I PS 3535 ' .01713 G8 1919 Copy 1 THE rREAT CONSPIRACY ROBERTS Class __ifS_i5:s.5 BookJQ_L:ZT3ix.^ Gopiglttls' TO IfUfI COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THE GREAT CONSPIRACY BY THE SAME AUTHOR LOUVAIN: A Tragedg of the Invasion of Belgium THAISA: A Tragedy in the days of Nero. With Frontispiece fiom a drawing by Andre Castaigne OCTAVIA AND NEW POEMS' COLLECTED POEMS THE CALL OF SORROW "O shattered side of conscience ! standest thou A monument to memory's despair That's taller than Hell's everlasting fire. Thou art the giantship of punishment." Cleopatra, Scene I, page 20 THE GREAT CONSPIRACY AN EPIC DRAMA IN NINE SCENES WRITTEN IN PROSE AND VERSE BY CHARLES V. H. ROBERTS n AUTHOR OF "THAISA," "LOUVAIN," "THE CALL OF SORROW," ETC. THE TORCH PRESS NEW YORK AND CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA LONDON: 11-13, HENRIETTA STREET COVENT GARDEN, W.C. 1919 f ■^ .^^^ t) ©^■^^ % « .^ \ (\ \^ COPYRIGHT 1919 CHARLES V. H. ROBERTS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FEBRUARY MAR 20 1919 aO 51581 ^ To the Memory of My Father Frank M. Roberts PUBLISHER'S NOTE This drama is in part a revision of "The Sublime Sacrifice" by the same author, which is now entirely out of print SYNOPSIS OF SCENES Scene I In Hell 15 Scene II Potsdam 45 Scene III Same 47 Scene IV A Battlefield in Flanders . 61 Scene V A German residence in Brussels 93 Scene VI A Death Cell in Military Prison AT Brussels .... lOI Scene VII Military Prison Yard at dawn . 117 Scene VIII Same, high noon .... 118 Scene IX In Hell 121 CHARACTERS OF THE DRAMA IMMORTALS Satax The King of Hell Beelzebub A^^^/ f„ Power to Satan xMoLOCH The Fiend of War The Spirit of Nero The Spirit of Marc Axtoxy The Spirit of Attila The Spirit of Richard III The Spirit of Bismarck The Spirit of Cleopatra Devils, Servants, Menials to the Court of Satan, etc., etc. mortals The "All-Highest" War-Lord of Germany General Karl von Hofen Commander of German Army in Flanders Captain Frederich Harrach ) Lieutenant Horst ] ^"^ '^^'^ Hofen s Staff Baron Freiderick von der Achen Of the Political Department at Brussels An Aide to Baron von der Achen Sir John Steele Capt. R. A. F., betrothed to Edith Vernon The American Minister to Belgium The Spanish Minister to Belgium A Chaplain Edith Vernon An English Red Cross Nurse The Baroness von der Achen Soldiers, Stretcher Bearers, Orderlies, Trench Diggers, Servants, etc., etc. SCENE I SCENE I The curtain rising discloses a cavern in Pandemo- nium, the huge palace of the Arch-Fiend. It is dark, except for green and red lights that flicker grimly on the walls. From the ceiling there is a continual movement as of wings and flying things. Distant wailings and moanings are heard. A dim mist of smoke comes dow?i at intei'vals fol- lowed by lurid flashes of lightning. As the scene progresses the light grows stronger. In the center at back Satan is discovered sitting in sinister majesty on a high throne. Beelzebub and Moloch stand on either side of their master. Through a low opening to the left, spirit shapes and shadowy forms are entering. They approach in pairs, some few cowering in fear and terror, oth- ers walking erect; all prostrate themselves before Satan. The spirits of Nero, Marc Antony, Attila, Richard III, Bismarck, and many other notables of history appear. These intermingle with throngs of devils and menials conspicuous with their forked horns. The warriors are distinguished by their respective costumes, head-gear, and armor. Satan {as a hush falls over the conclave) . I bid you welcome here, my noble fiends, So that our learned talk may be extended. 1 6 The Great Conspiracy [With his sceptre he motions all to rise~\ Not as disgusting worms — Adjust now all your memories for my chat Of damning trust where evil's sanctified. [Looking upward^ Observe a Doctrine that destroys itself And yet it has survived too many suns. Of Christ I speak, a feeble Stammerer, Who shouts His soulful metres oft in vain To herds of monks and priests. They're underlings; Their churches are kennels where frail Goodness breeds And later spreads in foul preeminence. Aye, this concerns our glory. Come near- er. In confidence wherefor I wish to speak: The worst that I can say will prove the best. [For a moment there is a horrible sound of moaning winds~\ Beelzebub. O mighty Satan, hail! The Great Conspiracy 17 Chorus of Voices {all making obeisance). Hail, ruler of Hell! Moloch. And all wild things of immortality. [Suddenly in the aperture, the figure of a woman appears robed in a flaming Egyptian mantle. Her head is be- decked and glittering with jewels'] [Enter CLEOPATRA. She is followed by a score of sister-fiends who rush about in wild confusion] [With clenched fists and tears in her eyes the famous queen makes appeal- ing gestures to SATAN. She tears jewels from her gown and hair and casts them at her feet] [Satan, however, does not heed her, but instead with growing impatience beckons some of his servants to re- move both Cleopatra and her fol- lowing from the cavern] [Marc Antony is now discovered push- ing his way through the throng. He approaches to where CLEOPATRA is standing] 1 8 The Great Conspiracy Cleopatra {recognizing her former lover). Antony! O Love so humbled here! [^Throwing herself in his arms^ Canst thou remember Egypt? thy Cleo- patra? Antony. The perfume of her presence fills my soul. Cleopatra {sorrowfully). Changed is thy visage, dear Marc Antony. [Appealing to SATAN ] Have we not burned for two long thous- and years? Fain cast thy power o'er this deviltry. [Again to AntONY] Clasp me, you favoring arms! Why dost thou gaze at me so anxiously? Here is my body cold as ice yet charred And burning inwardly. Call out my name As I did thine beholding thee in death Prone on my couch in Alexandria! 1 pray thee build a wall about my soul Where I may feel as when the moon- beams wrapt The Great Conspiracy 19 Us round in their soft silver nakedness, My head upon thy breast, while glided we Through mists stirred only by the wings of love Adown the waters of the swaying Nile. \^Sadly~\ To think that I was beautiful. Antony. These flames, Scarcely have they advanced on thy beauty. Cleopatra. Stagger thou now, my half-crazed mem- ory! Ah Antony, why here this death undying? If cease we ever will, let's perish now. \^Kissing him passionately^ O let these lips, while lips, be kissed again. Antony {in tones of deep pity). Here sympathy's defiled. Ah, Cleopatra 1 As never love from the beginning died. Nor sepulchre diviner beauty held. This vengeance on thee doth seem cow- ardly. E'en through our dark realities of soul. 20 The Great Conspiracy Cleopatra {bitterly). Ah, had we ended when we loved. O stay! Whence comes this lonely wail from out the past, Close yet unseen, no signs, but syllables? [^With agitation^ O shattered side of conscience! standest thou A monument to memory's despair That's taller than Hell's everlasting fire. Thou art the giantship of punishment. \_More calmly^ My soul is fettered, but my heart is free; Though withered, still can give forth amorous beats. [Beelzebub approaches with a flaming whip in his hand, CLEOPATRA clings more closely to AntONY] Beelzebub {to Cleopatra, and raising his whip) . Down on thy face! Cleopatra {to Antony). Save me, thy once beloved! Some relic of thy moldering strength is left. The Great Conspiracy 21 \^Cowering in terror from BeeLZEBUB] O there, O turn that hideous fiend away! Antony {shielding Cleopatra). Ah Beelzebub, is not sufficient laden Upon her soul by these injurious gods? Satan {rising in anger and pointing to CLEO- PATRA). Now cease this nauseous prattling instant- And throw that writhing wanton from my view. [^At this command and against their piteous cries of protest, CLEOPATRA is torn from ANTONY, and with her sister fiends forced roughly from the cavern^ [Antony appears dumfounded, but quickly recovers his composure see- ing Satan is about to address him^ Satan. What wouldst thou, Antony? Antony. To hear thee, Sire. 22 The Great Conspiracy Satan {with a smile). Ever the snare was set for thee by women. They flatter to the last. Shun them, my Roman. Howe'er, the passioning breasts of maid- enhood Have led a swarm of bravest men to Hell. [Waving ANTONY aside and turning to Beelzebub] But now I will proceed. Beelzebub, see To it there're no more interruptions. A monstrous plan doth flame within my soul At which Tri-named, Tri-featured God shall tremble. Moloch. Ha, we will hear thee, Satan, we will hear thee. If there be God, if there be God, 'tis thou. [The warriors flock about MolOCH] Chorus of Voices {looking towards Satan). Speak, speak — Beelzebub {interrupting them angrily). Silence, ye babbling menials! The Great Conspiracy 23 And keep your forked horns there fur- ther ofi. All are not privileged in this great con- clave Save those whose vile exploits are well recorded. Nero {haughtily). Look to the record, Beelzebub; be sure I'm there for deathless deeds of violence, And high enrolled for butchery and lust. Beelzebub. Silence, thou juggler of antiquity! Boast not of what thou wast but what thou art. Nero {angrily). Regard thyself, I am a Roman Caesar. [^The spirits group about BEELZEBUB and Nero who start quarreling; they are on the verge of a fierce encounter when Satan interrupts~\ Satan. Purge off this wrangling now and hear me. Peers, Not in the stormy atmosphere of souls. 