This is a modern-English version of The Works of Lord Byron. Vol. 5: Poetry, originally written by Byron, George Gordon Byron, Baron. It has been thoroughly updated, including changes to sentence structure, words, spelling, and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If you click on a paragraph, you will see the original text that we modified, and you can toggle between the two versions.

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The Works
OF
Lord Byron

A NEW, REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

Poetry. Vol. V.

Edited by
ERNEST HARTLEY COLERIDGE, M.A.,
HON. F.R.S.L.

LONDON:
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.

1901.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

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[v]

PREFACE TO THE FIFTH VOLUME.

The plays and poems contained in this volume were written within the space of two years—the last two years of Byron's career as a poet. But that was not all. Cantos VI.-XV. of Don Juan, The Vision of Judgment, The Blues, The Irish Avatar, and other minor poems, belong to the same period. The end was near, and, as though he had received a warning, he hastened to make the roll complete.

The plays and poems in this collection were written over a span of two years—the last two years of Byron's career as a poet. But that’s not all. Cantos VI.-XV. of Don Juan, The Vision of Judgment, The Blues, The Irish Avatar, and other minor poems are from the same period. The end was approaching, and as if he had received a warning, he rushed to complete the collection.

Proof is impossible, but the impression remains that the greater part of this volume has been passed over and left unread by at least two generations of readers. Old play-goers recall Macready as "Werner," and many persons have read Cain; but apart from students of literature, readers of Sardanapalus and of The Two Foscari are rare; of The Age of Bronze and The Island rarer still. A few of Byron's later poems have shared the fate of Southey's epics; and, yet, with something of Southey's persistence, Byron believed that posterity would weigh his [vi] "regular dramas" in a fresh balance, and that his heedless critics would kick the beam. But "can these bones live"? Can dramas which excited the wondering admiration of Goethe and Lamartine and Sir Walter Scott touch or lay hold of the more adventurous reader of the present day? It is certain that even the half-forgotten works of a great and still popular poet, which have left their mark on the creative imagination of the poets and playwrights of three quarters of a century, will always be studied by the few from motives of curiosity, or for purposes of reference; but it is improbable, though not impossible, that in the revolution of taste and sentiment, moribund or extinct poetry will be born again into the land of the living. Poetry which has never had its day, such as Blake's Songs of Innocence, the Lyrical Ballads, or Fitzgerald's Omar Khayyám, may come, in due time, to be recognized at its full worth; but it is a harder matter for a poem which has lost its vogue to recapture the interest and enthusiasm of the many.

Proof is impossible, but it seems that most of this volume has been overlooked and left unread by at least two generations of readers. Older theater-goers remember Macready as "Werner," and many people have read Cain; but aside from literature students, readers of Sardanapalus and The Two Foscari are rare, and those who have delved into The Age of Bronze and The Island are even rarer. A few of Byron's later poems have faced a fate similar to Southey's epics; yet, with some of Southey's determination, Byron believed that future generations would reassess his [vi]"regular dramas" and that his careless critics would take notice. But "can these bones live"? Can plays that once amazed Goethe, Lamartine, and Sir Walter Scott resonate with today's more adventurous readers? It's clear that even the somewhat forgotten works of a great and still popular poet, which have influenced the creative imagination of poets and playwrights for the past seventy-five years, will always attract a few curious readers or serve as references; but it's unlikely, though not impossible, that in the shift of taste and sentiment, poetry that is fading or has vanished will come back to life. Poems that never had a following, like Blake's Songs of Innocence, the Lyrical Ballads, or Fitzgerald's Omar Khayyám, might eventually be recognized for their true value; however, it is much more challenging for a poem that has fallen out of fashion to regain the interest and enthusiasm of the masses.

Byron is only an instance in point. Bygone poetry has little or no attraction for modern readers. This poem or that drama may be referred to, and occasionally examined in the interests of general culture, or in support of a particular belief or line of conduct, as a classical or quasi-scriptural authority; but, with the rarest exceptions, plays and narrative poems are not read spontaneously or with any genuine satisfaction or delight. An old-world poem which will not yield up its secret to the idle reader "of an empty day" is more or less [vii] "rudely dismissed," without even a show of favour or hospitality.

Byron is just one example. Old poetry has little to no appeal for contemporary readers. This poem or that play might be mentioned and occasionally analyzed for the sake of general culture, or to support a specific belief or way of acting, serving as a classical or semi-scriptural reference; however, with very few exceptions, plays and narrative poems are not read spontaneously or with any real enjoyment or pleasure. An old poem that won't reveal its meaning to the casual reader "with nothing to do" is pretty much [vii] "quickly dismissed," without even a hint of appreciation or kindness.

And yet these forgotten works of the imagination are full of hidden treasures! There is not one of Byron's "impressionist studies" of striking episodes of history or historical legend, flung, as it were, with a "Take it or leave it" in the face of friend or foe, which does not transform names and shadows into persons and substance, which does not contain lines and passages of unquestionable beauty and distinction.

And yet these overlooked creations of the imagination are full of hidden gems! Not one of Byron's "impressionist studies" of remarkable moments in history or historical legends, thrown out, so to speak, with a "Take it or leave it" attitude to friend or foe, fails to transform names and shadows into real characters and substance, and each one contains lines and sections of undeniable beauty and uniqueness.

But some would have it that Byron's plays, as a whole, are dull and uninspiring, monotonous harpings on worn-out themes, which every one has mastered or wishes to forget. A close study of the text, together with some knowledge of the subject as it presented itself to the author and arrested his attention, may compel these impatient critics to a different conclusion. Byron did not scruple to refer the reader to his "sources," and was at pains to publish, in the notes and appendices to his dramas and poems, long extracts from old chronicles, from Plutarch's Lives, from French and Italian histories, which he had read himself, and, as he fondly believed, would be read by others, who were willing to submit themselves to his guidance. He expected his readers to take some trouble and to display some intelligence.

But some people think that Byron's plays, overall, are boring and uninspiring, repetitive rants on tired themes that everyone has already mastered or wants to forget. A close reading of the text, along with some understanding of the subject as it appeared to the author and caught his attention, might force these impatient critics to rethink their opinion. Byron didn't hesitate to point readers to his "sources," and made an effort to publish in the notes and appendices of his dramas and poems long excerpts from old chronicles, from Plutarch's Lives, and from French and Italian histories that he had read himself and, as he hoped, would be read by others who were willing to follow his lead. He expected his readers to put in some effort and demonstrate some intelligence.

Poetry is successful only so far as it is intelligible. To a clear cry an answer comes, but not to a muffled call. The reader who comes within speaking distance[viii] of his author can hear him, and to bring the living within speaking distance of the dead, the living must know the facts, and understand the ideas which informed and inspired the dead. Thought and attention are scarcely to be reckoned among necromantic arts, but thought and knowledge "can make these bones live," and stand upon their feet, if they do not leap and sing.

Poetry is only successful as long as it makes sense. A clear shout gets a response, but a muffled call doesn’t. The reader who comes within speaking distance[viii] of the author can hear him, and to connect the living with the dead, the living must know the facts and understand the ideas that inspired the dead. Thinking and focusing aren’t typically seen as magical arts, but thought and knowledge "can make these bones live" and stand on their feet, even if they don’t jump and sing.

I desire to renew my acknowledgments of the generous assistance of the officials of the British Museum, and, more especially, of Mr. Ernest Wallis Budge, Litt.D., M.A., Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities; of Mr. Leonard W. King, M.A., of the same department; and of Mr. George F. Barwick, Superintendent of the Reading Room.

I want to express my gratitude again for the generous help from the staff at the British Museum, especially Mr. Ernest Wallis Budge, Litt.D., M.A., Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities; Mr. Leonard W. King, M.A., from the same department; and Mr. George F. Barwick, Superintendent of the Reading Room.

To Dr. Garnett, C.B., I am greatly indebted for invaluable hints and suggestions with regard to the interpretation of some obscure passages in The Age of Bronze and other parts of the volume, and for reading the proofs of the "Introduction" and "Note to the Introduction to Werner."

To Dr. Garnett, C.B., I am very grateful for the invaluable tips and suggestions regarding the interpretation of some unclear sections in The Age of Bronze and other parts of this volume, and for reviewing the proofs of the "Introduction" and "Note to the Introduction to Werner."

I have also to acknowledge the assistance and advice of Mr. W. Hale White, and of my friend Mr. Frank E. Taylor, of Chertsey.

I also want to thank Mr. W. Hale White for his help and advice, as well as my friend Mr. Frank E. Taylor from Chertsey.

For assistance during the preparation of the volume, and more especially in the revision of proofs, I desire to express my cordial thanks to Mr. John Murray.

For help with putting this volume together, especially in going over the proofs, I want to sincerely thank Mr. John Murray.

ERNEST HARTLEY COLERIDGE.

December 3, 1901.

December 3, 1901.

CONTENTS OF VOL. V

[ix]

Preface to Vol. V. of the Poems	v

Sardanapalus: A Tragedy.
Introduction to Sardanapalus	3
Dedication	7
Preface	9
Sardanapalus	13

The Two Foscari: An Historical Tragedy.
Introduction to The Two Foscari	115
The Two Foscari	121

Cain: A Mystery.
Introduction to Cain	199
Dedication	205
Preface	207
Cain	213

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
Introduction to Heaven and Earth	279
Heaven and Earth	285

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
Introduction to Werner	325
Note to the Introduction to Werner	329
Dedication	335
Preface	337
Werner	341
Werner. [First Draft.]	453

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
Introduction to The Deformed Transformed	469
Advertisement	473
The Deformed Transformed	477
Fragment of the Third Part of The Deformed Transformed	531

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
Introduction to The Age of Bronze	537
The Age of Bronze	541

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.
Introduction to The Island	581
Advertisement	585
The Island. Canto the First	587
Canto the Second	598
Canto the Third	618
Canto the Fourth	626

[xi]

[x]

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

1.	Lord Byron, from a painting in oils by W. E. West, currently owned by Mr. Percy Kent.	Frontispiece
2.	Assur-Bani-Pal, from a slab in the British Museum	To face p. 12
3.	The Lion of St. Mark's	138
4.	Goethe, based on a drawing by D. Maclise, R.A., in the Victoria and Albert Museum	282
5.	Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, from the Mezzotint by Valentine Green, after Sir J. Reynolds, P.R.A.	330
6.	Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, from a painting by R. Rothwell, R.H.A., in the National Portrait Gallery (1841)	474

[1]

Sardanapalus
A TRAGEDY.

[2] [Sardanapale, Tragédie Imitée de Lord Byron, par L. Alvin, was performed at the Théatre Royal at Brussels, January 13, 16, 1834.

[2] [Sardanapale, a Tragedy Inspired by Lord Byron, by L. Alvin, was performed at the Royal Theatre in Brussels on January 13 and 16, 1834.]

Sardanapalus, a Tragedy, was played for the first time at Drury Lane Theatre, April 10, 1834, and (for the twenty-second time) June 5, 1834. Macready appeared as "Sardanapalus," Miss Phillips as "Zarina," and Miss Ellen Tree as "Myrrha." [In his diary for April 11, 1834 (see Reminiscences, 1875, i. 414, 415) Macready wrote, "On arriving at my chambers ... I found a letter without a signature; the seal was the head of Byron, and in the envelope was a folded sheet with merely the words, 'Werner, Nov., 1830. Byron, Ravenna, 1821,' and 'Sardanapalus, April 10th, 1834.' Encircling the name of Byron, etc., was a lock of grey hair fastened by a gold thread, which I am sure was Byron's, ... it surprised and pleased me."]

Sardanapalus, a tragedy, was first performed at Drury Lane Theatre on April 10, 1834, and again for the twenty-second time on June 5, 1834. Macready played "Sardanapalus," Miss Phillips starred as "Zarina," and Miss Ellen Tree took on the role of "Myrrha." [In his diary on April 11, 1834 (see Reminiscences, 1875, i. 414, 415), Macready wrote, "Upon arriving at my chambers ... I found a letter without a signature; the seal bore the head of Byron, and inside the envelope was a folded sheet with just the words, 'Werner, Nov., 1830. Byron, Ravenna, 1821,' and 'Sardanapalus, April 10th, 1834.' Surrounding Byron's name, etc., was a lock of grey hair held together by a gold thread, which I'm sure was Byron's, ... it surprised and delighted me."]

Sardanapalus, King of Assyria, was produced at the Princess's Theatre, June 13, 1853, and played till September 2, 1853. Charles Kean appeared as "Sardanapalus," Miss Heath as "Zarina," and Mrs. Charles Kean as "Myrrha."

Sardanapalus, King of Assyria was performed at the Princess's Theatre from June 13, 1853, to September 2, 1853. Charles Kean played "Sardanapalus," Miss Heath took the role of "Zarina," and Mrs. Charles Kean portrayed "Myrrha."

Sardanapale, Opéra en Trois Actes, par M. Henry Becque, Musique de M. Victorin Joncières, was performed for the first time at the Thèatre Impérial-Lyrique, February 8, 1867.

Sardanapale, Opera in Three Acts, by M. Henry Becque, Music by M. Victorin Joncières, was first performed at the Théâtre Impérial-Lyrique on February 8, 1867.

Lord Byron's Tragedy of Sardanapalus, in four acts, was performed at the Theatre Royal, Manchester, March 31-April 28, 1877. Charles Calvert (the adapter) played "Sardanapalus," Miss Hathaway "Zarina," and Miss Fanny Ensor "Myrrha;" and June 26-July 27, 1877, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, Liverpool. Calvert's adaptation was also performed at Booth's Theatre, New York.]

Lord Byron's Tragedy of Sardanapalus, in four acts, was performed at the Theatre Royal in Manchester from March 31 to April 28, 1877. Charles Calvert (the adapter) played "Sardanapalus," Miss Hathaway played "Zarina," and Miss Fanny Ensor played "Myrrha." It was also shown from June 26 to July 27, 1877, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Liverpool. Calvert's adaptation was performed at Booth's Theatre in New York as well.

[3]

INTRODUCTION TO SARDANAPALUS

Byron's passion or infatuation for the regular drama lasted a little over a year. Marino Faliero, Sardanapalus, and the Two Foscari, were the fruits of his "self-denying ordinance to dramatize, like the Greeks ... striking passages of history" (letter to Murray, July 14, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 323). The mood was destined to pass, but for a while the neophyte was spell-bound.

Byron’s passion or infatuation for traditional drama lasted a little over a year. Marino Faliero, Sardanapalus, and The Two Foscari were the results of his "self-denying rule to dramatize, like the Greeks ... striking scenes from history" (letter to Murray, July 14, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 323). The excitement was bound to fade, but for a while, the beginner was captivated.

Sardanapalus, a Tragedy, the second and, perhaps, the most successful of these studies in the poetry of history, was begun at Ravenna, January 13, 1821, "with all deliberate speed;" but, for a time, from laziness or depression of spirits, or, perhaps, from the counter-excitement of "the poetry of politics" (Letters, 1901, v. 205), that is, the revolutionary drama which had begun to run its course, a month went by before he had finished the first act (February 15). Three months later (May 28) he announces the completion of the drama, the last act having been "dashed off" in two or three days (Letters, 1901, v. 300).

Sardanapalus, a Tragedy, the second and probably the most successful of these explorations into the poetry of history, was started in Ravenna on January 13, 1821, "with all deliberate speed;" however, for a period, due to laziness or feeling down, or maybe because of the distraction from "the poetry of politics" (Letters, 1901, v. 205), which is the revolutionary drama that had started to unfold, it took a month before he completed the first act (February 15). Three months later (May 28), he announced that the entire drama was finished, with the last act being "dashed off" in just two or three days (Letters, 1901, v. 300).

For the story of Sardanapalus, which had excited his interest as a schoolboy, Byron consulted the pages of Diodorus Siculus (Bibliothecæ Historicæ, lib. ii. pp. 78, sq., ed. 1604), and, possibly to ward off and neutralize the distracting influence of Shakespeare and other barbarian dramatists, he "turned over" the tragedies of Seneca (Letters, 1901, v. 173). It is hardly necessary to remind the modern reader that the Sardanapalus of history is an unverified if not an unverifiable personage. Diodorus the Sicilian, who was contemporary with Cicero, derived his knowledge of Assyrian history from the Persica of Ctesias of Cnidos, who was private physician at the court of Artaxerxes Mnemon (B.C. 405-359), and is said to have had access to, and to have consulted, the "Persian authorities" (διφθέραι Βασιλικαὶ).

For the story of Sardanapalus, which had caught his attention as a schoolboy, Byron referenced the writings of Diodorus Siculus (Bibliothecæ Historicæ, lib. ii. pp. 78, sq., ed. 1604), and, possibly to avoid the distracting influence of Shakespeare and other less refined playwrights, he "flipped through" the tragedies of Seneca (Letters, 1901, v. 173). It’s hardly necessary to remind today’s reader that the historical Sardanapalus is an unverified, if not unverifiable, figure. Diodorus the Sicilian, who lived during Cicero's time, got his information about Assyrian history from the Persica of Ctesias of Cnidos, who was the private physician at the court of Artaxerxes Mnemon (B.C. 405-359) and is said to have had access to and consulted the "Persian authorities" (Royal diphtheria).

[4] The character which Ctesias depicted or invented, an effeminate debauchee, sunk in luxury and sloth, who at the last was driven to take up arms, and, after a prolonged but ineffectual resistance, avoided capture by suicide, cannot be identified. Asurbanipal (Ašur-bāni-apli), the son of Esarhaddon and grandson of Sennacherib, who ascended the throne B.C. 668, and reigned for about forty years, was, as the cuneiform records and the friezes of his palace testify, a bold hunter and a mighty warrior. He vanquished Tarku (Tirhakah) of Ethiopia, and his successor, Urdamane. Ba'al King of Tyre, Yakinlū King of the island-city of Arvad, Sandăsarmū of Cilicia, Teumman of Elam, and other potentates, suffered defeat at his hands. "The land of Elam," writes the king or his "Historiographer Royal," "through its extent I covered as when a mighty storm approaches; I cut off the head of Teumman, their king.... Beyond number I slew his warriors; alive in my hands I took his fighting men; with their corpses, as with thorns and thistles, I filled the vicinity of Susa; their blood I caused to flow in the Eulæus, and I stained its waters like wool." Clearly the Sardanapalus who painted his face and carded purple wool in the penetralia of his seraglio does not bear even a traditional resemblance to Ašur-bāni-apli the Conqueror.

[4] The character that Ctesias described or created, a soft and indulgent person lost in luxury and laziness, who ultimately had to take up arms and, after a long but ineffective fight, avoided capture by committing suicide, remains unknown. Ashurbanipal, the son of Esarhaddon and grandson of Sennacherib, who became king in 668 B.C. and ruled for around forty years, was, as shown by the cuneiform records and the wall reliefs in his palace, a fearless hunter and a powerful warrior. He defeated Tarku (Tirhakah) of Ethiopia and his successor, Urdamane. Other leaders like Ba'al King of Tyre, Yakinlū King of the island-city of Arvad, Sandăsarmū of Cilicia, Teumman of Elam, and others faced defeat at his hands. “The land of Elam,” writes the king or his “Royal Historian,” “I covered throughout as a mighty storm approaches; I cut off the head of Teumman, their king…. I slew countless warriors; I took their fighting men alive; I filled the area around Susa with their corpses, like thorns and thistles; I made their blood flow in the Eulæus, staining its waters like wool.” Clearly, the Sardanapalus who painted his face and carded purple wool in the penetralia of his harem does not resemble Ashurbanipal the Conqueror in any traditional sense.

All that can be affirmed with any certainty is that within twenty years of the death of Asurbanipal, the Assyrian Empire passed into the hands of the Medes;[1] but there is nothing to show whether the period of decay had already set in before the close of his reign, or under which of his two successors, Ăsur-etil-ilāni or Sin-šar-iškun, the final catastrophe (B.C. 606) took place (Encyclopedia Biblica, art. "Assyria," art. "Ăsur-bani-pal," by Leonard W. King).

All that can be said for sure is that within twenty years after Asurbanipal's death, the Assyrian Empire fell into the hands of the Medes;[1] but it's unclear whether the decline had already begun before his reign ended, or under which of his two successors, Ăsur-etil-ilāni or Sin-šar-iškun, the final disaster (B.C. 606) occurred (Encyclopedia Biblica, art. "Assyria," art. "Ăsur-bani-pal," by Leonard W. King).

"I have made," writes Byron (May 25, 1821), "Sardanapalus brave though voluptuous (as history represents him), and as amiable as my poor pen could make him." Diodorus, or rather Ctesias, who may have drawn upon personal reminiscences of his patron, Artaxerxes Mnemon (see Plutarch's Artaxerxes, passim), does not enlarge upon his amiability, and credits him only with the courage of despair. Byron's Sardanapalus, with his sudden transition from[5] voluptuous abandonment to heroic chivalry, his remorseful recognition of the sanctities of wedlock, his general good nature, his "sly, insinuating sarcasms" (Moore's Diary, September 30, 1821, Memoirs, iii. 282), "all made out of the carver's brain," resembles history as little as history resembles the Assyrian record. Fortunately, the genius of the poet escaped from the meshes which he had woven round himself, and, in spite of himself, he was constrained to "beat his music out," regardless of his authorities.

"I have created," Byron writes (May 25, 1821), "a Sardanapalus who is brave yet indulgent (as history describes him), and as likable as my humble writing can make him." Diodorus, or rather Ctesias, who may have relied on his personal experiences with his patron, Artaxerxes Mnemon (see Plutarch's Artaxerxes, passim), doesn't elaborate on his likability, attributing to him only the courage that comes from despair. Byron's Sardanapalus, with his abrupt shift from[5] indulgent recklessness to heroic bravery, his regretful acknowledgment of the sacredness of marriage, his overall friendliness, and his "sly, insinuating sarcasms" (Moore's Diary, September 30, 1821, Memoirs, iii. 282), "all made out of the carver's brain," bears little resemblance to history, just as history bears little resemblance to the Assyrian record. Fortunately, the poet's genius broke free from the confines he had set for himself, and, despite himself, he was compelled to "beat his music out," ignoring his sources.

The character of Myrrha, which bears some resemblance to Aspasia, "a native of Phocea in Ionia—the favourite mistress of Cyrus" (see Plutarch's Artaxerxes, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 699), was introduced partly to pacify the Countess Guiccioli, who had quarrelled with him for maintaining that "love was not the loftiest theme for true tragedy," and, in part, to prove that he was not a slave to his own ideals, and could imagine and delineate a woman who was both passionate and high-minded. Diodorus (Bibl. Hist., lib. iii. p. 130) records the exploits of Myrina, Queen of the Amazons, but it is probable that Byron named his Ionian slave after Mirra, who gives her name to Alfieri's tragedy, which brought on a convulsive fit of tears and shuddering when he first saw it played at Bologna in August, 1819 (Letters, 1900, iv. 339).

The character of Myrrha, which is somewhat similar to Aspasia, "a native of Phocea in Ionia—the favored mistress of Cyrus" (see Plutarch's Artaxerxes, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 699), was introduced partly to appease the Countess Guiccioli, who had argued with him over his belief that "love was not the highest theme for true tragedy," and partly to show that he wasn’t bound by his own ideals and could create and portray a woman who was both passionate and noble. Diodorus (Bibl. Hist., lib. iii. p. 130) notes the deeds of Myrina, Queen of the Amazons, but it’s likely that Byron named his Ionian slave after Mirra, who is the namesake of Alfieri's tragedy, which caused him to have a fit of tears and shudders when he first saw it performed in Bologna in August 1819 (Letters, 1900, iv. 339).

Sardanapalus, a Tragedy, was published together with The Two Foscari, a Tragedy, and Cain, a Mystery, December 19, 1821.

Sardanapalus, a Tragedy, was released alongside The Two Foscari, a Tragedy, and Cain, a Mystery, on December 19, 1821.

The three plays were reviewed by Heber in the Quarterly Review, July, 1822, vol. xxvii. pp. 476-524; by Jeffrey in the Edinburgh Review, February, 1822, vol. 36, pp. 413-452; in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, February, 1822, vol. xi. pp. 212-217; and in the Portfolio (Philadelphia), December, 1822, vol. xiv. pp. 487-492.

[6]

[7]

TO
THE FAMOUS GOETHE
A STRANGER
DARES TO PAY TRIBUTE
AS A LITERARY VASSAL TO HIS LIEGE LORD,
THE LEADER AMONG CURRENT WRITERS,
WHO HAS DEVELOPED
THE LITERATURE OF HIS OWN COUNTRY,
AND ENRICHED THAT OF EUROPE.
THE UNWORTHY PRODUCTION
WHICH THE AUTHOR DARES TO WRITE FOR HIM
IS TITLED
Sardanapalus.[2]

[8]

[9]

PREFACE

In publishing the following Tragedies [3] I have only to repeat, that they were not composed with the most remote view to the stage. On the attempt made by the managers in a former instance, the public opinion has been already expressed. With regard to my own private feelings, as it seems that they are to stand for nothing, I shall say nothing.

In publishing the following Tragedies [3] I just want to emphasize that they weren't written with any intention for the stage. The public has already shared their thoughts on the previous attempt by the managers. As for my personal feelings, since they seem to mean nothing, I won't say anything more about them.

For the historical foundation of the following compositions the reader is referred to the Notes.

For the historical background of the following compositions, the reader is directed to the Notes.

The Author has in one instance attempted to preserve, and in the other to approach, the "unities;" conceiving that with any very distant departure from them, there may be poetry, but can be no drama. He is aware of the unpopularity of this notion in present English literature; but it is not a system of his own, being merely an opinion, which, not very long ago, was the law of literature throughout the world, and is still so in the more civilised parts of it. But "nous avons changé tout cela," and are reaping the advantages of the change. The writer is far from conceiving that any thing he can adduce by personal precept or example can at all approach his regular, or even irregular predecessors: he is merely giving a reason why he preferred the more regular formation of a structure, however feeble, to an entire abandonment of all rules whatsoever. Where he has failed, the failure is in the architect,—and not in the art.

The author has tried in one instance to maintain, and in another to get closer to, the "unities," believing that any significant departure from them might lead to poetry, but not drama. He understands that this idea is quite unpopular in modern English literature; however, it’s not a theory of his own but simply an opinion that, not too long ago, was the standard in literature around the world and still is in the more developed areas. But "nous avons changé tout cela," and we are enjoying the benefits of this change. The writer doesn’t believe that anything he presents through personal teaching or example can compare to his regular or even irregular predecessors; he’s just explaining why he preferred a more structured approach, even if weak, to completely disregarding all rules. Where he has failed, the fault lies with the architect—not with the art.

[10] In this tragedy it has been my intention to follow the account of Diodorus Siculus;[4] reducing it, however, to such dramatic regularity as I best could, and trying to approach the unities. I therefore suppose the rebellion to explode and succeed in one day by a sudden conspiracy, instead of the long war of the history.

[10] In this tragedy, I aimed to follow the story of Diodorus Siculus;[4] but I tried to shape it into a more structured drama as best as I could, while also attempting to align with the unities. So, I imagine the rebellion breaking out and succeeding in one day through a sudden conspiracy, rather than the prolonged war described in the history.

[11]

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

MEN.

Sardanapalus, king of Nineveh and Assyria, etc.

Arbaces, the Mede who aspired to the Throne.

Beleses, a Chaldean and Soothsayer.

Salesmen, the King's Brother-in-Law.

Altada, an Assyrian Officer of the Palace.

Pania.

Zames.

Sfero.

Balea.

WOMEN.

Zarina, the Queen.

Myrrha, an Ionian female Slave, and the Favourite Mistress of Sardanapalus.

Myrrha, an Ionian female slave and the favorite mistress of Sardanapalus.

Women composing the Harem of Sardanapalus, Guards, Attendants, Chaldean Priests, Medes, etc., etc.

Women in the Harem of Sardanapalus, Guards, Attendants, Chaldean Priests, Medes, etc., etc.

Scene.—A Hall in the Royal Palace of Nineveh.

[13]

SARDANAPALUS.[5]

ACT I.

Scene I.—A Hall in the Palace.

Salemenes (solus). He hath wronged his queen, but still he is her lord;

Salemenes (solus). He has betrayed his queen, but he is still her ruler;

He hath wronged my sister—still he is my brother;

He has wronged my sister—but he is still my brother;

He hath wronged his people—still he is their sovereign—[14]

He has wronged his people—yet he is still their ruler—[14]

And I must be his friend as well as subject:

And I have to be his friend as well as his subject:

He must not perish thus. I will not see

He can't die like this. I won't let it happen.

The blood of Nimrod and Semiramis

Sink in the earth, and thirteen hundred years

Sink in the ground, and thirteen hundred years

Of Empire ending like a shepherd's tale;

Of Empire ending like a shepherd's story;

He must be roused. In his effeminate heart

He needs to be awakened. In his delicate heart

There is a careless courage which Corruption10

There is a reckless bravery that Corruption10

Has not all quenched, and latent energies,

Has not all been exhausted, and hidden energies,

Repressed by circumstance, but not destroyed—

Repressed by circumstance, but not defeated—

Steeped, but not drowned, in deep voluptuousness.

Steeped, but not overwhelmed, in rich sensuality.

If born a peasant, he had been a man

If he were born a peasant, he would have been a man

To have reached an empire: to an empire born,

He will bequeath none; nothing but a name,

He won't leave behind anything; just a name,

Which his sons will not prize in heritage:—

Which his sons will not value as an inheritance:—

Yet—not all lost—even yet—he may redeem

Yet—not all is lost—even now—he may redeem.

His sloth and shame, by only being that

His laziness and embarrassment, by just being that

Which he should be, as easily as the thing20

Which he should be, as easily as that thing20

He should not be and is. Were it less toil

He shouldn’t be and is. If it were less work

To sway his nations than consume his life?

To influence his nations rather than waste his life?

To head an army than to rule a harem?

To lead an army than to control a harem?

He sweats in palling pleasures, dulls his soul,[a]

He sweats in fading pleasures, numbs his soul,[a]

And saps his goodly strength, in toils which yield not

And drains his good strength in work that doesn’t pay off.

Health like the chase, nor glory like the war—

Health like the pursuit, nor glory like the battle—

He must be roused. Alas! there is no sound

He needs to be awakened. Unfortunately, there is no noise.

[Sound of soft music heard from within.

[Chill music playing inside.

To rouse him short of thunder. Hark! the lute—

To wake him without thunder. Listen! The lute—

The lyre—the timbrel; the lascivious tinklings

The lyre—the tambourine; the seductive jingles

Of lulling instruments, the softening voices30

Of soothing instruments, the gentle voices30

Of women, and of beings less than women,

Of women and beings regarded as lesser than women,

Must chime in to the echo of his revel,

Must join in on the excitement of his celebration,

While the great King of all we know of earth

While the great King of everything we know on earth

Lolls crowned with roses, and his diadem

Lies negligently by to be caught up

Lies carelessly left to be caught up

By the first manly hand which dares to snatch it.

By the first brave hand that dares to grab it.

Lo, where they come! already I perceive[15]

Lo, here they come! I can already see[15]

The reeking odours of the perfumed trains,

The stinking smells of the scented trains,

And see the bright gems of the glittering girls,[b]

And look at the shiny gems on the sparkling girls,[b]

At once his Chorus and his Council, flash40

At the same time, his Chorus and his Council, flash40

Along the gallery, and amidst the damsels,

Along the gallery, and among the young women,

As femininely garbed, and scarce less female,

As dressed in a feminine way, and barely less feminine,

The grandson of Semiramis, the Man-Queen.—

He comes! Shall I await him? yes, and front him,

He’s coming! Should I wait for him? Yes, and face him,

And tell him what all good men tell each other,

And tell him what all decent guys say to one another,

Speaking of him and his. They come, the slaves

Speaking of him and his people. They arrive, the slaves.

Led by the monarch subject to his slaves.

Led by the king who is answerable to his subjects.

Scene II.

Enter Sardanapalus effeminately dressed, his Head crowned with Flowers, and his Robe negligently flowing, attended by a Train of Women and young Slaves.

Enter Sardanapalus dressed in a feminine style, his head adorned with flowers, and his robe casually flowing, followed by a group of women and young servants.

Sar. (speaking to some of his attendants). Let the pavilion [6] over the Euphrates

Sar. (talking to a few of his attendants). Let the pavilion [6] over the Euphrates

Be garlanded, and lit, and furnished forth

Be adorned, lit up, and equipped

For an especial banquet; at the hour

For a special banquet; at the time

Of midnight we will sup there: see nought wanting,

Of midnight, we will have dinner there: make sure nothing is missing,

And bid the galley be prepared. There is

And have the ship get ready. There is

A cooling breeze which crisps the broad clear river:

A refreshing breeze that brings a chill to the wide, clear river:

We will embark anon. Fair Nymphs, who deign[16]

We will set off soon. Beautiful Nymphs, who graciously

To share the soft hours of Sardanapalus,

To share the gentle moments of Sardanapalus,

We'll meet again in that the sweetest hour,

We'll meet again at that sweetest hour,

When we shall gather like the stars above us,10

When we come together like the stars above us,10

And you will form a heaven as bright as theirs;

And you will create a sky as bright as theirs;

Till then, let each be mistress of her time,

Till then, let each one be in charge of her own time,

And thou, my own Ionian Myrrha,[7] choose;

And you, my dear Ionian Myrrha,[7] choose;

Wilt thou along with them or me?

Will you go with them or me?

Myr.‍My Lord—

Sar. My Lord!—my Life! why answerest thou so coldly?

Sar. My Lord!—my Life! Why are you answering so coldly?

It is the curse of kings to be so answered.

It’s the burden of kings to receive such responses.

Rule thy own hours, thou rulest mine—say, wouldst thou

Rule your own hours, you rule mine—so, would you

Accompany our guests, or charm away

Accompany our guests or win them over.

The moments from me?

Myr.‍The King's choice is mine.

Myr.‍It's my decision.

Sar. I pray thee say not so: my chiefest joy20

Sar. Please don’t say that: my greatest joy20

Is to contribute to thine every wish.

Is to contribute to your every wish.

I do not dare to breathe my own desire,

I don't even dare to say what I want,

Lest it should clash with thine; for thou art still

Lest it should clash with yours; for you are still

Too prompt to sacrifice thy thoughts for others.

Too quick to give up your thoughts for others.

Myr. I would remain: I have no happiness

Myr. I would stay: I have no joy.

Save in beholding thine; yet——

Save in seeing yours; yet——

Sar.‍Yet! what yet?

Yet! What yet?

Thy own sweet will shall be the only barrier

Your own sweet will shall be the only barrier

Which ever rises betwixt thee and me.

Whichever rises between you and me.

Myr. I think the present is the wonted hour

Myr. I think now is the usual time.

Of council; it were better I retire.30

Of council; it would be better if I stepped back.30

Sal. (comes forward and says) The Ionian slave says well: let her retire.

Sal. (steps forward and says) The Ionian slave is right: let her go.

Sar. Who answers? How now, brother?

Sar. Who's there? What's up, brother?

Sal.‍The Queen's brother,

Sal. The Queen's brother,

And your most faithful vassal, royal Lord.

And your most loyal servant, royal Lord.

Sar. (addressing his train). As I have said, let all dispose their hours

Sar. (talking to his group). As I mentioned, everyone should manage their time.

Till midnight, when again we pray your presence.

Till midnight, when we hope to see you again.

[The court retiring.[17]

The court is adjourned.

(To Myrrha,[c] who is going.) Myrrha! I thought thou wouldst remain.

(To Myrrh,[c] who is going.) Myrrha! I thought you would stay.

Myr.‍Great King,

Myr.‍Awesome King,

Thou didst not say so.

You didn't say that.

Sar.‍But thou looked'st it:

Sar. But you looked at it:

I know each glance of those Ionic eyes,[d]

I know every look from those Ionic eyes,[d]

Which said thou wouldst not leave me.

Which you said you wouldn't leave me.

Myr.‍Sire! your brother——

Myr.‍Sir! Your brother——

Sal. His Consort's brother, minion of Ionia!40

Sal. His Consort's brother, Ionia's minion!40

How darest thou name me and not blush?

How dare you name me and not blush?

Sar.‍Not blush!

Don't blush!

Thou hast no more eyes than heart to make her crimson

You have no more eyes than heart to make her red.

Like to the dying day on Caucasus,

Like to the dying day on the Caucasus,

Where sunset tints the snow with rosy shadows,

Where the sunset colors the snow with pink shadows,

And then reproach her with thine own cold blindness,

And then blame her for your own cold ignorance,

Which will not see it. What! in tears, my Myrrha?

Which won't see it. What! in tears, my Myrrha?

Sal. Let them flow on; she weeps for more than one,

Sal. Let them keep flowing; she's crying for more than just one,

And is herself the cause of bitterer tears.

And is the reason for even harsher tears.

Sar. Curséd be he who caused those tears to flow!

Sar. Damn the one who made those tears fall!

Sal. Curse not thyself—millions do that already.50

Sal. Don’t blame yourself—millions already do that.50

Sar. Thou dost forget thee: make me not remember

Sar. You forget yourself: don't make me remember.

I am a monarch.

I’m a king/queen.

Sal.‍Would thou couldst!

Sal.‍Wish you could!

Myr.‍My sovereign,

Myr. My ruler,

I pray, and thou, too, Prince, permit my absence.

I pray, and you too, Prince, allow me to be absent.

Sar. Since it must be so, and this churl has checked

Sar. Since it has to be this way, and this rude person has stopped

Thy gentle spirit, go; but recollect

Thy gentle spirit, go; but remember

That we must forthwith meet: I had rather lose

That we must meet right away: I would rather lose

An empire than thy presence. [Exit Myrrha.

An empire beyond your presence. [Exit Myrrha.

Sal.‍It may be,

It might be,

Thou wilt lose both—and both for ever!

You will lose both—and both forever!

Sar.‍Brother!

Sar.‍Bro!

I can at least command myself, who listen

I can at least control myself, who listens

To language such as this: yet urge me not60

To language like this: yet don’t push me not

Beyond my easy nature.

Beyond my laid-back personality.

Sal.‍'Tis beyond

Sal.‍It's beyond

That easy—far too easy—idle nature,

That’s easy—way too easy—lazy nature,

Which I would urge thee. O that I could rouse thee![18]

Which I would urge you. Oh, how I wish I could wake you up![18]

Though 'twere against myself.

Though it were against myself.

Sar.‍By the god Baal!

By the god Baal!

The man would make me tyrant.

The man would turn me into a tyrant.

Sal.‍So thou art.

Sal.‍So you are.

Think'st thou there is no tyranny but that

Think you there's no tyranny except that

Of blood and chains? The despotism of vice,

Of blood and chains? The tyranny of wrongdoing,

The weakness and the wickedness of luxury,

The flaws and the evils of luxury,

The negligence, the apathy, the evils

The neglect, the indifference, the wrongs

Of sensual sloth—produce ten thousand tyrants,70

Of sensual laziness—create ten thousand tyrants,70

Whose delegated cruelty surpasses

Whose assigned cruelty surpasses

The worst acts of one energetic master,

The worst actions of one highly driven master,

However harsh and hard in his own bearing.

However tough and tough in his own demeanor.

The false and fond examples of thy lusts

The false and misleading examples of your desires

Corrupt no less than they oppress, and sap

Corrupt just as much as they oppress, and weaken

In the same moment all thy pageant power

In that same moment, all your display of power

And those who should sustain it; so that whether

And those who should support it; so that whether

A foreign foe invade, or civil broil

A foreign enemy invades, or a civil conflict

Distract within, both will alike prove fatal:

Distract internally, and both will end up being deadly:

The first thy subjects have no heart to conquer;80

The first, your subjects have no desire to conquer; 80

The last they rather would assist than vanquish.

The last thing they would prefer is to help rather than defeat.

Sar. Why, what makes thee the mouth-piece of the people?

Sar. Why, what makes you the spokesperson for the people?

