(lass 1>SS6"57 Rnnlc tfOPY Li. ?S 3 T3 J Copyright. 1908, BY HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY Published October, 1908 THE QUINN & BODEN CO. PRESS RAIIWAY, N. J. TO E. W. S. HERO AND LEANDER DRAMATIS PERSONS Peithonomos, Leander s father Kalliphae, Leanders mother Leander Gyrinno, Leander s sister Naukleros, Leander s friend Kritoboulos, an old man, friend of Peithonomos Klyton, lover of Chrysa Strephon, lover of Gyrinno Young men and girls; servants, etc. Hierophon, Hero's uncle, priest of the temple of Venus Urania in Sestos Hero 'Philanthe, a maid of the temple, attending Hero Chrysa, a maid of the temple A madman Two guards of the temple Two maids of the temple, attending Hero Captain of the guards People of Sestos; guards; maids of the temple The action takes place in Sestos and Abydos, sit- uated on opposite shores of the Hellespont ACT I HERO AND LEANDER A Act I BYDOS. The home of Pcithonomos and Kalliphae, Launder* *s parents. The time is the middle of the afternoon. On the right is seen the orchard-front of Peithonomos house, built of weather* stained wood in simple Greek style, with the low Greek gable. A door in the cen- tre leuds out on the Doric porch. On the left and back arc apple-trees in full blos- som. In the distance } glimpses of the blue Mgean. 7 8 Hero and Leander It is the season of Blossom Festivals. Kalliphae and some maids are decorating the columns and door with boughs of ap- ple blossoms. There are also present, conversing quietly, watching the work of decoration, Peithonomos and Kritoboulos, an old man. During the first part of this act young girls dressed in white, with wreaths of apple blossoms on their heads, are now and then seen running through the orchard, pursued by young men, slightly disguised as Satyrs. A noise of merriment, shouts of laughter, singing, and all the sounds of irrepressible youth pervade the atmosphere, forming a gay background of stir, confusion, and noise for the events on the stage. Kalliphae (pausing, surveying the work of decoration) . Peithonomos, look at our work, and you, Kritoboulos. Is there no droop of sorrow, 1 1 I. R O AND L B AND I R 9 No shadow on the Hush of gaiety? No ghost of buried sadness, hollow-eyed, Staring from flowery lids? — This is Gyrinno's First Blossom Festival. I would not have Her think that less of love goes into this Than went into that other festival, Three years since, when Leander was alive, And brought his Hero to us. Peithonomos. The familiar Staid virtue of our home has taken on The quality of Spring to raise a bower For youth and love to meet. Gyrinno will Be glad to bring her friends to us. Where is she, Kalliphae? Kalliphae (smiling). She's hiding in the orchard, Playing at make believe that she would fain Elude her Strephon's ardor. io Hero and Leander Peithonomos (laughing). Ha, Ha, Ha! Kritoboulos (as if quoting). The heart of a maid and the feet of a drunken man have ways past finding out. [Forms flitting through the or- chard, shrieks of merriment, pursuit, and capture. Peithonomos. I do not hear the song. The boys have failed To catch the girls. Kalliphae. I cannot take the spirit Of merriment. Three years ago to-day Leander sang the Blossom Song with Hero In this same place. (Pause.) And then he sailed away, He and his friends, to the far Southland, never To come again. Hero and Li an die i i Pbithonomos. Let us put by the past At least to-day, for our Gyrinno's sake! She has the present claim. [Again forms are seen flitting through tin- trees, girls trying to escape, with young men pur- suing them. They disappear. Shouts of boisterous mirth and triumph. Kritoboulos. They celebrate A different festival across the strait To-day, in Sestos. Hero takes the vows As priestess of Venus Urania. The priest, her uncle, has prevailed at last. Kalliphae. Ye Gods of Love ! Hero, who was to be Leaiulcr's wife, the mother of his children, Doomed to the barren service of that Goddess Of flcshless love. 12 Hero and Leander Peithonomos. Venus Urania is Goddess of Love spiritual! We may Not worship her, yet must respect the faith That comforts others — Kalliphae. Though that faith assails The love we celebrate ! [More pursuit among the trees, ending in a long continued shout. Kritoboulos. Listen! More captives! How full Life speaks in them! Kalliphae. Ah ! But to think That Hero's love should be held up to her A loathsome thing. [Weeps. Peithonomos (comforting her). Three years work many changes In youth. Perhaps she has forgotten him. Hero and Lean her 13 Kalliphai . Forgotten him ! You do not know how women Like Hero love! (with a rapt expression). She has withdrawn from all The uses of life because Leander held All of them for her. She has set his image Among the unchanging stars, a deathless pres- ence Upon her way. Out of the silences Of prayer his spirit speaks to her, and hers Mounts, an unwavering spire of flame, to be With him. [Sounds of a song, sung by young men and girls, are heard faintly in the distance. Kalliphae pauses, listening. Peithonomos. The girls have all been captured. They are Singing the Blossom Song together. Kalliphae. The sounds 'Arc coming nearer. I can almost hear 14 Hero and Leander The old familiar words of maidenhood, And love, and motherhood. [Silence; brief pause of listening. Then the song is resumed much nearer, but not near enough for the words to be recognisable. Kalliphae speaking with rapt expression, as if repeating the words sung. Apple Blossoms on the bough Light and Life possess you now — [The song ceases. Kalliphae (excitedly) . They are coming; listen! How near it sounds. (Listening; disappointed.) Why do they stop? What does This sudden silence mean? They must be near The orchard. I will steal upon them there. [Goes back with eager gestures, looking back and left, leaving Hero and Leander 15 Pi ii iionomos and Kritobou- los in the centre. Peithonomos (looking after her with affectionate humour). Ah! who will sound a woman's heart! Her heart, A while ago, was stricken at the thought Of merrymaking; now she acts the maiden At her first Blossom Festival! Kritoboulos (as if quoting). A youth loves a maid, A man, the mother of his children; But a woman loves Love. r During this speech some girls and boys, not noticed by the speak- ers, June crept up from the left. Suddenly a girl puts her hand over Pi iriiONOMOs' eyes from behind, another does likewise to Kritoboulos, calling. 16 Hero and Leander The Two Girls. Guess ! Guess ! [At the same time Kalliphae is led in from back, captured by Gyrinno and Strephon in the same manner. The young men and girls come in from all sides, laughing and shouting. Boys and Girls. We did surprise you. We did capture you ! Kalliphae {in an insinuating manner). What shall the ransom be, Gyrinno? [Gyrinno lets go of her; they kiss; Peithonomos and Kritobou- los are also released. Kalli- phae and the young people oc- cupy the centre, left and back; Peithonomos and Kritobou- LOS somewhat to the right. Hero and Leander 17 Pbithonomos. Let Us see your prizes ere wt have the least With songs and dancing. [Young people range themselves In a semicircle on the left, facing Kalliphae. Peithonomos and Kritoboulos a little less central at the right of Kalli- PHAE. When they have taken their plates, it is noticeable that, while every young man has his girl, Klyton is without a com- panion, standing at the left end of the semicircle, somewhat sep- arated; moody, self-absorbed. Kalliphae. Klyton, you alone Have no companion? [Klyton looks embarrassed. Laughter among the young people. 18 Hero and Leander Klyton (slightly sentimentally). Do not think of me Where every one is happy! Girl (good-naturedly) . Klyton cannot be happy with ordinary girls. Young Man (aping Klyton's sentimental bearing). He is for the higher life. {Good-natured laughter. Strep hon (Likewise, he and the speaker following him lay ironic stress on the word "moon"). He has married a mermaid. She lives east of the sun and west of the moon; and their children are Will-o'-the-wisp, Gold-of-the-Rain- bow, and Fire-of-the-moon ! Hero and Leander 19 First Young Man. And his father-in-law is an old frog that turns up his eyes at the moon — Strephon {with a gesture of mock spirituality). And says: " Purify me, Brekekekex, purify me." [Accenting and intoning " Purify me " in the same manner as " Brekekekex/ 1 Laughter among the young people. First Young Man (chaffing him). Klyton, why don't you ask the priest to give your Chrysa a leave of absence for the Blossom Festival? [Laughter, Klyton (sulkily). Maybe I shan't need his consent ! Young Man. Going to carry her off? Good for you I We'll help you! That priest! 20 Hero and Leander Peithonomos (seriously, with friendly disapproval). A bitter tune, And one ill chiming with the Blossom Song! Kalliphae (to the young people, as if to change the subject). Sing me the last verse of the Blossom Song. Young People. Yes, we will. [They sing. After the first two lines of the song some one comes in a great hurry. He takes Peithonomos aside, speaking in his ear. Peitho- nomos starts; his gestures are those of emphatic doubt. The messenger replies with excited gestures, which express some doubt; Peithonomos and mes- senger exeunt left back in great Hero and Leander i\ haste* KALLIPHAE notices his departure t but U absorbed in the song. Apple Blossoms on the ground, That fruition may abound — Gathers now the wedded earth In a fierce creative strife, In relentless urge of birth, All the energies of life. Maiden, art intent to hear, As the world around thee swells With the pledges of the year, Biddings of thy wedding bells? — Apple Blossoms on the ground, Life's fulfilment shall abound. Kalliphae (absorbed, repeating to herself). Life's fulfilment shall abound. f Two persons come running from the back, whispering to the young people. There is a stir 22 Hero and Leander of excitement and whispered communication among them. Suddenly they all, as with one impulse, rush off left hack, following Peithonomos. Kalliphae and Kritoboulos are left alone. Kalliphae (in alarm, to KritoboulosJ. What does this mean? [There is heard a confused distant tumult of voices, rapidly be- coming more distinct. Sounds like: "Home," "Back"". . . ander . . . ander," detach themselves. Kalliphae, speechless with conflicting emo- tions, gradually turns toward the background. She begins to sway. She is on the point of falling forward when there Hero and Leandkk 23 comes rushing in LEANDER, catching her in his arms. He is trim, tense, and lithe, like a runner, deeply tanned, dressed in a short sleeveless tunic — the Doric chiton, — sandals; no sword, nor helmet. Leander (embracing her). Mother, mother! Kalliphae. Leander! My son! My son! My Leander! Leander. They tried to stay me, sending messengers To sicken you with dilute draughts of joy! [Embraces her again. Kalliphae. My son ! My lost son ! Leander. Lost? Why do you say: Lost? 24 Hero and Leander Kalliphae. We thought you dead ! Leander. Dead? Men that have Love And Hope as watchers o'er them do not die Easily. Kalliphae. Those that go abroad are ever Less anxious than they that remain. Leander and Kalliphae (embracing; simultaneously, with renewed tenderness). Mother ! My son! [Many persons come running from the direction of the sea, the girls and young men surround- ing Leander' s companions, among whom Naukleros, who is about five years older Hero and LlANDBR 25 than I.i :.\\di R, is the most con- spicuous. They shout: " Lean- dcr has come home again. They are safe; they are heroes! Hall! Hail!" Peithonomos (bringing up the rear; panting; shouting). Kalliphae, our son, our son ! [Father and son embrace. Naukleros (going to the mother). All has gone well and prosperously. Good fortune Was with us at the last; though I should not Be here to tell you this, but for your son Who saved my life. Leander (simply, to KalliphafJ. A common chance of battle — Kalliphae (to Naukleros,). That proved I.eander's boon no less than yours! 