24 The Great Conspiracy But with the zeal that is befitting us In our conspicuous catastrophe. \^All now become attentive and the com- motion ceases^ Learn what must be encountered and over- come : My wits err not — high there upon the Earth Has Civilization breeded long enough, With us no nearer to the Infinite; Sloth is intolerable here in Hell And our inaction must be shaken up Away from lukewarm blood and clem- ency. Moloch. O tell us what means Lucifer, my lord? Satan. O ye sacred bells! 'Tis Evil that I call, For Evil lives when Goodness turns to slime. Heed ye the words of immortality, Where Power's framed with all-prolific humor. My plan is one of demolition The Great Conspiracy 25 Carved out of thunder by the blade of Chaos. None have so much of death that there's no death, For worms will gnaw forever on the soul Begrimed within the sphere of my con- trol. May prayer dissolve forever to our bliss! [Looking upward and making the sign of the Cross~\ Grin on Thou Skull! there on Thy cruci- fix! Behold! am I not Lucifer? Thine Angel Created next to Thee, then dispossessed, Cast into this foul-spinning twisted air? The royal blood of Heaven's in my veins, Which flows so burned in anguish but still proud. By no means humbled by calamity. I'll crack the ear of earth's buffoonery. Whose topmost lobe hangs there on Cal- vary. Sound on, ye hymns of peace, ye songs of praise. Within your woodland vales or cities clinging 26 The Great Conspiracy Onto the mountain sides, where merri- ment And love feast on the amorous lips of women. Sing on in innocence or revelry — Yet not forever so — above this cauldron, Poor gnomes, ye know not what doth lurk so near Despite the prophets of divinity And cunning teachers of theology. [^Standing erect with arms outstretch- ed] O damned hell-hounds! how it cheers my soul To wing the air among earth's erring stars! The fall is not too deep for all there is Now over me to work that land's undoing. {^Pointing upward] Peace there retains her veil; despite our work Is Christ enthroned; within her sanctua- ries Are murmured indolently knavish psalms Against us Intellectuals of Hell. The Great Conspiracy 27 Yet is the beach of History there, whose shore Is bloody war — and what does it expect? Can our infinity be put to naught? Lie we ill-starred, seduced and unwise Before the substance of that pious earth? Be I no longer devil if the hour's Not come to act, and suck existence out Of Godly things. Ha, ha, my noble fiends. My plan suits not the Artist Jesus-Man: For our rebufifs shall Europe make amends. The subtlest spot for war's most fitful strife, For murky visaged griefs and gory deaths. Moloch. But those confines are quite all Chris- tian. Satan. Think so? I warrant thee thou art de- ceived. Moloch, I gave thee credit for more wis- dom. Withal a Christian is a brute, has sense 28 The Great Conspiracy Of sex, of gold, and thirst for blood ; more too. Parrots themselves could speak of Cal- vary; Allow them thought and even dogs could pray; A Christian's but a keener kind of clay. Now might I tell thee what I know of Europe, That perfect calm in seething armament? A State's oasis of thievery. Its law a snarling caravan of fools Dragged blindly on the desert of Ambi- tion. As Nature's linked with Hell, listen my fiends : One State pursues the clouds of war and is In wakeful preparation now. How oft Did I rise up o' nights and watch those whelps In armor bright arrayed. O wretched Prussia! Twinkled a secret joy within my soul To see that gnashing in thy jaws of steel The Great Conspiracy 29 Aping the Martian tongue. 'Twas a goodly sight, And though a snake, I smiled with glee knowing How this would pain the Entertainer's ears Around the table of Heav'nly piety. [Calling the throng closer to him^ As Nature multiplies in Prussian wombs So does that state with its envenomed guns Need but the touch of our allegiance. A petty enterprise? Behold above, The graceful Deity. Fall, Jesus Christ, Thou Undefminer of this darkened pit! Ye cities, counties with your Godly laws, Crack twixt the mighty hands of brutish force. [^Long applause^ Attila. O master, how I greet thy words; how I Do love thy lips that droppeth murderous gore. Peace phantoms fret my soul. To Chal- ons-plain Send me again, divinest Lucifer. 30 The Great Conspiracy The world by massacre could soon be ended Or in the lees of infants' blood be drowned. Chorus of Devils. Aye, aye, let him go forth, let him go forth. Satan {lowering his voice). With war come other issues delicate. Those frail women, diverse companions First used for lust then dragged in slavery. [^Directing his words to AntONY] Marc Antony, thou hast a strong passion For sinuous veils, this should appeal to thee. To rouse them sleeping, breathing per- fumes in The arts of love, 'twill be a recompense — Feel kisses sting like whips, feel fairer hands From arms of sapphire-tendrilled veins dig in Thy throat. Methinks I'll change my mind and now The Great Conspiracy 31 Recall thy mummied rag of Egypt, eh? Verily she had wit at Actium. Antony. Forbear! to Fate and to my soul unjust. I care no longer for the challenge of steel. And less for the forbidden arts of love. Beauty's a precious gift, but not in hell. No worthy match am I in suffering; Less worthy would I be conceiving pain: If I'm debased, let that be my transgres- sion. Satan {angrily). In hell thou standest in thine own estate. \^Summoning two devils to seize hifn~\ Carry him down into the fields of ice. Passion's chaste sallies will be frozen there. [Exit Antony pushed roughly for- ward by two menials^ Nero. I am a matricide, thus well might urge That Attila be sent as he has pled. I hate the cross congratulating Rome And did my best to stamp its breeders out. 32 The Great Conspiracy Beelzebub. Fie fool, thy deeds brought fewest vic- tims here. Thy living torches rose in Paradise. AtTILA {again appealing to SaTAN). chief, thou spokest as Divinity. 1 crave thy word to go. Til pick and choose Mine auguster and worthy progeny. The Hohenzollern pirates, for this work. The thing needs time, that's all, and strat- egy. Satan. Nay, time is mortals' plea. Still, thou seem'st wise. Richard III {limping up to the throne of Satan). A sage is he, yon Attila, the Hun — He spoke of his great sweep on Chalons- field. With thy permission, therefore, O great king, I'll sketch a picture here of Flanders- field. [Satan nods assent^ The Great Conspiracy 33 [^The lights grow dimmer. Distant waitings and cries are heard as RICH- ARD recites^ The silent stars droop their appealing eyes In tears o'er shriek of fiends and anguish- ed cries From dying man. Into the fiery glow Of flame and poisonous gas, the tread be- low Of infantry advancing to the fight Creates new horrors in the gory night. Hark, comes a savage roar like dragons meet, A gap in rank — a clash, then horses' feet Tramp o'er the bodies of the fallen ones While pulling, dragging up the heavy guns. The battle now becomes confused; lurid The air from gas and stench of blood; torrid In fumes from cursing lips and gnashing teeth O'er mangled arms, torn sides and limbs beneath. The stars turn into bells that toll the dead, 34 The Great Conspiracy Count writhing shadows in the midnight dread. At dawn the flames become a moving mist Outcreeping broken arch and trees atwist. \^Applause^ Satan. Thou couldst have done no better than come here. Richard III. My memory gloats within conspiracies, Like yonder Cassius and Marcus Brutus. [Satan and Moloch, with Richard III and AttILA, are seen conferring] Nero {to one side). I have done proudly. Minute reformers of Imperial Rome, trapped are ye now. Caesar, Ye fools, does not forgive so easily. [/w singing tones'] White is the maid of Peace, and white her robe Enwreathed with roses near the Vatican, Or shadowing innocence and queenly pride The Great Conspiracy 3c Across the fields of Belgium and France. We'll rape and spoil her lap of loveliness. Beelzebub {sarcastically). Not without art, Nero, e'en here in Hell. Nero {retorting). O humor's base, when it doth come from thee. Satan {calling Bismarck from the throng). Bismarck, thou art more recently famil- iar — Now, what hast thou to say? I stood be- hind Thee in thy former war and when thou camest To this infernal place, I saw thy deeds. Thy sanguinary work there well estab- lished. Bismarck. Ah, mock me not, though thou art lord- liest. Satan, I dream not in the thirst for blood, Nor zest acute, nor wish that war return. Though God lays on me more than I can bear, 36 The Great Conspiracy Though these old hands do tremble in de- spair I would not have my country thus involv- ed. I see thy motive and thy {rightfulness. That Prussia is prepared for war, 'tis true — For that alone was I responsible. Such preparation best upholds for peace. Securing all the world and all mankind. For conquests further, I will not take part, Though loud and fierce with blame thy hate may be. Satan {with grinning malice). Say fool, is this thy gratitude? Bismarck {calmly). Care I For that. I see the circling splendor of My work, as I do see the ruin now Conjured within this evil thou wouldst hatch. My one regret's the fact my plans did give To thee such scope to reek this wider car- nage; The Great Conspiracy 37 For that alone thou shouldst be very thankful. \^Hisses^ Satan {rising from the throne in supreme an- ger) . Thou servile mind, what is thy chief af- fliction? A man hell-stricken? Remember thou art damned. Temper'st thine angelic reveries here? Take holy water, cross thyself and smirk. l^With sneering sarcasm^ And thou they called a man of Blood and Iron. Get chalice, bells and censers, Chancellor. Let babies play, eh, 'stead of drowning them? See how he frames his eyes! Who else will speak? The giant work called Bismarck is a sham, The royal victory of Sedan a rout. And yet despite these present blemishes, It seems no farther ofiF than yesterday That he and I were standing hand in hand Within the palace walls of fair Versailles 38 The Great Conspiracy Drawing a contract for the ruin of man. Thou art a shrivelled warrior, Bismarck. What pity 'tis there is a thing called soul. [^Growing excited at the apparent calm- ness of Bismarck] hear me out of Hell! Thou wouldst grow kind? Hast claim upon Celestial Virtue? Trust not, Contrarius shade — my war on Heaven may Be vain, but there on earth I will be king. [To Attila] Attila, arm thou now; with hell-flames go As soon as thou hast heard my full intent. Unbosom all our smooth hypocrisies Against the laws of nature and of land; With wiles and thy resistless Ways, O Hun, Warble some charms of praise, of power, or then Lest it perhaps offend some, talk of peace ; Be double-mouthed in thy diplomacy. 