1 Class. Book. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. Jl Dramatic SegnuL BY NOELL RADECLIFFE, AUTHOR OF ALICE WENTWORTH," " THE LEES OE BLENDON HALL," ETC. ■yf. " E ]a cara di Cristo e fida ancella Ch' elesse il ben della piu nobil vita." Tasso— Gerusalemme liberate, Canto XL, Stanza 9. LONDON : SAUNDERS, OTLEY, AND CO., CONDUIT STREET. 1859. ."., ; L,- The ideas which have expanded into the follow- ing " Dramatic Legend " were suggested partly by Miicke's picture of Angels carrying St. Katharine of Alexandria to her tomb on Mount Sinai, partly by the traditionary accounts of her beauty, her learning, her enthusiastic devotion, her mystical espousals, and the persecution she underwent. Retaining these main points however, I have not been scrupulous in adhering to her precise story, as related in Biographies of the Saints, but have woven into it some details which — perhaps — more properly belong to that of her namesake, St. Katharine of Sienna. N. E. DRAMATIS PERSONS, Lycophron, a wealthy Citizen of Alexandria. Nicanor, his Kinsman. Archippus, a Friend of Lycophron and Nicanor. Porphyrius, a Citizen of Antioch. GrALLUS, the Roman Proconsul. Lysias, a Christian, formerly the Slave of Lycophron's brother. Alcimus, a Christian Elder. The Priest of the Christian Community in Alexandria. Hegesander, an Alexandrian Citizen of low condition. A Centurion. A Lybian Slave. Soldiers, Slaves, Citizens, Chorus of Christians, fyc. Katharina, daughter of Lycophron. Theodora, her Nurse. Clymene and Leucippe, Wife and Sister of Lysias. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ACT I. Scene I. Lycophron's House. The Women's Apart- ment, opening into an inner court adorned, with statues and vases of flowers. katharina and Theodora at their THEODORA. Thy firmness, Katharina, will ere long Be tried. KATHARINA. How tried ? What mean'st thou, Theodora ? THEODORA. Last night I heard thy father tell Erastus That he — perchance this day — expects the coming Of young Porphyrins, son of" that Ephesian Whom most he prized among his friends of old. — From Antioch (where his mother's kin have bred him) The youth is hast'ning ; for what end — guess thou ! KATHARINA. It cannot be my father should forget The word he pledged me ! THEODORA. Nor hath he forgot. He heeds his vow ; but fain would he be loosed Therefrom by thine own will ; and in that hope, Once more unto a change thereof he '11 move thee. - ST. KATHARINE O] LLEXANDRIA. K \ 11 1 AIM N v (asidi i. Vain is his hope! but not mi mine own strength I Kan for pow'r to strive with one so loving, Albeit so blinded. lycopiirox enters, katharina and theodora rise, and Theodora retires to a little distance, lyco- phron, after greeting his daughter, scuts himself on a couch, while katharina stands respectfully I >c. him. LYCOPHRON. Child, at thy desire, A lustre back (thou Avert fifteen that day), I pledged me to forego the right whereby Thy father could require thy full obedience To his award, as touched thy lot in marriage. katharina. Yea father, of thy goodness I enjoy This freedom here to dwell in mine own home, In blest virginity. LYCOPHRON. I meant not, daughter, Nor said, that thou shouldst waste thy flow'r of youth, E'en till it wither, in the lonely quest Of wisdom or of holiness ; nor yet That thou shouldst tend mine age, uncheered, unaided By ties more glad'ning ; I but told thee, maiden, That none should own thee, save such one as fate Made pleasing in thine eyes. katharina. And I might prove Right hard to please. LYCOPHRON. So are ye all, until Ye 've seen the youth predestined. Sit thee down Beside me here. Now hearken. Katharina; ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. o Thou know'st that from thy cradle thou wast promised Unto Porphyrius, son of Hyparinus. Father and son were both my guests, what time Thy mother bore thee ; when I told my friend " "T was but a girl the gods had granted me," He pointed to his boy, who at our feet Sat playing, and then spoke, " If that thou wilt, Behold in him thy son ! three lustres hence A blythesome bridal shall unite the pair!" I grasped his hand, and with an oath we bound Our souls, that naught save death, or foul dishonour Of either of the twain we thus betrothed, Should hinder us from mingling of our blood By tie so fair. I saw not Hyparinus Again — his thread was early cut ; but soon As of his death I heard, unto his brother I wrote renewed assurance of the bond Knitted in this our city, and bestowing My daughter on Porphyrius ; since I deemed not My vow less weighty for that he to whom 'T was uttered, had departed. In the name Of my friend's son, an answ'ring pledge was giv'n me, And unto him I deemed thee surely bound, Until that morn, when yielding to thy pray'r, I loosed, unwillingly, the knot that tied thee To one whose youth, perchance, had not fulfilled The promise of his childhood. I did send Erastus unto Antioch, to make known That I was minded to defer thy marriage Until thy twentieth year, determining That if, when came that time, thou found'st Porphyrius Unlike to that his father's son should be, I 'd give to him the daughter of Nicanor, Our kinsman, with a dowry rich as thine. katharina {embracing lycophron). Thou hast right well devised, most gen'rous father, How thou may'st give this youth all worldly profit Of thine alliance, sparing yet thy child ; And gladly will I deck Arsinoe In bridal wreath and veil. b 2 1- 8T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. LI COPHRON. It may be, daughter, Thyself will wear the crown thou talk'sl of setting Upon a brow less fair. Arsinoe May well content her with a meaner bridegroom Than I for thee should claim. Nay, hearken still ; Such was my purpose, if this same Porphyrins Proved base of soul, or foul of form, had lavished His time and wealth in sottish joys or lawless. But they that have beheld him, who have known What 's told of him in Antioch, bring me Avord, That my friend's son, both in his mind and semblance, Is that my friend was once. Wherefore, me thinketh He should be worthy thee — and thou wilt find Thy bliss in thine obedience. katharina {after a pause). I had deemed, Father LYCOPHRON. That I would let thee cheat thyself Out of all gladness of thy life ! I told thee Thy fancy should be heeded, and the youth Is warned thereof; he knows that I have bound me To give thee but to one who in thine eyes Could merit love ! He comes, content to try His fortune ; thou shalt look on him or e'er I fix thy doom. Thou fear'st lest, spite of fame, Thy bridegroom be ill-favoured? KATHARINA. Nay, my father, I rather deem that they have truly spoken, Who told thee that the son of Hyparinus Was wise and goodly as his sire. But be he As fair of form as is the marble image Of him men call the Sun-God, be his spirit Mighty and keen as their's whom earth has held Her wisest, still, he wins him not thy daughter. LYCOPHRON. No ! then whom wouldst thou wed withal ? Come, tell me ! ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 5 KATHARINA. With one whose beauty is unfading, endless, As the bright stars above us ! One whose might Exceeds Imperial glory ! One whose wisdom Is by naught else excelled than by the love Wherewith he doth embrace whate'er will turn To him for help and hope ! To such a lord I fain would knit my soul. LYCOPHRON. And where wilt thou Find such ? KATHARINA. Not on this earth ! LYCOPHRON. 'T is well thou knowest So much ! KATHARINA. No ; here below I find him not ; Yet I of him may still be found ! At least, 1 11 wait for him till death. My maidenhead Is unto him devoted. LYCOPHRON. I perceive That thou art minded to resist my will ; And shroud'st thy disobedience in a mist Of visionary hopes and fears, all taught thee By that wild Christian lore, wherefrom 't was mine T 1 have better guarded thee ! But who could deem (Noting the eager love that did impel thee To search through Plato's page) that thou wouldst stoop From study of that high philosophy, To feed on Jewish legends, and delight thee With ravings of those men who hold it virtue To spurn the gods our city bids us rev'rence ! KATHARINA. To that philosophy my spirit clung, So long I knew naught firmer, whereupon 6 ST. CATHARINE 01 ALEXANDRIA. To Kan me; ' >ut what man by Btretch of thought Could but conceive, hath God himself declared In form of man. LYCOPHRON. \h. so thou say'st. I care not, Though in thy mind this doctrine do excel That which beneath the porch, or in the grove, Hath been set forth (in speech more fair, I trow, Than thy rude teachers boast), so thou content thee "With reading of their scrolls, with due fulfilment Of their unjoyous rites ; but if thou make A mantle for rebellion of that folly, Bethink thee, Katharina, that thy father, No less than priests and rulers, can forbid Thy sharing in the weekly feast observed By them this superstition blinds. I He spared thee Till now ; henceforth I were but fondly foolish, Leaving thee free to work thine own undoing ! KATHARINA. Say, father, Iioav should rites thus pure and holy Undo us who partake them ? LYCOPHRON. They divide The daughter from the sire — set bars that part The bridegroom from the bride ! Therefore I hate That lore of thine. KATHARINA. Oh father, speak not thus ! LYCOPHRON. And hatest thou not mine? I well believe Thou lov'st me still ; not yet unto thy pale And bleeding God hast thou so yielded up Thy heart, that thou shouldst banish thence thy father! But thou abhor'st those blessed ones, before Whose glorious forms I bow ; yea, shudderest At sight of our Olympians: while / fain Would grant a place unto thy Crucified E'en on our hearth, so thou wouldst but fulfil In weightier things my bidding ! ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. i KATHARINA. To thy gods Thou art not bound as I to mine ! For thee They died not ; scarce dost thou believe their being ; Still less thou 'dst seek to mould thee in their likeness, Who sinned more foully — so their legends tell — Than frailest men. LYCOPHRON. Take heed — take heed. / hold thee But rash and over zealous ; there be those Would call thee impious. KATHARINA. It may be. slave {entering). A stranger, My lord, doth wait within the hall for leave To greet thee. LYCOPHRON. Is 't a youth ? SLAVE. He hath not passed His age's flow'r, of form is tall and goodly. LYCOPHRON. It is Porphyrins ! Guide him hither, boy ! [Exit Slave. katharina {rising). Hither ! LYCOPHRON. Yes, hither ; true, this hall is giv'n To thee and to thy damsels ; but no less 'T is mine, as is the dwelling from the roof To the foundation ; and thou scarce need'st fear Bold eye or daring speech, when 't is thy father Receives the guest. Thou art not called to bear Thy part in welcoming the stranger youth Thus soon ! [katharina retires, and seats herself be- side Theodora, where a curtain conceals her from the view of porphyrius as he enters the apartment. 8 3T. KATH \i;im; OF ali.\a ndkia. LYCOPHROM to POEPHYEIUS {embracing htm). I ask qo1 who thou art ! Thy features Are those of Hyparinus in his prime. PORPHYRI1 s. I thank the gods that thus my form makes known My lineage to my father's friend. LYCOPHRON. I thin Would graft thee this same day into my house, At once would give thee that wherefore thou 'rt come This weary way ! but I may not so speed Unto my word's fulfilment as my heart Doth urge me. Think not youth, therefore PORPHYRIUS. I came not, Oh Lycophron, to claim as right what thou May'st grant, or yet withhold, as thou shalt deem 'Tis meet and well. But be therein thy pleasure Such as it may, I 've gladly travelled hither, If only to renew the kindliness Of those past days, which to my memory (Blended with recollections of my sire) So oft return, when once before I dwelt A guest in thine abode. LYCOPHRON. To stately manhood Those twenty years have brought thee; I the while Have known life's cares and burdens; but at sight ( )f thee, my son, it is as though my youth Warmed me afresh ! PORPHYRIUS. More lovingly I 'm welcomed Than hope had promised me, albeit I looked not For a eold greeting. I had earlier known ( A \ . by mi hour) how happily 't is given me T<> please a hosl so honoured, were it not ! tarried at my entrance in this city Hcark'ninjr to that I liked not. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. [) LYCOPHRON. Wherefore linger To hear that did mislike thee ? PORPHYRIUS. 'T was because Methought 't was well to learn the verge and bearing Of somewhat that did meet mine ear. 'T was false ; Thereof I doubted not — awhile I doubted If I should warn thee of th' injurious tale Men tell of thee. LYCOPHRON. Of me, my son ? What say they ? PORPHYRIUS, An Alexandrian, to his home returning, With me passed through the city gate ; there met him His friend, of whom he asked, " What latest rumour Gave work to busy tongues ? " and by their talk I straight perceived, that they who envy thee Thy wisdom and thy wealth, have said thy house Doth shelter Christians ! Yea, have spread the lie Till it hath upward reached to the Proconsul, Who — if these truly spake — o'ertrustingly Heeds their report, whose wits cannot discern Betwixt divine Philosophy's pursuit And idlest superstition. LYCOPHRON. For thy warning I thank thee ; but the news thereof may scarce Amaze me. PORPHYRIUS, Hast thou then, in this thy city, Such ruthless foes, that thou, from very custom, Tak'st calumny thus meekly ? LYCOPHRON. Till this hour I knew not I was slandered ; say, Porphyrius, Named they the Christian guest I harbour here ? 10 BT. KATHARINE Ol ALEXANDRIA. POBPHYR] l B. So far they ventured not ; but yet they spake A.s though they M heard enough to breed thee periL Wherefore katharina (starting forward, and now first becoming visibh to PORPHYRIUS, who gazes on her with mingled, astonishment and admiration). No peril shall o'ertake my father ! For I, who 've wrought him this, will straight declare Unto our rulers that 't is I — I only — Who worship in this house the Crucified ! LYCOPHRON. Abide, abide ! Wait, girl, till they shall ask thee Of this thy faith ! KATHARINA. The hour is come that dooms me To witness thereunto. LYCOPHRON. Not yet. Ofttimes Thou 'st said thy new religion looseth not — Confirms each bond of duty ; if 'tis so, Obey thy sire, nor move from hence — remaining In womanly subjection unto him Thou most shouldst rev'rence ! PORPHYRIUS. Then 't was truth I heard ! KATHARINA. Yea, stranger. PORPHYRIUS. And thus fair and young thou 'st giv'n thee To yon dark worship? KATHARINA. Say'st thou dark? As sunlight T is bright and clear! ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, 11 LYCOPHRON. Porphyrins, in thy hand Thou hold'st her life ! but by the memory Of Hyparinus, I adjure thee, spare The daughter of his friend, albeit she err ! PORPHYRIUS. My lips can ne'er reveal what to mine ear Had never reached, but for the gen'rous trust Wherewith thou call'dst me, as thy very son, Into this inmost — yea, most sacred — chamber Of thy whole mansion. LYCOPHRON. As in outward frame, So in thy soul no less, thou matchest him Who was my friend of yore ! [Theodora comes forward, and leading KATHARINA away from her Father with some difficulty, retires with her to the inner court, into which the apartment opens, where they continue to walk up and down in earnest conversation. LYCOPHRON {taking porphyrius by the hand). Most luckless man Of men am I, my son ! Thou seest the cause Why Lycophron to Hyparinus' heir Feared to espouse his child, infected thus With madness that draws down upon her head Heav'n's wrath, and earthly vengeance. PORPHYRIUS. I nor fear Jove's thunder, nor Imperial threats, so thou But give to me the maid. 