Class ?S^3£i. Book I^Ml5 \'^c■-; CopyiightN". COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. THEKLA A Drama BY AILEEN CLEVELAND HIGGINS A.rti et il^^Veritati BOSTON Cfte JPoet Hore Company, MCMVII Copyrig ht, 1907, Aileen Cleveland Higgins All Rights Reserved |LjBfiARY oToONGREsS I Two Gooies HeceivoG I JAN 10 1908 liopyrtf/n tntry iUiSS^JZ) XXc. Wo. COPY B, — — ■TriinTi'> TO T. U. CHARACTERS THEKLA, of a noble family in Iconium. THEOKLEIA, her mother. PAUL, the Apostle. HERMOGENES, } ^^^^' ^"^"^' ^^ P'"^' ONESIPHORUS, citizen of Iconium, and Paul's host. LECTRA, his wife. MAIA, his daughter. ZENO, chief magistrate of Iconium. CASTELIUS, governor. CLAUDIUS, the emperor. ALEXANDER, high priest and agonothetes, or president of the festival in Antioch QUEEN TRYPHAENA, relative of Claudius. POLYBIUS) , . ., , PO^TDF^ r attendants or Alexander. Other attendants, nobles, spectators at the festival, slaves. THEKLA ACT . Scene I. Iconium. A. D. 50. The upper chamber of Theklas luxurious home at Iconium. On the left side, the garden^ fresh with spring budding. On the right side of the chamber, the house of Onesiphorous, where the Apostle Paul is the guest, meeting hour after hour, in his room opposite Thekla's window, those eager to hear his divine messages. It is night. In the garden, Thamyris, Thekla's lover, waits, as he has waited many nights, for her to place her love-lamp in the window, — the Oriental signal that the maiden is ready to be wooed and won by him who seeks her. In her darkened chamber Thekla is alone; with hands that flutter in and out like winged creatures, half in fright, she draws her lattice screen; then with a quick- caught breath, she sinks upon the grass-woven mat beside her window, and leans all trembling in the hush, to watch the shadows at the end of the garden where she knows Thamyris watches each night. The moon sends seeking gleams that shine upon the buds braided in her hair; as if revealed in human sight, with a sudden flush she hides her face in the silk- wrapped folds upon her breast. As a bat beats widespread wings in late circling, Thekla starts and listens — then draws farther back in the shadow of the chamber. There is a prescient hush. Thamy- ris slowly draws nearer and stands beneath her window. Then from the still damp garden close comes Thekla's name in wooer s pleading.) « THEKLA Thamyris Ah, Thekla, open now your lattice-screen, And set the love-lamp in its place to send Its signal to me here within the close Of this, your garden, where the plants and vines That your caress has brought to pink-tipped bud, Around me cast the spell of your white soul. Long have I waited for the hour when I Shall see a shy rose-glow shine through the dark Of brooding night — a signalling that I May speak my love at last — sweet beckon that Invites and bids me come — love's message that You yield, — you lean to list to wooer's song — New melody which speaks your name — a song Long sung a-hush within my heart. Ah, love, Keep me no longer here in silence bound. I wait, loved maid, — I wait. {Thekla draws away from the window and makes no answer. There is a long interrogating silence. Enter Theokleia, from the corridor where she has been standing, in hearing of Thamyris' s pleading.) Theokleia My child, why sit You silent here, in dark and solitude .? Thekla I am alone, yet not alone, THEKLA Theokleia Ah, then, Within the garden Thamyris awaits, As he has long awaited, eve on eve, The gleaming of your love-lamp. All too long Have you withstood him, Thekla, — and indeed 'Twere travesty of shyness longer, child, To keep back now the message that will bring The noblest youth in all Iconium To plead in adoration at your feet. None honored as young Thamyris — not one So sought and banqueted as he, and none Accounted such great wealth; with all this, too, He has much learning — and beside his wit, So trenchant in its turn, all other jest Seems but the tinselled effort of a fool. Who is it first in all the games which try The strength of muscles' skill .? And who beside All other nobles looks a very god Incarnate in man's mold ? 'Tis he who fain Would wed you, child. What want you more ? Thekla I find In Thamyris no fault — and yet, I know Not why — a nameless something stays my hand. I cannot light my love-lamp for him yet. Theokleia Ah, come — what time like now to yield when all 10 THEKLA The spring breathes possibilities of love ? The scarlet buds, close sheathed in pale leaf-green Beneath your window, hold the nectary Of a fulfilment sweet. The whisper song Of birds, the fragrance of the pulsing earth, The rush of sap, the blue that freshens skies So lately winter-gray, the clearer light, The first warm winds, — what does all nature tell To you this wondrous night of stars in spring ? Come, — never were you fairer, child, with buds Of white pearled crown-like in your hair, — That shining scarf of rainbow hue close-wrapped About your breast, — your eyes like early dawn. Ah, cloister not your beauty longer here! A face like yours was made to give delight To many eyes. Thekla What matters it, in truth, My mother, how a face be fashioned, or Who may behold ? Theokleia Such words are strange upon So fair a maiden's lips. In woman's heart The love of beauty's power ever lives. In you it sleeps, made dormant by the life You lead alone and uncompanioned here Apart from men and other maiden who. With dance and jest, would soon enliven you. When once it is revealed to you that for THEKLA II A woman's smile a man may lay his sword Of battle down, — how an averted glance May make him more afraid than angered gods, — How for a light caprice his life is risked In bridgeless flood of yon Orontes, — then Will you awake to glory born in you By your great beauty's regal sway. Thekla Nay, nay — Not such a power should I ever wish To wield. Theokleia You speak, my child, as one without The walls hears not the music of the feast. And, knowing nothing of its charm to stir The pulse and to awaken laughter, turns Uncaring from the gate. This power is Your birthright — I, child, gave it you. In youth My beauty led all men as yours shall lead When they behold. Thekla For this — for this. Is woman born into the world .? And is There nothing higher for our womanhood Than this ? 