance they do arrive. [Enter Saul] Saul Most beloved Pompeius ! Dear Decia ! Friends, my greetings ! Pardon my delay ! Where is Marcella? Decla. Driving with Glaucus and Flavius. Already they are overdue. Saul Have not yet returned? Adelphus, come with me ; they must be found. If in this town, in twenty minutes Thou shalt know it : the wheels of feasting Siaul o( Cat0U0 35 Must not be clogged with such delay. [^Exeunt Saul and Adelphus] POMPEIUS Let the music go ! Touch some sweeter strain ! We must be entertained. Decia This suspense doth tax my strength to weak- ness. Lean Guest And gnaw my stomach like a worm. Lydia What would this world be without sweet music.'' O love, thou wouldst have a prosy time ; In groves, palaces, and banquet halls, There would be dullness and inanition ; 'Tis affection's gentle cormorant. O ye gods, for love's sweet sake, let it play ! O sorrow, music is thy medicine; She steals into thy sad and tearful heart. Pours her balm into its bleeding wounds, And heals it with her gen'rous sympathies. Stay with us ! thou precious gift of heaven ! l^Music. Enters Officer] Officer A sealed message I do bear thee! 36 §)aul of Cat0U0 POMPEIUS To me! \_Opens, reads'] " Marcella's married; Married Flavius at seven o'clock; When thou readest this we shall be at sea ! Your son, Glaucus." O heavens ! Infernal scheme ! Guest Forgery! Perchance, forgery! POMPEIUS No. In his own hand, with his own name, And this officer doth swear it. Decia O mercy me ! What shall we do ? Marcella gone ! and Saul ! Lydia Eunice, weep not ! We must be doubly brave ; Still I do fear for Saul to know. POMPEIUS Dear friends, you need dispense no music more ; Silence now best becomes this house of mine. [Exeunt all hut Lydia and Eunice] Lydia How he doth mistake sorrow's remedy ; Seek a change and let the music play. %ml of Car0U0 37 Be calm, my child! Give not thyself into the arms of sorrow, To be imprisoned in a solitary place. Else thou shalt be consumed with melancholy moods. [Enter Saul and Adelphus] Lydia Saul! Dear Cousin, thou must read! Saul What is it? [Opens, reads'] Oh ! It cannot be ! It must not be ! Lydia How can I comfort thee? Saul Leave me alone, dear cousin, alone ! [Exit Saul to adjoining room] Lydia What a contradiction was Marcella. Eunice She was beguiled. Adelphus I shall know the utmost. Lydia And we shall ne'er have a double wedding. 38 @)aul of Car0u0 Adelphus Hush! Saul grieves. Saul \_In room] Oh, mercy ! mercy ! have mercy ! Lydia Break not that mighty heart ! Adelphus Listen ! Saul God ! God ! God ! I cannot live without her. I cannot live ! Eunice I must away. Saul The heathen perish! The heathen perish! Adelphus He's growing mad. Saul I must see Rome ! I must see Rome ! The flames consume her! The flames consume her! Lydia He will lose his mind. Saul of Car0U0 39 Saul The heavens fall, and swallow the great sea ! Curse him ! Curse him ! Lydia Worse ! O Adelphus ! Worse ! Saul Marcella ! Marcella ! Marcella ! God! God! God! [Exeunf] ACT II SAUL IN JERUSALEM DRAMATIS PERSONiE Saul Annas, high priest Gamauel NiCODEMUS Peter John Stephen Mary, mother to John Esther, sister to Stephen Prochorus 1 Bar ABB AS ^witnesses Barsabas J Priests, soldiers, scribes, pharisees, citizens. SCENE I Place: Home of Nicodemus. Present: Annas and Nicodemus. Annas Nicodemus ! I'm here to talk most soberly with thee. These Christians that do wear a perfidy Doth put me to my wits' extremest ends. This city to her inmost heart is stirred, And all that I can do will not avail. What remedy hast thou.? Nicodemus I am perplexed, most solemnly perplexed! And what measure I may haply suggest I fear must prove but futile. Annas Sir, we must conjure up some holy scheme To beat them to our very hearts' content ; Pray tell me what our learned heads are for If not to outwit these, our perjured enemies.? If this new ism keeps moving on a pace, Annas, indeed, soon shall have no power, And Nicodemus not a worthy client. 43 u @aul of Car0u$ NiCODEMUS Calamity, mortal calamity ! We must bestir ourselves or we'll be damned. What hast thou done? He who would win a fair success Must not balk at each new remedy, But bend himself to every untried way. Annas I have done all fair policy could do. First, stood I arm in arm with dear Pilate Mid the darkness of his council chamber; Then Barabbas was freely yielded up; The weary Christ was made to bear His cross, And on Golgotha He was nailed thereto. At His death me-thought we should have peace. NiCODEMUS And peace came not, even at so dear a price! Annas No! Soon within that little upper room Were assembled His beloved disciples, And thereupon, like flaming tongues of fire. Were turned loose upon this Holy City. Thou seest with thine eyes what they have done. They bring not peace, but a sword among us ; In many families is discord sown. NiCODEMUS No power's in our law to silence them ; ^aul of Cat0U0 45 We must try new tactics, whate'er may result. Shed thy yoke ; kick authority to dust. Cry out they are enemies of state; Suborn false witnesses to prove it — Caesar loves the friendship of the Jews, Because he loves their strength and power. Not that we hate Christians less, nor Caesar more; Do we embrace the cause of friend or foe To accomplish our most holy purpose. Annas I see ! The same fine tactics as before ! Strategy wins the battle before 'tis fought. We must have a leader, — a ringleader, — And false witnesses ; the time demands it. In so short awhile, see how they have grown! T'other day a Galilean fisherman Stood within our streets and cried " repent," And three thousand of that most motley crowd Came with tearful eyes and confessed the Christ. And then with bold pretence for reverence He stood beside the eastern temple gate; There healed a man long sick with palsy, Who, leaping up and loudly blurting out. Disturbed the worshippers within; Thus it ever goes from bad to worse. But not content with such a mean display. He stands elate on Solomon's great porch ; 46 ^aul of Car$u0 Declares the Jews have crucified their Lord; And passing by the high reward of golden deeds, Offers life for the mere sake of a belief! Then five thousand said they would follow him: Sir ! for heaven's sake, this must be stopped. NiCODEMUS We must organize against them; Bring them before the great Sanhedrim ; Prove them peace disturbers unto Caesar; See that they do get their just deserts. Annas Let us not procrastinate ! Time doth fly, And in its fleeing we shall lose thereby. How shall it be done? NiCODEMUS Sir, I know a man to lead the ring. Therefore, a good ringleader. He is young And brave of heart ; in wisdom old As Solomon; born a Hebrew, reared A Hebrew, a Hebrew dyed in the wool ; A pharisee of the Pharisees ; A searcher-out of hidden things; A doer of deeds, incessant, faithful, Uncompromising. There are no bounds To his ambition, no limit to his zeal. Saul of Car0U0 47 Annas Who? What's his name? NiCODEMUS Saul of Tarsus, pupil of Gamaliel. Perchance he comes. [Knock and enter Saul and Gamaliel] Annas What good spirit brought thee hither? NiCODEMUS Thy name was on my lips. Gamaliel And to what purpose? What doth now per- plex? Annas The one great question — how to check these Christians ; Threatened, they only preach the more; Imprisoned, angels unlock the door. How can we be more politic? What is necessarj^ to be done? How shall we do it? Saul Has this great city not a single man In whose bosom beats a heart of steel? Who can ply the locks of drastic measures? Has our great council grown so fat, indeed, 48 ^aul Of Car0U0 That it. has lost its spleen? Where are the men ? We must have men ! NlCODEMUS Ah ! We must he more heroic. Annas Let Saul speak ! He is a tonic to m}^ hrain and nerves. Saul Sever head and shoulders, then what dog can bark ; Take strong prison walls and heap them high On rebellious bones, and angels can't deliver. Annas Let brooks and streamlets run deep crimson. And every stone in this great city's walls Be heaped and reheaped till not a Christian lives, So help me God! NlCODEMUS What thinkest thou. Master Gamaliel? Thy silence doth not argue well. Gamaliel What storm is this that rages now within? I am born Avith much more sober views ; Gentle reason most becomes learned men. ^aul of Car0U0 49 What though Peter and John have preached, And alleged miracles liave been wrought; Other prophets have lived before them, Not all imposters. If false, their work Shall come to naught ; if true, then heaven sent. It shall avail us naught to fight with God. Let us curb our zeal until our judgment's clear. Give tolerance a place within thy breast! 'Twill be sweet to feed upon in after years. Annas Hem ! Procrastinate till fierce wrath is spent. Now's the time to strike, while the iron's hot ; Let us have no weak-kneed counsel here! Gamaliel Rememberest thou not the fate of Theudas, And a certain Judas also? Beware! I'm told these apostles mighty wonders work ; Make the blind to see and the deaf to hear; Heal the lame, and sick, and halt, and maimed; And Peter even with a word and look Doth fell false witnesses dead. Annas Breathe not this abroad to gain credence ; Soon we shall need false witnesses. Saul Murder not time with fruitless argument ; Away, my friends, to the council chamber! 50 @aul of Car0U0 Where our thoughts may sit enthroned on our lips, And sweet valor find a field for action. Stephen now doth stir this city — Apprehend him! NiCODEMUS How shall it be done? Saul The chief magistrate is my warmest friend ; And in this pocket I do bear a sealed right To stop, perforce, this sect from preaching Or else to stop their hearts from beating. Now! Dost thou not see the way clear.? Annas Good heavens ! Had I known this long ago ! When Peter stood before my judgment seat, He did speak most audaciously. Saul What said he ? Annas This, my dear Sir, was the sum and sub- stance, — That the Jews had broken great command- ments ! Were guilty of vile murder ! Think of that ! Had crucified a Saviour! What a libel! @)aul of Car0U0 5i And he himself was a notorious Jew. Ah, would I had him in these clutches ! Saul Swear, he is not dead ! Heaven's sweetest Revenge, to brand a heretic ! It shall be done. Follow me! [Exeunt~\ SCENE II Place: Cowncil Chamber. Trial of Stephen. Freseni: Annas, Saul, Gamaliel, Procho- Rus, Barabbas, Barsabas, Scribes and Pharisees, etc. Annas To what purpose we're here I need not state ; Stephen, the deacon, lay bound in prison. Soon he shall appear ; we must be grave. Prochorus And give fair semblance of a trial. Great council of perjurers ! Saul What black sheep is that that bleats? Search him out and fleece him ! Annas Expel him from this chamber ! Do it quickly ! Haste him down the street ! Imprison him ! [^Officers seize him and rush out~\ Saul Well done. [Enter officer with Stephen] 53 @)aul of Car0U0 53 Annas Here coines the prisoner. The Lord have mercy ! Stephen And make his servants merciful. Annas Disrespectful Sir! Hold thy peace till this court doth give thee leave ; I would have you mark his impudence ! Barsabas His face doth shine. Barabbas Thou fool ! The sun doth shine ; prick up thy courage ! Gamaliel Sirs ! let this be a lawful trial, And sweet justice rule; proceed, then, orderly. Annas Call forth the witnesses ! Saul Barabbas to the stand ! Now dost thou kiss This Holy Book and swear to tell the truth? Barabbas I do swear. 54 ^aul of Car0U0 Annas Give now your testimony ; only facts ; What thou hast seen with thine own eyes ; What thou hast heard with thine own ears. Baeabbas Sir, the multitudes have I seen him stir Until I feared dread mutiny would reign, With bold pretence hath deceived the people, Till they have rudely turned against thee. Annas Enough! What didst thou hear.? Bar ABB AS Sir, have heard him speak vile blasphemy ; Against the temple did he prophesy ; Against Moses our great law-giver; Against the holy customs of the people; Sir! He said these things shall pass away. And Christ would usher in a better day. Annas Enough ! Enough ! He's guilty I SauIv Barsabas, take the stand! Annas Now tell us what thou knowest. Brief be thy testimony. ^aul of Cat0U0 55 Barsabas With mine own eyes hath dear Barabbas seen; And with my ears, indeed, hath he heard, I do swear unto his testimony. 'Tis the whole truth and nothing but the truth ; Not one jot or tittle could I add thereto. Annas Art thou Barabbas or Barsabas? Doth not this prisoner persist? Barsabas He perseveres most persistently, And persists most perseveringly. He's like a bull dog; when he once takes hold. There's no let go till he's done it. Annas So much the greater cause for justice; 'Twill do. Gamaliel Let us hear from Stephen. Saul Will the prisoner speak? Stephen Thy sacred Highness ! Men, brethren and friends ! If true, how grave are these accusations ; 56 ©aul of Cat0U0 If false, then thou shouldst be convinced. Be it known to all men that I believe, — Believe in our Father Abraham, In Moses, David, and all the prophets ; That they dwelt in light and spake the will of God. I believe thou art the chosen people, Most righteous and most blessed. Pharisees Good, speak on ! Stephen Chosen people, to whom God did promise A kingdom of peace and righteousness. And a prince to reign in glory. Sadducees We are the people. Have mercy on him ! Saul Let not thy pride run riot with thy reason. Flattery is the noblest prince of lies ; Therefore reserve thy judgment to the last. Stephen Thou dost worship in this temple made with hands. Which Solomon most gloriously hath built. A greater than Solomon hath come ; Worship Him! Saul of Car0U0 57 Pharisees What doth he say? Stephen Heaven is His throne, the earth His footstool; In what house, then, would ye confine Him? Know ye not that he is boundless? He doth ride upon the heavens ; He doth rule the earth beneath us ; And yet He did become incarnate. The God of Love is here among us. Believest thou? Pharisees Stop, vile hypocrite, stop ! Stephen A people stiff necked and rebellious ! Ye do always resist his power, And do turn your hearts away to idols ! Ye forget the mercy of Jehovah ; Like thy fathers, persecute the prophets ; And with evil hands crucified the Just One. O my people Israel, remember! Pharisees Away with him ! Away with him ! Stephen And thou dost read the law in vain? Betrayers and murderers ! 58 ©aul of Car0U0 Pharisees Seize him ! Kill the heretic ! Sadducees Without the gate ! Stone him ! Stone him ! Saul Guilty ! Guilty ! Stone him ! All Take him! This way! Without the gate! \_Ea:eunt'\ SCENE III Place: Open field; stoning of Stephen. Present: John, Mary and Esther. John I hear the voice of some tumult. Mary I hear it not ! Esther It seems as though 'twere fast approaching. John The Jews have been plotting mischief ; I forbode evil, yet doth fear to speak it. Mary Fear not, my son! The Lord shall go before thee And in His hands shall bear thee up. Esther Hearest thou not their railing and cursing? Faster it approaches along the way Of sorrow, the way the weary Master Bore His cross ! 59 60 giaul of Cat0U0 John I fear they are some followers of His. Mary My child, He knoweth the way that we take, And shall redeem the soul of His servants. John They come. Canst thou see the prisoner.? Esther Oh, mercy! My brother! 