Sal. Forgiveness of the Queen, my sister wrongs;

Sal. Forgive me, Your Majesty, my sister has done wrong;

A natural love unto my infant nephews;

A natural love for my little nephews;

Faith to the King, a faith he may need shortly,

Faith in the King, a faith he might need soon,

In more than words; respect for Nimrod's line;

In more than just words; respect for Nimrod's lineage;

Also, another thing thou knowest not.

Also, there's something else you don't know.

Sar. What's that?

Sar. What’s that about?

Sal.‍To thee an unknown word.

Sal. To you an unknown word.

Sar.‍Yet speak it;

Sar.‍But say it;

I love to learn.

I enjoy learning.

Sal.‍Virtue.

Sal.‍Goodness.

Sar.‍Not know the word!

Not know the word!

Never was word yet rung so in my ears—90

Never have I ever heard a word that resonated in my ears like this—90

Worse than the rabble's shout, or splitting trumpet:

Worse than the crowd's shout, or a blaring trumpet:

I've heard thy sister talk of nothing else.

I've heard your sister talk about nothing else.

Sal. To change the irksome theme, then, hear of vice.

Sal. To switch things up from the annoying topic, let’s talk about bad behavior.

Sar. From whom?

Sar. Who's it from?

Sal.‍Even from the winds, if thou couldst listen

Sal.Got it! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Even from the winds, if you could listen

Unto the echoes of the Nation's voice.

Sar. Come, I'm indulgent, as thou knowest, patient,[19]

Sar. Come on, I'm easygoing, as you know, patient,[19]

As thou hast often proved—speak out, what moves thee?

As you've often shown—speak up, what’s bothering you?

Sal. Thy peril.

Sal. Your danger.

Sar.‍Say on.

Sar. Keep going.

Sal.‍Thus, then: all the nations,

So, then: all the nations,

For they are many, whom thy father left

For there are many whom your father left

In heritage, are loud in wrath against thee.100

In heritage, they are loud in anger against you.100

Sar. 'Gainst me!! What would the slaves?

Sar. 'Gainst me!! What would the slaves do?

Sal.‍A king.

Sal. A king.

Sar.‍And what

And what

Am I then?

Am I?

Sal.‍In their eyes a nothing; but

Sal.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.In their eyes, a nobody; but

In mine a man who might be something still.

In mine, a man who could still be something.

Sar. The railing drunkards! why, what would they have?

Sar. Those drunk idiots! What do they want?

Have they not peace and plenty?

Do they not have peace and plenty?

Sal.‍Of the first

Sal.‍First

More than is glorious: of the last, far less

More than is glorious: of the last, much less.

Than the King recks of.

Than the King cares about.

Sar.‍Whose then is the crime,

Whose crime is it then,

But the false satraps, who provide no better?

But the fake leaders, who offer nothing better?

Sal. And somewhat in the Monarch who ne'er looks

Sal. And somewhat in the Monarch who never looks

Beyond his palace walls, or if he stirs110

Beyond his palace walls, or if he stirs

Beyond them, 'tis but to some mountain palace,

Beyond them, it's just a mountain palace,

Till summer heats wear down. O glorious Baal!

Till summer heat wears down. O glorious Baal!

Who built up this vast empire, and wert made

Who built this vast empire, and who was it made by?

A God, or at the least shinest like a God

A God, or at least shines like a God

Through the long centuries of thy renown,

Through the long centuries of your fame,

This, thy presumed descendant, ne'er beheld

This, your supposed descendant, never saw

As king the kingdoms thou didst leave as hero,

As king, the kingdoms you left behind as a hero,

Won with thy blood, and toil, and time, and peril!

Won with your blood, and effort, and time, and danger!

For what? to furnish imposts for a revel,

For what? To provide expenses for a party,

Or multiplied extortions for a minion.120

Or increased blackmail for a lackey.120

Sar. I understand thee—thou wouldst have me go

Sar. I get it—you want me to go.

Forth as a conqueror. By all the stars

Forth as a winner. By all the stars

Which the Chaldeans read—the restless slaves [e]

Deserve that I should curse them with their wishes,

Deserve that I should curse them with what they want,

And lead them forth to glory.

And lead them to success.

Sal.‍Wherefore not?

Sal. Why not?

Semiramis—a woman only—led[20]

Semiramis—a woman alone—led

These our Assyrians to the solar shores

These Assyrians to the sunny shores

Of Ganges.

Of the Ganges.

Sar.‍Tis most true. And how returned?

Sar.‍It's true. And how did you come back?

Sal. Why, like a man—a hero; baffled, but

Sal. Why, like a man—a hero; confused, but

Not vanquished. With but twenty guards, she made130

Not defeated. With only twenty guards, she made130

Good her retreat to Bactria.

Good for her retreat to Bactria.

Sar.‍And how many

And how many

Left she behind in India to the vultures?

Left her behind in India to the vultures?

Sal. Our annals say not.

Sal. Our records indicate otherwise.

Sar.‍Then I will say for them—

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like to modernize.Then I will speak on their behalf—

That she had better woven within her palace

Some twenty garments, than with twenty guards

Some twenty garments, then with twenty guards

Have fled to Bactria, leaving to the ravens,

Have escaped to Bactria, leaving to the crows,

And wolves, and men—the fiercer of the three,

And wolves and men—the most ferocious of the three,

Her myriads of fond subjects. Is this Glory?

Her many cherished subjects. Is this Glory?

Then let me live in ignominy ever.

Then let me live in disgrace forever.

Sal. All warlike spirits have not the same fate.140

Sal. Not all warrior spirits share the same destiny.140

Semiramis, the glorious parent of

Semiramis, the glorious mother of

A hundred kings, although she failed in India,

A hundred kings, even though she didn't succeed in India,

Brought Persia—Media—Bactria—to the realm

Brought Persia, Media, and Bactria to the realm

Which she once swayed—and thou mightst sway.

Which she once swayed—and you might sway.

Sar.‍I sway them—

I sway them—

She but subdued them.

She just subdued them.

Sal.‍It may be ere long

It may be soon

That they will need her sword more than your sceptre.

That they will need her sword more than your scepter.

Sar. There was a certain Bacchus, was there not?

Sar. There was indeed a Bacchus, wasn’t there?

I've heard my Greek girls speak of such—they say

I've heard my Greek friends talk about this—they say

He was a God, that is, a Grecian god,

He was a God, specifically a Greek god,

An idol foreign to Assyria's worship,150

An idol that has nothing to do with Assyria's worship,150

Who conquered this same golden realm of Ind

Who conquered this same golden land of India

Thou prat'st of, where Semiramis was vanquished.

You talk about where Semiramis was defeated.

Sal. I have heard of such a man; and thou perceiv'st

Sal. I've heard of that guy; and you notice

That he is deemed a God for what he did.

That he is considered a God for what he did.

Sar. And in his godship I will honour him—

Sar. And I will honor him in his divinity—

Not much as man. What, ho! my cupbearer!

Not much as a man. Hey! My cupbearer!

Sal. What means the King?

Sal. What does the King mean?

Sar.‍To worship your new God

Worship your new God

And ancient conqueror. Some wine, I say.

And an ancient conqueror. I say, some wine.

[21]

Enter Cupbearer.

Join the Cupbearer.

Sar. (addressing the Cupbearer).

Sar. (talking to the Cupbearer).

Bring me the golden goblet thick with gems,

Bring me the golden cup packed with jewels,

Which bears the name of Nimrod's chalice. Hence,160

Which is called Nimrod's chalice. Hence,160

Fill full, and bear it quickly. [Exit Cupbearer.

Fill it up and take it quickly. [Leave Cupbearer.]

Sal.‍Is this moment

Is this moment

A fitting one for the resumption of

A suitable one for the continuation of

Thy yet unslept-off revels?

Your remaining party?

Re-enter Cupbearer, with wine.

Enter Cupbearer, with wine.

Sar. (taking the cup from him). Noble kinsman,

Sar. (taking the cup from him). Noble relative,

If these barbarian Greeks of the far shores

If these barbaric Greeks from distant shores

And skirts of these our realms lie not, this Bacchus

And the edges of our lands are not, this Bacchus

Conquered the whole of India,[8] did he not?

Conquered all of India,__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ right?

Sal. He did, and thence was deemed a Deity.[f]

Sal. He did, and from that moment was considered a God.[f]

Sar. Not so:—of all his conquests a few columns.[9]

Sar. Not true:—of all his victories, just a few columns.[9]

Which may be his, and might be mine, if I

Which may be his, and could be mine, if I

Thought them worth purchase and conveyance, are170

Thought they were worth buying and transporting, are170

The landmarks of the seas of gore he shed,

The landmarks of the bloody seas he spilled,

The realms he wasted, and the hearts he broke.

The places he ruined and the hearts he shattered.

But here—here in this goblet is his title

But here—in this goblet is his title

To immortality—the immortal grape

To immortality—the everlasting grape

From which he first expressed the soul, and gave

From which he first expressed the soul and gave

To gladden that of man, as some atonement

To make man happy, as some kind of atonement

For the victorious mischiefs he had done.

For the pranks he had successfully pulled off.

Had it not been for this, he would have been

A mortal still in name as in his grave;

A human still in name as in his grave;

And, like my ancestor Semiramis,180

And, like my ancestor Semiramis,

A sort of semi-glorious human monster.

A kind of semi-glorious human monster.

Here's that which deified him—let it now

Here's what made him a god—let it now

Humanise thee; my surly, chiding brother,[22]

Humanize yourself; my grumpy, nagging brother,[22]

Pledge me to the Greek God!

Pledge me to the Greek god!

Sal.‍For all thy realms

Sal. For all your realms

I would not so blaspheme our country's creed.

I wouldn't disrespect our country's beliefs like that.

Sar. That is to say, thou thinkest him a hero,

Sar. In other words, you think he's a hero,

That he shed blood by oceans; and no God,

That he spilled blood by the ocean; and no God,

Because he turned a fruit to an enchantment,

Because he transformed a fruit into a spell,

Which cheers the sad, revives the old, inspires

Which lifts the spirits of the sad, energizes the old, inspires

The young, makes Weariness forget his toil,190

The young make Weariness forget his work,190

And Fear her danger; opens a new world

When this, the present, palls. Well, then I pledge thee

When the present gets boring, well, then I promise you

And him as a true man, who did his utmost

And him as a real man, who did his best

In good or evil to surprise mankind. [Drinks.

In good or bad to surprise humanity. Drinks.

Sal. Wilt thou resume a revel at this hour?

Sal. Will you start a party at this hour?

Sar. And if I did, 'twere better than a trophy,

Sar. And if I did, it would be better than a trophy,

Being bought without a tear. But that is not

My present purpose: since thou wilt not pledge me,

My current purpose: since you will not promise me,

Continue what thou pleasest.

Do what you want.

(To the Cupbearer.)‍Boy, retire. [Exit Cupbearer.

(To the Cupbearer.)‍Kid, go away. [Exit Cupbearer.

Sal. I would but have recalled thee from thy dream;200

Sal. I would, but I've pulled you back from your dream;200

Better by me awakened than rebellion.

Better that I wake up than have a rebellion.

Sar. Who should rebel? or why? what cause? pretext?

Sar. Who should rise up? or why? what reason? excuse?

I am the lawful King, descended from

I am the rightful King, coming from

A race of Kings who knew no predecessors.

A group of kings who had no ancestors.

What have I done to thee, or to the people,

What have I done to you, or to the people,

That thou shouldst rail, or they rise up against me?

That you should insult me, or they stand up against me?

Sal. Of what thou hast done to me, I speak not.

Sal. I won’t talk about what you’ve done to me.

Sar.‍But

Sar. But

Thou think'st that I have wronged the Queen: is't not so?

You think I've wronged the Queen, right?

Sal. Think! Thou hast wronged her!

Sal. Think! You’ve wronged her!

Sar.‍Patience, Prince, and hear me.

Sar.‍Be patient, Prince, and listen.

She has all power and splendour of her station,210

She has all the power and glory that comes with her position,210

Respect, the tutelage of Assyria's heirs,

Respect, the guidance of Assyria's descendants,

The homage and the appanage of sovereignty.

The tribute and the grant of sovereignty.

I married her as monarchs wed—for state,

I married her like rulers do—for political reasons,

And loved her as most husbands love their wives.

And loved her like most husbands love their wives.

If she or thou supposedst I could link me

If she or you thought I could connect myself

Like a Chaldean peasant to his mate,

Like a Chaldean farmer to his buddy,

Ye knew nor me—nor monarchs—nor mankind.

You didn't know me—or kings—or people.

Sal. I pray thee, change the theme: my blood disdains

Sal. Please, change the subject: I'm not in the mood for this.

Complaint, and Salemenes' sister seeks not[23]

Complaint, and Salemenes' sister is not looking for[23]

Reluctant love even from Assyria's lord!220

Reluctant love even from the king of Assyria!220

Nor would she deign to accept divided passion

Nor would she lower herself to accept a split passion.

With foreign strumpets and Ionian slaves.

With foreign prostitutes and Ionian slaves.

The Queen is silent.

The Queen is quiet.

Sar.‍And why not her brother?

And why not her brother?

Sal. I only echo thee the voice of empires,

Sal. I'm just reflecting the voice of empires,

Which he who long neglects not long will govern.

Which he who neglects for too long will not be able to govern for long.

Sar. The ungrateful and ungracious slaves! they murmur

Sar. The ungrateful and rude slaves! They complain.

Because I have not shed their blood, nor led them

Because I haven't spilled their blood or led them

To dry into the desert's dust by myriads,

To dry in the countless dust of the desert,

Or whiten with their bones the banks of Ganges;

Or whiten the banks of the Ganges with their bones;

Nor decimated them with savage laws,230

Nor reduced them to nothing with brutal laws,230

Nor sweated them to build up Pyramids,

Nor did they force them to build Pyramids,

Or Babylonian walls.

Or Babylonian city walls.

Sal.‍Yet these are trophies

Sal. Yet these are trophies

More worthy of a people and their prince

More deserving of a people and their leader

Than songs, and lutes, and feasts, and concubines,

Than songs, lutes, feasts, and concubines,

And lavished treasures, and contemnéd virtues.

And showered gifts, and disregarded values.

Sar. Or for my trophies I have founded cities:

Sar. Or for my achievements, I have built cities:

There's Tarsus and Anchialus, both built

In one day—what could that blood-loving beldame,

In one day—what could that bloodthirsty woman,

My martial grandam, chaste Semiramis,

My martial grandmother, chaste Semiramis,

Do more, except destroy them?

Do more, but don't destroy them?

Sal.‍'Tis most true;240

Sal.‍It's very true;240

I own thy merit in those founded cities,

I acknowledge your achievements in those established cities,

Built for a whim, recorded with a verse

Built on a whim, captured in a verse

Which shames both them and thee to coming ages.

Which shames both them and you for future generations.

Sar. Shame me! By Baal, the cities, though well built,

Sar. Shame on me! By Baal, the cities, even though they’re well constructed,

Are not more goodly than the verse! Say what

Are not more beautiful than the verse! Say what

Thou wilt 'gainst me, my mode of life or rule,

Thou wilt go against me, my way of life or leadership,

But nothing 'gainst the truth of that brief record.

But nothing against the truth of that brief record.

Why, those few lines contain the history

Why, those few lines hold the history

Of all things human: hear—"Sardanapalus,

Of all human things: hear—"Sardanapalus,

The king, and son of Anacyndaraxes,250

The king, the son of Anacyndaraxes,250

In one day built Anchialus and Tarsus.

In one day, they built Anchialus and Tarsus.

Eat, drink, and love; the rest's not worth a fillip."[10][24]

Eat, drink, and love; everything else isn't worth a minute. [10][24]

Sal. A worthy moral, and a wise inscription,

Sal. A valuable lesson and a thoughtful message,

For a king to put up before his subjects![25]

For a king to present himself to his subjects![25]

Sar. Oh, thou wouldst have me doubtless set up edicts—

Sar. Oh, you want me to definitely establish rules—

"Obey the king—contribute to his treasure—

"Obey the king—help fill his treasure—

Recruit his phalanx—spill your blood at bidding—

Recruit his troops—shed your blood at his command—

Fall down and worship, or get up and toil."

"Bow down and worship, or stand up and work."

Or thus—"Sardanapalus on this spot

Or so—"Sardanapalus here

Slew fifty thousand of his enemies.260

These are their sepulchres, and this his trophy."

These are their graves, and this is his memorial.

I leave such things to conquerors; enough

I leave those things to conquerors; that’s enough.

For me, if I can make my subjects feel

The weight of human misery less, and glide

The weight of human misery is lighter, and glide

Ungroaning to the tomb: I take no license

Ungroaning to the grave: I take no permission

Which I deny to them. We all are men.

Which I deny to them. We are all human.

Sal. Thy Sires have been revered as Gods—

Sal. Your ancestors have been honored as gods—

Sar.‍In dust

Sar. In dust

And death, where they are neither Gods nor men.

And death, where they are neither gods nor humans.

Talk not of such to me! the worms are Gods;[11]

Talk to me about that! The worms are Gods;[11]

At least they banqueted upon your Gods,270

At least they feasted on your gods,270

And died for lack of farther nutriment.

And died from not having enough food.

Those Gods were merely men; look to their issue—

Those gods were just men; look at what they've produced—

I feel a thousand mortal things about me,

I feel a thousand earthly things around me,

But nothing godlike,—unless it may be

But nothing divine—unless it could be

The thing which you condemn, a disposition

The thing you criticize, an attitude

To love and to be merciful, to pardon

To love and be kind, to forgive

The follies of my species, and (that's human)

The mistakes of my kind, and (that’s humans)

To be indulgent to my own.

To be kind to myself.

Sal.‍Alas!

Sal. Aw, man!

The doom of Nineveh is sealed.—Woe—woe

The fate of Nineveh is decided.—Woe—woe

To the unrivalled city!

To the unbeatable city!

Sar.‍What dost dread?280

Sar.‍What do you fear?280

Sal. Thou art guarded by thy foes: in a few hours

Sal. You’re surrounded by your enemies: in a few hours

The tempest may break out which overwhelms thee,

The storm may erupt that overwhelms you,

And thine and mine; and in another day

And yours and mine; and on another day

What is shall be the past of Belus' race.

What is will become the history of Belus' lineage.

Sar. What must we dread?

Sar. What should we fear?

Sal.‍Ambitious treachery,

Sal. Ambitious betrayal,

Which has environed thee with snares; but yet

Which has surrounded you with traps; but still

There is resource: empower me with thy signet[26]

There is a resource: give me your signet[26]

To quell the machinations, and I lay

To put a stop to the scheming, and I lay

The heads of thy chief foes before thy feet.

The heads of your main enemies are at your feet.

Sar. The heads—how many?

Sar. The heads—how many are there?

Sal.‍Must I stay to number290

Sal. Must I stay for number290

When even thine own's in peril? Let me go;

When even your own is in danger? Let me go;

Give me thy signet—trust me with the rest.

Give me your signet—trust me with the rest.

Sar. I will trust no man with unlimited lives.

Sar. I won’t trust anyone with unlimited lives.

When we take those from others, we nor know

When we take those from others, we don't know.

What we have taken, nor the thing we give.

What we've taken, nor what we give.

Sal. Wouldst thou not take their lives who seek for thine?

Sal. Wouldn't you take the lives of those who are after yours?

Sar. That's a hard question—But I answer, Yes.

Sar. That's a tough question—But I say, Yes.

Cannot the thing be done without? Who are they

Cannot the thing be done without it? Who are they?

Whom thou suspectest?—Let them be arrested.

Who do you suspect?—Have them arrested.

Sal. I would thou wouldst not ask me; the next moment300

Sal. I wish you wouldn’t ask me; the next moment300

Will send my answer through thy babbling troop

I'll send my answer through your chatty group.

Of paramours, and thence fly o'er the palace,

Of lovers, and then fly over the palace,

Even to the city, and so baffle all.—

Even to the city, and so confuse everyone. —

Trust me.

Sar.‍Thou knowest I have done so ever;

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You know I've always done that;

Take thou the signet. [Gives the signet.

Take the ring. [Gives the signet.

Sal.‍I have one more request.

Sal. I have one more favor.

Sar. Name it.

Sar. Just name it.

Sal.‍That thou this night forbear the banquet

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.That you skip the feast tonight

In the pavilion over the Euphrates.

In the pavilion by the Euphrates.

Sar. Forbear the banquet! Not for all the plotters

Sar. Hold off on the feast! Not for all the schemers

That ever shook a kingdom! Let them come,

That has ever rocked a kingdom! Let them come,

And do their worst: I shall not blench for them;310

And let them do their worst: I won’t flinch for them;310

Nor rise the sooner; nor forbear the goblet;

Nor rise any sooner; nor put down the goblet;

Nor crown me with a single rose the less;

Nor crown me with a single rose any less;

Nor lose one joyous hour.—I fear them not.

Nor lose a single happy hour.—I'm not afraid of them.

Sal. But thou wouldst arm thee, wouldst thou not, if needful?

Sal. But you would prepare yourself, wouldn't you, if necessary?

Sar. Perhaps. I have the goodliest armour, and

Sar. Maybe. I have the finest armor, and

A sword of such a temper, and a bow,

A sword of such sharpness, and a bow,

And javelin, which might furnish Nimrod forth:

And a javelin, which could supply Nimrod:

A little heavy, but yet not unwieldy.

A bit heavy, but still manageable.

And now I think on't, 'tis long since I've used them,

And now that I think about it, it's been a while since I've used them,

Even in the chase. Hast ever seen them, brother?320

Even while chasing. Have you ever seen them, brother?320

Sal. Is this a time for such fantastic trifling?[27]—

Sal. Is this really the time for such ridiculous nonsense?[27]—

If need be, wilt thou wear them?

If necessary, will you wear them?

Sar.‍Will I not?

Will I not?

Oh! if it must be so, and these rash slaves

Oh! if it has to be like this, and these reckless slaves

Will not be ruled with less, I'll use the sword

Will not be ruled with less; I'll use the sword.

Till they shall wish it turned into a distaff.

Till they wish it turned into a spindle.

Sal. They say thy Sceptre's turned to that already.

Sal. They say your scepter's already become that.

Sar. That's false! but let them say so: the old Greeks,

Sar. That's not true! but let them say it: the ancient Greeks,

Of whom our captives often sing, related

The same of their chief hero, Hercules,

The same goes for their main hero, Hercules,

Because he loved a Lydian queen: thou seest330

Because he loved a Lydian queen: you see

The populace of all the nations seize

The people of all the nations seize

Each calumny they can to sink their sovereigns.

Each lie they can to undermine their rulers.

Sal. They did not speak thus of thy fathers.

Sal. They didn't talk like this about your ancestors.

Sar.‍No;

No;

They dared not. They were kept to toil and combat;

They didn't dare. They were made to work and fight;

And never changed their chains but for their armour:

And only changed their chains for their armor:

Now they have peace and pastime, and the license

Now they have peace and leisure, and the freedom

To revel and to rail; it irks me not.

To enjoy and to complain; it doesn't bother me.

I would not give the smile of one fair girl

I wouldn't trade the smile of one beautiful girl.

For all the popular breath [12] that e'er divided

For all the popular breath [12] that ever divided

A name from nothing. What are the rank tongues [13]340

Of this vile herd, grown insolent with feeding,

Of this disgusting group, grown arrogant from overindulging,

That I should prize their noisy praise, or dread

That I should value their loud praise, or fear

Their noisome clamour?

Their annoying noise?

Sal.‍You have said they are men;

Sal.‍You said they’re guys;

As such their hearts are something.

As a result, their hearts mean something.

Sar.‍So my dogs' are;

So my dogs are;

And better, as more faithful:—but, proceed;

And better, as more reliable:—but, go on;

Thou hast my signet:—since they are tumultuous,

Let them be tempered, yet not roughly, till

Let them be tempered, but not harshly, until

Necessity enforce it. I hate all pain,

Necessity makes it happen. I hate all pain,

Given or received; we have enough within us,

Given or received; we have enough inside us,

The meanest vassal as the loftiest monarch,350

The meanest servant and the highest king,350

Not to add to each other's natural burthen[28]

Not to add to each other's natural burden[28]

Of mortal misery, but rather lessen,

Of human suffering, but instead reduce,

By mild reciprocal alleviation,

By gentle mutual relief,

The fatal penalties imposed on life:

The deadly consequences enforced on life:

But this they know not, or they will not know.

But they either don’t know this, or they refuse to acknowledge it.

I have, by Baal! done all I could to soothe them:

I have, by Baal! done everything I can to calm them down:

I made no wars, I added no new imposts,

I didn't start any wars, and I didn't impose any new taxes,

I interfered not with their civic lives,

I didn't get involved in their civic lives,

I let them pass their days as best might suit them,

I let them spend their days however they see fit,

Passing my own as suited me.

Passing my own as it suited me.

Sal.‍Thou stopp'st360

Sal. You stop.

Short of the duties of a king; and therefore

They say thou art unfit to be a monarch.

They say you aren't fit to be a monarch.

Sar. They lie.—Unhappily, I am unfit

Sar. They're lying.—Unfortunately, I'm not fit

To be aught save a monarch; else for me

To be anything but a king; otherwise, I'm not interested.

The meanest Mede might be the king instead.

The harshest Mede might just be the king instead.

Sal. There is one Mede, at least, who seeks to be so.

Sal. There’s at least one Mede who wants to be that way.

Sar. What mean'st thou!—'tis thy secret; thou desirest

Sar. What do you mean!—it's your secret; you want

Few questions, and I'm not of curious nature.

Few questions, and I'm not really a curious person.

Take the fit steps; and, since necessity

Take the right steps; and since it's necessary

Requires, I sanction and support thee. Ne'er370

Requires, I approve and support you. Never

Was man who more desired to rule in peace

Was a man who wanted to rule in peace more than anything.

The peaceful only: if they rouse me, better

The peaceful only: if they wake me up, it's better.

They had conjured up stern Nimrod from his ashes,

They had summoned stern Nimrod from his ashes,

"The Mighty Hunter!" I will turn these realms

"The Mighty Hunter!" I will change these realms

To one wide desert chase of brutes, who were,

To one vast desert hunt of animals, who were,

But would no more, by their own choice, be human.

But would no longer, by their own choice, be human.

What they have found me, they belie; that which

What they've discovered about me, they deny; that which

They yet may find me—shall defy their wish

They might still find me—I’ll resist their desire.

To speak it worse; and let them thank themselves.

To put it more harshly; and they can thank themselves for that.

Sal. Then thou at last canst feel?

Sal. So you can finally feel?

Sar.‍Feel! who feels not380

Feel! Who doesn't feel?

Ingratitude?[14]

Sal.‍I will not pause to answer

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you would like to have modernized.I won't take a moment to respond

With words, but deeds. Keep thou awake that energy

With words, but actions. Stay alert to that energy.

Which sleeps at times, but is not dead within thee,[29]

Which sleeps at times, but is not dead within you,[29]

And thou may'st yet be glorious in thy reign,

And you might still be amazing in your rule,

As powerful in thy realm. Farewell! [Exit Salemenes.

As powerful in your realm. Goodbye! [Exit Salemenes.

Sar. (solus).‍Farewell!

Bye!

He's gone; and on his finger bears my signet,

He's gone, and he wears my ring on his finger,

Which is to him a sceptre. He is stern

Which is to him a scepter. He is serious

As I am heedless; and the slaves deserve

As I am careless; and the servants deserve

To feel a master. What may be the danger,

To feel in control. What could the risk be,

I know not: he hath found it, let him quell it.390

I don't know: if he's found it, let him deal with it.390

Must I consume my life—this little life—

Must I waste my life—this short life—

In guarding against all may make it less?

In protecting against everything, could it end up being less?

It is not worth so much! It were to die

It’s not worth that much! It would be better to die.

Before my hour, to live in dread of death,

Before my time, to live in fear of death,

Tracing revolt; suspecting all about me,

Tracing rebellion; suspecting everyone around me,

Because they are near; and all who are remote,

Because they are close; and everyone who is far away,

Because they are far. But if it should be so—

Because they're far away. But if it has to be that way—

If they should sweep me off from Earth and Empire,

If they were to take me away from Earth and Empire,

Why, what is Earth or Empire of the Earth?

Why, what is Earth or the Empire of Earth?

I have loved, and lived, and multiplied my image;400

I have loved, lived, and spread my legacy;400

To die is no less natural than those

To die is just as natural as those

Acts of this clay! 'Tis true I have not shed

Acts of this day! It's true I have not shed

Blood as I might have done, in oceans, till

My name became the synonyme of Death—

My name became synonymous with Death—

A terror and a trophy. But for this

A source of fear and a prize. But for this

I feel no penitence; my life is love:

I don't feel any regret; my life is all about love:

If I must shed blood, it shall be by force.

If I have to spill blood, it will be by force.

Till now, no drop from an Assyrian vein

Till now, not a single drop from an Assyrian vein

Hath flowed for me, nor hath the smallest coin

Has flowed for me, nor has the smallest coin

Of Nineveh's vast treasures e'er been lavished410

Of Nineveh's vast treasures ever been lavished410

On objects which could cost her sons a tear:

On things that might make her sons cry:

If then they hate me, 'tis because I hate not:

If they hate me, it's because I don't hate them:

If they rebel, 'tis because I oppress not.

If they rebel, it’s because I do not oppress.

Oh, men! ye must be ruled with scythes, not sceptres,

Oh, men! you must be governed by scythes, not scepters,

And mowed down like the grass, else all we reap

And cut down like grass, or else all we harvest

Is rank abundance, and a rotten harvest

Is it about rank abundance and a poor harvest?

Of discontents infecting the fair soil,

Of grievances spoiling the beautiful land,

Making a desert of fertility.—

Turning fertility into a desert.—

I'll think no more.—Within there, ho!

I'll think no more.—Inside there, hey!

Enter an Attendant.

Join an Attendant.

Sar.‍Slave, tell

Sar.‍Slave, speak

The Ionian Myrrha we would crave her presence.420

The Ionian Myrrha, we long for her presence. 420

Attend. King, she is here.

Join us. King, she is here.

[30]

Myrrha enters.

Myrrha walks in.

Sar. (apart to Attendant).‍Away!

Sar. (aside to Attendant). Away!

(Addressing Myrrha.)‍Beautiful being!

Gorgeous being!

Thou dost almost anticipate my heart;

You almost get my heart;

It throbbed for thee, and here thou comest: let me

It throbbed for you, and here you come: let me

Deem that some unknown influence, some sweet oracle,

Communicates between us, though unseen,

Connects us, even if invisible,

In absence, and attracts us to each other.

In absence, and pulls us toward one another.

Myr. There doth.

Myr. There does.

Sar.‍I know there doth, but not its name:

Sar.Understood! Please provide the short text you would like modernized.I know there is, but I don't know what it's called:

What is it?

What’s that?

Myr.‍In my native land a God,

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.In my home country, a God,

And in my heart a feeling like a God's,

And in my heart a feeling like God's,

Exalted; yet I own 'tis only mortal;430

Exalted; yet I admit it's just human;430

For what I feel is humble, and yet happy—

For what I feel is modest, but still joyful—

That is, it would be happy; but—— [Myrrha pauses.

That is, it would be happy; but—— Myrrha pauses.

Sar.‍There comes

Sar. There comes

For ever something between us and what

For always something between us and what

We deem our happiness: let me remove

We define our happiness: let me remove

The barrier which that hesitating accent

The barrier that that uncertain accent

Proclaims to thine, and mine is sealed.

Proclaims to you, and mine is confirmed.

Myr.‍My Lord!—

Sar. My Lord—my King—Sire—Sovereign; thus it is—

Sar. My Lord—my King—Sir—Sovereign; that's how it is—

For ever thus, addressed with awe. I ne'er

For always like this, addressed with respect. I never

Can see a smile, unless in some broad banquet's

Can see a smile, unless in some big banquet's

Intoxicating glare, when the buffoons440

Intoxicating glare, when the fools

Have gorged themselves up to equality,

Have stuffed themselves to the point of equality,

Or I have quaffed me down to their abasement.

Or I have drunk myself down to their humiliation.

Myrrha, I can hear all these things, these names,

Lord—King—Sire—Monarch—nay, time was I prized them;

Lord—King—Sire—Monarch—no, there was a time I valued them;

That is, I suffered them—from slaves and nobles;

That is, I endured them—from slaves and nobles;

But when they falter from the lips I love,

But when they stumble from the lips I love,

The lips which have been pressed to mine, a chill

The lips that have been pressed to mine, a chill

Comes o'er my heart, a cold sense of the falsehood

Comes over my heart, a cold feeling of the deception

Of this my station, which represses feeling

Of this position I hold, which stifles emotion

In those for whom I have felt most, and makes me450

In those I have cared about the most, and that makes me450

Wish that I could lay down the dull tiara,

Wish I could take off this boring tiara,

And share a cottage on the Caucasus[31]

And share a cabin in the Caucasus[31]

With thee—and wear no crowns but those of flowers.

With you—and wear no crowns except those made of flowers.

Myr. Would that we could!

Myr. If only we could!

Sar.‍And dost thou feel this?—Why?

Sar.‍And do you feel this?—Why?

Myr. Then thou wouldst know what thou canst never know.

Myr. Then you would know what you can never know.

Sar. And that is——

Sar. And that is—

Myr.‍The true value of a heart;

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.The real worth of a heart;

At least, a woman's.

At least, a woman's one.

Sar.‍I have proved a thousand—A

Sar.‍I have proven a thousand—A

thousand, and a thousand.

thousand and thousand.

Myr.‍Hearts?

Myr. Hearts?

Sar.‍I think so.

I think so.

Myr. Not one! the time may come thou may'st.

Myr. Not a chance! The time might come when you will.

Sar.‍It will.

Sar. It will.

Hear, Myrrha; Salemenes has declared—460

Or why or how he hath divined it, Belus,

Or why or how he figured it out, Belus,

Who founded our great realm, knows more than I—

Who founded our great realm knows more than I—

But Salemenes hath declared my throne

But Salemenes has declared my throne

In peril.

In danger.

Myr.‍He did well.

Myr. He did great.

Sar.‍And say'st thou so?

Sar.‍And you say that?

Thou whom he spurned so harshly, and now dared [g]

Thou whom he rejected so harshly, and now dared [g]

Drive from our presence with his savage jeers,

Drive away from us with his cruel mockery,

And made thee weep and blush?

And made you cry and blush?

Myr.‍I should do both

Myr.‍I should do it all

More frequently, and he did well to call me

More often, and he did well to call me

Back to my duty. But thou spakest of peril

Back to my duty. But you mentioned danger.

Peril to thee——

Danger to you——

Sar.‍Aye, from dark plots and snares470

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Yeah, from dark schemes and traps470

From Medes—and discontented troops and nations.

From the Medes—and unhappy troops and nations.

I know not what—a labyrinth of things—

I don't know what—a maze of things—

A maze of muttered threats and mysteries:

A maze of whispered threats and secrets:

Thou know'st the man—it is his usual custom.

You know the guy—it's his usual habit.

But he is honest. Come, we'll think no more on't—

But he's honest. Come on, let's not think about it anymore—

But of the midnight festival.

But of the midnight event.

Myr.‍'Tis time

Myr.‍It's time

To think of aught save festivals. Thou hast not

To think of anything other than festivals. You have not

Spurned his sage cautions?

Ignored his wise advice?

Sar.‍What?—and dost thou fear?[32]

What?—do you fear?

Myr. Fear!—I'm a Greek, and how should I fear death?

Myr. Fear!—I’m Greek, so why should I be afraid of death?

A slave, and wherefore should I dread my freedom?480

A slave, so why should I be afraid of my freedom?480

Sar. Then wherefore dost thou turn so pale?

Sar. So why are you turning so pale?

Myr.‍I love.

I love.

Sar. And do not I? I love thee far—far more

Sar. And don't I? I love you so much more—way more.

Than either the brief life or the wide realm,

Than either the short life or the vast world,

Which, it may be, are menaced;—yet I blench not.

Which, it may be, are threatened;—yet I do not flinch.

Myr. That means thou lovest nor thyself nor me;

Myr. That means you love neither yourself nor me;

For he who loves another loves himself,

For whoever loves someone else loves themselves,

Even for that other's sake. This is too rash:

Even for that person's sake. This is too reckless:

Kingdoms and lives are not to be so lost.

Kingdoms and lives shouldn't be lost like that.

Sar. Lost!—why, who is the aspiring chief who dared

Sar. Lost!—who is the ambitious leader who dared

Assume to win them?

Assume you'll win them?

Myr.‍Who is he should dread490

Myr.‍Who should he be afraid of490

To try so much? When he who is their ruler

To try so much? When he who rules them

Forgets himself—will they remember him?

Forgets himself—will they remember?

Sar. Myrrha!

Myr.‍Frown not upon me: you have smiled

Myr.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Don't frown at me: you have smiled

Too often on me not to make those frowns

Bitterer to bear than any punishment

Bitterer to endure than any punishment

Which they may augur.—King, I am your subject!

Which they may predict.—King, I am your servant!

Master, I am your slave! Man, I have loved you!—

Master, I am your servant! Dude, I have loved you!—

Loved you, I know not by what fatal weakness,

Loved you, I don't know why, maybe some kind of weakness,

Although a Greek, and born a foe to monarchs—

Although Greek, and born an enemy of kings—

A slave, and hating fetters—an Ionian,500

A slave, and hating chains—a person from Ionia,500

And, therefore, when I love a stranger, more

And so, when I love someone I don't know well, more

Degraded by that passion than by chains!

Degraded by that passion more than by chains!

Still I have loved you. If that love were strong

Enough to overcome all former nature,

Enough to conquer all past instincts,

Shall it not claim the privilege to save you?

Shall it not take the chance to save you?

Sar. Save me, my beauty! Thou art very fair,

Sar. Save me, my love! You are so beautiful,

And what I seek of thee is love—not safety.

And what I want from you is love—not safety.

Myr. And without love where dwells security?

Myr. And without love, where can there be security?

Sar. I speak of woman's love.

Sar. I'm talking about a woman's love.

Myr.‍The very first

Of human life must spring from woman's breast,510

Of human life must come from a woman's breast,510

Your first small words are taught you from her lips,

Your first little words come from her lips,

Your first tears quenched by her, and your last sighs

Your first tears were wiped away by her, and your last sighs

Too often breathed out in a woman's hearing,

Too often spoken in a woman’s hearing,

When men have shrunk from the ignoble care[33]

When men have backed away from the disgraceful concern[33]

Of watching the last hour of him who led them.

Of watching the last hour of the person who led them.

Sar. My eloquent Ionian! thou speak'st music:

Sar. My expressive Ionian! You speak like music:

The very chorus of the tragic song

The very chorus of the sad song

I have heard thee talk of as the favourite pastime

I have heard you talk about it as the favorite pastime.

Of thy far father-land. Nay, weep not—calm thee.

Of your distant homeland. No, don’t cry—calm down.

Myr. I weep not.—But I pray thee, do not speak520

Myr. I don’t cry.—But please, don’t talk.

About my fathers or their land.

Sar.‍Yet oft

Sar. Yet often

Thou speakest of them.

You talk about them.

Myr.‍True—true: constant thought

Myr. True—true: consistent thought

Will overflow in words unconsciously;

Will overflow with words unconsciously;

But when another speaks of Greeks, it wounds me.

But when someone else talks about Greeks, it hurts me.

Sar. Well, then, how wouldst thou save me, as thou saidst?

Sar. Well, then, how would you save me, as you said?

Myr. By teaching thee to save thyself, and not

Myr. By teaching you to save yourself, and not

Thyself alone, but these vast realms, from all

The rage of the worst war—the war of brethren.

The fury of the most terrible war—the war between brothers.

Sar. Why, child, I loathe all war, and warriors;

Sar. Why, kid, I hate all war and warriors;

I live in peace and pleasure: what can man530

I live in peace and pleasure: what can a person do?