12 THEKLA Theokleia I understand you, Thekla, — yes. Oft have I seen the mother instinct leap Into your eyes when you have held some bird That hovered v^ounded in your gentle hand, — When you have stooped v^ith quick response to smile In children's faces lifted to your own, — When you have laid your soothing touch upon The sick who in their pain turn first to you, With this maternal tenderness of yours, Sometimes it must be that you long for ties That bring the gifts of motherhood. Thekla Ah — I Would mother not my own in selfish love. But children of the world who need me more. My mother, there has come a change in me — I know not what — and words are clumsy things To half explain my thoughts so newly roused. My whole perception has been touched and changed By sensitiveness new and strange, that finds Interpretation of the universe Unlike the teachings of my race. At night The wind cries out with voices that before I have not heard — they cry and moan and call Insistently for aid. A crumb of bread Flung to the hungry birds flocked round seems now Significant of all the world's great need, — THEKLA 13 Unnoticed and but scantly helped. The lights Of early stars seem vigils set against The ever lurking dark. This all creates A strange unrest in me — a groping doubt Of what in life is worth the strife — a vague And haunting wonder what utility My own existence serves — a question grave Of very right to be. I know not why But I am not at one with self. Theokleia What train Of morbid fancy can this be ? You speak The vagaries of one too much alone. But light your lamp and all the world Will take a guise most wonderful, — new ties Will ground your floating phantasies and make Existence full of new delights. Thekla Ah, but The very making of these earthly ties May but undo my highest usefulness. A wife — I could not have each day to give, With free, glad joy, — a rounded glowing whole In its entirety, — a sacrifice. Well spent in helpful service to the world. Instead, would love and duty riddle time Into fine fractions by routine of house And loved one's care. My whole life then would be 14 THEKLA In endless trifles dissipated — spent In narrow circles of my household loves. Is it not better, mother, then to keep The spirit free from earthly ties that one May serve in human usefulness ? To keep In chastity the flesh, so live unchained To earth ? He who conforms with worldly things Must lose his own identity in spheres Of higher life, wrought pure by sacrifice. Theokleia 'Tis plain that you have listened to the words Of foreign teaching, w^hich a man named Paul, Who is the guest of Onesiphorous, Speaks hourly in the chamber opposite. He has no message for our race. He speaks A doctrine false and artful. His appeal Is not for you. Hear him no more. His craft Has led your reasoning astray. Your youth Perverts your judgment, but with older mind, I see how all unworthy is this man. Thekla But Onesiphorous and Lectra too. With all their friends and many strangers, sit To hear what this apostle has to say. Theokleia 'Tis but the sorcery, the subtle art THEKLA 15 Of some magician practised, child, — no more, — This power that he uses to entice. You know that Onesiphorous has long Been changing follower of strange beliefs — So has he made himself an alien To us. What leadership has such a one ? — To-day he listens with his friends to Paul, His guest — another day and some new thought From mouth of greater fool will catch the ear Of Onesiphorous and hold him rapt. Do you presume to place your judgment then Above your mother's word ? Have you forgot You owe obedience ? Thekla Forgive me, pray, My mother. You are wiser far than I. Forbid that I should question what you know To be the wisest course. I am your child — You know what life is best for me to live. mother, never have I felt as now. The need of counsel — for at this, the turn From my young girlhood to my womanhood, 1 am bewildered. Let me take your hand In mine for I am sore afraid. Theokleta You are But overwrought — come, rest here on my arm As when a little child in doubt. What — tears .? weet bud, aflFrighted to unfold into i6 THEKLA A world of strange new joy. These tears are but The heralders of laughter soon to be. I leave you now that you may be alone To light your lamp. Thekla Nay, mother, stay — oh, stay, — Theokleta When first a maiden lights her lamp, she must Be quite alone — that hour is hallowed by The gods. May blessings rest upon your flame Of love. Now let your light burn quickly forth. Thekla I shall obey your will. Theokleia leaves Thekla in her chamber alone. With timid maiden grace and downcast eyes Thekla quickly lights her love-lamp. As she sets it upon the window ledge, the voice of Paul rings out suddenly from the chamber opposite. Waveringly Thekla half screens the light with her hand and listens. Paul's words spoken in the house of Onesiphorous to eager listeners: Hear, listeners — Thrice blessed are the pure in heart, for they Shall see their God; and blessed are the few THEKLA 17 Who hold the flesh quite chaste, for they shall keep Themselves the temples of their Holy God. Then blessed are the strong that have control Of self, for God shall speak with them apart; And blessed are the virgins who shall keep The vow of their virginity — such ones Shall all receive rewards of chastity — The words of God shall certainly become To them a light of great salvation, placed Against the day of His own perfect Son. Thrice blessed are the followers, that through The love of Christ have come out boldly from Conformity with worldly laws, — these few Shall judge the angels. They shall sit at God's Right hand. Thekla It is a message unto me. Some high authority that sweeps away All counsel of my mother, now compels My heed. I must obey — I cannot let My love-lamp shine. {She extinguishes her lamp.) Scene II. (Theklas garden. Three nights after the first scene. Theokleia goes to speak to Thamyns, where he waits at the far end of the garden.) Theokleia Strange tale I have to tell, — For, Thamyris, three days and nights beside Her window has my daughter sat without Sufficient food or drink, intent upon The words of Paul, the foreigner. She hears With rapt and earnest face his long discourse Upon virginity and prayer, nor will She listen to persuasion or reproof. This man has robbed you of your Thekla thus; His artful doctrine has around her cast Some strange, dark magic spell. Thamyris It cannot be That Thekla has withdrawn herself from me. Three nights ago, I saw that one brief flash Of Thekla's love-lamp, and the hope it gave Still animates my spirit with wild joy! It was enough to tell me — though she wills I must still longer wait, I may return, Each night, expectant of the final sign, Which she has thus foretold. i8 THEKLA 19 Theokleia Not so — not so. As Thekla screened her lamp that night, she turned To listen to this stranger's words again. All overpowered she became, and then, Extinguishing the light, she threw herself With great emotion and much eagerness Upon her knees, beside the window there Just opposite that upper chamber where The guest of Onesiphorous beguiles The weak Iconians. She heeds not tears, Nor looks upon the shrine to Artemis. Through this apostle's teachings you have lost Your Thekla's love. Thamyris You can deceive me not. Perchance you will that Thekla now should change Her favor and for crafty Silas or Some other suitor let her love-lamp shine. Enrage me not with subterfuge. Speak truth. Or may the gods lay curse upon your house. Theokleia Let cool your wrath — I speak the truth. Thamyris I will Believe it not. From Thekla, whose pure lips 20 THEKLA Know not the way to frame untruth, the tale Must come. {Thamyris goes beneath Theklas window and calls softly to her.) 