1 know thy traits — fain use them well; benumb The reason of that Prussian dynasty. The Great Conspiracy 39 [^Pointing sceptre at BiSMARCK] Why so confused, Bismarck? Ill-timed pride In thy kultur and militaristic dream? Aye, worst of all, destroyed will be their ends. [^Glancing maliciously towards RICH- ARD] As well the conceit of yon British swine, Attempered too with force and fraud or crime And crazed to colonizing all the globe. \^Addressing himself to all^ Hear my decree, witness my domination: [Risingy Satan outspreads his arms to appear like huge wings~\ Ye co-eternal Birds! No vulture's risen From out the orbits of the sky to fall Upon more nests of low-roofed misery. In conscience lies the engine of all deeds — In sooth there's conscience in my pedigree. We know the majesty of thought as well And feel ambition rush through every vein. My conscience so aglow is out for war, 40 The Great Conspiracy Such war as only spirits can conjure Within their bodiless mentality. But voice is prattle, action is what counts : So to my task of foul disfigurement. [Turning again to AttilA] Go thou forth, Attila, all now's at stake In trusting this to thine ability. Light there the flame o'er trembling Christ ascendant; Let chaos intervolve without remorse; On everything that's mortal turn my wrath ; Each town shall bear the imprint of thy hand And all the vales that front the falling sun. Let babes be slaughtered, cathedrals tumbled down, [7w low diabolical tones~\ And enter thou the sacred nunneries; And listen why: dost feel the virtue of The mazes they are unacquainted with? 'Tis 'gainst my glory they be ignorant. Steal into Alpine valleys, sunset-lustered With tiny villages, each with its spire The Great Conspiracy 41 And clear stream lined with lilies musical Where azure children bathe in merri- ment. Wave me down progress of thy deeds done there. [^Short pauze~\ Rape mothers, daughters, all, beneath the moon : [Looking upward and at the same time making an encircling gesture with his forefinger^ O withered dowager! thou'll drip down blood Indeed when earth is made thy paramour. Say, my Peers, it will be the rarest sport. Both lust and thievery shall vie with me In loathsome rays of beastly force and crime. [Bidding them all disperse^ Go all of you apart. [Glancing upward again~\ Thou, Christ, doth fawn From fear, and cause Thou hast indeed. Come, come! 42 The Great Conspiracy Rise Massacre! rise Passion, Madness, Fury! And go thou, Attila, I bid thee fly. Though there thou'lt be in my society. Attila. I'll do the business. King, and Heaven will gaze In wonder at. Surely I've stayed too long In this Stygian pit. To Chalons-plain! But first to Potsdam veiled in infamy I'll sow thy glozing seeds of butchery. \^Amid sudden flashes of lightning and rolling thunder AttILA rushes to- wards the opening. The throngs follow him in great confusion, some uttering cries in rage against, while others seem to acclaim the mission. Satan from his throne watches the scene intently for a moment, then slowly rolls back his huge eyes into a fixed expression of malice and satis- faction^ CURTAIN SCENES II AND III SCENE II A small dimly lighted study in the Imperial Palace of Potsdam. It is night. Panoplies of armor reminiscent of the middle ages glimmer on the walls. There is a small door to the left at back. Adjacent to this is distinguished a bust of Napoleon resting on a pedestal. The curtain rising, the "All-High- est" is discovered in full military uniform sitting in front of his desk. Resting on his elbows with head between his hands he is vainly endeavoring to keep awake. The '^ All-Highest" {moving his withered arm and gazing at the wall) . Ah, why was I so eminently reared In this creation to stare at rusting armor And moldering escutcheons? Useless Are all my regiments of burnished steel. The creed proclaimed that I with God should rule In formulae far wider than His own. Why then is greatness so abstemious? [Glancing at the bust of NapOLEON] 46 The Great Conspiracy And thou, Conquest, for centuries en- throned Among the consecrated gods, thinned thus By fasting to a skeleton? 'Tis strange. What sudden wrath could change this an- gel child Of peace, this trifle in the universe? Can gods learn anything except from God? Am I commended to diplomacy? Reluctantly I've grown to be its kin — Accursed or blessed be mine effigies. [^Rubbing his eyes'\ My soul is sick of this blank era, weary. Midnight, thou art a solemn hour indeed, Sole heir to all the virtues of the day. \_Drowsily'\ O sleep! how often we dispute thy com- ing, Yet full of thousand sweets — ah — ah — [Falls sound asleep^ [For a moment the stage is dark] SCENE III (Same as Scene II) \^A vivid flash of lightning. Enter suddenly AttILA with eyes ablaze. He is bedecked with helmet and ar- mor and bearing a large sword^ The "All-Highest" {leaning far back in his chair and staring wildly at the intruder) , Who — who art thou? AttILA (coming closer and grimly leaning for- ward on his sword). Be of good courage, sir, I'm not an owl-eyed ghost. The "All-Highest." Who art thou? Say! ATTILA (smiling). By providential arts I've come to thee To rouse the feeble — The "All-Highest." Thy name, illusion? Whence comest thou? 48 The Great Conspiracy AttiLA {calmly). Of course from my frontier. [Glaring into his face~\ My progeny, canst thou not recognize The Scourge of God? Behold me, Attila! The "All-Highest" (excitedly). Madman! Or am I mad? Go get thee hence! Attila. I pray thee listen — The "All-Highest." Away, I say, away! Attila. Who rules the universe but those of strength? I was dispatched for thy offense and good. The "All-Highest" {more calmly). These must be dreamy phantoms, yet I feel There's blood still coursing in my frozen veins. What arts and curious shifts does mind devise? Oh it is little to be born a man The Great Conspiracy 49 If brain must so become the jest of de- mons. ATTILA {philosophically). The shade of mind is that which makes the man; Its hue is dark or bright as he doth think. The adverse gods will seize the brooding soul And magnify each apprehension. As Fortune drifts to happy attitudes, The swifter will it rush to mighty deeds. The "All-Highest." Aye, aye, I see; but how camest thou here? Attila. My friend, had I not might which gave me right} The "All-Highest." No matter who thou art, that dogma's sound. Attila. The law's infirm and liberty's decayed: A fight is wiser than a host of words. 50 The Great Conspiracy The "All-Highest." Indeed I'll say thou art a judge of truth. AttILA {familiarly). Here I foresaw thy thoughts before I came. Aren't we a race supreme in ancient wars? The "All-Highest." That's true in part but Attila's not "we." Attila. I swear that I am loth to leave thy side. \_With enthusiasm^ Could we not build scenes on our great desires? To each fine impulse give some entity Beyond the limits of this slothful age? The "All-Highest." Not without war — Prussia is civilized. Attila. Pardon thou art mistaken Emperor. To my rough soul so lately scarred with fire 'Twas prophesied that thou wouldst be a god, The Great Conspiracy 51 A War-Lord greater than the world has known. The "All-Highest." Wouldst thou tempt me with false pre- sentiments? Attila. Thou'st known the spirits of each glorious age? [Glancing toward the bust of NAPO- LEON] See! there is he upon that pedestal Whom Nature hangs in Heaven as a god. The "All-Highest" {with a smile). I never heard 'til now that he was there. Attila. The readiest way to heaven is by force. The "All-Highest." Thou soundest like a lion out of Hell. Attila. The hour of every great man's hope is war; To fight, then be immortal like myself. The "All-Highest" {sarcastically) . And him they sent down to St. Helena. ^2 The Great Conspiracy Attila. Above our stars, now why not be the sun? [To himself, looking towards the bust with admiration, then glancing with contempt toward his companion^ The life of nobler ages hath decreed A fame for him that thou shalt never hold. The '^All-Highest." That was a sad reverse. I never would Surrender myself to an enemy. With unsuspected secrecy I'd fly And vanish straight into a neutral state. AttiIj\. Here's gold for such a journey — buy a mule! The "All-Highest." I do not feel as angry as I should. Attila. Why sit here like some slow-eyed whining Moor? Wilt thou not grasp thine opportunity? Or dost prefer to preach laments of peace Rhymed out in verses of diplomacy? The Great Conspiracy 53 see thy Prussian eagles! witched and tamed Above a string of asses braying Hague Tribunals, Treaties, International Laws. The "All-Highest." My peoples, they enjoy the reign of peace. ATTILA. As blood is lent by nature, so is fire To raise the tides of our enthusiasm. Successful motives change the people's hearts, And all fair thinking knows Ambition well Can snub the title of equality. 