Do more?

Myr.‍Alas! my Lord, with common men

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Oh no! my Lord, with regular people

There needs too oft the show of war to keep

There often needs to be a display of war to maintain

The substance of sweet peace; and, for a king,

The essence of sweet peace; and, for a king,

'Tis sometimes better to be feared than loved.

It's sometimes better to be feared than loved.

Sar. And I have never sought but for the last.

Sar. And I've only ever wanted the last one.

Myr. And now art neither.

Myr. And now art isn’t either.

Sar.‍Dost thou say so, Myrrha?

Sar. Dost you say so, Myrrha?

Myr. I speak of civic popular love, self-love,

Myr. I'm talking about community affection, self-love,

Which means that men are kept in awe and law,

Which means that men are kept in fear and under the law,

Yet not oppressed—at least they must not think so,

Yet not oppressed—at least they shouldn’t think that way,

Or, if they think so, deem it necessary,540

Or, if they believe that, consider it necessary,540

To ward off worse oppression, their own passions.

To avoid even greater oppression, their own emotions.

A King of feasts, and flowers, and wine, and revel,

A king of parties, flowers, wine, and celebrations,

And love, and mirth, was never King of Glory.

And love and joy were never the King of Glory.

Sar. Glory! what's that?

Sar. Wow! What's that?

Myr.‍Ask of the Gods thy fathers.

Myr.‍Consult the Gods, your ancestors.

Sar. They cannot answer; when the priests speak for them,

Sar. They can't reply; when the priests speak on their behalf,

'Tis for some small addition to the temple.

It's for a small addition to the temple.

Myr. Look to the annals of thine Empire's founders.

Myr. Look to the records of your Empire's founders.

Sar. They are so blotted o'er with blood, I cannot.[34]

Sar. They are so covered in blood, I can't. [34]

But what wouldst have? the Empire has been founded.

But what do you want? The Empire has been founded.

I cannot go on multiplying empires.550

I can't keep expanding empires.

Myr. Preserve thine own.

Myr. Preserve your own.

Sar.‍At least, I will enjoy it.

At least, I’ll enjoy it.

Come, Myrrha, let us go on to the Euphrates:

Come, Myrrha, let’s head to the Euphrates:

The hour invites, the galley is prepared,

The hour calls, the kitchen is ready,

And the pavilion, decked for our return,

And the pavilion, decorated for our return,

In fit adornment for the evening banquet,

In appropriate attire for the evening banquet,

Shall blaze with beauty and with light, until

Shall shine with beauty and light, until

It seems unto the stars which are above us

It seems to the stars that are above us

Itself an opposite star; and we will sit

It’s its own opposite star; and we’ll sit

Crowned with fresh flowers like—

Myr.‍Victims.

Myr. Victims.

Sar.‍No, like sovereigns,

Sar. No, like rulers,

The Shepherd Kings of patriarchal times,560

The Shepherd Kings from patriarchal times,560

Who knew no brighter gems than summer wreaths,[h]

Who knew of any brighter gems than summer wreaths,[h]

And none but tearless triumphs. Let us on.

And only triumphs without tears. Let's move forward.

Enter Pania.

Log in Pania.

Pan. May the King live for ever!

Pan. Long live the King!

Sar.‍Not an hour

Not even an hour

Longer than he can love. How my soul hates

Longer than he can love. How my soul despises.

This language, which makes life itself a lie,

This language, which turns life itself into a lie,

Flattering dust with eternity.[i] Well, Pania!

Flattering dust with forever.__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Well, Pania!

Be brief.

Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.

Pan.‍I am charged by Salemenes to

Pan. I'm tasked by Salemenes to

Reiterate his prayer unto the King,

Revisit his prayer to the King,

That for this day, at least, he will not quit

That for today, at least, he won't give up.

The palace: when the General returns,570

The palace: when the General comes back,570

He will adduce such reasons as will warrant

He will provide reasons that will justify

His daring, and perhaps obtain the pardon

His boldness, and maybe get the forgiveness

Of his presumption.

Of his arrogance.

Sar.‍What! am I then cooped?

What! Am I stuck?

Already captive? can I not even breathe

Already captive? Can I not even breathe?

The breath of heaven? Tell prince Salemenes,

The breath of heaven? Tell Prince Salemenes,

Were all Assyria raging round the walls

Were all of Assyria raging around the walls

In mutinous myriads, I would still go forth.

In rebellious crowds, I would still step out.

Pan. I must obey, and yet——[35]

Pan. I have to follow the rules, but——[35]

Myr.‍Oh, Monarch, listen.—

Myr.‍Oh, Monarch, hear me.—

How many a day and moon thou hast reclined

How many days and moons you've laid back

Within these palace walls in silken dalliance,580

Within these palace walls in luxurious playfulness,580

And never shown thee to thy people's longing;

And never revealed you to your people's desire;

Leaving thy subjects' eyes ungratified,

Leaving your subjects' eyes unsatisfied,

The satraps uncontrolled, the Gods unworshipped,

The satraps out of control, the Gods not honored,

And all things in the anarchy of sloth,

And everything in the chaos of laziness,

Till all, save evil, slumbered through the realm!

Until everyone, except for evil, slept through the kingdom!

And wilt thou not now tarry for a day,—

And will you not stay for a day,—

A day which may redeem thee? Wilt thou not

A day that could save you? Will you not

Yield to the few still faithful a few hours,

Yield to the few who are still faithful for a few hours,

For them, for thee, for thy past fathers' race,

For them, for you, for your ancestors' lineage,

And for thy sons' inheritance?

And what about your sons' inheritance?

Pan.‍'Tis true!590

Pan. Sure enough!590

From the deep urgency with which the Prince

Despatched me to your sacred presence, I

Must dare to add my feeble voice to that

Must dare to add my weak voice to that

Which now has spoken.

Which has now spoken.

Sar.‍No, it must not be.

No, it shouldn't be.

Myr. For the sake of thy realm!

Myr. For the sake of your kingdom!

Sar.‍Away!

Sar.‍Leave!

Pan.‍For that

Pan. For that

Of all thy faithful subjects, who will rally

Of all your loyal subjects, who will gather

Round thee and thine.

You and yours.

Sar.‍These are mere fantasies:

These are just fantasies:

There is no peril:—'tis a sullen scheme

There is no danger:—it's a gloomy plan

Of Salemenes, to approve his zeal,

Of Salemenes, to prove his enthusiasm,

And show himself more necessary to us.600

And make himself more essential to us.600

Myr. By all that's good and glorious take this counsel.

Myr. By everything that's good and amazing, listen to this advice.

Sar. Business to-morrow.

Mrs. Business tomorrow.

Myr.‍Aye—or death to-night.

Myr.‍Yes—or die tonight.

Sar. Why let it come then unexpectedly,

Sar. Why let it come unexpectedly,

'Midst joy and gentleness, and mirth and love;

'Among joy and kindness, and laughter and love;

So let me fall like the plucked rose!—far better

So let me fall like a plucked rose!—much better

Thus than be withered.

Thus than be faded.

Myr.‍Then thou wilt not yield,

Myr.‍Then you won't give in,

Even for the sake of all that ever stirred

Even for the sake of everything that ever moved

A monarch into action, to forego

A king in action, to give up

A trifling revel.

A small party.

Sar.‍No.

Myr.‍Then yield for mine;[36]

Myr.‍Then give way for mine;[36]

For my sake!

Sar.‍Thine, my Myrrha!

Sar.‍Hey, my Myrrha!

Myr.‍'Tis the first610

Myr.‍It's the first610

Boon which I ever asked Assyria's king.

Boon that I ever asked of the king of Assyria.

Sar. That's true, and, wer't my kingdom, must be granted.

Sar. That's true, and if it were my kingdom, it would have to be granted.

Well, for thy sake, I yield me. Pania, hence!

Well, for your sake, I give in. Pania, go away!

Thou hear'st me.

You hear me.

Pan.‍And obey. [Exit Pania.

Pan.‍And comply. [Exit Pania.

Sar.‍I marvel at thee.

I admire you.

What is thy motive, Myrrha, thus to urge me?

What’s your motive, Myrrha, pushing me like this?

Myr. Thy safety; and the certainty that nought

Myr. Your safety; and the certainty that nothing

Could urge the Prince thy kinsman to require

Could you encourage the Prince, your relative, to ask?

Thus much from thee, but some impending danger.

Thus much from you, but there's some upcoming danger.

Sar. And if I do not dread it, why shouldst thou?

Sar. And if I don't fear it, why should you?

Myr. Because thou dost not fear, I fear for thee.620

Myr. Because you do not fear, I fear for you.620

Sar. To-morrow thou wilt smile at these vain fancies.

Sar. Tomorrow you will laugh at these silly thoughts.

Myr. If the worst come, I shall be where none weep,

Myr. If the worst happens, I'll be where no one cries,

And that is better than the power to smile.

And that is better than the ability to smile.

And thou?

And you?

Sar.‍I shall be King, as heretofore.

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I will be King, as I always have been.

Myr. Where?

Myr. Where's that?

Sar.‍With Baal, Nimrod, and Semiramis,

Sar. With Baal, Nimrod, and Semiramis,

Sole in Assyria, or with them elsewhere.

Sole in Assyria, or with them in other places.

Fate made me what I am—may make me nothing—

Fate created who I am—maybe it'll leave me as nothing—

But either that or nothing must I be:

But I must be either that or nothing:

I will not live degraded.

I won't live degraded.

Myr.‍Hadst thou felt

Myr.‍Did you feel

Thus always, none would ever dare degrade thee.630

Thus always, no one would ever dare to disrespect you.630

Sar. And who will do so now?

Sar. And who will handle it now?

Myr.‍Dost thou suspect none?

Myr. Do you suspect anyone?

Sar. Suspect!—that's a spy's office. Oh! we lose

Sar. Suspicious!—that's a spy's office. Oh! we lose

Ten thousand precious moments in vain words,

Ten thousand valuable moments wasted on empty words,

And vainer fears. Within there!—ye slaves, deck

And more vain fears. Inside there!—you slaves, adorn

The Hall of Nimrod for the evening revel;

The Hall of Nimrod for the evening party;

If I must make a prison of our palace,

If I have to turn our palace into a prison,

At least we'll wear our fetters jocundly;

At least we'll wear our chains cheerfully;

If the Euphrates be forbid us, and

If the Euphrates is forbidden to us, and

The summer-dwelling on its beauteous border,

The summer home on its beautiful edge,

Here we are still unmenaced. Ho! within there!640

Here we are still safe. Hey! Inside there!640

[Exit Sardanapalus.[37]

Myr. (solus).

Myr. (alone).

Why do I love this man? My country's daughters

Why do I love this man? The daughters of my country.

Love none but heroes. But I have no country!

Love only heroes. But I have no country!

The slave hath lost all save her bonds. I love him;

The slave has lost everything except her chains. I love him;

And that's the heaviest link of the long chain—

And that's the heaviest link in the long chain—

To love whom we esteem not. Be it so:

To love someone we don't respect. Fine:

The hour is coming when he'll need all love,

The time is coming when he'll need all the love,

And find none. To fall from him now were baser

And find none. To fall away from him now would be lower.

Than to have stabbed him on his throne when highest

Than to have stabbed him on his throne when he was at his peak.

Would have been noble in my country's creed:

Would have been noble in my country's beliefs:

I was not made for either. Could I save him,650

I wasn't meant for either. Could I save him,650

I should not love him better, but myself;

I shouldn't love him more than I love myself;

And I have need of the last, for I have fallen

And I really need the last one because I've fallen.

In my own thoughts, by loving this soft stranger:

In my own mind, by loving this gentle stranger:

And yet, methinks, I love him more, perceiving

And yet, I think I love him more, realizing

That he is hated of his own barbarians,

That he is hated by his own people,

The natural foes of all the blood of Greece.

The natural enemies of all the blood of Greece.

Could I but wake a single thought like those

Could I just wake a single thought like those

Which even the Phrygians felt when battling long

Which even the Phrygians experienced while fighting for an extended period.

'Twixt Ilion and the sea, within his heart,

He would tread down the barbarous crowds, and triumph.660

He would push through the savage crowds and come out on top.660

He loves me, and I love him; the slave loves

Her master, and would free him from his vices.

Her master, and would free him from his bad habits.

If not, I have a means of freedom still,

If not, I still have a way to be free,

And if I cannot teach him how to reign,

And if I can't teach him how to rule,

May show him how alone a King can leave

May show him how lonely a King can be.

His throne. I must not lose him from my sight. [Exit.

His throne. I can't lose sight of him. [Leave.

ACT II.

Scene I.—The Portal of the same Hall of the Palace.

Scene I.—The Entrance of the same Hall of the Palace.

Beleses (solus).

Beleses (solus).

The Sun goes down: methinks he sets more slowly,

The sun goes down: I think it sets more slowly,

Taking his last look of Assyria's Empire.

Taking his last look at the Assyrian Empire.

How red he glares amongst those deepening clouds,

How brightly he shines among those darkening clouds,

Like the blood he predicts. If not in vain,

Thou Sun that sinkest, and ye stars which rise,[38]

I have outwatched ye, reading ray by ray

I have stayed up longer than you, reading light by light.

The edicts of your orbs, which make Time tremble [j]

The commands of your spheres, which make Time shudder [j]

For what he brings the nations, 'tis the furthest

For what he brings to the nations, it’s the greatest

Hour of Assyria's years. And yet how calm!

An earthquake should announce so great a fall—10

An earthquake should signal such a significant collapse—10

A summer's sun discloses it. Yon disk,

A summer's sun reveals it. That disk,

To the star-read Chaldean, bears upon

To the star-gazing Chaldean, bears upon

Its everlasting page the end of what

Seemed everlasting; but oh! thou true Sun!

Seemed endless; but oh! you true Sun!

The burning oracle of all that live,

The blazing oracle of all living things,

As fountain of all life, and symbol of

As the source of all life and a symbol of

Him who bestows it, wherefore dost thou limit

Him who gives it, why do you hold back?

Thy lore unto calamity? Why not

Your knowledge about disaster? Why not?

Unfold the rise of days more worthy thine

Unfold the rise of days that are more worthy of you.

All-glorious burst from ocean? why not dart20

All-glorious burst from the ocean? Why not dash?

A beam of hope athwart the future years,

A ray of hope across the coming years,

As of wrath to its days? Hear me! oh, hear me!

As of anger towards its days? Listen to me! Oh, listen to me!

I am thy worshipper, thy priest, thy servant—

I am your worshipper, your priest, your servant—

I have gazed on thee at thy rise and fall,

I have watched you at your highs and lows,

And bowed my head beneath thy mid-day beams,

And lowered my head under your midday rays,

When my eye dared not meet thee. I have watched

When I couldn't bring myself to look at you, I have watched

For thee, and after thee, and prayed to thee,

For you, and after you, and prayed to you,

And sacrificed to thee, and read, and feared thee,

And offered sacrifices to you, and read, and felt afraid of you,

And asked of thee, and thou hast answered—but

And asked you, and you answered—but

Only to thus much: while I speak, he sinks—30

Only this: as I speak, he sinks—30

Is gone—and leaves his beauty, not his knowledge,

Is gone—and leaves behind his beauty, not his knowledge,

To the delighted West, which revels in

Its hues of dying glory. Yet what is

Its shades of fading glory. Yet what is

Death, so it be but glorious? 'Tis a sunset;

Death, is it really just glorious? It’s like a sunset;

And mortals may be happy to resemble

And people might be glad to resemble

The Gods but in decay.

The Gods in decline.

Enter Arbaces by an inner door.

Enter Arbaces through a side door.

Arb.‍Beleses, why

Arb. Beleses, why

So wrapt in thy devotions? Dost thou stand

So wrapped up in your prayers? Are you standing

Gazing to trace thy disappearing God

Gazing to find your vanishing God

Into some realm of undiscovered day?

Into some realm of unexplored dawn?

Our business is with night—'tis come.[39]

Our focus is on the night—it's here. [39]

Bel.‍But not40

Bel. But not

Gone.

Missing.

Arb.‍Let it roll on—we are ready.

Arb.‍Let it roll—we're all set.

Bel.‍Yes.

Bel. Yes.

Would it were over!

I wish it were over!

Arb.‍Does the prophet doubt,

Arb.‍Does the prophet have doubts,

To whom the very stars shine Victory?

To whom do the very stars shine victory?

Bel. I do not doubt of Victory—but the Victor.

Bel. I’m sure of victory—but I wonder about the victor.

Arb. Well, let thy science settle that. Meantime

Arb. Well, let your knowledge decide that. In the meantime

I have prepared as many glittering spears

I have prepared as many shining spears

As will out-sparkle our allies—your planets.

As will shine brighter than our allies—your planets.

There is no more to thwart us. The she-king,

There is nothing left to stop us. The she-king,

That less than woman, is even now upon

That unworthy woman is still here.

The waters with his female mates. The order50

The waters with his female partners. The order50

Is issued for the feast in the pavilion.

Is issued for the celebration in the pavilion.

The first cup which he drains will be the last

The first cup he drinks will be the last.

Quaffed by the line of Nimrod.

Bel.‍'Twas a brave one.

Bel. It was a brave one.

Arb. And is a weak one—'tis worn out—we'll mend it.

Arb. And it's a weak one—it's worn out—we'll fix it.

Bel. Art sure of that?

Bel. Are you sure about that?

Arb.‍Its founder was a hunter—

Arb. Its founder was a hunter—

I am a soldier—what is there to fear?

I’m a soldier—what’s there to be afraid of?

Bel. The soldier.

Bel. The trooper.

Arb.‍And the priest, it may be: but

Arb.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And the priest, it could be: but

If you thought thus, or think, why not retain

If you thought this way, or still think it, why not hold on to it?

Your king of concubines? why stir me up?

Your king of concubines? Why are you getting me worked up?

Why spur me to this enterprise? your own60

Why push me to take on this task? your own60

No less than mine?

Not less than mine?

Bel.‍Look to the sky!

Look up at the sky!

Arb.‍I look.

Arb.‍I’m looking.

Bel. What seest thou?

Bel. What do you see?

Arb.‍A fair summer's twilight, and

Arb.‍A lovely summer evening, and

The gathering of the stars.

The alignment of the stars.

Bel.‍And midst them, mark

Bel. And among them, note

Yon earliest, and the brightest, which so quivers,

As it would quit its place in the blue ether.

As it would leave its spot in the blue sky.

Arb. Well?

Arb. What's up?

Bel.‍'Tis thy natal ruler—thy birth planet.

Bel.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.It's your ruling planet—your birth planet.

Arb. (touching his scabbard).

Arb. (touching his sword sheath).

My star is in this scabbard: when it shines,

My star is in this sheath: when it shines,

It shall out-dazzle comets. Let us think[40]

It will outshine comets. Let's think[40]

Of what is to be done to justify

Of what needs to be done to justify

Thy planets and their portents. When we conquer,70

Thy planets and their signs. When we win,70

They shall have temples—aye, and priests—and thou

They will have temples—yeah, and priests—and you

Shalt be the pontiff of—what Gods thou wilt;

You will be the pope of whatever gods you choose;

For I observe that they are ever just,

For I see that they are always fair,

And own the bravest for the most devout.

And take pride in the bravest for the most devoted.

Bel. Aye, and the most devout for brave—thou hast not

Bel. Yes, and the most devoted for bravery—you have not

Seen me turn back from battle.

Arb.‍No; I own thee

No; I own you

As firm in fight as Babylonia's captain,

As strong in battle as the captain of Babylonia,

As skilful in Chaldea's worship: now,

As skilled in Chaldean worship: now,

Will it but please thee to forget the priest,

Will it please you to forget the priest,

And be the warrior?

And be the fighter?

Bel.‍Why not both?

Bel. Why not both?

Arb.‍The better;80

Arb.‍The improved;80

And yet it almost shames me, we shall have

And yet it almost makes me feel ashamed, we shall have

So little to effect. This woman's warfare

So little to achieve. This woman's battle

Degrades the very conqueror. To have plucked

A bold and bloody despot from his throne,

A fierce and ruthless tyrant from his throne,

And grappled with him, clashing steel with steel,

And fought with him, metal hitting metal,

That were heroic or to win or fall;

That were heroic, whether to win or lose;

But to upraise my sword against this silkworm,[15]

But to raise my sword against this silkworm,[15]

And hear him whine, it may be——

And listen to him complain, it could be——

Bel.‍Do not deem it:

Bel. Do not consider it:

He has that in him which may make you strife yet;

He has something in him that might still lead to conflict.

And were he all you think, his guards are hardy,90

And if he were everything you think he is, his guards are tough,90

And headed by the cool, stern Salemenes.

And led by the calm, serious Salemenes.

Arb. They'll not resist.

Arb. They won't resist.

Bel.‍Why not? they are soldiers.

Bel. Why not? They’re soldiers.

Arb.‍True,

Arb.‍For sure,

And therefore need a soldier to command them.

And so, they need a soldier to lead them.

Bel. That Salemenes is.

Bel. That's Salemenes.

Arb.‍But not their King.

Arb. But not their King.

Besides, he hates the effeminate thing that governs,

Besides, he hates the weak thing that rules,

For the Queen's sake, his sister. Mark you not

For the Queen’s sake, his sister. Don't you see?

He keeps aloof from all the revels?

He stays away from all the celebrations?

Bel.‍But

Bel. But

Not from the council—there he is ever constant.

Not from the council—he is always there.

Arb. And ever thwarted: what would you have more[41]

Arb. And always blocked: what else do you want[41]

To make a rebel out of? A fool reigning,100

To turn someone into a rebel? A fool in power,100

His blood dishonoured, and himself disdained:

His blood was tainted, and he felt rejected:

Why, it is his revenge we work for.

Bel.‍Could

Bel. Could

He but be brought to think so: this I doubt of.

He must have come to think that way: I'm not sure about that.

Arb. What, if we sound him?

Arb. What if we check him out?

Bel.‍Yes—if the time served.

Sure—if the time counts.

Enter Balea.

Bal. Satraps! The king commands your presence at

Bal. Governors! The king requests your presence at

The feast to-night.

The feast tonight.

Bel.‍To hear is to obey.

To hear is to obey.

In the pavilion?

At the pavilion?

Bal.‍No; here in the palace.

No; here in the palace.

Arb. How! in the palace? it was not thus ordered.

Arb. What! In the palace? That wasn't how it was supposed to be.

Bal. It is so ordered now.

Ball. It's all set now.

Arb.‍And why?

Arb. And why's that?

Bal.‍I know not.

I don't know.

May I retire?

Can I retire?

Arb.‍Stay.

Arb.‍Hang on.

Bel. (to Arb. aside).‍Hush! let him go his way.110

Bel. (to Arb. aside).Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Quiet! Let him do what he wants.110

(Alternately to Bal.) Yes, Balea, thank the Monarch, kiss the hem

(Alternately to Bal.) Yes, Balea, thank the Monarch, kiss the hem.

Of his imperial robe, and say, his slaves

Of his royal robe, and say, his servants

Will take the crumbs he deigns to scatter from

Will take the crumbs he chooses to share from

His royal table at the hour—was't midnight?

His royal table at the hour—was it midnight?

Bal. It was: the place, the hall of Nimrod. Lords,

Bal. It was: the venue, the hall of Nimrod. Lords,

I humble me before you, and depart. [Exit Balea.

I bow before you and leave. [Leave Balea.

Arb. I like not this same sudden change of place;

Arb. I don't like this sudden change of scenery;

There is some mystery: wherefore should he change it?

There’s some mystery: why should he change it?

Bel. Doth he not change a thousand times a day?

Bel. Doesn't he change a thousand times a day?

Sloth is of all things the most fanciful—120

Sloth is the most whimsical of all things—120

And moves more parasangs in its intents

And travels more miles in its intentions

Than generals in their marches, when they seek

To leave their foe at fault.—Why dost thou muse?

To leave their enemy at fault.—Why are you thinking?

Arb. He loved that gay pavilion,—it was ever

Arb. He loved that vibrant pavilion— it was always

His summer dotage.

His summer nostalgia.

Bel.‍And he loved his Queen—

Bel. And he loved his Queen—

And thrice a thousand harlotry besides—

And three thousand times more promiscuity besides—

And he has loved all things by turns, except[42]

And he has loved everything at different times, except[42]

Wisdom and Glory.

Arb.‍Still—I like it not.

Arb. ‍Still—I don't like it.

If he has changed—why, so must we: the attack

If he has changed—then so must we: the attack

Were easy in the isolated bower,130

Were easy in the secluded spot,130

Beset with drowsy guards and drunken courtiers;

Besieged by sleepy guards and drunk nobles;

But in the hall of Nimrod——

Bel.‍Is it so?

Is it so?

Methought the haughty soldier feared to mount

Methought the arrogant soldier was afraid to get on

A throne too easily—does it disappoint thee

A throne that comes too easily—does it let you down?

To find there is a slipperier step or two

To discover there's a couple of trickier steps

Than what was counted on?

Arb.‍When the hour comes,

Arb.‍When the time comes,

Thou shall perceive how far I fear or no.

You will see how much I fear or not.

Thou hast seen my life at stake—and gaily played for:

You have seen my life on the line—and casually gambled with it:

But here is more upon the die—a kingdom.

But here is more on the die—a kingdom.

Bel. I have foretold already—thou wilt win it:140

Bel. I've already predicted it—you'll win it: 140

Then on, and prosper.

Live long and prosper.

Arb.‍Now were I a soothsayer,

Arb.‍Now if I were a fortune teller,

I would have boded so much to myself.

I would have told myself so much.

But be the stars obeyed—I cannot quarrel

But whether or not the stars are obeyed—I can't argue.

With them, nor their interpreter. Who's here?

Enter Salemenes.

Sal. Satraps!

Sal. Governors!

Bel.‍My Prince!

Bel. My Prince!

Sal.‍Well met—I sought ye both,

Sal. Well met—I was looking for you both,

But elsewhere than the palace.

But outside the palace.

Arb.‍Wherefore so?

Arb.‍Why is that?

Sal. 'Tis not the hour.

Sal. It's not the time.

Arb.‍The hour!—what hour?

Arb.‍What time is it?

Sal.‍Of midnight.

Midnight.

Bel. Midnight, my Lord!

Sal.‍What, are you not invited?

Sal.‍What, you weren't invited?

Bel. Oh! yes—we had forgotten.

Bel. Oh! yes—we totally forgot.

Sal.‍Is it usual

Is it common?

Thus to forget a Sovereign's invitation?

Thus, to forget a king's invitation?

Arb. Why—we but now received it.150

Arb. Well—we just got it now.150

Sal.‍Then why here?

Sal.‍So why here?

Arb. On duty.

Arb. On call.

Sal.‍On what duty?

Sal.‍What’s the duty?

Bel.‍On the state's.[43]

Bel.‍On the state.[43]

We have the privilege to approach the presence;

We have the privilege to come into the presence;

But found the Monarch absent.[k]

But found the Monarch missing.[k]

Sal.‍And I too

Sal. And me too

Am upon duty.

On duty.

Arb.‍May we crave its purport?

Arb.‍Can we understand its meaning?

Sal. To arrest two traitors. Guards! Within there!

Sal. To capture two traitors. Guards! In here!

Enter Guards.

Enter the Guards.

Sal. (continuing).‍Satraps,

Satraps,

Your swords.

Bel. (delivering his).‍My lord, behold my scimitar.

Bel. (handing it over).Understood. Please provide the text for me to modernize.My lord, here is my sword.

Arb. (drawing his sword). Take mine.

Arb. (pulling out his sword). Use mine.

Sal. (advancing).‍I will.

I will.

Arb.‍But in your heart the blade—

Arb.Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But in your heart the blade—

The hilt quits not this hand.[l]

The hilt doesn’t leave this hand.

Sal. (drawing).‍How! dost thou brave me?

Sal. (drawing).Understood! Please provide the short piece of text you'd like me to modernize.What! Are you challenging me?

Tis well—this saves a trial, and false mercy.160

It’s good—this avoids a trial and insincere kindness.160

Soldiers, hew down the rebel!

Soldiers, take down the rebel!

Arb.‍Soldiers! Aye—

Arb.‍Soldiers! Yes—

Alone, you dare not.

By yourself, you can't.

Sal.‍Alone! foolish slave—

Sal. Alone! foolish slave—

What is there in thee that a Prince should shrink from

What is it about you that makes a Prince hesitate?

Of open force? We dread thy treason, not

Of open force? We fear your betrayal, not

Thy strength: thy tooth is nought without its venom—

Your strength: your bite means nothing without its poison—

The serpent's, not the lion's. Cut him down.

The serpent's, not the lion's. Take him down.

Bel. (interposing). Arbaces! Are you mad? Have I not rendered

Bel. (interrupting). Arbaces! Are you crazy? Haven't I helped

My sword? Then trust like me our Sovereign's justice.

My sword? Then have faith in our Sovereign's justice just like I do.

Arb. No—I will sooner trust the stars thou prat'st of,

Arb. No—I would sooner trust the stars you’re talking about,

And this slight arm, and die a king at least170

And this thin arm, and die a king at least170

Of my own breath and body—so far that

None else shall chain them.

No one else will bind them.

Sal. (to the Guards).‍You hear him and me.

Take him not,—kill.

Don't take him—kill him.

[The Guards attack Arbaces, who defends himself valiantly and dexterously till they waver.

[The Guards attack Arbaces, who fights back bravely and skillfully until they falter.

Sal.‍Is it even so; and must[44]

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Is it really true; and must[44]

I do the hangman's office? Recreants! see

I do the hangman's job? Cowards! look!

How you should fell a traitor.

How you should feel like a traitor.

[Salemenes attacks Arbaces.

Enter Sardanapalus and Train.

Join Sardanapalus and Train.

Sar.‍Hold your hands—

Hold your hands—

Upon your lives, I say. What, deaf or drunken?

Upon your lives, I say. What, are you deaf or drunk?

My sword! O fool, I wear no sword: here, fellow,

My sword! Oh, I'm such a fool, I'm not carrying a sword: here, buddy,

Give me thy weapon. [To a Guard.

Give me your weapon. [To a Security Guard.

[Sardanapalus snatches a sword from one of the soldiers, and rushes between the combatants—they separate.

[Sardanapalus grabs a sword from one of the soldiers and charges between the fighters—they pull away.

Sar.‍In my very palace!

In my own palace!

What hinders me from cleaving you in twain,

What stops me from cutting you in half,

Audacious brawlers?

Bold fighters?

Bel.‍Sire, your justice.

Bel. Sir, your justice.

Sal.‍Or—180

Sal.

Your weakness.

Your vulnerability.

Sar. (raising the sword). How?

Sal.‍Strike! so the blow's repeated

Sal.‍Strike! so the hit's repeated

Upon yon traitor—whom you spare a moment,

Upon that traitor—whom you take a moment,

I trust, for torture—I'm content.

I trust, for torture—I'm fine.

Sar.‍What—him!

What—him!

Who dares assail Arbaces?

Who dares challenge Arbaces?

Sal.‍I!

Sal!

Sar.‍Indeed!

Sar.‍Totally!

Prince, you forget yourself. Upon what warrant?

Prince, you’re losing yourself. On what authority?

Sal. (showing the signet). Thine.

Sal. (showing the signet). Yours.

Arb. (confused).‍The King's!

The King's!

Sal.‍Yes! and let the King confirm it.

Sal.Got it! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Yes! And let the King make it official.

Sar. I parted not from this for such a purpose.

Sar. I didn't leave this behind for that reason.

Sal. You parted with it for your safety—I

Sal. You let it go for your safety—I

Employed it for the best. Pronounce in person.

Here I am but your slave—a moment past190

Here I am, just your servant—a moment ago190

I was your representative.

I was your rep.

Sar.‍Then sheathe

Then sheathe

Your swords.

Your blades.

[Arbaces and Salemenes return their swords to the scabbards.[45]

[Arbaces and Salemenes put their swords back in their sheaths.[45]

Sal.‍Mine's sheathed: I pray you sheathe not yours:

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you would like modernized.Mine's covered: I hope you don't cover yours:

Tis the sole sceptre left you now with safety.

It’s the only scepter you have left that keeps you safe.

Sar. A heavy one; the hilt, too, hurts my hand.

Sar. It's a heavy one; the hilt also hurts my hand.

(To a Guard.) Here, fellow, take thy weapon back. Well, sirs,

(To a Guard.) Here, buddy, take your weapon back. Alright, gentlemen,

What doth this mean?

What does this mean?

Bel.‍The Prince must answer that.

Bel. The Prince must answer that.

Sal. Truth upon my part, treason upon theirs.

Sal. My truth is honest, their actions are treasonous.

Sar. Treason—Arbaces! treachery and Beleses!

Sar. Treason—Arbaces! Betrayal and Beleses!

That were an union I will not believe.

That was a union I can't believe.

Bel. Where is the proof?

Bel. Where's the evidence?

Sal.‍I'll answer that, if once200

Sal. I'll answer that, if once

The king demands your fellow-traitor's sword.

The king wants your fellow rebel's sword.

Arb. (to Sal.). A sword which hath been drawn as oft as thine

Arb. (to Sal.). A sword that has been drawn as many times as yours

Against his foes.

Against his enemies.

Sal.‍And now against his brother,

Sal.‍And now facing his brother,

And in an hour or so against himself.

And in about an hour or so against himself.

Sar. That is not possible: he dared not; no—

Sar. That’s not going to happen: he couldn't; no—

No—I'll not hear of such things. These vain bickerings

No—I'm not going to listen to that. These pointless arguments

Are spawned in courts by base intrigues, and baser

Are created in courts by petty schemes and even worse motives.

Hirelings, who live by lies on good men's lives.

Hirelings, who thrive on the lies they tell about decent people.

You must have been deceived, my brother.

You must have been misled, my brother.

Sal.‍First

Sal. First

Let him deliver up his weapon, and210

Let him hand over his weapon, and210

Proclaim himself your subject by that duty,

Proclaim himself your follower by that duty,

And I will answer all.

And I’ll answer everything.

Sar.‍Why, if I thought so—

Sure. Why, if I thought so—

But no, it cannot be: the Mede Arbaces—

But no, it can't be: the Mede Arbaces—

The trusty, rough, true soldier—the best captain

The reliable, tough, genuine soldier—the best captain

Of all who discipline our nations——No,

Of all those who govern our nations——No,

I'll not insult him thus, to bid him render

I'll not insult him like that, to ask him to give

The scimitar to me he never yielded

The scimitar was never given to me.

Unto our enemies. Chief, keep your weapon.

Unto our enemies. Chief, hold on to your weapon.

Sal. (delivering back the signet).

Sal. (returning the signet).

Monarch, take back your signet.

Monarch, reclaim your signet.

Sar.‍No, retain it;

No, keep it;

But use it with more moderation.

Use it more sparingly.

Sal.‍Sire,200

Sal. Sire,

I used it for your honour, and restore it

I used it for your sake, and I’m giving it back.

Because I cannot keep it with my own.[46]

Because I can't hold onto it by myself.[46]

Bestow it on Arbaces.

Give it to Arbaces.

Sar.‍So I should:

Sar. So I should:

He never asked it.

He never asked for it.

Sal.‍Doubt not, he will have it,

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Don’t doubt it, he will get it,

Without that hollow semblance of respect.

Without that empty show of respect.

Bel. I know not what hath prejudiced the Prince

Bel. I don’t know what has biased the Prince.

So strongly 'gainst two subjects, than whom none

So strongly against two subjects, none

Have been more zealous for Assyria's weal.

Have been more passionate about Assyria's well-being.

Sal. Peace, factious priest, and faithless soldier! thou

Sal. Peace, troublesome priest, and untrustworthy soldier! You

Unit'st in thy own person the worst vices230

Unit'st in your own person the worst vices230

Of the most dangerous orders of mankind.

Of the most dangerous groups of people.

Keep thy smooth words and juggling homilies

Keep your smooth words and playful sermons.

For those who know thee not. Thy fellow's sin

For those who don't know you. Your friend's sin

Is, at the least, a bold one, and not tempered

Is, at the very least, a bold one and not restrained.

By the tricks taught thee in Chaldea.

By the tricks taught to you in Chaldea.

Bel.‍Hear him,

Bel. Hear him,

My liege—the son of Belus! he blasphemes

My lord—the son of Belus! He's speaking sacrilege.

The worship of the land, which bows the knee

The worship of the land, which kneels

Before your fathers.

Before your parents.

Sar.‍Oh! for that I pray you

Sar.Understood! Please provide the phrases you'd like me to modernize.Oh! I ask you for that.

Let him have absolution. I dispense with

Let him have forgiveness. I'm done with

The worship of dead men; feeling that I240

The worship of dead people; feeling that I240

Am mortal, and believing that the race

From whence I sprung are—what I see them—ashes.

From where I came from, I see them as ashes.

Bel. King! Do not deem so: they are with the stars,

Bel. King! Don't think that way: they are with the stars,

And——

And—

Sar.‍You shall join them ere they will rise,

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You should join them before they rise,

If you preach farther—Why, this is rank treason.

If you preach further—Wow, this is outright treason.

Sal. My lord!

Sar.‍To school me in the worship of

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.To teach me how to worship

Assyria's idols! Let him be released—

Assyria's idols! Let him leave—

Give him his sword.

Sal.‍My Lord, and King, and Brother,

Sal.‍My Lord, King, and Bro,

I pray ye pause.

I ask you to pause.

Sar.‍Yes, and be sermonised,

Yes, and be preached to,

And dinned, and deafened with dead men and Baal,250

And clattered, and overwhelmed by dead men and Baal,250

And all Chaldea's starry mysteries.

And all of Chaldea's starry mysteries.

Bel. Monarch! respect them.

Bel. Monarch! Show them respect.

Sar.‍Oh! for that—I love them;

Sar.‍Oh! For that—I love them;

I love to watch them in the deep blue vault,

I love watching them in the deep blue sky,

And to compare them with my Myrrha's eyes;[47]

I love to see their rays redoubled in

I love to see their rays multiplied in

The tremulous silver of Euphrates' wave,

The trembling silver of the Euphrates wave,

As the light breeze of midnight crisps the broad

As the cool midnight breeze rustles the wide

And rolling water, sighing through the sedges

And flowing water, softly sighing through the reeds

Which fringe his banks: but whether they may be

Gods, as some say, or the abodes of Gods,260

Gods, as some say, or the places where Gods reside,260

As others hold, or simply lamps of night,

As others do, or just night lamps,

Worlds—or the lights of Worlds—I know nor care not.

Worlds—or the lights of Worlds—I neither know nor care about.

There's something sweet in my uncertainty

There's something nice about my uncertainty.

I would not change for your Chaldean lore;

I wouldn't change for your Chaldean beliefs;

Besides, I know of these all clay can know

Besides, I know everything clay can know.

Of aught above it, or below it—nothing.

Of anything above it or below it—nothing.

I see their brilliancy and feel their beauty [m]—

I see their brightness and feel their beauty [m]—

When they shine on my grave I shall know neither.

When they shine on my grave, I won’t know either.

Bel. For neither, Sire, say better.

Bel. For neither, Sire, say better.

Sar.‍I will wait,

I'll wait,

If it so please you, Pontiff, for that knowledge.270

If it pleases you, Pontiff, for that knowledge.270

In the mean time receive your sword, and know

In the meantime, take your sword and know

That I prefer your service militant

That I prefer your active service.

Unto your ministry—not loving either.

To your ministry—not loving either.

Sal. (aside). His lusts have made him mad. Then must I save him,

Sal. (aside). His desires have driven him crazy. Then I have to save him,

Spite of himself.

Despite himself.

Sar.‍Please you to hear me, Satraps!

Sar.‍Please, hear me out, Satraps!

And chiefly thou, my priest, because I doubt thee

And especially you, my priest, because I doubt you

More than the soldier; and would doubt thee all

More than the soldier; and would doubt you all

Wert thou not half a warrior: let us part

Weren't you half a warrior? Let's break up.