'Tis I, I, Thekla — Thamyris. I wait here anxiously to learn from you, That this strange story which your mother tells Is not the truth. One word — dispel my doubt. {There is no answer.) O Thekla, Thekla, is it this strange spell That holds you silent and apart from me ? Then meant the glimmer of your love-lamp naught ? One word — for I am mad with baffled hope. Speak, — speak — or by your silence must I know This tale is true. {Thekla gives no answer, and after a long, futile waiting Thamyris returns to Theokleia.) I must believe what you Have told this night to me, for Thekla gives No answering denial to my cry. So soon my April-bud of joy is dead. The gods look darkly on the one desire That flames my heart. Who is this man named Paul, Who wrought such change in Thekla's mind .? Theokleia Since fall Has he been dwelHng in Iconium. THEKLA 21 His work has been insidious and sure. No god like his has ever been set forth Before our people here. Accustomed as We are to rise of deities brought here From other lands, indifferent we look Upon the worship given each new God. What harm does Isis work ? The growth of each New superstition only ends, in truth, To wider worship of our Artemis. No innovation of religious f^ith Has stirred our basis of society Before. This Paul will overturn all law Within our city. All established rule Of ordered system will be broken down, For those who go to listen to this man, Take vows of chastity and sacrifice That soon will loose the hold of family And social ties which closely bind our race. It is unlawful thus to interfere With our fixed habits and for this must Paul, Magician and enchanter that he is, Be made to answer ere another sun Shall burn the gray of dusk. Thamyris None abler than One Thamyris to give this man his due! Theokleia Well said — but how ? Stay — look — now from the house 22 THEKLA Of Onesiphorous come forth two men I oft have seen pass in and out. Make haste Into the street and meet these men — so may You talk with them and learn the ways of Paul, — Then soon evolve a way to punish him. {Thamyris passes outside the garden and speaks with Denias and Hermogenes, who are just coming from Paul's chamber.) Thamyris Pray tell me, men, who is among us here That draws increasing crowds to hear his words ? Demas A man named Paul. Thamyris You call yourselves his friends ? Hermogenes We travelled with him thither on the road, And thus we grew to know him well. Thamyris , Describe This man to me. THEKLA 23 Hermogenes He is but small in size, — Demas Yet full of agile grace and buoyant health With muscles that try well such strength as yours. Thaniyris His face ? Hermogenes His eyebrows meet and give his face A grave, stern look. D em as Grave ? Stern ? To me his face Shows only tenderness. Hermogenes With such a nose, — Like some fierce hawk's, and chin as dogged as The emperor's .? His mouth — it seems I have Forgot his mouth — Demas Because of what he speaks. Then does he look not like a man, but pure 24 THEKLA And radiant as some lone spirit come From higher sphere. He has a countenance Like none you know on earth. Hermogenes Have you forgot That he is growing bald and that he has A scar which twists his cheek in riveled lines Like impress of some hand of hate ? D emas Apart From him, I can remember but his eyes — With ever changing fire in their veiled depths. They have a look that holds me to him now As when we met him on the mountain road. Thamyris Why stay you both so long about this man ? They say for many moons he has been here. Hermogenes When Onesiphorous came out to meet Him on the Royal Road, I made to part Our ways, but Demas, here, the dreamer, like Some wide-eyed child drawn by the subtle spell Of story-teller's charm, was so enthralled By Paul's strange oracles of Christ which we THEKLA 25 Had listened to each day and night upon Our journey, that he would not separate From him — and since the two of us have but One purse — and Demas carries it, we came Together after Paul and took the place Of guests in breaking bread and bending knee Within the house of Onesiphorous. There Demas soon became enamoured of The daughter Maia who bound up for him His travel-wounds, with soothing ointments poured Upon soft swathings. So he lingers long Within Iconium to voice his plea And win her love. Dem as Hermogenes, why tell Our story to a stranger that but greets You with a passing word ? In walking here I have let fall along the way a script I treasure greatly and I must retrace My steps. It must be near — I shall return In haste — so linger here. (Demas departs.) Hermogenes A pretext for A last good-night to Maia and to Paul. The two have robbed me of my comrade who With me has lived the wanderer's free life. I would be off again upon the road — But for my long dependence on his purse, 26 THEKLA Curse fate that life must be lived out to clink Of coin — chief penalty of what men call A life that's civilized. I loathe the walls Of purse-bound houses bought and sold. I hate The city gates that compass men to lives Of narrow circling. Ah — to sleep once more With starlight on my face — to know again The freedom of the open and the wild ! The purple of the distance lures me on — For somewhere there awaits a kingdom just For me — lay not a finger to your brow — There waits the kingdom of my happiness. For this I toil o'er lonely desert stretch And mountain trail — I follow beckoning Of each new passing sail or lambent torch In lifted hand. The scars you see upon My body tell the story of the pain This quest has brought to me. Sometimes my feet Are numb and sight is blurred — what matter, if I keep my dream ? 