26 Hero and Leander Young People. Hail! Hail! Leander! Tell us the story of your adventures. Story! Story! Peithonomos (almost beside himself with joy). [During his speech, Leander no- tices old Kritoboulos. He goes up to him; they greet each other affectionately. Ah ! We'll have such a festival as never Was seen before. You are Leander's guests, All, all of you. (Calling to attendants:) Set tables amid the trees. Go, bid the steward bring the choicest wines; Plunder our stores of all the best they hold. Don't lag. This Blossom Festival shall go Down into legend! [Joyous commotion among the as- sembled people. Servants bring tables, bustling about. Hero and Leander 27 Leandbr (as if looking for some one whom he mioses). Blossom Festival ! Three years ago to-day . . . (abruptly) Where's Hero? [Embarrassed silence. Leander, With sharp anxiety. Tell me, Where's Hero? [Embarrassed silence. Kallipiiae (with obvious effort). Leander . . . Leander (in terror). She is not . . . ? Kallipiiae. Not dead. No, she is Leander. Where is she? I must go to her! 28 Hero and Leander Kalliphae. You cannot see her. Leander. Not I ? She is not married ? Kalliphae. If 'twere but that! [Leander in speechless consternation. Peithonomos. My son, you know the priest In Sestos is her uncle. When our love For you buried its stricken hopes, — not sooner, For he is a just man, the priest ! — Leander. But Hero ! . . . Tell me of her ! Peithonomos. He won her to his faith. Leander. Won her? . . . Hero and Leander 29 Peithonomos. She is to hold the office, held By generations of her ancestors, Of priestess in the temple. Leander. When? But when? Kalliphae. This afternoon she will be consecrated In Sestos. Leander (in consternation). Hero! (Pause.) Are Love's records graven In the heart, less stable than a casual track Upon a sandy shore? Was the brave show Of our united youth no more enduring Than the frail concord of the waving grain Before the sudden harvest steel? Our love, The crowning flower, the sum of all the treas- ures Of our expanding being, no more secure 30 Hero and Leander Than any careless posy snatched to a brow Hot with audacious frolic, to be tossed Aside in altered mood ? Kalliphae. My son, there was No change in Hero's heart. But new demands Beset her as a pauseless, rising current A swimmer. The storm-tides of far-famed deeds Wear the dread blazon of implacable Change no more surely than the unheralded Thin trickle of monotonous routine And silent longing. Leander (pause) . And I, all these years, Was wrapt in the base din of strife and gain ! . . . What heart so dull, it should not heed the prayers She sent across the tempests and the crash Of battle ! Gods ! What heart in all the world Hero and Leandu 31 But mine! Too late I see her, Standing there Upon the shore, conning with weary eyes i hat endless moving page lined without break With ridge on desolate ridge that held no message For her. Kallipiiak. You cannot know, as I who daily Saw her returning from her silent watch, What agonies of doubt, what hopes renewed, And bravely fostered — Leander. Faith gleaning a desert To feed Hope wasting at her famished breast ! — Kallipiiak. What sharp assaults of terror, what quick starts And ravishments of longing; what resigned, Patient resolves, what faintings of the spirit, — Leander. What ceaseless hosts of dread and madness must I lave ground their multifarious tracks into 32 Hero and Leander Her strong heart, ere the last stir of desire Was stifled — Ah ! I see it all, all, all, Beloved ! Was your love so true you had To send your living spirit to that pale world Where only phantoms walk their aimless ways Amid the empty vastnesses, because You sought my shadow there ? Kalliphae. 'Twas then the priest Stole through the unguarded gateway of her heart, Bringing the changeling of his faith to oust Your presence. Leander. Has that spider, lurking Amid the empty shells of life he scatters About his lair, spread his fine web for her, To fatten on her sweet spirit? ... I must go To her . . . Hero, delay, delay I . . . His craft Cannot withstand our love ! Hero and Leander 33 Pi 11 HONOMOS. 'Tis useless. Make four peace with the unalterable. Kalliphae (going up to him, kissing him). Go, My son ! and may the Gods be with you ! Leander. Will You come with me, Naukleros? We will take The ship's long boat. (Calling to the young men:) I need six oarsmen. Who Will volunteer? [All the young men press about him, shouting: "I, I, I. Let us all go.' >> Klyton (embarrassed, eager, standing alone, calling). Leander, let me go with you I 34 Hero and Leander Strep hon (calling) . You, too, Dreamer of dreams? Klyton (approaching Leander with flushed determina- tion; too emphatic). I also have some dealings With the priest. Leander. Come then ! Peithonomos. Stay! I see Disorder Stalking among you young men, whispering Her fearful counsel! Keep the peace! The priest Is a great man. All plots of violence Against him I shall do my uttermost To frustrate. Violence turns on its master A front more deadly than upon the foe It served him to destroy ! H b r o a n i) Lbander 35 Ll \M>I K. Father, 1 [cro is mine. I go to claim her from the- priest. [Exit Leander, followed by yOUHg men. The girls call to the young men. Some Girls (calling). Make haste, make haste! We will wait for you. And Bring Hero back with you ! All the Girls. Bring Hero back with you ! One Young Man (to the girls). We will be back by sunset. Who knows? Wc may have a Blossom Festival and a wedding all in one. I [ail, Hero and Leander! 36 Hero and Leander The Remaining Young Men and Girls. Hero and Leander! [Young men exeunt. Peithonomos (calling back Naukleros,). Naukleros ! . . . You are older than the others. See to it, I charge you, that none break the peace. Crime breeds Worse crime, his progeny being stripped of all Their parent's counterfeit of graces. Naukleros. I Shall do what man can do. Besides, no arms Enter the temple grounds. [Exit after the others, Kritobou- LOS accompanying him, gestic- ulating to him. Hero and Leander jy Peithonomos (troubled). I fear disaster. Kalliphae. My son ! The Gods be with you ! Curtain ACT II T Act II EMPLE grounds in Sestos. Late after- noon of the same day. At the left, sup- posedly on the highest part of the grounds which descend in a long slope toward the ALgean Sea, the profile of the front of a Greek temple in a simple and severe style projects far enough to show the front porch of the peristyle and a little of the solid wall of the "cell." The columns of the peristyle are Doric. There are a few steps leading up the front, giving access to the open door in the middle of the front wall of the interior. This is the shrine of Venus Urania, the tutelar goddess of Sestos, whose image, unseen, is supposed to be in the enclosed interior. The main scene represents an open place, 41 42 Hero and Leander the sides of which give the impression of being straight and formal. At the right and back of this place are trees and shrubs of a dark colour, pines, cypresses, etc., ar- ranged in a thin, formal order, and sug- gesting an unseen formal avenue leading at right angles from the back of the open place to a heavy dark-grey stone building with a tower in the right corner of the background. This building, clearly visible through the spare trees of the foreground, stands, about a quarter of a mile distant, upon a rocky shore with the bright blue ALgean Sea stretching beyond it. About the tower there cluster, in sharp contrast to the spare forms and sombre hues of the trees in the foreground, masses of apple- trees in full blossom. At the left of the tower there reaches out into the sea a rocky, forbidding shore line. This line is met, toward the left third of the background, by a high stone wall which shuts out the Hero and L b and b r 43 hi rizon and is lost among the frees behind tin- temple, [As the CUTtain rises, there arc seen Sestan men and women, ar- ranged in orderly ranks extend- ing from the upper end of the temple across the open space. A few temple guards, in short brown sleeveless tunics, with short swords and helmets, have supervision of the people. Maids of the temple, in plain W h i t c pe plums, with pine wreaths upon their heads, are drawn up, facing the temple, in double file equal in length to the front of the temple, somewhat to the right of an imaginary line running up the middle of the open space. All eyes are expectantly directed toward the main door of the temple. The 44 Hero and Leander conversation of the bystanders is carried on in low voices. First Sestan Woman. They have been praying a long time. Second Woman. They must soon come out. First Woman. How beautiful she looked! Second Woman (with a sigh). It must be wonderful to overcome all desires and be like an immortal spirit. First Woman. Did you notice the priest's face as they went in together ? Second Woman. I have never seen him so radiant. He seemed to walk on clouds. A Man. Hush ! They are coming ! Hero and Leander 45 Third Woman. Look at her. How pale she is! Fourth Woman. She doesn't seem to be of the earth. She doesn't seem to touch the ground. Several Voices. Hush! Sh! . . . [ There issues from the door of the temple, which remains open, Hero, followed, at a distance of three steps, by the Priest. Hero is dressed in a white pep- lum, taken up about the hips. The peplum has a border of the rectangular Greek wave line in gold. She wears a myrtle wreath. The Priest wears a long purple tunic, with a similar border. Hero is very pale; her expression and bearing are ecstatic; her eyes seem filled dfi Hero and Leander with a beatific vision, looking into the far distance. The Priest's bearing is that of sol- emn exultation. Hero pauses a moment on the top step of the porch, then descends in meas- ured steps, remaining some steps in advance of the Priest. No word is spoken. When both have reached the ground, they turn so that they face the temple. Priest (raising his hands; very solemnly). Venus Urania, that hast removed Thy love from all encroachment of decay And sensual disfigurement of earth, To set it, high above the reach of passion And weak affection, on the eternal ways Of universal law, made manifest Through the undeviating stars; grant this one, The Chosen of thy Spirit, constancy II B R O A N D L E A NDER 47 Ami strength ami self-denying love to walk Within thy sacred statutes. (Turning and approaching HeroJ I [ero, have you Searched all your heart, and found no troubled voice Muttering against the purport of this service? IIkro. I have, and all my being craves to bear Me witness in this sacred hour. Priest. Are you Willing to put away selfish desire And personal affection, that your soul May hold no other but Her will? Hero. I am. [Advancing tozcard the temple; PRIEST remaining behind, hut also turning toward the temple. Hkro raising her hands in prayer. 48 Hero and Leander Goddess, whose spirit, having burst the bounds Of sensuality, is fused throughout The infinite starry spaces, grant thy servant Virtue, that she become thy instrument To exalt and purify the hearts of this, Thy people. Priest (Approaching Hero, who turns around; rais- ing his hands over her; in an official tone of voice). Having renounced by solemn vow all bonds Of kith and kin and service of the flesh, Thou now art — [A commotion among the Sestans. Suddenly there dashes in from the right Leander, followed by some Abydan youths among whom Naukleros and Kly- TON are the most prominent. The Abydans are without arms. They post themselves on the right, facing the temple. Hero and L B A nder 49 Leandes (shouting). Stay ! I have a right to speak. Stay, priest ! \A% his first word, Hero looks up tit him, with a Stvift movement, us if electrified. She gazes at him fixedly, her expression gradually freezing to blankness. She raises her arms a little, swaying slightly forward. Then her arms drop nervously down her sides. She stands motion- less, her eyes fixed rigidly on Leander. She gives the im- pression of having been stunned by a sudden blow. Priest (turning; looking sinister, surveying LeANDER, — pause; then:). A right? Who is this dares disturb The sacred ceremony? 