In peace—I'll not say pardon—which must be

In peace—I'll not say sorry—which has to be

Earned by the guilty; this I'll not pronounce ye,280

Earned by the guilty; I won't say it to you, 280

Although upon this breath of mine depends

Although this breath of mine depends

Your own; and, deadlier for ye, on my fears.

Your own; and, more dangerous for you, based on my fears.

But fear not—for that I am soft, not fearful—

But don’t worry—I'm gentle, not scared—

And so live on. Were I the thing some think me,

And so I continue to live. If I were the person some people believe I am,

Your heads would now be dripping the last drops

Your heads would now be dripping the last drops.

Of their attainted gore from the high gates

Of their condemned blood from the high gates

Of this our palace, into the dry dust,

Their only portion of the coveted kingdom

Their only share of the desired kingdom

They would be crowned to reign o'er—let that pass.

They would be crowned to rule over—let that go.

As I have said, I will not deem ye guilty,290

As I've said, I will not consider you guilty, 290

Nor doom ye guiltless. Albeit better men[48]

Nor doom you guiltless. Though better men

Than ye or I stand ready to arraign you;

Than you or I are ready to accuse you;

And should I leave your fate to sterner judges,

And should I leave your fate to stricter judges,

And proofs of all kinds, I might sacrifice

And I could give up all kinds of proofs

Two men, who, whatsoe'er they now are, were

Two men, who, no matter what they are now, were

Once honest. Ye are free, sirs.

Once honest. You are free, gentlemen.

Arb.‍Sire, this clemency——

Arb.‍Sir, this mercy——

Bel. (interrupting him). Is worthy of yourself; and, although innocent,

Bel. (interrupting him). Is worthy of you; and, even though innocent,

We thank——

We appreciate——

Sar.‍Priest! keep your thanksgivings for Belus;

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Priest! Save your thanks for Belus;

His offspring needs none.

His kids need none.

Bel.‍But being innocent——

Bel. But being innocent—

Sar. Be silent.—Guilt is loud. If ye are loyal,300

Sar. Be quiet.—Guilt speaks loudly. If you are loyal,300

Ye are injured men, and should be sad, not grateful.

You are hurt men, and you should be upset, not thankful.

Bel. So we should be, were justice always done

Bel. So we should be, if justice were always served.

By earthly power omnipotent; but Innocence

By all-powerful earthly forces; but Innocence

Must oft receive her right as a mere favour.

Must often receive her right as a mere favor.

Sar. That's a good sentence for a homily,

Sar. That’s a great line for a sermon,

Though not for this occasion. Prithee keep it

Though not for this occasion. Please keep it.

To plead thy Sovereign's cause before his people.

To advocate for your ruler's case in front of the people.

Bel. I trust there is no cause.

Bel. I hope there's no reason for concern.

Sar.‍No cause, perhaps;

No reason, maybe;

But many causers:—if ye meet with such

But many causes:—if you come across such

In the exercise of your inquisitive function310

In doing your interesting job

On earth, or should you read of it in heaven

On Earth, or if you read about it in heaven

In some mysterious twinkle of the stars,

In some mysterious shimmer of the stars,

Which are your chronicles, I pray you note,

Which are your stories, please take note,

That there are worse things betwixt earth and heaven

That there are worse things between earth and heaven.

Than him who ruleth many and slays none;

Than the one who rules many but kills none;

And, hating not himself, yet loves his fellows

And, while he doesn't hate himself, he still loves his friends.

Enough to spare even those who would not spare him

Enough to spare even those who wouldn’t spare him.

Were they once masters—but that's doubtful. Satraps!

Were they once in charge—but that’s uncertain. Subordinate rulers!

Your swords and persons are at liberty

Your swords and people are free.

To use them as ye will—but from this hour320

To use them as you wish—but from this moment320

I have no call for either. Salemenes!

I have no need for either. Crazy people!

Follow me.

[Exeunt Sardanapalus, Salemenes, and the Train, etc., leaving Arbaces and Beleses.

[Exit Sardanapalus, Salemenes, and the Train, etc., leaving Arbaces and Beleses.

Arb.‍Beleses!

Arb! Beleses!

Bel.‍Now, what think you?

Bel. Now, what do you think?

Arb. That we are lost.[49]

Arb. We're lost.[49]

Bel.‍That we have won the kingdom.

Bel.‍We've taken the kingdom.

Arb. What? thus suspected—with the sword slung o'er us

Arb. What? so we're suspected—with the sword hanging over us

But by a single hair, and that still wavering,

But by a single hair, and that still swaying,

To be blown down by his imperious breath

To be knocked down by his powerful blow

Which spared us—why, I know not.

Which spared us—why, I don’t know.

Bel.‍Seek not why;

Bel. Don't seek why;

But let us profit by the interval.[n]

But let's make the most of this time.[n]

The hour is still our own—our power the same—

The hour is still ours—our power is the same—

The night the same we destined. He hath changed330

The night we were destined for. He has changed330

Nothing except our ignorance of all

Nothing except our ignorance of everything

Suspicion into such a certainty

Turning suspicion into certainty

As must make madness of delay.

Arb.‍And yet—

Arb.‍But still—

Bel. What, doubting still?

Bel. What, still unsure?

Arb.‍He spared our lives, nay, more,

Arb.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.He saved our lives, and even more,

Saved them from Salemenes.

Bel.‍And how long

Bel. And how long?

Will he so spare? till the first drunken minute.

Will he really hold back? Until he gets his first drink.

Arb. Or sober, rather. Yet he did it nobly;

Arb. Or sober, actually. But he did it with honor;

Gave royally what we had forfeited

Gave generously what we had lost

Basely——

Basely

Bel.‍Say bravely.

Bel.‍Speak boldly.

Arb.‍Somewhat of both, perhaps—

Arb. ‍Maybe a bit of both—

But it has touched me, and, whate'er betide,340

But it has affected me, and whatever happens,340

I will no further on.

I won't go any further.

Bel.‍And lose the world!

Bel. And lose everything!

Arb. Lose any thing except my own esteem.

Arb. Lose anything except my self-respect.

Bel. I blush that we should owe our lives to such

Bel. I feel embarrassed that our lives depend on such

A king of distaffs!

A king of spindles!

Arb.‍But no less we owe them;

Arb.Got it! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But we still owe them a lot;

And I should blush far more to take the grantor's![16]

And I should be way more embarrassed to accept the grantor's![16]

Bel. Thou may'st endure whate'er thou wilt—the stars

Bel. You can handle whatever you want—the stars

Have written otherwise.

Have written differently.

Arb.‍Though they came down,

Arb. Though they came down,

And marshalled me the way in all their brightness,

And guided me on my path with all their brilliance,

I would not follow.[50]

I wouldn't follow.[50]

Bel.‍This is weakness—worse

Bel. This is weakness—worse

Than a scared beldam's dreaming of the dead,350

Than a scared witch's nightmare about the dead,350

And waking in the dark.—Go to—go to.

And waking up in the dark.—Come on—come on.

Arb. Methought he looked like Nimrod as he spoke,

Arb. I thought he looked like Nimrod as he spoke,

Even as the proud imperial statue stands

Looking the monarch of the kings around it,

Looking at the king among the rulers around him,

And sways, while they but ornament, the temple.

And sways, while they just decorate, the temple.

Bel. I told you that you had too much despised him,

Bel. I told you that you had looked down on him too much,

And that there was some royalty within him—What

And that there was some royalty inside him—What

then? he is the nobler foe.

then? he is the nobler enemy.

Arb.‍But we

Arb. But we

The meaner.—Would he had not spared us!

Bel.‍So—

Bel. So—

Wouldst thou be sacrificed thus readily?360

Would you be sacrificed so easily?360

Arb. No—but it had been better to have died

Arb. No—but it would have been better to have died.

Than live ungrateful.

Better to live gratefully.

Bel.‍Oh, the souls of some men!

Bel.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.Oh, the spirits of some people!

Thou wouldst digest what some call treason, and

Fools treachery—and, behold, upon the sudden,

Fools' betrayal—and, look, all of a sudden,

Because for something or for nothing, this

Rash reveller steps, ostentatiously,

Showy partygoer steps, ostentatiously,

'Twixt thee and Salemenes, thou art turned

'Twixt you and Salemenes, you've changed

Into—what shall I say?—Sardanapalus!

Into—what should I say?—Sardanapalus!

I know no name more ignominious.

I can't think of a more disgraceful name.

Arb.‍But

Arb. But

An hour ago, who dared to term me such370

An hour ago, who would have dared to call me that370

Had held his life but lightly—as it is,

I must forgive you, even as he forgave us—

I have to forgive you, just like he forgave us—

Semiramis herself would not have done it.

Semiramis herself wouldn’t have done it.

Bel. No—the Queen liked no sharers of the kingdom,

Bel. No—the Queen didn't like anyone sharing the kingdom,

Not even a husband.[17]

Not even a husband. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Arb.‍I must serve him truly——

Arb. I must serve him genuinely—

Bel. And humbly?

Bel. And humbly?

Arb.‍No, sir, proudly—being honest.

No, sir, proudly—staying honest.

I shall be nearer thrones than you to heaven;

I will be closer to thrones than you are to heaven;

And if not quite so haughty, yet more lofty.

And if not quite so arrogant, still more elevated.

You may do your own deeming—you have codes,[51]

You can make your own judgments—you have codes,[51]

And mysteries, and corollaries of380

And mysteries, and corollaries of __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Right and wrong, which I lack for my direction,

Right and wrong, which I need for guidance,

And must pursue but what a plain heart teaches.

And must follow only what a sincere heart teaches.

And now you know me.

Bel.‍Have you finished?

Bel. Have you completed it?

Arb.‍Yes—

Arb. Yes—

With you.

Bel.‍And would, perhaps, betray as well

Bel. And might, maybe, betray too

As quit me?

Arb.‍That's a sacerdotal thought,

That's a priestly thought,

And not a soldier's.

Bel.‍Be it what you will—

Bel. Be it what you will—

Truce with these wranglings, and but hear me.

Stop the fighting for a moment and just listen to me.

Arb.‍No—

No—

There is more peril in your subtle spirit

There is more danger in your subtle nature

Than in a phalanx.

Than in a group.

Bel.‍If it must be so—

Bel. If it has to be.

I'll on alone.

I'll be alone.

Arb.‍Alone!

Alone!

Bel.‍Thrones hold but one.390

Bel. Thrones only hold one.

Arb. But this is filled.

Arb. But this is occupied.

Bel.‍With worse than vacancy—

Bel. With worse than emptiness—

A despised monarch. Look to it, Arbaces:

A hated king. Just so you know, Arbaces:

I have still aided, cherished, loved, and urged you;

I have always helped, cared for, loved, and encouraged you;

Was willing even to serve you, in the hope

Was even willing to serve you, hoping

To serve and save Assyria. Heaven itself

To help and rescue Assyria. Heaven itself

Seemed to consent, and all events were friendly,

Seemed to agree, and everything went smoothly,

Even to the last, till that your spirit shrunk

Even to the end, until your spirit faded

Into a shallow softness; but now, rather

Than see my country languish, I will be

Than see my country suffer, I will be

Her saviour or the victim of her tyrant—400

Her savior or the victim of her oppressor—400

Or one or both—for sometimes both are one;

Or one or both—because sometimes they are the same;

And if I win—Arbaces is my servant.

And if I win—Arbaces will be my servant.

Arb. Your servant!

Bel.‍Why not? better than be slave,

Bel.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Why not? It's better than being a slave,

The pardoned slave of she Sardanapalus!

The pardoned slave of she Sardanapalus!

Enter Pania.

Join Pania.

Pan. My Lords, I bear an order from the king.

Pan. My Lords, I bring a message from the king.

Arb. It is obeyed ere spoken.[52]

Arb. It is followed before it's said.[52]

Bel.‍Notwithstanding,

Bel. Nevertheless,

Let's hear it.

Pan.‍Forthwith, on this very night,

Pan. Right away, on this night,

Repair to your respective satrapies

Return to your respective regions

Of Babylon and Media.

Bel.‍With our troops?

Bel. With our forces?

Pan. My order is unto the Satraps and410

Pan. I'm sending my order to the Satraps and410

Their household train.

Their family train.

Arb.‍But——

Arb. But—

Bel.‍It must be obeyed:

Bel. It must be followed:

Say, we depart.

Let’s go.

Pan.‍My order is to see you

Pan.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I've been told to meet with you.

Depart, and not to bear your answer.

Depart, and don’t expect to hear your response.

Bel. (aside).‍Aye [o]!

Bel. (aside).‍Yeah__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__!

Well, Sir—we will accompany you hence.

Well, Sir—we will go with you from here.

Pan. I will retire to marshal forth the guard

Pan. I will go rest and get the guard ready.

Of honour which befits your rank, and wait

Of honor that suits your position, and wait

Your leisure, so that it the hour exceeds not.

Your free time, so that the hour doesn't go over.

[Exit Pania.

Bel. Now then obey!

Bel. Now, follow the rules!

Arb.‍Doubtless.

Arb.‍Definitely.

Bel.‍Yes, to the gates

Yes, to the gates

That grate the palace, which is now our prison—

That grate of the palace, which is now our prison—

No further.

No more.

Arb.‍Thou hast harped the truth indeed!420

Arb.Sure, please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You’ve hit the nail on the head for sure!420

The realm itself, in all its wide extension,

The realm itself, in all its vast expanse,

Yawns dungeons at each step for thee and me.

Yawns are in every dungeon for you and me.

Bel. Graves!

Bel. Nixed!

Arb.‍If I thought so, this good sword should dig

Arb.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.If I believed that, this great sword would cut deep.

One more than mine.

One more than me.

Bel.‍It shall have work enough.

It will have plenty of work.

Let me hope better than thou augurest;

Let me hope for better things than you predict;

At present, let us hence as best we may.

At this moment, let's leave as best as we can.

Thou dost agree with me in understanding

You agree with me in understanding

This order as a sentence?

This order as a statement?

Arb.‍Why, what other

Arb. Why, what else

Interpretation should it bear? it is

Interpretation should it bear? It is

The very policy of Orient monarchs—430

The very policy of Oriental monarchs—430

Pardon and poison—favours and a sword[53]—

Pardon and poison—favors and a sword[53]—

A distant voyage, and an eternal sleep.

A faraway journey, and a never-ending rest.

How many Satraps in his father's time—

How many Satraps were there in his father's time—

For he I own is, or at least was, bloodless—

For the person I belong to is, or at least was, without blood—

Bel. But will not—can not be so now.

Bel. But will not—can’t be so now.

Arb.‍I doubt it.

Arb.‍I don't think so.

How many Satraps have I seen set out

In his Sire's day for mighty Vice-royalties,

In his lord's time for powerful viceroyalties,

Whose tombs are on their path! I know not how,

Whose tombs are on their path! I don’t know how,

But they all sickened by the way, it was

But they all got sick because of how it was.

So long and heavy.

So long and difficult.

Bel.‍Let us but regain440

Bel. Let us regain

The free air of the city, and we'll shorten

The journey.

The trip.

Arb.‍'Twill be shortened at the gates,

Arb.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.It'll be cut short at the gates,

It may be.

It might be.

Bel.‍No; they hardly will risk that.

Bel.Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.No; they probably won’t take that chance.

They mean us to die privately, but not

They want us to die in secret, but not

Within the palace or the city walls,

Where we are known, and may have partisans:

Where we are recognized, and might have supporters:

If they had meant to slay us here, we were

If they meant to kill us here, we were

No longer with the living. Let us hence.

No longer with the living. Let's go.

Arb. If I but thought he did not mean my life—

Arb. If I even thought he didn't mean my life—

Bel. Fool! hence—what else should despotism alarmed450

Bel. Idiot! Go away—what else should a scared tyrant be worried about? 450

Mean? Let us but rejoin our troops, and march.

Mean? Let's just regroup our troops and move out.

Arb. Towards our provinces?

Arb. Heading to our provinces?

Bel.‍No; towards your kingdom.

Bel. No; towards your realm.

There's time—there's heart, and hope, and power, and means—

There's time—there's heart, hope, strength, and resources—

Which their half measures leave us in full scope.—

Which their half measures leave us fully exposed.—

Away!

Go away!

Arb.‍And I even yet repenting must

Arb.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And I'm still regretting I must

Relapse to guilt!

Relapse into guilt!

Bel.‍Self-defence is a virtue,

Self-defense is a virtue,

Sole bulwark of all right. Away, I say!

Sole protector of all that is right. Go away, I say!

Let's leave this place, the air grows thick and choking,

Let's get out of here; the air is getting heavy and suffocating,

And the walls have a scent of night-shade—hence!

And the walls smell like nightshade—there you go!

Let us not leave them time for further council.460

Let’s not give them more time to plan.460

Our quick departure proves our civic zeal;

Our swift exit shows our community spirit;

Our quick departure hinders our good escort,

Our fast exit is getting in the way of our good escort,

The worthy Pania, from anticipating[54]

The admirable Pania, from expecting

The orders of some parasangs from hence:

The distance of a few parasangs from here:

Nay, there's no other choice, but——hence, I say [p].

Nay, there's no other choice, but——so, I say [p].

[Exit with Arbaces, who follows reluctantly.

[Exit with Arbaces, who follows reluctantly.]

Enter Sardanapalus and Salemenes.

Sar. Well, all is remedied, and without bloodshed,

Sar. Well, everything is resolved, and without any violence,

That worst of mockeries of a remedy;

That awful joke of a solution;

We are now secure by these men's exile.

We are now safe because of these men's exile.

Sal.‍Yes,

Sal. Yes,

As he who treads on flowers is from the adder

As the person who walks on flowers is from the snake

Twined round their roots.

Wrapped around their roots.

Sar.‍Why, what wouldst have me do?470

Sar.Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Why, what do you want me to do?470

Sal. Undo what you have done.

Sal. Take back what you did.

Sar.‍Revoke my pardon?

Sar.‍Take back my pardon?

Sal. Replace the crown now tottering on your temples.

Sal. Change the crown that's now wobbling on your head.

Sar. That were tyrannical.

Sar. That was tyrannical.

Sal.‍But sure.

Sal. Sure thing.

Sar.‍We are so.

We are so.

What danger can they work upon the frontier?

What threat can they create on the border?

Sal. They are not there yet—never should they be so,

Sal. They haven't arrived yet—hopefully, they never will be.

Were I well listened to.

If people really listened to me.

Sar.‍Nay, I have listened

Sar.‍No, I have listened

Impartially to thee—why not to them?

Impartially to you—why not to them?

Sal. You may know that hereafter; as it is,

Sal. You might understand that from now on; as it is,

I take my leave to order forth the guard.

I’m going to head out and call the guard.

Sar. And you will join us at the banquet?

Sar. So, will you be joining us at the banquet?

Sal.‍Sire,480

Sal. Sire,

Dispense with me—I am no wassailer:

Dispense with me—I am no party-goer:

Command me in all service save the Bacchant's.

Command me in all services except for those of the Bacchant.

Sar. Nay, but 'tis fit to revel now and then.

Sar. No, but it's good to party every now and then.

Sal. And fit that some should watch for those who revel

Sal. And it's right that some should keep an eye on those who party

Too oft. Am I permitted to depart?

Too often. Am I allowed to leave?

Sar. Yes——Stay a moment, my good Salemenes,

Sar. Yeah—Hold on for a second, my good Salemenes,

My brother—my best subject—better Prince

My brother—my best topic—better Prince

Than I am King. You should have been the monarch,

And I—I know not what, and care not; but

And I—I don't know what, and I don't care; but

Think not I am insensible to all490

Think not that I am insensitive to everything.

Thine honest wisdom, and thy rough yet kind,

Thy honest wisdom, and your tough yet kind,

Though oft-reproving sufferance of my follies.[55]

Though I often endure the consequences of my mistakes.[55]

If I have spared these men against thy counsel,

If I have protected these men despite your advice,

That is, their lives—it is not that I doubt

That is, their lives—I’m not saying I doubt

The advice was sound; but, let them live: we will not

The advice was good; but, let them be: we won't.

Cavil about their lives—so let them mend them.

Cavil about their lives—so let them fix them.

Their banishment will leave me still sound sleep,

Their banishment will still leave me sound asleep,

Which their death had not left me.

Sal.‍Thus you run

Sal. So you run

The risk to sleep for ever, to save traitors—

The risk of sleeping forever, to save traitors—

A moment's pang now changed for years of crime.500

A brief moment of regret now leads to years of wrongdoing.500

Still let them be made quiet.

Still let them keep silent.

Sar.‍Tempt me not;

Don't tempt me;

My word is past.

My word is gone.

Sal.‍But it may be recalled.

Sal. But it can be remembered.

Sar. 'Tis royal.

Sar. It's royal.

Sal.‍And should therefore be decisive.

Sal. And should thus be decisive.

This half-indulgence of an exile serves

But to provoke—a pardon should be full,

But to provoke—a pardon should be complete,

Or it is none.

Or it isn't any.

Sar.‍And who persuaded me

And who convinced me

After I had repealed them, or at least

After I had canceled them, or at least

Only dismissed them from our presence, who

Urged me to send them to their satrapies?

Urged me to send them to their regional governors?

Sal. True; that I had forgotten; that is, Sire,510

Sal. That’s true; I had forgotten that; um, Your Majesty,510

If they e'er reached their Satrapies—why, then,

If they ever reached their territories—well, then,

Reprove me more for my advice.

Reprimand me even more for my suggestion.

Sar.‍And if

Sar. And if

They do not reach them—look to it!—in safety,

They don’t reach them—watch out!—safely,

In safety, mark me—and security—

In safety, count me in—

Look to thine own.

Look to your own.

Sal.‍Permit me to depart;

Sal.‍Please let me go;

Their safety shall be cared for.

Their safety will be ensured.

Sar.‍Get thee hence, then;

Sar. Get out of here, then;

And, prithee, think more gently of thy brother.

And please, think more kindly of your brother.

Sal. Sire, I shall ever duly serve my sovereign.

Sal. Sir, I will always faithfully serve my ruler.

[Exit Salemenes.

[Exit Salesmen.

Sar. (solus). That man is of a temper too severe;

Sar. (solus). That guy has a temperament that’s way too harsh;

Hard but as lofty as the rock, and free520

Hard but as high as the rock, and free520

From all the taints of common earth—while I

From all the stains of everyday life—while I

Am softer clay, impregnated with flowers:

Am softer clay, filled with flowers:

But as our mould is, must the produce be.

But the product must reflect the mold we're in.

If I have erred this time, 'tis on the side[56]

If I've made a mistake this time, it's on the side[56]

Where Error sits most lightly on that sense,

Where Error sits most lightly on that feeling,

I know not what to call it; but it reckons

I don’t know what to call it; but it counts

With me ofttimes for pain, and sometimes pleasure;

With me often for pain, and sometimes for pleasure;

A spirit which seems placed about my heart

A feeling that seems settled in my heart

To count its throbs, not quicken them, and ask

To count its beats, not speed them up, and ask

Questions which mortal never dared to ask me,530

Questions that no one ever dared to ask me,530

Nor Baal, though an oracular deity—[q]

Nor Baal, even though he was a prophetic god—[q]

Albeit his marble face majestical

Even with his majestic marble face

Frowns as the shadows of the evening dim

Frowns as the evening shadows grow darker

His brows to changed expression, till at times

His eyebrows changed expression until sometimes

I think the statue looks in act to speak.

I think the statue seems about to speak.

Away with these vain thoughts, I will be joyous—

Away with these pointless thoughts, I will be happy—

And here comes Joy's true herald.

And here comes Joy's real messenger.

Enter Myrrha.

Join Myrrha.

Myr.‍King! the sky

Is overcast, and musters muttering thunder,

Is cloudy and rumbles with low thunder,

In clouds that seem approaching fast, and show

In clouds that seem to be coming in quickly, and show

In forkéd flashes a commanding tempest.[r]540

In forked flashes, a powerful storm.[r]540

Will you then quit the palace?

Will you leave the palace then?

Sar.‍Tempest, say'st thou?

Sar.‍Tempest, do you say?

Myr. Aye, my good lord.

Myr. Yes, my good lord.

Sar.‍For my own part, I should be

For me, I should be

Not ill content to vary the smooth scene,

Not unhappy to change the smooth scene,

And watch the warring elements; but this

And watch the fighting elements; but this

Would little suit the silken garments and

Would little suit the silky clothes and

Smooth faces of our festive friends. Say, Myrrha,

Art thou of those who dread the roar of clouds?

Are you one of those who fear the sound of thunder?

Myr. In my own country we respect their voices

Myr. In my country, we value their voices.

As auguries of Jove.[s]

As signs from Jupiter.[s]

Sar.‍Jove!—aye, your Baal—

Jove!—yes, your Baal—

Ours also has a property in thunder,550

And ever and anon some falling bolt

And now and then a falling bolt

Proves his divinity,—and yet sometimes[57]

Proves his divinity, — and yet sometimes

Strikes his own altars.

Hits his own goals.

Myr.‍That were a dread omen.

Myr.‍That was a bad sign.

Sar. Yes—for the priests. Well, we will not go forth

Sar. Yes—for the priests. Well, we won't go out.

Beyond the palace walls to-night, but make

Beyond the palace walls tonight, but make

Our feast within.

Our feast inside.

Myr.‍Now, Jove be praised! that he

Myr. Now, thank goodness! that he

Hath heard the prayer thou wouldst not hear. The Gods

Hath heard the prayer you would not hear. The Gods

Are kinder to thee than thou to thyself,

Are kinder to you than you are to yourself,

And flash this storm between thee and thy foes,

And create this storm between you and your enemies,

To shield thee from them.

To protect you from them.

Sar.‍Child, if there be peril,560

Child, if there's danger,

Methinks it is the same within these walls

I think it’s the same inside these walls.

As on the river's brink.

By the river's edge.

Myr.‍Not so; these walls

Myr.‍No way; these walls

Are high and strong, and guarded. Treason has

Are high and strong, and protected. Betrayal has

To penetrate through many a winding way,

To get through many winding paths,

And massy portal; but in the pavilion

And heavy door; but in the pavilion

There is no bulwark.

There is no barrier.

Sar.‍No, nor in the palace,

No, not even in the palace,

Nor in the fortress, nor upon the top

Nor in the fortress, nor at the top

Of cloud-fenced Caucasus, where the eagle sits

Of cloud-covered Caucasus, where the eagle perches

Nested in pathless clefts, if treachery be:

Nested in pathless gaps, if there's betrayal:

Even as the arrow finds the airy king,570

The steel will reach the earthly. But be calm;

The steel will reach the ground. But stay calm;

The men, or innocent or guilty, are

The men, whether innocent or guilty, are

Banished, and far upon their way.

Banished and well on their way.

Myr.‍They live, then?

Myr. They’re alive, then?

Sar. So sanguinary? Thou!

Sar. So bloody? You!

Myr.‍I would not shrink

Myr. I wouldn't back down

From just infliction of due punishment

From just inflicting the appropriate punishment

On those who seek your life: were't otherwise,

On those who want to take your life: if it weren't for that,

I should not merit mine. Besides, you heard

I shouldn't deserve mine. Besides, you heard

The princely Salemenes.

The noble Salemenes.

Sar.‍This is strange;

This is strange;

The gentle and the austere are both against me,

The kind and the strict are both against me,

And urge me to revenge.

And urge me to get revenge.

Myr.‍'Tis a Greek virtue.580

Myr. It's a Greek virtue.580

Sar. But not a kingly one—I'll none on't; or

Sar. But not a royal one—I won't have it; or

If ever I indulge in't, it shall be

If I ever indulge in it, it will be

With kings—my equals.

Myr.‍These men sought to be so.[58]

Myr.Understood. Please provide the text to be modernized.These men wanted to be that way.[58]

Sar. Myrrha, this is too feminine, and springs

From fear——

From fear—

Myr.‍For you.

Myr. For you.

Sar.‍No matter, still 'tis fear.

No matter, still it's fear.

I have observed your sex, once roused to wrath,

I have seen your anger when it’s stirred up,

Are timidly vindictive to a pitch

Are quietly vengeful to an extent

Of perseverance, which I would not copy.

Of perseverance, which I wouldn’t want to mimic.

I thought you were exempt from this, as from

I thought you were exempt from this, just like from

The childish helplessness of Asian women [t].590

Myr. My Lord, I am no boaster of my love,

Myr. My Lord, I'm not one to brag about my love,

Nor of my attributes; I have shared your splendour,

Nor of my qualities; I have shared your brilliance,

And will partake your fortunes. You may live

And will share your fortunes. You may live

To find one slave more true than subject myriads:

To find one slave more loyal than countless others:

But this the Gods avert! I am content

But may the gods prevent this! I am okay.

To be beloved on trust for what I feel,

To be loved for what I truly feel,

Rather than prove it to you in your griefs [u],

Rather than show it to you in your sorrows [u],

Which might not yield to any cares of mine.

Which might not matter to me at all.

Sar. Grief cannot come where perfect love exists,

Sar. Grief can't exist where perfect love is present.

Except to heighten it, and vanish from600

That which it could not scare away. Let's in—

That which it couldn't drive away. Let's in—

The hour approaches, and we must prepare

The time is coming, and we need to get ready.

To meet the invited guests who grace our feast.

To welcome the guests who honor our celebration.

[Exeunt.

[They exit.

ACT III.

Scene I.—The Hall of the Palace illuminated—Sardanapalus and his Guests at Table.—A storm without, and Thunder occasionally heard during the Banquet.

Scene I.—The Hall of the Palace brightly lit—Sardanapalus and his Guests at Dinner.—A storm outside, with thunder occasionally heard during the feast.

Sar. Fill full! why this is as it should be: here

Sar. Fill it up! This is exactly how it should be: here

Is my true realm, amidst bright eyes and faces

Is my true realm, surrounded by bright eyes and faces

Happy as fair! Here sorrow cannot reach.

Happy as can be! Here, sorrow can't touch us.

Zam. Nor elsewhere—where the King is, pleasure sparkles.

Zam. Nowhere else—where the King is, enjoyment shines.

Sar. Is not this better now than Nimrod's huntings,

Sar. Isn't this better now than Nimrod's hunts,

Or my wild Grandam's chase in search of kingdoms

Or my wild grandma's hunt for kingdoms

She could not keep when conquered?[59]

She couldn't hold on after being defeated?[59]

Alt.‍Mighty though

Alt. Mighty though

They were, as all thy royal line have been,

They were, like all your royal family has been,

Yet none of those who went before have reached

Yet none of those who came before have reached

The acme of Sardanapalus, who10

The peak of Sardanapalus, who

Has placed his joy in peace—the sole true glory.

Has found his joy in peace—the only real glory.

Sar. And pleasure, good Altada, to which glory

Is but the path. What is it that we seek?

Is just the path. What are we looking for?

Enjoyment! We have cut the way short to it,

Enjoyment! We've taken a shortcut to get there,

And not gone tracking it through human ashes,

And not gone searching for it through people's remains,

Making a grave with every footstep.

Making a grave with each step.

Zam.‍No;

Zam. No;

All hearts are happy, and all voices bless

All hearts are joyful, and all voices praise

The King of peace—who holds a world in jubilee.

The King of peace—who brings joy to the world.

Sar. Art sure of that? I have heard otherwise;

Sar. Are you sure about that? I've heard differently;

Some say that there be traitors.

Some say that there are traitors.

Zam.‍Traitors they20

Zam. Traitors they

Who dare to say so!—'Tis impossible.

Who would dare to say that! It's impossible.

What cause?

Which cause?

Sar.‍What cause? true,—fill the goblet up;

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.What cause? Really—fill the cup up;

We will not think of them: there are none such,

We won't think about them: there are no such people,

Or if there be, they are gone.

Or if there are any, they are gone.

Alt.‍Guests, to my pledge!

Alt.‍Guests, to my promise!

Down on your knees, and drink a measure to

Down on your knees, and take a sip to

The safety of the King—the monarch, say I?

The safety of the King—the ruler, I say?

The God Sardanapalus!

[Zames and the Guests kneel, and exclaim—

[Zames and the Guests kneel and shout—

Mightier than

Stronger than

His father Baal, the God Sardanapalus!

His father Baal, the god Sardanapalus!

[It thunders as they kneel; some start up in confusion.

It rumbles as they kneel; some get up in confusion.

Zam. Why do you rise, my friends? in that strong peal

Zam. Why do you get up, my friends? in that loud sound

His father gods consented.

His father gods agreed.

Myr.‍Menaced, rather.30

Myr.‍Threatened, actually.30

King, wilt thou bear this mad impiety?

King, will you tolerate this crazy disrespect?

Sar. Impiety!—nay, if the sires who reigned

Sar. Disrespect!—no, if the ancestors who ruled

Before me can be Gods, I'll not disgrace

Before me can be gods, I won’t bring shame.

Their lineage. But arise, my pious friends;

Their lineage. But rise up, my devout friends;

Hoard your devotion for the Thunderer there:

I seek but to be loved, not worshipped.

I just want to be loved, not worshipped.

Alt.‍Both—

Both you must ever be by all true subjects.[60]

Both of you must always be by all loyal subjects.[60]

Sar. Methinks the thunders still increase: it is

Sar. I think the thunder is getting louder: it is

An awful night.

A terrible night.

Myr.‍Oh yes, for those who have

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Oh yeah, for those who have

No palace to protect their worshippers.40

No palace to protect their followers.40

Sar. That's true, my Myrrha; and could I convert

Sar. That's true, my Myrrha; and if I could change

My realm to one wide shelter for the wretched,

My domain is a vast refuge for the unfortunate,

I'd do it.

I would do it.

Myr. Thou'rt no God, then—not to be

Myr. You're not a God, then—not to be

Able to work a will so good and general,

Able to work a will so well and universally,

As thy wish would imply.

As your wish suggests.

Sar.‍And your Gods, then,

And your gods, then,

Who can, and do not?

Who can, and who can't?

Myr.‍Do not speak of that,

Myr.‍Forget about that,

Lest we provoke them.

So we don't provoke them.

Sar.‍True—, they love not censure

True—they don't love criticism.

Better than mortals. Friends, a thought has struck me:

Better than mortals. Friends, an idea has come to me:

Were there no temples, would there, think ye, be

Were there no temples, do you think there would be

Air worshippers?[v] that is, when it is angry,50

Air worshippers?[v] that is, when it gets upset,50

And pelting as even now.

And pounding just like now.

Myr.‍The Persian prays

Myr. The Persian prays

Upon his mountain.

On his mountain.

Sar.‍Yes, when the Sun shines.

Sar.‍Yes, when the sun shines.

Myr. And I would ask if this your palace were

Myr. And I would like to know if this is your palace.

Unroofed and desolate, how many flatterers

Uncovered and deserted, how many sycophants

Would lick the dust in which the King lay low?

Would you lick the dust where the King lays?

Alt. The fair Ionian is too sarcastic

Alt. The fair Ionian is way too sarcastic

Upon a nation whom she knows not well;

Upon a nation she doesn’t know very well;

The Assyrians know no pleasure but their King's,

The Assyrians only find happiness in their King's.

And homage is their pride.

Sar.‍Nay, pardon, guests,

Sorry, guests,

The fair Greek's readiness of speech.

The fair Greek's quickness of speech.

Alt.‍Pardon! sire:60

Alt.‍Sorry! sir:60

We honour her of all things next to thee.

We honor her above all things except for you.

Hark! what was that?

Did you hear that?

Zam.‍That! nothing but the jar

Zam. That! Just the jar

Of distant portals shaken by the wind.

Of faraway doors rattled by the wind.

Alt. It sounded like the clash of—hark again!

Alt. It sounded like a clash of—wait, listen again!

Zam. The big rain pattering on the roof.

Zam. The heavy rain drumming on the roof.

Sar.‍No more.[61]

Sar. No more.

Myrrha, my love, hast thou thy shell in order?

Myrrha, my love, do you have your shell ready?

Sing me a song of Sappho [18]; her, thou know'st,

Sing me a song of Sappho [18]; you know her,

Who in thy country threw——

Who in your country threw——

Enter Pania, with his sword and garments bloody, and disordered. The guests rise in confusion.

Enter Pania, with his sword and clothes bloody and messy. The guests stand up in confusion.

Pan. (to the Guards).‍Look to the portals;

Pan. (to the Guards).Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Watch the entrances;

And with your best speed to the walls without.

And with your best speed to the outside walls.

Your arms! To arms! The King's in danger. Monarch70

Your weapons! Get ready! The King is in danger. Monarch70

Excuse this haste,—'tis faith.

Sorry for the rush—it's sincere.

Sar.‍Speak on.

Sar. Speak on.

Pan.‍It is

Pan.‍It's

As Salemenes feared; the faithless Satraps——

As Salemenes feared, the untrustworthy Satraps—

Sar. You are wounded—give some wine. Take breath, good Pania.

Sar. You're hurt—pour some wine. Catch your breath, good Pania.

Pan. 'Tis nothing—a mere flesh wound. I am worn

Pan. It's nothing—a simple flesh wound. I'm exhausted

More with my speed to warn my sovereign,

More quickly, I should warn my ruler,

Than hurt in his defence.

Than hurt in his defense.

Myr.‍Well, Sir, the rebels?

Myr.‍So, sir, about the rebels?

Pan. Soon as Arbaces and Beleses reached

Pan. As soon as Arbaces and Beleses arrived

Their stations in the city, they refused

To march; and on my attempt to use the power

To march; and when I tried to use the power

Which I was delegated with, they called80

Which I was assigned to, they called80

Upon their troops, who rose in fierce defiance.

Upon their troops, who stood up in bold resistance.

Myr. All?

Myr. Everything?

Pan.‍Too many.

Pan. Too many.

Sar.‍Spare not of thy free speech,

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.Don't hold back your free speech,

To spare mine ears—the truth.

To spare my ears—the truth.

Pan.‍My own slight guard

Pan. My own small shield

Were faithful, and what's left of it is still so.

Were faithful, and what's remaining is still that way.

Myr. And are these all the force still faithful?

Myr. Are all of these people still loyal?

Pan.‍No—

Pan. No—

The Bactrians, now led on by Salemenes,

The Bactrians, now being led by Salemenes,

Who even then was on his way, still urged

Who was on his way, still urged

By strong suspicion of the Median chiefs,

By the strong suspicion of the Median leaders,

Are numerous, and make strong head against

Are many, and put up a strong resistance against

The rebels, fighting inch by inch, and forming90[62]

An orb around the palace, where they mean

To centre all their force, and save the King.

To focus all their strength and save the King.

(He hesitates.) I am charged to——

(He hesitates.) I am tasked to——

Myr.‍'Tis no time for hesitation.

Myr.‍It's not the time to hesitate.

Pan. Prince Salemenes doth implore the King

Pan. Prince Salemenes is pleading with the King

To arm himself, although but for a moment,

To prepare himself, even if just for a moment,

And show himself unto the soldiers: his

And reveal himself to the soldiers: his

Sole presence in this instant might do more

Sole presence in this moment might do more

Than hosts can do in his behalf.

Than hosts can do on his behalf.

Sar.‍What, ho!

Sar.‍Hey there!

My armour there.

My armor's there.

Myr.‍And wilt thou?

Myr.‍Will you?

Sar.‍Will I not?

Will I not?

Ho, there!—but seek not for the buckler: 'tis100

Ho, there!—but don’t look for the shield: 'tis

Too heavy:—a light cuirass and my sword.

Too heavy:—a light breastplate and my sword.

Where are the rebels?

Where are the rebels now?

Pan.‍Scarce a furlong's length

Pan. Scarce a quarter mile

From the outward wall the fiercest conflict rages.

From the outer wall, the fiercest battle rages.

Sar. Then I may charge on horseback. Sfero, ho!

Sar. Then I can charge on horseback. Sfero, let’s go!

Order my horse out.—There is space enough

Order my horse out.—There’s plenty of space.