'Tis this that recreates My life with each day's rising sun. If in The end I learn my long-dreamed kingdom is A futile quest — that nowhere blooms my land Of red joy-roses — then shall I make but One prayer unto the gods — not for the lost Fair kingdom of my happiness — but for The quick restoring of my dream — my fool's Rose-dream! Ah, what a night to vagabond With moonbeams! Yet must I stay restless here Within these city walls! THELKA 27 Thamyris Good fellow, hark — You need not stay imprisoned here if you Will serve me as your friend — a friend who ties A fuller purse than Demas ever held. I need your help and have the gold to pay For it. I want to speak against this Paul Before the magistrates, because he is Corrupting all Iconium with words That undermine our social laws. Help me In this and all the gold you need is yours. Hermogenes 'Tis easy earning of my freedom, for This man has robbed me of my friend. Thamyris I need your comrade Demas, too — what means will draw Him into league with us ? With gold can we Induce your friend to speak against this man ? Hermogenes He thinks that Paul can do no wrong — and gold Would turn him from you quicker than a spot Of leprosy upon your hand. There is But one sure course to win him to your will. The maiden Maia lately has become 28 THEKLA Indifferent to Demas, for she sits All day with mind upon Paul's words. Not yet Does Demas understand the change in her, Although her coldness troubles him and drives Him pacing up and down the long night through In sleepless doubt. Convince him that through Paul His love is lost and thus you have him led To work with you. Th amyrts Come, now, and sit with me — My banquet table waits — a sumptuous Repast. Hermogenes A change indeed from herbs, plain loaves And water — gladly will I come. Thamyris Persuade Your friend when he returns. Hermogenes 'Twill not be hard — For Demas has a great delight in wines And dainties. This will help you gain your end. Inflame him with your wines. So long has he Abstained, one taste will wake to mastery THEKLA 29 Old habit, loosely leashed. Then help me prove To him that Paul has robbed him of his love. I know him when the demon in him works — Paul's doom is sealed. Thamy ris I hear his step — help me To win him to the feast. {They go to meet Demas, and shortly the three pass laughing along the path that leads to Thamy- ris's abode.) ACT IIJ Scene I. (Just outside of the city walls of Iconium A week has passed since the last scene. Hermogenes IS trying to draw Demas hack into the city.) Hermogenes Give ear to me, — A fool's trail, Demas, now to follow Paul. Demas Hermogenes, the day that Paul was scourged And cast without these gates I woke, as one Whose senses have been filmed by long drug sleep, To what great wrong we did in lending aid To injure him. Since then no sun has brought Me peace. Hermogenes If wrong it was, how can we right It, now that Paul has gone, we know not where ? D etnas I want to see if all is well with him. He may be sick, — at mercy of wild beasts, — Or lost upon these plains. And I Would hear again those messages of his — Perhaps he has for me some word that will Give peace. 30 THEKLA 31 Hermogenes From one who stole away your heart's Desire — the love of Maia, that fair maid ? Demas It is now plain to me, Hermogenes, 'Twas not his fault I lost the maid — her soul Was far above a mate world-worn as I. She turned from me to hear his words as some Snow-lily turns from noisome dark to pure, Clear sunlight. Ah, if I had hearkened, too. And learned of him, I might not be as now A restless wanderer — a moving blot Upon the earth. I feel the fault lies in Myself. I was too much perverted by The world, — too weak, — to take as mine his faith. For nature has in me implanted such Strong kinship v/ith the things of flesh, that now My spirit has grown hard with yielding long To sin. So have I lost a sensitive Response to high appeals — I could not rise With him to purity. Yet would I hear Him speak again. Hermogenes, I feel That we have wronged a m.an that means no guile. As in a haze I can recall the day We went before the magistrate and spoke Against him — Paul, who had befriended us. Much wine inflamed me, — wine that I had drunk At those long feasts which Thamyris prepared 32 THEKLA To lure us and to render us as clay In his revengeful hands, to shape at will. I heard confused, as one far off, the voice Of Thamyris when he cried out, *'This man Is a magician — by his art has he Corrupted our Iconium. We know Not who he is, but he has made our maids Averse to marriage by his doctrine, strange And new, that men begin to call by name The Christian faith. This God he preaches is Not one to take a place with other gods In our eclectic pantheon — but to Destroy all other worship. All this means For us a social revolution here." Then all the multitude cried out, "Away With him — this bold magician Paul, away With this strange foreigner." The magistrate Was stern in words of questioning to Paul. "Who art thou, man ? And what is this you teach ?" Paul's voice rang out in answer quick, " I teach A living God, a God who stands in need Of nothing. He has sent me to reclaim Mankind from sinful flesh and death. For this God sent His Son in whom I teach all men To rest their hope, for He alone has had Compassion on a world led far astray. I teach that which has been revealed to me By God. Wherein do I do wrong ? " Ah — then, Hermogenes, I knew this man knew naught Of subtle arts of sorcery. Truth spoke In that clear voice — truth that made Zeno loath To pass quick judgment — for he ordered that THEKLA 33 The culprit be imprisoned for a time Until the magistrates could hear again Paul's story at their leisure. Then I felt A guilty sense of shame, yet I was bound By oath to Thamyris and wild ran fire Of wines within my blood. Ah, would that I Could but forget the look Paul gave to me As he was led away! I saw him as In mists that writhe and crawl at night in from The sea and grayly clutch the mountain tops. But dimly I remember, — yet I know Some hand kept hold on me and I could not Go after him. Hermogenes, a curse Upon you, if that hand was yours. Hermogenes And w^ould You follow after one who soon proved true The accusations made against him ? Ay, And more, for well you know that very night Revealed the guilty earthly love he bears For Thekla, the betrothed of Thamyris, So runs the tale. At midnight Thekla slipped From out her chamber. Easily she passed