'Tis Stephen, Ste- phen! Mary Put thou thy trust in God and be strong! He'll need us now. Esther They smite him. Hearest thou what he said? John Listen ! Stephen The Son of Man is come to seek and to save. Saul Imposter ! Believe him not ! Stephen Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ And thou shalt be saved. ^aul of Car0U0 6i Saul Hush him ! Cast him from thee ! Stephen O blessed Christ ! Hear ye Him ; " Who so Cometh unto Him He will in nowise cast out." Esther Oh, they strike him ! Cruel ! He wipeth The blood from his brow ! Stephen Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price ; The blood of Jesus Christ, His son, cleanseth From all sin, John He thinketh not of himself; he loves his perse- cutors. Esther He sees us ! Oh, he sees us ! Stephen The Lord bless thee and keep thee. Mary In all thy ways acknowledge Him. 62 ®aul of Car0U0 John Be of good courage and He shall strengthen Thine heart. Esther O Brother! Mary Blessed art thou when persecuted for His sake. Great is thy reward in heaven. Officers Clear the way ! Mary He has peace. His face shineth. John Saul tarries behind. Esther Why do they take off their coats and cast them at his feet.? Mary See ! They gather up stones ! John Stephen regards them not. Esther He looks heavenward. He speaks. Listen! §)aul of Car0U0 63 Stephen blessed Christ ! At the right hand of my Father. John God doth not forget Him ! He never leaves nor forsakes ! Esther They . stone him. Oh, mercy! Saul, have mercy ! Mary He falls to his knees ! John Hush, he cries aloud ! His last words ! His last words ! Hear ! Stephen Lay not this sin to their charge ! John He prays forgiveness for his enemies. Mary He speaks again. Listen ! Stephen Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! Esther Oh, mercy ! Mercy ! Have mercy ! 64 S)aul of Car0U0 John He sinks ! Pharisee Dead ! Dead ! ACT III SAUL IN DAMASCUS DRAMATIS PERSON.^ Saul Ananias Judas, a rich merchant Aretas, prince of Damascus ViTEXLius, a former governor Benhadad, a Jewish leader Dorcas, daughter to Judas Benjamin, son to Ananias Barabbas 1 .. ^ Mvitnesses Bar SAB AS J Priest Chief Officer Servants, Christians, citizens, officers, etc. SCENE I Place: House of Judas. Drawing room. Present: Judas, Dorcas, Barabbas. Dorcas Dear Father, Saul will neither eat nor drink, And he's with us now quite three days ; I do pity him. Dost thou know what aileth? Judas 'Tis strange, my dear child, 'tis passing strange. I know not ; ask Barabbas. Barabbas Master Judas, wilt thou be pleased to tell What palace at the end of this fair street.? Judas This palace, " the beautiful Pasha," Where the princely Aretas dwells ; Formerly the abode of Vitellius, The once distinguished Roman governor. Barabbas And the name of this street.? Judas Its lawful name is Straight, and so it is ; 67 68 ©aul of Cat0U0 Its business name, " Street of Bazaars." Hence you see a street of stores and merchants. B ARAB B AS And what dost thou deal in ? Judas All of real worth the world produces. B ARABS AS Then 'tis a city ancient and renowned .^^ Judas 'Tis the oldest in the world. Her beauty And sweet pleasures all the world doth covet. Barabbas, thou, too, shall learn to love her. Barabbas When first I saw from yonder hill top, I thought this valley some living paradise. And white Damascus as though still it were Some fair dream of the celestial city. Judas Knowest thou not 'twere once a paradise ; And coming hither thou didst cross the Phar- par, The ancient river of our ancient fathers. Barabbas What mountains lie to the tinted west.? ^aul of Car0U0 69 Judas Mount Labanas, the loftiest of all; From his white bosom thou canst see afar Fields, flocks, cities, and vast desert wastes. B ARAB B AS I shall see, and so satisfy myself. [Enter Barsabas] Dorcas Master Barsabas, wilt thou be pleased To answer me one brief question? These men are so engrossed. Barsabas Assuredly ! Bar abb as Dorcas, child, pardon pray! I'll answer thee. What wouldst thou have me say.? Dorcas Can this man Saul not be prevailed upon.^^ Will no one fetch an ointment for his eyes, Nor yet indeed persuade him to take food.'' He suffers much ; what aileth him .? B ARABS AS Nothing is left undone, nor yet shall be ! Didst not thy father tell thee.'' 70 ^ml of Car0u0 Dorcas Never a word. Judas Tell ! I had, indeed, no heart to speak it. B ARAB B AS Hast thou not heard what a faithful Jew Saul is.? Dorcas And believed it. Who would not believe him ? B ARAB B AS How bravely he stood by at Stephen's stoning. And thence plaj^ed havoc with the infant church, — Scattered Christians as though they were but chafF. And with that intent, is here among us. Dorcas Ah ! But Saul is blind. How could he? Barsabas Saul is blind ! Not always was he thus ; 'Twas his bad intent that pricked his vision, And so left him in darkness. Dorcas What meanest thou ? %aul of Cat0u0 n Barsabas Saul, boasting, was on his way to Damascus. A voice from heaven there arrested him ; A dazzling light did penetrate his eye ; And falling prostrate, he did cry aloud. Dorcas Mercy! Thou dost frighten me. [^Enter Benhadad] Benhadad I would see Saul. Judas He's ill. B ARAB B AS I fear he will not see thee. Benhadad I hold a letter from Jerusalem Commanding my presence on his arrival ; Therefore, I come straight from Aretas. We are, indeed, pledged to this man's purpose. Make known my mission; let me hear his wish. l^Ewit B ARAB B as] Benhadad We shall soon be rid of this pest. Judas Art thou the son of a prophet? 72 ^aul Of C«r$u$ Benhadad Every officer shall keep strict watch ; Beginning with this night, I'll see to it. Judas Most wise and precautious man ! [Enter Barabbas] Bar ABB AS Saul will see thee not. Benhadad What said he? Barabbas Some other day ! Benhadad Then I shall call to-morrow. Fare thee well ! [-Etri/ Benhadad] Judas I apprehend delay in his fair purpose. \_Enter Benjamin] Dorcas Come, dear Ben. I have strange news to tell thee. Away with me, and leave these folks awhile. [Exeunt Dorcas and Benjamin] [Enter Ananias] ^aul of Car0U0 73 Ananias Where's Saul? Make haste and show me to him. Barabbas In next room ; he refuses to be seen. Dost thou know him? Ananias Hush ! \^Enters room, lays Jus hand on Saul and speaks. Others following^ Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus Christ Who appeared to thee in the way, Sentest me that thou mightest receive thj sight. Be filled wltli his blessed spirit. Dost thou wish such happiness? Saul Ananias ! Thou art Ananias? How knowest thou my blindness? Art Thou a Christian? Why camest thou? Ananias In a vision Was I commissioned to this very place ; That I protested was of no avail. This same Jesus, therefore, whom thou hatest, Proclaimest thee his chosen vessel; And in obedience to that sweet voice 74 Saul of Car0U0 I am here to declare and confirm it. Open now thine eyes and thou shalt see me ! Saul Lord Jesus ! Ananias Tell, how earnest thou to be so stricken? Satjl That arrow yet doth lodge within my breast ; That past doth weigh like lead upon my heart Memory floods me still with bitterness. God, pity, oh, pity, my rebelliousness ! Have mercy and forgive! Ananias What hast thou done? Saul 1 shall ne'er forget it, the light ! the voice ! Ananias Whose voice? Didst thou not recognize it? Saul Like sweet music it fell upon mine ears ; Like lightning it did cleave my heart asunder, So quickly it discovered guilt within me. Ananl\s Rememberest thou not what he said? ^aul of Car0U0 75 Saul " Saul! Saul! Why persecutest thou Me? 'Tis hard for thee to kick against the pricks." Ananias What didst thou do? Saul I fell to the earth, trembling; cried, " Mercy! " Till mercy forsooth did take me by the hand And led me to where thou now dost find me. Tell me, what must I do to be saved? Ananias Believe on Him whom God in mercy sent, And be baptized, and thou shalt be saved. Saul Ananias, I believe ; baptize me. Ananias If thou believest with all thy heart, Thou mayest ! Saul With all my heart ! Ananias Follow me! lExeuntl SCENE II Place: Palace of Aretas, private council c h amb er ; midnight . Present: Aretas, Benhadad, chief officer. Benhadad Let the lights be low. 'Tis much better so. Aretas Foul plans are better hatched in darkness. Officer And foul deeds easier done. Benhadad Let us speak in tones solemn and subdued; It strengthens inward purpose to the mark, And muffles suspicious ears that betimes Are prowling round. Officer Well spoken. Thou art no novice at this work ; I vouch this solemn scheme shall carry. Aretas Let's to business and to it quickly. 76 ^aul of Cat0U0 77 What's been done? What's to do? How was it done? How shall we do it? Where is Saul? Officer That's the question. My most noble Lord. Where? Like a flea accustomed to the wool, No man knows how to lay his hands on him. Fanatic ! Agitator ! Imposter ! He moves and works mysteriously. Aretas What a charge is this thou dost prefer? We hear so much we know not what is truth ; It hides behind swift gossip and fair lies. Who is Saul ? Where is Saul ? Why so hated ? Benhadad 'Tis my pleasure to answer fair Aretas, And that most briefly and most truthfully. Saul comes from Tarsus. There was he born; From thence he came to Jerusalem ; Studied under the great Gamaliel; Was a Pharisee of the Pharisees ; Persecuted the early Christians ; Stood by at the stoning of Stephen ; Played havoc with the infant church ; Received letters from the high priest ; Came to Damascus ; proved traitor ; 78 @)aul of Car0U0 Turned Christian ; stirred up the people ; Opposed Aretas ; therefore, deserveth death. Are T AS How long since did he arrive? Benhadad 'Tis just one month, three days and twelve hours. Aretas Sir, how strict a watch is this thou dost keep! An enemy to the Jews, to Aretas, Therefore, an enemy to Damascus ; We must be rid of him ! Let Saul perish ! Officer Sir, we must conjure up more witnesses That these hands be not too deeply crimsoned, And fair Aretas be not accursed. Benhadad My Lord, witnesses are now in readiness ; Speak the word and they shall testify ! Aretas I would see and hear the witnesses ! l^Sends for Priest and Barabbas] Aretas The night is wearing. Saul of Car0U0 79 Benhadad Then day is coming; we have no time to lose. [Enter Priest and Barabbas] Aretas [To Priest] Tell us what thou knowest of this Saul? Priest My most beloved and amiable Prince, Though true, it makes me sad to speak it ; He is a deeply dyed apostate; He is a most rank and fierce heretic; For mercy's sake let him be accursed ! Twice did he speak within my synagogue. And to my wonder and amazement Declared Jesus Christ the son of God. So earnestly and zealously did speak That many men confessed Him Lord and King; And now have they refused to bring their gifts. Sir, these Christians have all things in common. And withhold allegiance to their king. Aretas And thou dost venture this assertion? Saul, here a month and not yet apprehended? Let my officers see this man accursed, Or soon accursed shall be my officers. Benhadad I do swear to all that's here affirmed ; 80 @)aul of Car$u0 So can Barabbas. Aretas Let Barabbas speak. See what tale he brings. Barabbas I'm muchly grieved to give utterance; Saul I lament, once so true and loyal, Now he is changed; there's the mystery. Another spirit hath possessed him ; So let him die ; I would not see his face. Yet I sadly tremble for Aretas ; I do tremble for his officers. Aretas This testimony pleases not my heart. What lurks beneath it there to make one trem- ble. Is not Vitellius my guest to-night? He comes ambassador potentiate From Rome ; stopped at Jerusalem, Surely he knows the utmost of this matter ; I would hear Vitellius. l^Sends for Vitellius] Priest Many heads perfect any scheme, laudamus. Benhadad And beat the very devil, Lord-arm-us. ©aul of Cat0U0 8i B ARABS AS Beloved, thou art now on the right track. lEnter officer with Vitelmus] Aretas Come, Vitellius ! We are much perplexed. We seek more light ; canst thou not give it.^* Vitellius I am no stranger to these dingy camps, But have a keen appetite for what they Do engender. I court your confidence. Aretas This wee hour makes me blunt, — your pardon ! Tell what thou hearest in Jerusalem? Tell what thou knowest of a certain Saul? Vitellius In Rome is he by reputation known. If what we hear is true, I do predict He'll surely turn the world upside down If, perchance, the world does not turn him up. Sir, if he suffered his poor flesh in Rome, We would have mince pie for Caesar's festival; In Jerusalem he's no better loved ; Stephen's murderers are waiting for his meat, And what a precious morsel it would be. 82 @)aul of Car0U0 Benhadad They shall not taste it; we'll give him to the dogs. VlTELLIUS Where is Saul? Priest In my synagogue one week ago ; Since then no man can apprehend him. Officer We have searched this city through and through, Nor can he be found. Aretas Shame! Banish these negations from thy thoughts ; Suffer not these weaklings to invade thy heart ; Learn to speak a strong " I will ! " Go, find him! Barabbas Be it known, Saul hath fled into the desert. Aretas Then we must set our traps and pursue his trail. Priest Spare no pains. ©aul of Car0U0 83 Benhadad Nor fair schemes. VlTELLIUS Nor foul deeds. AUETAS So shall it be. Officer We need more men. VlTELLIUS A double guard and stationed well. Priest At the synagogue. Benhadad On the streets. Barabbas At the market place. VlTELMUS At every gate both day and night. Aretas Vitellius, well said ! VlTELLIUS See it well done! 84 ®aul of Car0U0 Aretas My officer, know the plan! Beware! Let every ear wait on suspicion, And no man's heart fail him now of courage I Benhadad Nor eyes in keeping vigilance. VlTELLIUS Nor hands in execution. Aretas Done! Go like eager curs and hunt him down. Like hungry wolves despoil him; Resolve this meeting into action. Go ! [Exeunt'] SCENE III Place: House of Ananias. Present: Saul, Judas and Ananias. Saul You both have been most kind to me. Heaven compensate your gracious deeds. Ananias Like virtue, kindness is its own reward ; And heaven's noblest gifts gratuitous. What I have done for thee, O Saul, is naught Compared to happiness in me produced; My heart doth feast on such a service. Judas Friend, thou hast made us debtors unto thee, And such a debt makes us feel our poverty. Can man compensate the sun that lights him, Or reward the heavens for sending rain? Saul Thou dost stir my heart to gratitude ; How sweet is mercy from a loving friend ! Shall man not thank the roof that shelters him, And speak the prayer that rises to his lips.? [Knocks, enters Barsabas] 85 86 g)aul of Car0U0 Barsabas O Saul ! Saul ! When didst thou — where didst thou? Saul Barsabas, thou art quite beside thyself. Is all Damascus on fire? Barsabas Full of incendiaries ; I swear it. Saul Until thou seest the smoke, speak coolly. O man, deliberate ; fool haste is waste. Judas Well said. Barsabas What a goodly thing it is to see and hear. And with it all to have a useful nose. Judas And why a nose prefixed with an adjective? Barsabas Why, to smell, sir. Last night I smelt a rat ; And following its hot trail, I found a brawl. Judas Where ? ^aul of Car0U0 87 Barsabas In Aretas' privy council chamber They were feasting on the meat of Saul. There in wrath and vain imaginations, They stoned, sliced, stewed, and fried him. Ah, what a dainty dish they made of him ! The gates are watched both day and night To apprehend thee coming, going; To what purpose they burnt their midnight oil We are yet to see. When didst thou arrive .^^ Saul At ten last night. Barsabas Ah, wouldst thou could leave at ten to-night ! Judas Barsabas ! Hast thou been dreaming or drink- ing.? Barsabas By a dream 'twas most surely verified. Barabbas, sir, my good bedfellow. When deeply folded in the arms of sleep. Takes a-dreaming and talking in his dreams. He's given to it — last night was at it. Judas A very bad fellow for a caucus. 