Even in our courts, and by the outer gate,

To marshal half the horsemen of Arabia.

To gather half of the horsemen from Arabia.

[Exit Sfero for the armour.

[Exit Sfero for the armor.

Myr. How I do love thee!

Myr. How I love you!

Sar.‍I ne'er doubted it.

I never doubted it.

Myr. But now I know thee.

Myr. But now I understand you.

Sar. (to his Attendant). Bring down my spear too—

Sar. (to his Attendant). Bring me my spear too—

Where's Salemenes?

Where's Salemenes at?

Pan.‍Where a soldier should be,110

Pan.‍Where a soldier belongs,110

In the thick of the fight.

In the middle of the fight.

Sar.‍Then hasten to him——Is

Sar.‍Then hurry to him—Is

The path still open, and communication

The path is still open, and communication

Left 'twixt the palace and the phalanx?

Left between the palace and the army?

Pan.‍'Twas

When I late left him, and I have no fear;

When I left him late, I have no fear;

Our troops were steady, and the phalanx formed.

Our troops held their ground, and the formation was set.

Sar. Tell him to spare his person for the present,

Sar. Tell him to take it easy for now,

And that I will not spare my own—and say,

And I won't hold back on my own—and say,

I come.

I'm coming.

Pan.‍There's victory in the very word. [Exit Pania.

Pan.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.There's triumph in that single word. [Exit Pania.

Sar. Altada—Zames—forth, and arm ye! There[63]

Sar. Altada—Zames—let’s go, and get ready! There[63]

Is all in readiness in the armoury.120

Is everything ready in the armory.120

See that the women are bestowed in safety

See that the women are provided for safely.

In the remote apartments: let a guard

In the distant apartments: let a guard

Be set before them, with strict charge to quit

Be presented in front of them, with a firm instruction to leave.

The post but with their lives—command it, Zames.

Altada, arm yourself, and return here;

Altada, get ready, and come back here;

Your post is near our person.

Your post is close to us.

[Exeunt Zames, Altada, and all save Myrrha.

[Exit Zames, Altada, and everyone except Myrrha.

Enter Sfero and others with the King's Arms, etc.

Sfe.‍King! your armour.

Safe.‍Gear up!

Sar. (arming himself). Give me the cuirass—so: my baldric; now

Sar. (arming himself). Hand me the chest armor—like this: my belt; now

My sword: I had forgot the helm—where is it?

My sword: I forgot the helmet—where is it?

That's well—no, 'tis too heavy; you mistake, too—

That's good—no, it's too heavy; you're mistaken, too—

It was not this I meant, but that which bears130

It wasn't this I meant, but that which bears130

A diadem around it.

A crown around it.

Sfe.‍Sire, I deemed

Sire, I thought

That too conspicuous from the precious stones

That is also too obvious from the precious stones.

To risk your sacred brow beneath—and trust me,

To risk your precious head by—and believe me,

This is of better metal, though less rich.

This is made of better material, but it's not as valuable.

Sar. You deemed! Are you too turned a rebel? Fellow!

Sar. You thought! Are you also becoming a rebel? Friend!

Your part is to obey: return, and—no—

Your role is to obey: come back, and—no—

It is too late—I will go forth without it.

It’s too late—I’ll head out without it.

Sfe. At least, wear this.

Sfe. At least, put this on.

Sar.‍Wear Caucasus! why, 'tis

Wear Caucasus! why, it's

A mountain on my temples.

A headache on my temples.

Sfe.‍Sire, the meanest

Sfe. Sir, the worst

Soldier goes not forth thus exposed to battle.140

Soldiers don’t go into battle so unprotected.140

All men will recognise you—for the storm

All men will recognize you—for the storm

Has ceased, and the moon breaks forth in her brightness.

Has stopped, and the moon shines brightly.

Sar. I go forth to be recognised, and thus

Sar. I'm heading out to be recognized, and so

Shall be so sooner. Now—my spear! I'm armed.

Shall be so sooner. Now—my spear! I'm ready for battle.

[In going stops short, and turns to Sfero.

He suddenly halts and turns to __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Sfero—I had forgotten—bring the mirror [19].[64]

Sfero—I had forgotten—bring the mirror __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Sfe. The mirror, Sire?

Sfe. The mirror, Your Majesty?

Sar.‍Yes, sir, of polished brass,

Sar. Yes, sir, of shiny brass,

Brought from the spoils of India—but be speedy.

Brought from the treasures of India—but be quick.

[Exit Sfero.

Sar. Myrrha, retire unto a place of safety.

Sar. Myrrha, go to a safe place.

Why went you not forth with the other damsels?

Why didn't you go out with the other girls?

Myr. Because my place is here.

Myr. Because this is where I belong.

Sar.‍And when I am gone——150

Sar.‍And when I'm gone——150

Myr. I follow.

Myr. I'm in.

Sar.‍You! to battle?

Sar.‍You! for a fight?

Myr.‍If it were so,

Myr. If that were the case,

'Twere not the first Greek girl had trod the path.

'Twas not the first Greek girl to walk this path.

I will await here your return.

I’ll wait here for your return.

Sar.‍The place

The location

Is spacious, and the first to be sought out,

Is spacious and the first to be looked for,

If they prevail; and, if it be so,

If they win; and, if that's the case,

And I return not——

And I'm not coming back——

Myr.‍Still we meet again.

Myr.‍We meet again.

Sar. How?

Sar. How come?

Myr.‍In the spot where all must meet at last—

Myr.Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.In the place where everyone must come together at the end—

In Hades! if there be, as I believe,

In Hell! if there is, as I believe,

A shore beyond the Styx; and if there be not,

A shore beyond the Styx; and if there isn’t,

In ashes.

In ruins.

Sar.‍Darest thou so much?

Sir.‍Do you dare so much?

Myr.‍I dare all things160

Myr. I dare everything

Except survive what I have loved, to be

A rebel's booty: forth, and do your bravest.

A rebel's loot: go for it, and give it your all.

[65]

Re-enter Sfero with the mirror.

Re-enter Sfero using the mirror.

Sar. (looking at himself).

Sar. (checking himself out).

This cuirass fits me well, the baldric better,

This armor fits me well, the shoulder strap fits even better,

And the helm not at all. Methinks I seem

And the helm not at all. I think I seem

[Flings away the helmet after trying it again.

[i>Shoves the helmet away after trying it on once more.

Passing well in these toys; and now to prove them.

Passing well in these toys; and now to test them.

Altada! Where's Altada?

Altada! Where is Altada?

Sfe.‍Waiting, Sire,

Sfe. Waiting, Sir,

Without: he has your shield in readiness.

Without: he has your shield ready.

Sar. True—I forgot—he is my shield-bearer

Sar. Right—I totally forgot—he's my shield-bearer

By right of blood, derived from age to age.

By bloodline, passed down through generations.

Myrrha, embrace me;—yet once more—once more—170

Myrrha, hold me tight;—just one more time—one more time—170

Love me, whate'er betide. My chiefest glory

Love me, no matter what happens. My greatest pride

Shall be to make me worthier of your love.

Shall be to make me more deserving of your love.

Myr. Go forth, and conquer!

Myr. Go out and conquer!

[Exeunt Sardanapalus and Sfero.

[Exit Sardanapalus and Sfero.

Now, I am alone:

Now, I’m alone.

All are gone forth, and of that all how few

All have gone out, and of that group, how few

Perhaps return! Let him but vanquish, and

Perhaps return! Let him just conquer, and

Me perish! If he vanquish not, I perish;

Me perish! If he doesn't defeat him, I die;

For I will not outlive him. He has wound

For I won't outlive him. He has wound

About my heart, I know not how nor why.

About my heart, I don't know how or why.

Not for that he is King; for now his kingdom

Not because he is King; for now his kingdom

Rocks underneath his throne, and the earth yawns180

Rocks under his throne, and the earth opens up180

To yield him no more of it than a grave;

To give him nothing more than a grave;

And yet I love him more. Oh, mighty Jove!

And yet I love him even more. Oh, powerful Jove!

Forgive this monstrous love for a barbarian,

Forgive this crazy love for a savage,

Who knows not of Olympus! yes, I love him

Who doesn't know about Olympus! Yes, I love it.

Now—now—far more than——Hark—to the war shout!

Now—now—way more than——Listen—to the battle cry!

Methinks it nears me. If it should be so,

Methinks it’s getting close to me. If that’s the case,

[She draws forth a small vial.

She takes out a small vial.

This cunning Colchian poison, which my father

This clever Colchian poison, which my father

Learned to compound on Euxine shores, and taught me

Learned to blend on the shores of the Black Sea, and taught me

How to preserve, shall free me! It had freed me

How to preserve, shall free me! It has freed me.

Long ere this hour, but that I loved until190

Long before this hour, but I loved until190

I half forgot I was a slave:—where all

I partially forgot I was a slave:—where all

Are slaves save One, and proud of servitude,

Are there any slaves except for one, who is proud of being a servant,

So they are served in turn by something lower

So they take turns being served by something lower.

In the degree of bondage: we forget

In the level of enslavement: we forget

That shackles worn like ornaments no less[66]

Are chains. Again that shout! and now the clash

Of arms—and now—and now——

Of arms—and now—and now—

Enter Altada.

Join Altada.

Alt.‍Ho, Sfero, ho!

Alt. Ho, Sfero, ho!

Myr. He is not here; what wouldst thou with him? How

Myr. He isn't here; what do you want with him? How

Goes on the conflict?

Continues the conflict?

Alt.‍Dubiously and fiercely.

Alt. Dubiously and fiercely.

Myr. And the King?

Myr. What about the King?

Alt.‍Like a king. I must find Sfero,200

Alt.Understood. Please provide the text you would like modernized.Like a king. I need to find Sfero,200

And bring him a new spear with his own helmet.[w]

And bring him a new spear along with his own helmet.[w]

He fights till now bare-headed, and by far

He still fights bare-headed, and by far

Too much exposed. The soldiers knew his face,

Too much exposed. The soldiers recognized his face,

And the foe too; and in the moon's broad light,

And the enemy too; and in the bright light of the moon,

His silk tiara and his flowing hair

His silk headband and his long hair

Make him a mark too royal. Every arrow

Make him a mark that's too royal. Every arrow

Is pointed at the fair hair and fair features,

Is pointed at the light hair and light features,

And the broad fillet which crowns both.

And the wide band that tops both.

Myr.‍Ye Gods,

Myr.‍Oh my God,

Who fulminate o'er my father's land, protect him!

Who speaks angrily about my father's land, protect him!

Were you sent by the King?

Alt.‍By Salemenes,210

Who sent me privily upon this charge,

Who secretly sent me on this mission,

Without the knowledge of the careless sovereign.

Without the careless ruler's awareness.

The King! the King fights as he revels! ho!

The King! The King fights while he celebrates! Hey!

What, Sfero! I will seek the armoury—

What’s up, Sfero! I’m going to find the armory—

He must be there. [Exit Altada.

He has to be there. [Exit Altada.

Myr.‍'Tis no dishonour—no—

Myr.‍It's no dishonor—no—

'Tis no dishonour to have loved this man.

It's not dishonorable to have loved this man.

I almost wish now, what I never wished

I almost wish now what I never wished.

Before—that he were Grecian. If Alcides

Were shamed in wearing Lydian Omphale's

She-garb, and wielding her vile distaff; surely220

She wore women's clothing and held her nasty spindle; surely220

He, who springs up a Hercules at once,

He, who suddenly becomes a Hercules,

Nursed in effeminate arts from youth to manhood,

Nurtured in delicate skills from childhood to adulthood,

And rushes from the banquet to the battle,

And rushes from the feast to the fight,

As though it were a bed of love, deserves[67]

As if it were a bed of love, deserves[67]

That a Greek girl should be his paramour,

That a Greek girl should be his lover,

And a Greek bard his minstrel—a Greek tomb

And a Greek bard his musician—a Greek grave.

His monument. How goes the strife, sir?

His monument. How is the struggle going, sir?

Enter an Officer.

Officer enters.

Officer.‍Lost,

Officer. Lost,

Lost almost past recovery. Zames! Where

Lost almost beyond recovery. Zames! Where

Is Zames?

Myr.‍Posted with the guard appointed

Myr.‍Posted with the assigned guard

To watch before the apartment of the women.230

To keep an eye on the women's apartment.230

[Exit Officer.

Myr. (sola). He's gone; and told no more than that all's lost!

Myr. (solo). He's gone; and said nothing more than that everything's lost!

What need have I to know more? In those words,

What do I need to know more? In those words,

Those little words, a kingdom and a king,

Those small words, a kingdom and a king,

A line of thirteen ages, and the lives

Of thousands, and the fortune of all left

Of thousands, and the fate of all left

With life, are merged; and I, too, with the great,

With life, they're intertwined; and I, too, with the great,

Like a small bubble breaking with the wave

Like a small bubble popping with the wave

Which bore it, shall be nothing. At the least,

My fate is in my keeping: no proud victor

My fate is in my hands: no arrogant winner

Shall count me with his spoils.

Shall count me among his spoils.

Enter Pania.

Log in Pania.

Pan.‍Away with me,240

Pan. Away with me,

Myrrha, without delay; we must not lose

Myrrha, let's not waste any time; we can't afford to lose.

A moment—all that's left us now.

A moment— that's all we have left now.

Myr.‍The King?

Myr.‍Is the King?

Pan. Sent me here to conduct you hence, beyond

Pan. Sent me here to take you away, beyond

The river, by a secret passage.

The river, through a hidden passage.

Myr.‍Then

Myr. Then

He lives——

He lives here—

Pan.‍And charged me to secure your life,

Pan.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And told me to protect your life,

And beg you to live on for his sake, till

And I urge you to keep living for his sake, until

He can rejoin you.

He can join you again.

Myr.‍Will he then give way?

Myr.‍Will he back down?

Pan. Not till the last. Still, still he does whate'er

Pan. Not until the end. Yet, he still does whatever

Despair can do; and step by step disputes

Despair can act; and little by little arguments

The very palace.

The palace.

Myr.‍They are here, then:—aye,250[68]

Myr. They are here, then:—aye,

Their shouts come ringing through the ancient halls,

Their shouts echo through the old halls,

Never profaned by rebel echoes till

Never tainted by rebellious whispers until

This fatal night. Farewell, Assyria's line!

This deadly night. Goodbye, Assyria's lineage!

Farewell to all of Nimrod! Even the name

Farewell to everyone from Nimrod! Even the name

Is now no more.

Is no longer.

Pan.‍Away with me—away!

Pan.‍Come away with me—let's go!

Myr. No: I'll die here!—Away, and tell your King

Myr. No way: I'm going to die here!—Go on and tell your King

I loved him to the last.

I loved him until the very end.

Enter Sardanapalus and Salemenes with Soldiers. Pania quits Myrrha, and ranges himself with them.

Enter Sardanapalus and Salemenes with Soldiers. Pania leaves Myrrha, and joins them.

Sar.‍Since it is thus,

Since that's the case,

We'll die where we were born—in our own halls [x]

We'll die where we were born—in our own homes [x]

Serry your ranks—stand firm. I have despatched

Serry your ranks—stand firm. I have sent

A trusty satrap for the guard of Zames,

A reliable governor for the defense of Zames,

All fresh and faithful; they'll be here anon.

All fresh and loyal; they'll be here soon.

All is not over,—Pania, look to Myrrha.

All is not over—Pania, watch over Myrrha.

[Pania returns towards Myrrha.

[Pania heads back to Myrrha.

Sal. We have breathing time; yet once more charge, my friends—

Sal. We have some time to breathe; but let’s charge forward once more, my friends—

One for Assyria!

Sar.‍Rather say for Bactria!

Rather say for Bactria!

My faithful Bactrians, I will henceforth be

My loyal Bactrians, from now on I will be

King of your nation, and we'll hold together

King of your country, and we'll stick together

This realm as province.

This area as a province.

Sal.‍Hark! they come—they come.

Sal.‍Hey! They’re coming—they're coming.

Enter Beleses and Arbaces with the Rebels.

Join Beleses and Arbaces with the Rebels.

Arb. Set on, we have them in the toil. Charge! Charge!

Arb. Let's go, we have them working hard. Attack! Attack!

Bel. On! on!—Heaven fights for us, and with us—On!

Bel. Let’s go! Heaven is fighting for us and with us—Let’s go!

[They charge the King and Salemenes with their troops, who defend themselves till the arrival of Zames with the Guard before mentioned. The Rebels are then driven off, and pursued by Salemenes, etc. As the King is going to join the pursuit, Beleses crosses him.

[They charge the King and Salemenes with their troops, who defend themselves until Zames arrives with the Guard mentioned earlier. The Rebels are then driven off and pursued by Salemenes, etc. As the King is about to join the pursuit, Beleses blocks his path.

Bel. Ho! tyrant—I will end this war.[69]

Bel. Hey! Tyrant—I will put an end to this war.[69]

Sar.‍Even so,270

Sar. Even so,

My warlike priest, and precious prophet, and

My warrior priest, and valuable prophet, and

Grateful and trusty subject: yield, I pray thee.

Grateful and loyal subject: please surrender, I ask you.

I would reserve thee for a fitter doom,

I would save you for a more appropriate fate,

Rather than dip my hands in holy blood.

Rather than get my hands dirty with sacred blood.

Bel. Thine hour is come.

Bel. Your time has come.

Sar.‍No, thine.—I've lately read,

No, yours.—I've recently read,

Though but a young astrologer, the stars;

Though just a young astrologer, the stars;

And ranging round the zodiac, found thy fate

And moving around the zodiac, discovered your destiny.

In the sign of the Scorpion, which proclaims

In the sign of the Scorpion, which declares

That thou wilt now be crushed.

That you will now be crushed.

Bel.‍But not by thee.

But not by you.

[They fight; Beleses is wounded and disarmed.

They fight; Beleses is hurt and disarmed.

Sar. (raising his sword to despatch him, exclaims)—

Sar. (lifting his sword to strike him, shouts)—

Now call upon thy planets, will they shoot280

Now call upon your planets, will they shoot280

From the sky to preserve their seer and credit?

From the sky to protect their vision and reputation?

[A party of Rebels enter and rescue Beleses. They assail the King, who in turn, is rescued by a Party of his Soldiers, who drive the Rebels off.

[A group of rebels comes in and saves Bales. They attack the King, who is then saved by a group of his soldiers, who push the rebels away.

The villain was a prophet after all.

The villain was a prophet, after all.

Upon them—ho! there—victory is ours.

We did it—we won!

[Exit in pursuit.

[Leave to chase.

Myr. (to Pan.) Pursue! Why stand'st thou here, and leavest the ranks

Myr. (to Pan.) Go after them! Why are you just standing here, leaving the group?

Of fellow-soldiers conquering without thee?

Of fellow soldiers conquering without you?

Pan. The King's command was not to quit thee.

Pan. The King ordered not to leave you.

Myr.‍Me!

Think not of me—a single soldier's arm

Must not be wanting now. I ask no guard,

Must not be lacking now. I ask for no guard,

I need no guard: what, with a world at stake,

I don't need a guard: with so much at stake,

Keep watch upon a woman? Hence, I say,290

Keep an eye on a woman? So, I say, 290

Or thou art shamed! Nay, then, I will go forth,

Or you are ashamed! Then, I will go out,

A feeble female, 'midst their desperate strife,

A weak woman, caught in their desperate struggle,

And bid thee guard me there—where thou shouldst shield

And ask you to protect me there—where you should keep me safe

Thy sovereign. [Exit Myrrha.

Your sovereign. [Exit Myrrha.

Pan.‍Yet stay, damsel!—She's gone.

Pan.‍Wait, girl!—She's gone.

If aught of ill betide her, better I

If anything bad happens to her, I'd rather I

Had lost my life. Sardanapalus holds her

Far dearer than his kingdom, yet he fights

Far more precious than his kingdom, yet he battles

For that too; and can I do less than he,

For that too; and can I do any less than he,

Who never flashed a scimitar till now?[70]

Who has never drawn a sword until now?[70]

Myrrha, return, and I obey you, though300

Myrrha, I'm coming back, and I’ll do what you say, even though300

In disobedience to the monarch. [Exit Pania.

In defiance of the monarch. [Exit Pania.

Enter Altada and Sfero by an opposite door.

Enter Altada and Sfero through a different door.

Alt.‍Myrrha!

Alternative.‍Myrrha!

What, gone? yet she was here when the fight raged,

What, gone? She was right here while the fight was going on,

And Pania also. Can aught have befallen them?

And Pania too. Could something have happened to them?

Sfe. I saw both safe, when late the rebels fled;

Sfe. I saw both safe when the rebels fled late.

They probably are but retired to make

They probably are, but they retired to make

Their way back to the harem.

Alt.‍If the King

If the King

Prove victor, as it seems even now he must,

Prove victorious, as it looks like he must even now,

And miss his own Ionian, we are doomed

To worse than captive rebels.

To worse than imprisoned rebels.

Sfe.‍Let us trace them:

Sfe. ‍Let's track them:

She cannot be fled far; and, found, she makes310

She can't be run away from for long; and when found, she brings

A richer prize to our soft sovereign

A more valuable reward for our gentle ruler.

Than his recovered kingdom.

Than his restored kingdom.

Alt.‍Baal himself

Alternate.‍Baal himself

Ne'er fought more fiercely to win empire, than

His silken son to save it: he defies

His silky son, to save it: he challenges

All augury of foes or friends; and like

All predictions from enemies or allies; and like

The close and sultry summer's day, which bodes

The close and sultry summer day, which suggests

A twilight tempest, bursts forth in such thunder

A twilight storm erupts with thunder

As sweeps the air and deluges the earth.

As it sweeps through the air and pours down on the earth.

The man's inscrutable.

The man's a mystery.

Sfe.‍Not more than others.

Sfe.‍Not more than anyone else.

All are the sons of circumstance: away—320

Let's seek the slave out, or prepare to be

Let's find the slave, or get ready to be

Tortured for his infatuation, and [y]

Tortured for his obsession, and [y]

Condemned without a crime. [Exeunt.

Enter Salemenes and Soldiers, etc.

Enter Salesmen and Soldiers, etc.

Sal.‍The triumph is

Sal. The win is

Flattering: they are beaten backward from the palace,

Flattering: they are pushed away from the palace,

And we have opened regular access

To the troops stationed on the other side

To the soldiers stationed on the other side

Euphrates, who may still be true; nay, must be,[71]

Euphrates, who might still be true; no, has to be,[71]

When they hear of our victory. But where

When they hear about our victory. But where

Is the chief victor? where's the King?

Is the chief the winner? Where's the King?

Enter Sardanapalus, cum suis, etc., and Myrrha.

Enter Sardanapalus, with his companions, etc., and Myrrha.

Sar.‍Here, brother.

Here you go, bro.

Sal. Unhurt, I hope.

Sal. Hope you’re okay.

Sar.‍Not quite; but let it pass.330

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.No, not really; but let's move on.330

We've cleared the palace——

We've cleared the palace—

Sal.‍And I trust the city.

Sal. And I trust the city.

Our numbers gather; and I've ordered onward

Our crew is coming together; and I've directed us to move forward.

A cloud of Parthians, hitherto reserved,

A group of Parthians, who had been quiet until now,

All fresh and fiery, to be poured upon them

All fresh and vibrant, ready to be poured over them.

In their retreat, which soon will be a flight.

In their retreat, which will soon turn into a run for safety.

Sar. It is already, or at least they marched

Sar. They have already marched, or at least that's what it seems.

Faster than I could follow with my Bactrians,

Faster than I could keep up with my Bactrian camels,

Who spared no speed. I am spent: give me a seat.

Who wasted no time. I’m exhausted: please give me a seat.

Sal. There stands the throne, Sire.

Sal. There’s the throne, Your Majesty.

Sar.‍Tis no place to rest on,

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.This is no place to rest.

For mind nor body: let me have a couch,340

For my mind and body: let me have a couch,340

[They place a seat.

[They set up a seat.

A peasant's stool, I care not what: so—now

A peasant's stool, I don't care what: so—now

I breathe more freely.

I breathe easier.

Sal.‍This great hour has proved

Sal.‍This amazing moment has proven

The brightest and most glorious of your life.

The most shining and amazing moments of your life.

Sar. And the most tiresome. Where's my cupbearer?

Sar. And the most annoying. Where's my cupbearer?

Bring me some water.

Get me some water.

Sal. (smiling) 'Tis the first time he

Sal. (smiling) 'It's the first time he

Ever had such an order: even I,[z]

Your most austere of counsellors, would now

Your toughest advisor would now

Suggest a purpler beverage.

Suggest a purple drink.

Sar.‍Blood—doubtless.

Blood—no doubt.

But there's enough of that shed; as for wine,

But that's enough about the shed; regarding wine,

I have learned to-night the price of the pure element:350

I found out tonight what the cost of the pure element is:350

Thrice have I drank of it, and thrice renewed,

Thrice have I drunk from it, and thrice renewed,

With greater strength than the grape ever gave me,

With more strength than the grape ever gave me,

My charge upon the rebels. Where's the soldier

My mission against the rebels. Where's the soldier?

Who gave me water in his helmet?[20][72]

Who poured water into his helmet for me?[20][72]

One of the Guards.‍Slain, Sire!

One of the Guards.‍Dead, Sire!

An arrow pierced his brain, while, scattering [aa]

An arrow shot through his brain, while scattering [aa]

The last drops from his helm, he stood in act

The last drops from his helmet, he stood ready.

To place it on his brows.

To put it on his forehead.

Sar.‍Slain! unrewarded!

Sar.‍Slain! unrecognized!

And slain to serve my thirst: that's hard, poor slave!

And killed to satisfy my thirst: that's tough, poor servant!

Had he but lived, I would have gorged him with

Had he just lived, I would have gorged him with

Gold: all the gold of earth could ne'er repay360

Gold: all the gold in the world could never repay360°

The pleasure of that draught; for I was parched

The joy of that drink; I was so thirsty.

As I am now. [They bring water—he drinks.

As I am now. They bring water—he drinks it.

I live again—from henceforth

I'm alive again—from now on

The goblet I reserve for hours of love,

The goblet I save for moments of love,

But war on water.

But water war.

Sal.‍And that bandage, Sire,

And that bandage, Sir,

Which girds your arm?

Which one protects your arm?

Sar.‍A scratch from brave Beleses.

A scratch from brave Beleses.

Myr. Oh! he is wounded![ab]

Myr. Oh! he's hurt![ab]

Sar.‍Not too much of that;

Sar.‍Don't overdo it;

And yet it feels a little stiff and painful,

And yet it feels a bit rigid and uncomfortable,

Now I am cooler.

Now I’m cooler.

Myr.‍You have bound it with——

Myr.‍You have tied it with——

Sar. The fillet of my diadem: the first time

Sar. The centerpiece of my crown: the first time

That ornament was ever aught to me,370[73]

That ornament was always something to me,370[73]

Save an incumbrance.

Save a burden.

Myr. (to the Attendants). Summon speedily

Myr. (to the Attendants). Call quickly

A leech of the most skilful: pray, retire:

A really skilled leech: please, step back:

I will unbind your wound and tend it.

I will free your wound and take care of it.

Sar.‍Do so,

Sar.‍Go ahead,

For now it throbs sufficiently: but what

For now it pulses enough: but what

Know'st thou of wounds? yet wherefore do I ask?

Do you know about wounds? But why do I even ask?

Know'st thou, my brother, where I lighted on

Know you, my brother, where I found

This minion?

This little guy?

Sal.‍Herding with the other females,

Sal.‍Herding with the other women,

Like frightened antelopes.

Like scared deer.

Sar.‍No: like the dam

No: like the dam

Of the young lion, femininely raging

Of the young lion, angrily fierce in a feminine way

(And femininely meaneth furiously,380

(And femininely means furiously,380

Because all passions in excess are female,)

Because all passions taken to extremes are feminine,

Against the hunter flying with her cub,

Against the hunter soaring with her young,

She urged on with her voice and gesture, and

She encouraged with her voice and gestures, and

Her floating hair and flashing eyes,[21] the soldiers,

Her flowing hair and sparkling eyes,[21] the soldiers,

In the pursuit.

In the quest.

Sal.‍Indeed!

Sal. Definitely!

Sar.‍You see, this night

You see, tonight

Made warriors of more than me. I paused

Made warriors of more than just me. I paused

To look upon her, and her kindled cheek;

To look at her and her flushed cheek;

Her large black eyes, that flashed through her long hair

Her big black eyes sparkled through her long hair

As it streamed o'er her; her blue veins that rose

As it flowed over her, her blue veins that stood out

Along her most transparent brow; her nostril390

Along her most clear brow; her nostril390

Dilated from its symmetry; her lips

Dilated from its symmetry, her lips

Apart; her voice that clove through all the din,

Apart; her voice that cut through all the noise,

As a lute pierceth through the cymbal's clash,

As a lute cuts through the sound of cymbals,

Jarred but not drowned by the loud brattling; her

Jarred but not overwhelmed by the loud noise; her

Waved arms, more dazzling with their own born whiteness

Waving arms, even more striking with their natural whiteness.

Than the steel her hand held, which she caught up

Than the steel her hand held, which she picked up

From a dead soldier's grasp;—all these things made

From a dead soldier's grip;—all these things made

Her seem unto the troops a prophetess

Her presence seemed to the troops like that of a prophetess.

Of victory, or Victory herself,

Come down to hail us hers.[22][74]

Come down and say hi. [22][74]

Sal. (aside).‍This is too much.400

Sal. (aside).‍This is overwhelming.400

Again the love-fit's on him, and all's lost,

Again, he's caught in love, and everything's gone.

Unless we turn his thoughts. (Aloud.) But pray thee, Sire,

Unless we change his mind. (Out loud.) But please, Your Majesty,

Think of your wound—you said even now 'twas painful.

Think about your wound—you mentioned it's still painful.

Sar. That's true, too; but I must not think of it.

Sar. That's true, but I can't dwell on it.

Sal. I have looked to all things needful, and will now

Sal. I've considered everything I need, and will now

Receive reports of progress made in such

Orders as I had given, and then return

Orders as I instructed, and then come back.

To hear your further pleasure.

To hear your continued pleasure.

Sar.‍Be it so.

Sar.‍Let it be.

Sal. (in retiring). Myrrha!

Sal. (in retirement). Myrrha!

Myr.‍Prince!

Sal.‍You have shown a soul to-night,

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You have shown your true self tonight,

Which, were he not my sister's lord——But now410

Which, if he weren't my sister's lord—but now410

I have no time: thou lovest the King?

I have no time: you love the King?

Myr.‍I love

Sardanapalus.

Sal.‍But wouldst have him King still?

Sal.Understood. Please provide the text for me to modernize.But would you still have him as King?

Myr. I would not have him less than what he should be.

Myr. I wouldn't want him to be any less than he should be.

Sal. Well then, to have him King, and yours, and all

Sal. Alright then, to make him King, and yours, and all

He should, or should not be; to have him live,

He should, or shouldn't be; to have him live,

Let him not sink back into luxury.

Let him not fall back into luxury.

You have more power upon his spirit than

You have more influence over his spirit than

Wisdom within these walls, or fierce rebellion

Wisdom within these walls, or strong resistance

Raging without: look well that he relapse not.

Raging without: make sure he doesn't relapse.

Myr. There needed not the voice of Salemenes420

Myr. There was no need for Salemenes' voice420

To urge me on to this: I will not fail.

To motivate me to do this: I won’t let you down.

All that a woman's weakness can——

Sal.‍Is power

Sal is power

Omnipotent o'er such a heart as his:

Omnipotent over a heart like his:

Exert it wisely. [Exit Salemenes.

Use it wisely. [Exit Salemenes.

Sar.‍Myrrha! what, at whispers

Myrrha! what, at whispers

With my stern brother? I shall soon be jealous.

With my serious brother? I'll soon become jealous.

Myr. (smiling). You have cause, Sire; for on the earth there breathes not

Myr. (smiling). You have a reason, Your Majesty; for there is no one on earth who breathes not

A man more worthy of a woman's love,

A man who deserves a woman's love more,

A soldier's trust, a subject's reverence,

A soldier's trust, a subject's respect,

A king's esteem—the whole world's admiration!

A king's respect—the admiration of the entire world!

Sar. Praise him, but not so warmly. I must not430

Sar. Compliment him, but not too enthusiastically. I must not430

Hear those sweet lips grow eloquent in aught[75]

Hear those sweet lips become expressive in anything[75]

That throws me into shade; yet you speak truth.

That puts me in a tough spot; but you're right.

Myr. And now retire, to have your wound looked to,

Myr. And now go rest, so your wound can be treated,

Pray lean on me.

Please lean on me.

Sar.‍Yes, love! but not from pain.

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Yeah, love! But not out of pain.

[Exeunt omnes.

[Everyone exits.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—Sardanapalus discovered sleeping upon a Couch, and occasionally disturbed in his slumbers, with Myrrha watching.

Scene I.—Sardanapalus found sleeping on a couch, occasionally disturbed in his sleep, while Myrrh keeps watch.

Myr. (sola, gazing). I have stolen upon his rest, if rest it be,

Myr. (alone, watching). I have crept up on his sleep, if that's what it is,

Which thus convulses slumber: shall I wake him?

Which disturbs his sleep: should I wake him?

No, he seems calmer. Oh, thou God of Quiet!

No, he seems calmer. Oh, God of Peace!

Whose reign is o'er sealed eyelids and soft dreams,

Whose reign is over closed eyelids and gentle dreams,

Or deep, deep sleep, so as to be unfathomed,

Or deep, deep sleep, so as to be incomprehensible,

Look like thy brother, Death,[23]—so still, so stirless—

Look like your brother, Death,[23]—so calm, so motionless—

For then we are happiest, as it may be, we

Are happiest of all within the realm

Are the happiest of all within the realm

Of thy stern, silent, and unwakening Twin.

Of your strict, quiet, and unchanging Twin.

Again he moves—again the play of pain10

Shoots o'er his features, as the sudden gust

Shoots over his face, like a sudden gust

Crisps the reluctant lake that lay so calm [ac]

Crisps the hesitant lake that was so still [ac]

Beneath the mountain shadow; or the blast

Ruffles the autumn leaves, that drooping cling

Faintly and motionless to their loved boughs.

Faintly and motionless to their beloved branches.

I must awake him—yet not yet; who knows

I need to wake him up—just not yet; who knows

From what I rouse him? It seems pain; but if

From what should I wake him? It seems to be pain; but if

I quicken him to heavier pain? The fever

I push him toward worse pain? The fever

Of this tumultuous night, the grief too of

Of this chaotic night, the sadness too of

His wound, though slight, may cause all this, and shake20

His injury, although minor, could lead to all of this and disrupt everything.

Me more to see than him to suffer. No:

Let Nature use her own maternal means,[76]

Let Nature use her own natural methods,[76]

And I await to second, not disturb her.

And I wait to support her, not interrupt her.

Sar. (awakening). Not so—although he multiplied the stars,

Sar. (awakening). Not quite—despite his increase in the stars,

And gave them to me as a realm to share

And gave them to me as a space to share

From you and with you! I would not so purchase

From you and with you! I wouldn’t buy it that way.

The empire of Eternity. Hence—hence—

The Empire of Eternity. So—so—

Old Hunter of the earliest brutes! and ye,[ad]

Old Hunter of the earliest beasts! And you,[ad]

Who hunted fellow-creatures as if brutes!

Who hunted fellow creatures like savages!

Once bloody mortals—and now bloodier idols,30

Once bloody mortals—and now even bloodier idols,30

If your priests lie not! And thou, ghastly Beldame!

If your priests aren't lying! And you, creepy old woman!

Dripping with dusky gore, and trampling on

Dripping with dark blood and stepping on

The carcasses of Inde—away! away!

The bodies of Inde—away! away!

Where am I? Where the spectres? Where—No—that

Where am I? Where are the ghosts? Where—No—that

Is no false phantom: I should know it 'midst

Is no false phantom: I should know it among

All that the dead dare gloomily raise up

All that the dead dare to bring up gloomily

From their black gulf to daunt the living. Myrrha!

From their dark abyss to frighten the living. Myrrha!

Myr. Alas! thou art pale, and on thy brow the drops

Myr. Alas! you are pale, and on your brow the drops

Gather like night dew. My beloved, hush—

Gather like the morning dew. My love, be quiet—

Calm thee. Thy speech seems of another world,40

Calm down. Your words sound from another world,40

And thou art lord of this. Be of good cheer;

And you are in charge of this. Stay positive;

All will go well.

Everything will be fine.

Sar.‍Thy hand—so—'tis thy hand;

Sir.‍Thy hand—so—it’s your hand;

'Tis flesh; grasp—clasp—yet closer, till I feel

Myself that which I was.

Myself as I was.

Myr.‍At least know me

Myr.‍Just get to know me

For what I am, and ever must be—thine.

For who I am, and always will be—yours.

Sar. I know it now. I know this life again.

Sar. I get it now. I remember this life again.

Ah, Myrrha! I have been where we shall be.

Ah, Myrrha! I've been where we will be.

Myr. My lord!

Sar.‍I've been i' the grave—where worms are lords

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text for modernization.I've been in the grave—where worms rule.

And kings are——But I did not deem it so;

And kings are—But I didn’t think so;

I thought 'twas nothing.

I thought it was nothing.

Myr.‍So it is; except50

Myr. So it is; except

Unto the timid, who anticipate

To the timid, who expect

That which may never be.

What may never be.

Sar.‍Oh, Myrrha! if

Oh, Myrrha! if

Sleep shows such things, what may not Death disclose?

Sleep reveals things that Death might never reveal.

Myr. I know no evil Death can show, which Life

Myr. I don't know any wickedness that Death can reveal, which Life

Has not already shown to those who live[77]

Embodied longest. If there be indeed

Embodied the longest. If there really is

A shore where Mind survives, 'twill be as Mind

A shore where the Mind endures, it will be like the Mind

All unincorporate: or if there flits

All unincorporated: or if there are flashes

A shadow of this cumbrous clog of clay.

A shadow of this heavy mass of clay.

Which stalks, methinks, between our souls and heaven,60

Which stands, I think, between our souls and heaven,60

And fetters us to earth—at least the phantom,

And ties us to the ground—at least the ghost,

Whate'er it have to fear, will not fear Death.

Whatever it has to fear, will not fear Death.

Sar. I fear it not; but I have felt—have seen—

Sar. I'm not afraid of it; but I have felt—have seen—

A legion of the dead.

An army of the dead.

Myr.‍And so have I.

Myr.‍Me too.

The dust we tread upon was once alive,

The dust we walk on was once alive,

And wretched. But proceed: what hast thou seen?

And miserable. But go on: what have you seen?

Speak it, 'twill lighten thy dimmed mind.

Speak it, it will brighten your dulled mind.

Sar.‍Methought——

Sar.‍I thought——

Myr. Yet pause, thou art tired—in pain—exhausted; all

Myr. But wait, you look tired—hurt—worn out; all

Which can impair both strength and spirit: seek

Which can weaken both strength and spirit: seek

Rather to sleep again.

Rather sleep again.

Sar.‍Not now—I would not70

Not now—I would not

Dream; though I know it now to be a dream

Dream; even though I now realize it's a dream

What I have dreamt:—and canst thou bear to hear it?

What I've dreamed:—and can you handle hearing it?

Myr. I can bear all things, dreams of life or death,

Myr. I can handle anything, whether it's dreams of life or death,

Which I participate with you in semblance

Which I share with you in appearance

Or full reality.

Or complete reality.

Sar.‍And this looked real,

And this looked real,

I tell you: after that these eyes were open,

I tell you: after that, these eyes were open,

I saw them in their flight—for then they fled.

I saw them take off—because that’s when they ran away.

Myr. Say on.

Myr. Go ahead.