'Mid rites of love, And matron duties, soon will she forget The fantasies that haunted her while lasted Her lone virginity. LYCOPHRON. I would I thought As thou, who know'st her not ! But she 's the harder i J ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. To deal with, in that to her wo'man's wit She's added bo much Learning as may pass For Buch in woman. The more fool was I With joy to look on her, when Bhe of old Bent o'er the scrolls of Plato or Chrysippus, Whom now she spurns as ignoranl and impiout ! Wherefore I fear me sore thy reasonings Will find one reason-proof. Still, there is none May move her, if not thou. She hath defied All arguments wherewith Z've sought to free Her spirit from the net that hath entwined it ; Yen, and she scorns the joyous Hymenaean Wherefore Yet if thy speech might more avail Than mine, to turn her from the maze of ill She 's strayed into, a good deed 't were, by her, And me and by thyself, if verily Thou car'st to own her, now thou know'st her folly ! PORPHYRIUS. Thou jestest not ? LYCOPHRON. Nay, by the gods ! I 'm scarce In jesting mood ; I ever wished her thine ; But now 'tis noised abroad I harbour Christians, Upon her yea or nay, when bid to wed With one of the old faith, hangs life or death. PORPHYRIUS. 1 thought not, Father Lycophron, that ever Past studies to such dainty use should serve, As wooing of a maiden ! But right well 1 like the office : 't is an easier fight Than bandying words with sophists. lycophron {turning to the inner court ). May the gods So grant it! Katharina, come and tell Our guest the reason of the faith that 'a in thee. KATHARINA {coming forward). Unto our guest ! Oh father, how may I Speak to one trained in subtlest schools, and taught Willi strength of words to prop each argument ? ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 13 LYCOPHRON. If thou confess thee ignorant, my daughter, Then surely shouldst thou yield unto the wise. KATHARINA. If wise they be; but I would not my weakness Betrayed a holy cause. PORPHYR1US. A cause that 's just, And holy, needs no giant for its champion. KATHARINA. 'T is a true word thou speak'st ! and though my tongue Be all unskilled, yet, stranger, if thou seek To learn that we believe, I will not shun, As best I may, God's counsel to declare. [katharina seats herself ; porphyrius, at a sign from her Father, takes the chair beside her ; while LYCOPHRON, though continuing to watch them, retires to some distance. Theodora returns to her loom. porphyrius (aside, after a pause). Methinks she waits my question. (Aloud) Katharina, I needs must marvel — (seeing thou hast bathed Thy spirit in those springs of wisdom deep And pure, that in our father's land of old Flowed from the lips of sages and of bards) — That thou shouldst turn thee to the fabled tales Of Galilean fishers. KATHARINA. It hath pleased Our God to shame that wisdom that doth lean On its own strength, by choosing them to bear His message unto men, in whom no pride Of earthly learning dwelt, or worldly cunning. PORPHYRIUS. So think'st thou? But if messengers thus mean Be chosen, then at least the lore they spread 1 f ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. Should own sonic loftiness t' exalt its teachers ; While base is all their law, fantastical Their rites, if so it be — as men have told me — That they do hold thai same to be their God, Which is their sacrifice! Seek through all lands, Yon find no race so blinded ! none who strive Thus of set purpose to obtain our mock'ry ! KATIIARINA. To them who by the light of earthly knowledge Behold us, 't is no marvel if our rites, Our laws, our worship, do but seem to prove us Senseless and blind. Yet thou speak'st truth, Porphyrins ! The Lord whom Ave adore, for us was slain, A holy sin-off'ring and sacrifice ; Yea, therein is our boast and our rejoicing ! Thy lip curls scornfully, as though thou askedst, " Why should a God thus stoop, and thus endure ? How may a God know pain?" 'T was through the love He bore us, to redeem us from the curse Our sins had earned, to rescue our lost race From the fell might of them that dwell below, To whom our souls were forfeit ; nor could less Than a God's blood suffice to pay the ransom ! PORPHYEIUS. Thine eye, thy tongue, glow hot with fiery zeal ; And though thy form be fixed in holy stillness, No vot'ry wild of Cybele, no priestess Of madd'ning Dionysius, so doth kindle At mention of their God ! Wherefore me seems 'T were waste of words to tell thee that thy creed Alike by reason and experience Is shown to be a coinage of man's brain — Since reason and experience thou heed'st not. KATIIARINA. Sure both may fail, when therewith we would reckon How it may please high heav'n to deal with men ! PORPHTRIUS. We seels mil In set hounds to heav'ulv might; ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ] But can it be, that He who ruleth all, (To whom the wise look up far o'er those powers Who sway the elements, and live through nature), That He — th' Omnipotent — should reck if mortals Bow to himself alone, or cast some incense Upon the Sea-God's altar, or the Sun's ? The all-pervading, all-embracing soul Of heav'n and earth is gracious and benign ; Nor wills that we should perish — as ye Christians Hold it necessity — because your rulers Command ye to adore your city's gods ! KATHARINA. So may it seem to one whose thought conceives Naught truer, holier, than such shadowy being. The living God, the Lord who with his blood Hath bought us, doth require from us our all ; Our heart, our love, our worship ! Who denies His Master, him his Master shall deny. PORPHYRIUS. Wouldst thou, Oh maiden, prove thy fealty To this stern master, as they must, who own His rule, before the judgment-seat of Gallus ? KATHARINA. So help me He I serve ! There is naught else For her who is baptized unto his name ! Nay more ; but If I 'm summoned hence — if straight I 'm called to my confession, and so perish — Be thou a son to yon old man, Porphyrius ; Be thou his age's comfort ! PORPHYRIUS. How might I Give that I had not ? Comfort ! Where were mine, If thee I lost, thou fairest and thou dearest ? Art angered, Katharina? KATHARINA. No — not angered ; For thou know'st not — ay, deem'st me thy betrothed. 1G ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. PORPHYR] i S. And art thou not ? KATHARINA. I 'in pledged; but not to thee. PORPHYRIUS. Thou 'st bound thee to another ? K \ III \KINA. Chafe not thus ! My loved one of no earthly mould is framed. PORPHYRIUS. A phantom, or a fable ! I defy Such unsubstantial bridegroom ! KATHARINA. Say not so ! Take heed — my race and thine were ever friends ! And I would not thou brav'dst a pow'r whose might Thou know'st not of ! TOllPHYRIUS. I thank thee for thy care, Sweet maid, though little reck I of the danger Thou bid'st me shun ; nor will I anger thee With mock'ry of that husband of thy soul. But from Him I will win thee, Katharina, By loving thee as never God nor man Did love ! katharina {rising). As never man did love — it may be ; But not to hear smooth speech was I called hither. I 've done my father's bidding, telling thee What thou car'st not to learn. porphyrius (rising, to lycophron, who now dram near). Say, Lycophron, Forbidd'st thou me to tell unto thy daughter How well I love her? LYCOPHRON. I forbid thee not, My son ; but many an hour shall vet be thine, ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. 1 / Wherein upon such theme thou may'st discourse, Seeing thou art our guest. Now to my friends And kindred would I make thee known, Porphyrius ; Beneath the shady porch of our Gymnasium They 're gathered by this hour ; to all I 've spoken Of Hyparinus' son. PORPHYRIUS. I follow thee, My host. Farewell, mine own betrothed ! KATHARINA. Farewell, Guest of my father ! [Exeunt lycophron and porphyrius. So — 't is said abroad A Christian lurketh here ; and even therefore, More than of old my father strives to bind me In marriage ties. Therein — he deems — is safety;, For him — for me. Oh blinded sire ! Oh rash And earth-bound youth, who from my God would part me ! THEODORA {rising from her work). Thou hast sat long in converse with this bridegroom, Whom thou so fear'dst ! Dost dread him still ? KATHARINA. There 's naught In him that I should dread. THEODORA. Then thou dost yield thee To thy sire's will ? KATHARINA. I meant but that the sight And speech of this Porphyrius (though I own him Goodly and quick of wit) shake not my purpose ; Nor may they. THEODORA. Child, thou know'st not thine own spirit ; For though as maiden thou art ripe, as woman Thou art full young ! C Is 3T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. KATHARINA. Methinka I know it well. THEODORA. Art verily content to wait the day i T will come ere long), when thy fresh Spring shall fade, And change for gloomy Autumn and chill winter, Yet ne'er have heightened into Summer's glow ? KATHARINA. I am. — THEODORA. And wert thou ever? Thou didst say Five years had passed since this thy resolution. KATHARINA. Yes, ever. No — not ever ! Thou shalt hear That which ('t is now full twelve months past) befell me. The day I was nineteen years old. 'T was thus : — Our friends and kindred had departed all After the birth-day feast we here had giv'n them ; My father slept beside the hearth ; the echoes Of songs the damsels had been singing me Rang in mine ears — the unforgotten lays Of Sappho, of Mimnermus ! well thou knowest How sweet ! — as though with flow'ry wreaths they fetter The list'ners soul in chains of honeyed words. Ten thousand thoughts of pleasure and of pain, Ten thousand recollections of old tales, Rushed through my soul, and shook mine inmost being ! Whereat — albeit none saw — I felt I blushed. I sought to turn me unto holier themes ; When flitted straight my inem'ry to the story I read thee once, of her whose sire's rash vow, In Gilead's land, bade perish in her bloom ; How, 'twixt her doom and death, albeit resigned Unto her father's will, upon the mountains, Amid her youthful feres, she mourned her maidliood ; Like her bewailed I my virginity! Yet soon I roused me; and as low 1 knelt. Humbly 1 prayed unto th' All-Merciful ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 1.9 For guidance to my heart, strength to my will. That night I scarce had laid me down, when sleep Deeper than wont came o'er me. Soon, me thought, Roaming I knew not where, mine eyes beheld That which they most desired ; the fleshly form Which our Anointed Lord in childhood wore On earth. Upon his maiden mother's knee He sat, and beckoned with his finger small, Till fearless I drew near, and unappalled, Gazed on that awful innocence. The babe Clasped my left hand, and on my bridal finger He placed a ring. When I awoke next morn, That ring still girt my finger. I was wedded Unto my Lord, and mourned no more my maidhood ! From that day forth, such love I bear my bridegroom, That aye, by night and day, in death or life, I still rejoice in my virginity, THEODORA. Can such things be? KATHARINA. To thee the tale, albeit Confirmed by handling of this heav'n-sent token, May well seem wondrous — ay, no more perchance Than are our vainest night-dreams ; I but told it To thee who yet art unbaptized, unsealed By the Lord's deepest stamp, to show wherefore Nor beauty nor soft speech of man hath power To move thy child, and which her choice must be — (If choose she must) betwixt Porphyrins' bride-bed And the dread doom by Gallus dealt on Christians ! c2 20 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, ACT II. Scene I. The Market-place in Alexandria. On one sid( of it is the Proconsul's ivory chair; opposite to which is placed a small altar, with statues of Jupiter and of Mercury, a vase of incense, cups of icinc, §c. Lictors and a guard of Soldiers stand round. Citizens pass and repasss ; scribes are seated with their tablets before them. A temple of Jupiter is in the background. GrALLUS stands in front, conversing icith nicanor and ARCHIPPUS. * GALLUS. And so ye say Porphyrins of Antioch Is now the guest of Lycophron? That looks not As though the host were Christian; for the youth Is come of lineage that hath never swerved From service of our ancient gods, from duty Unto our rulers ; and albeit he 's giv'n him Rather to search of that some men call wisdom. Than unto studies that would more avail One called on by his birth and wit alike To strive for honour in the camp or forum, Still he hath ever kept him to the doctrine Of those calm teachers, whose first precept bids us Worship according to our country's law, "Whate'er that law enjoins; yea, he hath wielded The weapons that philosophy, bestows (Such as they are !) to prove how vain and baseless Are the new-fangled dreams that guide the sect I 've sworn t' uproot. Though in good truth no words Will serve that turn, be they as wise and weighty As the sev'n sages spake ! In brief he's shown him Too loyal to his prince, to our old rites Too true, to cherish friendship with a slave Of yon weak superstition. What yest're'en Was told me, by some nun I take small count of. As though the shrewd and wealthy Lveophron Leaned to those madd'ning errors, had its growth In the accusers' malice or their Jolly. If once I deemed it true ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 21 NICANOR. My kinsman, Gallus, Is free from all such taint. Would I could speak As boldly for the women of his household ! The women, verily ! These things o'erpass Such judgment as I own. How cometh it That wife or daughter of a citizen, Who 's well affected to the state, and rules him By reason's law, should dare thus far to stray In paths forbidden ? He must guide his house With a slack hand, who lets a woman choose The shrine whereat she '11 worship. But of this I '11 speak with thee anon. To others now Must I give heed. [gallus seats himself in his ivory chair, as lysias is brought in guarded, and, followed by his wife clymene and his sister leucippe, his accuser hegesan- der, and two witnesses. GALLUS to HEGESANDER. Is this the man, whose crimes Against the gods and Ca?sar, were revealed By Damasippus and by Myrsilus ? HEGESANDER. The same ; and these, here standing, will repeat The witness that they 've borne ere now. He fled In fear of what should chance but through the night Thy soldiers tracked him, and with his accusers Thou seest him face to face. GALLUS. Is thy condition Servile or free ? lysias. I thank my God, and one Who now is with the dead, Eurymedon, Son of Charistus, mine estate was free, From ten years past, till now that these have bound me, 22 3T. KATHARINE Ol ALEXANDRIA. G VLLUS. A freedinan! Then of thine own will it was — Through no compelling force — that thou refusedst To Bhare the sacrifice wherewith thy friends {Sought favour from on high for prince and people? ( LYMENE. My Lord, their guile GALLUS. To thee I speak not, woman. Say, Lysias, is their witness false or true ? clymene {aside to lysias). Say not 't is true ! LYSIAS {aloud). I may not call it false ; Albeit the charge of malice is begotten. GALLUS. If so thou hold it, tliou may'st lightly clear thee ; Cast but a grain of incense on yon flame Burning before Jove's altar, or pour down The wine that fills that goblet as drink-off 'ring To Hermes, all shall see 't was not for lack Of rev'rence to the mighty gods thou shunnedst The feast these bid thee to What ! doubtest thou Delay'st thou e'en to prove thine innocence ? LYSIAS. My lord GALLUS. Nay, speed thee ! [To clymene and leuciite. Hearken, I will grant him Space till the dial's shadow thus far reach, [Indicating a sundial near the judgment-seat, W herein to curb his pride, and straight obey. [gallus turns round to converse with ni- cakoii and ARCHiPrus; lysias s/,n/;i THEODORA, ap- pears from the opposite side, as if about to cross the market-place, l>>tt stops t<> rvi what is going KI \. From thai thou Bpeak'sl of — would they bu1 destroy Swiftly, with axe or .sword — I could endure Such cud right well ! THEODORA. Yes, thou ! but whore were 1 ? And where thy father, maiden, if the light, The joy of his old age, were quenched for ever ! KATHARINA. Oh hapless father ! 