1 understood that thou wast valiant. The "All-Highest." I am no coward. Attila. But still thou art not great. The "All-Highest." I do believe I could be. Attila. Aye, thou couldst. 54 The Great Conspiracy \^Impatiently^^ Get thee a cudgel and away with words; Make all a desolation but thy state. The "All-Highest." But how? My first real doubt is this, — but how? AttilA {in tones of coarse familiarity) . Say brother, France has been kicked once, n^est ce pas} The "All-Highest." But my friend England is allied to her; My mother is an English woman, too. Attila. Chief of the gods, why art thou pleased to jest? Be wise and cast thy British blood like this. [^Strikes his nose until it bleeds^ Wouldst thou be great and speak such sentiments? Take my advice, put softnesses away; Those things avail but they are not for Huns. The Great Conspiracy 55 Go out and trample, rape, corrupt, and kill — That is no sudden change of policy. Come to the point again — thine army is Prepared I know; thou hadst discretion there And keen insight. If thou canst rule the world. Then falls the firmament at thy com- mand; Thou'lt be a counter-glory of the sun. See yonder sack of stars bow down to thee And turn to bloody rubies in thy path. How easy this — yet thou didst need my soul To think in iron and dream in cannons' roar. The ''All-Highest" {offended). Nay, nay, thou dost misjudge me, Attila; I've always been wrought to this very mood. Deny thou that — then why didst thou come here? The earth ailed first because I was not born 56 The Great Conspiracy And Time turned only great when I ar- rived. 'Tis true that Fm anointed of the Lord As thou hast said. 'Twas fated from the first. Attila. Aye, aye, draw swords and flash the fangs of Hell. Conventions, laws, thrice spit upon them all! The ^'All-Highest" {becoming enthusias- tic). That should be practised — thou art truly wise. Ah, there're no damned shades that ever lived That will not call on me. Is it not so? Thy progeny's a fiercer Hun than thou, The mailed fist is mightier than the Scourge. Attila {slyly). I do protest against comparisons. Abide 'til we draw thither, what thou art: Then we'll establish our confederacy. The Great Conspiracy 57 [7*0 himself^ To dream myself into a shape like him — 'Tis entertainment for a meaner eye. \^Loudly~\ Strike France and Russia simultaneously, Ere help come in from England to re- lieve : That is the main stake of my plan just now. The "All-Highest." But I would strike the weak primarily, For then we stab at wombs, which bear the strong. The French frontier forts are impregna- ble, Swarming with troops expectant of attack. Attila {suddenly raising his sword and in tones of contempt and satisfaction) . My Scourge is thine! Thou art the viler Hun. The "All-Highest." Where lies the error? Strike through Belgium! [There is a roll of thunder and flare of 58 The Great Conspiracy lightning followed by total darkness. Suddenly, recognized by his toga and Imperial wreath, the figure of JU- LIUS CiESAR is discovered standing erect in the doorway. He slowly unfolds a parchment on which is drawn a map of Gaul. [Looking toward the "AlL-HiGHEST" and ATTILA with expressions of mingled pain, contempt, and anger, he passes his right forefinger over the parchment^ Julius C/ESAR {resting his finger at one point on the map) . The Belgians are the bravest of all Gaul! [The light goes out and the vision van- ishes. Stage totally dark^ Voice of Attila. To Chalons-plain! Voice of the ^^All-Highest." Aye, and to Paris! Come! CURTAIN SCENE IV SCENE IF Late in the afternoon. A battle-field in Flanders within the German lines. The curtain rising discloses rows of trenches in the outermost background, whence come cries and the roaring of artillery. Flames every now and then are seen to spurt up in the distance. To the left at back stands a field hospital towards which streams of wounded are being carried or borne on stretchers. In the foreground General von Hofen and Captain Harrach are discovered with other members of the staff. Some of the officers are standing while others are sitting about a large table littered with steins and bottles, papers, maps, telephones, and vari- ous military paraphernalia. A?i orderly stands by filling the General's glass and those of the other officers. [Enter LlEUT. HORST. He salutes VON Hofen] Von Hofen {to Horst). Well? Horst. The English are pressing our right wing and their artillery is well sheltered. 62 The Great Conspiracy Von Hofen. Camouflaged, eh? Ten thousand thun- ders! Where are our reserves? [^Turn- ing to HarPw^CH]. Now Harrach, don't look so squeamish. Yonder gutless dogs will never send me to Kingdom Come with gazetted heroism and Yan- kee bullets. [^The officers clap their hands, raise their steins and laugh vociferously^. I will salute a French- man; if the day is hot I might even drink with a Zouave. We must admit that Foch at Ypres was a fighter; but never these British swine HarRACH {half 'intoxicated and peering to- ward the distant firing line). Ach! that was a great charge. God save the white-livered English now. They find our Uhlans, war-horses clothed in thunder. Von Hofen. Dust, smoke, shells, gas and fire — hell's breath — I'm sure there will be plenty of bleeding rags in the hospital to- night. Come, let us drink while slaugh- The Great Conspiracy 63 ter runs in the warring winds. By the shade of Attila! we are done with sugar- sticks for swords, with teatime rules against barbarism and all such tomfool- ery that brings housewifery on the bat- tlefield and makes weaklings out of our goose-stepping regiments. [^Laughter^. Cold-blooded killing is what counts; anything else offends the devil. Make the hair of the enemy shiver and shrink at its roots. Drink ^'To the Day." Drink to war! To war that's life and butch- ery that's soul. \^Applause^ Harrach. Shoot 'em down — that's government. \^Applau5e^ Von Hofen {banging his fist on the table). Aye, Harrach! What the plague do we fight for? On to Paris! I'll give one hundred marks to the keen-eyed gunner who fells the first statue, Christ, Virgin, or saint off the fagade of Notre Dame. \_Applause^ Harrach. Feed the flames! care not what they burn! 64 The Great Conspiracy HoRST {to Von Hofen). But my orders, General? There's anoth- er force to westward. Von Hofen {with eyes bleared and handing him a telegram) . What? Take this to the ranking officer of the Third Corps. By the time you arrive the English will be in retreat. [Applause]. But understand, I disap- prove of rural landscapes. Burn out every murmuring stream; destroy all villages and every flowery vale that give any alarm of habitation. I will not tol- erate any fawning or snuffing popula- tion ready to spring on my back at the first delightsome moment. Any dove- breasted virgins I leave to his own dis- cretion ; but after that presumptuous af- fair of the Bishop of Malines, if he chance upon any pray-bellying priests, let me have the pleasure of hearing them chant a few litanies in this camp. A score of these sots disembowelled on the steps of their altar would be better show than a bull fight. The Great Conspiracy 65 [Laughter and applause'] [Exit HORST] [They sing ''Deutschland Uber Jlles''] [Sudden increase in the din of battle] [Exunt hurriedly all but VON HOFEN and HarraCH] Von Hofen (looking through his field glass toward the trenches) , Shivery shaky shots, Mein Gott! What's the matter with our barrage? [For a few seconds he scans the horizon con- cernedly and intently through his glass- es]. Ach, that's better! The swine are retreating again. [Lowers field glass] Harrach {to Von Hofen in undertones). Soft, sir, a word with you. There's a girl-house, I mean a nunnery in the nearby village. Von Hofen {laughing and nudging Har- RACH with his elbow). Well then, you can leave at once on fur- lough. [Nudging him again]. Shall we train our guns on it afterwards? Remember, always thorough, Harrach. 