50 Hero and Leander Leander (ignoring the Priest, rushing up to Hero; standing in front of her). Hero, speak for me, tell him of my right! Recall the vows that bind you to me ! . . . Speak Of the dear uses of our comradeship In those rich days and years when each per- ception, Each look and motion was a new avowal; The influences of the earth and skies, of winds And waves, the treasures rolled upon the shores Of being in the expanding flux and reflux Of pauseless seasons, were each one a pledge, Adding new bonds to the union of our lives. . . . [Pause. Priest. The Chosen of the Goddess knows no pledge Save that within the keeping of the Gods. . . . Leander. Tell him, my Hero, how our love unfolded, Crowding the seasons with united growth Hero and LEANDER 51 Merc closely than the progress of the year Joins blade to earlier blade, and flower to flower, Until one common impulse swayed our minds, And each new thought and knowledge, act and plan, Was bound in links of living harmony To the deep concord of our being. Speak, Hero, for me. 'Twill be myself who speak Through you. . . . [Pause. Hero stands rigid, as if. not comprehending what is pass- ing before her. Priest (trying to interpose). The priestess . . . Leander (raising his hand, as if to brush the Priest aside, continuing). Tell him the Gods smile On righteous love. He cannot put asunder 52 Hero and Leander What the Gods have joined. You are mine as I am yours. The spirits of our love walk the broad high- ways Of day, and throng the starry dome of night, A radiant host. The flower of dawn pours it From its dilating cup ; the sun proclaims, The breezes carry it abroad; the warmth And fruitfulness of earth profess it; the waves Shout it aloft to the resounding skies ; And high upon the sunset-battlements It sits enshrined in golden splendour. [Pause; then continuing before the Priest can interrupt. Tell him, Your heart unsays all that your erring lips Were taught to speak by rote; that all the world Holds naught beside one presence; that even seeking In prayer the silences where dwells his Goddess, You find naught but the voices of our love Hero and Leander 53 Filling what were a waste of dumb despair It the) were stilled. . . . Speak, Hero. . . . [Pause, Hero's lips seem to move, but no words conn-. She continues looking at Lean- DER, OS if under a spell. Priest. The Guardian of the Shrine Chooses the sharper emphasis of silence. Take that for answer. Leander (ignoring the PriestJ. What is it makes you dumb? ... Is it the hand Of some compulsion forces back the throng Of ready words? ... it must be this press of strangers Greedily hanging on your lips; you are Afraid lest the sweet vestment of our love Be sullied at the hem by clumsy feet? . . . Is it the spirit of this unnatural place ^4 Hero and Leander Laying a palsy on your speech? ... Is it This priest, dangling his power as jailers do Their rattling keys before the furtive eyes Of prisoners? ... Or is it? .. . No, No, No! Speak, Hero! . . . [Approaching more closely, lower- ing his voice, which is now very tender. Hero, speak to me alone, In whispers, bidding me interpret. . . . Hero. (After several vain attempts, finally in a hard, unnatural voice, as if her throat were paralysed, almost shrieks out:). I have Forsworn the world and all its ways. . . . Leander (as if he had received a blow). The world ! . . . Hero and Leander 5$ 1 I was I you used to call your world . . . And now, one facile VOW, one altered word, I las spurned me into that poor exiled world, A thing of lesser worth than this dull pebble Beneath my foot. Oh, world! Oh, hitter change I H words! Priest (stepping in front of HERO). Enough ! Go on your way, boy, nurse In the retreats of boyish fairyland Your pretty fancies, but forbear to trouble This sacred hour of high realities With what it pleases you to call your right. [Motioning to guard. Go, call the temple guards in force. [Guard exit. Leander. A right, priest, That whelms yours as the mounting tide of spring Engulfs the rigid ghosts of last year's weeds. $6 Hero and Leander You played upon a woman's grief to force A counterfeit of faith on her. She's free To choose between your living death and Life And Life's fullest intent. I must see her Alone. Priest (haughtily) . The Chosen of the Goddess has Pronounced the irrevocable vow. Leander. Hero! Hero. [Gives signs of great agony. She begins to sway to and fro, her arms and face twitch. She tries to raise her hands with an im- ploring gesture toward Lean- der, but seems to lose control of her movements. She utters a long, despairing moan. Ah! . . . Hero and Leander ry Priest (With swift decision to the guards, who have in the meantime arrived in numbers). Guards, clear this space of all except The people of the temple. [As the guards advance toward the Abydans Hero titters a scream; she staggers; some maids of the temple support her. As Lean- DER hears her scream, he groans in desperation, plunging into the guards. Leander. For a sword now ! [The guards in overpowering num- bers push back the A 'by Jans, who are all unarmed. Lean- DER struggles desperately, tak- ing the offensive from the start. 58 Hero and Leander At one time it looks as if he might break through. Leander (shouting daring his struggle). You must release her, priest, she has not chosen ! . . . She took the vow in error, thinking me Dead. ... I must speak to her alone and she Must make free choice. . . . The Gods see to the heart Of action. . . . [He has almost broken through the guards. Captain of the Guards (excitedly). Use your swords if necessary. Naukleros (Throwing his arms around Leander, pinning his arms to his sides). Leander, nothing is to gain, and all Hero and LEANDER 59 To lose Think of your parent [The guards, by sheet weight of numbers, push all the Abydans off right, following them. A number of guards rein din. Priest (with authority) . We will complete The consecration. [The maids form in line, as at the beginning of the act. Priest (In a formal tone of voice, raising his hands over Hero, who, supported by two maids, seems unconscious of what is happening). I consecrate thee now Priestess of Venus Urania, Universal Virgin Goddess Of Love Supernal. All the ties of Self Herewith I strike from thee, and in their stead 60 Hero and Leander I lay the ties of spiritual service Upon thy forehead . . . [Pause. In an altered voice. The maids attend the Chosen of the Goddess To her accustomed rooms that she may rest. Priestess, I beg to wait upon you later To instal you in the tower that expects Its mistress. [Hero slowly and mechanically moves off and exit right, fol- lowed by the maids by twos. Hero's face is expressionless; her bearing relaxed as if bereft of purpose. Priest (exultantly, to the people). Hail ! Hail ! Be glad, People of Sestos, You have again a priestess! Every day Henceforth she leaves these sacred solitudes At the appointed hour, to bring to all The multitudes that throng the Gate of Counsel, Hero and Lean her 6i The divine message, binding every transient Task of the Present to profound and calm Concerns beyond. As the vast peace of evening Offers a mirror of serene and boundless Light to the anxious disarray of day, Testing its virtue, so her hallowed presence Confronts your troubled vision with the glory From brows immortal shed, for test of truths Eternal. Hail! My people, hail! Sestans. The Chosen of the Goddess ! Priest. Hail, Hail! Peace be with you ! [ The Priest starts to go, making a gesture of dismissal. The Ses- tans break up in groups, mak- ing that stir of gladness and re- lief which attends the conclu- sion of a solemn celebration. 62 Hero and Leander Madman (coming forward with silly dignity). Peace be with you ! I bring you the peace of the Great Nothing. First Sestan. What's he saying? Second Sestan. Poor fellow ! He thinks he's the priest. Third Sestan. He used to be the priest's disciple, didn't he? First Sestan. He ought not to be allowed the freedom of the grounds. [Priest motions to a guard; as the guard approaches the Mad- man, the latter shrinks away from him, saying: Hero and L B a n d e r 63 Madman. Don't touch mel Would you break the ves- sel of the Great Nothing? (muttering to him- self). I low the touch of people soils you! (gesture of disgust). Baa! (Disappears among the Sestans.) [Exeunt Madman and Sestans* (As, last of all, the Priest and the remaining guards arc about to leave, Leander, dishevelled, his tunic torn, returns from the direction in which he was forced out; rushing up to the PriestJ Leander. Priest, I demand Hero! Priest {facing him, with determination) . The priestess dwells In the Gods' keeping. She has returned to the old 64 Hero and Leander Tradition of her race, acknowledging The higher duty of a larger service. Leander. Can you stem, by a pledge, the tides of the ocean, Or halt the thunder cloud by sacred rite ? Can you, by solemn ceremony, arrest The buds of spring, or check the fruitfulness Of summer? Priest, you cannot stay, by one Rash vow, the tenor of our joint being! I Must speak to Hero. Priest (with sardonic indulgence). Youth is ever prone To endow the passing moment with eternal Validity, and clothe each painful loss With tragic splendour, beggaring the future To make a tyrant of its nursling past. [Some of the guards that drove off the Abydans return hurriedly from the same direction as Hero and Leander 65 LEANDER. They arc about to attack Leander again. Priest. Peace, guards! You know the sacred law, Leander, And the law's penalty. Forbear to invite it! [Exit Priest, motioning to guards, who follow. Naukleros (returns) . Leander, come away. His heart is empty, Even as those boundless spaces that he worships, Feeding the fancy he calls love upon A vast inanity. Pour not your heart Upon a desert. Leander. I must see her, alone, Free from the priest's constraint; must have her speak In words, however strange and hard, but spoken 66 Hero and Leander To me alone. I cannot go from her Thus! Naukleros. 'Tis impossible! She dwells apart, In that dark tower by the sea. No road Leads thither past the Gate of Counsel. Alone The sun of morn can find his golden path Across the sea. No boat, no swimmer threads His way amid the jagged reefs, set close Like giant caltrops in the seething current. Leander (absorbed; to himself). Swimmer? . . . [Pause. Looking slowly and thoughtfully toward the tower and over the sea. Naukleros (troubled, with forced cheerfulness). Leander, come away ! This is all done And over with. Let's do something to drive Hero and Leander 67 This poison from your spirit; something stir- ring! Revive our swimming feats of old. Let's swim The strait and race for home. Come ! Leander (absorbed, speaking slowly, with even emphasis, to himself). I will swim The strait. [Remains preoccupied, while Naukleros leads him off. Joyous shouts resembling the words, "Hail! Our priest- ess! " are heard in the distance. Curtain ACT III E Act III Scene I II XING of the same day. Hero's room on the ground floor of the tower. The room is bare and depressing in aspect, haz- ing dark-grey stone walls, and few, severe furnishings, among them a lyre. Entrance door on the left. In the back wall a large projecting window, with window seat, giv- ing upon the sea. In the immediate fore- ground of the sea vista, an ominous chaos of precipitous, jagged, dark rocks, with something like a narrow, many-angled sea- way through them. Scattered through this passage, submerged reefs disclosed by islands of white water; beyond, a wide ex- panse of sea, running in soft, oily, opales- cent undulations. Above the horizon, 71 72 Hero and Leander large, swelling clouds, such as in the eastern sky front toward the setting sun. Dusk has fallen everywhere except on the highest domes of these clouds, resplendent in golden light. On the right of the room, a door leading into another roam, [The stage is empty a few mo- ments after the rising of the curtain. Then enter the Priest and Hero. Priest. Hero, this is your home henceforward. Here The even stream of all your days will pass In the presence of the Gods that visit men In solitude and the exalted peace Of pious thought. Hero (Preoccupied, pale, expressionless, as