'yet, he is of those Whereof th' Apostle speaks, " that to themselves They are a law," by their own choice fulfilling That which God's will commandeth. I will deem For him there 's mercy, though the gift of faith By doom inscrutable be yet denied him. lycophron {from within). Come hither, Theodora ! haste, I wait thee. [Exit THEODORA. KATHAR1NA. So he 's returned — yet comes not here ! I fain Would know whereof they commune. My heart tells me Some trial harder than I 've dreamed of threatens. < Why said I not the word ? What barred my speech, When the Proconsul asked "Was I too Christian?" 'T was not through fear of him, or aught his wrath Could lay on me ; no, for I felt a strange And awful pleasure as I braved his might ; But 't w T as my father's eye, my father's voice, That smote my tongue with dumbness ; was it well Or ill to heed them? — Is it sin to wish 1 were already dead and still and painless, With naught t' endure or strive with more? Shrink not, Thou coward soul, from sorrow that is borne, From battle that is waged for thy Redeemer ! Were I my father's son, I had not flinched From perils of the spear and bow — had followed The hosts of Caisar to the burning soil Of Persia, or Paimonia's savage wastes — Nor shamed my race. Then shall I doubt and dread. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 31 When called to fight beneath a nobler banner Than earthly kings display ! The spotless Lamb Therein gleams white upon a blood-red field ; And whoso bleeds for Him, His blood will save ! Yet there be struggles worse than death ; there 's strife With them we love — who love us. — But, who e'er Loved us as Christ did love ? Whom doth my heart Adore with longing warmth as it adores That Lord who with his ring hath deigned t' espouse me? [He-enter Theodora. How is 't with thee ? Thou 'rt deadly pale ! THEODORA. My child, I 've promised somewhat in thy name. Oh slay not Thine own true hand-maid with thy look's fixed stern- ness ! KATHARINA. What hast thou done ? Say on. THEODORA. Forgive, sweet daughter, If, when thy father said " Unless she yield her Straightway to wed Porphyrius, she must perish, Since Grallus purposeth (except she give Such pledge of her obedience) to renew His search into her faith," I answered him Thou surely wouldst consent ! And from the dust I rise not till thou pardon me my daring, And tell me thou wilt live ! KATHARINA. Thou know'st I 'm wedded ; And how. No man may own me ! THEODORA. Thou didst dream That wedding ! KATHARINA {showing her ring). Whence came this ? THEODORA. There is no space To argue of that mystery, but hearken Unto my prayer ! 32 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDR] \. KATHARINA. Rise — rise — my father's Btep Draws near. I would not he should see thee prostrate Before thy foster-child ! THEODORA. See, I obey thee, [Enter LYCOPHRON. But make me not a liar in his sight ! [katharina turns away* LYCOPHRON. Daughter — thou hast not changed anew ? KATHARINA. I change not, Father. lycophron {glancing at Theodora). And she spake truth ? Thou 'It not deny me That which I ask of thee ; it is thy life ! Since for thy dear life's sake I urge this marriage. KATHARINA. My lip can frame no word wherewith to utter Denial to my father's pray'r. LYCOPHRON. The blessing Of them that dwell on high be on thee, child ! Thou tremblest, weepest — when thou hast o'ercome This passing sorrow, thou wilt thank the fate That forced thee from thy purpose. The third day From this must see thy nuptials. KATHARINA. The third day ! 'T is speedy ! LYCOPHRON. True ; but Gallus bade me hasten The rite, if I would 9ave thee. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 33 KATHARINA {aside). 'T is because Union with one who cleaves unto yon idols, Firmly as doth Porphyrins, shall make me Seem that I am not — nor can be. {Aloud after a pause.) Permit'st thou, Father, that I should commune presently With him to whom thou 'st giv'n me ? I would tell him E'en now what bride he's like to find. LYCOPHRON. So wouldst thou ? Well — as thee lists. I should be slow to grant Thy wish, were 't not I know he so doth love thee, That all thy waywardness will not avail To scare him. I will seek and send thy bridegroom. \Exit LYCOPHRON. KATHARINA. He loves me, and therefore my hope 's the less ; And yet, perchance, it therefore should be greater ! The bridegroom of the Roman maid, Cecilia, Loved her, yet spared that she besought him spare — But him did God's especial grace convert Straight to that faith and knowledge, mine doth scorn ! Enter porphyrius. PORPHYRIUS. Thy father saith, that thou wouldst frighten me From tasting of the bliss he grants ! KATHARINA. Porphyrius, Abide thus far, while unto thee I say More than my father thinks on. Stand ye back, Hand-maidens — {To Theodora) even thou ! I would discourse [theodora retires into the background. Unheard a while. And now I am — as 't were — Alone with thee, I know not how to speak The thing I would ! PORPHYRIUS. Nor know I, Katharina, Whether to bid thee hasten, or delay, d ot ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ( >r keep for ever in thy soul the secret Of that, whateYr it be, thai in thy heart Contends against me ! KATUAKINA. I have said ere now Another had my faith; my maidenhead Is vowed, devoted to our God ! The vestals Of l\ome may know no man, nor may thy bride. PORPHYRIUS. Oh ! vain and senseless vow ! But from such bond A father's will may loose his child. KATHARINA. I would not 'T were loosed ; nor may it be. PORPHYRIUS. But they will slay thee, Kath'rina, if thou wed me not ! KATHARINA. And thou So lov'st me, that there 's much thou 'dst do and bear For my life's sake ? PORPHYRIUS. I 'd venture to endure All peril and all pain to buy thy safety ! KATHARINA. Nor pain nor peril would I have thee brave ; I3ut wouldst thou save the child of Lycophron, Oh son of Hyparinus, from the doom By the stern Roman passed on her, yet shun The hate that in her soul would straightway kindle Towards him who forced her from her vow's fulfilment, Call me thy wife awhile — (since I have lacked Valour to tell my father I will perish Sooner than make mo thine) — but — let the daughter Of thy sire's friend in thee behold a brother ! PORPHYRIUS. Mean'st thou that all the gladsome rites wherewith They '11 celebrate our wedding, shall but mock me? That I shall hear the Hymenaean ring ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 35 Around, yea lay me on one couch beside thee, Nor be indeed thy bridegroom? Know'st thou, maiden, What thou dost ask ? KATHARINA. I knew not verily That I should wake such wrath ! Oh ! gaze not thus On me, Porphyrius ! PORPHYRIUS. I meant not, fair one, T' affright thee ; but though love have pierced me sore, His might hath not so witched me, but I spurn The mumm'ry wherein thou wouldst have me play My part contentedly. I call not her My wife, whose husband I 'm forbid to prove me ! KATHARINA. 'T is well. PORPHYRIUS. No — 't is not well ! — thou fairest thing ! Thou dearest ! Can I think upon the doom, Wherefore thou 'rt arming thee, nor seek to bar The steps of fate ? Now hearken, and believe ! I will endure the pains of Tantalus On that same night I deemed should equal me Unto the gods for bliss, will wait the day When thou, by my love warmed, at last shalt love me, Ere I love's guerdon claim ! Wilt thou now live, And call thee mine, thou cruel one ? KATHARINA. I thank thee, My friend Porphyrius, that thus unrewarded, Thou help'st me in my need — but ere I yield Such boundless trust, an oath must curb thy soul. PORPHYRIUS. Such oath as lists thee, lay on me. KATHARINA. Swear not By them who are no gods, but call the spirits Of thy dead sire and mother to avenge Thy perjury, if ever thou avail thee — d 2 ."(J ST. KATHARINE 01 ALEXANDRIA. ( I say nut of my weakness and thy strength) But — of occasion, chance, or loneliness, Such as our seeming marriage may afford, To urge me unto that I must deny Life-long. POEPHYEIUS. Thou deaTst right hardly with thy captive Bind'st him in heavy chains — yet — if thus only Thou'lt save thee, even as thou wilt I '11 call Upon the dead No, Katharina No I may not call on them, for I were perjured ! There 's many a youth (myself I was sore tempted) Would bind him with what words should please thee best, Then keep them as he could ; trusting to love, And fortune for his pardon ; but 'twixt thee And me 't is other. Never shalt thou say " 'T was by his oath's foul breach Porphyrius won me !" KATHARINA. I understand now what that is men call By love's fair name. PORPHYRIUS. 'T is in good truth less fine-spun Thou that whereof we 've read of old in Plato ! Yet no less hath it Avings, and soareth proudly, Lifting almost man's soul unto the height Of heaven ! Wherefore it is, oh my beloved, I '11 sooner waste in longing, than enjoy Thy charms, and not thyself; the love I bear thee, Save through thine answ'ring love, can know no guerdon. Then fear not lest I snatch a grace bestowed With loathing ; but to bind both lip and eye, That they forbear to woo thee, to forego The good kind fortune sends, when time and space Are granted wherein I may tell to thee Again and yet again of my true love While thou art at my side and called mine own By mine own deed to tear from out the branch Hope offers, the one bud may bloom to glad me Therein I may not bow unto thy pleasure ! But, if thou rush on fate — I follow thee. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 37 KATHARINA. I say it not in anger ; 't is in vain Thou hop'st for love from me. PORPHYRIUS. And wherefore vain? Thou 'st called me friend — thou hat'st me not — hast told me Thou lov'st no mortal man — and I believe thee. Why should not love wake love ? Or — were it other, If thou couldst deem me Christian ? KATHARINA. From my soul I would, for thine own sake, I might so deem. Yea, gladly would I shed my blood to buy Thee and my father knowledge of our God ! Yet — wert thou Christian — I were none the more Thy wife. PORPHYRIUS. The less temptation for thy lover To pay dissembling worship. But thy words, Though stern in sense, are softly breathed ; methinks Thou seest at last with what deep love I love thee ! Thou lift'st thine eyes to heav'n, and speakest not. Oh, gentlest Katharina, I but seek To teach thee, too, a knowledge thou dost lack — Hast turned from till this day. For thy sweet sake So will thy teacher rule him, that no haste, No hot impatience, e'er shall stir the calm Of thy serenest nature, till thyself Shalt say, " Porphyrius, thou hast earned thy meed !" Such be our treaty, love ! Oh ! say not Nay ! KATHARINA. I may say nothing ! for my father comes ; (I see him from the court within approaching) ; And I beseech thee, kind Porphyrius, Tell not to him what I have dared to ask Of thy forbearance ! PORPHYRIUS. Not till I may tell him That virtue 's no more needed ! Oh, thy blush, 38 ST. k \ 1 II LBINE 01 U.l.\ WI-K1A. Without thy frown, sutticcth to reprove Light speech, and — thou wouldst say — rash hope. Enter lycophron. LYCOPHRON {to PORPIIYltlUS). Canst tame The Thracian wild-colt ? Or hath Katharina Tamed thee, my son ? PORPIIYltlUS. She hath essayed ; th' emprizc Is harder than she deemed ; but she hath learnt How far I '11 guide me by her will ; I, too, Have guessed what I may hope. LYCOPHRON. Is 't so, Kath'rina ? KATHARINA. I know not for the last ; but while I live, I '11 thank Porphyrius for that in plain speech He 's bared to me his heart ; nor sought to smother Or veil what dwells therein. LYCOPHRON. He were no son Of Hyparinus, could he deal in guise More pliant. {Aside to porphyrius) She hath found in thee her master. porphyrius {aside to LYCOPHRON). So think'st thou ? LYCOPHRON {to KATHARINA). Yes, 't is not from ev'ry tongue Truth springs spontaneous, as from this thy bridegroom's ! I knew that thou must prize him ; and the day Will come, as I have said, when thou shalt hold it Fair hap, that Gallus in his tyranny Compelled thee to thy good. KATHARINA. It may be, father. {Aside) Though that I deem my good is distant far From what he so doth name. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 39 LYCOPHRON. Me seems, ye twain Have striv'n, and then made peace ; lest ye anew Fall out, we '11 leave thee, child, with Theodora, To talk o'er wreaths, and garments, and perfumes, As needs thou must (thy wedding-day so near), While I discourse on themes almost as grave With thee, my son Porphyrius. PORPHYRIUS. Katharina, There 's peace indeed between us ? If there be, Give me thy hand. KATHARINA. 'T is thine, in token sure Of peace and friendship. LYCOPHRON (to PORPHYRIUS). Why, thou hast sped well ! What can a maiden farther offer thee ? [Exeunt lycophron and porphyrius ; THEODORA and the two damsels remain in the background. katharina. My silence hath deceived them ! Shame on thee, Faint-hearted Katharina ! How shall I Keep true unto my vow, and to the love That warms my soul for my celestial Lord, Who dare not tell the truth unto my sire, As unto me the Pagan youth hath told it ? How shall I strive against both sire and lover, When that which they call marriage shall have bound me, Since, yet unbound, I lack the strength to brave them ? 'Gainst the Proconsul on his judgment-seat To th' death I could have fought ! — and would ! The sterner His bearing grew, the bolder waxed my spirit ; Not so with these ; I have nor heart nor tongue To deal or with the old man or the youth. The tears stream down my cheeks while I deny them 40 ST. KATHARINE 01 ALEXANDRIA. What they esteem but duty. Were I hence ! Or in the grave, or in the grave-like desert, Where fain I \1 hide me from the Bight of men, Until that blessed hour when God's high will Shall free me from earth's coil, yea, shall array me For my true wedding ! I must bide His time In whose hand are the issues of our life And death. Yet flight might save me from the peril That threats me now ! Flight whither? 'Mid the rocks And sands of the wild Thebais, there be those Would feed me till such time as I had learnt Myself to seek and find the homely fare, May well suffice for one who ever looked For sustenance of body and of soul To other bread than earth's. {To theodoka, after a pause) Saidst thou, Theodora, That Alcimus, who to the wilderness Had fled in fear of Gallus, yesternight Returned into this city ? THEODORA {coming forward). Hush ! speak low, My child ! I saw him ere the dawn this day, Before our porch ; in secret he returned, Once more to see his brother, who departed At noon upon his voyage to the East ; To-night our friend glides back to whence he came. KATHARINA. Whose dwelling hides him now ? THEODORA. The house of Philo ; Ever, as thou dost know, a refuge sure For them our faith hath perilled. God in mercy Grant to the holy man that he go forth Unknown, unwatched, for little were the ruth He 'd find in the Proconsul. KATHARINA. I believe thee ; And with thee for his safety pray. The roof Of Philo shelters him? THEODORA. So lie did (ell inc. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 41 When he, disguised, stole hither ere the sunrise, To hear how fared his pupil. KATHARINA. And thou told'st him She yet was true ? THEODORA. Most surely. KATHARINA. But thou saidst not That she was plighted to a heathen youth ? THEODORA. Not plighted ; — no — I said but that thy father Desired such marriage. KATHARINA. Fetch me, Theodora, That volume of the Scriptures which the sage And martyr, who, ere at the feet I sat Of this same Alcimus, instructed me. There 's somewhat I would read while yet there 's sunlight. [Exit THEODORA. I 've heard that worldly men, in desp'rate doubt Of that their path should be, have questioned Fate By op'ning of a poet's page, receiving As answer the first verse whereon their eye Glanced, as the book at hazard was unclosed ; And such an oracle, 't is said, availed them Full oft. I pray thee, oh my God, reply Thou in like fashion to thy suppliant, Who, doubtful, hopeless of all earthly aid, Seeks in Thy holy word for light and counsel. Here to abide is ill — to fly from forth My father's house, 't is daring. [Enter THEODORA with a booh'] Thanks, Theodora ! [theodora retires to the background after delivering the book; KATHARINA sits down and opens it at hazard. 'T is even as I thought ! It telleth me How Moses fled into the wilderness, And there abode till God had called him thence. This page hath banished me ! Lo, I obey Thy voice, Almighty One, thus silently Thy sov'reign will unto my soul declaring. 42 ST. KATHARINE 01 LLEXANDRIA. Maidens, I will not keep you from your loom Or distaff in the court below. [Exeunt Slave-girls. Theodora, [katiiarina rises. I pray thee, my beloved one, leave thy child Awhile this evening to that loneliness Wherein she feels her least alone. If later Thou find this place untenanted, seek not My chamber, nurse. At dawning 't will be time T' unclose its door. Good night ! THEODORA. Thou art bowed down With heavy sorrow, dear one ! KATHARINA. I have cause Therefore. But God can help, and in fit time Will help. Good night again, kind Theodora ! THEODORA. Must I depart ? [katharina bows her head assentingly. Well, God be with thee, daughter ! \E%ti THEODORA. KATHARINA. Yea, He is with me ! else I had not steeled My soul to tear me from each living thing I Ve known and prized ! She is too frail of frame, Ay, and too weak in faith my flight to share ; So must I leave her safe in ignorance Of that she '11 learn too soon. Farewell, thou home Of me and of my race ! The caves and clefts Of barren mountains, on the sultry verge Of Afric's boundless waste, must shelter me. No more, oh father — but all earthly love, The holiest e'en — all earthly joy, the purest — Must vanish. Heav'nly love and joy abide. Thus from my sire and mine ancestral halls I go ; nor heed the pang, so I but save My consecrated maidhood — so I keep Unplucked the rose which I would wear that morn When I shall deck me for my heav'nly bridal ! ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 43 ACT III. Scene I. The Interior of a Cane in the desert country at some distance from Alexandria, katharina is seated on a stone, and leans against the rocky wall of the cavern, alcimus stands beside her. ALCIMUS. Thy strength hath failed thee, maiden ; and thy limbs, If forced to bear thee onward 'mid the blaze Of noon, would sink upon the burning sand, Long ere we 'd crossed the space that yet divides us From the lone bourne of this day's toil and travel, The catacomb, where good Eudemus offers Rest to the weary, to the fugitive A hiding-place, yet secret from pursuers. KATHARINA. Had I but wings as hath the dove ! to fly Far from all dread alike of friend and foeman, Beyond these wastes ! Methinks I yet have strength Will speed me tow'rds that safe and peaceful vault, Wherein of old the mighty dead lay shrouded, And now the living hide them ! ALCIMUS. Katharina, Thy frame obeys not thy brave spirit's 'hest ; Almost to earth thou fall'st as thou wouldst rise ; 'T were better stretch thee on this rocky couch, Till slumber cure thy weariness, and bring thee Back the brisk step wherewith thou didst set forth At dawning. KATHARINA. Nay but father, if they tracked us Or e'er we reached that tomb ? 44 ST. (CATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ALCIMUS. I rather fear, Daughter, lest thy pursuers (if pursued Thou be) should light ou thee, while slowly lagging Through the wide wilderness, than sheltered here, Within this low-roofed cave, the mouth whereof By yonder sand-hill guarded, to no eye Reveals itself, save theirs to whom the desert Is as a home. A host might pass thee by, Nor guess that thou lay'st near ! Nay, more, if chance Or treach'ry brought a hunter on thy traces, Seest thou, there, eastward, lies (invisible (To all but one who 's taught where he should seek it) An issue, whence a pathway in the rock, Hewn in old time, ascends unto its outlet Still farther from all haunts of men, beneath That stony ridge whereon I bade thee fix Thine eye, as bound'ry of the Lybian waste. [ alcimus assists RATHARINA to rise, and leading her to the farthest and darkest comer of the cavern, makes her aware of the precise position of the second outlet, which is concealed at once by the darkness and by a portion of projecting rock. katharina {returning sloicly totcards the mouth of the cave). We should be safe ; and gladly would I rest. Thou wilt watch near me, father ? alcimus. Near thee, child, Will I remain, but not within this cavern. Without I '11 sit, beneath the tall rock's shadow, Until it lengthen as the sun sinks down ; Then will I call thee, maiden, to resume Thy inarch. Fear not for me ; a wayfarer Of lowliest race, in garb and hue I seem, Such as do traverse oft this wilderness With scrip and staff'; there 's none who thus alone Will heed me : by thy side, 't were oilier, maiden. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 45 KATHARINA. Go then ; a heavy sleep o'erpow'rs my being ; Pray thou the while for me ! Myself I pray That mine eternal Lord may ward all evil From this my lonely refuge. Fold thy wings Around me, Blessed One, and here I 'm safer Than e'er in guarded tow'r slept royal maid. [katharina stretches herself on the ground at some little distance from the mouth of Yes, lay thee in yon nook ; e'en one who found This cavern's entrance scarce would thence perceive thee. Farewell a while ; sleep sweetly. She hath closed Her eyes already ! God restore in time The strength she needs to carry her, ere midnight, Unto her desert home. But — can it be ? I hear a faint and far-off trumpet-sound — Or hath mine ear deceived me ? She did tremble Lest Gallus should send soldiers on her footsteps, And feared to bring ill luck on me ! I care not So she but 'scape. I will go forth and hearken In the free air again ; but be they near Or far, no safer nest could screen the bird They seek, than this where now I have bestowed her. Anew methinks I heard — or is it only Some wild-bird's cry ? Or can the desert breeze, Winding through clefts and crannies, imitate The warlike blast ? I '11 climb the ruined watch-tow'r, To mark if aught upon th' horizon shine Like gleam of weapons. (Looking towards katharina) Once again, God guard thee ! [Exit alcimus. Voices of unseen Spirits sing the following verses during katharina's With locks unwreathed, in dust-soiled garments dight, Maiden, thou lay'st thee down ; 4(3 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. The while on high they weave thy garments white, Thine amaranthine crown ! Sleep ! for the way was long, and thou shalt wake Anew to strife and woe ! Sleep ! for in slumber doth the soul forsake Awhile her chains below. AVhile lasts thine hour of rest, invisibly Our watch we keep o'er thy repose and thee ! Thy pray'r is heard, an angel's wing Above thee floats ! no evil thing Hath pow'r to harm the maid whose trust Did never cleave to mortal dust ; For help celestial shall disarm Both tyrant force, and tempting charm. The pow'rs of earth are pressing nigh, Thy heart with fiery proof to try ; But thou, whose love hath found on high An all unworldly destiny, With steadfast will, with peaceful sense, Victorious in thine innocence, Nor fear'st nor feel'st the glowing might That in thy soul with God would fight. The fairest of the lying train, That o'er man's race as gods did reign, The winged boy with dart and torch Thine ice-cold breast full fain would scorch ; The heav'nly knot full fain would sever, That binds thee to thy Lord for ever ; But all in vain that archer's skill 'Gainst hearts which love like thine doth fill ! [As the voices die awaij, porphyrius enters, without at first perceiving katharina; he seats himself on the same stone on which she teas discovered at the opening of the scene. PORPHYRIUS. Oh whither hath she fled ? Because forsooth 'T is noon, and something sultry, the base guides Who pilot us along this sea of sand. Must rest them in the shade ! I could have SCOUTSed ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 47 The lazy knaves! but, save from them, how learn The way may lead me yet to my beloved ? If that be true that Theodora told us When urged by Lycophron, 't is like she bends Her course towards those subterranean cells, Where slink in fear of justice and of law The vot'ries of her God. 'T is true, the household Of Philo hath denied all sight and knowledge Of her we seek ; but 't is confessed, that dotard (Of whom her nurse did speak) crept secretly Ere dawning from the city ; and a woman Close-veiled went forth with him. There are who say " I seek for what were little worth the finding ;" Who tell me " that ethereal maid, too pure For marriage ties, is flown to meet a lover, Of birth and fortunes base alike." I heed not Such envious talk ! the child of Lycophron To a rash deed by madness may be warped ; By wanton will was never moved. To shun That she doth hold for sacrilege, she flies me. Why scrupled I to win her with fair falsehood ? Since, once compelled her self-framed vow to break, The vision of her marriage with a god Must leave her soul, which then such love would know, As needs must make my bliss, and her's withal ! Her kinsmen well may call me fool — faint-hearted, Who, witched by that sweet sophist, and aspiring To bear me worthy her, too strictly clung To truth, for my undoing — yea, and her's ! So shall it not be now, by all the gods ! Where'er I light on thee, thy pride I brave — Ay, and thy pray'rs and tears oh Katharina ! [He rises from his seat. Yet whereto serves the valour that but wakens When the foe flies ? Shall I again behold thee ? On earth and heav'n in vain I call ! Restore My bride unto my sight ! Can ye not hear The cry my soul sends forth ? I fain would pierce These rocks with lamentations that should ring Through the wide waste, till on thine ear they smote, Repeating still, " Why fledst thou, Katharina ?" 48 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. KATHARINA (without <>/>< u'nni Inr < f/es). Who named my name? PORPHYRIUS. What murmured sound thrills through The stillness of this spot ? Or hath it been The echo of my voice ? katharina (her eyes still closed). They flung on me White roses as I slept, then lulled mine ear With songs so passing sweet ! porphyrius (advancing farther into the cave). A woman lies Upon the stony floor ! 'T is thou, Kath'rina ! katharina (starting, and half rising). Who taught thee thy way hither ? porphyrius. It was love ! The mightiest of the gods ! no mortal guided My steps. But I have found thee ! and this time Thou 'scap'st me not. KATHARINA. Loose — loose thy hold, Porphyrius ! PORPHYRIUS. No — thou wouldst fly anew, and leave me here In hopeless loneliness ; thou go'st not hence Till thou with me, as mine, walk'st forth ! Thy fate Doth will it ; and the gods of love and marriage Have giv'n this cavern in the wilderness To be our bridal chamber ! katharina (struggling to free herself). Wouldst thou shame The daughter of thy host. ? ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 49 PORPHYRIUS. It shames thee not To make thee one with him thy father calls E'en now thy husband. KATHARINA. Yet do I entreat thee To spare, through mercy — ay, through love — the maid Who at thy feet implores thee that thou take not That which she may not yield ! PORPHYRIUS {aside). I fain would stop Mine ears ! (Aloud) Thou didst repay me ill, Kath'rina, When yesterday I hearkened to thee ; wherefore The time's gone by when thou couldst cheat and mock Thy bridegroom with sweet words. Strive not. [As KATHARINA again struggles to free herself a flash of fire shoots from her left hand, momentarily illuminating the care. PORPHYRIUS starts back, releasing her in his amazement. Whence came That spark that lightened in mine eyes ? KATHARINA. I know not. PORPHYRIUS. It glowed upon thy finger, as thy hand Rose heav'nward ! KATHARINA. From the ring of my betrothment, I well believe (and thank my God therefore !) Hath fire flashed forth, to warn thee that thou touch not The bride of Christ. PORPHYRIUS. What may I deem ? Is 't witchcraft Whereby thou 'dst foil me ? or, art verily Espoused to one on high ? Of magic might 50 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 1 take small heed, albeil with Beeming terrors It fence thee round : yet, could it be, thy madness (As I have ever held it) were but truth ? KAT1IARINA. Ere now hath truth been counted foolishness ; Of sorcery I 'm guiltless. PORPHYRIUS. Would I knew What 't is I should believe ! KATHARINA. Believe the truth, Porphyrius ! PORPHYRIUS. Whatsoe'er that truth thou speak'st of, An awful glory circleth thee around, That blights my daring. I 've but made of thee A deadlier foe than erst ! KATHARINA. Thine enemy I am not, so thou 'bid'st thus far — no nearer ! PORPHYRIUS. Fear me not ! Thy soft hands could chain me ! Seest not, 'T is I dread thee ! KATHARINA. If thou so dread my wrath, Depart from me. PORPHYRIUS. And leave thee here, to dwell In lurking holes of this drear wilderness ? Not so ! thy father, whom the will of Gallus In his own house imprisons, bade me lead thee (If the gods blessed my search) to distant Safe, Unto thy kindred in that ancient city, Since in his home he may not welcome thee. Wherefore, so soon as falls the evening shadow, With me must thou set forth. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 51 KATHARINA. With thee ! my father Knew not what guide he gave me ! PORPHYRIUS. I have bid thee Fear me no more. KATHARINA. Were this the lion's lair, Sooner I 'd keep its shelter than roam o'er Those wastes with thee. PORPHYRIUS. Thou trust'st me not ! I 've earned me The punishment; yet mark me, Katharina, 'T were better trust whom thou might'st ill defy ! Lo, I have ruled me — ay, will rule me yet, But think not I '11 depart. 'T is well for thee, Yes, well (for all thy magic ring's strange fire) 'T was /who tracked thee, and no hound of Gallus ! KATHARINA. Doth the Proconsul hunt for me ? PORPHYRIUS. He 's sworn That thou ere set of sun shalt learn how far The arm of Eome can stretch ; methought that mine, With love to nerve it, could yet farther reach, And swifter ; and I erred not, for I found thee ! KATHARINA. Fain would I trust ! PORPHYRIUS. Who trusts, doth bind her lover ! Now hearken, Katharina. Till the hour Be passed, which for their rest our guides have claimed, Here, in the cavern's mouth I '11 sit, nor ask For word or look from thee. But seek thou not To strive 'gainst fate, when I shall bid thee rise To travel unto Sai's in my guidance. e 2 52 -I. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. R \ I II A i: IN A. [f such thy will, small pow'r have I to strive. [porphyrius places himself near the en- trance of the cavern, only occasionally watching ka tjiarina, who seats herself on a stone at some distance, and rather behind him. He bids me trust him ! And I well believe That his intent is fair ; but scarce can he (E'en now that he hath torn him hence) rein in The fierceness of that longing that consumes him. It flashes in his glance — in vain he 'd force His restless frame to stillness. He holds not 'T is sin to seize what for his right he counts, And spares me but awhile, in hope to win By free consent that he by force had ta'en, Save that a wondrous sign from his bold purpose Did fright him. [She glances towards porphyrius. But already he repenteth Of that he deems his weakness. Gazed he not As though hell's fire shot through him, when he spake Of my mistrust, and said " 'T were ill for me To brave him ?" He doth hold the miracle For sore'ry, which to spurn, were manly daring, !Not sacrilege ; a moment may recall His boldness and my peril ! He hath turned His eyes from mine, as though by strong compulsion : His hands are folded o'er them. If I crept Forth through that eastern op'ning, Alcimus Did show me ! Stealing through it 's farther mouth I 'd seek that holy man, Avhom if I found not, And perished in the waste, still should my vow Be kept, and I, beneath the drifted sand, Should lie a stainless bride ! Our Lord can guard His own, as me He 's guarded to this hour; Yet He forbiddcth not — nay He commandeth — To flee from danger, nor despise the door Of safety chance doth open. [She rises cautiously, unseen, by roiiriiYRius. Though the bands Of ( Jallus, as he said, be on my track, They scarce as yet have reached thus far, nor know they The mazes of these rocks. Once more hath he ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 5o Looked on me ! Now he *s leaned his brow anew Upon the stone whate'er betide, I '11 'scape From him who sought unhallowed touch to lay Upon Thy spouse, dear Lord ! May my foot's tread Fall noiseless, as tow'rds yonder cleft I glide ! And thou, who still hath guided, guide me now Through subterraneous darkness to the light, That if my doom be death at least 1 breathe My life away beneath the golden sun ! [katharina disappears. Voice from without, near the entrance. We wait thee, master ! PORPHYRIUS (starting to his feet). I have better sped Than I did hope ; and tow'rds another point I now must bid ye lead me. Katharina ! The time hath come ! — where art thou ? {Looking round) Hath she fled Anew ? — but 't is impossible ! I sat Here at the cave's sole mouth ! Where hast thou hid thee, Mine own one? My betrothed? By all the gods, Yea, by thy own sweet self, thy fear doth wrong me ! Enter NiCANOR, Guides, and Attendants. NICANOR. What seek'st thou, friend ? PORPHYRIUS. Her whom I 'd found ; Kath'rina ! NICANOR. Thou found'st her ? PORPHYRIUS. Ay, and spake with her, 't is scarce Three minutes since. *0 He raves ! (Aloud) If here thou saw'st her, Here should we too behold her ; through the hard And close-compacted sides of this low vault How should she shape her way ? .5 ^ ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. PORPHYRIU8. Or into iiir By magic art she 'a incited, or hath sunk Into earth's centre, but to fly from me ! She 's nigh ; perchance she hears. Art thou so ruthless That for a moment's rashness thou condemn'st me To torture endless as Ixion's doom? I move not hence ! this cave shall be my dwelling Or else my tomb. ( To nicanor and the others) To you my speech doth seem Stark madness ; yet I found her. NICANOR. It may be ; But if she own the pow'r from mortal sight To vanish, yet stand heark'ning by, 't is like Her art may teach her through the granite's veins To thread her way ; wherefore 't were sooner giv'n thee Without to light on her. PORPHYRIUS. I knoAV not ; scarce I reck. [A distant trumpet sounds. Whence swelled that blast ? NICANOR. The trumpet-call Of Rome I hear. Thou knewest the Proconsul Was wending his way hither? PORPHYRIUS. 'T was his purpose, I knew; but NICANOR. 'Twixt th' intent and deed of G alius There 's small delay ; and if my kinsman's child Indeed be nigh, she will have need, be sure, Of all such magic sleights as she can wield, To 'scape his horsemen. PORPHYRIUS. Then I would she lingered Yet in this den — if here thou be. Kath'rina. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 55 Abide ! But with thee I '11 go forth, Nicanor, To learn if yonder Roman's murd'rous quest For her we seek, have more than mine availed him ! [Exeunt porphyrius, nicanor, Guides and Slaves. Scene II. The Desert. Soldiers halting, alcimus bound and guarded. A tent in the background. Enter porphyrius, nicanor, Guides and Slaves. NICANOR (to a Soldier.) You 're marching southward, friends ? SOLDIER. Not now ; I thank The gods we 're homeward bound ! The game we sought Hath fall'n into our net. nicanor (indicating alcimus). Mean 'st thou that greybeard ? SOLDIER. Ah, him we sought not ; but he 's one we 've toiled To find ere now ; one of that sect accurst Whose impious scorn of gods and men hath drawn 111 luck upon our empire ; he had 'scaped us Anew — (for as I said, we sought him not, Although hard by), — were 't not he needs must rush Out from his hiding-place at sound of cries From one he could not help. porphyrius. Who called on him ? SOLDIER. Even that Christian damsel who hath fled Her home in Alexandria. PORPHYRIUS. Ye seized not Lycophron's daughter ? SOLDIER. Chafe not so, young stranger ; The maid 's unharmed ; ay, and may safe abide — 56 ST. KAMI A HIM: OF ALEXANDRIA. So she do heed good counsel ; but she shrieked With loud and bitter shriek, when, creeping forth From out yon cleft — (thou scest it not : no eye Untaught could trace it) — she beheld her girt AVith spearmen in this solitude ; our wonder Matched her's ; we thought to march some leagues ere fortune AVas like to give her to our hands. AA r e led her To Gallus straight. PORPHYRIUS. To Gallus ! The Proconsul Hath not himself come hither? SOLDIER. But he hath ! NICANOR. What moved him thus unwontedly ? SOLDIEH. I know not ; And scarce was like to ask; but Gallus leads us; Beneath his tent, he and the Greek Archippus Are with the maid now communing ; behold them ! The tent door opens; gallus, archippus, and katha- rina, with Guards and Slaves advance from it to the front. PORPHYRIUS. She sees me not ! How deadly pale her visage ! gallus. This pris'ner, soldiers, must Ave straight lead back For judgment to the city. (To nicanor and porphyrius) I did give her Into her father's hands, upon conditions, AVhich, being unfulfilled, in Cresar's name And right, I claim that she in bonds do sit Until that charge be answered, wherewithal Her own tongue hath accused her. PORPHYRIUS. Deem'st thou, Gallus, 'T was possible that wedding thou consentedst To take as pledge that she no more should err ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 57 Against the empire's law, could in this space With all fair rites be solemnized ? GALLUS. I know not About " fair rites " and banquets ; but I know That, were all willing, she had been thy wife Ere now, Porphyrius. PORPHYRIUS. And my wife I hold her ! GALLUS. She holds not thee her husband ! Answer, maiden, If his thou art ? nicanor {aside to katharina). Nay, say thou 'rt his, Katharina ! katharina. How may I say what is not ? GALLUS. Hast thou even Betrothed thee unto him ? KATHARINA. My father bade me Hold me his bride. GALLUS. I speak not of thy father ! {To porphyrius) This marriage ne'er hath been, and ne'er will be ; So much the damsel hath averred already. Wherefore she must abide her judgment. (To the soldiers) Bring ye The litter shall convey her. [porphyrius draws near katharina, while GALLUS is kept in conversation with NICANOR and ARCHIPPUS. PORPHYRIUS. Would I 'd dealt With thee in other guise ! That thou wert merciful ! katharina. Repent thou not 58 ST. KATHARINE 6l Alexandria. PORPHYRIUS. How not repent Of that which perils thee? Thou knowest Burely "Wherein doth end that judgment ? KATHARINA. Yea, fuU well, PORPHYRIUS. And thou hadst 'scaped it, if less woman-like I 'd borne me ! Thou must needs have called thee mine ; And from his word, giv'n in the market-place, He there (Looking towards gallus) could scarce go back. Nay, I had led thee, Ere now, half-way to Sa'is, from the line That these did tread, far off'. KATHARINA. And unto Sais It may be I had gone, as bade my father, Were 't not thou scaredst me. PORPHYRIUS. And thou bought'st thy safety — From fear I swore was vain — with risk of life ! Couldst thou not trust his faith, who, for thy love E'en then had fettered the rebellious might Within him ? KATHARINA. I did err ; for on my God E'en in that trance of dread I should have leaned With firmer trust. PORPHYRIUS. Yea, thou didst err, Kath'rina ! For as a brother I had guided thee By night and day till in thy kindred's home Thou found'st thy rest ! Thou wrong'dst me, Katharina ; Ay, and thyself, who, sooner than to mine, Into yon Roman's ruthless hands hast giv'n thee ! gallus {breaking off from nicanor and archippus). It may not be ; too much to these respects Of birth, and sex. and breeding have I yielded: ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 59 T is proved that none can guide her ; least of all This would-be bridegroom. (To porphyrius) From the prisoner Thou must draw back ; ye hold no farther converse. PORPHYRIUS. Who dares forbid ? GALLUS. The majesty of Rome. PORPHYRIUS. Enforced by thee, and these ? {indicating the Soldiers). NICANOR and ARCHIPPUS. Hush— hold ! KATHARINA. Porphyrius, I pray thee, for that love whereof thou 'st giv'n me More than aught earthly 's worth, from fruitless wrath Refrain, nor strive with might by God permitted. Farewell. GALLUS. A madman's safe with me. KATHARINA. I crave One moment's license, of that aged man (Whom I have cost right dear) to ask his blessing. [gallus signs to his Soldiers to permit her. ALCIMUS. 'T is thine, my daughter. God on thee bestow Strength for thy trial ! KATHARINA. And thou pardonest The ill I 've brought on thee ? ALCIMUS. As ill I count not What 's dealt us for good deeds. O'O BT. KA III LBINE I >l ALEXANDRIA, KATHABINA. For these kind words I thank thee. (To porphyrius) Unto thee once more Farewell, Son of my father's friend ! [katharina enters the litter prepared for her, and is carried out attended by Soldiers. ALCIMUS (to PORPHYRIUS). Art thou the youth Who loves the child of Lycophron ? PORPHYRIUS. It skills not If I do love or hate a maid who guerdons Her foes and friends alike. But thou, old man, Taught'st thou to her the faith accurst, wherefore She ventures her dear life ? ALCIMUS. Another sowed The holy seed within her heart ; I tended Awhile its growth, and I did hither guide Her steps, when from her home she fled. PORPHYRIUS. Thou boastest Thereof, as though \ were virtue ! Never fell Th' avenging axe on guiltier head ! But whereto Shall serve thy righteous doom ! For Katharina It buys not life. ALCIMUS. Too truly speak'st thou, son Of Hyparinus ; and too well do I Remember my own youth to chide thy heat. Yet time shall come — nor far the day — when thou Shalt hold for thy best bliss what now thou cursest. PORPHYRIUS. What means he ? But one madness doth possess Teacher and pupil of their sect. [Emit alcimus guarded, followed by gal- lus and his whoh. train, sacc archip- PUS, who lingers behind . ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 61 ARCHIPPUS. Say, whither Wilt thou betake thee now, Porphyrius, Since that, wherefore thou left'st thy home in Antioch Is lost ? and thou wouldst but abide to share The mourning of the house of Lycophron ? PORPHYRIUS. Where'er I be, henceforth I mourn for ever ; While Katharina lives, the air she breathes I too would breathe ! and when they 've slain my love, Still will your city's earth contain her dust. Speed homeward — and I follow. Tell her sire That if he yet do hold me for his guest, By nightfall I will greet him. [Exeunt nicanor and archippus. Then will I Bid him avenge her ! though I fain would hide From Lycophron what from myself I hide not. 'T is i" have slain thee, mine own love ! 'T is I, Whose hot desire did drive thee from thy refuge ! In blood would I atone — but vain alike Are vengeance and repentance to set free Her, whom my deeds have made the thrall of Gallus ! Once more must I behold her — hoped I not Therefore, this sand were with my heart's stream crimsoned ! How works one moment's act to rear a pile Of woes that crush out life ! And I have called me Wise, yea, and stedfast ! Now were I content Almost to call me Christian — so I won me A portion in thy fate and in thine urn, Thou fairest of earth's daughters, and thou holiest! 62 8T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ACT IV. Scene I. The Inner Court of the ProconmPs Palace in Alexandria. An altar with fire burning on it stands in the centre of the Court before a statue of Jupiter. A guard of Soldiers is in attendance, nicanor and archippus stand in front. NICANOR. Thou shouldst know somewhat of his mind ; he grants thee More of his ear than unto most. ARCHIPPUS. His ear ! Yea, truly, he doth ofttimes lend it me ; But if thou deem'st he therefore into mine Doth pour his thought, thou err'st. NICANOR. Yet thoughts unspoken Are ever and anon, through look, and mien, And circumstance, revealed to him who stands Thus ever near, and hath both eye and wit Wherewith to mark and learn. Canst frame no guess Whether his purpose be, to th' uttermost To execute the doom her folly's wrought her, Or whether — 'spite stern words — he do but mean Somewhat to bow her pride and damp her zeal, With strict imprisonment, the weariness Whereof hath oft worn down more steadfast souls Than this young Katharina's. ARCHIPPUS. Hark thee, friend, 'T is doubtful, as me seemeth, if within His own close bosom G alius have determined To push her to her fate, or to relax The rig'rous question and command he 's threatened. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 63 A fantasy came o'er me — (tell it not To Lycophron ! ) — as though our grave Proconsul Had cast an eye that spake not of sheer wrath Upon the maid. NICANOR. That were a boldness passing What Romans and Proconsuls yet have shown us ! A damsel of our house ! ARCHIPPUS. Why — true it is, 'T would somewhat drain his coffers to restore Unto his wife in Rome her wealthy dow'ry ; Yet might he take that venture, if he thought Thereafter to espouse th' inheritance Of Lycophron (were such fair lot unsullied By taint of Christian errors, which nor wealth Nor birth can e'er gloss' over). It may be That I have but imagined this, whereof I talk to thee, old friend ; still — on that day He stopped her flight, as we approached this city Bringing her captive hitherward, he bade me Draw near her litter, and strive once again To purge the madness from her soul, declaring How bare of glory is this death she courts, How vain, how aimless ; urging therewithal The praise she 'd win, if wisely she disowned, The doctrines of that sect, philosophy Abhorreth ; yea, the lordly path would open Before her, through alliance nobler far And mightier than her father had designed. All this I said. NICANOR. And what replied Kath'rina ? ARCHIPPUS. That what 7" held for error was the truth ; And, for the rest, if she with mortal man Could wed, her father's pledge would she redeem, Joining her with Porphyrius. Unto Gallus I told her answer ; first he knit his brow, Ij+ ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. Then smiled a bitter smile, and said " she flings Her last chance from her." True, the man were moon- struck, Who took such maid to wife/albeit she 's fair. 