The gates that bar Paul's dreary prison-house, By quickly stripping bare her arms of all Her bracelets, carved in gold, inlaid with pearls, And shining jewels, rare and red, that flashed A rainbow world of sudden promise in The eyes of Sextus, keeper of the gate. When once within those first barred walls she bribed 34 THEKLA The jailer with her mirror, cobwebbed o'er With threads of gold, a-dazzle here and there With dewlike gems that glowed a prophecy Of ease to him through that damp prison gloom. So Thekla reached Paul's cell. She wept and kissed His bonds — and all night long she stayed with him. A slave of Sextus in the street met with Her mother, Theokleia, in her search With Thamyris for Thekla, whom they feared Was lost. This slave informed them she had passed Within the prison walls — and there at dawn They found her, sitting at the feet of Paul. The two were so inthralled that Thekla showed No shame, but had a look of newfound joy And exultation, as had Paul; and when They seized her foreign lover to be led Again before the magistrates, she threw Herself upon the ground where he had sat And there she grovelled, crying out with such Low moans as one who is bereft. This proves That Paul, who so misled her, got his due When he was scourged next day and cast without Iconium. D etnas A proof ? The gossip of The street a proof ? How can we know what passed Behind closed doors ? We did not see. Perhaps She sat and learned his teachings — there received Some special message from his lips that brought Her gladness. Who are we that we should judge ? THEKLA 35 As some wild reed stung by the bee will bloat Until it is sufficient house to hold Her hatch, so Thekla's deeds and words have been Perverted by malicious tongues, to seem The proofs of guilt. I have no ear for these Low mischief-makers, for, Hermogenes, I saw this maiden's eyes when Paul was scourged — She does not love him with a love of earth. Hermoorenes o Why then does she remain immovable To prayers and tears of all her household ? It Is said that all her slaves, her lovers, and Her parents fail to break the spell which holds Her in its thrall. 'Tis plain that Paul has so Bewitched the maid he can maintain as strong His power over her, though now apart. Her family resorted soon to much Severer measures, bringing Thekla to Appear before the chief tribunal, but In vain the judges threatened her at length With penalties. 'Tis said she would not speak One word in answer when they asked why thus She has forsaken laws so long observed In her Iconium, and will not yield To Thamyris. I heard to-day that she Is trying to escape from home and go Across these plains to follow Paul. 36 THEKLA Demas A tale Of idle gossipers as all the rest, — Such action would indeed be proof they both Deserve the censure laid upon them by The people, for unless they loved and lived An earthly passion, she w^ould never go To join him thus. But to believe this last Maligning news of Thekla, I should have To see her setting forth myself. {A hooded figure passes quickly out of the gates.) Hermogenes Look, — look — Upon your left! Who steals from out the gate There, Demas, in that rough disguise of dress But Thekla .? Now will you believe in her ? And in the man she goes to meet ? I did Not think so soon to prove my words. Demas 'Tis she! {With a great cry he throws himself upon the ground). O Paul — Paul — spare me this! {After a long time he raises himself and watches Thekla till she disappears from view.) Hermogenes The road — the road that lies away from her And him! — Help me forget. Ah, quickly come — The old, free life again! THEKLA 37 Hermogenes Now speaks the friend I knew in days too long ago. For this I have been waiting, Demas. With the purse Which Thamyris bestowed upon me, I Was free to leave you days ago — but I Was held by memory of comradeship, Ah, Demas, friend — to know that Hfe again! See — there upon our right the mountains rise — All needled sharp in silhouette against The sky. There lies our path. Demas Back to our world — Come — back again, Hermogenes! How have We stayed away so long ? Scene II. {The plains stretching to the north of Iconium. Thekla, alone, pausing as the distance grows, to bid adieu to the city of her hirth.) Thekla Farewell, Iconium, my home, — my home. This parting from you is to me like some Consuming fire that tries my purity Of purpose. Never till this hour have I Known all you are to me — your native child. Yours the first sky I ever saw. Your vales So gently cradled by the long, low hills Have been my dreaming spirit's playground since My birth. Your trees have leaned above me with A wistful care, a tenderness, which I Have sought each morning of my life at dawn. Your breezes have blown freshly through my spring Of life. Your walls have been a shelter safe That held me in my home, — the vastness of This world outside half-frightens me. Within Your gates a household draws me by the ties Of blood. My heart is knitted to them by A mighty love. And Thamyris — I will Not lose my thoughts of him. He is my mate — This much I know — the flesh of me still yearns For him. I close my ears to nature's call And love's imperious command. Above My spirit's dark confusion comes a voice Ethereal that leads me on. It takes 38 THEKLA 39 Away the wish to turn and go back home. Farewell, Iconium. Now as the sun Throws amber of its setting on your gates, And far before me stretches growing dark, I give you up, — my first free sacrifice For my new faith. {She stands with hands outstretched — her gaze resting in last mute caress upon the distant city. She turns slozuly and kneels, her face upon her hands. A -figure approaches rap- idly and the noise of his approach rouses her from her long devotion. It is Thamyns. ) Thamyrts The gods be praised that I have found you ere The sun has set. Come, Thekla, and return. With me. Thekla Nay, Thamyris, for I have said Farewell to my Iconium, — and in My heart to you. Thamyris Ah, not farewell — cast off This power that has led you here and come Back home. Thekla No longer is Iconium My home — from now I take instead the world Where'er my God may lead me, Thamyris. 