88 ^aul of Cat0U0 Barsabas Gentlemen, I do know whereof I speak ; I swear they do seek the life of Saul ! They marked the time of his arrival. Saul I fear them not. [Enter Benjamin and Dorcas in haste~\ Dorcas Father ! Father ! Judas What, my child, art thou delirious? Dorcas We fled from home — out the back way — 'Twas a mob. They yelled " Fire," " Murder. Where's Saul? Judas Oh, heavens ! Saul Be not afraid ! Saul fears them not. Barsabas Remember Stephen! Saul Remember ! Ah, how his face did shine ! @)aul of Car0U0 89 Barsabas How he was stoned to death, canst thou forget? What a man soweth that shall he reap. Saui. Be not so unkind as to wound anew, Send not a poisoned arrow to mj heart ; Remorse has a serpent's tooth, dread remorse ; For dear Stephen's death no price can pay. Ah, his sweet face did beam a solar light ; Heaven grant me to witness in his stead. Ananias For a wider purpose wert thou called! Unto the heathen shalt thou testify. Dorcas Oh, this peril that doth o'ershadow thee; What a pity that thou shouldst die so soon. Already thy murderers are at the door. Saul Courage, friends! What is death.? The sooner dead, The fewer pains and heartaches do we feel. God in mercy ofttimes shortens life To lengthen out man's meed of happiness. Let each man, then, abide his precious time, Giving care and sorrow to the winds. Through His divine enswathing providence 90 S)aul of Car0us! No arrow finds its way until he wills ; What we blindly call misfortune, is good Unrecognized by dimly visioned eyes ; All luck, eternal purpose unforeseen ; And chance, omniscience misunderstood. God sits enthroned above this world and rules. Fear not ! There are no mishaps. Ananias This is a pretty speech and wisely framed ; Now apply it to thine own advantage. For heaven's sake, curb immoderate zeal, And rush not headlong out of life ! Benjamin They come two blocks away, with clubs and stones ; They enter every house. Behold them! Ananias Saul must leave Damascus. 'Tis time. Barsabas The gates are watched both day and night — How shall he now escape? Judas Is there no secret place beneath this floor .^^ Then to the roof let him quickly go ! §)aul of Car0U0 91 Dorcas Is there no basket here of ample size, That o'er these massive walls he might descend? Barsabas They come two doors away. Haste ! Haste ! [Saul, Benjamin and Dorcas to house topi Ananias Let us be cheerful, hopeful, talkative. Judas " Lock the door ; trust not to outward aspect ! Barsabas Open wide the door ; disarm suspicion ! [Enter Mob and searcK] Man Ananias, we know thee! Where is Saul? Tell us? Ananias Above Damascus. Mob Above Damascus ? A base hypocrite ! Thou dost lie — get out ! He's not dead. [They smite hvm^ Another And this is Judas. Shame, Sir! Tell us of Saul's whereabouts? 92 ^ml of Car0U0 Judas Out of Damascus. Mob A vile deceiver ! Another And this is Barsabas, his witness ! Tell us, where is Saul? Barsabas Away from Damascus. Mob A firm of liars ; scourge 'em ! [They scourge and go^ Judas \_Calls up'\ Benjamin! Benjamin He's safe ! Dorcas Safe! [Exeunfl ACT IV PAUL IN ANTIOCH DRAMATIS PERSONJE apostles Paul Barnabas John Mark Agabus, a prophet Lucius 1 JuDAH y Christians Manaen J Miriam, daughter to Judah Simeon, a Jew Demetrius, a merchant Leodice, wife to Demetrius Helena, a Grecian princess Jason, son to Helena Greeks, Romans, Jews, officers, servants. SCENE I Place: House of Judah. Present: Judah, Simeon, Lucius and Ma- NAEN. Simeon Judah, thou art true to thy good name! Indeed, a very prince in Israel, To receive with open arms and lavish With thy generous hospitality Those who are but strangers in this vast me- tropolis. We feel unworthy of so great a kindness. Judah Sometimes 'tis the happy lot of man To shelter angels unawares ; May heaven often grant me such a boon As now it hath become my privilege ! If brethren are not kind to brethren, Then affection weareth but the semblance And noble deeds are but an empty show. Let love give itself in generousness Else it surfeits on its own abundance; And when dead, we are poor indeed. 95 96 ^aul of Car0U0 Simeon Dear Judah, thou dost put us at our ease. Love brought us liither, from whence, thou knowest. Judah Well do I know. From Jerusalem — There these eyes first saw the light ; These feet learned to walk ; these lips to lisp. Knowest thou not we are all akin? Lucius Paul's born in Tarsus, Barnabas in Cyprus, Thou in Jerusalem, and I in Cyrene ; And yet, dear Sir, we are all consanguine. Out of one blood God has made the nations ; And by faith we must recognize our kinship. Asia, Europe and Africa Yet shall know one dear heavenly Father, And shall bow at one great family altar. Manaen Judah, how farest thou in Antioch.? Judah In this free city we have prospered much ; Unmolested have we always worshipped; In numbers increased and multiplied; The harvest's ripe. Barnabas is o'erworked ; Now he is at Tarsus seeking helpers. ^aul of Car0U0 97 Heathen temples are crowded here bj day ; The groves of Daphne swarm with votaries by night; Men blindly feeling after God If haply they might find him, — Jews, Greeks, Romans, Barbarians. Simeon He came not save to the lost sheep of Israel. Lucius No Israelite am I, yet I am saved. Art thou still oblivious to the truth? From that Caesarean housetop Did not Peter receive his Apocalypse.'' Was not he convinced? Hath he not spoken? How darest thou call that vile or unclean Which God in mercy hath vouchsafed to cleanse? JUDAH What saith the great Master? "Whoso be- lieveth ! " Salvation, then, is surely for the Jew; No less, however, for the Gentile too. Manaen He who would circumscribe Heaven's purpose With narrowness or gross intolerance Is no less guilty of rank heresy 98 Saul of Cat0U0 Than he who bolsters up a gilded falsehood Or drives a shaft into the heart of truth ; At last his weapon falls upon himself, And he must feel the smart of its keen edge. [Enter Barnabas and Saul] JUDAH Welcome, dear Barnabas! Barnabas And this is brother Saul, of Tarsus. Paul Call me not Saul, lest thej know me as of old. I am no longer Saul, but Paul ; Identical, yet not the very same ; I am my other self made new again. I'm born into this world the second time. Tell me, now, from whence these other friends.? Barnabas Jerusalem. Saul No stranger, then, indeed, am I to them. Simeon I saw thee oft with Gamaliel. Manaen And without the gate, when Stephen was stoned. ^aul of Car0U0 99 JUDAH And when thou wert haling men and women, And flogging and imprisoning them ; So hot thou madest it, I fled to Antioch. Lucius Wast thou not in Caesarea about six years ago? Paul How strangely doth a man's past cling to him ; Oblivion doth seem to have no place. Either for good or bad, in this great world. Saul still doth live within thy memory ; Paul pities Saul and seeks thy pardon. Yet I'm no longer Saul ; the dross's consumed ; And now I come to off^er thee the gold; 'Tis love and friendship that I bring. JuDAH Most gladly do we welcome thee. \_Knocks. Enters Agabus] JuDAH Agabus ! Brethren ! This is Agabus ! Paul God's prophet ! Let us hear him ! Simeon And from Jerusalem? When camest thou? We would hear thee ; speak ! 100 ©aul of Cat0U0 Agabus My heart is deeply burthened with a grief. Hath some Elijah sent this famine down That Jerusalem now doth suffer hunger? Barnabas Welcome prophet ! Unwelcome prophecy ! But since we do hold all things in common, A warmer welcome ; a fuller response Shall Jerusalem find in fair Antioch's Generous heart ! Simeon Come, let us inaugurate this speech ; Since to need we owe a lasting debt, We now should prove ourselves but honest men, And show ourselves fit sponsors of His trust. Paul Seize each noble impulse and spur it on! Victory perches on such a firm resolve; The heart once stirred and doth not promptly act Is hardened by its derelictions ; But let it give itself to golden deeds. Keep pace with swift winged opportunities. And it shall feed upon the fatted ox And sit at last with princes and with kings. \_Exeunt'] SCENE II Place: Palace of Helena. Reception room. Present: Helena a/nd Jason. Jason Mother, this change that's come into my life Hath brought its sweetest gift of happiness ; I would publish His dear name abroad. Helena My Son! To find and know the Christ is per- fect peace. And since we both have hap'ly found Him, We to the world owe that saving knowledge : Not to pay this debt is to deny Him. Paul and Barnabas to-day arrive. To-night perchance thou shalt see and hear them. Jason Then I shall be happy. \_Enter Lucius, Simeon, Manaen] Lucius Beloved Princess ! Pardon this delay ! 101 102 Saul of Car0U0 Much harder still has been our work to-day ; But many confessed His dear name. Helena I could almost wish thou hadst not come ; The time is brief in which this work is done, And Paul and Barnabas do tarry still. Lucius Soon they shall arrive. Helena With what news? Lucius Good news. [Enter Paul, Barnabas, Judah and John] Hei^na Be seated! How prospereth Jerusalem? Barnabas Good news! The church doth increase and multiply. Paul Bad news ! The apostles decrease. They cru- cify. Helena Horror! Why, then, the good doth feed the bad. @)aul of Car0U0 los And the bad doth but increase the good. This world's a paradox. JUDAH Then to agree ! We see what we do not see. Or wouldst thou say, we do not see what we see.'' Simeon Some have eyes to see and see not. Manaen And some have ears to hear and hear not. Baenabas Where seeing eyes are blind, and hearing ears, deaf. Life is but a prosy and insipid thing — The future darkness and delusion. Manaen And still thou sayest they do persecute.? Barnabas Still, dear Manaen, they do persecute ; Yet what blessings ofttimes it conceals ; Sweet may be the fruits of prosperity. But sweeter far those of adversity. And how often must we this lesson learn ; Sorrow rolls away the stone from the heart That mercy may go forth to minister Till love arise with songs of new born joy. 104 Saul of Car0U0 Manaen Who was the last to die? Paul. James ! Ambitious Herod slew him with the sword ; What a loss ! 'Tis the price we pay for ty- rants. Manaen 'Tis not strange, for Herod is ambitious ; Everywhere, and always, he worships Herod; To gratify his pride or win more fame He would e'en dare to sacrifice a God ; To feed his lust, slay ten thousand priests. Paul Thou dost know him well. Manaen Poor sordid soul, to be eaten of worms ! Already one doth gnaw at his conscience ; It makes him nervous and suspicious. John Deeply crimsoned are his murd'rous hands. With the blood of many martyred saints. When he saw the death of James pleased the Jews, He gloated o'er it with a demon-laugh ; ^aul of Car0U0 105 Then sought out Peter with a fierce intent, Had him bound and cautiously imprisoned. Helena Was Peter martyred? John Heaven in great mercy intervened, And put a stop to his infernal scheme. When angels come to visit praying saints, Then prison walls to their foundation shake And kingly bands are burst asunder. Peter was freed most miraculously ; And when this news came to Herod's ears, He measured death to every vanquished guard And in terror fled to Cassarea ; — There in pomp proclaimed himself a God, And fools fell down and worshipped him. JUDAH Shame ! Helena How about the famine? Barnabas Oft in hunger have they been of late, But ate that bread of which the world knows not. Paul And this famished world must have that bread ; 106 Saul of Car0U0 It famishes and knows not that it famishes ; Poor mortals, indeed, so richly blest, And yet perish at heaven's very gate. Who will teach them how to find this manna ; Who will lead them to the living waters ; Who'll go? Let each man question his own heart, And see what mercy he's received, What a lasting debt he owes, and follow me. [Exeunt] SCENE III Place: House of Demetrius. Present: Leodice, Helena and Jason. Helena Leodice, dost thou leave us so soon? When wilt thou return to fair Ephesus? Leodice No sooner than my husband's ships arrive ; Six months we are wont to spend in Antioch and six in Ephesus. Helena Indeed! How lovely to divide the time Between two places of such loveliness. And Demetrius, thy husband, too shall come.? Leodice Assuredly ! And he is now past due. [Knoclis^ enters Demetrius] Demetrius Leodice! my beloved wife! Didst thou look for me to-day? 107 108 ^aul of Car0U0 Leodice And most patiently have awaited thee. Thou didst leave me happy, found me happier. Demetrius, I am now a Christian. Did Paul and Barnabas come with thee? They have been on a journey of the Chrestus. Demetrius Two apostles of a Chrestus came. Plague on my business, I prophesy it. \_Knock. Enter Paul, Barnabas, Judah, Simeon, Manaen] Leodice Welcome ! Welcome ! And this is my husband, Demetrius. ^Greetings] Paul [To Leodice] I do welcome thee into his fellowship, And do wish thee blessings greater far Than thoughts or words or speech can e'er con- vey. Confession is an open sesame Wherein, if from the heart 'tis rightly made. Insures thee full divine forgiveness. Manaen Will Paul and Barnabas be so generous As now to tell us of their journeyings? ©aul of Car0u0 109 Paul Speak, Barnabas, speak! Barnabas Thou knowest the very time we left thee, And on what mission we forsooth departed. From here we went direct to Selucia ; Then, setting sail, we came to Salamis, Where in the ancient tinseled synagogue Proclaimed the everlasting truth ; Then, crossing Cyprus, long the Roman way. We reached the little town of Paphas ; Here Sergius Paulus was converted, And Elymas, a noted sorcerer. Was stricken down with blindness. And then we journeyed on from place to place. In Pergu, Mark deserted us ; In Antioch they rudely cast us out ; In Lystra many Gentiles confessed the Christ. Simeon Many Jews are yet in darkness. Lament ! Manaen This world's not saved by melancholy moods ; Then let not a wet eyed pessimist, Peradventure, damper our dear resolves ; But joy and hope revive inward purpose. And arm us to a glorious victory. 110 ®aul oJ Car0U0 Leodice We would hear Paul. JUDAH Sir, we do entreat thy testimony ! Paul I do vouch for all dear Barnabas hath said ; He spoke the truth and nothing but the truth ; But not all of the truth; the half of truth May be falsehood ; and half of falsehood, truth ; And then the truth may be divided Into parts ; and each part, a part of truth ; So with what eagerness should we seize Each supplement until we grasp the whole ; Give ear, then, to my added testimony. In Antioch, as 'twere so amply told. We incurred the hatred of the Jews ; In Lystra I was stoned unlawfully. And rudely dragged beyond the city's gate; And this were done, indeed, for mercy's sake, For having healed a man most impotent. JuDAH And not a friend hadst thou in Lystra ? Paul A friend, indeed, whose gracious memory Proves the antidote to many sorrows ; In Lystra, remember, Eunice lives, @)aul of Cat0U0 iii Whose son's predestined to a noble life, — Timothy is already much beloved. There the Gentiles heard the gospel gladly ; And we do count our sufferings naught To the glory that's revealed. Manaen With what success this precious truth wins its Way, this wicked world shall pause and wonder ; Matched with falsehood, the rankest error Doth bristle up and quickly run away, While resplendent truth marches on like the sun, Waxing stronger to the perfect day. Barnabas How prospereth the church in Antioch? JUDAH Trouble! The Jews ! The Jews ! The Jews! Hidebound Jews, uncircumcised of heart ! The grace of Christ they make of no effect; Circumcision is their baldfaced cry; Without it no man shall see salvation. And they purport themselves from Jerusalem, Where truth's spoken with divine authority. Simeon Yea, they believe not one jot or tittle Of this precious law shall e'er pass away Till all by each shall be fulfilled. 112 §aul Of Car$ii0 Paul Chain not the truth ; the truth doth make us free; Give it free course. The hiw by Moses came, And has its lawful use; but grace and truth By Christ Himself, the Master of the law. See, then, that ye are circumcised of heart, That faith ma}- enter there and work by love. Simeon They come with authority from Jerusalem. Paul 'Tis incredible, most incredible ; Hath wisdom forgotten her votaries. And prejudice so blinded sweet reason.'