66 The Great Conspiracy Harrach. They fly the Red Cross flag. Von Hofen. That's a good mark. But speaking of tangled tresses — how about that Brus- sels hospital nurse we captured in the last town honored by our goose-step- pers? Harrach. She's most solicitous of the wounded — a comely woman, and I am quite enam- oured with her. But she scorns all ad- vances — hence my love and hate are becoming balanced on the scales. Von Hofen. She's English, Harrach. A pox on these slander-mouthed English. They carry enough poison on their tongues to cor- rupt truth itself. Harrach {laughing). I professed a friendship for her, that was all. Von Hofen. Friendship is a dried fig, and what's more, The Great Conspiracy 67 as sure a forerunner to love as yonder battle is to the coming rattle of our steins in the Cafe de Paris; 'twill be before All Saints Day. [^Turning to First Orderly and pointing towards the hospital']. Fetch Miss what's her name, Harrach? HARRACH (disconcertedly). Edith Vernon. [Exit First Orderly, saluting] Von Hofen. Don't look melancholy. I wouldn't coo in the same cage with your Anglo-Sax- on canary, but she must drink a glass of Rhenish wine with me. Always thor- ough, you know, always thorough. [Enter SECOND ORDERLY] Orderly (to Von Hofen). I have an English prisoner, an officer. I caught him lurking near a distant trench. Von Hofen. Officer, you say? A gallant Britisher? Bring the man here. [Turning to 68 The Great Conspiracy HarrACH and imitating the English^. Egad! He's a slim featureless ass, I'll bet. Orderly. I have him blindfolded, sir, and guarded in a shell hole off the road. Von Hofen. Good! go fetch him here. {Exit Second Orderly, saluting^ [To Harrach] Don't mistake me, Harrach. As God made the sun the biggest pimple in the sky. He made no greater scandal in rags than a woman. Fortune takes the weaker sex under her protection, but Kultur must lead it now out of that monotony. As for your nurse, I could be charmed with Cleopatra's art without falling in love with her face. How- ever, if you are becoming an amorous puppy, I repeat: here's your furlough. Go get you to the nunnery. My own affair is war at present — that despite the fact that my way of making it seems to disappoint the blessings of Provi- The Great Conspiracy 69 dence. Our talk is reduced to this,— shall we die heroes or live Germans? [Harrach proffers him another glass of beer']. For myself, I'd rather feed on garbage behind yonder trenches than eat the sweetest meats in some flower- fringed paradise, even be those meats fed me from the fingers of all the con- juring angels. [Raising his glass]. No, I'm not afraid of death either. Here's to the Fatherland ! Our Emperor says, "Tis well — God rules and thus — I rule.'' [Enter SECOND ORDERLY leading pris- oner blindfolded] Von Hofen. Unbandage his eyes and let me see this man. [The Orderly removes the bandage roughly] [Sir John Steele is discovered] Harrach. Of all the rogues these English are the worst. 70 The Great Conspiracy Sir John {to Von Hofen) . I understand, sir, youVe the General. Von Hofen. You understand correctly, I am he. [^Walking closer, breast out, and curl- ing his mustache^ Where is your main force? Out now, out with it. We're here to teach you Kultur, British- er. Gott! English manners are intolerable. Sir John {placing hand on left shoulder). Cannot you see I'm wounded. General? Von Hofen {to Harrach). Give him a drink, Harrach — your par- don, sir. Our business though is war. Where is that force? 'Tis blissful to be brief — now answer me. Sir John. I am so dazed, I really do not know. Von Hofen {to the Second Orderly). Then search him. You know we must be thorough, eh? The Great Conspiracy 71 War is a business when if s for the world. Think what destruction means to us — Sir John [suddenly and fiercely interrupting Von Hofen). Your business war? O God I wish it were. I love the full tide gushes of real war, Of bravest men faring as they should fare 'Gainst burnished steel and anger grati- fied. But what is this, your war today, I ask? I am your prisoner, men, but pardon me. 'Tis not great armies meeting in the clash And frenzy of heroic single battle. Where bravery was the master of the day And valor was the victor on the field. Your war is on the sanctuaries, upon The emblems of the silent centuries. On venerated age, on dear-loved homes Where little children bask in innocence. No pagan star e'er shone upon such deeds As you invoke to guide the chance of fight. HARRACH. Silence this man! Von Hofen. No, let him babble on. 72 The Great Conspiracy Sir John. This war^s the flower of the Christian race Torn, withered, hungry, starving, bleed- ing,— aye, Up to its knees in icy water. This war Confines its pleasures to the dark; eyes used [Pointing upward^ then downward^ From Zeppelins overhead, from periscopes Beneath the sea, havoc upon the souls Who strive to give your wounded succor. O men. Are you not officers, — each with your homes? In righting wrong must you needs wrong the right? Avenging strength must you attack the weak? Did Bliicher fight such course to Water- loo? In his quick march across fair Flanders- field Did such afflictions mar her fertile plains? Did Bismarck war upon bereaved women, Outrage the nunneries and sacred priests? The Great Conspiracy 73 Did your great Frederick or his legion- aries Tear down the shrines of God's antiquity? Von Hofen. Herrgottsakrament! Our good beer has made you an orator, my fellow. Mod- ern war does not recognize authorities. What's to come? Were Gaul not being invaded by greater ones than Julius Caesar, I would recall Antony to in- voke all the hymns and blasphemies of the vengeful gods. The truth on it is this: since we are outlaws to any con- genital mixture of knight-errantry and decaying law-breeders, I will face the progeny of all these maledictions my- self. Moreover, your comparisons are very poor. They can all be laid flat by breaking into a cellar of good wine or charging among the drones of these fair village virgins. The first rule in our receipt book is, "Necessity knows no law." Pish! you sneer? Well, we're here to desecrate, to rend Gothic shrines; fire prostrate altars, sacred pic- 74 The Great Conspiracy tures and crucifixes; cut the throats of children and the aged: with such meth- ods alone can we strike a degenerate people to its knees and end this carnage. In other words, rape, betray, destroy, appal, and kill! Am I plain? Are we thorough? One does not know how or what to believe in, so the safest thing to do is to believe in nothing but force. Reputation based on anything else is cowardice. So youVe wasted your breath. Englishman — wasted your breath. However, considering your wounded shoulder, and out of respect for that fiery speech, I will parole you until evening. Come into my tent, sir. Any further odds we will adjust there. An enemy's kindness frequently exceeds a friend's. Besides I am always thor- ough, always thorough. [Exit Von Hofen and Sir John] [Edith is discovered approaching. She is garbed in nurse^s costume^ Harrach. She comes! Ah, could she be decoyed from here The Great Conspiracy 75 And yield consent to my great passion? I'll try to win her through some strata- gem. [Enter the nurse, EdiTH VerNON] Edith {to Harrach). Von Hofen sent for me? Harrach. He's not here now. Edith. Then I'll return to my poor suffering men. [Sudden increase in the roar of battle. Flames spurt up along the trench line~\ O God! how canst Thou look upon this chaos Where works the will of hell's tyrannous fiend? Downtrodden and forsaken seems the world, Indeed, from Thine Eternal Spirit lost. My young life yet may fill some fatal part In high allegiance or in sacrifice. [Looking towards the hospital^ 76 The Great Conspiracy The hospital there writhes beneath a pall; Most frightful agonies Ambition sows To fashion out its vile supremacy. Hear them! tho' speech is much less ter- rible 'Twixt these few feet and the reality. "O God, water, water!" '^My brow, my head!" ''Mine arms hang loose — I'm crushed." And then 'tis horrible their cries — wav- ing Their mangled hands and bloody wrists, — poor half- Grown boys just torn from school. "I thirst." "I'm blind." "Mother!" "Curse all this!" "I am going West!" Then, "Nurse, for God's sake put an end to me!" Harrach. Fraulein, why waste your passion on such things While I am tangled in your loveliness? Edith {with a frown) . Please tell the General I'll return later. The Great Conspiracy 77 Harrach. Your beauty rivals all the stars. Stay — stay! Edith. Talk less of stars and note your manners, sir. 'Tis duty I obey and not you, Captain. Harrach. In any case you might talk to me, dear. , War is my dawn but you are my sunrise. Edith. Pray have at least the grace of silence. Harrach. Ach, Be patient, gentle girl, and learn of me. I am in love ; the autumn's night is short. Edith {interrupting him in ringing tones of scorn) . How dare a Prussian mention love to me! Harrach. O beauteous dazzling eyes! come, come, sweet lips! \^He attempts to kiss her; she slaps him across the face^ 78 The Great Conspiracy Harrach. Is it the penalty of love, my dear, To suffer by the hand that it would kiss? A stroke in jest may oft prove grave, Fraulein. Wounded affections, too, may scar to hate. Edith. All vilest scars are skins of Huns to me. Harrach. Now for your own sake be a little wise. The blessed spirits aren't so mad in Heaven That you should spurn a Prussian officer. [^Tenderly^ Why choke my sighs? Have you no hu- man heart? What meanings haunt the depths of those sweet eyes. Their drooping lashes and their angry dews? Away with corpses, bandages, and shrouds — Come with me, Edith dear, come, leave this place. The Great Conspiracy 79 Edith. Silence! you fool, you clown, you scuttling spider! HaRRACH {becoming angry) . 