if dazed, looks about the room slowly, hut with un- seeing eyes; answers nothing). Hero and Lbander 73 Priest. No worldly ornament Offends the proven temper of your mind By vain distraction. Here you see the hooks Guarding the wisdom of the greatest few, Your writing instruments, and there your lyre Devoted to the service of the Gods Through sacred music. Hero (still speechless, nods). Priest. You are quiet, Hero. The day has been exacting, and the awe Attending on great consummations lays The hand of silence on your lips. [Paternally kind and solemn, lay- ing his hand on her head, as if blessing her. My child, Last offspring of our noble family, Thou entcrst on the sacred privilege 74 Hero and Leander Held by us through unbroken generations Since it was founded. This has been the sum Of my most ardent prayers. This is our day Of days. The holiest office in the land Is ours again. My child, see thou to it That it remain unblemished. Hero (in a low voice, speaking mechanically) . Yes, I will, Dear uncle. Priest. Now, good-night, and be prepared To meet the people at the Gate of Counsel At the appointed hour, to-morrow. Hero (as above). Yes, Good-night, dear uncle. [Exit Priest. Hero (alone, standing motionless for a few moments, her arms hanging nervelessly down her Hero and Leander 75 sides t only her head and eyes moving in a dazed survey of her room). This, then, is the goal ! Is this thy countenance, fulfilment? This Thy peace, attainment? Is this heaviness 1 he hand of Life, and does this empty stare Convey the rich intent of being? Are Death And Life so close of kin? Where are you now, Spirits of service in a selfless cause, With which anticipation strove to crowd These sombre walls, to expel an earlier throng That would not be denied? Were you mere phantoms, Hiding your emptiness in glistening vestments, Snatched thievishly from those you would dis- place, Their rightful owners? Rally round me now, In this, my hour of need ! [Pause. A golden sunset light, re- flected from the clouds, il- lumines the room. She ap- y6 Hero and Leander proaches the window, looking out. You golden clouds Upon whose lofty brows the parting sun Has placed again his fiery diadem, You rouse enchanted visions that recall Too well the days when, as the sunset fires Melt in the gentle tumult of the sea, My being burned with the inner fires of his, And his, of mine. Where is the promised future You set upon those golden citadels And towers, Leander? Where our paradise, Whose shimmering domes, and slopes, and jew- elled gates You made me see? Where is the endless train Of dear fulfilments that you read for me From every wave that tumbled at my feet Its store of flashing treasures carried home From those far hills of promise? Ah, Leander, Tales must come true, lest in the bitterness Of disappointment we despise the more The meretricious skill that steals the semblance Hero and Leander 77 Of truth. . . . Will those clouds be always there, To hold a mirror to the mockery Of the wan phantoms of a buried past Parading in the robes of living hopes? [The light fades out of the clouds. But, stay, dear phantoms; pause, ye glowing forms. Better a living semblance than the ashes Of lifeless certitude that flutter down The abyss of final night. [Darkness has gradually fallen. She lights a lamp, placing it in the window. Chrysa, one of the temple maids, is heard sing- ing outside. Apple blossoms on the breeze In abandon of release — Hero (startled). The blossom song 78 Hero and Leander In Sestos! . . . 'Tis Chrysa's voice. Poor, untamed Chrysa! Chrysa's Voice (outside). Maiden of the wilful ways, Are the flower curtains rent? Wouldst escape the coming days? Wouldst forego their rich intent? Art a wild, unbridled thing That was never meant to serve, Or but spreading Fancy's wing In a house of still reserve? Hero. Can wishes grow so tame, they stay their need With dole of alien song? Chrysa's Voice. Apple blossoms on the breeze, Service over, comes release. Hero and Leander 79 Hero (giving signs of suffering). Goddess, support me ! . . . [Pause. How heavy is the air; the wind's off shore, Driving the briny freshness of the sea From the warm land. 'Tis blossom time, and sweet Must be the orchard air. [Opens the outer door, on the left; stands in the door, looking out. What radiant forms Are swelling on my vision, as if the clouds, Kindling with silvery prescience of the moon, Had brought to earth the miracle they work On the far heavens! My hands reach out to touch them, And all my sense goes forth intent to drink The misty light, their own. Dear apple-trees, The year again repeats in you his vows, And you devotedly acknowledge them In your soft bridal garb. Beware! Vows fail 80 Hero and Leander Sometimes, and there may be no other spring To make renewals. (Pause; closes the door.) [ Takes up the lyre in a preoccupied manner; sings softly. Apple blossoms on the bough, Light and Life possess you now — Sweet are Light and Life to thee, Maiden; Love waits on the way Where thou drinkest thirstily At the fountains of thy May, With a new light in thine eyes, And a wonder in thy heart Where the troubled mysteries And unbidden tremors start. Apple blossoms on the bough, Love [Realising what she is doing, in sudden terror. Priestess, What are you doing! [Drops the lyre. In a burst of un- controllable despair. Hero and Lb AN D II 8 1 \\ hy did you not return Before this day, Leander; or why did you Return at all? [Brcuks down; sinks upon the seat by the window, weeping. After a while t she dries her tears; rises. 'Tis over. 'Twas a mood Born of fatigue and the vague dread of newness. I am strong enough to face the past, Leander, Guarding its sweets without the numbing sting Of foiled desire. Leander, be my friend Henceforth; send the cool freshness of your strength To be my balm of healing; the clear flame Of your brave spirit that never blurs the edge Of right discernment, to remain with me, A light upon my darkened path. Thus will I keep of you all I now may, Leander. [Leanper's voice (through the window) : " Hero! " 82 Hero and Leander [Hero starts; in a voice and attitude in which terror, joy, and an adverse determination mingle. Hero (to herself). Leander! Leander (his head and shoulders appear in the window). Hero! [Pause in which they look at each other. Hero. Go ! . . . Go ! . . . How dare you seek me here ! Leander (Leaps into the room. Hero steps back, erect and tense). Be not afraid. Let me stay but a little while. I shall Obey you when you bid me go. . . . Hero, Hero and Leander 8 j I disembarked this morning, alter three Long years <>t venture, bringing home the gain Of hopeful toil, certain to find my I Iero The same I left Insidious death amid The hostile desolation of strange lands Had heen less cruel than this return ! [Hero gives signs of distress. But no ! I have not come for weak complaint. Speak, Hero, One word of dear remembrance; let but one Inflection tell that in your inmost being The image of our love resists the pale Corruption of this desert — Hero (with anguished indignation). Is it brave To array the issues of the past against The present duty? Cruel 'tis, inhuman, To pour the bitterness of present loss 84 Hero and Leander Even upon the tenderest possessions Of memory. Leander. Forgive me, Hero ! Ah ! I have lost the measure of humanity Since inhumanity has come to be A sacred duty, sundering us who grew As one. Hero (distressed). Pray, leave me now. The penalty Of your mad enterprise is death, and naught The profit save the unending agonies Of vain desires. Leander. Is it a vain desire To stay the hand which deftly cuts from under The present its live roots, destroying it By stealth? Does not Death come in many forms Subtler than that which slays outright? But give Hero and Leander 85 One token that the spirit of our love, Forsworn, is \et not spurned into the oblivion Of things outcast; that the rich stream of life Which warmly flowed through you and me as one, Still nourishes your spirit, single now, And I, too, shall have faith to plant a future Upon the ruins of past hopes. Hero (eagerly, correcting him). A future On the fruition of past hopes! Our love Be thus a well of strength in both. Is not A past that lives in us to prompt each action, A present still? Why must we lay the hand Of gross possession on Love's heritage To hold its essence? Leander (with sincerity). Grief's a coward, eager To snatch at nostrums, temporising ever 86 Hero and Leander With maladies it cannot cure. Hero, In this last hour, we must not shirk, we two, The direst sorrow which the unblinking years Will not evade. Although we live henceforth Within the presence of an undying past, Yet shall our severed lives no more attain Their fulness. Coming days demand the nur- ture Of new events. Languid they grow and wan, Sustained alone by Love's late uses. Love, Unmarred by flaws of feebleness or guile, Spurns the drear mockery that rests content With less than all, assuming lofty names To hide its nature. Hero (whose eagerness becomes more anxious, as if she were trying her last resource). Are Love's offices Wholly encompassed by the narrow sphere Of creature ministry? The pettiness Hero and Lean d er 87 And degradation of small services, Sole keepers of Love's blessings? Can the spirit Extend unhampered wings when every fibre Is lax with sensual ease? Leander. Think of my mother, Hero. All of life's burdens she has borne, Those endless little things, each one so slight, Which slighted, suddenly accumulate, Mountains of misery, crushing underneath Their weight all lofty aims. Loving she is, And glad, and wise, knowing the needs of all, For having ministered to all the needs Of those she holds the dearest. Can the hand Of lovingkindness win the greater skill For helping strangers, only by withdrawing From those more near? Is there a life beyond Life's fulness, which is yet not less but more Than being? Does the spirit dwell apart And yet inform all things? 88 Hero and Leander [With a sudden burst of tenderness and desperation, extending his arms toward her; she steps back, with her arms held rig- idly in front of her, as if to ward off a blow, and at the same time implore forbearance. Hero, my Hero ! Is this sweet spirit, whose host of living graces Leap out from each familiar motion, dwell In every tone, and look, and cherished contour Of all your being; this spirit that was as one With mine, is this another now, both living And dead; a mocking semblance of the past Without; within, the emptiness and death Of a priest's phrases? Hero (overcome with anguish). Ah! Leander. . . . Help me! [He approaches her. No, leave me. . . . Help me by leaving me — Do not Hero and LlANDBR 89 Torment me more. . . . It is too hard, Lean- der; I never yet had to deny you, never, Until this day. . . .1 can no more. . . . [Staggers as if on the point of / 'till- ing; he takes her in his arms; she says faintly; Help me. [They stand together, he hold- ing her; her head slowly seek- ing his shoulder. Leander (with great tenderness). My beloved ! Hero ! Forgive me. I will be strong. Hero (still In his arms). 'Tis better now. [Pause. How strong you are, Leander! [With a sad smile. Even in the potency of this great pain 90 Hero and Leander You cause, is strength. [Looking up at him in radiant love. Ah! You are Life to me, One touch of you revives me. You are of those That cannot die. Leander, I was sad And in despair, but now the heaviness And gloom have fallen away like prison walls Of darkness. Light has come again, and hope. The vastness of the sea and starlit skies Is in me, and the strength of the great winds, As in those days when nothing was, save you And I. [A knock at the door is heard. Hero starts, leaves Leander, moves toward the door. Voice of the guard outside. Voice of the Guard. All lights must be extinguished at this hour. That is the law. Lights might show the pas- sage to the shore to prowlers of the sea. [Voice ceases. Hero and Leander 91 1 Il.ko. [ Turning toward Leander; look- ing at htm with an expression showing thai she is endeavor- ing to reach a decision. 