^ To Jerusalem shall we go and verify. \_Kjiocks; enters offieer'\ Officer Ho ! Are Simeon and Manaen present ? Good Lucius desires them ; make haste ! There's trouble in the synagogue. Manaen Come! We must away! JUDAH Will Paul and Barnabas stay.? Manaen Follow me! [Exeunfl SCENE IV Place: House of Judah. Present: Judah, Miriam, Helena and Jason. Judah This very night Paul and Barnabas arrive ; From the holy council they bring tidings As what pertains of vast mosaic rites ; I cherish the hope of peace among us, And hereafter sweet concord forever. Helena I do pray thy hope a good prophecy; Though deep rooted prejudice, where'er found. Is loth to learn the way of charity Or follow the voice of soberness and truth. Here's the way it works the world o'er, — Discord begets division ; division Weakness ; weakness downfall ; And then, perchance, comes swift destruction. Out of these rotten planks vile profligates Build a platform to ridicule the truth. And critics arm themselves with venom To attack the loving Christ. Ah, what fools we are, 113 114 Saul of Car0U0 Not to knit ourselves into a golden band And profit by the wisdom of the world. JUDAH Be not dismayed nor discouraged In that a ripple plays upon the surface, Or now and then a fiercer storm should rise; Among the chosen twelve there was a Judas, And then Ananias and Sophia came. In all ages men play fast and loose with truth ; In Stephen's time Hebrew and Grecian widows Did most outrageously contend, and now In Antioch discord reigns among us ; The tares are to be found among the wheat ; Yet truth is truth, and God is God ; Who weds himself to these shall win. Remember! Paul prosecutes this work. In him God lives ; therefore, must succeed. \_Ej:eimt Judah and Helena] Miriam Jason, we have not seen thee for many days. Jason I've been among the hills of Silpius, Fishing in the beautiful Orontes, Loitering in the groves of Daphne ; But to-night I'm happy ; the moon doth beam. Miriam Is this the first night thou hast seen the moon ; @)aul of Car0U0 115 Did it not shine on the hills of Silpius? Feelest thou no longing when thou art alone And the gentle moon is beaming on thee? Jason Ah, dear Miriam, how oft I've felt it ; And it seemed as though I had a heart string And some sweet angel were pulling thereat. Then I've gone in search, but could not find her. Miriam Since I'm a Christian I do love the more ; It may not be the moon that gives me such a passion. Jason When first I saw thee in the synagogue, Ere I learnt discipleship, I felt it ; And I do swear, it is not all the moon. Miriam Dear me ! Hast thou heard the odious name They have given to His followers? Jason What? Miriam They call us Christians. The Romans first did it. And now it lives on every tongue. They ridicule, point the finger of scorn! 116 @)aul of Car0U0 Jason Carest thou? Miriam I care not. Jason Then what matters it. 'Twill be a tonic To strengthen us unto his holy will. [Enter Judah and Helena] JUDAH Have they not yet arrived? Miriam They must come now! Methinks I hear them. [Enter Simeon and Lucius] Helena Hast thou seen Paul and Barnabas? Lucius They come with Silas and Barnabas ! Good news ! Judah Glory ! [Enter Manaen, Paul, Barnabas, Silas, and Barsabas] Judah Our hopes and prayers be answered here this night. §)aul of Car0U0 117 Barnabas Happy are we, glad tidings thus to bring ; In my hand I hold a written verdict From the council, signed by James and Peter, John and the rest ; and here stand two holy Witnesses to vouch what they have written. JUDAH What said they? Let us have the news. Barnabas 'Twere a needless rite for gentiles to be Circumcised; Christ knows neither Greek nor Jew; Circumcision nor uncircumcision ; Barbarian, Cythian ; bond nor free ; The middle wall of partition is broken down ; They may marry or in marriage be given. Miriam Jason ! Simeon What said Peter.? I do love Mosaic rites. Barnabas Peter still retains his manly vigor. And his tongue grows no less eloquent; He argued well the case and sided with us ; He himself had seen it in a vision That God is no respecter of persons, 118 ©aul of Car0ii0 So he first welcomed in the Gentiles ; Nor must thou lay a yoke on any man, Nor yet a single grievous burden That thou thyself wouldst not deign to bear. What high heaven has thus abrogated Must not now be cruelly enforced ; And what anew he now^ enforces, Must never be abolished. The rites Of Moses the cross of Christ abolish ; Yet the law of Moses we still must bind About our neck and in deep love obey. Let all the people hear! Barsabas I do vouch for what is said. Silas Andl — JUDAH Our troubles come not singly. Be it known They now do ridicule ; they call us Christians. Paul Fools in their folly oft speak wiser Than they know. They have coined the right word; I'm Christ's man, therefore, am a Christian. Let us take the badge and gladly wear it. Manaen With Herod, persecution did not cease ; ^aul of Car$u0 119 The lamps of heaven doth not brightly beam Within this weary world without the breath Of heretics. The truth is hindered. Paul Let no infernal doings chill thy fervor ! That which hinders truth doth but aid the truth. Persecution increaseth witnesses ; The blood of martyrs mingleth with the sea ; Wound the lovely, — the more deeply you wound, The more you multiply her votaries ; Oppress the innocent, and all heaven Shall rain full panoplied defenders. lExey/nt^ SCENE V Place: Palace of Helena. Present: Helena, Judah, Miriam, Jason. Helena I hold here an Egyptian manuscript, The gift of good Lucius. Judah A history of the Pharaohs? Helena It tells how Joseph climbed the rugged way From servitude to royalty, and so Became the mighty man of Pharaoh ; HoAv Moses descended from royalty And found a place among oppressed slaves. To become at last the mighty man of God. Judah How the lives of such immortal men Doth richly leaven this our common clay; And in our troubled hearts new hopes arise, Seraphic winged. Show thy manuscript.'^ Helena Come! [Exeunt Helena and Judah] 130 @)aul of Car0U0 121 Miriam Why so sad? It wearies me. Art thou not well? Jason I am not sick, and yet I am not well ; My appetite refuses not its food; My pulse doth keep an even pace; The pain is here. [Hand on hearty Miriam Hast thou sinned? Jason I fear I'm on the verge of it. Miriam Confess ! Jason In just one month we leave fair Antioch ; Then we shall dwell in Thessalonica ; I wish thou livest in Thessalonica; I love — Miriam Love Thessalonica more than Antioch? [Enter Helena and Judah] [Exeunt Miriam and Jason] Helena Someone arrives so close on our heels ! [Enter Paxil, Barnabas, Simeon, Lucius] 122 ^aul of Car0U0 Paul Peace be on this house! Lucius We hear thou soon dost leave fair Antioch. Why such haste? Hast thou found a better place ? Helena Necessity is laid upon me, Therefore I go ; that must suffice. Paul 'Tis enough. Let no one ask thee more ; In that word dwells a moral purpose : 'Tis e'er the safest guide to honest folk ; Woe to me if I do not as I think, And feel in my conscience to be right. Duty is the pressure of God's hand; Let no man lightly lay it off. Helena Ah, how much precious time doth run to waste In useless foibles and formalities. Paul Yet this fair life we live is made of such ; We wash and dress, and eat and sleep, and fill Each day with trifling commonplaces ; Still, life could not be lived without them ; Heaven boons us with such prosy things That truth and gravity and sublimer deeds ^aul of Car0u0 123 May have a field for exhibition. Providence doth encompass skin and teeth, To work out her fair purposes on earth; And swift obedience to the laws of health Doth make us strong to keep the laws of God. Barnabas Well said ; the least thing done unto the least Doth measure well the height and breadth and depth Of love and gratitude. Who has no time For smaller things shall never see the great. JUDAH Dost thou also leave, dear Barnabas.? Barnabas The gospel must be preached unto the heathen. Paul God so loved the world! Canst thou believe it.? Then who can look into these ripened fields And live apostate? This thought doth give me pause. Ten million souls do grope beyond the sea ; And each is worth a world; each soul a world; How many worlds, then, tremble in the scales Of justice while we with mercy wait.? O love ! O love ! That hath no broken wing ! Fly across the sea ! Fly across the sea ! \_Exeunt~\ ACT V PAUL IN CORINTH DRAMATIS PERSONJE Paul Timothy Silas Aquila Priscilla, wife to Aquila Orpah, niece to Priscilla -r^ > Christians from Athens Damaris J Crispus, a deputy Justus, a citizen JusTiNiA, wife to Justus SosTHENEs, a Jew Galuo, Roman deputy Greeks, Romans, officers, etc. SCENE I Place: House of Aquila. Present: Aquila, Priscilla and Orpah. Orpah A full half-hour have I looked for thee ; Why tarriest so long? Priscilia Dear child, for these two years, since in Cor- inth, We have not heard such eloquence. Orpah Pray tell whose lips that gave such fervent speech? Priscilla A stranger, my dear child. His name is Paul ; The priests did give a most attentive ear, And on each word did hang with breathless pause ; Aquila, too, did lean unto his speech. AauiLA This great world is full of foggy-headed Philosophers, who can moralize; 127 128 ^ml o( Car0u0 Then let one man but speak the living truth From his heart as he doth know and feel it, And if it purports heavenly wisdom, Eventually, we shall follow him. Priscilla Thou didst speak with him at close of service? Orpah Would that I had heard him. Aq-UII^ Have patience and, perchance, 'twill be. He's offered our hospitality. When in Pontus, I did know him well. This Saul of Tarsus, the noted Pharisee ; Like Abram he hath changed his goodly name. Yet he shall come to dwell with us ; Then thou shalt see and hear him. Priscilla In this house? Then perchance some far off good Is born of persecution. Let us hope ! We loved dear Rome ; Corinth we shall love. When Caesar in hot rage expelled us, The heart did make one hopeless bitter cry. And all heaven seemed oblivious ; But we are not forgot; time's propitious. And in her deep womb there is concealed S)aul of Cat0U0 129 A most precious balm for pain and sorrow ; The illest wind doth blow some lasting good To each dear heart that can receive it. Orpah What precious ointment is this thou pourest With lavish hand on foolish discontent. I know not which has troubled me the most, The mysteries of suffering, Or the sufferings of mystery. This life we live is darkly labyrinthed ; And we like house flies, often cobwebbed In daily innocent meanderings, Must be disentangled ; Still thou dost say the distant goal is fair ; The best, forsooth, is always yet to be ; Feed languid hope on such sweet nutriment, And happiness shall live. AauiLA Had old Corinth not been by flames consumed. New Corinth would not rise so gloriously ; On the dead past the living present rests. And from this vantage ground the future builds. From this housetop thou seest ships go out to sea. Yet thy horizon reacheth not so far. Climb Acrocorinthus to the very top. And then fair Athens clearly looms to view ; Struggle to the summit of Parnassus, 130 Saul Dt Car0U0 And this wide world doth lie before thy feet. The loftier the heights we do attain, The wider and more grand the outlook ; Let none who will not leave these dirty streets Dare to curse their fate ; they will not see. [Knocks; enter Paul and Crispus] AauiLA Welcome, friends! And this is Orpah, our niece ! Paul Thou wert not in the synagogue to-day. AauiLA How soon that preacher must succeed Who recognizes absent faces. And when didst thou leave Tarsus? Paul Very long ago. 'Twas a providence. And what strange things have crowded in be- tween I shall perchance unfold to you As occasion gives me utterance. Cmspus But art thou not directly from Athens.? Aquila What thinkest thou of the Athenians.? §)aul of Cat0u0 i3i Paul Too religious; Should all the gods desert fair Athens, Mount Olympus would be o'ercrowded. They have leaped imagination's bounds In searching after the invisible, And in gross conceit and dark confusion Worship now in sin and ignorance ; In their groves doth dwell philosophy. And in their streets and broad Agora Foolish men do seem to talk most wisely ; They do swear to be his holy offspring, But like poor fools bow down to wood and stones. Beware ! When pleasure takes the heart of man. And prejudice doth blind his eyes. Philosophy goes limping through the groves. Wisdom grows the more insatiate. And superstition thrives. Mark my words, Athens is doomed. Cultured Athens ! Now she will not hear. Then 'twill be too late. Priscilia Corinth will hear. Cmspus Reluctantly, I fear, for so it seems ; The evidence is quite ostensible. The Greeks ridicule ; the Romans oppose ; 132 S)aul of Cat0U0 Sometimes our foes are found among our friends ; The smile that often beams with fairest greet- ings Hideth a green-eyed monster in the breast ; And he who reaches forth a welcome hand Carries, betimes, concealed a poisoned dagger; To-day the fickle world in happy mood May perchance enthrone thee as a God; To-morrow, stone thee as a mongrel cur. Who knoweth what a Caesar shall not do ? Ah, what malice man weareth in his heart Makes me sad and almost puts me weeping. Paul 'Tis better to trust in him who changeth not Than to put thy confidence in princes. Fear not him who lacerates the body. And when that is dead, he can do no more ; Fear him who's lord of both body and soul. And hath power to cast them into hell. Crispus Say not hell, when thou speakest to the people ; I fear it is much too strong a word; It grates upon their finer feelings And puts them shivering inwardly. And when 'tis done, they feel they're slipping in. @)aul of Cat0U0 133 Beware! Lest thou stirreth them too deeply, And they learn to hate thee. Paul Coat not hell o'er with a golden tinsel, Nor yet pave it with a velvet lining; Strew not the way with sweet scented roses, Nor urge the heart with voluptuous music Interspersed with wine and painted creatures ; Else this fair world will slip right into hell Ere it awakens to its danger. Let all men see the fire and the brimstone, And so feel the pain and woe awaiting. Preach hell, sir, with a fearful vengeance. With hot tears rolling down thy pallid cheek. If thou wouldst save this world from worldli- ness And bring it humbly to the Master's feet. [Exeunt '] SCENE n Place: House of Justus. Present: Justus, Justinia, Aquila and Pris- CILLA. AauiLA Since the Jews do rashly seek Paul's hurt, And 'tis expedient that he go away, Happy are we that thou dost receive him; Henceforth, peace shall be upon thine house. Justus We do commiserate thy grievous loss. Yet thou canst rejoice 'twill be another's gain. Priscilla We are very loth to give thee gain. Justinia Knowest thou that good Dionysius And Damaris have arrived from Athens .f' Yesterday they were in the synagogue, There, when Paul persuaded many people. AauiLA Madam ! Are these Athenians Christians ? Heard they Paul in the midst of Mars Hill.? 134 ®aul of Car0U0 135 JUSTINIA And have come to Corinth to hear again. [^Knocks; enter Dionysius and Damaris] Justus These are our Athenian friends. JUSTINIA Welcome ! Priscilla Knewest thou Paul in Athens .? How long since ? Dionysius In Athens we saw, heard, and believed ; On Mars Hill he reasoned like a god; 'Twas just three months ago he left us. Damaris Yea ! 'Tis all a mystery — I am changed, And here my knowledge ends ; the how is His. Like the wind that bloweth where it listeth And no man telleth whence it cometh, So it is when born into His kingdom. I now do hate the sins that once I loved ; And have learned to love what once I hated. [^Enter Paul, Silas, Timothy] Timothy Beloved, I do bid you all rejoice; 136 ^aul of Car0U0 I am the bearer of most welcome news, — Crispus and liis house are saved. Justus With the synagogue fast joined to this house, And Crispus, good fellow, now a Christian, We might cut an entrance through this wall, And so monopolize these services. Paul No foul play shall win eventually ; Therefore, sir, with all fairness and good will We shall fearlessly prosecute our work. And usurp the lawful rights of none. When good men fall to unholy deeds To win success or make a show of fame, God sits in judgment; and like an arrow Swift to his mark, vengeance shall repay. The Lord's work must he done most honorably : If thou but let the devil wedge his way Into our midst, through priestly jealousies. Sects shall multiply, and the world be damned. Timothy Beloved! Most wise and prudent counsel; Small differences cast great men asunder Ofttimes, to bless or curse their cause. [Enter Crispus] There's a mighty howl among the Jews ; They seek me with most violent hands ; ^aul of Car0U0 137 They do gnash their teeth and cry apostate ; They swear Paul an accursed fool ; In anger have appealed to Gallio ; And vow that only Rome can save us. Paul Be calm ! Beloved Crispus, be thou calm ! There is a wisely ordered providence That encompasses the lives of good men And protects their cause from swift destruc- tion. Till the time is ripe no man can do thee hurt ; Let no bold threats, therefore, abate thy zeal, Nor yet frighten thy gifted tongue to silence. [Exeunfl SCENE III Place: Court of Justice. Present: Gallic, Crispus, citizens, officers. Gallic Crispus, what news is this I hear of thee ? Dost stand in disrepute among the Jews? Hast been expelled from the synagogue ; Branded an outlaw, a fox, a pig ; — What wicked ways hast thou been going? Crispus Noble Gallic ! Be it known to thee, None, save the ways of soberness and truth. Let not cunning pious-spoken lies E'er beguile thee into false beliefs ; Nor yet Jewish hatred stir thee to a Hellish purpose. What I have done, all who Walk these streets of Corinth may see and know. If thou dost blame me for hearing the truth. Then I plead most guilty. If thou dost judge Me for following my own dear conscience, Then I stand condemned. 