'T is pity of her ! but the dungeon-gloom Some space endured, perchance may teach her more Than all the talk we 've wasted. If it fail, As much I 'm doomed to sentence her, as she T' abide my sentence." Thus he spake, 't is now Full four days since ; nor hath he from that hour Made mention of the damsel, save to tell me, That he admits none other of the kindred And friends of Katharina, but thyself And Lycophron, to hear this day her answer Unto the accusation. NICANOR. He doth take Strange pow'rs on him ! but that 's naught new. ARCHIPPUS. A hearing Giv'n in his house (and giv'n through grace, to spare Thy kinsman's pride) by other laws is guided Than is a trial in the market-place ; And he may deem 't is his to close or open His gate to whom he will. {Enter gallus.) He comes ! [gallus seats himself on his tribunal^ after giving his hand to arciiippus arid to NICANOR. GALLUS. I greet ye, My friends. A heavy task to-day is mine, Nicanor, if this maiden have not learnt Some wisdom ; but there 's many a one (I hold) Who in the market-place through sight and sound Of wond'ring throngs, is buoyed up to abide By some wild doctrine or rebellious axiom, Yet straight would yield it up, or into naught Explain it, were none hearers but the few Unswayed by novelty. {To NICANOR ) Thy kinswoman ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 65 Can count on no applause of heart or tongue To rash discourse (though friendly be her judges) Within these gates ; and therefore, well I hope, She '11 bend her. — But there cometh Lycophron, And there his daughter. (Enter lycophron on one side ; on the other a covered litter is borne in, from which KATHARINA descends, while nicanor and archippus a^oroacA lycophron, and conduct him to a seat near that of gallus.) Would that she might bear her In guise that should permit me to restore The child unto the father ! katharina (as to herself). Scarce mine eyes, Used to the prison's darkness, and the shade Of the close litter, can endure the glare Of sunlight ; yet I welcome its bright radiance, And breathe with thanks to God the air's fresh sweetness ! (Catching sight o/lycrophon on the opposite side) Who sits beside my judges ? (Aloud) Father, grant Pardon unto thy child, who should have borne Thy wrath — not fled from it, LYCOPHRON. I pardon thee For all wherein 'gainst me thou 'st erred ; against Thyself are thy worst errors, whence I pray The gods may yet recall thee ! GALLUS. Katharina, Daughter of Lycophron, five days have passed Since thou, in hearing of these citizens, And mine, avow'dst that in the Christian lore Thou didst instruct thine uncle's freedman, braving Th' imperial edicts by thine act. If thereof Thou now repent thee, and by worshipping Thy country's gods, wilt prove thyself reclaimed From thy delusion, well — [katharina stands motionless, I. pause to hear F 66 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDR] \. Thine answer; still no word ? I bid thee now Tell me and these, art Christian, Katharina? KATHARINA, I thank my Lord, that in His holy name I was baptized, who died for me ; wherefore Thereby I call me, and must call me ever. LYCOPHRON. The words are spoken, and she dies ! GALLUS. 'T is giv'n thee With casting of that incense on yon flame To show thee penitent. KATHARINA. I but repent That I was slow to make my faith's confession ? Since thus thou scorn'st our clemency, the doom Which thine impiety and thy rebellion Against the gods and Cassar bring on thee, Is death ; such death as, witnessed, shall engrave On each beholder's soul in lines of dread The punishment by justice claimed for crimes Against th' immortals. By the tort'ring wheels New wrought of late, to be the penalty Of deeds like thine, in three days' space thou diest, If ere that term thou bow not at Jove's altar. KATHARINA. So help me my Redeemer and my Lord, As best I may, the tortures I '11 endure ; For death — it will be Avelcome. LYCOPHRON. Hailest thou The fate that shall bereave me ? Thankless child ! KATHARINA. Not thankless, no ! But it may be, my Father, More than my life, my death may profit thee. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. hi LYCOPHRON. How may that be ? I pray thee, Gallus, call thcui Thy lictors back some space, that I may speak One last word to my daughter. [The Guards retire at a sign from GALLUS, leaving katharina free to converse with her Father, while nicanor and others draw near the Proconsul. Katharina, Is 't well to leave thy father lone and childless ? Because thou deem'st thy God forsooth were angered At casting this much myrrh before yon image ? KATHARINA. Father, if thou and I had lived — as oft I 've heard thee wish we lived — in those proud days When free and glorious dwelt our ancestors In homes their swords defended, say, wouldst thou Bid son or daughter of thy house buy life With treach'ry to thy city ? Well I know With thine own hands thou 'dst sooner slay the recreant Than see such deed of shame ! LYCOPHRON. I ask thee not For treachery. KATHARINA. A holier tie — a mightier — Doth bind me to my God, than e'er hath bound Sworn soldiers to their chief, true citizens Unto their city ! for I vowed to own Him only, and all others to forsake ! Thou wouldst not I were perjured ? LYCOPHRON. Hapless girl, For thine undoing gifted with high heart, And speech heroic ! But thou sway'st not me By force of misused eloquence to share Thy madness ! Yet bethink thee, fear'st thou not The torture — the fell wheels ! KATHARINA. I fear them sore ; f2 C8 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. Bui He for whom I dare them, can endue The weak with strength. (. M.I.I -. Time passes, L\ cophron, Ami long already thy farewell hath lasted. LYCOPHRON. Farewell ! is 't thus indeed ? KATHARINA. Yea father, shake not, I pray thee, my frail spirit with the sight Of grief thus hopeless ! Grant unto Ins soul, Oh God, such light and life as unto mine Thou 'st giv'n ! (To lycophron) In dream and vision, unto thee And him thou call'st my bridegroom, will I show me, If 't is permitted. LYCOPHRON. With th' accursed litter They 're drawing near ! What saidst thou of thy bridegroom, Lost Katharina? Thou know'st not how well He loves thee ! KATHARINA. Yea, I know. LYCOPHRON. And he did bid me Beseech thy pardon for some fault he named not, But rues right bitterly. KATHARINA. Oh tell him, father, 'T was long ere now forgiv'n ! Forgive thou too [Kneeling. The sorrow that I 've bred thee ! LYCOPHRON. How forgive The deeds that tear thee from mine eyes? Yet how Refuse thy pray'r? T is granted thee, Kath'rina. [KATHARINA O'lSes ; LYCOPHRON clasps her in his arms, till he is led away on one side by ntcanor, and she is borne off on the other in the litter. GALLUS and ARCHIPPUS remain. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 69 GALLUS (to ARCHIPPUS). I feared it would be thus ; yet have I sought To open loopholes, would she but creep through them ; Now — if the sight of yonder wheels appal not Her senses in such measure as may shake Her purpose at the last — her doom is sealed. ARCHIPPUS. And thou wilt truly slay her ? GALLUS. 'T is not I ! 'T is Csesar ! — 'T is Rome's law. ARCHIPPUS. Most true ; I erred In speech ; I did but mean GALLUS. Oh ! good Archippus, I know thou meant'st naught ill, I know thou 'rt ever The friend doth most avail me ; and this day To me and to the State thou may'st do service, By lending a quick ear to all that 's said — Ay, whispered — in the house of Lycophron. That he and his be grieved — it must be so ; That they be angered — I forgive it them ; Still they were wise to mourn for her in silence Whom they so ill have ruled, nor hearken to The ravings of that love-sick youth from Antioch, Who — as it hath been told me — feareth not To slander me, as though (by execution Of Caesar's edict) I had laid this city Beneath some new-invented tyranny. 'T is but because I used my lawful power, And barred his entrance hither, to take part In that wherein nor right nor claim hath he To judge or witness, We did hold him staunch Unto our temples ; but so utterly Is he besotted for a girl that mocks him, That small would be my wonder should he own him A Christian, ere all 's done. ARCHIPPUS. What he ? Porphyrius? 70 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. GALLUS. Ay, he ! Why, heard'sl thou Dot, thai yesterday He stood among the throng who saw how death Was dealt upon the Christian Alcimus? There did he listen to the maniac's talk Of spirits, and of op'ning heaven I know not What folly more but our philosopher Exclaimed aloud in hearing of the many (When justice had been done) "that in the faith Of these same Christians must be somewhat holier, And mightier than abidcth in the law That rules o'er others ; else could none so meekly And yet so bravely suffer, when no praise Of man was thereby earned." How thinkest thou ? Is that the speech it fits a citizen To utter in our streets ? Porphyrins Of Antioth was — we deemed — as wise as wealthy ; And therefore had I strained some points to win And keep him to our side ; but now he 's shown him Thus ill-advised, 't is good that I take heed Lest he his riches and his wits surrender To them that guide this sect. Wherefore mark thou, If Lycophron through grief and wrath be moved To let this firebrand kindle him to thoughts Rash and rebellious, or if — as beseemeth His years — unto the youth he preach submission. ARCHIPPUS. I think not Lycophron were minded ever To take rash counsels. GALLUS. 'T is the better for him : Yet mark his bearing. ARCHIPPUS. Eye and car shall lend Their utmost service. GALLUS. And if aught unwonted Should hap, thereof 1 trust to hear, Archippus, Ere these ih\ friends have space themselves to harm, Or others. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 71 ARCHIPPUS. Thou may'st ever count me, Gallus, Thy friend, before all else. GALLUS. For such I hold thee, Well-tried and sure. ARCHIPPUS. No longer on thine hours Of labour will I trespass. GALLUS. For awhile, Farewell to thee ! [Exit archippus. " Before all else my friend !" Yes, that is he ! and would be — were I hence — To whomsoe'er he saw upon my seat. Archippus is " the friend of the Proconsul ;" And with good cause, for they who see him thus Beside me ever, to the friend of Gallus Do honour scarce were paid him else ; meantime, A well-born spy, who asks no meed in gold, Who deems him recompensed when I am gracious, Aids both the State and me. (To a Soldier) This night's first watch Thou hast thy station 'twixt the gate that leads Unto the fane of Pallas and the postern Of this my house ? SOLDIER. That post our chief assigned. GALLUS. Then if one flitted hither through the gloom, By the lone path that from the prisons leadeth, And uttered this night's word, ask thou no question ; But rather show the way tow'rds yonder wicket. Whate'er befalls, unto thy comrades speak not Of this thy secret service. If thou bear thee Wisely and warily, it well may be Again I '11 trust thee ; and the hand of Gallus Hath ne'er been slow or scant to guerdon them Who do his will in silence. 7:2 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 80LDIER. The Proconsul Shall be obeyed. G m.i.i - (turning back, after having gone a st towards the entrance-door). And — hark thee ! — should that figure, Having swept by thee, turn or right or left, Such wand'ring thou must hinder; onward hither Thou must compel its steps, if need there be For such compulsion. SOLDIER. In all things thy pleasure Shall be fulfilled. A soldier I — no prater ! [Exit Soldier. GALLUS remains with no Attendant but a J. uhlan Slate. GALLUS (to the Slate). Ere thou attend the keeper of the prisons, This evening, Syphax, I would speak with thee. [Exit Lybian, after an obeisance, while GALLUS enters the house. Scene II. The Interior of a Prison by Night, dimly lighted by an iron lamp. A small loophole at the bach- Is at first closed, but on being afterwards opened, admits a ray of moonlight. KATHARINA is half reclined on a low bench, bdning against the wall, her eyes closed as in -deep. A wreath of flowers lies on the ground at her feet. KATHARINA (starting, as if suddenly awakened). What shakes the cell? What angry sound thus grates On my stunned ear? I know not if I 'vc slept. Or waked since twilight; but — 't was causeless dread O'ercame me now ! — for that 1 heard is naught Save drawing of the bolt without: the watch Hath changed, and they — to prove if bolt and bar Hold fasl — do fit them on anew. I Mould They'd left me to dream on- if dream it were — Which gave me back, in living form and semblance, ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. . 73 That on the memory whereof I 've fed me So long ! The crown of lilies o'er me hovered, Ay, and the staff of palm ! Above them beamed A radiant shape, on whom when I upraised Mine eyes, as blinded by the sight, to earth I sank ; nor, till through death's dread gate I 've passed, May I undazzled gaze upon that brightness ! Yet, mightier than the terror was the bliss Vouchsafed, thus to o'erpay me for the days And nights I 've lived through here, where on my sense The gloom so presses — on my soul so weighs The thought of them, who in their ignorance Bewail me! I am giv'n of the Proconsul Three days, whereof one 's past, and half its course The night hath run ! But that through pray'r I hope And Grod-giv'n strength, in firmer arms arrayed To meet mine utmost trial, I could pray That this next dawn might bring it. Still, it may be For a good end the long-drawn sorrow 's doomed me. Wherefore I bow thereto, and thank His mercy Who hath not only deigned with His bright presence To glad His captive, but doth oft permit Her ears to catch distinct — though faint and far — Through the thick dungeon-walls the choral song Of them who from the depths of earth adore Him ! I ever knew the Christians' vault of pray'r Was nigh unto the prison : but I deemed not (When I, with Theodora, joined my voice To theirs avIio worshipped in that crypt) the strain Reached hither, and brought comfort to their spirits Who languished here. Their midnight hymn they raise ! Distant chorus. " Lord, to thee, by night and day Strong in hope, we sing and pray !"* KATHARINA. I should be strong, if any ! — I who bear This token on my finger ! Yet, I need Your pray'rs, my brethren, that, through deadly fear, And weakness of this flesh, the hope that lives Within me, fail not ! Once again they chant.. * Words of a hymn in Handel's oratorio of " Theodora." /4 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA, Chorus. " Though convulsions rock the ground. And Thy thunders roll around, Still to Thee, by night and day, Strong in hope, Ave sing and pray." KATHARINA. The voices die away ; but to my heart Their tones have brought a message, and I share That hope they boast, that hope that 's born of faith Unwav'ring in His love, who through the path Of deadly anguish, to the realm of bliss And glory, shall transport my ransomed soul ! {After a pause) Meseems as e'en my fevered frame were tasting Some freshness and some rest ! At last my jailor Hath oped yon loophole, and the cooling breeze Of night plays o'er me. [She picks tip the wreath of flowers, laying them listlessly on her lap. From these flow'rs the slave (The Lybian) brought at sunset, the soft air Now draws perfume they owned not, Avhen he laid them Before me with the pitcher and the lamp. — How sweet their breath ! — Yet scarce I thanked the boy For his so courteous off 'ring ; 't was because My thoughts were far away ; and since that time (Be it in heav'n-sent dream or waking vision) I 've sat for this whole watch in contemplation Of that, which well might keep both eyes and mind From aught on earth. [Taking the flowers in her hand. Now I remember me, He said the flow'rs were rare ; — that this white bell Would fairer bloom, if from the rest I loosed it. It droopeth now — so tightly bound — no marvel ! In heathen ignorance he said 't would bring me Good luck, if straight I twined that flow'r alone Amid my locks. 'T is pity of the youth, Who fondly leans upon such vanity. Ha ! What hath falTn?— a scroll ? It was therefore lie bid me loose the garland ! ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 75 PORPHYRIUS {from the opening behind). Katharina, If 't were but for one moment, draw thou near ! katharina {rising). Porphyrius ! Can it be ! PORPHYRIUS. Night after night I 've striv'n for entrance to the prison-court In vain ; nor pray'r nor gold I 've spared ; from twilight Beside the outer gate I 've stood till dawning ! Through chance this midnight have I better sped, And lighted on a youth who gladly sold me His mantle and his turn for the mid-watch, The readier, as he knew — too well, alas ! — Naught wider than a close-barred chink doth open This side thy cell! Tell me now that thou toldest Thy father ! KATHARINA. That I 'd pardoned thee ? with lip And heart as ready I repeat the same. But say, Porphyrius, is this scroll, that hither By stealth was brought, from thee ? PORPHYRIUS. I would it were ! Could I but bribe the inner prison's jailor, Short were thy thraldom ! But what saith it ? Speak ! KATHARINA. I know not ; I but found it as thou call'dst me. PORPHYRIUS. Haste ! read me quick the lines ! bring here the lamp ! [katharina places the lamp on the ledge formed by the loophole, and reads from the strip of parchment. katharina {reading). " If, ere the night's first watch be spent, thou press The door on thy right hand, 't will ope to thee ; Speed onward then unto the outer grate, Which also to thy touch shall yield ; thereafter 76 ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. Say the night's watchword (*'T is Saturnia') Unto the sentinel : then forward straight Under a narrow portal, whereunto That soldier well can guide thee, for therein Friends wilt thou find and safety; only tear not At once to take the venture. Haste ! delay not." PORPHYRIUS. Speaks the scroll truth ? Hast proved if verily That door do stand unbarred ? [katharina tries the side-door of Iter cell, but finds it bolted. But no — 't is fast, And the first watch is o'er ! was't but in mock'rv They bid thee ny ? When brought they thee these lines? KATHARINA. At nightfall ; but I knew not aught lay hid Among those flow'rs, the off'ring of a slave, A dark-hued youth, methinks of Gallus' household. PORPHYRIUS. Of Gallus ! KATHARINA. Yes — so said the jailor — twice Or thrice with him he came ; ere now he bore me My food, but spake not, till this eve he told me If I did wish for luck, t' unbind this wreath He brought me. With my keeper he departed, And I but deemed some idle fancy moved him To think th' untwining of his flow'rs could sway My fortunes. Wherefore from mine orisons I stopped not ; and when borne aloft on wings Of pray'r, to Him my vent'rous spirit soared Who with delight that ends not, will repay The faith I bear him — of each earthly thing 1 lost all sense — of time and space unwitting, Until the crash of bolts at midnight roused me To know myself a captive. PORPHYRI1 s. In ill hour Thou paid st thine orisons ! ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 77 KATHARLNA. Nay, say not so. PORPHTRIUS. I must ! for hadst thou earlier read, it may be That thou wert hence and safe ! Deem'st thou some Christian Could bribe the warders ? KATHARINA (re-examining the scroll). 'T is no Christian wrote This call [Site holds the lamp closer to the strip of parchment, showing it to porphyrius as she speaks. Thou seest it lacks the sign wherewith We ever mark our tablets. porphyrius. 'T is the hand Of Gallus ! but this day I saw his letter Unto Nicanor, wherein he doth spurn His pray'r and mine for thee ; the self-same fingers Have traced both scrolls ! KATHARINA. What meaneth he ? PORPHYRIUS. Him lists not To give thee to thy father's arms again, But fain he 'd lure thee to his own ; the portal He talks of, 't is the postern of his palace ; Hadst thou therein once entered — if thou couldst Have 'scaped, I know not — but 't were harder task Than from that cave to flee, whence thou didst rush Into his grasp ! KATHARINA. Those orisons — that trance Of contemplation thou didst well nigh curse — They saved me ! God hath willed my death, but wills That unforsworn I die and unpolluted ! 78 ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. PORFHYRIUS. Better to glut his wrath, than sate his lust ! But by the gods — yea, by thy God — Kath'rina, I '11 save thee from such choice, uow I can show him A judge unjust in the world's eye and Caesar's ! He boasts his zeal, denies thy kinsmen's pray'r, By secret practice would decoy thee hence, Then say thou fled'st through witchcraft ! Give to me The scroll ! KATHARINA. 'T will not avail — his might stands firm ; And thou wouldst perish in thy sins — 't were better I said thine ignorance. I pray thee tell me If Alcimus yet lives ? PORPHYRIUS. He hath departed. KATHARINA. Art sure? Dost know? And I stood by. PORPHYRIUS. 'T was in the market-place, KATHARINA. To witness his confession? PORPHYRIUS. Ay, and his death. KATHARINA. How died he ? PORPHYRIUS. As became Thy teacher, Katharina. KATHARINA. Said he naught I fain would hear? PORPHYRIUS. He bid me say to thee Ill-omened words. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 79 KATHARINA. Oh tell me them, Porphyrius, If e'er thou lov'dst me ! PORPHYRIUS. By such adjuration Constrained, that I abhor I needs must utter. His speech (not mine), was thus — " the pangs are short, The glory endless, and the Lord stands by, Through the hard fight still cheering on his soldier." KATHARINA. I thank him, and thank thee, who hast compelled Thy lip to that thou deem'st ill luck and folly. Not ever wilt thou deem it thus — not ever — If my heart's pray'r avail. Now thou hast seen How dies a servant of that Lord, whose life And death herein are told, if I did give thee This my best jewel, wouldst thou, when I'm gone, Read that its pages hold ? [KATHARINA takes a book from her bosom, and holds it towards porphyrius. PORPHYRIUS. When thou art gone, Where think'st thou I abide ? But ere thou 'rt torn From life and light, my love, yon hypocrite Shall feel their wrath whom now he tramples on ! [porphyrius receives the book from KATHA- RINA, and at the same moment seizes the strip of parchment which she still retained in her hand. I 've ta'en thy gift ! — And now I 've snatched therewith What proves this Gallus lawless as he 's ruthless, There 's hope I read it ere thou 'rt gone ! KATHARINA. Oh rush not On perils sure as deadly ! porphyrius. • For thy God Thou fearest not to die ? As much for thee 80 ST. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. I dare, as thou for him! henceforth thy life-thread And mine arc intertwined : since by this venture I save thee, or like fate to thine I Bhare ! | porphyrii s disappears. KATHARINA. Take pity, Father, on his ignorance ! And when thou 'st called me, as I deem and trust Ere long thou 'It do, through death to life, then change His heart's wild longing for such calm remembrance, As at the last shall lead him to thy knowledge. He that once knows, in time must love, the God "Who hath by faith revealed Him to his soul ; But I would not he perished, thus on fire "With earthly love, with wrath, and bitter hate, And all unheeding of thy grace and truth ! "Wherefore me rather had, that to the fate Whereto I had resigned me, I were left. (After a pause) A mingled hope and fear in turn possess My troubled soul ; why hope ? Why fear ? [katharina falls on her knees. Thou High And Holy One, who guardest thy betrothed From earthly scathe, dost know if life or death Shall best avail me, and on thee I lean! 3T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 81 ACT V. Scene I. A Hall in the Proconsul's Palace at dawning. GALLUS and his Lybian Slave SYPHAX. GALLUS. Thou gav'st it her ? SYPHAX. And bade her loose the wreath. That bound it, if she e'er would own good fortune. I might not, in the jailor's sight, risk more. GALLUS. Thou might'st have lingered. SYPHAX. Nay my lord, the keeper Sends me first out. GALLUS. The fellow 's ill to deal with, I know, or had not needed to give thee Such charge. SYPHAX. Moreover, had I angered him, He scarce had giv'n me license to go seek The staff I 'd dropped, whereby I found occasion To do thy bidding, master, and withdraw The bolts. GALLUS. It profits much that thou withdrew'st them ! Go hence ! \Exit syphax. slave {entering). Here 's one would speak unto my lord. GALLUS (to a Centurion who enters as the Slave withdraws). What wouldst thou, friend ? G 82 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. (T.VI I RION. "I' is but that tlic Proconsul Should know, that lie who kept the second watch On this side of the prison, found the door Of Katharina's cell unbarred and chainless. G ALIAS. Hath she then 'scaped ? CENTURION. Not so ; he straight assured him (Half op'ning that same door) the pris'ner lay- Therein — (and sleeping, as him seemed). He hasted To draw both bolt and bar ; and ere the light, Did tell to me this chance — if chance it were. GALLUS. I praise his watchfulness and thine. That he Did mark, is passing strange ; and thereinto 'T is fit we look ; what thence I may trace out Of Christian plots, or knav'ry of our jailors, I '11 tell thee when I 've learnt, as learn I shall, Ere long, now thou the clue hast giv'n. CENTURION. I take My leave. GALLUS. Farewell ; but — speak not in the city Of this thou 'st told me — no — nor in the cohort. CENTURION. No ear shall hear thereof. \_E.vit Centurion. GALLUS. She 's not dull-witted, To fail of guessing what almost was told her, Nor tim'rous, from a venture for her life To shrink, because 't was doubtful ; I did hope She 'd deem that some of her own sect had oped her A path to flight. {Enter the Soldier who conversed with GALLUS in the pre- ceding Act.) {To the Soldier) Did none in the first watch ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 83 Walk forth from th' inner prison, as I told thee It might befall? SOLDIER. No, none. GALLUS. She hath not fled Elsewhere ? Thou 'rt sure ? SOLDIER. I said there came forth none Through the first watch ; but knoweth the Proconsul That he who kept the mid-watch — GALLUS. I have heard Those tidings ; hie thee hence, and take no note, In outward seeming, of the talk may pass Thereon. \Exit Soldier. And here I 've waited ! deeming ever (Though the first watch was spent) 't was possible Some chance had but delayed her, and good hap Might bring her still, where — if she 'd once set foot, — Methinks she had met her master ! one unwont To let his luck slip by, as did the fool Porphyrius ! Can it be my Lybian slave Betrayed me, and by naming of my name Affrighted the shy bird ? Were 't not that here In Alexandria, there is many a one, Both Greek and Jew, doth watch my ev'ry step In hate and envy, I had sought ere now Myself her prison cell ; but through the city 'T were noised straightway. Unto her fate I needs Must leave that beauty. Than herself I were E'en madder, if I perilled aught to save What I may ne'er enjoy. {Enter archippus.) 'T is earlier, friend, Than here I 'm wont to see thee ! Nay, thou 'rt welcome ! But say, what hath befall'n ? ARCHIPPUS. Not yet hath aught Befall'n : and therefore have I come to warn thee 84 si. KATHARINE OP ALEXANDRIA. Of that which might betide. Porphyrins (As thou didst prophecy), with his own madness Infceteth Lyeophron, persuadeth him To credit sland*rous tables, talks as though He owned some proof, writ in thy hand, to show thee Lawless and false. GALLUS. What proof? ARCIIIPPUS. 'T is like he forged it ; But 't is a strip of parchment or papyrus, I know not which, wherein (he says) thou biddest Kath'rina seek thee, tell'st her that the gates Shall open to her touch. GALLUS. Such meed we gain Who strive to bear us faithfully ! Because I hearkened not to him, and somewhat scrupled To break Rome's law and Caesar's, but to serve A lover's pleasure, lo ! this plot he weaves Against mine honour and my life ! And saidst thou That Lyeophron had listened to his tales ? ARCHIPPUS. I fear me sore he hath, GALLUS. And 't is their aim To spread this calumny ? ARCHIPPUS. Unless by deeds, Rather than warning words thou hinder them, By the first hour of day throughout the city 'T will run. Porphyrius in the market-place Will ring the change on each high-sounding word That ever fooled the many. \At a signal from GALLUS, a Slave comes forward, and after receiving some whis- pered directions, disappears. GALLUS. Yes, he fain ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 85 Would talk unto the multitude of wrongs Dealt on the innocent by tyrant force And Roman cruelty ! but scarce I 'm minded This time to let our citizens enjoy Instruction from his tongue. I thank thee, friend, For these thy tidings, which, an hour delayed, Had little profited to save this city From tumult and from blood. \A band of Soldiers, headed by a Centurion, appears in the hall. Now ere the spark Have falfn among the straw, (for thereunto The Alexandrian crowd may well be likened), 'T is mine to quench it. Dwells the Antiochian Still under thy friend's roof? ARCHIPPUS. "T was there I left him But now ; for thither had Nicanor called me Before the light, to ask me in the porch My counsel for himself. GALLUS {to the Soldiers). Haste ye to bring Fast bound to my tribunal, Lycophron, Son of Charistus, and Porphyrius His guest from Antioch. [ Exeunt Centurions and Soldiers. {To archippus) Sawest thou the writing He said was mine ? archippus. I did but hear thereof. GALLUS. And saith he who did give the same to him ? ARCHIPPUS. If aught were true he talked of — 't was Kath'rina. GALLUS {aside). Then 't is her life or mine ! {Aloud) So ! she stands firm Unto her faith, but holds it not a crime, With sland'rous fables to belie the judge Whose mercy she despises ! 86 8T. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. \K( HIPPUS. I know not Thai Katharina hath or voice or part In this, wherein she 's but the instrument Tliat serves another's fury. GALLUS. It may be ; But one whose name 's a handle for sedition, Disturbs the State ; and them who serve such purpose Must we remove ; yea, speedily. [gallus, after beckoning to another band of Soldiers, waiting unseen in the adjoining gallery, goes to a table and hastily sign* a parchment. {Aside) Proud Christian, When pressed betwixt the wheels, too late wilt thou Repent thy stiff-necked folly ! To Porphyrius — To him she seemed to scorn — hath she betrayed me ! I 've borne me like a boy ! And fit it is {Enter Soldiers). That I be mocked like one. But she shall pay For that she 's cost me. {Aloud to the Soldiers as he gives the parchment to their leader.) Be the prisoner, The Christian, Katharina, straight led forth To instant execution. \Exewnt Soldiers. ARCH1PPUS. This is sudden ! 'T is just ; and I was moon-struck when I gave her The respite she — or her's — have used to plot in. Her father and Porphyrius shall behold Her doom's fulfilment ; well if they submit them In silence ; for a factious threat, a murmur, Will prove them that they are — conspirators — Against the empire's order ! And perchance 'T were good I gave this day a bloody warning To rebels, as to Christians, in this city. | /<„>, mit <• vi.ii.- and AROHIPPUS. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 87 Scene II. The Market-place in Alexandria. Temple of Jupiter in the background. Immediately before it is the scaffold, on which are placed the wheels of torture. The throng of Citizens, in the midst of which are lycophron, porphyrius, and nicanor, is gradually increased by the entrance of Alexandrians of all NICANOR (to LYCOPHRON and PORPHYRIUS). 'T will not avail ! (To the Citizens) 'T were better ye dispersed Ere came worse evil ! LYCOPHRON. Gallus can but slay One who is weary of a life that 's blasted With woes and wrongs ! PORPHYRIUS. How think ye, citizens, Of that man's justice, who, with well-feigned zeal For Caesar and the gods, to death condemning A free-born maid, whose pardon he denies Unto her father's prayer, yet seeks t' entice her By night into his palace from her prison, Ye all may think wherefore ? The maid is sprung From Lycophron. . . . The man. . . .'T is your Proconsul ! nicanor (to the Citizens and porphyricjs). Nay, but there lacketh proof ! PORPHYRIUS. There lacketh none ! (To nicanor) Thyself didst know his hand ! NICANOR. I said, in sooth T' was like, but. PORPHYRIUS. 