'Tis time to leave me. . . . (Starting.) But Leander The guards are everywhere; there's no escape Except. . . . How did you come? I never thought Till now. . . . Leander. I swam the strait. Hero. You swam ! Without A light to guide you through the dreadful reefs That lurk, intent to set their jagged teeth In your warm flesh? Leander. Your lamp showed me the way. 92 Hero and Leander Hero. My lamp? And now I must extinguish it, That guards your life ! Make haste, that I may keep it Till you are safe upon the open sea. (With sudden abandon.) Ah! Would I had the power of the sea To carry you beyond the reach of pain And danger. [Sounds of a disturbance without, as of a pursuit. An impetuous knocking at the door. (Hero terrified, speechless.) [The knocking repeated more in- sistently. Voice of the Guard (outside). Priestess! Guardian of the Shrine! Hero (in alarm; in a low voice). I must speak to him, Leander. Hero and Leandlr 93 Pray, go into that room until I call you. [Leads him into the inner room; bars the door. She turns to- ward the outer door, very erect, pauses slightly; then, with a determined step, approaches it. As she opens it the noises of the disturbance outside become somewhat more distinct. She remains at the door, calling. Hero. The priestess is here, guard. Guard (remaining outside unseen; in an excited voice). The light must be extinguished immediately or I shall have to report to the priest. Hero. But why this haste? Voice of the Guard. Do you hear those noises, priestess? It 94 Hero and Leander seems that one of those Abydan youths who came with their insolent leader, remained be- hind, hiding in the temple grounds. He was surprised with one of the maids of the temple. So one insolence begets a brood of others. The priest has issued strict orders to have our laws enforced. The alarm has been given to all the guards. They are pursuing the fellow now. (With a laugh.) He shall not escape us, by sea or land. But, pray, put out your light, priest- ess. It is against the law to keep it burning in a seaward window at this hour; and it may draw more of these night moths that seem so mad to have their wings singed. [Voice ceases. [Hero, at first, as if dazed, closes and bars the door; returns to the room, full of conflicting emotions. Pauses in the mid- dle of the room, looking as if fascinated by an inner prospect. An expression of terror grad- Hero and Leander 95 ually passes into one of ac- ceptance, Approaching the Li in p in (i determined manner, she extinguishes it. There is enough light, as from an invis- ible young moon about to set, to disclose the sea through the window* Hero goes to the inner room, unbarring it, calling. Hero. Leander! Leander (entering). Hero I Hero (With something like the exultation of complete despair). All is lost, Leander. [Sounds tli rough the window, as of men passing outside. g6 Hero and Leander Listen ! The coast patrol ! (Raising her hands in prayer.) Ye Immortal Gods, Save him ! Life is so strong in him. But if He is to die, then let us die together, That in our death the unnatural division Of this one day be blotted out, and we Return together to the paradise Of undivided love which I forswore. [Pause. Then dropping her arms, turning to Leander and look- ing at him in an ecstasy of love. The present vanishes. The past has risen Again. It comes, an overwhelming flood Of life, crowding each moment with a full Burden of happiness . . . (in complete sur- render). Leander, Your love shall be my love; your truth be mine; By the strength of your spirit will I live. [They embrace. Leander draws her upon the window seat, Hero and LlANDER 97 iv h c r c they sit silhouetted against the sea. They kiss while the scene curtain de- scends. Curtain T Scene II EMPLE grounds outside of Herds tower. The front of the tower ; contain- ing the main door, is seen in profile in the upper right corner of the scene. At the back, the rocky coast and the sea. Apple- trees in full bloom here and there about the scene, but so placed that the rocky sea passage and the tower are clearly seen through the centre. Time, immediately following the previous scene. Dim light. [As the curtain rises, Klyton and Chrysa are seen cautiously moving among the trees. Klyton. We have eluded them for the time being, but they will soon be upon us again. Is there 98 Hero and L e a n d b a 99 no escape? Leave me, Chrysa, that you may not be made to sutler for my guilt. Chrysa. Hush! There's the priest himself. Let us hide ourselves from him. [Exeunt together. Priest (comes nulking, absorbed in contemplation). Ah, Life! Why dost thou shun the measured ways Of order? Why wanton on the tangled paths Unbridled passion spreads at will athwart Wisdom's designs? Why even upon this day Didst send thy rude hordes to invade these pre- cincts Of sacred peace? Thy brutal humour cast A blot upon the solemn rite. And yet More evil is afoot. [Distant noises of pursuit, calls and countercalls. The Priest stands listening. ioo Hero and Leander The guards are out, Hunting the latest breaker of the peace Whose boldness tops Leander's. [Pause. All is quiet again. The hand of Fate Stays never. The vain heart of man would set A Sabbath after every new achievement, To win fresh strength from quiet contemplation Of failure and success. But sleepless Fate Ere the last link in the endless chain of things Is closed, already is at work, preparing The substance of a coming one, and we Must do his bidding. [Guards come through the hushes from different sides; calls of: One Guard. I saw them turning toward the tower. Another Guard. They may be among the rocks by the tower. First Guard. Close in about the tower! Hero and Leander ioi [KLYTON and Chkysa enter, rush- ing from their hiding-place, the girl leading the man by the hand. She kneels before the PRIEST. Guards, as they see them, give up the pursuit, re- tiring in several small groups to a distance, where they are little noticed during the follow- ing events. Chrysa. Priest, I alone am guilty. I lured him Hither. Klyton. No, priest! I only am to blame. I stole into the enclosure. She could not Prevent me. Chrysa. He is a stranger, an Abydan, Tilling his fields in peace. He does not know 102 Hero and Leander Our laws. I made him come, assuring him These grounds were open to our friends. Klyton. She lies, Believe me, priest, to save me. Give no cre- dence To anything impeaching her. Look at me. Could this frail girl prevent a sturdy fellow Like me from doing anything his heart Was set upon? My heart was set on seeing This maiden, priest. I love her, she loves me; And so I came. Pray, let us go together. Release her from her service that I may take her With me and call her wife. [Pause. Both look at the Priest in agonised expectation. Priest (sternly). Sacrilege Is the name of your crime; the penalty Is death. The spirit of disorder thrives Hero AND Leander i 03 On clemency, and boldness mocks at mercy, Deeming it weakness. You are the seeond youth Abydos sends to-day to desecrate These grounds. ' 1 is time to establish an ex- ample. A judgment will be held for you to-morrow, And since this girl attends the Chosen of The Goddess, Hero has to sit in judgment With me. Do not anticipate more mercy From her young sternness. (Calling:) Guards ! ClIRVSA AND KLYTON (simultaneously imploring the PRIEST, on their knees; while the guards are holding back). Take me, take me; I am the guilty one ! Have mercy, priest ! Have mercy ! [Priest, with a set, hard face, mo- tions to the guards to take them away; the guards come to take 104 Hero and Leander them. As they lay hands upon Chrysa, Klyton in despera- tion : Chrysa, though our bodies bend To force, our joined spirits shall remain Unbowed. If we were halt and weak and barren His pity would go out to us. Ah, priest, You hate all that are young and strong, in whom The stream of being runs full and warm; you hate them Because your shrinking heart keeps whispering: They are your lords. . . . Your heart, priest ! Like a snail It drags its clammy phlegm of weariness Which it dubs duty, o'er the bloom-fringed House Of Life. Beware ! Life's patient. But one day Her sudden foot will stamp you out, and Life Will keep on her untroubled way, not knowing Of you and all your works. Hero and Leander 105 Priest (motioning to the guards to take them away, without speaking. After they are gone, he Walks a few steps, then slops, musing; half- puzzled, half -scornful). What is this Life, This mutinous thing, of which Leander vowed To-day he held the key; and now these two Are more initiates? What was it, set A light as if the Immortals smiled on them, Upon their brows and in their eyes even while He spoke, and she approved, those words of hate And blasphemy? What is the value of it That each would gladly lose his own to save The other? Is the madness of desire So great that, flouting its own selfishness, It turns to seek fulfilment in its own Undoing? [Pause. The light of dawn ap- pears over the sea. Ah! The night was rife with riddles 106 Hero and Leander That subtly steal upon our sense, like darkness, And pass as subtly. Dawn's at hand to wake Day's sober purposes. [Slowly exit. [Dawn breaks gradually. Slight mists hang over the sea, which become suffused with a pearly light, moving and lifting, but not quite disappearing. The door of the tower opens and Hero steals out alone, carefully looking about in all directions. Hero (beckoning toward the door of the tower, calls softly). Leander ! [Leander issues from the door. Hero leads him to the centre of the scene, pausing near the narrow mouth of the rocky sea passage, the many sharp angles Hero and Leander 107 of which partly reveal, partly conceal its course. Every trace of suffering and anxiety has disappeared from their faces. They are completely absorbed in each other and the present. Hero (pointing to the sea). Look ! The dawn ! Leander. Slowly he rises On the floor of the waters, gathering might To lift the earth from the abyss of darkness. Hero. His fires he kindles in the mists, and they Gently awake, and stir, and roll away, Setting a vast division 'twixt sea and sky. Leander. All heaviness is lifted and made fair In miracles of Dawn's transforming flames. 108 Hero and Leander Hero. Like birds a-wing amid the vast twin-blue New hopes fly out into the boundless spaces. Leander. The air is like a less substantial sea, Its limpid freshness lays a living touch Upon each sense. Hero. It seems to penetrate The core of being; one with our blood, our breath ; A sweet coercion mingling with a sweet Abandonment. Leander (in a passionate outburst). Ah, Love ! How beautiful Thou art! Ah, Life! How great! (embracing Hero,). Hero. You are Life! Hero and Leander 109 Leander. You are Greater than Life, for you hold all its power And sweetness prisoners of your heart. Hero (in his arms; joyously and intimately). Leander! Leander. Hero I Hero. Do you remember that — that day — Leander. Years, years ago, under the apple-trees? — Hero. When you — Leander (teasingly). Kissed me the first time? no Hero and Leander Hero. No, 'twas you Kissed me ! Leander. 'Twas you ! Nor was it the first time. Hero. It was the first I knew it for a kiss ! Leander. How did you know? Hero. It was a flame, more fierce Than fire — Leander. More sudden than a bolt from heaven ! — Hero. And then, it flared between us. . . . Leander. As a wall Blotting the earth, and sky, and every thought — Hero and Leander III I ll RO. Ev'n you; and yet I knew 'twas you, it must Be you, for there was nought but you 1 Leander. And I Hero. Stood gasping, and with every breath I . . . Leander. Drank The fire — Hero. Into my inmost being, and then — Leander. My life began — Hero (nestling close, with a laugh). Ah! but I was afraid! Leander. Of me? ii2 Hero and Leander Hero. No. . . . Yes. . . . No ; of the flames ! Leander. You, too? Hero. At touch of you they ran beneath my skin Like lightning shooting branches through the night Above the sea. Leander. And when I heard your voice, The rustle of your skirts, Hero. Your step afar, Even the mention of your name, the fires Came rushing from their hidings (hiding her face at his bosom). Leander (after a slight pause). Have they come Again? Hero and Leander 113 Hero (raising her head). Have they not come again ! (long kiss, then disengaging herself). 