40 THEKLA Thamyris The great, unheeding universe your home, — You, Thekla, who were born for tender care ? What wildness this ? You would be lost — the world Is full of cruelty. Already has A change come o'er you — something softly young Has vanished from your face. Come back — come back — You are a woman, Thekla — mine the arm To guard you. Come — my arms are open to My white bride-love. Thekla Nay, nay — the ambient Protection of my God is round me now, And shields me from all hurt. Thamyris Dissemble not — You seek to cloak your love for Paul beneath The guise of a religious faith. Think you I do not know that you have left your home To seek this man who wanders on these plains, An outcast — scorned of men ? You cannot say You are not here to find this man — Thekla 'Tis true, — I search for Paul, — but only that he may Give unto me the seal baptismal — then Temptation shall not touch me in the world. I swear I have no love of earth for Paul. THEKLA 41 Thamyris Ah, Thekla — wound me not with lie on lie — To give you up is all too hard without This weak attempt at craft which only proves Your sin the clearer to me now. Thekla I can Not hope that you will understand. There is But one just critic of my words and deeds — But one clear-eyed spectator of my life — My true ideal self — the God in me. To stand before the searching of this self, With spirit white and unashamed, — this is My one desire. I have no real concern About my life in eyes of men — there is No sting in adverse criticism now. I have been called by God to sacrifice My home and you — my earthly mate — and go To teach His words, to heal alike the souls And bodies of mankind. Thamyris And you believe This foolish doctrine of the foreigner — That it is wrong to yield to earthly love \ Thekla Paul did not teach such doctrine, Thamyris. His words were much perverted by the ones 42 THEKLA Who sought to do him ill. He did but say That earthly ties keep mortals tethered to The flesh, and so prevent the work that some Are called to do. He did not teach that sin Is in the marriage vows. For some God means Such vows shall be. But not for me, for I Must be unhampered in my work. Thamyris Ah what A life for you, my Thekla! What return Hope you to gain ? Not so does mortal win The world's applause. Thekla The love of human praise Does not inspire the high endeavor which Exacts man's sacrifice. But one reward I ask — the sacred, humble rapture one May know, who, blindly giving, learns at last His gift has carried joy. Dissuade me not Nor hold me back from those who have great need Of me — more need than you. Thamyris Ah, Thekla, love, But give yourself to me, and I will be Your slave to do your will. I shall not speak One word against the course you take. THEKLA 43 Thekla And still You cannot understand. Can you not see My work must be my all ? Tharny ris {Wildly.) It shall not be, — I will not let you go from me — for you Belong to me by all the rights of what Men call affinity. So much I love You, Thekla, that there is no power strong Enough to part you from me. I demand My own — I force you now to yield to me. {He seeks to take her in his arms.) Thekla 'Tis futile to defy divinity. {She lifts her face and slowly makes the sign of the cross.) O God — thy help! {A flame, a divine fire encircles and protects her. Thamyrts stands back in great awe — at last comprehending. He is drawn to his knees before her. She lays her hands upon his head in blessing and goes on her way.) Scene III. {A cave farther on towards the mountains , where Paul with the family of One- stphorous, who followed him out of Iconium, have paused upon their journey to fast and pray forThekla. A slave of Onesiphorous, going out for herbs, meets Thekla and brings her to the cave. There is great rejoicing at the sight of her.) Paul God, I thank Thee that so soon Thou hast Heard prayer and guided Thekla thither to Us here unharmed. Thou who dost understand Men's joy as well as sadness, share w^ith us In our rejoicing over her, as we Now break our fast. {The slaves bring loaves, herbs, berries, and water, and there is feasting and great joy.) Thekla 1 have decided to go forth for Him, The Master, you revealed to me — and do His will for all my life, wherever He May lead. Paul It is a shameless age and you Are very beautiful. I fear you will Be overpowered by the manifold Temptations of the world. 44 THEKLA 45 Thekla But give me now The seal baptismal, then shall I have naught To fear. Then shall I part from you and go Alone to Antioch. Paul Go, sleep in peace. At dawn to-morrow you shall be baptized. {The next morning at sunrise Lectra lathes Thekla and anoints her body with sweet-smelling oils, unbinds her hair and twines about her head a chaplet of bittersweet. The stone altar set up under the bay tree is adorned with mrytle. A fire of pine cones is lighted be- neath the cross of ilex-wood. Water is brought and purified. Paul sprinkles Thekla and she is consecrated by her vows.) Paul Now are you sanctified and saved by this Baptizing into Christ — this holy seal And sacrament that opens to you wide The realm of grace. Go, in the name of God, The blessed Trinity, and heal mankind. (He blesses her and binds her sandals on her feet. Thekla goes forth as one glorified upon her journey to Antioch.) ACT III Scene I. {The gates of Antioch. Many people are passing in and out, as it is the occasion of a great festival which, with its Roman venatio, the exhibi- tion of wild beasts, is an unusual event in a pro- vincial city like Antioch, not the capital of the pro- vince. The festival is of a political character, — it is a part of the government scheme for the romaniza- tion of southern Galatia. The governor Castelius, ts visiting Antioch that the event may be made as imposing as possible. All the important personages in Galatic Phrygia have come to pay their respects to Castelius and to the imperial poiver of Claudius, whom the governor represents. With the rest. Queen Tryphaena has come to Antioch from her private estates beside Loadiceia on the Lycus, where she has lived a life of seclusion since her quarrel with her son, King Polemon. Alexander, the agonothetes, or president of the festival, and high priest of the Galatic province, with his great train of attendants in holiday attire, is passing the gates on his way to the festival. He sees Thekla entering Antioch, and he is at once struck zuith her great beauty. A young ivoman unaccompanied in the street of an eastern town, she is mistaken for a dancing girl. As such, Alexander addresses her — an act of gallantry and honor from one of his rank to a person of the class to which he supposes she belongs.) Alexander (Greatly enamoured of Thekla at first sight stops his train of attendants to speak to her.) 46 THEKLA 47 Who art you, maid ? What name is yours ? You are Most fair. Your flesh that shows itself between The parting of coarse garmenting is Hke The