138 @)aul of Cat0U0 139 Gallic Ah, then ! 'Tis a question of religion ; And o'er zeal hath hardened to intolerance. Cmsptrs I fear thou speakest the very truth. Gallic 'Tis a pity when pious men become So sacrilegious as to cut each other's throats. In this matter the gods sit in judgment; I am here in Caesar's interests ; Civil rulers must not coin religious rites. Crispus Divine speech! Thou art fit for Caesar's friend ; Thou indeed well mightest be a Caesar. Gallic This morning a message I received, Purporting from a certain Sosthenes. Last night a certain Paul, he tells us. Was apprehended for most grievous crimes. This day I sit in judgment over him; Already 'tis high time they do arrive. Knowest thou this man and what his crimes.? Crispus I know him well ; And, too, how well he can defend himself; 140 ©aul of Car0us! I would not plead his cause ere he arrives, Lest I might do him grave injustice. [Enter Sosthenes with Paul, Jews, citi- zens'] Gallic Ho! Let the officers keep the way clear! The court must now get down to business. Sosthenes, thy message was received, And I am come to hear thy grievances. Speak briefly, to the point ; no time to waste ; Thy tardiness demands our expeditiousness. Sosthenes Thy Honor! This man is not Caesar's friend. And I have witnesses to prove it. Gallic Bring forth thy witnesses. Let them testify. Sosthenes Come ! My witnesses ! First Witness He preached in the synagogue; Stirred the people ; and Crispus followed him. Second Witness He brought his friends with him to Corinth, And they do help him in his work. @aul of Cat0u0 i4i Third Witness They decry the holy rites of Moses, — Most wicked blasphemers ! Gallic Enough! Sosthenes, why dost thou murder time And weary me with such rotten testimony? Sosthenes Sir ! He's a blasphemer, agitator. An apostate, a stirrer up of strife, A mover of seditions. Paul Most just, trusted and worthy Gallio! With thy leave I'm happy to make defense. I cherish. Sir, no vituperations For these, my merciless calumniators. Gallic Sir, there is no occasion for defense; 'Tis rather thine to prosecute. Crispus Sosthenes hath o'erleaped the bounds of truth. Greek He lies ! Choke him ! Second Greek And swears it to be the truth ; scourge him ! 142 Saul of Car0U0 Gallic Let this hall be quickly cleared of Jews ! Third Greek Sosthenes must feel the cords ; smite him ! Who wrongs others should not go unpunished. Let him be flogged, and on his naked back. [They seize Mm and heat Mm before the judgment seaf] Gallic Order in this room ! Fighting curs, begone ! Caesar's interests demand more sober times ! \_Ea:eunt~\ SCENE IV Place: House of Justus. Present : Justus, Crispus and Paul. Justus Poor hide of Sosthenes ! It must feel fresh For the vats, the Greeks did lash him so ! Crispus Justus! He did get but his just deserts; The thongs he nursed within his heart, To lacerate the flesh of brother Paul, Did wound and bruise and prick his own broad back. 'Tis e'er so ! The fury man enkindleth With a hellish purpose, shall ere long become A conflagration to consume him. Paul And he who meets vile slander with a sweet Forgiving spirit, soon doth prejudice Both good and bad men in his favor. Crispus I wish Sir Gallio had heard thee through ; He would not have loved Sosthenes the less, 143 144 §)aul of Car0U0 But truth the more. Ah, there's where he missed it! Paul The hearts of men are sometimes so enswarthed In self-conceit, or steeped in worldliness, That they forget the most propitious time, And so lose their only chance ; Yet day and night we must not cease to warn them. All time is most propitious for some soul; To-day, perchance, thou'lt find a willing ear, Some man on the eve of vast decision ; To-morrow he shall be a Christian, Or ever after lost. Justus Gallio is a very noble fellow. Kind of heart; I would he were a Christian. Crispus 'Tis so, yet he hath a most grievous fault. I fear it tendeth to harden him. Paul What? Crispus A fearful temper ; married a woman. Grew angry with her, and divorced her; Then married a woman who grew angry ^aul of Car0U0 i45 With her husband and divorced him; And now he thinks to wed again. Paul. Adulterers ! What leprous spots are there That fester here on this our social world, Sapping the life of sweet morality, Paving the way to swift damnation. Justus Moral plagues ! Shun them ! Paul, Nay, treat them as gross profligates ; Be merciful ; cry " Repent " ; teach them virtue ; Urge confession then restitution ; — So they shall be eternally restored. Heaven still is merciful. Let them hear And beware, lest they forfeit future bliss. Crispus I fear 'tis better not to marry. Paul 'Tis better, where man can so abide it; Yet this world will never be convinced. Then prevent it not, but hold it sacred; Let it be deeply grounded in Holy Love; Nourished with constant loving kindness ; Sustained with generous sympathies. Never marry till thou canst not help it ; 146 ^aul of Cat0us And when married never doubt thy love; God is the author of this holy wedlock ; So take him in to such a covenant, And keep its bonds inviolate. \_Enter Timothy and Aquila] Timothy I do fear These Jews are suppressed to no effect ; To-day as I passed them on the street Their eyes flashed fire; their jaws were set; And one did stop and groan right out with rage, Then spat in poor Aquila's face. Justus Didst thou not smite him on his brazen cheek, And start a flood of penitential tears To quench the rising fire in his eyes ? Aquila That no uprising might again occur. We tempered our courage with a calmness. Firm and resolute ; 'tis better to forbear. Crispus Nobly done ! Answer anger not with wrath, Else thou increaseth the fury of the storm ; When cloud meets cloud in dark uproarious con- flict. The mighty earth doth tremble at our feet. And the lightning's flash is deadly. S)aul of Cat0U0 147 Timothy I do feel That I should be in Thessalonica. Crispus Dost thou think it born of love or fear? Timothy Their sufferings do appeal to me; I would help them, beloved Crispus. Paul Go ! And going carry them our greetings ; While they do labour there with heavy heart. Assure them of our prayers and sympathies ; Comfort them with the Master's gracious words ; Let no man be dismayed nor discouraged In this work God has given us to do. He stands behind the mists and shadows ; He lives and rules, the everlasting God ; Nor earth nor hell shall e'er prevail against him. Let nothing shake thy calm repose; Go in peace ! ACT VI PAUL IN EPHESUS DRAMATIS PERSONJE Paul Apollos Timothy Aquila Priscilla TYrannus, school teacher Secundus Erastus Trophimus Gladysea, niece to Trophimus craftsmen > pupils to Tjrannus Alexander 1 Demetrius J Leodice, wife to Demetrius Sceva and sons Town Clerk Officers, citizens, etc. SCENE I Place: House of Trophimus. Present: Trophimus, Gladysea, Aquila and Priscilla. Gladysea We hear thou dost bring some great one with thee, — A certain Paul, whom we have never seen. Where is he? pRISCILIiA Yesterday he left for Jerusalem, Where he attended the great passover; From thence he returns to Ephesus. Trophimus Didst thou always live in Corinth? Aquila First we lived in Pontus, then in Rome, And afterwards found our way to Corinth ; And 'twas there we met Paul, as if by chance ; But now we know, indeed, it was not so, But rather the choosing of kind Providence, It seems that in this world of mystery 151 152 %>ml of Cat0U0 God doth make us friends and send them to us, And somewhere, somehow, we do hap'ly meet ; Two hearts made to love may dwell antipodel, — Restless they wander, till found and matched; Two lives created for a mutual good. Though intervened by time and space. By unknown ways shall at last arrive, Walk this world arm in arm together, Hear love's message, and then shall grow con- tent. Trophimus Studiest thou philosophy at Athens? Say not nay! Sir, thy speech betrayeth thee. Hast thou borrowed wisdom of dear Socrates? Aquila I have seen and felt heights and breadths and depths That good Socrates could only long for ; A greater far than Socrates hath come. Gladysea ApoUos ! Yea, beloved Apollos ! Eloquent and learned Apollos ! AauiiA Art thou a love sick maiden? Of whom Speakest thou? Gladysea Knowest thou not Apollos? Saul of Car0U0 153 In Alexandria he was nobly born ; In Alexandria he lived and studied; In speech more eloquent than Mercurius ; In manner more refined than Cicero ; In reasoning more cogent than Zeno ; — Why, sir, he stirs the heart of Ephesus. Thou shouldst hang upon his golden tongue ; 'Tis sweeter than Corinthian honey. Priscilla What doth he teach and where can he be heard? Trophimus This very hour, this very night, he comes ; In this very house shall be entertained ; A teacher and preacher of repentance ; A loyal disciple of the Baptist. Priscilla Does he preach in the temple of Diana? Trophimus 'Twould be sacrilege to great Jupiter ; The Cayster would run dry, and Ephesus Would be swallowed in a sea of tumult. Heavens, no ! [Knocks; enter Apollos, Tyrannus and Secundus] Trophimus Aquila ! Priscilla ! This is ApoUos ! 154 ^ml of Car0U0 And his friends, Tyrannus and Secundus. Aquila Gentlemen, we know thy reputation, And deem that moment blest that brought you hither. Apollos I knew a man by thy name at Corinth ; He oft befriended there a certain Paul. Aquila I am he. APOI.I.OS Then thou canst tell me what's his message. Aquila Believe the Chrestus and thou shalt be saved. Priscilla What dost thou preach? Apollos Repentance! This great world doth lie in sin. And must flee the wrath to come or perish. My father knew the Baptist years ago ; Transmitted his dear message unto me; To this mission, then, I'm forever bound. To-day in the school of good Tyrannus Many heard and were forthwith baptized. Saul of Cat0u$ 155 Aquila Thou hast, indeed, a goodly part of truth. And art most true to that which thou dost know; Sir, in this thou art to be commended. Thou hast not all of truth; lament it not; So still thou hast the pleasure of pursuit. Pray thy sincerity doth vouch for thee A fuller knowledge of divinity. Under Moses thou hast fought thy way But to the portal of eternal day. PRISCILLA The law by Moses came to show us sin and death ; Grace and truth by Christ, that we might see salvation. Aquii^ Will Apollos come with me away ; In such a place that brooks no interruptions? We have, at least, a common sympathy ; Our burdens and our hopes are much alike; Faith and love, perchance, may find a sweet ac- cord. [Exeunt '\ SCENE II Place: School of Tyrannus. Present: Tyrannus, Erastus and Secundus. Tyrannus How strange a thing to see with what A pace this world doth even up its odds, And still to know that seeming paradoxes Are but double sides of a Paduan quilt. Secundus All nature seems to prove a miracle. Tyrannus All nature scores indeed a providence ; Paul did plant the seed of truth in Corinth, And Apollo hath gone to water it ; Apollos sowed the seed in Ephesus, And Paul shall reap the ripened harvest. Dear Erastus, how quickly do we find That we are naught alone ; that this fair world Is bound indeed by stern necessity. No Moses e'er walked this cursed earth But at some most unpropitious time Needed a dear Aaron to hold erect His hands. 156 Saul of Car0U0 157 Erastus I believe in Paul and ApoUos too. Tyrannus They stand together as well paid complements ; Apollos found the way into our hearts, But Paul did wisely supplement him. Apollos discovered to each the chain That bound him fast to swift destruction ; Paul, with most holy writ from Heaven's throne, Proclaimed deliverance full and free. Secundus How strange that man should feel himself thus lost Before salvation is desirable; That in his inmost heart he drinks the cup Of penitential woe and bitterness Ere sweet mercy tempers misery. And crowns deep sorrow with a bliss. Erastus O Secundus ! What care we for the way If each at last can say I love and trust ; What we've suffered and what escaped It matters not if, when the goal is reached. Unabashed, we can look Him in the face And hear Him speak, and know that we are blest. 158 S)aul o( Car0U0 Secundus Victory ! Ah, what glory in that word ! And yet, betimes I am perplexed, harassed With the thought of inglorious defeat. Why, yesterday my friend Futurus, While bravely fighting in the Stadium, Was lashed to death by a raging lion ; And Futurus had never known defeat. Then when the multitude cried for pity, As they beheld his mangled, bleeding frame, And his own fond lover ran too and fell On his dead body with impetuous sobs. Then the lion did slink away and hide. As if ashamed of such a cruel deed. But poor Futurus was inane to grief; He had failed, piteously failed. And yesterday in the Gymnasium Many I beheld, very swift of foot. But only one did win the race. \_Enter Paul and Aquila] Tyrannus Welcome ! Happy ! Aquila From Mount Prion we beheld them racing still to-day ! Erastus Strange coincidence that thou shouldst fall %>ml of Cat0ug 159 So smoothly into our trend of thought and speech. Secundus We were speaking of those who ran and failed ; So uncertain are life's victories ! Paul Sir, they are uncertain, or most certain ; It all depends on man's condition. Where dwell faith and love and heaven's law, There surety dwells ; neither strength nor weak- ness Shall win upon this hard fought battlefield. But good courage, hope and perseverance. 'Tis not what I have done or yet may do. But whither my heart's love doth gently lead; Salvation rests not within the flesh. But in sweet hope and that on which it feeds. Christ hath made atonement for our sins, And faith alone in Him shall know salvation. Secundus But Christians fail. Paul They only seem to fail. But what seems failure is more success. To strip and scourge and crucify the flesh. Is to reduce it to dust and ashes ; And from these elements there shall arise 160 §)aul of Car$u0 A fairer man, whose glory fadeth not. Let heaven strip him of dread time and space And all this world can give; then what's he worth ? Weigh him in the balance of fair justice ; Then compute! What's his gain? Do answer that! Only what hath profited his soul — The rest, when he stands before the portal Men call death, are worn out garments, to be cast aside. [Exeunti SCENE III Place: House of Demetrius. Present: Demetrius and Leodice. Demetrius Dear Wife, thou lookest weary ; go to bed ! And thus leave me to entertain these friends. Leodice I am not weary. Whom dost thou expect? I shall not burden thee with such a task ; Go thyself! I shall keep company. Demetrius How you women do work by contraries ; Let man but hint a dim suggestion, And you grow as curious as a cat ; You'll not nap a wink till you find the rat. Leodice Then drop the rat and I shall wink a nap. Demetrius Five years ago in dear Antioch I predicted Paul would bring us trouble; Time, indeed, hath fulfilled this prophecy; Already he's turned the head of Ephesus ; 161 162 §)aul of Cat0U0 All Asia seems to feel his power; Diana is more and more despised ; And my precious craft is being ruined. We must devise some means to stop this bab- bler ; — Soon mj fellow craftsmen here assemble, And then we must hatch a scheme to worst him. The gods be propitious. Leodice I do tremble for this undertaking. On what foundation canst thou hope to build? Shall my dear husband not be moderate? Remember Pilate, and his beseeching wife, And embosom not a poisoned dagger That in the end shall only wound thyself. Demetrius Thou canst not live without my goodly craft; Hence I must protect it, and provide for thee. \_Knocks; enter Alexander, craftsmen, ScEVA and sons'] Demetrius Come! Let's to work. That we may fall on more prosperous times. Alexander Dread depression long since has found his way Into the generous bosom of good fortune; We must coax our wills unto resistance, ©aul of Cat0U0 i63 And o'erride this pestilential fellow. First Craftsman Sir, the temple of our great Diana Is far less frequented than heretofore; And our goddess seems to grow more pale Since Paul came to Ephesus. Second Craftsman My shop joins hard to the Gymnasium; Strangers no longer buy our goddesses ; The haughty way in which they pass us by Makes me angry and suspicious. If we do not laud Diana to the sky Till the very heaven fairly shake, And so by such a consort take the town. Our business shall soon be doomed. Third Craftsman Yesterday, when standing in the temple, I saw a hateful imp come lounging by ; And beholding fair Diana, turned up His freckled nose and laughed aloud. Demetrius He should be hanged, — a base ingratiate ; Thou shouldst indeed have stabbed him to the core. Irreverence is too common when religion is so cheap. 