'T is his own ! (To the Citizens) Draw near, and see Such proof as shall declare what honesty Lives in your ruler's breast, what true intent And blameless purpose guide the acts of Gallus ! 88 st. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. Enter a body of Soldu r.< led by <( t '< nturion, who approaches LYCOPHRON and PORPHYRIUS. CENTURION. In the Proconsul's name, tor factious words, And deeds rebellious, I hereby command ye, Porphyrius of Antioch, Lycophron, Son of Charistus, follow where we lead To the Proconsul's presence. PORPHYRIUS. Face to face Shall Gallus hear from me the accusation I here have laid against him; but to these First would I show the token that doth prove him [The Soldiers, at a sign from their Chief, lay hands on lycophron and por- phyrius. That thing he is. {To the Citizens.) Stand by us, friends ! [The Alexandrian Elders and Citizens draw back as the Soldiers seize LYCO- PHRON and porphyrius. NICANOR. Thus ever Hath it befallen them who looked for help Or justice, through the valour of a crowd! [While the Soldiers are fettering LYCO- PHRON and PORPHYRIUS, ARCHIPPUS emerges from the throng, and draws near NICANOR. ARCHIPPUS. Is 't possible ? Porphyrius bound ? Our friend too ! Thou seest it ; hard I strove to rein them in From this their rashness. Still, 't is marvellous That Gallus, as by divination prompted, Should, ere Porphyrius' lip had yet accused him, Send forth this band ! Think'st thou that it could be ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 89 He 'd heard of aught we spake of in the porch Of Lycophron ere dawn? ARCHIPPUS. I may not say That 't is impossible (though fain I 'd hold It were) for wondrous is the speed wherewith All flies, I know not how, into his ear. Enter gallus attended by Lictors, and a numerous body of Soldiers, who line the square of the Market-place. NICANOR. Behold ! he comes ! and glaring angrily Upon those twain ! ARCHIPPUS. He fears them. NICANOR. 'T is the more Of peril to their lives ! No hate like that Which fear doth breed ! But he delays not hastens At once to meet, and straightway smite his foes. [gallus ascends the judgment-seat, lyco- phron and porph yrius are placed before him ; the Scribes and other Assistants seat themselves in the same order as in the first scene of the Second Act. ARCHIPPUS. And therein doth he well, if he would keep His rule — perchance his life. So much I needs Must say, though grieving for thy kinsman's sake. nicanor {looking at lycophron). He hearkened not to me, was borne along By the boy's wrath, and thought not the Proconsul Could deal thus swiftly ; had the cohort tarried Awhile, it may be Greeks and Jews had banded Together 'gainst him ; as we 've seen ere now In Alexandrian tumults ; and so far I would they 'd braved him, as might have compelled His freeing of the damsel. 90 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. ARCHIPPU8. Hush, take heed ! There are who mark thee. Now would Gallus speak. GALLUS. Well pleased am I, ye men of Alexandria, That neither few nor mean are ye who 've thronged To witness that, which I to-day am called In virtue of my place to execute. For I would have ye know, that not for naught I punish or rebuke, whate'er the tongue Of busy malice whisper. Ye have heard (For, though the judgment in my dwelling's court, Not here, did pass, no secret was the act) Ye 've heard, I say, that Katharina, daughter Of Lycophron, the Christian faith confessing, By me to death was sentenced I forbore To speed the doom's fulfilment; in three days She might recall unsay what in ill hour She 'd spoken ; but by tidings sure (though gained Through means I give no 'count of save to Caesar) I 've learnt but now she hath employed that space In mercy granted, to devise a lie, Which, by her kin repeated, should affix Black stains upon my name ; wherefore, now hopeless Of her repentance (who from clemency Allowed her, framed a weapon wherewithal To pierce the ruler who right fain had spared her) I here condemn her in your sight and theirs Wliom her false tongue deluded, not alone As Christian, 'twixt yon wheels to expiate Her crime, but as rebellious unto Czesar, And him who wields his might. This hour must see Her punishment, who, if till this day's noon She 'd lived, had wrought confusion and revolt In your fair city. PORPHYRIUS. "Worse than worst confusion Is slav'ry to a lustful hypocrite ! LYCOPHRON. Right careful arc you of your lives, ye elders ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 91 Of Alexandria ! Heed ye each as much Your honour? GALLUS. Well I know whereunto point These words. I 've heard the tale ! But wherewith prove ye Your accusation ? PORPHYRIUS. With the lines which these By force have snatched from me — the lines thy hand Did write — which thine own slave to her did give Who gave them me. gallus {to the centurion). Reach here the scroll {receiving and examining the strip of parchment). That some Have forged it skilfully, 't is plain ; that some too Have bribed my Lybian boy, 't is like ; this morn He 's fled ; none sees him in my house. The keeping Of this great city's peace, to me entrusted, And by these madmen perilled, doth demand Both safeguard and example. When the wrath Of gods and men, by Katharina's fate Hath been appeased, by mine authority, As Cassar's delegate, for treas'nous acts, And speech seditious, I ordain that these, Lycophron and Porphyrius, with their heads Do answer for their fault ; necessity Dispensing with such forms as would delay Just judgment. A guarded litter is borne in, out of which katharina steps. KATHARINA. I give thanks to the Proconsul That he hath shortened the long agony Wherein I panted; but My father bound ! Yea, and Porphyrius ! centurion. Child of Lycophron, In evil hour for thee and thine was taught thee The Galihean's lore ! Upon thy sire, 92 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. And on thy bridegroom doth th' avenging demon Wreak thine impiety; since, be they guilty. Or but ill-starred, for treason wrought or purposed, They 're doomed to death. KATHARINA. To death ! GALLUS. Thank thou thyself Kath'rina, for their fate ! Thou shouldst have thought Thereon, when thou didst give this forgery Unto Porphyrins. KATHARINA. I did yield it up Unwillingly from whence it came I knew not If with ill end 't was writ, the Lord forgive Its writer, from whose snares by heav'nly grace I 'scaped ! But spare them, Gallus ! 't is enough One of our house do perish ! PORPHYRIUS. Ask him not Favour or right for me ! Could I have moved {looking at the Citizens) These slaves in time, 't is we should sit on him In judgment ! Well I knew or he or I Should fall, but deemed such chance was worth the taking For thee, Kath'rina ! KATHARINA. How may I sustain That which I thought in patient hope to bear, Now that I "m made unto my father's doom The hapless instrument I Again I pray thee {To lycopiiron) Forgive thy child ! LYCOPIIRON. Since thou to worlds beneath Wouldst needs betake thee, the old man thou leavest Alone as well may share thy lot as wail it. ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 93 KATHARINA. Alas ! e'en more than your dear lives ye 've ventured For me ! PORPHYRIUS. Said I not, Oh my love, our life-thread Was intertwined ? An envious Fate forbids That I should save thee, but — where thou dost go, I follow ! and will love thee e'en in Hades ! KATHARINA. In Hades ! If indeed thou 'dst look on me, When both are disentangled from this clay, Thou must — yet living — call on Him who died For thee and me ; since to His home I go ! Thou too, my father LYCOPHRON. Tell me not ! Thy God Too dear hath cost me ! KATHARINA. For this cause it is That I so ill endure that ye should perish In darkness ! (To porphyrias) I did hope some gleam had shone From the true light already upon thee, And thence reflected on my sire, might dawn Ere long. Now would I that some sign — some marvel — In visible defiance of that order Which guides our earth's course, should accompany My parting hence, that so in my last hour Ye might confess His might, and win His grace, Who doth receive all them who truly turn Unto him for that space, how short soe'er That 's giv'n them ! GALLUS. Katharina, thou hast spent Th' allotted minutes. Haste thee to ascend The scaffold. porphyrius (to the Citizens and Soldiers). Will ye look upon this deed ? 94 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDR] L KATHARINA. God calm thy heart, Porphyrins ! Farewell, father! [katiiauina begins to ascend the steps of the scaffold. GALLUS {to KATHARINA ). Seest thou the wheels ? Consider ! yet ruay'st thou Confess thy treason, and repent thereof, E'en as of thine impiety ; but once I 've giv'n the signal, none can stop the rush Of the sharp circles that shall rend thy flesh To atoms ere thou perish. KATHARINA. I but ask thee Space for a moment's pray'r to Him for whom I willingly endure the pains decreed me. GALLUS. I grant it, so 't is brief. [KATHARINA, on the steps of the scaffold, stands facing the multitude, both hands raised to KATHARINA. Thou 'st said, Oh, Lord, That thou wouldst ever hear their pray'r who ask Believing ! And in fulness of that faith, And hope and love, wherewith thou hast endued me, At my life's term, I do implore of thee, By baring of thine arm, by plain and open Forth-showing of thy strength, at once to smite Thy bride with speedy death, and from those twain I leave on earth, to ward the fate would yield them Untaught of Thee, and unbaptized, to perish ! Lo ! thou hast heard ! for in my soul I feel Thine answer, my Redeemer and my Lord ! Strike ! for I wait the blow that shall divide me From all earth's fears and woes ! Behold the ring Unsullied ! for I 've proved my love ! Now call ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 95 Thy martyr to Thy home ! there crowned and clad In bridal white, to gaze on thee for ever ! [A thunderbolt from a cloudless sky shivers the wheels of torture, fells both scaffold and executioners to the ground, and strik- ing katharina herself on the breast, lays her dead among the ruins. A sudden gloom overspreads the earth ; Citizens and Soldiers, including G-allus, nica- NOR and archippus, fly on all sides ; the shackles fall from the hands of lyco- phron and porphyrius, who remain alone kneeling beside the body. PORPHYRIUS. Her pray'r is heard ! Her God hath visibly Revealed Him ! — but hath snatched her hence e'en while Avenging of her wrong ! The lambent flame That circles her fair brow enough dispels The gath'ring gloom, that we should see how pale, How lifeless is this form ! LYCOPHRON. And yet unscathed By the hot bolt she lies ! PORPHYRIUS. Behold ! 't is here It smote ! and in a cross's form 't is branded On her white breast ! Yea, thus with His own token The Crucified hath claimed her ! LYCOPHRON. Hath it been His might which thus breaks forth ? Lo ! how the fane Of Jove doth totter to its base ! doth quake As quakes th' affrighted earth ! Column and porch And roof in fragments sink ! — in crashing ruin ! CHORUS. " Lord, to Thee by night and day, Strong in hope we sing and pray." lycophron {rising). Whence is that sound? Who bend their steps this way? 96 ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. porphyrius (his eyes still fixed on katharina's body). Methinke that they be Christians, whom the Bight Of this wide square deserted thus, emboldens To tread it, chanting as they go. It may be They knew what should befall, and come t' adore her. Chorus of CHRISTIANS entering, led by a PRIEST. " Though convulsions rock the ground, And thy thunders roll around, Still to thee by night and day, Strong in hope we sing and pray !" LYCOPHRON. Whoe'er ye be, who thus amid the strife And uproar of the elements, sing forth Your songs in seeming peace, turn hence, withdraw Your presence from the mourners who sit here Wailing their dead. CHRISTIAN PRIEST. To wail the dead we also Are come — no, not to wail — to honour rather With hymn and pray'r unto her God and ours, The virgin Katharina, who ('t was told us) Hath perished by heav'n's bolt, by cruelty Of man untouched. porphyrius {looking up, but without rising from the ground). 'T was truly told ye, Christians, If such ye be, for here on earth doth lie That fairest maid, that holiest, and that gentlest, Whom, but for your sad lore, I should have held Living within mine arms, where now she resteth Lifeless, and cold, and soulless. To her God And yours she hath departed, well I know ; She needs nor hymn nor pray'r to speed her heav'nward ! Wherefore unto her father and to me Leave ye her fun'ral rites, which we would pay Untroubled. ( 'I I HIST I AN PRIEST. If the Being of our Lord ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. 97 So far thou own, to her thou lov'dst deny not Observance of such acts as shall declare In faith of whom she lived and died. LYCOPHRON. I give not My child to the cold earth, with rites half Jewish, Half barbarous ! the sacred flame to ashes Shall burn her corpse, as once it burned her mother's ; Depart ! CHRISTIAN PRIEST. We would but greet the martyred maid With one brief song. LYCOPHRON. Ye fear not to uplift Forbidden orisons ? CHRISTIAN PRIEST. The stern Proconsul Lies crushed beneath yon idol's shattered dome, Whereto he fled in terror from the fire Of heav'n descending on his guilty head. LYCOPHRON. Your God hath dealt just judgment ; ne'ertheless A father's right it is — (the dearest too, Because the saddest) to his child to give In his own guise what to the dead we owe. CHRISTIAN PRIEST. In sullen grief he 's turned away ; the sorrow Of them who know not God doth but corrode The unregen'rate heart. Ha ! what hath gleamed Above, around, as 't were a second dawning ? Behold yon rosy cloud that floateth near And nearer ! In mid air it hov'reth — sinketh — Changing its hue to golden as it meeteth Earth's verge ! The youth perceives it not — his eyes Are fixed in hopeless longing on her form With whose bright spirit his in vain would commune ! VOICE FROM THE CLOUD. Withdraw thy clasping arms, Porphyrius, 7/ lis ST. KATHARINE OF ALEXANDRIA. &>&¥*/ From the dead maiden ! Rise, and thou shall see, Thou and her sire, what fun'ral rites awail her. A might unknown compelleth me ! Who spake From out the cloud? It breaks — dissolves ! What light Within it shines? The veiling mist hath vanished ! And palpably to sense four winged genii Stand forth ! The first with lily-wreaths hath crowned her ! The second in her hand hath laid his palm-branch ! And tw 7 o have poised them on their silv'ry pinions Above ! They bend — they lift her hence — they bear her Aloft! Whence come ye? Say! and whither speed ye ? CHRISTIAN PRIEST. The messengers of God they be, come hither From rites idolatrous to save the frame Where dwelt that sainted soul, and give to view Of them who else were blind, the wondrous grace Her love and her endurance earned on high. LYCOPIIRON. Eastward they soar ! still eastward ! Unto thee Who e'er shall guide me, Oh my child ! PORPHYRIUS. There 's one Shall guide us thither ! He who by the light Of yonder parting glory beckons us To follow where she leads ! The Christians' God Is God alone ! — and life or death betide, His faith will I confess, who thus doth call me ! THE END. London : F. Shorerl, Printer, 51, Rofert Street, II LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 527 121 6