'Tis not good sense you chide me so. I could Forget and expose here the crafty methods That you've for weeks employed in se- cret — known To none but me — this aiding prisoners to Escape our lines. Now your eyes glare indeed. \^Patronizingly~\ No, you're my own beloved. O come to me. Edith {aside). My God, that I'm alone in such a camp ! HarrACH {becoming angry and threatening her again) . Know for your country it is sweet to die? Better the briefest dreams, my sweet, than all Eternal promises. Give me those lips 8o The Great Conspiracy With love between the rims ; cling to each other In luscious touch until each breath turns flame. [Sir John is seen approaching] Your form is streaming light, — a kiss, a kiss! \^He seizes and kisses her. She strug- gles'] [Enter SiR JOHN who rushes up and throws HarRACH aside, EDITH and Sir John recognize each other] Edith {rushing into his arms), O John ! how came you here? Quick, tell it me. Sir John. A prisoner. Edith. Oh, that is terrible! Yet we may find some door of hope to- gether. Sir John. My darling, tell me, are you nursing here? The Great Conspiracy 8 1 Alas, are you also held prisoner? HARRACH. Break off this English blasphemy. Enough ! You, man, have struck a Prussian officer. As for that fairy-face — leave her to me. [To himself^ Better her lovely form be shattered now Than any other man should look upon it. [Insultingiyi Hail, nurse! throw off your drapery. Sir John {loudly and shaking fist in Har- RACH'S face). You dog! {Enter VON HOFEN] Von Hofen. Now what's this rumpus here? Har- rach, why these shadowy faces conjur- ing and frowning in the realm of my command? [Looking towards SiR John]. No defiance, now, my Eng- lishman. I would be very sorry, very sorry indeed, to have to shoot you. Sir John. I must protect a woman, sir. 82 The Great Conspiracy Edith {calmly). Ill deeds Make fair ones shine. That man insulted me. Your prisoner, who is an old dear friend, Protected me from him and that was all. Von Hofen {to Edith). You have attractive graces, I'll admit. [To Sir John] Islander, you've respect for your parole? Sir John. Aye, sir, but I respect our women more. Von Hofen. Bah! I want no arguments. Great war- riors have a privilege with women, though the sex weakens the joints of armies. Harrach, take your honey- sipping butterfly! The second rule in our receipt book is, "All's fair in love and war." Be thorough, Harrach, al- ways thorough. [Exit Von Hofen] Harrach {seizing Edith by the wrist). There is no gift that is too poor to give The Great Conspiracy 83 If love be in the offering. Is that Not so? [Edith snatches her arm away, moves quickly towards SiR JOHN, HaR- RACH following her^ Sir John. Now keep your hands from her, I say. Harrach (to Sir John). These are the fights of blood, of rage and passion. [To Edith] I advise you now to come, my dolly. No? How many prisoners have you let escape? There is a penalty called death for that. Sir John (startled). What does he mean, Edith? Harrach {scornfully). She is a spy. Sir John (furiously). You wolf, you hound, you Hun upsprung from Hell, You crime-begetter drenched in women's blood. Withdraw those words! 84 The Great Conspiracy HARRACH {with a sneer). Aren't you an Englishman? \^Rushes to the table, picks up a sword and hands it to SiR John] Now cross swords with me. In guard! By the Scourge Of Attila, Britisher, you're to die. Edith. O it's my fault! I cannot — dare not look. Sir John {as they parry and fight). You love the blood hue? Teach us Kul- tur? ha! The world and nothing more? Come on, you fool! Step back, step back vice, crime, per- versity! What now, a hit? Not much — again in guard! Harrach. Your Red Cross minx will be my bride tonight. Sir John. Your kind should taste my boot and not good steel. The Great Conspiracy 85 [With a vicious thrust^ In Hell, you'll tie some marriage-knot — [stabs him] ha, there! [HaRRACH falls as VON HOFEN rushes in with a number of officers and other men] Von HOFEN (roflnw^). Order here! order, attention! [Glaring at Edith and Sir John]. Seize that man and woman! Ten thousand Satans! Are you wounded, Harrach? [To SiR John], Hang it in the clouds, you'll be shot for this. Edith. O General! Von Hofen {to Edith). Hold your profane tongue! [Shaking his finger at her]. Wench of love and lust! This comes of having petticoats prittle- prattling into men's affairs. The best kissing lips in the universe are not worth a drop of Prussian blood. [Harrach with the aid of an Orderly raises himself feebly and addresses Von Hofen] 86 The Great Conspiracy Harrach. Friend Karl, I'm done for: yet remember this As I now leave these fields of victory — [^Pointing to EdiTH] Your judgment passed on them is more than true. The frailest stem hath strength to push through stones, The sweetest rose has oft the sharpest thorns ; All women come from Satan's flattering brood. That sex is born deceitful, aye, opaque In nature and in soul. 'Tis past conjec- ture. These winsome shapes should rule man's destiny. [Voice becomes weaker but he still points at EdiTH] I was partial to her, despite my duty. 'Twas a foolish passion in the midst of war. But still was she deserving of aught else? Can you suppose she's nursing mangled limbs The Great Conspiracy 87 Save in pretending trust? I speak the truth. She is a spy! I've known it long. She's aided Some hundred prisoners to escape our lines. The record of it all is in my tent. Upon mine honor that led to this quarrel. [Leaning heavily on the arm of an OR- DERLY sinks to the ground^ May Hell's infernal rivers burn the Brit- ish! Farewell, my friend! I bid you all fare- well! Urge the necessity of blood and iron, And sign another armistice at Versailles. The earth is half won — ''To the day!" 'The day!" The sun is dark'ning! Fatherland! Sa- lute! [Diesl^ [Von HoFEN and the others hare their heads^ Von Hofen. There lies a noble partner to our glory, a soldier whom the All-Seer is now 88 The Great Conspiracy proudly welcoming. Come men! Give him a befitting burial. I will attend, too. {Exeunt ORDERLIES bearing body of HarRACH on a stretcher'] [Von HofEN turns roughly to EdiTH and Sir John, at the same time beck- oning soldiers] Hold one moment! Dispatch that pair to Brussels for trial — the man on a charge of murder, the woman as a spy. [The hands of both EdiTH and SiR John are roughly bound behind their backs. Von Hofen walks closer to Edith with a malicious grin on his face]. The penalties are much the same, you know. Yes, you'll be tickled then my little hell-cat. Do you under- stand the mathematics of our law? Life is a slippery thing, eh? Chaplain in the adventure — prattle maxims — kiss Crucifix — mystery grows — begin to feel supernatural and so on, ha, ha, ha! Edith {angrily). O you fiend! The Great Conspiracy 89 Von HofeN {continuing his insulting tone). Nay, wait a while. Ruddier fruit I nev- er dreamed could bear anger on Cleo- patra's brow. But I'm not tempted, nor would I be Marc Antony cushioned between those heaving breasts. There's more to win in Paris and across your Channel. [Glancing towards SiR JOHN, who is seen fiercely endeavoring to break from his guard]. We're not monsters nor Cupid-killers, but — ahem — merely thorough, very thor- ough, always thorough. [Exeunt guards with Edith and SiR John followed by Von Hofen] CURTAIN SCENE V SCENE V Brussels, Belgium. Late in the evening. Official quarters in the residence of Baron Freiderick von der Achen. A sombre but brightly lighted room. The walls are covered with maps, plans of recent campaigns, etc., while from the ceiling hang multi- colored captured flags. The curtain rising, the Baron is discovered seated at his desk, adjusting vol- umes, letters, and telegrams. [Enter an AlDE, saluting] Aide. Excellency, the Spanish and American Ministers are present and must see you on important business. Von der Achen. Show them in. [Exit Aide] These diplomats are pests. Would that we were at war with all the world, thus not have to mouth off phrases of false friendship into the ears of lukewarm neutrality. I know theyVe come about that English woman. It would be a fig 94 The Great Conspiracy of a fortune, indeed, if we could escape the fox-moves of these neutral states. Lusitania? Horrors, consternation! Shells shipped to disembowel a whole nation? Dollars, cents, prevarication! [Enter AMERICAN and SPANISH MIN- ISTERS. They salute and shake hands with Von der Achen] American Minister. We've come upon a mission of clemency. [Von der Achen bows and appoints them each to chairs near his desk^ We hear Miss Edith Vernon is con- demned. Von der Achen (coldly). The woman and her so-called lover, 'tis true. Spanish Minister. We plead for him — for her we must have mercy. Von DER Achen (positively). All phases were presented; the trial was just; His Majesty could not have intervened. The Great Conspiracy 95 I'll grant no hearing in the other's case. American Minister {hopefully). She is a woman — you cannot shoot a wo- man. Von der Achen. Sirs, I appreciate those sentiments, But there's no criminal code in all the world. Least that of war, which should make that distinction. In the premeditation lies the crime. Intention being the same in man or wo- man. The genius and the injury are alike: The punishment then must also be equal. Among our Russian prisoners many wo- men We found in man's attire. Had these girls fallen Would we have been accused of barbar- ism? Why then in this case, sirs? She chose her role. Did not she willingly expose herself Just as her Russian allies did in battle? 96 The Great Conspiracy American Minister. But sir, she acted with a higher motive. Such action should be met with higher mercy. Spanish Minister. To think else, sir, would be a cold pre- tense. Von DER ACHEN {impatiently), I beg your pardon, gentlemen, your par- don. The welfare of the nation is prior To that of any individual. In this prisoner the motives were not base. They rose from patriotism — I presume To seal that patriotism then, with death In faces of the enemy there in battle Is neither greater fame nor less a duty Than sealing it with such an end as this. [Enter BARONESS excitedly'] The Baroness. O Fritz! Tell me about this English nurse. Choose not women for the spoils of war. The Great Conspiracy 97 She must not die! I had a dreadful dream Like Pontius Pilate's wife. Be merciful! Spanish Minister {bowing to the Baroness). That is our cause and what we've pled, Senora. The Baroness. Remorse of conscience is akin to Hell, By Victory, Change, or Time uncomfort- ed. Von DER AchEN {impatiently). An eflfect of humor, dear, rny wife, and now Justice cannot give ears to women's dreams. The Baroness. May she then see her lover before death? Your gracious Chaplain also pled for this. American Minister. 