pink-white sheen of pearl — and luring-curved, Your red lips chalice nectar sweet that will Intoxicate my senses like bouquet Of mellowed wine. Your eyes — why, maid, the do Belie your lips. A pretty trick — upon My word, — dissembling artful! Like some saint You veil your eyes then with uplifting quick Your wistful gaze seeks sanctuary in The sky. Come, maid, with me and show' your grace In some lithe dance to quickstrung music's spell. Thekla {Invoking the right of a stranger and a guest ac- cording to ancient custom.) I claim the stranger's right. Molest me not. I am no dancing girl, but daughter of A noble house. Alexander {Laughing.) A noble house! Where dwells This royal family? Within the walls Of castle Nowhere, maid ? J 48 THEKLA Thekla My home was in Iconium. Alexander Was, maid ? Why are you here ? {Thekla IS silent.) Speak on, — I love the silver of your voice. It is like purling cadence from the fount That nightly lulls me to my dreams. Speak, maid. Thekla lam the servant of my God. I come To teach His words and heal the sick. Alexander What new Religion this, to win so fair, so young A devotee ? Come, feign no more — yield me Your lips. {He tries to embrace her. Thekla resists him with all her supple strength. The attendants laugh and clap their hands.) Polyhi us {An attendant.) Behold our Alexander try His strength against a dancing girl! THEKLA . 49 P OS ides {Attendant.) Well does She know the art of wrestling. See her turn His arm this way and that. Methinks he will Fight hard to win his kiss. Alexander You crafty child — You wake the eagerness for sweet, hard won. Your breath is like arbutus 'neath damp leaves. Thekla (Struggling luith new strength.) And you would so disgrace a stranger here Before this gaping crowd ? Where is your strength '^. (She tears his royal dress.) A crown upon your head ? Into the dust With it! (She pulls Alexander's crown from his head and throws it on the ground. He is forced to let Thekla free. The attendants and other onlookers cry out, the onlookers in merriment at Alexander s ludicrous appearance^ — the attendants in indignation at Thekla's sacrilege in thus assaulting Alexander and desecrating his official y priestly dress.) 50 THEKLA Attendants Base sacrilege!* Away with this strange maid! She tears his chlamys. Strikes his crown to earth! Take her before the governor — he sits Within the stadium in his high place Of office waiting for the festival. {Alexander enraged at being a laughing-stock before the people^ and baffled in his purpose^ has he^ seized and led forthwith before Castelius, in before the whole assembled people^ where she IS tried for sacrilege. Thekla makes no de- nial of the charges. She has assaulted a high priest while ^vearing his sacred official dress. The offense is proved by the admission of the accused^ as was customary. Castelius determined to make a severe example of the case., in order to bring home to all minds the terror and strength of Roman authority. He condemns her to be exposed to the wild beasts which Alexander has arranged to have exhibited on one of the days of the festival. Such a sentence is new to the country, where Roman customs are just coming into use. The whole multitude is astonished and divided in approvingthe sentence. Thewomen protest actively and sympathize with Thekla. Such sympathy would be impossible if they thought her to be a '^Christian." The name * This offense was a sacrilege, and as such was in the category of dangerous crimes which it was the governor's duty to punish. THEKLA 51 means nothing, as later, when Christianity is proscribed by the imperial authority and the mere name " Christian " is sufficient to arouse antagonism. As yet the word has no more significance than any name applied to a devotee of one of the numerous religions. They believe Thekla to be a follower of some new faith, bound by unusual conditions,' to fulfill the law of purity. The difference in her from other types does not concern them — they consider that a matter between "the God'* she worships and herself. Castelius IS somewhat affected by the general sympa- thy, but does not alter his sentence. Pre- liminary to the execution of her sentence, Thekla is at once made to take a part in the procession — the opening ceremony of the games. She is placed on top of the cage of a fierce lioness, and in this position, with a tablet inscribed "Sacrilegious*' placed beside her, Thekla is exhibited in the arena.) Polyb lUS Behold, the Honess protrudes her tongue Between the bars and Hcks the maiden*s feet! P OS ides Lr her face, Polybius, — as some Lc ab looks round the wilderness to find The . pherd, so she gazes on the crowd Who Scare at her. 52 THEKLA Women How impious this law That does condemn this maid! {The onlookers follow after Thekla and throw before her path numerous flowers and plants sig- nificant of the varying sentiment concerning her.) First Noble {Throwing citron.) This citron for ill-natured beauty who Knew not the honor Alexander gave. First Woman {Catching the citron in midair, and throwing amaryllis.) You dog! To throw such plant before this maid! I strew her path with amaryllis, which Means beautiful timidity. Second Noble I fling Ranunculus, for I am dazzled by Her charms. Third Noble And I bring southernwood for this Strange jest our Alexander makes. THEKLA 53 Polybius Much more Appropriate, sharp xanthium, coarse toothed With prickly burrs, for rudeness to our priest. Second Woman Fool, stay your hand. I throw the yellow bloom Of coltsfoot — justice shall be done. Third Woman Andl — The cistus evergreen, which shows to her The favor of the populace. Postdes Look — here The amaranth for base pretense. Fourth Noble I throw The marjoram for blushes which are not Upon her cheek. Fourth Woman A red camellia For unpretending excellence. 54 THEKLA Fifth Woman And here The elder for compassion deep. Fifth Noble A bit Of sweet hibiscus for her deHcate Young beauty's grace. Sixth Woman The mint for virtue pure. Sixth Noble A very large and spreading piece of larch For her audacity. Seventh Woman The cyclamen For sweet submission to the law. Queen Tryphaena (Stepping forth and casting her rubies in the path.^ I cry For charity to this sweet maid — for this I fling my rubies down. Let end this show, Castelius. You have brought down the wrath THEKLA 55 Of Queen Tryphaena on your head. Recall That I am cousin to the emperor. I ask that this sweet maid be granted now The privilege reserved for criminals Of higher rank, of being kept within A private house instead of prison walls Until the day that you have set for her To die.