'Tis time, The guards wake soon. Leander. Your lamp will light my way Again to-night? Hero (looking at him full). It will. Leander. And there will be No parting after! Hero (simply). I will follow you. Your way shall be my way. ii4 Hero and Leander Leander. What is the promise And pride of this vast light beside the boon One little lamp will send on its shy ray To me across the waters ! Hero. I shall count The ripples bursting at my feet. Each one Will shorten, by a moment, the interval Day sets between us. Leander. Hero, my beloved, Farewell. Hero. Farewell, Leander. [Leander disappears; Hero re- mains standing a while, looking out upon the sea. Leander reappears. Hero and Leander 115 1 .1 AND] K. Hero, dearest, I will charge each ripple that 1 meet upon My way, with sweetest burden of my love. They will be faithful bearers, for the sea Loves you and me. Hero. And I will take their message Upon my lips and hands as they discharge it Sparkling upon the shore. Would I could keep them Unchanged, that they might tell me more than you Knowingly gave them. Ah ! They all will come Flushed with the sweetness of your touch, eager To boast of it to me, and taunt me with it, As one deserted! Leander (with loving pedantry). Have no fear, beloved, n6 Hero and Leander Love cannot lose his tokens unawares; They have no being save in the sweet concur- rence Of mutual devotion. Interlopers Might steal the semblance, but could not with- hold The essence from its rightful owner. Hero (startled, in a suppressed voice). Hush! I hear sounds as of footsteps. Go ! [Leander exit. Hero (remains listening. After a zvhile she raises her head, saying:). Leander, you are Life. I have no fear, No evil can o'ertake you. [Anxiety has disappeared from her face. She is erect, her face radiant. Raising her arms toward the sky, now quite light, Hero and Leander 117 she speaks as if pronouncing an invocation. Slowly the opal flower of morning rises, Opens, and spreads, and shines on the marvel- ling sea, And from its golden heart, through misty guises, Wells, with the tides of light, thy love to me. [Exit into the tower, closing the door. [As the curtain begins slozvly to descend two guards come run- ning from left toward the shore. They point repeatedly toward the sea, making excited gestures. They finally stop upon the shore, peering in- tently seaward. Curtain ACT IV A Act IV Scene I BY DOS. The scene as in Act I, but without the decorations of the festi- val. Leander' s father, Peithonomos, and Naukleros, his comrade, are discovered. Peithonomos. You do not think, then, that Leander plans War on the priest. Our young men are in- censed O'er yesterday's events; and now the news Of Klyton's threatened fate has been as oil On fire. One leader like Leander now, And all the good achieved by generations Through patient rectitude, will be consumed In one swift conflagration. 121 122 Hero and Leander Naukleros (with forced assurance). Rest assured. He has kept his counsel in the ship since we Parted, last night, bidding the watch admit No one. He left alone, but a short while Ago. No doubt, he'll soon be here. Peithonomos. I hope It may be so. Naukleros, for three years I have longed to see my only son. But if I found him leagued with lawlessness and crime I'd cast him off. (Pause; softening more and more.) Go; look for him and bring him To see his parents whom he hardly stopped To greet. We'll have some tales from him. We'll make A night of revelry. (Looking up at the sky.) How sultry 'tis ! The clouds are gathering in our weather corner I I E R O AND LeANDER I 2 ] Southwest, where the heaviest storms are hatched. Make haste To fetch him ere it breaks. [Exit Peithonomos. Naukleros (No longer hiding his anxiety). I wish I knew What to make of it. Leander's not the man To mope alone, coddling inactive sorrow. What stratagem could he have laid that shuns Friendly communication? (Seeing Leander coming from left back.) There he is ! The Gods be praised! (Calling:) Leander! [Enter Leander, dressed in the Doric tunic, as in Act III . He is preoccupied, the fixedness of a single purpose giving a cer- tain rigidity to his face and every gesture. He raises his 1 24 Hero and Leander hand, demanding silence. There is desire of secrecy ex- pressed in his bearing, but no furtiveness. He evidently wishes not to be detected, yet would not be arrested in his purpose, whatever happened. He walks slowly toward Nau- kleros, who advances partly up stage, showing that Leander' s aspect renews his anxiety. Leander. I was looking For you, Naukleros. Naukleros (with forced gaiety). And I for you. Well met, then. Leander. How are my parents? Do they deem their son Unloving ? Are they troubled at the events In Sestos yesterday? Hero and LbANDBK 125 Nauki.i R08. They have forgotten It all. Your lather, a few minutes hence, Asked me to iwul you. The) would make a night of it With tales and feasting. Come, let's hurry to them, They are sick for sight of you. Leander. I have to speak To you, Naukleros. Naukleros (his anxiety rising sharply; trying to cover it by gaiety). Now? Alone? Are they State secrets? Leander (ignoring NAUKLEROS 1 words). I have planned another venture For which I count on you. 126 Hero and Leander Naukleros (relieved, yet not without misgivings). That is Leander! Brave action is the cure for hopeless sorrow. Count on me ! I am weary of the land Already. Countless petty cares contract The soul amid these fields and streets, all num- bered And named; my courage shrinks amid these prisons Of tame convention. Enterprise grows timid; The spirit that makes it leap the ordered fences Walling initiative, turns to intrigue, And ratlike gnaws a hole beneath. Count on me! Give me the uncharted seas, the lands and mountains Surveyed by no man, and the men not branded Like toilsome oxen, with the shaming stamp Of custom. . . . But there's time enough to talk Hero and Lbandbr 127 That over when the ship is docked. Come now I Your parents want you. Leander. I must go to-night. Naukleros. Leander! Leander. Hear me out. The ship must be Ready by midnight to weigh anchor. At that hour You take the long boat with the six best oars- men As near to Hero's tower as the shore reefs Permit. You'll see a light in Hero's window. L T pon a line drawn from it to the light At my ship's masthead, keep the boat, until I swim to you. I then will guide the boat Through a safe channel to the shore and take Hero aboard. Then to the ship to seek New life and happiness in foreign lands. I count on you, Naukleros. 123 Hero and Leander Naukleros (aghast)* But your parents! Leander, think of them ! Leander. Do not corrupt My heart against my purpose now. A crisis Like this requires a mind that can suspend Its dearest wish until the issue. Naukleros. And what Will be the issue? Do you know your father? He has sworn to cast you off if you o'erturn The public peace. If he should learn your plan He'd be the first to warn the priest. Leander. The greater The need of haste. Naukleros. Though your heart bar out Your parents, it cannot exclude the Gods; This plot is sacrilege. Hero and Leander 129 . Leander. An empty word A priest contrived that children might invest With superstitious dread his godless whim. 1 he Gods withhold their countenance from such Perversion of their will. [Darkness has gradually fallen during this scene. A flash of distant lightning front the left is followed by a low rumble of thunder of some duration. Naukleros. Delay this night! No man can hold his course, when such a storm Turns night to blackness. Leander (with a sort of flippancy). The lantern of the storm Will light my way when in the trough o' the sea I miss the light of Hero's lamp. 130 Hero and Leander Naukleros. 'Tis madness To think of swimming in this sea when all The wild iEgean hurls its weight through this Strait passage. Leander. It will bear me all the faster To th' other shore. Naukleros (stepping between Leander and the sea as if to intercept him). You shall not do it; not Unless you kill me first. Leander (drawing his dagger; with dangerous calmness). Stand off! The power That rules me now has all the bitter strength And fierce compulsion of the sea. I must Go now, over your body if you force me. (With great warmth:) Hero and Leander 131 But no, Naukleros, there's a better weapon That you will not withstand. (Sheathing his dagger.) This is my hour Of greatest need. You cannot fail me now Who never failed, Naukleros. Naukleros. I owe my life To you, Leander. . . . Leander. No, not thus. Friendship Is greater far than the mere breath of life. Do not dishonour it by any price You set on it. Naukleros. Leander, I will do As you desire. [They embrace. Leander. There is no time to lose. At midnight, then ! 132 Hero and Leander [He turns, runs toward the shore, flinging off his upper garment. As he disappears there is a bright flash of lightning and heavy peal of thunder, much nearer than before. Naukleros (raising his arms imploringly toward the sea). Thou lov'st him, sea ; protect him ! Thou God of Storms, watch o'er him ! [A gust of wind and distant rum- ble of thunder. Curtain Scene II f\UTSIDE lino's tcmcr in Sestos, as in ^^ Act III, Scene ii. Time, immediately following that of the last scene. The priest and Hero are discovered. It is almost night, yet light enough to see everything distinctly. Heavy, threatening clouds, with occasional distant flashes of lightning, without thunder, are seen over the sea. Priest (sternly). Hero, you still refuse to pass the sentence Of law upon that fellow from Abydos And his lewd mistress? Hero (distressed and perplexed). Do not press me, pray! I do not see my way to do it. 133 134 Hero and Leander Priest. The law Supplies the way. Hero. Something in me rebels Against the penalty. Priest. For generations This law has been the safeguard of our faith. Hero. Why should it be a crime for them to love Because she owns . . . (hesitates) this faith? Priest. Hero, you strike At our foundations! Hero (frightened). Pray, be not offended! Uncle ! Be lenient with them. . . . They did not know. . . . They did not think. . . . [Embarrassed pause. Hero and Leander 135 Priest (displeased). I shall defer the judgment Until to-morrow. Hero (in a burst of relief). The Gods be praised! . . . (Then, with more moderation, to the Priest./ I thank you, Dear uncle ! [A flash of lightning and heavy but distant peal of thunder over the sea. Hero, starting: The storm is coming. I must go Within, I have some duties there. [Exit into tower. [During the following, now and then signs of the approaching storm. Priest (alone; distressed). Hero! But yesterday, severe with all the sharp 136 Hero and Leander Austerity of youth. And now! What could Have wrought the sudden change in one Of Hero's constancy? [The two guards that appeared at the end of the Third Act, enter from the left, somewhat embar- rassed and hesitating, as if not sufficiently sure of themselves. First Guard. Priest, we saw something at dawn that looked suspicious. We couldn't exactly make it out, and have been doubtful whether it was anything of importance. And yet we saw too much to regard it as nothing. Will you hear it? Priest. Tell me precisely All that you saw, no more. Withhold all vague Surmises. First Guard. At early dawn this morning we heard a noise as if some one plunged into the sea. Hero and L B A N D BR 137 Si ( ond Guard. The sea was quite calm, you know. Priest. Well? First Guard. We ran toward the place where we heard the sound and saw what looked like the head of a man swimming away from here. Priest. From here? First Guard. Yes. It was right here by the tower. Priest (becoming interested). The tower? Did you Make sure it was a man? First Guard. Not quite sure, priest, in the mist. 138 Hero and Leander Second Guard. The morning mist hung over the sea. It lifted a little near the shore, but came down again in the middle of the strait, so that the swimmer, or whatever it was, disappeared in it as he swam away. Priest. You say, this man Swam toward the open sea? First Guard. Yes, I should say he headed straight for Abydos. Priest (startled) . Abydos ? Second Guard. Yes, priest. And because one of those in- solent Abydans was caught here last night, we finally agreed we ought to report to you. Hero and 1 . i \ N d i: r 139 Priest (to himself). From Hero's tower! (To the guards.) Who are the best known swimmers hereabout? Second Guard. There's Nauklcros. (Brightening up.) But the greatest of all is Leander. He won all the races. Priest (aghast; to himself). Leander! Second Guard. Oh, Leander used to swim the strait. He went faster than you could row a boat. First Guard. The swimmer this morning swam faster than any man I ever saw. He (pointing to Second Guard) thought it was a porpoise. But por- poises don't swim alone, and straight for Abydos ! 