'Twould be a kindly favor to my State. The Baroness. And this you must do, Fritz, you will do, please! [Von DER ACHEN hesitates, goes out of 98 The Great Conspiracy the room for a moment and is seen consulting with an Aide] Von DER ACHEN {reentering). I'll grant it, gentlemen. But I have no jurisdiction over these sentences. The woman dies at sunrise; the man will be executed at noon. \^The Ministers take their leave cold- ly, leaving the BARONESS and her husband alonel CURTAIN SCENES VI, VII, AND VIII SCENE VI Death cell in the military prison of Brussels. The door is directly in the center of the left wall. A small heavily grated window to the left at back admits the last flood-light of a waning moon, while in the distance the first frail streaks of dawn appear. In the foreground is a plain wooden table on which a feeble lamp is burning. Against the right wall is an iron bed before which as the curtain rises, Edith is discovered kneeling in prayer. The tramp of the heavy prison guard is heard at regular intervals. Edith. My God, my Comforter and dear Re- deemer! I am no more mine own, my soul is Thine, And all its dreams are laid before Thy feet. [^Rising softly from the side of the bed she glances up at the window^ So still! \^Clasping now one of the window bars she gazes intently at the stars^ I02 The Great Conspiracy There nothing wakes as yet except The watchful stars. Dear little shining jewels Of God, perhaps you grieve for me. Tell me, What wealth of sorrow youVe lo'oked) down upon. O watchers stung with pain! So strange your silence, Yet prudent in such evil times as these. And thou, fair moon, drifting in fleecy clouds. Dost weep for Edith too? O bear with me! Pour down thy tears and give my soul thy light. Tears are indeed the right of grief. But lo! Is this the dawn that I must leave? May I no longer breathe its sacred myrrh? No longer hear the birds — their carols sung In notes that rise in woodland cadences Across the ferny air and tranquil pools? Now comes the morn, so tenderly, so soft The Great Conspiracy 103 Upon the quiet dawn. The dawn love- pining Doth rise to meet the bridal rays of day. My life sets with the rising sun and day Then drops her golden mantle on my name. [Pacing slowly about the cell~\ Am I afraid to die? I do not know. Thoughts sometimes speak with words in slumber's chair And from their unseen lips cry out our woe. Strange we must answer at the point of death All those, our faults and follies, and to whom? For whom? What hath been should be ever — that's The account of Fate, which audits naught beyond The brazen urn that holds his remnant figures. Our chances run and at the worst we end. Life has no meaning in reality; It comes unasked and goes like heaven's air. I04 The Great Conspiracy Condemned to die — O God, to die alone! No father, mother — aye, to die alone. In all the other paths of Nature we Do move in company, and yet in Death We tread alone. Fain doth it seem there- in That Godly Nature is unnatural. [Approaching the table she picks up a small picture of her sister, and while looking at it intensely, commences to sob and laugh hysterically, at the same time moves backwards toward the window^ Sister! the visions of our childhood here? In these dark prison wallls? O Margaret! Tiny, Tiny, come to the playroom, dear! Midst toys and dolls; then read our fairy tales : Sweet little joys in innocence and play. [More calmly^ I then knew not this unrelenting world, Though drifting toward the top of steep rocked sorrow. What has its mass of later years revealed? So unexpected, therefore sadder still; The Great Conspiracy 105 Yet such has ever been since world was world. [^Drying her eyes with her handker- chief she becomes more composed. Sitting at the table she writes a letter to her mother and sister, murmur- ing the words as she writes them^ Dear mother, my beloved, and Margaret: If ever you receive this letter you Will know your little Edith's then in Heaven, Across the pearled threshold to Our Father. Light issues forth beneath this darkness rayed In red, while flaming arms now lift their dead To everlasting realms of Victory. [^Pausing a moment~\ With all I have but little fear to die; I've touched and lived with death these weeks so oft That mine seems lesser in reality. Here standing, rising to a higher crown, All dread's removed ; my sorrows pause beneath A tender sweetness for diviner things. Farewell, sweet Margaret! Safest is your home io6 The Great Conspiracy With mother. Precious mother, be consoled, In giving much you had to Freedom's cause. Farewell, beloved, O sad confusion! Why, why, have I so long a tale here writ? Just heed my prayers and kiss these sleep- less eyes. I clasp you now in spirit, dear, my love; With that embrace go to Eternity. [^She folds and seals the letter^ 'Tis finished, yet they will suffer more than L Unfair again seems Nature's hand, when it Doth bring to helpless ones our sorrow, aye, And chiefest hers, the heart that gave us life. My soul will climb, will falter and be sped. Will those with tears but pay me pity's debt? \_Sorrowfully^ Two- thirds of life the wise men say is to Have grieved. What am I? Was I af- ter all? The Great Conspiracy io7 [With great agitation, pressing her temples with her fingers^ You seeing eyes, you feeling nerves, and thou My memoried mind, how has my being changed? Time, in advance, doth bring on misery. O why this fear of death within my heart When even in the zenith of the day We feel the rayless majesty of night? So oft the only thing worth while in life Is the memory of a great sorrow. Voice from without. My child ! Edith. The Chaplain's voice! [Enter a CHAPLAIN] O comforter! For hours IVe waited and prepared my- self. Chaplain. Courage, tomorrow hath no yesterday. Edith {weeping). No, no, I have it not. O I am lost! io8 The Great Conspiracy Chaplain. Have you not all of earth you would of. child? Edith [drying her eyes). I know that I so ill deserve this fa^e. Chaplain. But death locks in all sorrow, finally. Edith. Ah, then my sentence has not been com- muted? [The Chaplain shakes his head sor- rowfully^ Why do I tremble? Because I am afraid, I cannot stand against that dreadful wall. Weak is a lonely woman! Do not leave me! [Rushing again to the window^ There! star by star the night turns into day. Chaplain. But stars still shme when all the day is past. The Great Conspiracy 109 Edith. O hear the larks and sparrows chirping near! Alas, could I live as they live, awakened From slumber by no fearful morning beam. But only bliss upon the unstirred leaves. [^Turning in sudden terror^ Death! what a fathomless abyss is death! [To the Chaplain] An angel's arm cannot that pit destroy Despite your teachings of a Paradise Which smothers souls in immortality. \^A knock is heard at the cell door. Edith, trembling with terror, turns to the Chaplain] The hour? O no, O no, as yet 'tis dark. [Another knock^ Voice from without. A visitor — [Edith and the Chaplain approach the door as it is pushed open~\ [Enter SiR JOHN STEELE] [The guards are discovered without^ no The Great Conspiracy [^Exit the Chaplain with a smile and gesture of consolation toward EdiTH] Sir John {clasping Edith, who falls almost fainting in his arms). Edith, my love, my love! \^Long pause as EDITH weeps on her lover^s shoulder^ [With desperate appeal^ O Jesus, Son of His Eternal Mercy! First and last in midst and without end, Why hast Thou so forsaken my beloved? Edith {partly recovering herself, smiling). O my dear angel! darling of my soul! They could not keep the bars between our hearts. It is not strange to see that you are here; Each moment has been guiding me to you. Sir John {in undertones) . All, all is shadow — Edith. Nay, look in mine eyes Whose tears flow out in very happiness To lights of heaven. But could this be a dream? The Great Conspiracy 1 1 1 My nature's half transformed from sor- rowing. Sir John {kissing her passionately) . Do you not feel these kisses on your lips Issuing fresher love as each is given. Edith. A thousand more ! But then — how came you here? Some very angel must have planned it, dear. How happened it? how was it possible? Sir John. The gracious Chaplain was responsible. How he arranged it, that I do not know; But I must take you from this place of death. Edith {bitterly). Aye, lash the rising sun back into night? I see no rescue, sweet love — let it pass. Sir John. I too am doomed to die before sunset. [Edith drops her head; hut suddenly raises it again. A radiant smile lights her countenance^ 112 The Great Conspiracy Edith. Then I shall never leave you, dear, never! Life but begins at this the hour we die. Sir John. Those eastward stationed clouds shall doff their day In this rich moment of regaining you. [^Excitedly^ I cannot credit your philosophy! O death, thou riddle of absurdity! Is virtue kindly to the grave-worm's gnaw That crawleth into false felicities? Edith. Shame, John, O shame! Sir John. What use that I pretend to hide the fear? They say that when a life is done, 'tis done. Dust vivifies then falls to nakedness Whose very grains destroy vitality: [^Striking his head with his fist^ Then from these skulls holding com- mingled wrecks The Great Conspiracy 113 Of soul, doth God by Death dash down His Image. Edith. Is this the way you