164 §)aul of Cat0U0 Alexander We give ourselves too much to gain ; We must make a show of greater zeal. Fall into a cold and heartless worship, And people soon neglect their holy gods ; But grow warm and ardent in devotion, Rejoice and proclaim our deep convictions, And we shall make new converts to our faith. Then, indeed, our coffers shall be filled. SCEVA The synagogue is quite depleted Since this vile sect came down to Ephesus ; Astrology is much in disrepute; Our great magicians put to open shame ; And now, you say, Diana is growing pale. We must unite to meet a common foe. Al/EXANDER They tell me. Sir, thy sons have been worsted By this miracle-man. Can it be so? ScEVA They are here to testify. A1.EXANDER We shall hear them. First Son I do fear for Ephesus. The converts of Apollos are rebaptized. ©aul ot Car0U0 i65 This time with fire ; Paul's the medium. Sir, virtue doth lie in his ample touch; The very kerchief that he wears will heal The one who touches it. Second Son When we did try this art, no power came, Although we used the name of that dear Chres- tus. Third Son We were repulsed. Fourth Son Cast down! Fifth Son O'erpowered by an evil spirit. Sixth Son Left naked, wounded. Seventh Son Magicians heard and burnt their books. But his followers did multiply. Alexander Scourge on this city, and ruined our estates. If with our wealth and civic power We cannot stem the tide of one man's might. Howbeit, I have a new hatched scheme. And believe 'twill carry. 166 Saul of Car0U0 Demetrius Let us hear it. Alexander It must be well planned, well executed; So on the very next assembly day, When the theater is crowded, arrange To entice them hither ; convene a mob ; Capture a man ; rush into the arena ; Cry " Murder ; they murder the Christians." Then when Paul doth come to their defense. Infuriate his bitter enemies, And let them do the work. Demetrius Splendid scheme ! Dear Coppersmith ! And since thou hast the brass to do it, We leave the plan and execution To thy most skillful hands. Set the day! Alexander Next Friday ! 'Tis a day that suits my superstitions ; I swear 'tis the best of all for such a deed. Then fair Ephesus shall be delivered. SCEVA We do agree to this decree. What's the hour? Alexander The ninth ! And so, farewell ! lExeunfl SCENE IV Place: Portico. House of Trophimus. Present: Secundus, Trophimus and Glady- SEA. Gladysea What meanest this uproar ? It seems as though Ephesus cannot contain fair Ephesus. Trophimus A motley crowd moves toward the theater ; It comes from the slopes of Caressus. I fear it portendeth good or evil. Gladysea I do fear that evil is f orboding ; The face of this vast multitude Weareth not a pleasing countenance. Trophimus They seem deeply burthened with a guilt. Hearest thou ? They cry unto their goddess ; " Great is Diana of the Ephesians." 'Tis a religious meeting. Secundus Look! Disorder! A mob! Prisoners! They move this way. Who leads.? 16T 168 @aul of Cat0U0 Trophimfs 'Tis Demetrius and Alexander ! Need we fear our enemies? Gladysea They haste as though they wear a bad intent ; And yet thou sayst this noise betokens A religious meeting. Secundus Who are the prisoners ? Canst thou discern ? In the name of heaven, let them murder not. Trophimus Mercy! They are our friends, our own dear friends, Gaius and Aristarchus ; canst thou see ? They buffet them; they pound them with their fists; Into the theater they go. Gladysea Angry mob ! Tumultuous assembly ! > Their teeth are set on edge ! Were I a man, I would follow and defend them. Secundus Pardon ! And I shall see what comes of this. Tarry till I come ! [Exit Secundus] @)aul of Cat0u0 i69 Trophimus They do cry unto their gods. Gladysea Their tones bespeak a subtle rage Which if loosed shall work undreamt of mischief. I like not their accents. [Enter Aquila and Priscilla] Trophimus Knowest thou Gains and Aristarchus Are apprehended, — in the hands of a mob, Or perhaps in the clutches of wild beasts ? Aquila Speak not to our terror ; yet I do know They seek the life of some Christian. Priscili^ Thou dost frighten us. Is Paul among them.? Trophimus We saw him not since yesterday. Gladysea Nor from him heard one word. Priscilla Who Cometh here ? 'Tis he. 'Tis Paul ! [Enter Paul and Timothy] 170 %ml of Car0U0 Timothy Where's Secundus? What means this company so sober counte- nanced ? Trophimus Gains and Aristarchus are taken ; Are being scourged and imprisoned. Paul And we stand idly by? To their rescue! Implead their cause ! If we suffer with them We shall be glorified together. Aquila We beseech thee, trust not thyself to them. PillSCILLA Remember thy escape at Corinth. Timothy And thy stoning at Lystra. Oh, take no step without considering What might be ; who rushes into danger Forewarned, assumes a risk that may cost As dearly as his life. \_Enter Secundus] Paul From the theater.? Speak! Saul of Car0U0 171 Secundus Confusion reigns ! Still they are alive ! No man can speak for the tumult ; they cry, " Great is Diana of the Ephesians." Paul I shall go. Secundus Tarry, I pray. Some vagabond did cry, " Paul will not come," Another, " He will not nibble at our bait " ; 'Tis a death trap set for thee. [Enter Tyrannus and Erastus] Secundus Speak, Tyrannus! The latest! Tyeannus Sir, the town clerk did at last get their ear. And so he frightened them to silence; 'Twas an unlawful assembly. Erastus And he released the prisoners. Priscilla Worthy chancellor! I do esteem him a most noble knight. Trophimus What said he? 172 %ml of Car0U0 Tyrannus He praised the greatness of Diana; Then, waving his hand, most solemnly said: " Ye men of Ephesus, give me jour ears, And be patient for a little while. Ye have power to make the civil law. And a will to keep the laws ye have made; Hence if ye should violate a single code. Ye have already fixed the penalty ; And 'tis mine to see that it's measured out. Beware, lest ye do yourselves an injury; Then 'tis your law that shall be your judge, And by receiving this exalted trust, Ye do compel me to enforcement ; So you make the laws for your punishment. And make me see you punished by them. Hence I am bound by law, so I can't forgive you If I would. O most gracious Ephesians ! Wrong not yourselves. And what good rea- son, pray. Can there be found for fear or jealousy.? Did not Alexander conquer a world And make a willing offering of the same To have his immortal name but carved On one column of this holy temple? When great men honor thus your noble goddess, What have ye to fear.? ^ml of Car0U0 173 Paul This speech ill becomes a trusty ruler ; In its very utterance it gives birth To cunning, flattery and deception; Beneath its ample flow of silvered speech There lurks the hidden tares of pride and hate, The worldly love of empty show and fame, A false conception of sweet charity. He who would oppress the poor and weak, Or grind beneath the chariot wheels of war, Or cruelly shed the blood of innocents. To dispense wealth with a lavish hand. Or build himself a golden hall of fame. Or live in slothful ease and luxury. Deserves the strongest censure of good men. Let him not be trusted ! Beware ! Nor yet Make charity a cloak for filthy lucre As though you seek the patronage of saints, Or high heaven could be bargained with. Pat not the world on the back with a free And generous hand when thou dost mean to fleece it; Nor let thy giving be the bitter fruits Of lying, thieving, and extortion. As though earthly treasures were abiding And heaven has no day of recompense. Sir, where is man's conscience.'' Fears he not hell.? [Enter Gaius and Aristarchus] 174 @)aul of Car0U0 Gaius God be praised! Timothy Thank heaven! AmSTARCHUS 'Twas a vile pretense ; they seek the life of Paul. Paul Farewell! My friends, farewell! What I shall suffer none can tell. [Exeunti ACT VII PAUL IN ROME DRAMATIS PERSONtE Nero, emperor Agrippina, mother to Nero Seneca, tutor to Nero Paulina, wife to Seneca Marcus, son to Seneca Gallic, brother to Seneca, governor of Corinth Prudentia, wife to Gallio Brittanicus, son of Claudius OcTA VIA, daughter to Claudius, first wife to Nero AcTE, maid to Octavia BuRRUs, a prefect Julius, a soldier CoRNUTus, a philosopher PoMPONiA, wife to Aulus Plautius Mercia, maid to Pomponia PoppEvE, second wife to Nero Tegellinus, a prefect ViTELLius, a senator Celcus, a soldier chained to Paul Hermas and Pudens, servants to Nero Paul Luke, Timothy, Aquila, Priscilla, Mark, Epaphroditus, Aristarchus and Demas, Christians Onesimus, a slave Marcella, wife of Flavins Alexander and Pallas, witnesses IsHMAEL Ben Phabi, priest Soldiers, citizens, servants, etc. SCENE I Place: House of Seneca. Present: Seneca, Paulina and Marcus. Seneca What use is philosophy in a world Of fools? They have no ear for wisdom. Nero grows not better for my pains ; Truth cannot flower in his thorny heart. Great Rome's going to the very devil Unless a greater comes to Rome. PAUUNA What aileth my beloved Seneca? Bad dreams o'night? Did his dinner disagree? He is so unlike his own dear self; Yet how much, indeed, to encourage him. Behold thy wife ! And this thy noble son ! And know that virtue lives, and truth shall ne'er die. Seneca O Wife ! What solace in thy ruby lips ! Sweet and matchless counsellors of mine ! With thee, so tenderly am I convinced; 'Tis true, philosophers are sometimes fools ; To worry is illogical. 177 178 %aul of Cat0U0 Paulina Remember, Gallic doth come to-day And with him our dear jolly sister; Then we shall be amply entertained. These tales of Corinth take one by the ear. Seneca Then by my ear there shall hang a tail. 'Twould ill become a philosopher; I pray Gallio bring rich pearls instead. Marcus O Father, hearest thou of these Christians ! They profess and teach most wondrous things ; Marvelous is the power of this Chrestus. Last night I met a girl who'd learned to love Him, And a thousand times more beautiful had grown ; She filled me with a holy passion ; Nero would be safe in following her. Seneca What's her philosophy.? Marcus To love and obey. Seneca Doth not Caesar love his people.'* His beautiful Octavia.^* %ml of Cat0U0 179 Marcus Oh, that in a heart so young Such hatred could so soon find lodgment ; Already Octavia is neglected, Despised! And his love, so abased, Is bending now in quest of Acte. Shame! As Caesar's friend, I speak what I do know. Seneca My Son, thou speakest well the very truth ! Ah, what crimes are done in heaven's name. And still no voice is here uplifted. [Knocks; enter Nero and Agrippina] Seneca My beloved Caesar ! And welcome Agrippina ! Marcus My dear Nero! What happy thoughts hast thou interrupted ! Agrippina Speak them; allay suspicion. Our stay is brief. Marcus Long live the King, and glorious be his reign! And every man in his vast dominion. If not by hand, with a loving heart. Place a golden crown on his gracious head. 180 @aul of Car0U0 Neeo Marcus, my friend and schoolmate! My de- fense And counsellor! I'll choose thee to it. Agrippina We would speak with good Seneca alone, On matters of moment, of great moment. Do pardon us a private interview. \_Ea:eunt Paulina and Marcus] Agrippina Why's Seneca so little seen of late? Has he been ill? Or did the sudden death Of Claudius grieve him to a sickness? Have midnight ghosts been breathing tales Of horrid murder in his sober ear That he should seek seclusion? Is he not Caesar's friend, and by Caesar oft befriended? Seneca Caesar's friend! Let Caesar but speak his will, That true friendship may have a chance for proof. Agrippina Hear, my Son, hear! And speak thy willing wish! Nero To-morrow stand I before the Senate; §)aul of Cat0U0 isi Would have dear Seneca so frame my speech; Make it short, smooth, full of sweet promises, And with all to sound like Nero's. Agrippina Now, t'other wish. Nero I would away with sweet Octavia And marry Acte. Would good Seneca Say me nay? His silence is consent. So let the people know 'tis thine approval. Seneca Caesar's will shall be done. Agrippina And should dark rumors perch thy way As to a man who sits in high esteem. Then promise thou'lt dispatch without delay. Know Brittanicus and Octavia Must be held in close and strict surveyance Till they themselves no longer can survey. Remember these things are gently whispered In the secret chambers of our souls ! Beware! Shouldst thou e'er disclose them! Seneca When could Seneca not be trusted .f* Nero Trusted! Always, beloved Teacher. 182 @)aul of Car0U0 Agrippina We must away ! Nero Good day ! Agrippina Good day! [Exeunt Agrippina and Nero] Seneca [Soliloquy~\ The gods do trouble me, or 'tis my conscience, — Something within my breast that gives me pause ; Something, indeed, that makes me feel so bad, I'll call a physician; perhaps 'twill help. [Enter Cornutus and Burrus] Seneca My trusted friends, a thousand welcomes ! Cornutus Then let this be a most gracious meeting. Where we can speak what all the world doth know, Yet what the world must never wholly know. Ah, these monstrous crimes! Still justice sleeps ! Burrus My heart is sick of this vile treachery. S)aul of Car0U0 183 These hellish deeds ! Too soon I placed a crown Upon his youthful brow ! 