* Thus till her death may she fulfill Her service to her God of purity. (Cries of approval from all the women.) Let hers not be the fate, the daughter of Sejanus suffered at the hands of her Inhuman jailer. Let sweet Thekla go With me and stay within my home until You summon her. I am alone — I have No daughter of my own — for years ago My Falconilla died. My three sons — kings In rank — have not proved true to me. Grant my Old age the sweet companionship of one So like my child. Casteltus I grant you care of this Young prisoner. Full well you know the law — The penalty pronounced on her will be, In turn, your fate if she escapes while in Your care. To-morrow I shall send for her. (Queen Tryphaena leads Thekla away to the house which is the Queen s temporary dwelling while in Antioch.) * This kind of imprisonment (custodia libera privata) was common. A guarantee (fide-jussor) was required. The guard in charge was liable to the fate of the prisoner if allowed to escape. LOFC. Scene II. {The arena; the day of the venatio and Thekla*s exposure to the wild beasts. During the night Queen Tryphaena's daughter has appeared to her in a dream, bidding her to befriend Thekla, and take her as a newfound daughter. JVhen morning comeSy Alexander appears with other high officials, to require Thekla' s appearance in the arena. Queen Tryphaena refuses to let Thekla go until Castelius sends soldiers. Weeping bitterly, she then follows Thekla to the arena. Here the crowd is assembled in an uproar of excitement. Thekla is led within the arena and exposed nude except for a cincture. The women cry out wildly and throw sweet-smelling herbs, nard, cassia, amomum, and many perfumes about her in the arena,) The Women Ah, cruel sight! An evil sentence is Upon this maid! Ah, see! The beasts in chains! Queen Tryphaena (Crying out.) My daughter Falconilla I have laid Within the tomb — and now must I see thee, My Thekla, newly found, torn by these beasts! 56 THEKLA 57 Postdes and others Away, with this strange sacrilegious maid! Bring scorn upon her God who fails her now! Great is our Artemis! Away with this Religion new! {Thekla stands with her arms outstretched in the attitude of the cross, and lifts her face to heaven.) Thekla My Lord, my God ! Thou art Companion of the persecuted — hear My prayer! Behold thy handmaid in this hour, For lo, the shame of woman is in me Uncovered in the midst of all this crowd. Remember me, O God, in this dark hour! {A shining mist descends and veils her nakedness.) Polybi us Is there some film upon my eyesight ? Look Posides, can you see the maiden's form ? She seems to me all veiled in shining mist. Posides So does she look to me. (The people murmur in astonishment.) 58 THEKLA Queen Tryphaena The lioness is loosed within the pit! {The women zveep and turn away?) Alexander Castelius! Behold the lioness approach the maid And fawn about her feet! It acts as if It knew and loved her! Look! How can this maid Be so acquainted with this jungle beast ? What are these tales one hears of sympathy Between a fearless soul and savage beast ? See — now she lays her hand upon its head! Castelius 'Twould seem some subtle power tames the beast! {The people are spellbound. Castelius orders the bear to be brought in.) The Women May Thekla's God not fail her now! P OS ides See how The bear looks Thekla o'er — now will she die! THEKLA 59 Polybius The lioness has roused from Thekla's feet! Look, now the bear advances for a lunge Upon the maid! Queen Tryphaena The bear springs straight upon The maid! The lioness attacks the bear! The Women Ah, bloody conflict. See — the angry bear Now slays the lioness! Queen Tryphaena Nay, nay — look once Again — the lioness has turned as if Imbued with strength anew. Now — now the bear Is down. I hear its dying cry! Alexander Now bring The panther in. It has not had its food For days. We must make end of this, for there Are other sports to come. {The panther is unchained and loosed within the arena.) 6o THEKLA The Women Lo, even this Wild beast does not devour her. See — it drav^s Apart and stands as if enthralled by some Strange powder in her eyes. The lioness Is at her feet again like some tame pet! Ale xander It seems we must devise some other means To kill this maid. No beast has touched her yet. I have two bulls — let her be bound between Them by her feet. Then shall the creatures be Pressed on by goads of red-hot iron. What say You to this plan, Castelius ? Castelius (Looking gloomily away from the arena and speaking reluctantly,) Do what You will. (The lioness is led away. The bulls are brought and Thekla bound between them. The red- hot irons are brought.) Queen Tryphaena Farewell, my daughter, — now, the end! (She gives a great cry and faints beside the abaci. The crowd parts in dismay.) THEKLA 6i Alexander {Much agitated.) Release the maid, Castelius, for there Tryphaena Hes, death white, and if this reach The ears of Claudius, her relative, 111 will it fare with us if we incur His wrath. {Castelius summons Thekla from the wild beasts. The ropes that bind her to the bulls are found to be burned loose by a divine fire, tier clothes are restored to her and she stands ready for her journey before Castelius and the people.) Castelius Who art thou, maid, and what is there About thee that no beast will touch you ? Speak! Thekla I am the servant of the living God — And He alone has rescued me from these Wild beasts. Castelius I do not know your God or what Your faith may be — but I release you now, Fair Thekla, from the sentence passed upon Your act of sacrilege. {The people shout with joy and relief.) 62 THEKLA Thekla May He who clothed My nakedness from all this multitude, Clothe you, Castelius, with His benign Salvation which alone will give you peace. {Thekla revives Tryphaena and bids her farewell, though Tryphaena wildly implores her to remain with her as her daughter. In leaving, Thekla turns and raises her hands in silent blessing upon the multitude. Then with believing sign from brow to heart she starts again upon her journey. The shouts of the people shake the very foundations of the stadium.) The Peoj^^e There is but one true God — the God of this Young maid — the God of Thekla who goes forth A priestess saint to heal this sinful world! Thus reads the legend of Saint Thekla, whose holy commemoration is to the glory of woman- hood, now and ever, age to age eternally. Amen. 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