140 Hero and Leander Priest. Have you any more to tell ? First Guard. No, priest. That's all. Priest. Thank you. [As the guards turn to leave, some of the rocks jutting out into the sea passage take a light, first flickering, then moving, and finally remaining stationary, as of a lamp, lit, carried to, and left in the tcwer window, fac- ing toward the sea. The guards start, noticing it. First Guard. Priest, there was a light in the tower window last night. I had to insist several times on its being put out. There it is again. It might light the passage through the rocks for any prowler of the sea. Hero an d L B a nder 141 Priest (showing profound emotion; to himself). A light in 1 Icro's window, lighting The passage! (To the guards:) Stay! [Pause. The PRIEST betrays signs of a terrible inner struggle. He finally becomes calm. His face is rigid, with an expres- sion of hard re soke. To the guards: Go ! Call the priestess. I Request to see her. You remain to guard The shore. [Guards go to the tower, knock at the door. The door is opened by an unseen person, to whom the guards speak, pointing to- ward the Priest, who stands motionless, looking fixedly at the toner. It is dark. Thun- der and lightning, intermingled 142 Hero and Leander with gusts of wind, more fre- quent. Hero comes out of the tower, advancing toward the Priest. Her bearing betrays anxiety which she tries to cover. The guards station themselves back, near the passage through the rocks. They are noticed only by occasional movements. Priest (with unnatural calmness). A lamp is burning in your window, Hero. Our law prohibits lights that might Betray our shore to adventurers. Hero (with forced unconcern) . But who Would come a night like this? \The storm increases in severity. Hero and Leander 143 Priest. The light must be 1 Jttinguished, Hero. Very soon Til do it. Priest. Immediately. ^ es » Hero. Grant me a little while. I need the light. Priest. The law wants darkness. Hero. I . . . The priestess is not subject to such rules ! Priest. Hero! Remove the light! Hero. I cannot do it. Priest. Then I must do it to save you from yourself! [He makes a motion as if going to the tower. 144 Hero and Leander Hero (in terror). I'll do it myself. . . . That is the priestess' room, Let no man enter it! Priest (raising his hand). Let no man enter it! (Turning as if to go toward the tower.) It must be done. Hero (seizing his arm). You shall not do it. It is My room. Priest (struggling to free himself, gradually moving toward the tower). I must! Hero (in her losing struggle with the Priest utters a succession of desperate and helpless:). No ! No ! . . . No ! . . . No, No, No ! . . . Hero and Leand b r 145 [ Tlii v have arrived at the steps leading to the tower door. With a sudden movement the Priest frees himself from Hero, flinging her from him. He dashes into the towtr, slam- ming the door. Sounds of its being barred inside. An in- stant later the light on the rocks disappears. Hero, who has half fallen, recovers herself, rushes up the steps after him, throwing herself against the door, which does not yield. After trying the door several times, she sinks upon the top step, moaning. Stay ! I will tell you all. Only stay! [Pause, The door is unbarred and opened. IIl.Ko rises, looks to- ward the open door in sfu cell- 146 Hero and Leander less terror; then shrinks back down the steps, continuing on the level ground, constantly facing the door. In the door appears the Priest, holding the extinguished lamp in his hand. He pauses a while, then slowly descends the steps, looking fix- edly at Hero. Hero. Pray, give me the lamp. Priest. I cannot. I keep the lamp to-night. Hero (rushing toward him; on her knees, clasping his) . Imprison me! Kill me 1 Cast me into that sea ! (White foam now and then leaping over the rocks.) H 1-; r o and Leandlr i 47 But leave The light this one night. Uncle, dearest uncle I Save him ! Ah, save him ! I Ic is lighting there, There, in that horror now! If the light fails He dies, alone, forsaken; his heart will call Me murderer. Save him, pray, save him, and I Will be your slave henceforth. Priest. I cannot save him. But you, I will ! (To guards, who come running:) Hasten, give the alarm ! The guards in force patrol this coast throughout The night! Neglect no cove, nor slightest channel That might give access to the shore. (Holding out the lump.) Take this To my house. Bid the steward keep it Safe till I ask for it myself. [First Guard takes it. The guards arc about to leave when 148 Hero and Leander Hero rises in madness of des- peration. Hero. Stay, guards! (They halt.) 'Tis I, the Chosen of the Goddess, bid you ! Return the lamp to me ! 'Tis mine, and I Alone may have it. [The guards hesitate, looking from the Priest to Hero in embarrassment. Priest (with decision). Go ! I am your master. You take my orders. [ The guards turn to go. Hero (beside herself). Stay, or I, the priestess, Will curse you. [Moving as if to pursue the guards. The Priest steps in Hero AND I.eander i 49 front of her, extending his arm to kali her. She recoils. Sud- denly she reels, stating in front of her, screaming: Is it you, Leander? You Are Life. They cannot slay you. Do you see Your Hero's light to guide you? . . . No? . . . Not yet? . . . I'll bring it nearer . . . nearer. Ha! . . . Blackness, Blackness ! [Falls unconscious at the Priest's feet. Priest (calling hack the guards). Here, guards! Come quickly! [The guards come running hack. (To First Guard :) Run, summon Attendants to the priestess. She is ill. [Exit First Guard. 150 Hero and Leander (To Second Guard :) You help me bear the priestess to her room. [While they carry Hero into the tower, enter the Madman, from the right. The storm breaks with terrible force, with lightning, thunder, a great wind and rain. White foam leaping high over the rocks. Priest and guard, carrying Hero, disappear in the tower. Enter three maids, hurrying into the tower. Priest and guard issue from the tower door, closing it. Guard exit to right. Priest alone in the storm. Priest (giving signs of great suffering; not noticing the Madman,). A mighty house has fallen; a sacred cause Lies buried in the ruins. Ye Gods, whose voice Hero and Le A N D B R 151 Sounds in the storm, the judgment rests with you Alone! Find you the guilty one, speak you The sentence ! [During the following scene, guards pass and repass now and then along the shore. Madman (shambling up to the Priest, tapping him on the shoulder). [The Priest turns abruptly. Throughout this scene the storm is at its height. Ho, friend! By your looks, you are on the same errand as I. It is an errand of love. Let us go together! Priest. Leave me, friend. I must not be Disturbed. Madman (to himself). He, he, he! He, too, wishes to get rid of me. How every one loves me ! I don't love 152 Hero and Leander him, so I wish to keep him till I love him. And then — (with a gesture of disposing of an imag- inary person) — he goes! Priest. Tell me your errand quickly, friend, And leave me. Madman. I am looking for the Quintessence of Life ! Priest (taken back). Of Life! He, too, of Life! Madman (whispering in his ear). Yes, and I am on the track of it to-night. But it is a secret. It is the Great Nothing! Priest (startled; to himself). The Great Nothing ! Hero an 13 Lean her 153 Madman (picking an imaginary flower). Do you see this rose? Priest. Go on. Yes. Madman (tearing off the petals of an Imaginary rose and flinging them theatrically to the winds). Well, I am picking its petals now, one by one, one by one. Look. Do you know what I am going to find? Its heart, he, he, he! When I have picked all the petals, then I have the heart of the rose. That is the Great Nothing. Priest (startled, as if a fearful idea is beginning to dawn on him). Ah! Madman. Are you afraid? I am often afraid of the Great Nothing; when all is calm and I hear children laughing. But when it is like to-night, 1 54 Hero and Leander then I am glad and come out to see the storm, picking the petals of the world and scattering them. This is a great night! How the petals are flying! He, he, he! It is as if the storm would get at the heart of things. Then we shall have the Quintessence of the Gods. The Great Nothing, that is the God! He, he, he! Priest (shuddering). Ami Awake? Is this a nightmare, or has he Come from the blackest corners of my soul To taunt me with their ancient horrors? Madman (pointing to the shore rocks over which white foam is seen leaping). Do you see them peeping over the rocks? He, he, he! I had a wife, and children, and friends. I picked them all, like a rose; one by one, one by one, until I had the pure Nothing- ness of Love. The Great Nothing, that is Love. Hero an-d L B andf.r 155 It's all the same; the rose, the Gods, Love. The Great Nothing, that is the secret. He, he, he! Priest (agonised; lifting up his hands). Ye Gods! The burden is too heavy. Speak to me Out of this night of anguish. Take my life! I tried to hold the purpose of my life True to your service. Make an end. I can Not bear it longer. [A blinding flash of lightning, im- mediately followed by a fear Jul crash of thunder. Madman (terror-stricken). [The Priest shows during this passage signs of an increasing mad fascination, as if entering into the Madman's spirit. Hooh ! I am afraid 1 The bosom of the Great Nothing is opening. 1 [ow cold and 156 Hero and Leander black ! Oh ! Oh ! The serpents are coming out of the darkness. People say, they are the winds in the grasses. But I know better. They are serpents. They are trying to run away from the Great Nothing because they are the enemies of the Gods. (Shrieking.) They will swallow us, you and me. (Calmer.) But the Gods will overtake them. He, he, he! Priest (grasping him, eagerly). Say that again, that last. Madman (leaping away in terror). Do not handle me roughly. I might break. (With a silly pride.) I am not of flesh and blood, I am of a finer stuff. I am made of glass, so that the Great Nothing can shine through me and illumine the world. Do you wish to extinguish the Light of the World? Hero and Leander 157 Priest (starts violently at the List nurds; then tries to possess himself ; finally, in simple faith). The Immortal Gods will help me. I must seek In prayer their counsel. [Slowly exit to right. Madman (looking after him). He, he, he! How he loves me. He tried to break me, he loves me so. (Feeling of himself.) But I am quite whole. I must keep out of his way, though ; he's dangerous ! [Stepping behind each tree as if seeking shelter from a pursuer. The storm from now on abates gradually. Enter tzvo guards from the left. First Guard. What a fearful night! Second Guard. The storm is abating now. 158 Hero and Leander First Guard. That may be. But look at the sea ! (Point- ing into the distance to some point unseen by the audience.) Second Guard. Can you make out Elephant's Back? First Guard. Well, you know how high it is. The waves sweep clean over it. Not foam, mind you, but dark water. Second Guard. By Neptune! It will go hard with any one that was caught out in this weather. [They pass on, by Hero's tower. First Guard. They say the priestess is raving mad in there. Second Guard. Over the storm? Hero and Lb a n t d b R 159 First ( iUARD. Guess again! People don't go mad over a bit of wind and water. [A cry from the tower. Curtain ACT V T Act V HE same scene. It is early morning. All is glistening dewy freshness and peace. A clear sky with a rising sun. The sea is calm, showing no traces of the storm. Fresh seaweed is scattered over the rocks, and a large heap of it on the beach in front of the sea passage between the rocks. [The door of the tower opens. In it appears Hero with the maids that came in the preced- ing scene to attend her. Hero pauses a main cut at the door. Then they all descend. Philanthe (one of the maids, in a gay manner, trying to cheer 1 lERO), Look, priestess, how calm the sea is. It it 1 64 Hero and Leander were not for the drops falling now and then from the leaves, and the seaweed on the shore, one would not believe that there had been a storm at all. Hero (to herself, as if repeating a story she has told to herself many times before). My signal failed. The lamp outlasted scarcely One flash of lightning. My poor ray could not Outspeed the dazzling javelins of the storm. Leander never started. (Turning furtively to the sea, hut rapidly averting her face from it again.) The Gods were good To him. The sea loves him. It gave him warning. Philanthe. I feel so light, as if I could fly. Ah ! Priest- ess, how beautiful it is to be alive. Hero (still to herself, but less absorbed). The morning seems to come on spirit's wings, Hero and Leander 165 It is so free and light. All heaviness, Whose name is death, has gently fallen away. PlIILANTIII. (drawing a deep breath). Ah ! Take a deep breath, like that, priest- ess ! It washes your soul so clean you feel as if you had been made new again. Hero (somewhat comforted, involuntarily doing as PilILANTllE has bidden her; smiling a lit- tle; then speaking r aptly as if in adora- tion). Ah! Such must be the breath of Life that meets The immortal Gods upon those shining heights Where they arise to accept the adoration Of the returning sun. It must have been Thus to the first men when the earth and sky Brought forth the morning; when the new-born sun 1 66 Hero and Leander Could wake no memory of heavy things; When expectation could foresee fulfilments Greater than promises, and did not shrink With fearful doubt. (She is depressed again.) Another Maid (trying to divert her). Priestess, look at that large heap of seaweed the waves have piled up, there at the rock pas- sage. I have never seen such a heap there be- fore. Let us look for shells in it. Hero (to the maids). Pray, leave me now, I am quite well. The terror of the night Has left me. You, Philanthe, ask the priest To see me. He will find me here. I wish To speak to him. [Exeunt maids. [Hero alone; moves as if to go to the sea passage in the rocks; Hero and LeANDBR 167 but hastily turns away, looking fixedly tit sonic point on the left, straight in front of her* She acts us if she l eh u fearful unseen presence drawing her to the edge of the sea, and again repelling her. She looks now and then fearfully and hesitat- ingly around, as if trying to muster up courage to face it; but immediately turns away again with an abrupt, alnust jerky movement of her head. Hero. The Gods were kind. If he Were lost, all of Abydos would now be Afloat to search for him. No anxious prow Darkens the radiant sea. (Again trying to look around at the >ea, but quickly turning her hciid azeay.) 168 Hero and Leander A fiend of darkness, With malice fraught, priest; so my madness saw you Last night. Forgive me! Now, I know you walked In the mantle of mercy, guarding him From death, and me from murder. In that sea No light would have availed. (Trying once more to look at the sea, furtively; but again averting her head from it quickly. Then, speaking with determination:) What foolish fear Possesses me, as if an awful presence, Half drawing me, and half repelling, stood Behind me, beckoning, at the passage? I Must turn straight on it, to dispel it. \JVith her hands clenched at her sides, arms rigidly extended downward, she turns toward the passage. A very brief pause; then she advances Hero and Lean der 169 straight toward the passage; stops half-way. Behold! 'Tis gone. Yes, I can face the sea now. I Can look even upon this deadly passage Whose hungry maw had to content itself With these poor mangled seaweeds. [Advances toward the heap of sea- weed. Suddenly starting back. What is that, That white thing? [Slit' emits a terrible scream; then rushes forward, throws herself upon the heap of seaweed, fran- tically snatching up and throw- ing away a few handfuls of weeds. She is now holding Leander' s head, which is hid- den by her. Leander! Leander! Speak to me ! Speak to me! Leander 1 Leander! [Busying herself over him franti- 170 Hero and Leander cally; snatching the weeds from his body and scattering them about her, without rising or turning away. She rises, turns toward the audience, standing rigid; with a white and expres- sionless face, saying mechani- cally : Dead. Leander, dead. [Pause. An illumination spreads over her features. She turns toward the body, falling upon it. On her knees. Leander! Dearest! So you would not wait For me upon your journey? Stole away To win the start of me! Was that fair play? Did I not promise I would follow you Where'er you led? (Drawing his dagger.) Ah, but you left a key To unlock the way you went ! Delay a little, Wait, wait, that I may overtake you. [Stabs herself. Hero and Leander 171 Wait! I'm drawing near, Leander, near! [She dies upon his body. [Enter Priest from the right. Priest (with a certain affectionate buoyancy). The Gods be thanked! Hero's herself again. There is no sign to indicate Leander Was mad enough to affront the Gods. As for The future, I will take precautions, boy; I and your father. Hero, child, where are you? (Sees Hero's body.) Ah ! Hero ! (Rushes toward her. Kneels dozen, taking her lifeless form in his arms.) Dead. . . . Beside Leander's body. . . . (Rising, lifting up his hands.) Ye, Immortal Gods, have spoken, but your sen- tence (brokenly) Is all too heavy for me! [Enter, running from the left, a Guard. 172 Hero and Leander Guard (awestruck) . Gods. . . . Priest (quietly) . Guard, your message. Guard. Naukleros has come into the harbor com- manding an Abydan boat. They wish to search the coast. Priest. They may come. . . . [Guard exit in haste. Priest (turning to the bodies). The Gods have spoken. The Gods have joined these two. . . . Hero, child, This joined death holds for you more of worth Hero and L e a n d e r i 73 Than the great life I planned for you! (Overcome by grief.) [People of the temple come run- ning from the direction in which the GUARD left; whis- fering together; grouping themselves near the bodies. Priest (rising, looking slowly about him; motioning to Guard, who approaches). Release the prisoners. . . . The Gods have spoken. . . . [Enter by the passage through the rocks, a boat containing Nau- KLEROS and Abydan oarsmen, who disembark. Naukleros. Woe ! Woe ! Leander ! Oh, ye Gods of Life, How could, how could you break your fairest image ! 1 74 Hero and Leander Priest (to NauklerosJ. Take her with him. These two may not be parted. One common grave shall hold their ashes; thus The immortal union of their spirits find A counterpart on earth. [Naukleros and the oarsmen carry the bodies into the boat while a chant is played. All the Sestans crowd noiselessly toward the shore, turning their backs upon the Priest, whose presence they seem to have forgotten. The Priest, with bowed head, looking neither right nor left, leaves slowly to- ward the right. Simultane- ously with his departure, the boat is seen starting, Nau- kleros and the oarsmen inton- ing the chant. The sea is re* Hero and Leander 175 splendent with great morning light. The people of the tem- ple remain mo lion! ess upon the shore, looking after the boat, and listening to the chant, which continues, gradually di- minishing, after the boat has disappeared. Naukleros and the Rowers (chanting as they row). A darkness fell upon the stricken world, The earth was empty as a drained cup; And men knew Death, and in their anguish cried: Why have the Gods of Life forsaken us! The Gods read the faint hearts of men, and smile. They send abroad the legions of the Light, Dispelling ever the dark waste of Death, Ever renewing Life upon the Earth. 176 Hero and Leander Ye that would be the servants of the Gods, Obey the voice of Love within your hearts. Love is the sacred guardian of Life, Knowing the deepest purpose of the Gods. [The curtain begins to descend at the last word, falling slowly, while the chant diminishes to a mere murmur. Curtain DRAMATISTS OF TO-DAY Rostand, Hauptmann, Sudermann, Pincro, Shaw, Phillips, Maeterlinck By PEO». BDWARD RVBRETT HALE, Jr., of Union College. With gilt top, $1.50 net. (Hy mail, $1.60.) An Informal discussion of their principal plays and ..f the pt ffo r nnn oii o4 mmmoI them. A few ol thoM oonslder«d ■ra Man and Superman, Candida, Cyrano dr Briber ac, I.'.liglon, The Sunken Bell, Magda, C/ys.ws, l.stty. Ins, and /V/A./f and Afelisande. The volume opens with a paper "On Standards of Criticism," and concludes with "Our Idea of Tragedy," and an appendix of all the plays of each author, with dates of their lit st performance or publication. Bookman: "He writes in a pleasant, free-and-easy way. . . . He accepts things chiefly at their lace value, but he describes them so accurately and agreeably that he recalls vividly to mind the plays we have seen and the pleasure we have found in them." New York Evening Post : "It is not often nowadays that a theatrical book can be met with so free from gush and mere eulogy, or so weighted by common sense ... an excellent chronological appendix and full index . . . uncommonly useful for reference." Dial : " Noteworthy example of literary criticism in one of the most interesting of literary fields. . . . Well worth reading a second time." The GERMAN DRAMA of the NINETEENTH CENTURY By GEORG WITKOWSKI. Translated by Prof. L. B. HORNING. i2mo. Probable price, $1.25 net. This brief but brilliant monograph after a great success on the continent is to be published simultaneously in America and England. The book is divided into five headings, representing chrono- logically the distinct periods which marked German dramatic literature during the nineteenth century : (1) The German drama at the end of the eighteenth century ; (a) The German drama from 1800-1830 ; (3) The German drama from 1830-1885 ; (4) The German drama from 1885-1900 ; (5) The product of the century. Kleist.Grillparzer, Hcbbel, Ludwig, Wildenbruch, Sudermann, Hauptmann, ami minor dramatists receive attention. HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY PUBLISHERS NEW YORK. Recent Poetry of Distinction HERO AND LEANDER By Martin Schutze of the University of Chicago. Probable price, $1.25 net. A poetic drama of unusual merit. While several authors have tried this theme, probably no one before has brought these ill- starred lovers so close to our sympathies. 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"We know of no other IBtholOf] for children so complete and well ■rffensjed.*' critic. HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY ™g " One of the most important books on music that has ever been published:'- -W. J. HENDERSON in the N. Y. Times. 8th PRINTING, with a chapter by H. E. KREHBIEL, covering Richard Strauss, Cornelius, Goldmark, Kienzl, Humperdinck, Smetana, Dvorak, Charpentier, Elgar, etc. LAVIGNACS Music and Musicians Translated by WILLIAM MARCHANT. With additional chapters by HENRY E. KREHBIEL on Music in America and The Present State or the Art or Music. With 94 Illustrations and 510 examples in Musical Notation, 518 pp., izmo, $1.75 net. By mail, #1.91. C| A brilliant, sympathetic and authoritative work cover- ing musical sound, the voice, musical instruments, con- struction aesthetics and the history of music. A veritable musical cyclopedia, with some thousand topics in the index. Circular with sample pages on application. W. F. 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