'Twas Brittanicus ! Nero is a tyrant ! Yet who dares To speak the truth! Seneca A philosopher's holy counsels Come to naught beside maternal intrigues. Let who will, preach ; the greater danger lies With those who make pretense to practice. Bad example is stronger than fair words ; Then let holiness be stamped on the life. Nero was nobly born — how nurtured.? Agrippina is a foxy devil; Who wonders that her son should take to blood As a spring lamb to his milk. CORNUTUS What's up now.f' Seneca Murder sits within the counsels of kings. I fear for Brittanicus — for Octavia ; Nero is now the bloodhound on their track ; Burrus, thou knowest it. CORNUTUS Burrus ! Burrus If Agrippina live, they shall surely die ; 184 %ml of Cat0U0 If Agrippina die, and Nero lives, They perish ! Only murder will shift hands. So long as Locusta or dread Pallas Lives in Caesar's palace and can be bribed To foul deeds, no royal blood is safe. CORNUTUS Is there suspicion of Claudius' death? BURRUS 'Twas a foul exit. His own dear wife Sprinkled the poison on his boleti; And then with sorry tearful eyes did mourn To give him such a decent burial, That her own dear son might wear the purple. Therefore Nero wears the crown of a murdered king. Seneca Who shall stay this tide of evil.? CoRNUTUS Here is Burrus! Captain of the noble guard, A man of virtue and of high estate. And thou, beloved Seneca ! so long The teacher of our strong immortal youth ; If such as ye within your souls do lack The true and manly courage of conviction, Who may dare to speak or hope to be heard ? When the great and good do sit in silence And see known wrong meanly perpetrated §)aul of Cat0U0 i85 And are not moved to solemn protest, Or stirred to swift and holy action, What wonder if some day they are swept down By the very tide they would not check. Speak no word of warning to the erring. Lay no hand of justice on the throat of crime, And murder soon begins her midnight feast. And brutal power is crowned king. BURRUS How nobly dost thou speak the truth; Take my sword and act, — 'tis easier to say What should be done than 'tis to do it. [Knocks; enter Bbittanicus and Octavia] OCTAVIA We are so frightened ; Dear Seneca ! Canst thou not help ? Burrus What frightens thee.? Octavia Murder. Brittanicus Sir, I, too, am lawful heir to the throne As this good company can testify ; So they fear my regal claims and would end them. Seneca If 'twere in my power, I would shield thee. 186 ©aul of Car$u0 Pity reaches to my inmost heart ; Beyond it I dare not go. BURRUS I'll go to the verge of dread mutiny ; There must I pause, for I am Csesar's servant. lEnter Marcus] Marcus My beloved Queen ! And here's Brittanicus ! What trouble? OCTAVIA Frightened! Watched! Pursued by murder- ers ! Marcus Accept me as thy bodyguard ; I am Caesar's friend, therefore friend to Caesar's wife. Oct A VIA Most noble and brave man, the gods protect Thee ! Farewell ! Brittanicus Farewell ! BuRRUS Fare-thee-well ! \_Eajeunt Brittanicus, Octavia and Mar- cus] cornutus Brittanicus is a noble fellow, @aul of Car0U0 i87 But I do pity poor Octavia ; Her heavenly eyes are homes of sorrow. Oh, how can manhood look therein and die ; There's the mystery ! Nero must be a brute. Love alone is sadness ; love plus love is Gladness ; he loves her not. BURRUS My blood doth boil; my judgment keeps me calm. I seal my lips to save my neck ; Marcus Is more rash; his youth is yet unbridled; He courts his death. I love his courage. COENUTUS I'd rather die a courageous Marcus, With sweet mercy as a boon companion, Than live in pretense of great bravery Without a single valorous deed. \_Enter Paulina with Gallic and Pruden- tia] Seneca Dear Gallio ! Prudentia ! Gallic Dear Burrus ! Dear Comutus ! Friends, my wife! BUBRUS Most happy man ! 188 S)aul of ^atm^ CORNUTUS Most happy woman ! Prudentia Then happiness doth wed ! Seneca Be seated! Tell us of Corinth? Gallio How's Rome? CoRNUTUS Rome's still Rome, minus a Claudius, Plus a Nero. Prudentia I would see Octavia ; how nobly She must grace her queenly state. BURRUS In that state she's in, thine eye, perchance. Shall witness. Seneca How prospers Corinth? Gallic In leaps and bounds. Into her generous lap Flows the commerce of the world, and with A lavish hand she dispenses it to all mankind. Seneca And thine administration peaceful? ^ml of Car0U0 i89 Gallic 'Twas so, until a certain Paulus came, Who by strange doctrines stirred up the baser element. BURRUS How ended it? Gallic In a farce, The flogging of a certain Sosthenes ; They were no match for this little Jew. Seneca And he stood before thy judgment seat? Gallic Only till I could get him out of sight ; He made me feel adjudged. BURRUS This same Paul comes a prisoner to Rome. Be patient ; we shall see and hear him. [Enter Marcus] Marcus The infernal gods ! Murder ! Murder ! All Who? Marcus Brittanicus ! Sweet Brittanicus ! 190 ®aul of Car0U0 The flower of Rome ! Her noblest son ! Dead! Dead! Dead! Paulina O heavens ! Marcus Damn the auguries ! Let his murderers perish ! Poor Brittanicus poisoned to his grave ! Rome ! Avenge his death ! Avenge his death ! \_Silence~\ [Enters a Roman guard'\ Guard Pardon ! Burrus is wanted ! Hearest thou The noise of this procession? Paul, The prisoner, comes. SCENE II Place: Paul's hired house. Present: Burrus, Paul and Celcus. Paul I appealed to Csesar. Let Caesar hear; Let justice have its course. Burrus Where justice sleeps 'tis better 'twere not so, Then, till she wakes thou hast all clemency. Caesar hears no cases without witnesses, Though in the end Caesar pleases Caesar; Therefore, till witnesses arrive, forbear. Paul has the freedom of this ample house; His friends are welcome, always welcome; Only, thou must wear bracelets with dear Cel- cus. [Exit Burrus] Paul In life, dear Celcus, we stand united ; In death may we ne'er be divided. Celcus Thou speaketh as a follower of the Chrestus. 191 192 @aul of Car0U0 Paul Gladly would I suffer loss for my king, And there is not a single thing exempt. Art thou so good a soldier? Celcus Seest thou the dints and scars this armor bears ? Many a foe I've vanquished with it. Paul And this thy poor reward, no future prospects? Be a soldier of the Chrestus, dear Celcus, And so fight thy way to glorious kingship. Take to thee the breastplate of righteousness. Be brave! And gird thy loins with the truth; Grasp with a steady hand the spirit's sword ; Wear upon thy head salvation's helmet; Bind to thy heart the gracious shield of faith ; And come with me to win a living crown. Celcus How can I? Paul Believe in the Chrestus. Believe and thou shalt be full panoplied; Obey and thou shalt see thy coronation day. [Knocks; enters Onesimus ; Celcus re- ^aul of Cat0U0 193 Paul Onesimus ! Onesimus ! When didst Thou leave Colossae? How is beloved Phile- mon? Onesimus And dost thou know me? Paul Know thee? I saw thee last at Ephesus, In the school of Tyrannus ; there thou didst Confess the Christ. Onesimus, is it Still well with thee? Onesimus Canst thou pity a vile wretch? Then pity me! All holy commandments have I broken ; Have stolen from my master, friends, and king ; In my heart have murdered fair Junia; With my hand slew three Samnites in arena ; No foul deed under heaven have escaped; In my conscience am already damned ; Remorse hath come to dwell with me; and in My soul 'tis whispering always " Heaven ! " "Hell!" Paul Canst thou still feel mercy in thy heart For such as thyself? 194 %ml of Cat0U0 Onesimtjs I do pity them, and in my pity Could offer me a willing sacrifice. Paul Then thinkest God less gracious than thyself? God could not be God without compassion, Nor yet Christ himself without sweet mercy; Then, as to me thou nobly hast confessed. Confess to Him, and find forgiveness ; Flee to Christ for pardon ! He calleth thee. Onesimus The past ! The past ! The past ! My soul! My soul! My soul! Paul. His blood doth cleanse thee from all sin. Believest thou? Onesimus Not — for me. Paul Whoso Cometh he will in nowise cast out. Onesimus But Philemon, my master, I have wronged ; I am a fugitive. Paul Return ! Confess ! And so be pardoned. ^aul of Car0U0 195 There is never limit to sweet mercy As long as man can mercy feel ! 'Tis like The boundless sea; the broad expanse of heaven ; The gentle dew; the generous rain; The daily sunshine falling on our heads ; 'Tis a bountiful hand that dispenses To mankind ; and in that heart where penitence Finds a place, no sin can bar us from the Throne where love doth sit as king. Onesimus And so God is always merciful? I forsook Him ; He hath not forsaken me? I shall return. l^Eojit Onesimus] Paul [Soliloquz/'] Who can chain the power of this holy word, Or stem the tide of love from it flowing; It overleaps the bounds of circumstance, Of time and space, and what's dearer still to man — Old traditions and environments. And heredity far more deeply grained; In cave, cottage, or golden palaces. Or 'mid vice and gilded crimes, it lives As a white plumed bird, 'mid dust and ashes Still unsullied and untarnished. 196 ©aul of Car0U0 Mark the wonder of this world ! For 'tis known That holy saints in Cassar's household dwell. ]^Knocks; enters Marcella] Marcella Sir, I am a stranger in great distress ; Have heard of the Chrestus. Canst thou help me? PAUIi Who art thou? Marcella 'Tis Marcella ; I was born in Tarsus ; Knew Saul ; married Flavins ; came to Rome ; Suffered much, and am now a widow. Paul, How died thy husband? Marcella By the murderous hand of Caesar's slave ; But ere he was dispatched, poor fellow. He had deeply soiled the manly virtues That should adorn him in a better world. Oh, how I did love him ! Paul Wilt thou, O Woman, seek the loving Chrestus ? He alone can bear such grievous burdens And heal the heart's deep lacerations. Thou mayst seek a remedy for sorrow ^aul of Car0U0 197 In time and ever changing circumstance ; There is no balm this weary world can give But it shall leave a muchly tainted mark ; In His sufferings we find a recompense, And in His love a match for human grief. Marcella I would know and follow Him. Paul Believe ! Obey ! And thy peace and happiness Earth nor hell shall ever take away. \_Knocks; enter Pomponia and Mercia] MaRCELIvA I hope to hear thee soon again ! Farewell ! [Exit Marcella] Paul Who art thou? Pomponia I am Pomponia, Plautius' wife; And this is Mercia — a Christian, too. We have come to seek a word of counsel. Paul Concerning what? Pomponia Sir, Nero is bent on crime; has murdered Octavia; is jealous of Plautius; 198 ©aul of ^atm^ Despises his wife; seeks the life of his son; And is in league with the vilest of Rome. If Nero lives, then Rome must perish; Were it not better that one brute should die Than that many noble Christians suifer? It seems a mercy that he be dispatched By the gracious hands of exalted worth, That all fair justice should be meted out And put an end to this outrageous slaughter. Paul Pomponia, a Christian? And Mercia? Then hear ye what the dear Chrestus says: " Love your enemies " ; and so I trust ye do. " Blessed are ye when persecuted For righteousness sake " ; suffer it to be so. " Think no evil " ; " Thou shalt not kill " ; " Vengeance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord." Take this parchment home and read it ; And when thou hast pondered well its contents, And sought in prayer the Master's will, then come And I shall hear thee further of this matter. \^Exeunt Pomponia and Mercia] Paul [SoliIoqui/'\ How oft this world doth wear a smooth confes- sion ^aul of Cat0U0 199 And make pretense to saintly piety, When at heart it is still as black as hell ; And keep company with white robed devils, As though they were sweet angels of the light. Oh, that man should be so self-deceived, And mock the very God who made him! 'Twill not be long, till the judgment day. When each man's soul shall be unmasked; O God, be merciful! l^Enter Marcus] Marcus I'm Caesar's friend ; to Paul no enemy. Was Mercia here to-day? Sweet Mercia ! She believes in thy Chrestus. Paul Fair Mercia, whom Christ hath taught to love ; She w^as accompanied by Pomponia. She's just away; pray do her no harm. Marcus What! Seneca's son harm sweet Mercia? He would die for her a thousand times. Farewell! The gods prosper thee. [Exeunfl SCENE III Place: Imperial Palace, Paul's ^rst trial. Present: Nero, PopPiEA, Tegellinus, Vitel- liius, Seneca, Marcus, consuls, etc. Nero What's the time? VlTELLIUS 'Tis high time. Nero Fetch the prisoner ! Call the witnesses ! Sir, waste no more time in tell-tale gossip ; Tegellinus and Seneca shall prosecute — Let's to business. [Enter Paul and Celcus] Nero Where's the prisoner? Celcus Here! Seneca He comes ! Nero The witnesses ! Summon the witnesses ! 200 %>ml of Car0u0 201 Dost thou not hear when Caesar speaks? \_Enter Ishmael Ben Phabi, Julius, tmt- nesses~\ Nero Who comes there? PoPPiEA 'Tis Ishmael Ben Phabi, our priest. Nero Who? POPP^A A priest. Tegellinus The prisoner and witnesses are here; At Caesar's sweet will we shall proceed. Nero Proceed ! Tegellinus Seneca will read the indictment. Seneca Whereas, a certain Paulus, called Apostle, The ringleader of the Christian sect, Is apprehended and imprisoned. And shall appear before great Caesar For most flagrant and specific crimes ; — And whereas he has so many times, 202 %ml of Car0U0 In many places, and in many ways, Broken laws, social, civic and divine, By maliciously disturbing worship. By desecrating the holy temple, By raising sedition among the people, — Resolved: That we do earnestly pray Our beloved Emperor to inflict On him the full penalty of the law. [Signed] Theophilus, High Priest, Eleazar, Sec. of Sanhedrim. Nero Treason ! Tegellinus We shall hear the witnesses. Will Rabbi Ben Phabi testify.? Rabbi Ben Phabi My beloved Emperor, senators, Romans, and fellow countrymen, Happy am I to stand here for the truth. How could I have come so great a distance. Or gathered witnesses from many lands. Were it not for great Caesar's safety. And sweet mercy's sake.? This man's known of old. I have watched his wretched turn-coat ways; A wild fanatic, a vile profaner; I do swear and by a thousand witnesses Can prove him guilty; that this indictment %ml of Cat0u0 203 True to the last letter of last syllable ; With mine eyes have seen him pervert the truth, Disturb worship, and defile our temples ; And above all. Sir, I have seen him turn The hearts of the people against Csesar. Death is far too sweet for such a man. And hell holds not an ample recompense. Sir, if this vile doctrine is not stopped. How can Csesar hope to live and flourish? 'Twill hatch more enemies in one brief year Than good citizens can be born in five. Tegellinus Can all his witnesses swear to this, — To every word and pause? If so, Lift up your hands, and cry : " Let great Cae- sar live ! " VlTELLIUS There's Julius, a Jew, and Roman citizen; He did have the prisoner long in charge. Let us hear from him. Tegellinus What testimony, then, hath Julius? Step forth and speak ! Julius Sir, in Caesarea was he given Into my custody ; for nine long months Was under my most strict surveyance; 204 ^ml of Car0U0 I watched him as a hungry hawk, Lest mutiny should be stirred among The members of my crew. Day and night, On land and sea, in calm and storm, I swear I heard not from his lips a cruel word. Nor yet saw his hands do an unkind deed. Seneca Did he speak against the Jews.^^ Julius Once I heard him say his heart's desire Was that Israel might be saved; and then He was speaking to a Jew. Seneca Did he not say aught against great Caesar .^^ Julius To my knowledge, not a single word ; And never did he kick against the law. He was, forsooth, a model prisoner. And did so venerate jurisprudence As to make you feel he's patriotic born. Nero Somebody lies. Tegellinus Will Julius step aside .^^ Doth the prisoner wish to make defence? No witnesses are here discountenanced ; Saul of Cat0U0 205 Caesar gives every man a chance to speak. Paul Most noble Caesar! Honorable judges! Friends, Romans and fellow countrymen ! I am happy to answer for myself, Touching the crimes whereof I am accused. If found guilty, I ask no clemency; If innocent, I need not plead for mercy. Since honest men have respect to law, And justice is the honored creed of courts. Truth and falsehood must first be sifted out ; When they are known, the law doth fix the rest. Guilt is hidden within the heart of man ; Punishment rests with the powers that be ; And to fit the penalty to the crime Is the express business of the courts. To help them ascertain what the truth is. Is the bounden duty of all good men. Now, Sir, look at these my accusations. Which are ascribed to malice and aforethought ; First, of disturbing public worship And desecrating holy temples ; — How could I be guilty of such sacrilege When I myself, as you know, am a Jew ; A Pharisee of the Pharisees? When I myself do worship the same God, Do reverence our father Abraham, And believe in the same resurrection? 206 giaul of Car0U0 Then if I'm guilty, they, too, stand condemned. And for each and all there's one punishment. And they declare me Caesar's enemy ; Let Caesar himself be my honest judge. How can I be guilty of such treason When to Csesar I appeal for justice? Is such a course the promptings of guilt? When in the history of this world Did lawlessness plead for righteous judges, Or the seditions go in quest of kings? Wrongdoers are wont to be dragged before Tribunals, where they do pray for mercy ; The righteous seek the audience of kings, Where they shall find sweet justice; and so I have appealed to Caesar. Will Caesar Be my judge? Nero And he pleads not guilty. 