Sar.‍I saw, that is, I dreamed myself

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I saw, or rather, I dreamed I was

Here—here—even where we are, guests as we were,

Myself a host that deemed himself but guest,80

Myself a host who thought of himself as just a guest,80

Willing to equal all in social freedom;

Willing to give everyone the same level of social freedom;

But, on my right hand and my left, instead

But on my right side and my left, instead

Of thee and Zames, and our customed meeting,

Of you and Zames, and our usual meeting,

Was ranged on my left hand a haughty, dark,

Was ranged on my left hand a proud, dark,

And deadly face; I could not recognise it,

And that deadly face; I couldn't recognize it,

Yet I had seen it, though I knew not where:

Yet I had seen it, though I didn't know where:

The features were a Giant's, and the eye

The features were those of a giant, and the eye

Was still, yet lighted; his long locks curled down

Was still, yet illuminated; his long hair curled down

On his vast bust, whence a huge quiver rose

On his broad chest, where a big quiver stood out

With shaft-heads feathered from the eagle's wing,90[78]

With arrowheads made from the feathers of an eagle's wing, 90[78]

That peeped up bristling through his serpent hair.[ae]

That peeked out, sticking up through his snake-like hair.[ae]

I invited him to fill the cup which stood

I invited him to fill the cup that stood

Between us, but he answered not; I filled it;

Between us, but he didn’t respond; I filled it;

He took it not, but stared upon me, till

He didn’t take it, but just stared at me until

I trembled at the fixed glare of his eye:

I shook at the intense stare of his eye:

I frowned upon him as a king should frown;

I frowned at him like a king should.

He frowned not in his turn, but looked upon me

He didn't frown in return but looked at me.

With the same aspect, which appalled me more,

With the same look that shocked me even more,

Because it changed not; and I turned for refuge

Because it didn't change; and I turned for comfort

To milder guests, and sought them on the right,100

To kinder guests, and looked for them on the right,100

Where thou wert wont to be. But——[He pauses.

Where you used to be. But——He takes a pause.

Myr.‍What instead?

Myr. What now?

Sar. In thy own chair—thy own place in the banquet—

Sar. In your own chair—your own spot at the banquet—

I sought thy sweet face in the circle—but

I looked for your sweet face in the crowd—but

Instead—a grey-haired, withered, bloody-eyed,

Instead—a gray-haired, withered, bloody-eyed,

And bloody-handed, ghastly, ghostly thing,

Female in garb, and crowned upon the brow,

Female in clothing, and crowned on her head,

Furrowed with years, yet sneering with the passion

Of vengeance, leering too with that of lust,

Of revenge, also leering with lust,

Sate:—my veins curdled.[24]

Satisfy:—my veins curdled.[24]

Myr.‍Is this all?

Myr.‍Is that it?

Sar.‍Upon

Sar. Upon

Her right hand—her lank, bird-like, right hand—stood110

Her right hand—her thin, bird-like, right hand—stood110

A goblet, bubbling o'er with blood; and on

A goblet, overflowing with blood; and on

Her left, another, filled with—what I saw not,

Her left, another, filled with—what I couldn’t see,

But turned from it and her. But all along

But turned away from it and her. But all along

The table sate a range of crownéd wretches,

The table held a variety of crowned individuals,

Of various aspects, but of one expression.

Of different aspects, but with one expression.

Myr. And felt you not this a mere vision?

Myr. Did you not feel this was just a dream?

Sar.‍No:

It was so palpable, I could have touched them.

It was so real, I could have reached out and touched them.

I turned from one face to another, in

The hope to find at last one which I knew

The hope of finally finding one that I recognized.

Ere I saw theirs: but no—all turned upon me,120

And stared, but neither ate nor drank, but stared,[79]

And stared, but didn't eat or drink, just stared,[79]

Till I grew stone, as they seemed half to be,

Yet breathing stone, for I felt life in them,

Yet breathing stone, because I felt life in them,

And life in me: there was a horrid kind

And life within me: there was a terrible kind

Of sympathy between us, as if they

Had lost a part of death to come to me,

And I the half of life to sit by them.

And I spent half my life sitting with them.

We were in an existence all apart

We were living completely separate lives.

From heaven or earth——And rather let me see

From heaven or earth—And I’d rather see

Death all than such a being!

Myr.‍And the end?130

Myr.‍What about the end?130

Sar. At last I sate, marble, as they, when rose

Sar. Finally, I sat still, like marble, as they rose.

The Hunter and the Crone; and smiling on me—

The Hunter and the Crone; and smiling at me—

Yes, the enlarged but noble aspect of

Yes, the expanded but dignified look of

The Hunter smiled upon me—I should say,

The Hunter smiled at me—I should say,

His lips, for his eyes moved not—and the woman's

His lips moved, but his eyes did not—and the woman's

Thin lips relaxed to something like a smile.

Thin lips relaxed into what looked like a smile.

Both rose, and the crowned figures on each hand

Both rose, and the crowned figures on each side

Rose also, as if aping their chief shades—

Rose also, as if imitating their main shadows—

Mere mimics even in death—but I sate still:

Mere copies even in death—but I sit still:

A desperate courage crept through every limb,140

A desperate courage flowed through every limb,140

And at the last I feared them not, but laughed

And in the end, I wasn't afraid of them anymore; I just laughed.

Full in their phantom faces. But then—then

Full in their ghostly faces. But then—then

The Hunter laid his hand on mine: I took it,

The Hunter placed his hand on mine, and I took it,

And grasped it—but it melted from my own;

And I held it tightly—but it slipped away from me;

While he too vanished, and left nothing but

While he also disappeared and left nothing but

The memory of a hero, for he looked so.

The memory of a hero, because he really looked the part.

Myr. And was: the ancestor of heroes, too,

And thine no less.

And yours no less.

Sar.‍Aye, Myrrha, but the woman,

Sar.‍Yeah, Myrrha, but the woman,

The female who remained, she flew upon me,

The woman who stayed, she came at me,

And burnt my lips up with her noisome kisses;150

And burned my lips with her disgusting kisses;150

And, flinging down the goblets on each hand,

And, tossing the goblets in each hand,

Methought their poisons flowed around us, till

Each formed a hideous river. Still she clung;

Each created a terrifying river. Still she held on;

The other phantoms, like a row of statues,

The other ghosts stood there like a row of statues,

Stood dull as in our temples, but she still

Stood as dull as in our temples, but she still

Embraced me, while I shrunk from her, as if,

Embraced me, while I pulled away from her, as if,

In lieu of her remote descendant, I

In place of her distant descendant, I

Had been the son who slew her for her incest.[25][80]

Had been the son who killed her for her incest.[25][80]

Then—then—a chaos of all loathsome things

Then—then—a chaos of all disgusting things

Thronged thick and shapeless: I was dead, yet feeling—160

Buried, and raised again—consumed by worms,

Buried, and brought back to life—eaten by worms,

Purged by the flames, and withered in the air!

Purified by the fire, and faded in the breeze!

I can fix nothing further of my thoughts,

I can't gather my thoughts any clearer,

Save that I longed for thee, and sought for thee,

Save that I longed for you, and searched for you,

In all these agonies,—and woke and found thee.

In all this pain,—and woke up and found you.

Myr. So shalt thou find me ever at thy side,

Myr. You will always find me by your side,

Here and hereafter, if the last may be.

Here and in the future, if that’s possible.

But think not of these things—the mere creations

But don’t focus on these things—the simple creations

Of late events, acting upon a frame

Of recent events, influenced by a framework

Unused by toil, yet over-wrought by toil—170

Unused by hard work, yet worn out by hard work—170

Such as might try the sternest.

Such as might challenge the toughest.

Sar.‍I am better.

I’m better.

Now that I see thee once more, what was seen

Now that I see you once again, what was seen

Seems nothing.

Seems like nothing.

Enter Salemenes.

Sal.‍Is the king so soon awake?

Is the king awake yet?

Sar. Yes, brother, and I would I had not slept;

Sar. Yes, brother, and I wish I hadn't slept;

For all the predecessors of our line

Rose up, methought, to drag me down to them.

Rose up, I thought, to pull me down to them.

My father was amongst them, too; but he,

My father was one of them as well; however, he,

I know not why, kept from me, leaving me

I don't know why, it's kept from me, leaving me

Between the hunter-founder of our race,

Between the hunter-founder of our species,

And her, the homicide and husband-killer,180

And her, the murderer and husband-killer,180

Whom you call glorious.

Who you call glorious.

Sal.‍So I term you also,

Sal. So I call you too,

Now you have shown a spirit like to hers.

Now you’ve shown a spirit similar to hers.

By day-break I propose that we set forth,

By dawn, I suggest that we head out,

And charge once more the rebel crew, who still

Keep gathering head, repulsed, but not quite quelled.

Keep gathering your thoughts, pushed away but not completely silenced.

Sar. How wears the night?

Sar. How is the night?

Sal.‍There yet remain some hours

Sal. There are still a few hours left.

Of darkness: use them for your further rest.

Of darkness: use them for your additional rest.

Sar. No, not to-night, if 'tis not gone: methought

Sar. No, not tonight, if it’s still here: I thought

I passed hours in that vision.

I spent hours in that vision.

Myr.‍Scarcely one;

Myr. Only one;

I watched by you: it was a heavy hour,190

I watched by you: it was a tough hour,190

But an hour only.[81]

But just an hour.

Sar.‍Let us then hold council;

Let's hold a meeting;

To-morrow we set forth.

Tomorrow we set off.

Sal.‍But ere that time,

Sal. But before that time,

I had a grace to seek.

I had a grace to pursue.

Sar.‍'Tis granted.

Sar.‍It's granted.

Sal.‍Hear it

Sal. Listen to it

Ere you reply too readily; and 'tis

For your ear only.

For your ears only.

Myr.‍Prince, I take my leave.

Myr.‍Prince, I'm taking my leave.

[Exit Myrrha.

[Exit Myrrha.]

Sal. That slave deserves her freedom.

Sal. That slave has earned her freedom.

Sar.‍Freedom only!

Freedom only!

That slave deserves to share a throne.

Sal.‍Your patience—

Sal. Your patience—

'Tis not yet vacant, and 'tis of its partner

'Tis not yet vacant, and it's of its partner

I come to speak with you.

I’m here to talk to you.

Sar.‍How! of the Queen?

Sal. Even so. I judged it fitting for their safety,200

Sal. Even so, I thought it was right for their safety,200

That, ere the dawn, she sets forth with her children

That, before dawn, she leaves with her children

For Paphlagonia, where our kinsman Cotta [26]

For Paphlagonia, where our relative Cotta [26]

Governs; and there, at all events, secure

Governs; and there, in any case, safe

My nephews and your sons their lives, and with them

Their just pretensions to the crown in case——

Their mere claims to the crown in case——

Sar. I perish—as is probable: well thought—

Sar. I'm doomed—as is likely: good thought—

Let them set forth with a sure escort.

Let them go with a reliable guide.

Sal.‍That

Sal. That

Is all provided, and the galley ready

Is everything prepared, and is the galley ready?

To drop down the Euphrates; but ere they

To drop down the Euphrates; but before they

Depart, will you not see——

Leave, won't you see——

Sar.‍My sons? It may210

My sons? It might

Unman my heart, and the poor boys will weep;

Unravel my heart, and the poor guys will cry;

And what can I reply to comfort them,

And what can I say to make them feel better,

Save with some hollow hopes, and ill-worn smiles?

Save with some empty hopes and forced smiles?

You know I cannot feign.

You know I can't pretend.

Sal.‍But you can feel!

Sal. But you can feel!

At least, I trust so: in a word, the Queen

At least, I hope so: in one word, the Queen

Requests to see you ere you part—for ever.

Requests to see you before you leave—for good.

Sar. Unto what end? what purpose? I will grant

Sar. For what reason? What goal? I will agree

Aught—all that she can ask—but such a meeting.[82]

All she can ask for—except for that meeting.[82]

Sal. You know, or ought to know, enough of women,

Sal. You know, or should know, enough about women,

Since you have studied them so steadily [af],220

Since you have studied them so consistently [af],220

That what they ask in aught that touches on

That what they ask about anything that relates to

The heart, is dearer to their feelings or

The heart is more precious to their feelings or

Their fancy, than the whole external world.

Their fancy exceeds that of the entire outside world.

I think as you do of my sister's wish;

I share your feelings about my sister's wish;

But 'twas her wish—she is my sister—you

But it was her wish—she is my sister—you

Her husband—will you grant it?

Her husband—will you allow it?

Sar.‍'Twill be useless:

Sar.‍ It will be useless:

But let her come.

Sal.‍I go. [Exit Salemenes.

Sal.‍I'm leaving. [Exit Salemenes.

Sar.‍We have lived asunder

Sar.‍We've lived apart

Too long to meet again—and now to meet!

Too long to get together again—and now we finally meet!

Have I not cares enow, and pangs enow,

Have I not enough worries and pains,

To bear alone, that we must mingle sorrows,230

To endure alone, we have to share our troubles,230

Who have ceased to mingle love?

Who has stopped mixing love?

Re-enter Salemenes and Zarina.

Sal.‍My sister! Courage:

Sal.‍My sister! Strength:

Shame not our blood with trembling, but remember

Shame not our blood by trembling, but remember

From whence we sprung. The Queen is present, Sire.

From where we came. The Queen is here, Sir.

Zar. I pray thee, brother, leave me.

Zar. Please, brother, just leave me alone.

Sal.‍Since you ask it.

Sal. Since you asked.

[Exit Salemenes.

[Exit Salesmen.

Zar. Alone with him! How many a year has passed [27],

Zar. Alone with him! How many years have gone by [27],

Though we are still so young, since we have met,

Though we are still so young, since we met,

Which I have worn in widowhood of heart.

Which I have worn in the sorrow of my heart.

He loved me not: yet he seems little changed—

He didn't love me: yet he seems hardly different—

Changed to me only—would the change were mutual!

Changed to me only—if only the change were mutual!

He speaks not—scarce regards me—not a word,240

He doesn’t speak—barely looks at me—not a word,240

Nor look—yet he was soft of voice and aspect,

Nor look—yet he was gentle in voice and appearance,

Indifferent, not austere. My Lord![83]

Indifferent, not strict. My Lord![83]

Sar.‍Zarina!

Zar. No, not Zarina—do not say Zarina.

Zar. No, not Zarina—don’t say Zarina.

That tone—That word—annihilate long years,

That tone—That word—destroy long years,

And things which make them longer.

And things that make them longer.

Sar.‍'Tis too late

It's too late

To think of these past dreams. Let's not reproach—

To think about these past dreams. Let's not blame—

That is, reproach me not—for the last time——

That is, don’t blame me—for the last time——

Zar. And first, I ne'er reproached you.

Zar. And first, I never blamed you.

Sar.‍'Tis most true;

Sar. It's true;

And that reproof comes heavier on my heart

And that criticism weighs heavily on my heart.

Than——But our hearts are not in our own power.250

Than——But our hearts aren’t in our control.250

Zar. Nor hands; but I gave both.

Zar. No hands; but I gave both.

Sar.‍Your brother said

Your brother said

It was your will to see me, ere you went

It was your wish to see me before you left.

From Nineveh with——(He hesitates.)

Zar.‍Our children: it is true.

Zar. Our kids: it's true.

I wish to thank you that you have not divided

I want to thank you for not dividing

My heart from all that's left it now to love—

My heart now has only love left in it—

Those who are yours and mine, who look like you,

Those who belong to you and me, who resemble you,

And look upon me as you looked upon me

And look at me the way you used to.

Once——but they have not changed.

Once—but they haven't changed.

Sar.‍Nor ever will.

Sar.‍Nor will it ever.

I fain would have them dutiful.

I would really like them to be obedient.

Zar.‍I cherish

Zar.‍I value

Those infants, not alone from the blind love260

Those babies, not just from the blind love260

Of a fond mother, but as a fond woman.

Of a loving mother, but as a loving woman.

They are now the only tie between us.

They are now the only connection between us.

Sar.‍Deem not

Sar.‍Don't judge

I have not done you justice: rather make them

I haven’t done you justice: instead, make them

Resemble your own line than their own Sire.

Resemble your own lineage more than their own lord.

I trust them with you—to you: fit them for

I trust them to you: make them suitable for

A throne, or, if that be denied——You have heard

A throne, or, if that's not possible——You've heard

Of this night's tumults?

Of tonight's chaos?

Zar.‍I had half forgotten,

Zar. I had half forgotten,

And could have welcomed any grief save yours,

And I could have accepted any sorrow except yours,

Which gave me to behold your face again.

Which allowed me to see your face again.

Sar. The throne—I say it not in fear—but 'tis270

Sar. The throne—I mention it not out of fear—but it's270

In peril: they perhaps may never mount it:

In danger: they might never get to ride it:

But let them not for this lose sight of it.

But let's not lose sight of that because of this.

I will dare all things to bequeath it them;

I will risk everything to give it to them;

But if I fail, then they must win it back[84]

But if I fail, then they have to win it back[84]

Bravely—and, won, wear it wisely, not as I [ag]

Bravely—and, when you win, wear it wisely, not as I [ag]

Have wasted down my royalty.

Have spent all my royalties.

Zar.‍They ne'er

Zar. They never

Shall know from me of aught but what may honour

Shall know from me anything that may bring honor.

Their father's memory.

Dad's memory.

Sar.‍Rather let them hear

Let them hear

The truth from you than from a trampling world.

The truth from you rather than from a crushing world.

If they be in adversity, they'll learn280

If they're facing hardship, they'll learn280

Too soon the scorn of crowds for crownless Princes,

Too soon the disdain of crowds for crownless princes,

And find that all their father's sins are theirs.

And realize that all their father's mistakes are now theirs.

My boys!—I could have borne it were I childless.

My boys!—I could have handled it if I didn't have any kids.

Zar. Oh! do not say so—do not poison all

Zar. Oh! please don't say that—don't ruin everything.

My peace left, by unwishing that thou wert

My peace is gone because I wished you weren't here.

A father. If thou conquerest, they shall reign,

A father. If you conquer, they will reign,

And honour him who saved the realm for them,

And honor the one who saved the kingdom for them,

So little cared for as his own; and if——

Sar. 'Tis lost, all Earth will cry out, "thank your father!"

Sar. It's lost, everyone on Earth will shout, "thank your father!"

And they will swell the echo with a curse.290

And they will amplify the echo with a curse.290

Zar. That they shall never do; but rather honour

Zar. They will never do that; instead, they will honor

The name of him, who, dying like a king,

The name of the one who, dying like a king,

In his last hours did more for his own memory

In his final hours, he did more for his own legacy.

Than many monarchs in a length of days,

Than many kings over the years,

Which date the flight of time, but make no annals.

Which date marks the passage of time, but leaves no record.

Sar. Our annals draw perchance unto their close;

Sar. Our records may be coming to an end;

But at the least, whate'er the past, their end

But at the very least, no matter what happened in the past, their end

Shall be like their beginning—memorable.

Will be like their start—memorable.

Zar. Yet, be not rash—be careful of your life,

Zar. But don't act impulsively—watch out for your life,

Live but for those who love.

Live only for those who love.

Sar.‍And who are they?300

And who are they?

A slave, who loves from passion—I'll not say

A slave who loves out of passion—I won’t say

Ambition—she has seen thrones shake, and loves;

Ambition—she has witnessed thrones tremble, and loves;

A few friends who have revelled till we are

A few friends who have partied until we are

As one, for they are nothing if I fall;

As one, because they mean nothing if I fail;

A brother I have injured—children whom

A brother I've hurt—kids I've

I have neglected, and a spouse——

Zar.‍Who loves.

Zar. Who loves.

Sar. And pardons?

Sar. And what about pardons?

Zar.‍I have never thought of this,

Zar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like to be modernized.I have never thought about this,

And cannot pardon till I have condemned.[85]

And can't forgive until I've punished.[85]

Sar. My wife!

Sar. My partner!

Zar.‍Now blessings on thee for that word!

Zar. Thanks for the word!

I never thought to hear it more—from thee.310

I never expected to hear it again—from you.310

Sar. Oh! thou wilt hear it from my subjects. Yes—

Sar. Oh! you’ll hear it from my subjects. Yes—

These slaves whom I have nurtured, pampered, fed,

These slaves that I've cared for, spoiled, and fed,

And swoln with peace, and gorged with plenty, till

And filled with peace, and stuffed with abundance, until

They reign themselves—all monarchs in their mansions—

They rule themselves—all rulers in their homes—

Now swarm forth in rebellion, and demand

Now rise up in rebellion and demand

His death, who made their lives a jubilee;

His death, who turned their lives into a celebration;

While the few upon whom I have no claim

While the few I have no claim on

Are faithful! This is true, yet monstrous.

Are loyal! This is true, but it's also overwhelming.

Zar.‍'Tis

Zar.

Perhaps too natural; for benefits

Maybe too natural; for benefits

Turn poison in bad minds.

Turn poison into bad thoughts.

Sar.‍And good ones make320

And good ones make

Good out of evil. Happier than the bee,

Which hives not but from wholesome flowers.

Which does not gather except from healthy flowers.

Zar.‍Then reap

Zar. Then harvest

The honey, nor inquire whence 'tis derived.

The honey, nor ask where it comes from.

Be satisfied—you are not all abandoned.

Be content—you are not completely alone.

Sar. My life insures me that. How long, bethink you,

Sar. My life assures me of that. How long, do you think,

Were not I yet a king, should I be mortal;

Were I not a king yet, would I still be human;

That is, where mortals are, not where they must be?

That is, where people are, not where they have to be?

Zar. I know not. But yet live for my—that is,

Zar. I don’t know. But still I live for my—that is,

Your children's sake!

For your kids' sake!

Sar.‍My gentle, wronged Zarina!

My gentle, wronged queen!

I am the very slave of Circumstance330

I am completely at the mercy of Circumstance330

And Impulse—borne away with every breath!

And impulse—carried away with every breath!

Misplaced upon the throne—misplaced in life.

Misplaced on the throne—misplaced in life.

I know not what I could have been, but feel

I don’t know what I could have become, but I feel

I am not what I should be—let it end.

I’m not who I should be—let this be done.

But take this with thee: if I was not formed

But remember this: if I wasn't made

To prize a love like thine, a mind like thine,

To value a love like yours, a mind like yours,

Nor dote even on thy beauty—as I've doted

Nor get lost in your beauty—as I've gotten lost.

On lesser charms, for no cause save that such

On minor attractions, for no reason other than that such

Devotion was a duty, and I hated

Devotion was an obligation, and I despised it.

All that looked like a chain for me or others340

All that seemed like a chain for me or others340

(This even Rebellion must avouch); yet hear

These words, perhaps among my last—that none

These words, maybe some of my last—that none

E'er valued more thy virtues, though he knew not

E'en valued more your virtues, though he knew not

To profit by them—as the miner lights[86]

To benefit from them—like how the miner lights[86]

Upon a vein of virgin ore, discovering

Upon a vein of untouched ore, discovering

That which avails him nothing: he hath found it,

That which is of no help to him: he has discovered it,

But 'tis not his—but some superior's, who

But it's not his—it's someone superior's, who

Placed him to dig, but not divide the wealth

Placed him to dig, but not to share the wealth.

Which sparkles at his feet; nor dare he lift

Nor poise it, but must grovel on, upturning350

Nor does it stand tall, but must crawl on, facing downwards350

The sullen earth.

The gloomy earth.

Zar.‍Oh! if thou hast at length

Zar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Oh! if you have at last

Discovered that my love is worth esteem,

Discovered that my love is valuable,

I ask no more—but let us hence together,

I ask for nothing more—but let’s go away together,

And I—let me say we—shall yet be happy.

And I—let me say we—will still be happy.

Assyria is not all the earth—we'll find

Assyria isn't the whole world—we'll discover

A world out of our own—and be more blessed

A world beyond our own—and be more blessed

Than I have ever been, or thou, with all

Than I have ever been, or you, with all

An empire to indulge thee.

An empire to indulge you.

Enter Salemenes.

Sal.‍I must part ye—

Sal. I have to say goodbye—

The moments, which must not be lost, are passing.

The moments that shouldn't be missed are slipping away.

Zar. Inhuman brother! wilt thou thus weigh out360

Zar. Inhumane brother! Are you really going to measure out360°

Instants so high and blest?

Moments so amazing and blessed?

Sal.‍Blest!

Sal. Blessed!

Zar.‍He hath been

Zar. He has been

So gentle with me, that I cannot think

So gentle with me that I can't even think.

Of quitting.

Sal.‍So—this feminine farewell

Sal. So—this women’s goodbye

Ends as such partings end, in no departure.

Ends as such farewells end, in no departure.

I thought as much, and yielded against all

I figured as much and gave in to everyone.

My better bodings. But it must not be.

My better instincts. But that can't be.

Zar. Not be?

Zar. Not sure?

Sal.‍Remain, and perish——

Stay, and perish——

Zar.‍With my husband——

Zar. With my husband—

Sal. And children.

Sal. And kids.

Zar.‍Alas!

Zar.‍Oh no!

Sal.‍Hear me, sister, like

Sal.‍Listen to me, sister, like

My sister:—all's prepared to make your safety

My sister:—everything is ready to ensure your safety

Certain, and of the boys too, our last hopes;370

'Tis not a single question of mere feeling,

'Tis not just a question of simple feeling,

Though that were much—but 'tis a point of state:

Though that's a lot—but it’s a matter of importance:

The rebels would do more to seize upon[87]

The rebels would do more to take advantage of[87]

The offspring of their sovereign, and so crush——

The children of their ruler, and so crush——

Zar. Ah! do not name it.

Zar. Oh no, don’t say that.

Sal.‍Well, then, mark me: when

Sal. Well, then, mark me: when

They are safe beyond the Median's grasp, the rebels

They are safe from the Median's reach, the rebels.

Have missed their chief aim—the extinction of

Have missed their main goal—the end of

The line of Nimrod. Though the present King

The line of Nimrod. Though the current King

Fall, his sons live—for victory and vengeance.

Fall, his sons live—for triumph and revenge.

Zar. But could not I remain, alone?

Zar. But can't I stay here by myself?

Sal.‍What! leave380

Sal. What! leave

Your children, with two parents and yet orphans—

Your kids, with two parents but still feeling like orphans—

In a strange land—so young, so distant?

In a strange land—so young, so far away?

Zar.‍No—

My heart will break.

My heart will shatter.

Sal.‍Now you know all—decide.

Sal.‍Now you know everything—decide.

Sar. Zarina, he hath spoken well, and we

Sar. Zarina, he has spoken well, and we

Must yield awhile to this necessity.

Must yield for a while to this necessity.

Remaining here, you may lose all; departing,

Remaining here, you might lose everything; leaving,

You save the better part of what is left,

You save most of what's left,

To both of us, and to such loyal hearts

To both of us, and to those loyal hearts

As yet beat in these kingdoms.

As yet defeated in these kingdoms.

Sal.‍The time presses.

Sal. The clock's ticking.

Sar. Go, then. If e'er we meet again, perhaps390

Sar. Alright, then. If we ever meet again, maybe390

I may be worthier of you—and, if not,

I might deserve you more—and if not,

Remember that my faults, though not atoned for,

Remember that my flaws, even if not fixed,

Are ended. Yet, I dread thy nature will

Are over. Yet, I fear your nature will

Grieve more above the blighted name and ashes

Grieve more for the ruined name and ashes

Which once were mightiest in Assyria—than——

Which once were the mightiest in Assyria—than——

But I grow womanish again, and must not;

But I'm becoming womanly again, and I shouldn't;

I must learn sternness now. My sins have all

I have to learn to be strict now. My wrongdoings have all

Been of the softer order——hide thy tears—

Been of the softer kind—hide your tears—

I do not bid thee not to shed them—'twere

I do not ask you not to shed them—it's

Easier to stop Euphrates at its source400

Easier to stop the Euphrates at its source400

Than one tear of a true and tender heart—

Than one tear from a true and caring heart—

But let me not behold them; they unman me

But I don't want to see them; they make me feel weak.

Here when I had remanned myself. My brother,

Here when I had remade myself. My brother,

Lead her away.

Take her away.

Zar.‍Oh, God! I never shall

Oh my God! I'll never

Behold him more!

Check him out more!

Sal. (striving to conduct her).

Sal. (trying to lead her).

Nay, sister, I must be obeyed.

No, sister, I must be obeyed.

Zar. I must remain—away! you shall not hold me.[88]

Zar. I have to stay—back! You can’t keep me here.[88]

What, shall he die alone?—I live alone?

What, is he going to die alone?—I live alone?

Sal. He shall not die alone; but lonely you

Sal. He will not die alone; but you will be lonely

Have lived for years.

Zar.‍That's false! I knew he lived,

Zar. That's not true! I knew he was alive,

And lived upon his image—let me go!410

And lived on his image—let me go!410

Sal. (conducting her off the stage).

Sal. (leading her off the stage).

Nay, then, I must use some fraternal force,

Nay, then, I must use some brotherly force,

Which you will pardon.

Please pardon me.

Zar.‍Never. Help me! Oh!

Zar. Never. Help me! Oh!

Sardanapalus, wilt thou thus behold me

Sardanapalus, will you look at me like this?

Torn from thee?

Separated from you?

Sal.‍Nay—then all is lost again,

Nay—then everything is lost again,

If that this moment is not gained.

If this moment isn’t taken.

Zar.‍My brain turns—

Zar. My brain is racing—

My eyes fail—where is he? [She faints.

My vision is blurry—where is he? She passes out.

Sar. (advancing).‍No—set her down;

No—put her down;

She's dead—and you have slain her.

She's dead—and you did it.

Sal.‍'Tis the mere

Sal. Just the mere

Faintness of o'erwrought passion: in the air

Faintness of intense passion: in the air

She will recover. Pray, keep back.—[Aside.] I must

She will get better. Please, hold on.—[Aside.] I have to

Avail myself of this sole moment to420

Bear her to where her children are embarked,

Bear her to where her children are waiting,

I' the royal galley on the river.

I’m on the royal ship on the river.

[Salemenes bears her off.

[Salemenes bears her off.]

Sar. (solus).‍This, too—

Sar. (solus). This, too—

And this too must I suffer—I, who never

And this too I have to endure—I, who never

Inflicted purposely on human hearts

Purposely inflicted on human hearts

A voluntary pang! But that is false—

A willing pain! But that's not true—

She loved me, and I loved her.—Fatal passion!

She loved me, and I loved her.—Deadly obsession!

Why dost thou not expire at once in hearts

Why don't you just die right now in hearts

Which thou hast lighted up at once? Zarina![ah]

Which you have lit up at once? Zarina![ah]

I must pay dearly for the desolation

I have to pay a high price for the emptiness.

Now brought upon thee. Had I never loved430

Now brought to you. If I had never loved430

But thee, I should have been an unopposed

But you, I should have been an unopposed

Monarch of honouring nations. To what gulfs

Monarch of honoring nations. To what depths

A single deviation from the track

A single deviation from the path

Of human duties leads even those who claim

The homage of mankind as their born due,

The respect of humanity as their rightful due,

And find it, till they forfeit it themselves!

And find it, until they give it up themselves!

[89]

Enter Myrrha.

Join Myrrha.

Sar. You here! Who called you?

Sar. You here! Who texted you?

Myr.‍No one—but I heard

Myr.‍No one—but I heard.

Far off a voice of wail and lamentation,

Far away, a voice of crying and mourning,

And thought——

And thought—

Sar.‍It forms no portion of your duties

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.It doesn't count as part of your responsibilities.

To enter here till sought for.

To come in here until you’re needed.

Myr.‍Though I might,440

Myr.‍Even though I might,440

Perhaps, recall some softer words of yours

Perhaps, remember some gentler words you used.

(Although they too were chiding), which reproved me,

(Although they were criticizing), which reproached me,

Because I ever dreaded to intrude;

Because I always feared to intrude;

Resisting my own wish and your injunction

Resisting my own desire and your command

To heed no time nor presence, but approach you

To ignore time and place, and come to you

Uncalled for:—I retire.

Uncalled for:—I'm done.

Sar.‍Yet stay—being here.

Stay here.

I pray you pardon me: events have soured me

I hope you'll forgive me: things haven't been going well for me.

Till I wax peevish—heed it not: I shall

Till I get annoyed—pay no attention to it: I shall

Soon be myself again.

I'll be myself again soon.

Myr.‍I wait with patience,

Myr.‍I wait patiently,

What I shall see with pleasure.

What I’m excited to see.

Sar.‍Scarce a moment450

Scarce a moment

Before your entrance in this hall, Zarina,

Before you enter this hall, Zarina,

Queen of Assyria, departed hence.

Queen of Assyria has left.

Myr. Ah!

Myr. Oh!

Sar.‍Wherefore do you start?

Sar. Why are you starting?

Myr.‍Did I do so?

Myr. Did I do that?

Sar. 'Twas well you entered by another portal,

Sar. It was good you came in through a different entrance,

Else you had met. That pang at least is spared her!

Else you had met. At least she is spared that pain!

Myr. I know to feel for her.

Myr. I know how to empathize with her.

Sar.‍That is too much,

That's way too much,

And beyond nature—'tis nor mutual [ai]

And beyond nature—it's not mutual [ai]

Nor possible. You cannot pity her,

Nor possible. You can't feel sorry for her,

Nor she aught but——

Nor she ought but——

Myr.‍Despise the favourite slave?

Myr.‍Hate the favorite slave?

Not more than I have ever scorned myself.460

Not more than I have ever looked down on myself.460

Sar. Scorned! what, to be the envy of your sex,

Sar. Scorned! What, to be the envy of your gender,

And lord it o'er the heart of the World's lord?

And rule over the heart of the world's ruler?

Myr. Were you the lord of twice ten thousand worlds—

Myr. If you were the ruler of twenty thousand worlds—

As you are like to lose the one you swayed[90]—

As you are likely to lose the one you influenced[90]—

I did abase myself as much in being

I really lowered myself in being

Your paramour, as though you were a peasant—

Your lover, as if you were just a commoner—

Nay, more, if that the peasant were a Greek.

Sar. You talk it well——

Sar. You express it well—

Myr.‍And truly.

Myr.‍Seriously.

Sar.‍In the hour

In the hour

Of man's adversity all things grow daring

Of man's struggles, everything becomes bold.

Against the falling; but as I am not470

Quite fall'n, nor now disposed to bear reproaches,

Quite fallen, and no longer willing to endure reproaches,

Perhaps because I merit them too often,

Perhaps because I deserve them too often,

Let us then part while peace is still between us.

Let’s separate while there’s still peace between us.

Myr. Part!

Myr. Share!

Sar.‍Have not all past human beings parted,

Sar.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Haven't all people from the past moved on,

And must not all the present one day part?

And doesn’t everyone in the present eventually have to say goodbye?

Myr. Why?

Sar.‍For your safety, which I will have looked to,

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.For your safety, which I will have taken care of,

With a strong escort to your native land;

With a solid group to take you back home;

And such gifts, as, if you had not been all

And such gifts, as, if you hadn't been all

A Queen, shall make your dowry worth a kingdom.

A queen will make your dowry worth a kingdom.

Myr. I pray you talk not thus.

Myr. Please don’t speak like that.

Sar.‍The Queen is gone:480

Sar.‍The Queen has passed:480

You need not shame to follow. I would fall

You shouldn’t feel ashamed to follow. I would fall

Alone—I seek no partners but in pleasure.

Alone—I look for no companions except for fun.

Myr. And I no pleasure but in parting not.

Myr. And I take no pleasure in parting.

You shall not force me from you.

You won't be able to push me away.

Sar.‍Think well of it—

Sar.‍Have a positive attitude—

It soon may be too late.

It might be too late soon.

Myr.‍So let it be;

Myr. So be it;

For then you cannot separate me from you.

For then you can't separate me from you.

Sar. And will not; but I thought you wished it.

Sar. And I won’t; but I thought you wanted it.

Myr.‍I!

Myr!

Sar. You spoke of your abasement.

Sar. You talked about your humiliation.

Myr.‍And I feel it

Myr.‍And I can feel it

Deeply—more deeply than all things but love.

Deeply—more deeply than anything except love.

Sar. Then fly from it.

Sar. Then get away from it.

Myr.‍'Twill not recall the past—490

Myr.‍I won't remember the past—490

'Twill not restore my honour, nor my heart.

It won’t bring back my honor or my heart.

No—here I stand or fall. If that you conquer,

No—here I stand or fall. If you win,

I live to joy in your great triumph: should

I live to celebrate your amazing success: should

Your lot be different, I'll not weep, but share it.

Your situation may be different, I won't cry, but I'll share it.

You did not doubt me a few hours ago.[91]

You didn't doubt me a few hours ago.[91]

Sar. Your courage never—nor your love till now;

Sar. Your bravery has never faded—nor has your love until now;

And none could make me doubt it save yourself.

And no one could make me doubt it except for you.

Those words——

Those words—

Myr.‍Were words. I pray you, let the proofs

Myr.Sure, please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Words are not enough. Please, let the evidence

Be in the past acts you were pleased to praise

Be in the past acts you enjoyed praising.

This very night, and in my further bearing,500

This very night, and in my further actions,500

Beside, wherever you are borne by fate.

Besides, wherever fate leads you.

Sar. I am content: and, trusting in my cause,

Sar. I’m satisfied: and, believing in my cause,

Think we may yet be victors and return

Think we might still be winners and come back

To peace—the only victory I covet.

To peace—the only win I desire.

To me war is no glory—conquest no

To me, war is not glorious—conquest is not

Renown. To be forced thus to uphold my right

Renown. To be forced to stand up for my rights like this

Sits heavier on my heart than all the wrongs [aj]

These men would bow me down with. Never, never

These men would push me down with. Never, never

Can I forget this night, even should I live

Can I forget this night, even if I live

To add it to the memory of others.510

To include it in the memories of others.510

I thought to have made mine inoffensive rule

I thought I had created a harmless rule.

An era of sweet peace 'midst bloody annals,

An era of sweet peace amid bloody history,

A green spot amidst desert centuries,

A green oasis in the desert of time,

On which the Future would turn back and smile,

On which the Future would look back and smile,

And cultivate, or sigh when it could not

And nurture, or breathe out when it couldn't

Recall Sardanapalus' golden reign.

Remember Sardanapalus' golden reign.

I thought to have made my realm a paradise,

I believed I had turned my kingdom into a paradise,

And every moon an epoch of new pleasures.

And every month brings a new era of enjoyment.

I took the rabble's shouts for love—the breath

I took the crowd's shouts for love—the breath

Of friends for truth—the lips of woman for520

My only guerdon—so they are, my Myrrha: [He kisses her.

My only reward—so they are, my Myrrha: He kisses her.

Kiss me. Now let them take my realm and life!

Kiss me. Now let them take my kingdom and my life!

They shall have both, but never thee!

They'll have both, but never you!

Myr.‍No, never!

Myr.‍No way!

Man may despoil his brother man of all

Man can rob his fellow man of everything.

That's great or glittering—kingdoms fall, hosts yield,

That's great or dazzling—kingdoms collapse, armies surrender,

Friends fail—slaves fly—and all betray—and, more

Friends fail—slaves flee—and all betray—and, more

Than all, the most indebted—but a heart

Than all, the most in debt—but a heart

That loves without self-love! 'Tis here—now prove it.

That loves without self-love! It's here—now prove it.

[92]

Enter Salemenes.

Enter Salesmen.

Sal. I sought you—How! she here again?

Sal. I was looking for you—What! she here again?

Sar.‍Return not

Sar. Don’t return

Now to reproof: methinks your aspect speaks530

Now to address the issue: I think your expression says530

Of higher matter than a woman's presence.

Of greater importance than a woman's presence.

Sal. The only woman whom it much imports me

Sal. The only woman who matters to me

At such a moment now is safe in absence—

At a moment like this, being away feels secure—

The Queen's embarked.

The Queen has departed.

Sar.‍And well? say that much.

Sar.‍And well? Say that much.

Sal.‍Yes.

Sal. Yes.