would console? O shame! Sir John. What certitude have I of yonder Heaven? Edith. In all this coil, where have you left your soul? Sir John. This sleep unspanned? — those draughts of love beyond? Edith. You have come here to mock me in de- spair. No more! no more! I can endure no more. Sir John. But here I know, I see that you are mine And will forever be while I am man; Not soul nor spirit but heart, lips, eyes, and hair. And with them Love — a dazzling sun — TI4 The Great Conspiracy Edith {calmly). But still Those things are trifles, dear, mere trifles now; And all are sentenced but the last, our Love. The eyes of Reason see not all. Believe! Sir John. How long shall last this parting? Edith. Unto death. We are Creation's secret, that is all; And in the realm of our departing hours Where falls your censure? Dear, now let us pray. Sir John. Your faith is pure — your love so unde- filed. Edith. Then learn your faith from Him Who gave me love. Sir John. Forgive me, Edith, my soul was torn asunder. The Great Conspiracy 115 [^Again excitedly^ All this is comforting, but still you shall Not die. Edith. Yet stands the charge — all points against me. Sir John. While I still live I will not let you die. I — Edith {interrupting him). Could not love and live without you, dear : In that decree is all your reasoning false. My love of record, therefore, seeketh death. Whatever fame we've brought to Eng- land's cause. Let justice in our aftermath prove title. So shall we then appear — the loftier quest's At hand, a bridge 'twixt two eternities. The one from which we traveled and this towards which We go; a little tarrying place is ended. \_A sudden knock is heard at the cell ii6 The Great Conspiracy door; without further warning en- ter two guards. The CHAPLAIN is discovered waiting without^ [Edith and Sir John stand in one long embrace. Both are seized roughly by the guards, separated, and pushed through the opening^ [The stage is now in total darkness^ SCENE VII Sunrise in the Brussels Prison yard. Edith is dis- covered before a Prussian firing squad, standing calm and erect; her hands are bound behind her and she is blindfolded. Edith {as the guards aim their rifles). Into Thine Hands, O Lord, into Thine Hands. Lord, I commend my spirit, amen, amen. [Darkness again^ SCENE Fill High noon in the Brussels Prison yard. Sir John is standing before a Prussian firing squad; the men raise their guns and fire. He sinks to the ground, CURTAIN SCENE IX SCENE IX A dark low ante-chamber in Pandemonium reserved for new arrivals. Enter the "All-Highest." He paces back and forth clanking scabbard with mailed fist and gesticulating with withered arm. The "All-Highest." I cannot stand and stare into the dark, For this grim room stares back at me. All turns To stone; the gasp of strangling seems to run Vile draught and on me sucks and hangs. TisI Who spinned the planets into fields of blood, Whose million cells did set the world aflame. Turning to ashes all creation's breed. [^Flourish and rattle of mailed fist^ With "blood and iron" FU meet the devil's challenge. I am not undivine, of that I'm certain. 122 The Great Conspiracy Thou still exaction! It's come to pass, My chronicles of war shall e'er be left Besmeared though I am down into this Hell. It doth appear that Foch did his part well With limbs of that far land across the sea. Wherefore have I gone thus so much astray? I, the anointed king of that mapped globe, Sequestered here! The end of my great mission? What fire that ever raged should ash the crown That hath bedecked my brow? Laugh now ye walls! This chamber seems arranged for one sole guest. Fm cankered o'er with doubts and fears that would Not well consort with my great dynasty. But how could I be hurt, being mostly God? O Liberty! to satisfy thy lust Dost know that thou hast crucified a god? The Great Conspiracy 123 Democracy! thou silly crystal dream, Thy guns and fortune thus brought on my ruin. Ugly cell, gape not. O where is Lucifer? Cursed be the stars that smile on my cap- tivity! And War, where are thy fascinating eyes, Both but the image of myself, great suns That never should have waned or set? Who wrought The world in suffocating Death? But here \^He seats himself on a low throne^ Tm wont to sit. What once I was, what am 1 now? In this foul loathsome pit V\\ seek To grind, annul the primer works of man And make these devil misers generous. In honor's sake, am I not still War-Lord? IVe plowed up all the countries with my sword. Be penitent? Fie, 'tis a fool that is con- trite. Ha, fain would I remain in dross here, free. 124 ^^^ Great Conspiracy Than by the Will of Heaven be subject To the drudge and wiles of over-just Con- ceit. Were I to be but an tgg for Foch to gaze at, Or an angel hatched like some low-roost- ed lark, It were a lesser evil that I'm damned. Look at the ages. O holy piety! Thinkest thou canst check my wondrous power, Showing that God is hid in my disguise? Who pulls me down? O spare me mem- ory! I know they're true — the deeds deny I not — Their blood clots there upon the firma- ment. First blame thyself, then judge thy next of kin. Now on the mirror of the world I see A glittering phantom, beautiful yet fierce. O Belgium! turn away thine unforgiv- ing eyes! Thy churches fired, thy houses tumbled down. The Great Conspiracy 125 Thy children prey to vultures and wild beasts, Why show thyself so marvelous? O light, Thou once all kindly friend, America, Why sear me, blind me with unmerciful gaze? Is there no aid, thou glimmering glove? I, king Of kings, who was and is! Yet speak I folly Amid this treachery of fire and ice And stone. The devils now draw in my tears : They know the very business of this hour And are at hand to ratify the deed. How I'm betrayed. Ten thousand me- nials come To take stock o'er bankrupt autocracy, Enslaving me to droning beggary. Come, come ye devils who would change the scene. My crown — my friends — have you for- saken me? Mine eyes, look not that way! Where shall I go? 126 The Great Conspiracy Why creeps that burning cloud so near my face? Is this my soul itself I see? Stand! Stop! [Enter SATAN followed by ATTILA] Satan {to AttILA, looking curiously about the room) . Where is he now? this foolishness of man Who cumbered earth and now would cumber hell? [ATTILA points to the ''AlL-HiGHEST" who is seen cringing in a corner^ Is that he, Attila? dost thou mean that Upon its belly? that putrescent thing? [Striding closer he gives the ^^AlL- HiGHEST" a kick] Wherefore has conscience fallen so in me, That it must bring to mind such spawn as this? O surely now becomes Hell's eye most foul With that sty on its hidden retina. [Kicking him again] Stand up thou dross! that I may see thy face Or what's remaining of thy features still. The Great Conspiracy 127 {The "All-Highest" rises, shaking from head to foot~\ The breath from out thy lungs doth give forth stench That puts my nostrils to a novel torture. Why on thy cheeks do I behold such grief? [^Striking him on each cheeky This side and that! Why didst thou lose this war? The "All-Highest." O spare me mighty Satan! Satan {twisting one of the victim^s arms). Break off, break off! The "All-Highest." But let me run headlong back unto earth. Satan. As welcome art thou there as here in Hell: That I'll consider too in thine indictment. The "All-Highest." O wilt thou not have mercy on my soul? Rend not my heart for thy conspiracy, 128 The Great Conspiracy [^Pointing to AtTILA] For it was he who came and tempted me. Satan {angrily). Thou insolence and swill! in that we erred. So much the greater be thy punishment, For all the littleness doth show in thee Presented through Failure's mean loath- some eye. Failure makes evil turn against itself And prickles the low faculties of shame. Poor pallid weakling is the soul of him Which cannot hold its own in blood- stained life, But leaves achievement eke from out the door. Hold still, thou cringing fool! Should I turn thee To brutish beast? Nay, nay, they suffer not Without a conscience comprehending me Nor what was lost from Godly paradise. Attila. Pardon presumption in me, Lucifer, But let him still in shape be man, caressed By worms' embraces; or snake his para- mour The Great Conspiracy 129 To sate his lips with those great cruelties, Vile propaganda, and those deeds of shame Which he practised upon the plains of life. Trust me to force this venom through his veins With all the thrill that Hell can add to it So unimpeded by the bounds of Time. The "All-Highest." O spare — Satan. A good suggestion, Attila, Who did outwit him so successfully. \_To himself^ Ah, I was so afflicted by this sight — What pain could I give unsubstantial souls Whose eyes are far less hardened than mine own? [To Attila again^ Methinks I'll send him through the open fields Of fire and ice; entrails and brain exposed To public view eternally. Ha, ha! 130 The Great Conspiracy [^Several devils appear in the entrance"] [To himself] 'Twould be new sufferings for my menials here, Forced thus to see the vilest schemes in coils That God e'er hid behind a fleshly wall. [Summoning the devils to seize his vic- tim he addresses him again] Now viper, thou hast heard thy sentence. There is No ear in hell to mercy's warblings, Nor would I soil my tongue with further speech. [The devils seize the "AlL-HiGHEST" and drag him roughly toward the door] Be thou transparent — opened wide apart! Walk and enjoy thy fulsome memories : But one great consolation give thy soul That Satan too must view thy future role. CURTAIN