'Tis enough! Prepare your ballots ! Write your decision ! Marcus Beloved Csesar, by thy generous leave I would speak a word ere this vote is taken ; I am deeply moved by this testimony; When fair truth is put to trial, justice Dare not sleep, nor strong conviction slumber. Men, arise! Search thy bosom for thy con- science ! The spirits of the dead are here to-day ; §)aul of Car0U0 207 The unseen world is sadly looking on, Pleading for justice. Let it not plead in vain; An unerring hand points to the guilty; 'Tis not invisible ! Look on these faces ! And mark you well the tell-tale countenance ! The motives that prompted this perjury Have forsaken them, and they stand shame- faced. Pronouncing just sentence on themselves. Look, my friends, and see where the crime doth sit; Innocency wears its own sweet and calm aspect ; Guilt can find no screen to hide its monstrous deeds. Hear me! This prisoner is innocent; And Cassar, for great Caesar's sake, dare not pronounce him guilty. Nero Hem ! Papers ! Let him go. Fetch my fid- dle! Tegelunus I pronounce the prisoner innocent. Marcus And the honor of Rome is safe ! ^Exeunt^ SCENE IV Place: House of Pomponia. Present: Pomponia and Mercia. Pomponia 'Twere time they had arrived, dear Mercia ! I'm going back to the Triclinium ; Soon I shall return. Receive, till I come. Mercia I pray thee tarry not. [Exit Pomponia] Mercia [Soliloquy~\ How strange a world is this in which we live ; Awhile we breathe and love and fear; then die. When life is incomplete we fold our tents And leave the things we long had learned to love ; And yet we shall not cease to live and love; Beyond the gateway of the e'er hastening now, Our hearts have glimpsed a happy world. 'Twill come! 'Twill come! [Enochs; enter Marcus] 208 ^aul of Cat0U0 209 Marcus Sweet Mercia, thou dost look distressed. Art thou alone? Fear thou not, my angel! Marcus is thy shield, and Marcus loves thee. Who, forsooth, could penetrate this armor .f* My heart is thine ; promise to be my wife ; Then I'll follow thee to heaven or h — Mercia O Marcus, thou dost take my breath. Marcus Give me thy sweet hand, that I may touch it With my lips ere we die ; and tell me how That if we live, I may hope. Mercia Hope! \_Enter Pomponia] POMPONIA 'Tis Marcus. What news hast thou from Cae- sar? Marcus At present Cassar is at Antium ; What crime comes next 'tis hard for man to guess. [Enter Pudens, Prudentia and Hermas] PUDENS Pardon! We've a message for our noble lady. 210 @aul ot Cat0U0 Prudentia And we wish her peace and safety. POMPONIA I trust thou dost not evil tidings bring. [Enter Luke, Mark, Aquila and Pris- cilla] PoMPONIA Welcome ! I trust you bear good tidings. Be seated. [Enter Celcus and Demas] PoMPONIA Still they come, and welcome. Now we shall hear Pudens. PUDENS There was a most frightful tale whispered In Caesar's golden palace t'other day ; They were discoursing on strange diversions, — Some new thing to tickle Caesar's fancy. Then Tegellinus hoarsely whispered They would devise a conflagration, — Make a bonfire of Rome to amuse Caesar. Luke What said Caesar.^ Pudens Caesar laughed, and seemed much pleased; ^aul of Car0U0 211 Then said he'll go to Antium for a change, Hermas and Prudentia can verify. Hermas I was deputed for this awful crime This very night ; so thou dost find me here. I shall suffer when I'm apprehended. POMPONIA I fear he who could freely sacrifice Four hundred noble slaves on mere suspicion To avenge the death of old Secundus, Would have no mercy on thy skin. Prudentia And Poppaea whispered to a maid, Rome would be well lighted while they were away. Somehow she's learned to hate these Christians ; It has come to pass since Paul's acquittal. Now she's turning Caesar's heart against them; They seek a cause for incrimination. Celcus There is some fearful doom impending; What, I know not. Patience shall install it ; Cruelty shall see it well carried out. Luke Be ever steadfast, my Christian friends; 212 §)aul of Car0U0 Beyond these darkened clouds there shineth glory. Who would not sorrow, to behold its gleaming? Paul hath endured and in bonds still endureth. He's now imprisoned at Necapolis. Ah, how he glories in his sufferings ; It must be so, the Christ is nearer them. Aquila Deny him not, whate'er befalleth thee; 'Tis far better to die for the Chrestus Than to live without him for a single day. In such a death there's lasting gain. PmsciLLA When Paul comes, we shall be nobly counseled. Mark He shall surely come again ! Mark my words ! Mercia I fear we are being watched this night. Who knoweth what shall be to-morrow.? Demas Hush! Hearest thou this tumultuous noise? Bells ! Yells ! The tramp of feet ! 'Tis bed- lam! They rush as though some tempest doth pursue. Hermas They are after us ; the time is at hand. ^ml of Cat0U0 213 Whither shall we flee? Luke Fear not ! POMPONIA Will Marcus ascertain the cause ? Make haste ! Dear Plautius is at Pretonius. I fear he is endangered. See if we Dare venture out? Marcus A moment ! Let no man's heart fail him now. \_Ea:it Marcus] Mercia I hope he'll not tarry. AauiLA Bravado ! [Enter Marcus] Marcus Hell's broke loose ! All Rome's afire ! The forum, temples and palaces ! Caesar and Tegellinus, incendiaries ! Bravo ! There's work to be done ! Follow me ! [Exeunt^ SCENE V Place: Catacombs. Present: Luke, Aquila, Priscili^a, Marcus, Mercia, Pomponia, Pudens, Celcus and other Christians. Luke Be strong! God sits enthroned above the world. And rules it by His sovereign will. What He's ordained shall come to pass, Nor aught is done without permission. What, then, if pain or sorrow come, Or, peradventure, persecution ; If sent of heaven, 'twere a blessed thing, — Beneath its rough and thorny outwardness. It wears a rich and jeweled happiness; If the doings of malicious men, Still indulge a sweet and gentle patience ; It could only be by His appointment. And hence o'erruled for thy lasting good. Trust in God, and so in some far off event Thou shalt find peace, and know thy heart's content. PuDENS 'Tis noised abroad at Caesar's palace 214 ^aul of Car0U0 215 That when Csesar felt himself suspected Of this incendiary act, and that 'Twas done to gratify a selfish whim, His conscience did so trouble him, he sent For Tegellinus, and to clear his skirts They two did fix the blame to the Christians. Marcus And so they have formulated charges. Dear Csesar has become so mean of late, All consuls and senators stand for naught; To him all honest men are nuisances. Now Csesar is great Caesar's only law; And with a coterie of perjured baseness He works his sovereign will. Celcus Orders have been given that all Christians Must be put to death. 'Tis Caesar's mandate, And to Rome Caesar's nod is law divine. Poppsea, too, most ardently urges it ; Tegellinus is to see it carried out. Who's to be the first. Heaven only knows. Mercia Who is this Tegellinus that Caesar Counts so great .f' Marcus Tegellinus ! Oh, this man to wonder at. Where all the vices shine incarnate. 216 §)aul of Car0U0 This bloated idol of a motley crowd, Can eat more beef than any man in Rome ; Can drink more wine and keep an even pace ; Can be most clever with a smooty tongue. He stands five feet ten in his sockless feet; Measures sixty inches round the waist ; And feels it every inch, so great is he. Who has not seen his like with grave disgust, — A fatted hog that glories in his flesh. POMPONIA I would that Caesar knew what mercy meant. Perchance some day he shall badly need it. Marcus There is no rhyme nor reason in the acts Of tyrants. They walk in velvet slippers Through the stillness of the night, or they tramp With heavy iron shoes in the light of day. Just as fear or cruelty masters them. Celcus Cassar has fed so long on human flesh. His thirst for blood is now insatiable. Mercia Then Marcus must die? And Mercia die.? Luke Let no one suffer till the time comes ; %ml of Car0U0 217 And when it comes, let no man flinch. Priscilla Death is but the gateway into life, And God holds the key. Mercia And life is but the gateway unto death ; Without a key, I do pity Caesar. Luke Whate'er be thy circumstance, remember, God rules the world, all else is dependent. Forget not, then, the logic of this truth. And as thou lookest on the changing shadows That flit across thy sky, be thou steadfast. The sun is changing not, nor yet thy Lord: What God commands is good, is very good ; What he permits cannot be wholly bad. There must be fire to consume the dross That pure gold may be the brighter for it. Celcus There is a crown more precious than Caesar's. Who knows but to-morrow ye shall wear it. Marcus I would die for such a crown. Mercia I would live for such a crown. 218 @)aul of Car0U0 Luke Go forth, my child, into this weary world ; Speak some word of kindness to the passer by ; Seek out the sick and solitary soul In garret, dungeon or 'mid the seething mass, Where face to face thou mayst speak the truth And suit each word unto the shining mark. This wide world is not saved by multitudes, As some great orator with silvered tongue Swa3^s a vast assembly; 'tis better done By following the example of thy King; Suit thyself to each time and circumstance; Speak perchance to many, more oft to one, As opportunity doth forestall thee. And thou shalt wear at last a golden crown. POMPONIA Let us praise Him. [They sing the Twenty-third Psalni\ PUDENS Hush ! They come ! Perchance they heard us singing. Celcus Then we are our own betrayers. PUDENS They come ! Soldiers with torches ! They do run! %ml of Carpus; 219 Mabcus Disperse ! Out with your lights ! Flee for your life! \^Exeunt~\ SCENE VI Place: Basilica; last trial. Present: Tegellinus, Vitellius, Alexander, Paul, Pallas, soldiers^ citizens, witnesses, etc. Tegellinus Come. Sweet Csesar is in Antium, So I am deputed for this trial. 'Tis the province of the jury to hear; It belongs to me to pronounce sentence ; Let us not try this assembly's patience. But bring this matter to a speedy end. Make an example of this pesty fellow For those who shortly follow after. VlTELLIUS The witnesses are now in readiness. When will our noble prefect hear them? Tegellinus Now ! State the crimes ! Then let us have the proofs. VlTELLIUS Sirs, be it known this man is guilty First, of propagating a new doctrine In great Caesar's vast dominions. 220 ©aul o( Car0U0 221 He would stuff you with a strange religion When ye all do know there's no god but Caesar, And secondly, he is found more guilty By instigating his rash followers To disorder and incendiary acts. See ! One half of Rome is now in ashes ! Sir, would Caesar not whet his appetite To take sweet vengeance on such criminals? Can those who are committed with his trust Do less than carry out his holy will? Tegellinus However much passion may burn within. We must not overleap the bounds of justice To wreck our vengeance on one guilty soul. Lest we ourselves by more unlawful deeds Should prove at best but finer criminals. And by such a course we pave the way For other men to do us violence. Law is the mighty bulwark of our kings ; 'Tis a strong defense for common people ; Let us respect it ! Let us uphold it ! This earth would be a hell without it. We shall need it some day for our safety ; Therefore, we take no steps without clear proof. Who, then, is here to humbly testify And swear his testimony wholly true? VlTELLIUS Here are Alexander and dear Pallas ; 222 Siaul of Car0us! These two do meet all requisites of law ; In their mouths it shall be well established. Tegellinus We shall hear them ! Men, give audience ? Alexander Most noble prefect, I do swear by great Csesar, as one who oft has heard him speak, That he doth worship a strange God ; Doth turn the hearts of this people; He worships not the god of Rome; Pays no homage to dear Caesar. Away with him ! Away with him ! This vile and monstrous heretic ! Tegellinus That will do ! An enemy to Rome ; to Csesar An infidel; traitor and heretic. My countrymen, what a solemn charge ; See you now what Caesar fears? VlTELUUS Let us hear Pallas? Tegellinus Pallas ! Palias I do swear there's not a mandate With malicious intent uttered But his dear followers would do. Saul of Car0U0 223 Or die outright in the attempt. With mine own eyes have I beheld These Christians with a timorous look From many burning households flee. What greater proof, Sir, could be had Of base incriminating guilt? Tegellinus 'Tis true. There is no question as to guilt, And righteous law doth fix the penalty. Ah, that Csesar were here to pronounce it ; With such a relish can he smack it out ! Let the prisoner make his will with haste; Bequeath his heritage to great Csesar As a compensation for his wrongs. For so by right the holy Roman law Shall confiscate all criminal estates. But while he lives he still is given chance By his own generous will and consent To cast his treasures in the coffers of His king. What saith the prisoner.? Paul, I bequeath my fortune to my God and king. He alone can keep what I've committed, — My life, my love, my all. Tegeli^inus Art thou uisid? Art thou still beside thyself .^^ Sir, stand up and receive now thy sentence. 224 S^aul of Car0U0 Inasmuch as thou art proven guilty, This day thou shalt die without the gate. First Voice Defense ! The law doth grant it. Second Voice Justice ! The state demands it. Third Voice Defense! Justice! Let the prisoner speak! Tegellinus No time, my friends, for vociferations. Why wouldst thou block the course of justice now? The time is set, and there's no changing it. Yet I know thou dost concur in the law And all just penalties it doth inflict, So since it seems thy most gracious wish To hear the prisoner, I give him leave To plead his cause, a moment's time. Paul We all do stand before one God Who sits enthroned above the world And looks into the hearts of men. He it is pronounces judgment And there's none who can escape Him. Before Him ye shall stand or fall, — The God who made earth and heaven, @aul of Car0U0 225 Who died for you and rose again And is now on high exalted, Whom ye afresh do crucify, Whom alone the Christians worship. Let me be charged with burning Rome, And search all hell to find a proof ; Tegellinus knows who did it, — Your Csesar is not ignorant. Tegellinus Hush this perjurer! Believe him not! How dare he speak against his king.'' Voice Away with this fanatic ! Crucify ! Voices We would hear the prisoner. Tegellinus Friends, Romans and fellow citizens, After most sober consideration We do adjudge the prisoner guilty. Which guilt, as you all well know, involves The taking of life ; and there's no retrieve. Beware! In this we do all Christians warn; For him the day of vengeance is at hand. Let the soldiers bear him without the gate. And there, in strict accordance with the law, Be firm and swift in dispatching him. Stain not this city with his cursed blood. 226 Saul of Car0U0 Many Voices Let the prisoner speak ! Other Voices We would hear him again ! Voices A word! Paul Be patient, my friends, and obey the law ; My prayers I bequeath to Tegellinus; My pardon to these perjured witnesses; My peace and hope to you, my brethren; My love and goodwill to my fellowmen ; And so, farewell! The God of peace be with you; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown. Tegellinus A crown, did he say? Away with the rogue! Would he now rob Caesar of his throne? A crown I Away with him ! Away with him ! Seize his followers that Caesar may have New lights for his garden ! The night is Coming on! Away! Away! Away!!! \_Ea:eunt'] A Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process, Treatment Date: Sept. 2009 PreservationTechnologles A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECHONS PRESERVATION 111 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 779-2111 f ^■^ifl'^'" ''' '-^^^^^^1 ^ 1