Her transient weakness has passed o'er; at least,

Her temporary weakness has gone away; at least,

It settled into tearless silence: her

It settled into a tearless silence: her

Pale face and glittering eye, after a glance

Pale face and sparkling eye, after a look

Upon her sleeping children, were still fixed

Upon the palace towers as the swift galley

Upon the palace towers as the swift boat

Stole down the hurrying stream beneath the starlight;540

Stole down the rushing stream under the starlight;540

But she said nothing.

But she didn't say anything.

Sar.‍Would I felt no more

I would feel no more

Than she has said!

Than she said!

Sal.‍'Tis now too late to feel.

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.It's now too late to feel.

Your feelings cannot cancel a sole pang:

Your feelings can't erase a single pain:

To change them, my advices bring sure tidings

To change them, my advice brings certain news.

That the rebellious Medes and Chaldees, marshalled

That the rebellious Medes and Chaldeans, organized

By their two leaders, are already up

By their two leaders, they are already up

In arms again; and, serrying their ranks,

In arms again; and, forming their lines,

Prepare to attack: they have apparently

Prepare to attack: they seem to have

Been joined by other Satraps.

Joined by other Satraps.

Sar.‍What! more rebels?

What! More rebels?

Let us be first, then.

Let's be first, then.

Sal.‍That were hardly prudent550

Sal. That was hardly wise

Now, though it was our first intention. If

Now, even though it was our initial intention. If

By noon to-morrow we are joined by those

By noon tomorrow, we will be joined by those

I've sent for by sure messengers, we shall be

I've sent for reliable messengers; we will be

In strength enough to venture an attack,

In enough strength to launch an attack,

Aye, and pursuit too; but, till then, my voice

Aye, and pursuit too; but, until then, my voice

Is to await the onset.

Is to wait for the start.

Sar.‍I detest

I hate

That waiting; though it seems so safe to fight

That waiting; even if it feels safer to fight

Behind high walls, and hurl down foes into

Behind high walls, and throw enemies down into

Deep fosses, or behold them sprawl on spikes[93]

Deep trenches, or see them spread on spikes[93]

Strewed to receive them, still I like it not—560

Strewn out to welcome them, I still don't like it—560

My soul seems lukewarm; but when I set on them,

My soul feels lukewarm; but when I focus on them,

Though they were piled on mountains, I would have

Though they were stacked high like mountains, I would have

A pluck at them, or perish in hot blood!—

A tug at them, or die in a fit of rage!—

Let me then charge.

Let me take charge.

Sal.‍You talk like a young soldier.

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You speak like a young soldier.

Sar. I am no soldier, but a man: speak not

Sar. I'm not a soldier, but a man: don't speak not

Of soldiership, I loathe the word, and those

Of soldiery, I hate the word, and those

Who pride themselves upon it; but direct me

Who take pride in it; but guide me

Where I may pour upon them.

Where I can pour out on them.

Sal.‍You must spare

Sal. You must spare

To expose your life too hastily; 'tis not

To reveal your life too quickly; it's not

Like mine or any other subject's breath:570

Like mine or anyone else's breath:570

The whole war turns upon it—with it; this

The entire war depends on it—with it; this

Alone creates it, kindles, and may quench it—

Alone creates it, ignites it, and can also extinguish it—

Prolong it—end it.

Prolong it—finish it.

Sar.‍Then let us end both!

Let's end both!

'Twere better thus, perhaps, than prolong either;

'Twas probably better this way than to drag either one out;

I'm sick of one, perchance of both.

I'm tired of one, maybe both.

[A trumpet sounds without.

[A trumpet plays outside.

Sal.‍Hark!

Sal. ‍Listen up!

Sar.‍Let us

Sar.‍Let's

Reply, not listen.

Respond, don't just listen.

Sal.‍And your wound!

Sal. And your injury!

Sar.‍'Tis bound—

Sar.‍ It's bound—

'Tis healed—I had forgotten it. Away!

It's healed—I had forgotten about it. Go away!

A leech's lancet would have scratched me deeper;[ak]

A leech's lancet would have cut me deeper;[ak]

The slave that gave it might be well ashamed

The slave who gave it might feel pretty ashamed.

To have struck so weakly.

To have hit so weakly.

Sal.‍Now, may none this hour580

Sal.‍Now, may none this hour

Strike with a better aim!

Aim better when you strike!

Sar.‍Aye, if we conquer;

Sar.‍Yeah, if we win;

But if not, they will only leave to me

But if not, they will only leave it to me

A task they might have spared their king. Upon them!

A task they could have saved their king from. What a burden!

[Trumpet sounds again.

[Trumpet plays again.

Sal. I am with you.

Sal. I’m here for you.

Sar.‍Ho, my arms! again, my arms!

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Oh, my arms! Again, my arms!

[Exeunt.

[They exit.

[94]

ACT V.

Scene I.-The same Hall in the Palace.

Myrrha and Balea.

Myrrha and Balea.

Myr. (at a window)[28]

Myr. (by a window)[28]

The day at last has broken. What a night

The day has finally arrived. What a night!

Hath ushered it! How beautiful in heaven!

Though varied with a transitory storm,

Though mixed with a brief storm,

More beautiful in that variety!

More beautiful in that diversity!

How hideous upon earth! where Peace and Hope,

How ugly it is on earth! where Peace and Hope,

And Love and Revel, in an hour were trampled

And Love and Revel were trampled in an hour.

By human passions to a human chaos,

By human emotions leading to a human mess,

Not yet resolved to separate elements—

Not yet decided to separate elements—

'Tis warring still! And can the sun so rise,

So bright, so rolling back the clouds into10

So bright, so pushing the clouds away into10

Vapours more lovely than the unclouded sky,

Vapors more beautiful than the clear blue sky,

With golden pinnacles, and snowy mountains,

With golden peaks and snowy mountains,

And billows purpler than the Ocean's, making

And waves deeper in color than the ocean's, creating

In heaven a glorious mockery of the earth,

In heaven, a magnificent parody of the earth,

So like we almost deem it permanent;

So we almost see it as permanent;

So fleeting, we can scarcely call it aught[95]

So brief, we can hardly call it anything[95]

Beyond a vision, 'tis so transiently

Beyond a vision, it's so fleeting.

Scattered along the eternal vault: and yet

Scattered across the endless sky: and yet

It dwells upon the soul, and soothes the soul,

It reflects on the soul and comforts it,

And blends itself into the soul, until20

And merges with the soul, until20

Sunrise and sunset form the haunted epoch

Sunrise and sunset create the eerie time.

Of Sorrow and of Love; which they who mark not,

Of Sorrow and of Love; which those who don't notice,

Know not the realms where those twin genii [al]

Know not the places where those twin spirits [al]

(Who chasten and who purify our hearts,

(Who disciplines and who cleanses our hearts,

So that we would not change their sweet rebukes

So that we wouldn't change their sweet criticisms

For all the boisterous joys that ever shook

For all the loud joys that ever shook

The air with clamour) build the palaces

The noisy air builds the palaces.

Where their fond votaries repose and breathe

Where their devoted followers rest and breathe

Briefly;—but in that brief cool calm inhale

Briefly;—but in that short, cool, calm inhale

Enough of heaven to enable them to bear30

Enough of heaven to help them endure30

The rest of common, heavy, human hours,

The rest of ordinary, exhausting, everyday hours,

And dream them through in placid sufferance,

And dream them through in calm endurance,

Though seemingly employed like all the rest

Though seemingly working like everyone else

Of toiling breathers in allotted tasks [am]

Of hardworking people doing their assigned tasks [am]

Of pain or pleasure, two names for one feeling,

Of pain or pleasure, two names for one feeling,

Which our internal, restless agony

Which our internal, restless pain

Would vary in the sound, although the sense

Would change in sound, though the meaning

Escapes our highest efforts to be happy.

Escapes our best efforts to be happy.

Bal. You muse right calmly: and can you so watch

Bal. You think quietly: can you really just watch

The sunrise which may be our last?

The sunrise that might be our last?

Myr.‍It is40

Myr. It is 40

Therefore that I so watch it, and reproach

Therefore, I keep a close eye on it and call it out.

Those eyes, which never may behold it more,

Those eyes will never see it again,

For having looked upon it oft, too oft,

For having looked at it too many times,

Without the reverence and the rapture due

Without the respect and the excitement it deserves

To that which keeps all earth from being as fragile

To what prevents the earth from being so fragile

As I am in this form. Come, look upon it,

As I am in this form. Come, take a look at it,

The Chaldee's God, which, when I gaze upon,

The Chaldean's God, which, when I look at,

I grow almost a convert to your Baal.

I’m almost becoming a follower of your Baal.

Bal. As now he reigns in heaven, so once on earth

Bal. Just as he rules in heaven now, he once ruled on earth.

He swayed.

He rocked.

Myr.‍He sways it now far more, then; never50[96]

Myr.Got it! Please provide the text you want modernized.He swings it much more now, then; never50[96]

Had earthly monarch half the power and glory

Had earthly rulers half the power and glory

Which centres in a single ray of his.

Which focuses into a single ray of his.

Bal. Surely he is a God!

Bal. He must be a God!

Myr.‍So we Greeks deem too;

Myr. So we Greeks think too;

And yet I sometimes think that gorgeous orb

And yet I sometimes think that beautiful sphere

Must rather be the abode of Gods than one

Must be more the home of Gods than a single one.

Of the immortal sovereigns. Now he breaks

Of the immortal rulers. Now he breaks

Through all the clouds, and fills my eyes with light

That shuts the world out. I can look no more.

That shuts the world out. I can't look anymore.

Bal. Hark! heard you not a sound?

Bal. Hey! Did you not hear a sound?

Myr.‍No, 'twas mere fancy;

Myr.‍No, it was just a fantasy;

They battle it beyond the wall, and not60

They fight it beyond the wall, and not

As in late midnight conflict in the very

As in late-night conflict in the very

Chambers: the palace has become a fortress

Chambers: the palace has turned into a fortress

Since that insidious hour; and here, within

Since that sneaky hour; and here, within

The very centre, girded by vast courts

The very center, surrounded by large courtyards

And regal halls of pyramid proportions,

And grand halls of pyramid size,

Which must be carried one by one before

They penetrate to where they then arrived,

They reach the place they just arrived at,

We are as much shut in even from the sound

We are just as cut off from the sound

Of peril as from glory.

Of danger as from glory.

Bal.‍But they reached

Bal. But they reached

Thus far before.

So far before.

Myr.‍Yes, by surprise, and were70

Myr.‍Yes, unexpectedly, and were70

Beat back by valour: now at once we have

Beat back by courage: now we immediately have

Courage and vigilance to guard us.

Courage and awareness to protect us.

Bal.‍May they

Bal. May they

Prosper!

Thrive!

Myr.‍That is the prayer of many, and

Myr.Please provide the text for modernization.That is the prayer of many, and

The dread of more: it is an anxious hour;

The fear of what’s to come: it’s a worrying time;

I strive to keep it from my thoughts. Alas!

I try to push it out of my mind. Unfortunately!

How vainly!

How foolish!

Bal.‍It is said the King's demeanour

Bal.‍People say the King is acting

In the late action scarcely more appalled

In the final scene hardly more shocked

The rebels than astonished his true subjects.

The rebels then amazed his true subjects.

Myr. 'Tis easy to astonish or appal

Myr. It's easy to amaze or shock

The vulgar mass which moulds a horde of slaves;80

The crude crowd that shapes a group of slaves;80

But he did bravely.

But he did it bravely.

Bal.‍Slew he not Beleses?

Bal. Slew he not Beleses?

I heard the soldiers say he struck him down.

I heard the soldiers say he took him down.

Myr. The wretch was overthrown, but rescued to[97]

Myr. The unfortunate one was defeated but saved to[97]

Triumph, perhaps, o'er one who vanquished him

Triumph, maybe, over someone who defeated him

In fight, as he had spared him in his peril;

In battle, just as he had saved him in his danger;

And by that heedless pity risked a crown.

And by that careless compassion risked a crown.

Bal.‍Hark!

Bal. ‍Listen up!

Myr. You are right; some steps approach, but slowly.

Myr. You're right; some steps are getting closer, but slowly.

Enter Soldiers, bearing in Salemenes wounded, with a broken javelin in his side: they seat him upon one of the couches which furnish the Apartment.

Enter soldiers, carrying in Salemites wounded, with a broken javelin in his side: they place him on one of the couches in the room.

Myr. Oh, Jove!

Oh my God!

Bal.‍Then all is over.

Ball.‍Then it's all over.

Sal.‍That is false.

Sal.‍That's not true.

Hew down the slave who says so, if a soldier.

Hew down the slave who says that, if you're a soldier.

Myr. Spare him—he's none: a mere court butterfly,90

Myr. Don't hurt him—he's nothing: just a shallow socialite,90

That flutter in the pageant of a monarch.

That flutter in the display of a king.

Sal. Let him live on, then.

Sal. Let him continue to live, then.

Myr.‍So wilt thou, I trust.

Myr.‍I hope you will.

Sal. I fain would live this hour out, and the event,

Sal. I really want to live through this hour and the moment,

But doubt it. Wherefore did ye bear me here?

But I doubt it. Why did you bring me here?

Sol. By the King's order. When the javelin struck you,

Sol. By the King's command. When the javelin hit you,

You fell and fainted: 'twas his strict command

You fell and passed out: it was his strict order.

To bear you to this hall.

To bring you to this hall.

Sal.‍'Twas not ill done:

Sal.‍That wasn't done poorly:

For seeming slain in that cold dizzy trance,

For appearing to be killed in that cold, dizzy haze,

The sight might shake our soldiers—but—'tis vain,

The sight might shake our soldiers—but it’s pointless,

I feel it ebbing!

I feel it fading!

Myr.‍Let me see the wound;100

Myr. Let me see the injury;

I am not quite skilless: in my native land

I’m not completely unskilled: in my home country

'Tis part of our instruction. War being constant,

We are nerved to look on such things.[an]

We are braced to see such things.[an]

Sol.‍Best extract

Sol. Best extract

The javelin.

The javelin throw.

Myr.‍Hold! no, no, it cannot be.

Myr.‍Wait! This can't be happening.

Sal. I am sped, then!

Sal. I’m done, then!

Myr.‍With the blood that fast must follow

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text you want me to modernize.With the blood that quickly must follow

The extracted weapon, I do fear thy life.

The weapon I've taken, I fear for your life.

Sal. And I not death. Where was the King when you

Conveyed me from the spot where I was stricken?[98]

Conveyed me from the place where I was hit?[98]

Sol. Upon the same ground, and encouraging

Sol. On the same ground, and encouraging

With voice and gesture the dispirited troops110

With voice and gesture, the discouraged troops110

Who had seen you fall, and faltered back.

Who saw you fall and stepped back.

Sal.‍Whom heard ye

Who did you hear?

Named next to the command?

Sol.‍I did not hear.

I didn't hear.

Sal. Fly, then, and tell him, 'twas my last request

Sal. Go on, then, and tell him it was my final request.

That Zames take my post until the junction,

So hoped for, yet delayed, of Ofratanes,

So longed for, yet postponed, of Ofratanes,

Satrap of Susa. Leave me here: our troops

Are not so numerous as to spare your absence.

Are not so many that they can do without your presence.

Sol. But Prince——

Sun. But Prince——

Sal.‍Hence, I say! Here's a courtier and

Sal.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.So, I say! Here’s a courtier and

A woman, the best chamber company.

A woman, the best company you can have in a room.

As you would not permit me to expire120

As you wouldn't let me die120

Upon the field, I'll have no idle soldiers

Upon the field, I won't have any idle soldiers.

About my sick couch. Hence! and do my bidding!

About my sick couch. So! and do what I ask!

[Exeunt the Soldiers.

[The Soldiers exit.

Myr. Gallant and glorious Spirit! must the earth

Myr. Brave and glorious Spirit! Does the earth

So soon resign thee?

Resign so soon?

Sal.‍Gentle Myrrha, 'tis

Myrrha, it's

The end I would have chosen, had I saved

The end I would have picked if I had saved

The monarch or the monarchy by this;

As 'tis, I have not outlived them.

As it is, I have not outlived them.

Myr.‍You wax paler.

Myr.‍You look more pale.

Sal. Your hand; this broken weapon but prolongs

Sal. Your hand; this damaged weapon only drags on.

My pangs, without sustaining life enough

My pains, without enough life to sustain me

To make me useful: I would draw it forth130

To make me useful: I would bring it out130

And my life with it, could I but hear how

And my life along with it, if only I could hear how

The fight goes.

The fight continues.

Enter Sardanapalus and Soldiers.

Sar.‍My best brother!

My best brother!

Sal.‍And the battle

Sal.‍And the fight

Is lost?

Is it lost?

Sar. (despondingly). You see me here.

Sar. (feeling down). You see me here.

Sal.‍I'd rather see you thus!

Sal. I'd rather see you like this!

[He draws out the weapon from the wound, and dies.

He pulls the weapon out of his wound and dies.

Sar. And thus I will be seen; unless the succour,

Sar. And so I will be seen; unless the help,

The last frail reed of our beleagured hopes,[99]

The last weak reed of our struggling hopes,[99]

Arrive with Ofratanes.

Myr.‍Did you not

Myr.‍Didn’t you

Receive a token from your dying brother,

Appointing Zames chief?

Is Zames being made chief?

Sar.‍I did.

I did.

Myr.‍Where's Zames?

Myr. Where's Zames?

Sar. Dead.

Sar. Dead.

Myr.‍And Altada?

Sar.‍Dying.

Sar. Dying.

Myr.‍Pania? Sfero?

Sar. Pania yet lives; but Sfero's fled or captive.140

Sar. Pania is still alive; but Sfero is gone or held captive.140

I am alone.

I'm alone.

Myr.‍And is all lost?

Myr. Is everything lost?

Sar.‍Our walls,

Our walls,

Though thinly manned, may still hold out against

Though lightly staffed, may still hold out against

Their present force, or aught save treachery:

Their current strength, or anything other than betrayal:

But i' the field——

But I'm in the field—

Myr.‍I thought 'twas the intent

Myr.‍I thought it was the intent

Of Salemenes not to risk a sally

Till ye were strengthened by the expected succours.

Until you were strengthened by the expected support.

Sar. I over-ruled him.

Sar. I overruled him.

Myr.‍Well, the fault's a brave one.

Myr.‍Well, the fault's a bold one.

Sar. But fatal. Oh, my brother! I would give

Sar. But it's deadly. Oh, my brother! I would give

These realms, of which thou wert the ornament,

These realms, of which you were the ornament,

The sword and shield, the sole-redeeming honour,150

The sword and shield, the only redeeming honor,150

To call back——But I will not weep for thee;

To call back — But I won't cry for you;

Thou shall be mourned for as thou wouldst be mourned.

You will be mourned as you would want to be mourned.

It grieves me most that thou couldst quit this life

It saddens me deeply that you could leave this life.

Believing that I could survive what thou

Believing that I could survive what you

Hast died for—our long royalty of race.

Hast died for—our long-standing royal lineage.

If I redeem it, I will give thee blood

If I redeem it, I will give you blood.

Of thousands, tears of millions, for atonement,

Of thousands, tears of millions, for forgiveness,

(The tears of all the good are thine already).

(The tears of all the good are yours already).

If not, we meet again soon,—if the spirit

If not, we’ll meet again soon—if the spirit

Within us lives beyond:—thou readest mine,160

Within us lives beyond:—you read mine,160

And dost me justice now. Let me once clasp

And do justice to me now. Let me finally hold

That yet warm hand, and fold that throbless heart

That still warm hand, and fold that heart without a pulse

[Embraces the body.

[Accepts the body.

To this which beats so bitterly. Now, bear

To this that hurts so deeply. Now, hold on

The body hence.

The body then.

Sol.‍Where?[100]

Sun.‍Where?[100]

Sar.‍To my proper chamber.

To my proper room.

Place it beneath my canopy, as though

Place it under my canopy, as though

The King lay there: when this is done, we will

Speak further of the rites due to such ashes.

Speak more about the rituals related to these ashes.

[Exeunt Soldiers with the body of Salemenes.

[Exit Soldiers carrying the body of Salemenes.

Enter Pania.

Join Pania.

Sar. Well, Pania! have you placed the guards, and issued

Sar. Alright, Pania! Have you set up the guards and issued

The orders fixed on?

Are the orders confirmed?

Pan.‍Sire, I have obeyed.

Pan. Sir, I have complied.

Sar. And do the soldiers keep their hearts up?

Sar. Do the soldiers stay hopeful?

Pan.‍Sire?170

Pan. Sire?

Sar. I am answered! When a king asks twice, and has

Sar. I'm answered! When a king asks twice, and has

A question as an answer to his question,

A reply to his question,

It is a portent. What! they are disheartened?

It’s a warning. What! Are they feeling down?

Pan. The death of Salemenes, and the shouts

Of the exulting rebels on his fall,

Of the triumphant rebels at his downfall,

Have made them——

Have created them——

Sar.‍Rage—not droop—it should have been.

Sar.‍Rage—not sadness—it should have been.

We'll find the means to rouse them.

We'll find a way to wake them up.

Pan.‍Such a loss

Pan. Such a loss.

Might sadden even a victory.

Might sadden even a win.

Sar.‍Alas!

Sar.‍Oh no!

Who can so feel it as I feel? but yet,

Who can feel it as deeply as I do? But still,

Though cooped within these walls, they are strong, and we180

Though trapped within these walls, they are strong, and we180

Have those without will break their way through hosts,

Have those without will break their way through crowds,

To make their sovereign's dwelling what it was—

To make their ruler's home what it was—

A palace, not a prison—nor a fortress.

A palace, not a jail—nor a stronghold.

Enter an Officer, hastily.

Enter an Officer, quickly.

Sar. Thy face seems ominous. Speak!

Sar. Your face looks troubling. Talk!

Offi.‍I dare not.

Offi.‍I can't.

Sar.‍Dare not?

Sar. Don’t dare?

While millions dare revolt with sword in hand!

While millions dare to rise up with a sword in hand!

That's strange. I pray thee break that loyal silence

That's odd. Please, break that loyal silence.

Which loathes to shock its sovereign; we can hear

Which hates to shock its ruler; we can hear

Worse than thou hast to tell.

Worse than what you have to say.

Pan.‍Proceed—thou hearest.[101]

Pan.‍Go ahead—you hear.[101]

Offi. The wall which skirted near the river's brink

Offi. The wall that ran along the edge of the river

Is thrown down by the sudden inundation190

Is knocked down by the sudden flood190

Of the Euphrates, which now rolling, swoln

Of the Euphrates, which is now flowing, swollen

From the enormous mountains where it rises,

From the enormous mountains where it starts,

By the late rains of that tempestuous region,

By the late rains of that stormy area,

O'erfloods its banks, and hath destroyed the bulwark.

Overflows its banks and has destroyed the barrier.

Pan. That's a black augury! it has been said

Pan. That's a dark omen! It's been said

For ages, "That the City ne'er should yield

For ages, "That the City never should yield

To man, until the River grew its foe."

To man, until the River became its enemy."

Sar. I can forgive the omen, not the ravage.

Sar. I can overlook the warning, but not the destruction.

How much is swept down of the wall?

How much is washed down from the wall?

Offi.‍About

Offi. ‍About

Some twenty stadia.[29]

About twenty stadia.[29]

Sar.‍And all this is left200

And all that's left

Pervious to the assailants?

Before the attackers?

Offi.‍For the present

Offi.‍For now

The River's fury must impede the assault;

The river's rage must stop the attack;

But when he shrinks into his wonted channel,

But when he slips back into his usual path,

And may be crossed by the accustomed barks,

And may be crossed by the familiar boats,

The palace is their own.

The palace is theirs.

Sar.‍That shall be never.

Sar.‍That will never happen.

Though men, and gods, and elements, and omens,

Though men, gods, natural forces, and signs,

Have risen up 'gainst one who ne'er provoked them,

Have risen up against someone who never provoked them,

My father's house shall never be a cave

My father's house will never be a cave.

For wolves to horde and howl in.

For wolves to gather and howl in.

Pan.‍With your sanction,

Pan. With your approval,

I will proceed to the spot, and take such measures210

I will go to the location and take the necessary steps210

For the assurance of the vacant space

For the guarantee of the empty area

As time and means permit.

As time and resources allow.

Sar.‍About it straight,

Sar.‍Talk about it directly,

And bring me back, as speedily as full

And bring me back as quickly as possible.

And fair investigation may permit,

And a fair investigation may allow,

Report of the true state of this irruption

Report of the actual situation regarding this invasion

Of waters. [Exeunt Pania and the Officer.

Myr.‍Thus the very waves rise up

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.So the very waves rise up

Against you.

Sar.‍They are not my subjects, girl,

Sar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.They are not my followers, girl,

And may be pardoned, since they can't be punished.

And they may be forgiven, since they can't be punished.

Myr. I joy to see this portent shakes you not.

Myr. I'm glad to see that this omen doesn't upset you.

Sar. I am past the fear of portents: they can tell me220[102]

Sar. I'm beyond worrying about omens: they don't scare me anymore.

Nothing I have not told myself since midnight:

Nothing I haven't told myself since midnight:

Despair anticipates such things.

Despair expects such things.

Myr.‍Despair!

Despair!

Sar. No; not despair precisely. When we know

Sar. No; not exactly despair. When we know

All that can come, and how to meet it, our

All that can happen, and how to face it, our

Resolves, if firm, may merit a more noble

Resolves, if strong, may deserve a more noble

Word than this is to give it utterance.

But what are words to us? we have well nigh done

But what do words mean to us? We've almost finished

With them and all things.

With them and everything.

Myr.‍Save one deed—the last

Myr.‍Save one deed—the final

And greatest to all mortals; crowning act

And greatest to all humans; the crowning act

Of all that was, or is, or is to be—230

Of everything that was, is, or will be—230

The only thing common to all mankind,

The only thing that connects all people,

So different in their births, tongues, sexes, natures,

So different in their beginnings, languages, genders, and personalities,

Hues, features, climes, times, feelings, intellects,[ao]

Without one point of union save in this—

Without a single point of connection except for this—

To which we tend, for which we're born, and thread

To what we strive for, what we're meant for, and connect

The labyrinth of mystery, called life.

The intricate maze of enigma we call life.

Sar. Our clue being well nigh wound out, let's be cheerful.

Sar. Our clue is almost finished, so let's stay positive.

They who have nothing more to fear may well

They who have nothing left to fear may very well

Indulge a smile at that which once appalled;

Indulge in a smile at what once shocked you;

As children at discovered bugbears.

As kids, we found bugbears.

Re-enter Pania.

Log back in Pania.

Pan.‍'Tis240

Pan.

As was reported: I have ordered there

As reported: I've ordered from there

A double guard, withdrawing from the wall,

A double guard, stepping back from the wall,

Where it was strongest, the required addition

To watch the breach occasioned by the waters.

To see the gap caused by the water.

Sar. You have done your duty faithfully, and as

Sar. You have fulfilled your responsibilities faithfully, and as

My worthy Pania! further ties between us

My dear Pania! more connections between us

Draw near a close—I pray you take this key:

Draw near to the end—I ask you to take this key:

[Gives a key.

[Hands over a key.

It opens to a secret chamber, placed

It opens to a hidden room, situated

Behind the couch in my own chamber—(Now

Behind the couch in my own room—(Now

Pressed by a nobler weight than e'er it bore—250

Pressed by a nobler weight than ever it bore—250

Though a long line of sovereigns have lain down

Though a long line of rulers have passed away

Along its golden frame—as bearing for[103]

A time what late was Salemenes.)—Search

The secret covert to which this will lead you;

The secret path that this will lead you to;

'Tis full of treasure;[30] take it for yourself

'Tis full of treasure;[30] claim it for yourself

And your companions:[ap] there's enough to load ye,

And your companions:[ap] there's enough to load you,

Though ye be many. Let the slaves be freed, too;

Though you are many. Let the slaves be freed, too;

And all the inmates of the palace, of

And all the residents of the palace, of

Whatever sex, now quit it in an hour.

Whatever you're doing, stop it in an hour.

Thence launch the regal barks, once formed for pleasure,260

Thence launch the royal boats, once made for enjoyment,260

And now to serve for safety, and embark.

And now to ensure safety and set sail.

The river's broad and swoln, and uncommanded,

The river is wide and swollen, and not under control,

(More potent than a king) by these besiegers.

(More powerful than a king) by these attackers.

Fly! and be happy!

Fly and be happy!

Pan.‍Under your protection!

Pan.‍Under your guard!

So you accompany your faithful guard.

So you go with your loyal guard.

Sar. No, Pania! that must not be; get thee hence,

Sar. No, Pania! That can't happen; get out of here,

And leave me to my fate.

And let me deal with my fate.

Pan.‍'Tis the first time

Pan.‍It's the first time

I ever disobeyed: but now——

Sar.‍So all men

So all guys

Dare beard me now, and Insolence within

Dare to challenge me now, and there’s arrogance inside.

Apes Treason from without. Question no further;270

Apes Treason from outside. Don't question it any more;270

'Tis my command, my last command. Wilt thou

'Tis my command, my last command. Will you

Oppose it? thou!

Oppose it? You!

Pan.‍But yet—not yet.

Pan.‍But not yet.

Sar.‍Well, then,

Sar.‍Alright, then,

Swear that you will obey when I shall give

Swear that you will follow my orders when I tell you to.

The signal.

Pan.‍With a heavy but true heart,

Pan.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.With a sincere but heavy heart,

I promise.

I swear.

Sar.‍'Tis enough. Now order here

Sar.‍That's enough. Now order here

Faggots, pine-nuts, and withered leaves, and such

Faggots, pine nuts, and dried leaves, and stuff

Things as catch fire and blaze with one sole spark;

Things catch fire and blaze from a single spark;

Bring cedar, too, and precious drugs, and spices,

Bring cedar, along with valuable medicines and spices,

And mighty planks, to nourish a tall pile;

And strong boards, to support a high stack;

Bring frankincense and myrrh, too, for it is280

Bring frankincense and myrrh as well, because it is280

For a great sacrifice I build the pyre![104]

For a huge sacrifice, I build the pyre![104]

And heap them round yon throne.

And pile them around that throne.

Pan.‍My Lord!

Pan. My Lord!

Sar.‍I have said it,

I said it.

And you have sworn.

And you have sworn.

Pan.‍And could keep my faith

Pan. And could maintain my faith

Without a vow. [Exit Pania.

Myr.‍What mean you?

Myr.‍What do you mean?

Sar.‍You shall know

You shall know

Anon—what the whole earth shall ne'er forget.

Anon—what the whole world will never forget.

Pania, returning with a Herald.

Pania, back with a Herald.

Pan. My King, in going forth upon my duty,

Pan. My King, as I set out to fulfill my duty,

This herald has been brought before me, craving

This messenger has come to me, asking

An audience.

Sar.‍Let him speak.

Let him talk.

Her.‍The King Arbaces——

Her. The King Arbaces——

Sar. What, crowned already?—But, proceed.

Sar. What, already crowned?—But, go on.

Her.‍Beleses,

Her. Beleses,

The anointed High-priest——

The chosen High Priest—

Sar.‍Of what god or demon?290

Of which god or demon?

With new kings rise new altars. But, proceed;

With new kings come new altars. But, go on;

You are sent to prate your master's will, and not

You are sent to talk about your master's wishes, and not

Reply to mine.

Reply to me.

Her.‍And Satrap Ofratanes——

Her. And Satrap Ofratanes—

Sar. Why, he is ours.

Her. (showing a ring). Be sure that he is now

Her. (showing a ring). Make sure that he is now

In the camp of the conquerors; behold

In the camp of the conquerors; look

His signet ring.

Sar.‍'Tis his. A worthy triad!

Sar.‍That's his. A worthy trio!

Poor Salemenes! thou hast died in time

Poor Salemenes! you have died in time

To see one treachery the less: this man

To witness one less betrayal: this man

Was thy true friend and my most trusted subject.

Was your true friend and my most trusted subject.

Proceed.

Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.

Her.‍They offer thee thy life, and freedom300

Her.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.They offer you your life and freedom300

Of choice to single out a residence

Of choosing a place to live

In any of the further provinces,

In any of the other provinces,

Guarded and watched, but not confined in person,

Guarded and monitored, but not physically restrained,

Where thou shalt pass thy days in peace; but on

Where you will spend your days in peace; but on

Condition that the three young princes are

Given up as hostages.[105]

Sar. (ironically).‍The generous Victors!

Sar. (ironically).‍The generous Winners!

Her. I wait the answer.

Her. I'm waiting for the answer.

Sar.‍Answer, slave! How long

Answer, slave! How long

Have slaves decided on the doom of kings?

Have slaves chosen the fate of kings?

Her. Since they were free.

Her. Since they were liberated.

Sar.‍Mouthpiece of mutiny!

Sar.‍Voice of rebellion!

Thou at the least shalt learn the penalty310

You will at least learn the penalty310

Of treason, though its proxy only. Pania!

Of treason, though it's just a proxy. Pania!

Let his head be thrown from our walls within

Let his head be thrown from our walls.

The rebels' lines, his carcass down the river.

The rebels' lines, his body floating down the river.

Away with him! [Pania and the Guards seizing him.

Away with him! Pania and the Guards catching him.

Pan.‍I never yet obeyed

Pan. I haven't obeyed yet.

Your orders with more pleasure than the present.

Your orders bring me more joy than anything else right now.

Hence with him, soldiers! do not soil this hall

Hence with him, soldiers! Don't dirty this hall.

Of royalty with treasonable gore;

Of royalty with treasonous blood;

Put him to rest without.

Put him to rest.

Her.‍A single word:

Her.

My office, King, is sacred.

Sar.‍And what's mine?

And what's mine?

That thou shouldst come and dare to ask of me320

That you would come and have the audacity to ask me

To lay it down?

To settle it?

Her.‍I but obeyed my orders,

Her. I just followed my orders,

At the same peril if refused, as now

At the same risk if denied, as now

Incurred by my obedience.

Caused by my obedience.

Sar.‍So there are

So there are

New monarchs of an hour's growth as despotic

New rulers who rise to power in just an hour are just as tyrannical.

As sovereigns swathed in purple, and enthroned

As rulers dressed in purple and seated on their thrones

From birth to manhood!

From birth to adulthood!

Her.‍My life waits your breath.

Her. My life waits for you.

Yours (I speak humbly)—but it may be—yours

Yours (I say this modestly)—but it might be—yours

May also be in danger scarce less imminent:

May also be in danger, but it’s not that urgent:

Would it then suit the last hours of a line

Would it be appropriate for the final moments of a line

Such as is that of Nimrod, to destroy330

Such is the case with Nimrod, to destroy330

A peaceful herald, unarmed, in his office;

A peaceful messenger, unarmed, in his office;

And violate not only all that man

And don't violate not only all that man

Holds sacred between man and man—but that

Holds sacred between people—but that

More holy tie which links us with the Gods?

More sacred bond that connects us with the Gods?

Sar. He's right.—Let him go free.—My life's last act

Sar. He's right.—Let him go free.—This is my last act in life.

Shall not be one of wrath. Here, fellow, take

Shall not be one of anger. Here, friend, take

[Gives him a golden cup from a table near.

[i]Hands him a golden cup from a nearby table.[/i]

This golden goblet, let it hold your wine,[106]

And think of me; or melt it into ingots,

And think of me; or turn it into bars,

And think of nothing but their weight and value.

And focus solely on their weight and value.

Her. I thank you doubly for my life, and this340

Her. I'm truly grateful for my life, and this340

Most gorgeous gift, which renders it more precious.

Most beautiful gift, which makes it even more valuable.

But must I bear no answer?

But must I receive no answer?

Sar.‍Yes,—I ask

Sar. Yes, I ask

An hour's truce to consider.

An hour's break to think.

Her.‍But an hour's?

Her. But an hour?

Sar. An hour's: if at the expiration of

Sar. One hour: if at the end of

That time your masters hear no further from me,

That time your masters don’t hear anything more from me,

They are to deem that I reject their terms,

They should understand that I reject their terms,

And act befittingly.

And act appropriately.

Her.‍I shall not fail

Her. I won't fail.

To be a faithful legate of your pleasure.

To be a loyal messenger of your enjoyment.

Sar. And hark! a word more.

Sar. And listen! I have one more thing to say.

Her.‍I shall not forget it,

Her. I won't forget it,

Whate'er it be.

Whatever it is.

Sar.‍Commend me to Beleses;350

Sar.‍Send my regards to Beleses;350

And tell him, ere a year expire, I summon

And tell him, before a year is up, I call

Him hence to meet me.

Him coming to meet me.

Her.‍Where?

Her. Where?

Sar.‍At Babylon.

Sar. At Babylon.

At least from thence he will depart to meet me.

At least from there he will leave to meet me.

Her. I shall obey you to the letter. [Exit Herald.

Her. I will follow your instructions exactly. [Exit News.]

Sar.‍Pania!—

Now, my good Pania!—quick—with what I ordered.

Now, my dear Pania!—hurry up—with what I asked for.

Pan. My Lord,—the soldiers are already charged.

Pan. My Lord—the soldiers are already ready.

And see! they enter.

And look! they come in.

Soldiers enter, and form a Pile about the Throne, etc.[31]

Soldiers come in and gather around the throne, etc.[31]

Sar.‍Higher, my good soldiers,

Sar.‍Lift higher, my brave soldiers,

And thicker yet; and see that the foundation[107]

And even thicker; and notice that the foundation[107]

Be such as will not speedily exhaust

Be someone who won't quickly run out of energy.

Its own too subtle flame; nor yet be quenched360

With aught officious aid would bring to quell it.

With any overly eager help would come to suppress it.

Let the throne form the core of it; I would not

Let the throne be the center of it; I would not

Leave that, save fraught with fire unquenchable,

Leave that, filled with unquenchable fire,

To the new comers. Frame the whole as if

To the newcomers, visualize the entire situation as if

'Twere to enkindle the strong tower of our

'Twas to light up the strong tower of our

Inveterate enemies. Now it bears an aspect!

Inveterate enemies. Now it looks like something!

How say you, Pania, will this pile suffice

How about you, Pania? Will this pile be enough?

For a King's obsequies?

For a king's funeral?

Pan.‍Aye, for a kingdom's.

Pan.‍Yes, for a kingdom's.

I understand you, now.

I get you, now.

Sar.‍And blame me?

And blame me?

Pan.‍No—

Pan. No—

Let me but fire the pile, and share it with you.370

Let me just light the fire and enjoy it with you.370

Myr. That duty's mine.

Myr. That responsibility is mine.

Pan.‍A woman's!

Myr.‍'Tis the soldier's

Myr.‍It's the soldier's

Part to die for his sovereign, and why not

Part to die for his king, and why not

The woman's with her lover?

The woman's with her partner?

Pan.‍'Tis most strange!

Pan. It's so strange!

Myr. But not so rare, my Pania, as thou think'st it.

Myr. But not as rare, my Pania, as you think it is.

In the mean time, live thou.—Farewell! the pile

In the meantime, live well.—Goodbye! The pile

Is ready.[108]

Is ready.

Pan.‍I should shame to leave my sovereign

Pan.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I would feel ashamed to leave my king.

With but a single female to partake

With only one woman to participate

His death.

His passing.

Sar.‍Too many far have heralded

Too many have heralded far

Me to the dust already. Get thee hence;

Me to the dust already. Get out of here;

Enrich thee.

Enhance yourself.

Pan.‍And live wretched!

Pan.‍And live miserably!

Sar.‍Think upon380

Sar. Think about380

Thy vow:—'tis sacred and irrevocable.

Your vow: it's sacred and unchangeable.

Pan. Since it is so, farewell.

Pan. Since that's the case, goodbye.

Sar.‍Search well my chamber,

Search my room thoroughly,

Feel no remorse at bearing off the gold;

Feel no guilt in taking the gold;

Remember, what you leave you leave the slaves

Remember, what you leave behind goes to the slaves.

Who slew me: and when you have borne away

Who killed me: and when you have taken away

All safe off to your boats, blow one long blast

All safely off to your boats, blow one long blast.

Upon the trumpet as you quit the palace.

Upon the trumpet as you leave the palace.

The river's brink is too remote, its stream

The edge of the river is too far away, its flow

Too loud at present to permit the echo

Too loud right now to allow the echo.

To reach distinctly from its banks. Then fly,—390

To reach out clearly from its banks. Then fly,—390

And as you sail, turn back; but still keep on

And as you sail, look back; but keep going.

Your way along the Euphrates: if you reach

Your path along the Euphrates: if you get

The land of Paphlagonia, where the Queen

Is safe with my three sons in Cotta's court,

Say what you saw at parting, and request

Say what you saw when you left, and ask

That she remember what I said at one

That she remembers what I said at one

Parting more mournful still.

Parting feels even more sad.

Pan.‍That royal hand!

Pan.‍That royal touch!

Let me then once more press it to my lips;

Let me press it to my lips once again;

And these poor soldiers who throng round you, and

And these poor soldiers who crowd around you, and

Would fain die with you!

Would gladly die with you!

The Soldiers and Pania throng round him, kissing his hand and the hem of his robe.

The Soldiers and Pania crowd around him, kissing his hand and the hem of his robe.

Sar.‍My best! my last friends!400

My best! My last friends!

Let's not unman each other: part at once:

Let's not weaken each other: let's part ways now:

All farewells should be sudden, when for ever,

All goodbyes should be unexpected when they're final.

Else they make an eternity of moments,

Else they create an endless string of moments,

And clog the last sad sands of life with tears.

And fill the final sad moments of life with tears.

Hence, and be happy: trust me, I am not

Hence, be happy: trust me, I'm not

Now to be pitied; or far more for what

Is past than present;—for the future, 'tis

Is past more than present;—for the future, it is

In the hands of the deities, if such[109]

In the hands of the gods, if such[109]

There be: I shall know soon. Farewell—Farewell.

There you go: I'll find out soon. Goodbye—Goodbye.

[Exeunt Pania and Soldiers.

[Exit Pania and Soldiers.

Myr. These men were honest: it is comfort still410

Myr. These guys were genuine: it's still a comfort. 410

That our last looks should be on loving faces.

That our final moments should be spent looking at loving faces.

Sar. And lovely ones, my beautiful!—but hear me!

Sar. And beautiful ones, my gorgeous!—but listen to me!

If at this moment,—for we now are on

If right now,—for we are now on

The brink,—thou feel'st an inward shrinking from

The edge—you feel an inner hesitation from

This leap through flame into the future, say it:

This jump through fire into the future, say it:

I shall not love thee less; nay, perhaps more,

I won't love you any less; in fact, maybe even more,

For yielding to thy nature: and there's time

For giving in to your nature: and there's time

Yet for thee to escape hence.

Yet for you to escape from here.

Myr.‍Shall I light

Myr.‍Should I light

One of the torches which lie heaped beneath

One of the torches that are piled up underneath

The ever-burning lamp that burns without,420

The lamp that keeps burning outside, 420

Before Baal's shrine, in the adjoining hall?

Before Baal's shrine, in the next hall?

Sar. Do so. Is that thy answer?

Sar. Go ahead. Is that your answer?

Myr.‍Thou shalt see.

Myr. You will see.

[Exit Myrrha.

[Exit Myrrha.]

Sar. (solus). She's firm. My fathers! whom I will rejoin,

Sar. (solus). She's resolute. My fathers! whom I will reunite with,

It may be, purified by death from some

It might be, cleansed by death from some

Of the gross stains of too material being,

Of the obvious marks of being too material,

I would not leave your ancient first abode

I wouldn't leave your old first home.

To the defilement of usurping bondmen;

To the disgrace of those who take what isn't theirs;

If I have not kept your inheritance

If I haven't protected your inheritance

As ye bequeathed it, this bright part of it,

As you passed it on, this bright part of it,

Your treasure—your abode—your sacred relics430

Your treasure—your home—your sacred relics

Of arms, and records—monuments, and spoils,

Of weapons, and records—monuments, and trophies,

In which they would have revelled, I bear with me

In which they would have enjoyed themselves, I carry with me

To you in that absorbing element,

To you in that captivating space,

Which most personifies the soul as leaving

Which best represents the soul as departing

The least of matter unconsumed before

The smallest amount of matter that hasn't been used before

Its fiery workings:—and the light of this

Most royal of funereal pyres shall be [aq]

Most royal of funeral pyres shall be [aq]

Not a mere pillar formed of cloud and flame,

Not just a pillar of cloud and fire,

A beacon in the horizon for a day,

A beacon on the horizon for a day,

And then a mount of ashes—but a light [ar]440

And then a pile of ashes—but a light [ar]440

To lesson ages, rebel nations, and

Voluptuous princes. Time shall quench full many[110]

Voluptuous princes. Time will satisfy many[110]

A people's records, and a hero's acts;

A nation's history and a hero's deeds;

Sweep empire after empire, like this first

Of empires, into nothing; but even then

Shall spare this deed of mine, and hold it up

Shall keep this action of mine to myself, and hold it up

A problem few dare imitate, and none

A problem that few would try to copy, and no one

Despise—but, it may be, avoid the life

Hate—but maybe, skip the life

Which led to such a consummation.

Which led to such a conclusion.

Myrrha returns with a lighted Torch in one Hand, and a Cup in the other.

Myrrh comes back with a lit torch in one hand and a cup in the other.

Myr.‍Lo!

Myr.‍Hey!

I've lit the lamp which lights us to the stars.450

I've lit the lamp that guides us to the stars.450

Sar. And the cup?

Sar. And what about the cup?

Myr.‍'Tis my country's custom to

Myr.‍It's my country's custom to

Make a libation to the Gods.

Make an offering to the gods.

Sar.‍And mine

And mine

To make libations amongst men. I've not

To make toasts among people. I've not

Forgot the custom; and although alone,

Forgot the tradition; and even though alone,

Will drain one draught in memory of many

Will take a drink in memory of many

A joyous banquet past.

A joyful feast gone by.

Sardanapalus takes the cup, and after drinking and tinkling the reversed cup, as a drop falls, exclaims—

Sardanapalus grabs the cup, drinks, and after clinking the upside-down cup, as a drop falls, shouts—

And this libation

And this drink

Is for the excellent Beleses.

Is for the amazing Beleses.

Myr.‍Why

Dwells thy mind rather upon that man's name

Does your mind linger more on that man's name?

Than on his mate's in villany?

Than on his friend's in wrongdoing?

Sar.‍The other

Sar. The other

Is a mere soldier, a mere tool, a kind460

Is a simple soldier, just a tool, a kind

Of human sword in a friend's hand; the other

Of a human sword in a friend's hand; the other

Is master-mover of his warlike puppet;

Is the master manipulator of his warlike puppet;

But I dismiss them from my mind.—Yet pause,

But I push them out of my mind.—Wait a second,

My Myrrha! dost thou truly follow me,

My Myrrha! Do you really follow me,

Freely and fearlessly?

Boldly and without fear?

Myr.‍And dost thou think

Myr.‍Do you think

A Greek girl dare not do for love, that which

A Greek girl wouldn’t do for love what

An Indian widow braves for custom?[as][111]

An Indian widow stands strong against tradition?[as][111]

Sar.‍Then

We but await the signal.

We're just waiting for the signal.

Myr.‍It is long

Myr. It's long

In sounding.

In audition.

Sar.‍Now, farewell; one last embrace.

Now, goodbye; one last hug.

Myr. Embrace, but not the last; there is one more.470

Sar. True, the commingling fire will mix our ashes.

Sar. It's true, the mingling flames will blend our ashes.

Myr. And pure as is my love to thee, shall they,

Myr. And as pure as my love for you, so shall they,

Purged from the dross of earth, and earthly passion,

Purged from the waste of the earth and earthly desires,

Mix pale with thine. A single thought yet irks me.

Mix pale with yours. One thought still bothers me.

Sar. Say it.

Sar. Just say it.

Myr.‍It is that no kind hand will gather

Myr.Understood! Please provide the text for modernization.It is that no kind hand will gather

The dust of both into one urn.

The dust of both into one container.

Sar.‍The better:

Sar.‍The upgrade:

Rather let them be borne abroad upon

Rather let them be carried away upon

The winds of heaven, and scattered into air,

Than be polluted more by human hands

Than to be dirtied further by human hands

Of slaves and traitors. In this blazing palace,480

And its enormous walls of reeking ruin,

And its massive walls of decaying ruin,

We leave a nobler monument than Egypt

We leave a more glorious legacy than Egypt.

Hath piled in her brick mountains, o'er dead kings,[32]

Hath piled in her brick mountains, over dead kings,[32]

Or kine—for none know whether those proud piles

Or cows—for no one knows whether those proud piles

Be for their monarch, or their ox-god Apis:

Be before their ruler, or their ox-god Apis:

So much for monuments that have forgotten

So much for monuments that have been forgotten.

Their very record!

Their actual record!

Myr.‍Then farewell, thou earth!

Myr.‍Then goodbye, you earth!

And loveliest spot of earth! farewell, Ionia!

And the most beautiful place on earth! Goodbye, Ionia!

Be thou still free and beautiful, and far

Be still free and beautiful, and far

Aloof from desolation! My last prayer490

Was for thee, my last thoughts, save one, were of thee!

Was for you, my final thoughts, except for one, were of you!

Sar. And that?

Sar. And what about that?

Myr.‍Is yours.

Myr.‍It's yours.

[The trumpet of Pania sounds without.[112]

The trumpet of Pania sounds.

Sar.‍Hark!

Sar.‍Hey!

Myr.‍Now!

Myr. Now!

Sar.‍Adieu, Assyria!

Sar.‍Goodbye, Assyria!

I loved thee well, my own, my fathers' land,

I loved you deeply, my own, my ancestral land,

And better as my country than my kingdom.

And I prefer my country over my kingdom.

I sated thee with peace and joys; and this

I filled you with peace and happiness; and this

Is my reward! and now I owe thee nothing,

Is my reward! And now I don't owe you anything,

Not even a grave. [He mounts the pile.

Not even a grave. He climbs on top of the stack.

Now, Myrrha!

Myr.‍Art thou ready?

Myr. Are you ready?

Sar. As the torch in thy grasp.

Sar. Like the torch in your hand.

[Myrrha fires the pile.

[Myrrha ignites the pile.

Myr.‍'Tis fired! I come.

Myr.‍It's on! I'm coming.

As Myrrha springs forward to throw herself into the flames, the Curtain falls.[33]

As Myrrha jumps into the flames, the Curtain falls.[33]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] {4}[For a description of the fall of Nineveh, see Nahum ii. 1, sqq.—"He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face.... The shield of his mighty men is made red, the valiant men are in scarlet.... The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings. He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared. The gates of the rivers shall be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved," etc.]

[1] {4}[For a description of the fall of Nineveh, see Nahum ii. 1, sqq.—"The destroyer has come before you.... The shield of his warriors is stained red, the brave soldiers are in scarlet.... The chariots will race through the streets, bumping into each other in the wide roads: they will look like torches, they will move like lightning. He will call out his heroes: they will stumble in their steps; they will rush to its wall, and the defense will be set up. The gates of the rivers will be opened, and the palace will collapse," etc.]

[2] {7}["A manuscript dedication of Sardanapalus ... was forwarded to him, with an obliging inquiry whether it might be prefixed to the tragedy. The German, who, at his advanced age, was conscious of his own powers, and of their effects, could only gratefully and modestly consider this Dedication as the expression of an inexhaustible intellect, deeply feeling and creating its own object. He was by no means dissatisfied when, after long delay, Sardanapalus appeared without the Dedication; and was made happy by the possession of a facsimile of it, engraved on stone, which he considered a precious memorial."—Lebensverhältnik zu Byron, Werke, 1833, xlvi. 221-225. (See, too, for translation, Life, p. 593.)]

[2] {7}["A manuscript dedication of Sardanapalus ... was sent to him, along with a polite question about whether it could be included in the tragedy. The German, who, despite his old age, was aware of his capabilities and their impact, could only appreciate and humbly view this Dedication as a reflection of a boundless intellect, deeply feeling and creating its own subject. He was not at all disappointed when, after a long wait, Sardanapalus was published without the Dedication; he was instead pleased to have a stone engraving of it, which he considered a valuable keepsake."—Lebensverhältnik zu Byron, Werke, 1833, xlvi. 221-225. (See, too, for translation, Life, p. 593.)]

[3] {9}[Sardanapalus originally appeared in the same volume with The Two Foscari and Cain. The date of publication was December 19, 1821.]

[3] {9}[Sardanapalus was first published in the same book as The Two Foscari and Cain. It was released on December 19, 1821.]

[4] {10}["Sardanapalus, the Thirtieth from Ninus, and the last King of the Assyrians, exceeded all his Predecessors in Sloth and Luxury; for besides that he was seen of none out of his family, he led a most effeminate life: for wallowing in Pleasure and wanton Dalliances, he cloathed himself in Womens' attire, and spun fine Wool and Purple amongst the throngs of his Whores and Concubines. He painted likewise his Face, and decked his whole Body with other Allurements.... He imitated likewise a Woman's voice...; and proceeded to such a degree of voluptuousness that he composed verses for his Epitaph ... which were thus translated by a Grecian out of the Barbarian language—

[4] {10}["Sardanapalus, the Thirtieth descendant of Ninus and the final King of the Assyrians, surpassed all his predecessors in laziness and luxury. Not only was he rarely seen by anyone outside his family, but he also lived an extremely indulgent life. He surrounded himself with pleasure and flirtation, wearing women's clothing and spinning fine wool and purple among his many lovers and concubines. He painted his face and adorned his entire body with various charms. He even mimicked a woman's voice, reaching such heights of indulgence that he wrote verses for his own epitaph, which were later translated by a Greek from the barbarian language—

Ταῦτ' ἔχω ὅσ' ἔφαγον καὶ ἐφύβρισα, καὶ μετ' ἔρωτος

I remember everything I ate, and I felt really proud. and with passion

Τέρπν' ἔπαθον' τὰ δὲ πολλὰ καὶ ὄλβια κεῖνα λέλειπται.

I felt happy, but I encountered a lot of difficulties. And all that happiness is gone now.

"What once I gorged I now enjoy,

"What I used to indulge in, I now appreciate,"

And wanton Lusts me still employ;

And wild desires still keep me occupied;

All other things by Mortals prized

All the other things valued by humans

Are left as dirt by me despised."

Are left as dirt by me despised.

—The Historical Library of Diodorus the Sicilian, made English by G. Booth, of the City of Chester, Esquire, 1700, p. 65.

—The Historical Library of Diodorus the Sicilian, translated into English by G. Booth, of the City of Chester, Esquire, 1700, p. 65.

"Another king of the sort was Sardanapalus.... And so, when Arbaces, who was one of the generals under him, a Mede by birth, endeavoured to manage by the assistance of one of the eunuchs, whose name was Sparamizus, to see Sardanapalus: and when ... he saw him painted with vermilion, and adorned like a woman, sitting among his concubines, carding purple wool, and sitting among them with his feet up, wearing a woman's robe, and with his beard carefully scraped, and his face smoothed with pumice stone (for he was whiter than milk, and pencilled under his eyes and eyebrows; and when he saw Arbaces he was putting a little more white under his eyes). Most historians, of whom Duris is one, relate that Arbaces, being indignant at his countrymen being ruled over by such a monarch as that, stabbed him and slew him. But Ctesias says that he went to war with him, and collected a great army, and then that Sardanapalus, being dethroned by Arbaces, died, burning himself alive in his palace, having heaped up a funeral pile four plethra in extent, on which he placed 150 golden couches."—The Deipnosophistæ ... of Athenæus, bk. xii. c. 38, translated by C. D. Yonge, 1854, iii. 847.]

"Another king like that was Sardanapalus.... And so, when Arbaces, one of his generals, a Mede by birth, tried to get help from one of the eunuchs named Sparamizus to see Sardanapalus: and when ... he saw him painted with vermilion and dressed like a woman, sitting among his concubines, carding purple wool, with his feet up, wearing a woman's robe, his beard carefully shaved, and his face smoothed with pumice stone (for he was whiter than milk, and had makeup under his eyes and eyebrows; and when he saw Arbaces, he was adding a little more white under his eyes). Most historians, including Duris, say that Arbaces, outraged that his countrymen were ruled by such a king, stabbed and killed him. But Ctesias claims that he went to war against him, gathered a large army, and then that Sardanapalus, dethroned by Arbaces, chose to die by setting himself on fire in his palace, having built a funeral pyre four plethra wide, on which he placed 150 golden couches."—The Deipnosophistæ ... of Athenæus, bk. xii. c. 38, translated by C. D. Yonge, 1854, iii. 847.]

[5] {13}[This prince surpassed all his predecessors in effeminacy, luxury, and cowardice. He never went out of his palace, but spent all his time among a company of women, dressed and painted like them, and employed like them at the distaff. He placed all his happiness and glory in the possession of immense treasures, in feasting and rioting, and indulging himself in all the most infamous and criminal pleasures. He ordered two verses to be put upon his tomb, signifying that he carried away with him all he had eaten, and all the pleasures he had enjoyed, but left everything else behind him,—an epitaph, says Aristotle, fit for a hog. Arbaces, governor of Media, having found means to get into the palace, and having with his own eyes seen Sardanapalus in the midst of his infamous seraglio, enraged at such a spectacle, and not able to endure that so many brave men should be subjected to a prince more soft and effeminate than the women themselves, immediately formed a conspiracy against him. Beleses, governor of Babylon, and several others, entered into it. On the first rumour of this revolt the king hid himself in the inmost part of his palace. Being afterwards obliged to take the field with some forces which he had assembled, he at first gained three successive victories over the enemy, but was afterwards overcome, and pursued to the gates of Nineveh; wherein he shut himself, in hopes the rebels would never be able to take a city so well fortified, and stored with provisions for a considerable time. The siege proved indeed of very great length. It had been declared by an ancient oracle that Nineveh could never be taken unless the river became an enemy to the city. These words buoyed up Sardanapalus, because he looked upon the thing as impossible. But when he saw that the Tigris, by a violent inundation, had thrown down twenty stadia (two miles and a half) of the city wall, and by that means opened a passage to the enemy, he understood the meaning of the oracle, and thought himself lost. He resolved, however, to die in such a manner as, according to his opinion, should cover the infamy of his scandalous and effeminate life. He ordered a pile of wood to be made in his palace, and, setting fire to it, burnt himself, his eunuchs, his women, and his treasures.—Diod. Sic., Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. pag. 78, sqq., ed. 1604, p. 109.]

[5] {13}[This prince outdid all his predecessors in softness, extravagance, and cowardice. He never left his palace and spent all his time surrounded by women, dressing and painting himself like them, and engaging in their tasks. He found all his joy and glory in possessing enormous riches, feasting, partying, and indulging in the most infamous and immoral pleasures. He had two lines inscribed on his tomb, stating that he took with him all he had eaten and all the pleasures he had experienced, leaving everything else behind—an epitaph, according to Aristotle, fitting for a pig. Arbaces, the governor of Media, managed to get into the palace and, upon seeing Sardanapalus amid his disreputable harem, was enraged by the sight and could not bear that so many brave men were ruled by a prince more delicate and effeminate than the women themselves. He immediately plotted against him. Beleses, the governor of Babylon, and several others joined in. At the first hint of this revolt, the king hid himself deep within his palace. Later, when forced to go into battle with some troops he had gathered, he initially achieved three consecutive victories over the enemy, but was eventually defeated and chased to the gates of Nineveh, where he locked himself in, hoping the rebels would never be able to capture such a well-fortified city stocked with provisions for a long time. The siege turned out to be quite prolonged. An ancient oracle had declared that Nineveh could never be taken unless the river turned against the city. This gave Sardanapalus false hope, as he believed it was impossible. However, when he saw the Tigris flood had destroyed twenty stadia (two and a half miles) of the city wall, creating a passage for the enemy, he understood the oracle's meaning and believed he was doomed. Nevertheless, he resolved to die in a way that, in his view, would mask the shame of his scandalous and effeminate life. He ordered a pile of wood to be created in his palace, and setting it ablaze, he burned himself, his eunuchs, his women, and his treasures.—Diod. Sic., Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. pag. 78, sqq., ed. 1604, p. 109.]

[a] {14} He sweats in dreary, dulled effeminacy.—[MS. M. erased.]

[a] {14} He sweats in a gloomy, tired softness.—[MS. M. erased.]

[b] {15} And see the gewgaws of the glittering girls.—[MS. M. erased.]

[b] {15} And check out the flashy stuff of the showy girls.—[MS. M. erased.]

[6] ["The words Queen (vide infra, line 83) and pavilion occur, but it is not an allusion to his Britannic Majesty, as you may tremulously (for the admiralty custom) imagine. This you will one day see (if I finish it), as I have made Sardanapalus brave (though voluptuous, as history represents him), and also as amiable as my poor powers could render him. So that it could neither be truth nor satire on any living monarch."—Letter to Murray, May 25, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 299.

[6] ["The words Queen (see below, line 83) and pavilion are mentioned, but it doesn't refer to his British Majesty, as you might nervously (because of the admiralty custom) think. You will understand this one day (if I finish it), as I have portrayed Sardanapalus as brave (though pleasurable, as history shows him), and also as kind as my limited skills could make him. So it can't be taken as truth or satire on any current monarch."—Letter to Murray, May 25, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 299.

Byron pretended, or, perhaps, really thought, that such a phrase as the "Queen's wrongs" would be supposed to contain an allusion to the trial of Queen Caroline (August-November, 1820), and to the exclusion of her name from the State prayers, etc. Unquestionably if the play had been put on the stage at this time, the pit and gallery would have applauded the sentiment to the echo. There was, too, but one "pavilion" in 1821, and that was not on the banks of the Euphrates, but at Brighton. Qui s'excuse s'accuse. Byron was not above "paltering" with his readers "in a double sense."]

Byron pretended, or maybe genuinely believed, that the phrase "Queen's wrongs" was meant to reference the trial of Queen Caroline (August-November, 1820) and her name being left out of the State prayers, etc. If the play had been staged at that time, the audience in the pit and gallery would have cheered the sentiment loudly. Also, there was only one "pavilion" in 1821, and it wasn’t along the Euphrates, but in Brighton. Qui s'excuse s'accuse. Byron wasn't above "paltering" with his readers "in a double sense."

[7] {16} "The Ionian name had been still more comprehensive; having included the Achaians and the Bœotians, who, together with those to whom it was afterwards confined, would make nearly the whole of the Greek nation; and among the Orientals it was always the general name for the Greeks."—Mitford's Greece, 1818. i. 199.

[7] {16} "The Ionian name was even more inclusive; it encompassed the Achaeans and the Boeotians, who, along with those it was later restricted to, represented almost the entirety of the Greek nation. Among the Eastern peoples, it was always the common name for the Greeks."—Mitford's Greece, 1818. i. 199.

[c] {17} To Byblis——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {17} To Byblis——.—[MS. M.]

[d] I know each glance of those deep Greek-souled eyes.—[MS. M. erased.]

[d] I can see every look from those intense, soulful Greek eyes.—[MS. M. erased.]

[e] {19}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {19}

——I have a mind

I think for myself.

To curse the restless slaves with their own wishes.—[MS. M. erased.]

[8] {21}[For the occupation of India by Dionysus, see Diod. Siculi Bib. Hist., lib. ii, pag. 87, c.]

[f] He did, and thence was deemed a God in story.—[MS. M. erased.]

[f] He did, and that's why he became a God in legend.—[MS. M. erased.]

[9] [Strabo (Rerum Geog., lib. iii. 1807, p. 235) throws some doubt on the existence of these columns, which he suggests were islands or "pillar" rocks. According to Plutarch (Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 490), Alexander built great altars on the banks of the Ganges, on which the native kings were wont to "offer sacrifices in the Grecian manner." Hence, perhaps, the legend of the columns erected by Dionysus.]

[9] [Strabo (Rerum Geog., lib. iii. 1807, p. 235) raises some doubts about the existence of these columns, suggesting they might have been islands or "pillar" rocks. According to Plutarch (Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 490), Alexander constructed large altars on the banks of the Ganges, where the local kings used to "offer sacrifices in the Grecian manner." This may be the origin of the legend about the columns built by Dionysus.]

[10] "For this expedition he took only a small chosen body of the phalanx, but all his light troops. In the first day's march he reached Anchialus, a town said to have been founded by the king of Assyria, Sardanapalus. The fortifications, in their magnitude and extent, still in Arrian's time, bore the character of greatness, which the Assyrians appear singularly to have affected in works of the kind. A monument representing Sardanapalus was found there, warranted by an inscription in Assyrian characters, of course in the old Assyrian language, which the Greeks, whether well or ill, interpreted thus: 'Sardanapalus, son of Anacyndaraxes, in one day founded Anchialus and Tarsus. Eat, drink, play; all other human joys are not worth a fillip.' Supposing this version nearly exact (for Arrian says it was not quite so), whether the purpose has not been to invite to civil order a people disposed to turbulence, rather than to recommend immoderate luxury, may perhaps reasonably be questioned. What, indeed, could be the object of a king of Assyria in founding such towns in a country so distant from his capital, and so divided from it by an immense extent of sandy deserts and lofty mountains, and, still more, how the inhabitants could be at once in circumstances to abandon themselves to the intemperate joys which their prince has been supposed to have recommended, is not obvious. But it may deserve observation that, in that line of coast, the southern of Lesser Asia, ruins of cities, evidently of an age after Alexander, yet barely named in history, at this day astonish the adventurous traveller by their magnificence and elegance amid the desolation which, under a singularly barbarian government, has for so many centuries been daily spreading in the finest countries of the globe. Whether more from soil and climate, or from opportunities for commerce, extraordinary means must have been found for communities to flourish there; whence it may seem that the measures of Sardanapalus were directed by juster views than have been commonly ascribed to him. But that monarch having been the last of a dynasty ended by a revolution, obloquy on his memory would follow of course from the policy of his successors and their partisans. The inconsistency of traditions concerning Sardanapalus is striking in Diodorus's account of him."—Mitford's Greece, 1820, ix. 311-313, and note 1.

[10] "For this trip, he took only a small selected group from the phalanx, but all of his light troops. On the first day’s march, he arrived at Anchialus, a town believed to have been founded by the Assyrian king, Sardanapalus. The fortifications, in their size and scope, still showed signs of greatness during Arrian’s time, reflecting what the Assyrians seemed to particularly admire in their structures. A monument depicting Sardanapalus was discovered there, confirmed by an inscription in Assyrian characters, obviously in the old Assyrian language, which the Greeks, accurately or not, translated as: 'Sardanapalus, son of Anacyndaraxes, founded Anchialus and Tarsus in a single day. Eat, drink, celebrate; all other human pleasures are not worth a moment.' Assuming this version is fairly close (since Arrian mentions it’s not exactly so), one might reasonably question whether the intention was to encourage civil order among a tumultuous people rather than to promote excessive luxury. What could the reason be for an Assyrian king to establish such towns in a territory so far from his capital, separated by vast sandy deserts and towering mountains? Additionally, how the locals could simultaneously indulge in the reckless pleasures that their king supposedly endorsed is unclear. It’s worth noting that along that stretch of coast in southern Asia Minor, ruins of cities, clearly from a time after Alexander, yet scarcely mentioned in history, continue to amaze adventurous travelers with their grandeur and beauty amidst the decay that has gradually spread under a particularly barbaric regime for so many centuries in some of the finest regions of the world. Whether this is due to the land and climate or trade opportunities, extraordinary means must have been discovered for communities to prosper there; hence, it may seem that Sardanapalus’s actions were influenced by more reasonable considerations than he is typically credited with. However, because that monarch was the last of a dynasty brought down by a revolution, negative judgment on his legacy would naturally follow from the policies of his successors and their supporters. The conflicting stories about Sardanapalus are notably contrasted in Diodorus's account of him."—Mitfords Greece, 1820, ix. 311-313, and note 1.

[The story of the sepulchral monument with its cynical inscription rests on the authority of Aristobulus, who served under Alexander, and wrote his history. The passage is quoted by Strabo (lib. xiv. ed. 1808, p. 958), and as follows by Athenæus (lib. xii. cap. 40) in the Deipnosophistæ: "And Aristobulus says, 'In Anchiale, which was built by Sardanapalus, did Alexander, when he was on his expedition against the Persians, pitch his camp. And at no great distance was the monument of Sardanapalus, on which there is a marble figure putting together the fingers of its right hand, as if it were giving a fillip. And there was on it the following inscription in Assyrian characters:—

[The story of the tomb with its sarcastic inscription comes from Aristobulus, who was part of Alexander's entourage and wrote his history. The passage is cited by Strabo (lib. xiv. ed. 1808, p. 958) and as follows by Athenæus (lib. xii. cap. 40) in the Deipnosophistæ: "And Aristobulus says, 'In Anchiale, which was built by Sardanapalus, Alexander, during his campaign against the Persians, set up his camp. Not far from there was the monument of Sardanapalus, featuring a marble statue with its right hand’s fingers arranged as if it were flicking something away. And it had the following inscription in Assyrian characters:—

Sardanapalus

The king, and son of Anacyndaraxes,

The king, son of Anacyndaraxes,

In one day built Anchiale and Tarsus:

In one day, Anchiale and Tarsus were built:

Eat, drink, and love, the rest's not worth e'en this.'

Eat, drink, and love; nothing else really matters.

By 'this' meaning the fillip he was giving with his fingers."

By 'this' he meant the flick he was making with his fingers."

"We may conjecture," says Canon Rawlinson, "that the monument was in reality a stele containing the king [Sennacherib] in an arched frame, with the right hand raised above the left, which is the ordinary attitude, and an inscription commemorating the occasion of its erection" [the conquest of Cilicia and settlement of Tarsus].—The Five Great Monarchies, etc., 1871, ii. 216.]

"We can guess," says Canon Rawlinson, "that the monument was actually a stele featuring the king [Sennacherib] in an arched frame, with the right hand raised above the left, which is the typical pose, and an inscription honoring the occasion of its creation" [the conquest of Cilicia and settlement of Tarsus].—The Five Great Monarchies, etc., 1871, ii. 216.]

[11] {25}[Compare "Your worm is your only emperor for diet: we fat all creatures else to fat us; and we fat ourselves for maggots."—Hamlet. act iv. sc. 3, lines 21-23.]

[11] {25}[Compare "The only thing that rules your diet is your worm: we feed everything else to make us fat; and we make ourselves fat for maggots."—Hamlet. act iv. sc. 3, lines 21-23.]

[12] {27}[Compare—"The fickle reek of popular breath." Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza clxxi. line 2.]

[12] {27}[Compare—"The unpredictable scent of popular opinion." Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza clxxi. line 2.]

[13] Compare—"I have not flattered its rank breath." Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza cxiii. line 2.

[13] Compare—"I haven’t flattered its powerful breath." Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza cxiii. line 2.

Compare, too, Shakespeare, Coriolanus, act iii. sc. i, lines 66, 67.

[14] {28}["Rode. Winter's wind somewhat more unkind than ingratitude itself, though Shakespeare says otherwise. At least, I am so much more accustomed to meet with ingratitude than the north wind, that I thought the latter the sharper of the two. I had met with both in the course of the twenty-four hours, so could judge."—Extracts from a Diary, January 19, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 177.]

[14] {28}["Rode. Winter's wind is a bit harsher than ingratitude itself, even though Shakespeare says otherwise. At least, I’m used to dealing with ingratitude more than the north wind, so I thought the wind was the sharper of the two. I encountered both in the last twenty-four hours, so I can judge."—Extracts from a Diary, January 19, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 177.]

[g] {31}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {31}

——and even dared

and even had the audacity

Profane our presence with his savage jeers.—[MS. M.]

Insult our presence with his brutal mockery.—[MS. M.]

[h] {34} Who loved no gems so well as those of nature.—[MS. M.]

[h] {34} Who loved no gems as much as those found in nature.—[MS. M.]

[i] Wishing eternity to dust——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Wishing forever to dust——.—[MS. M.]

[j] {38}

[j]

Each twinkle unto which Time trembles, and

Each twinkle that makes Time shudder, and

Nations grow nothing——.—[MS. M. erased.]

Nations produce nothing

[15] {40}[Compare "these swoln silkworms," Marino Faliero, act ii. sc. 2. line 115, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 386, note 4.]

[15] {40}[See "these swollen silkworms," Marino Faliero, act ii. sc. 2. line 115, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 386, note 4.]

[k] {43} But found the Monarch claimed his privacy.—[MS. M. erased.]

[k] {43} But discovered that the Monarch valued his privacy.—[MS. M. erased.]

[l]

——not else

not anything else

It quits this living hand.—[MS. M. erased.]

It lets go of this living hand.—[MS. M. erased.]

[m]{47} I know them beautiful, and see them brilliant.—[MS. M. erased.]

[m]{47} I recognize them as beautiful and see them shining.—[MS. M. erased.]

[n] {49} ——by the foolish confidence.—[MS. M. erased.]

[16] [The first edition reads "grantor." In the MS. the word may be either "granter" or "grantor." "Grantor" is a technical term, in law, for one "who grants a conveyance."]

[16] [The first edition states "grantor." In the manuscript, it can be either "granter" or "grantor." "Grantor" is a legal term for someone "who grants a conveyance."]

[17] {50}[According to Ælian, Var. Hist., vii. i, Semiramis, having obtained from her husband permission to rule over Asia for five days, thrust him into a dungeon, and obtained the sovereign power for herself (ed. Paris, 1858, p. 355).]

[17] {50}[According to Ælian, Var. Hist., vii. i, Semiramis, after getting her husband's permission to rule Asia for five days, locked him in a dungeon and took the power for herself (ed. Paris, 1858, p. 355).]

[o] {52} Aye—that's earnest!—[MS. M. erased.]

Aye—that's serious!

[p] {54} Nay, if thou wilt not——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[p] {54} No, if you won't——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[q] {56}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {56}

Nor silent Baal, our imaged deity,

Nor silent Baal, our imagined god,

Although his marble face looks frowningly,

Even though his marble face seems to frown,

As the dusk shadows of the evening cast

As the evening shadows lengthen

His trow in coming dimness and at times.—[MS. M. erased.]

His belief in the approaching darkness and at times.—[MS. M. erased.]

[r]

In distant flashes { a wide-spread the approaching } tempest

In distant flashes { a widespread the approaching } storm

[s] As from the Gods to augur.—[MS. M. erased.]

[s] As from the Gods to interpret signs.—[MS. M. erased.]

[t] {58} The weaker merit of our Asian women.—[MS. M. erased.]

[t] {58} The lesser value of our Asian women.—[MS. M. erased.]

[u] Rather than prove that love to you in griefs.—[MS. M. erased.]

[u] Instead of showing you love through hardship.—[MS. M. erased.]

[v] {60} Worshippers in the air.—[MS. M. erased.]

[18] {61}[Perhaps Grillparzer's Sappho was responsible for the anachronism. See "Extracts from a Diary," January 12, 1821, Letters, 1901, V. 171, note 1.]

[18] {61}[Maybe Grillparzer's Sappho caused the historical inaccuracy. See "Extracts from a Diary," January 12, 1821, Letters, 1901, V. 171, note 1.]

[19] {63}["In the third act, when Sardanapalus calls for a mirror to look at himself in his armour, recollect to quote the Latin passage from Juvenal upon Otho (a similar character, who did the same thing: Gifford will help you to it). The trait is, perhaps, too familiar, but it is historical (of Otho, at least), and natural in an effeminate character."—Letter to Murray, May 30, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 301. The quotation was not made in the first edition, 1821, nor in any subsequent issue, till 1832. It is from Juvenal, Sat. ii. lines 199-203—

[19] {63}["In the third act, when Sardanapalus asks for a mirror to see himself in his armor, remember to quote the Latin passage from Juvenal about Otho (a similar character, who did the same thing: Gifford can help you with that). This trait might be a bit too well-known, but it's historical (at least about Otho) and fits naturally with an effeminate character."—Letter to Murray, May 30, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 301. The quotation was not included in the first edition, 1821, nor in any later editions, until 1832. It comes from Juvenal, Sat. ii. lines 199-203—

"Ille tenet speculum, pathici gestamen Othonis,

Actoris Aurunci spolium, quo se ille videbat

Armatum, cum jam tolli vexilla juberet.

Armatum, when it was already ordering the flags to be raised.

Res memoranda novis annalibus, atque recenti

Historia, speculum civilis sarcina belli."

"History, mirror of civil war."

"This grasps a mirror—pathic Otho's boast

"This holds a mirror—pathic Otho's boast"

(Auruncan Actor's spoil), where, while his host,

With shouts, the signal of the fight required,

With shouts, the signal for the fight was needed,

He viewed his mailed form; viewed, and admired!

He looked at his mailed form; looked, and admired!

Lo, a new subject for the historic page,

Lo, a new topic for the history books,

A mirror, midst the arms of civil rage!"

A mirror, in the midst of civil unrest!"

Gifford.]

Gifford.

[w] {66} ——and his own helmet.—[MS. M. erased.]

[x] {68} We'll die where we were raised——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[x] {68} We'll die in the place we grew up——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[y] {70} Tortured because his mind is tortured.—[MS. M. erased.]

[y] {70} He suffers because his mind is in pain.—[MS. M. erased.]

[z] {71} He ever such an order——.—[MS. M. erased.]
He ever had that order——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[z] {71} He always had that kind of order——.—[MS. M. erased.]
He always maintained that order——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[20] {72}["When 'the king was almost dying with thirst' ... the eunuch Satibarzanes sought every place for water.... After much search he found one of those poor Caunians had about two quarts of bad water in a mean bottle, and he took it and carried it to the king. After the king had drawn it all up, the eunuch asked him, 'If he did not find it a disagreeable beverage?' Upon which he swore by all the gods, 'That he had never drunk the most delicious wine, nor the lightest and clearest water with so much pleasure. I wish only,' continued he, 'that I could find the man who gave it thee, that I might make him a recompense. In the mean time I entreat the gods to make him happy and rich.'"—Plutarch's Artaxerxes, Langhorne's translation, 1838, p. 694. Poetry as well as history repeats itself. Compare the "water green" which Gunga Din brought, at the risk of his own life, to fill the wounded soldier's helmet (Barrack-Room Ballads, by Rudyard Kipling, 1892, p. 25). Compare, too—

[20] {72}["When the king was nearly dying of thirst, the eunuch Satibarzanes searched everywhere for water. After a long search, he discovered that one of the poor Caunians had about two quarts of terrible water in a simple bottle. He took it and brought it to the king. After the king had drunk it all, the eunuch asked him if he didn't find it unpleasant. The king swore by all the gods that he had never enjoyed any delicious wine or the clearest and lightest water as much as this. He added, 'I only wish I could find the person who gave it to you so I could reward him. In the meantime, I pray that the gods make him happy and prosperous.'"—Plutarch's Artaxerxes, Langhorne's translation, 1838, p. 694. Poetry, like history, tends to repeat itself. Consider the "green water" that Gunga Din brought, risking his own life, to fill a wounded soldier's helmet (Barrack-Room Ballads, by Rudyard Kipling, 1892, p. 25). Also compare—

"Arn.‍'Tis a scratch....

"Arn.‍Just a scratch...."

In the shoulder, not the sword arm—

And that's enough. I am thirsty: would I had

And that's enough. I'm thirsty: I wish I had

A helm of water!"

A bucket of water!

The Deformed Transformed, part ii sc. ii. 44, seq., vide post, p. 518.]

The Deformed Transformed, part ii sc. ii. 44, seq., see later, p. 518.]

[aa]

——ere they had time

Here they had time

To place his helm again.—[MS. M. erased.]

To put his helmet on again.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ab] O ye Gods! wounded.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Oh gods! I'm hurt.—[MS. M.]

[21] {73}[Compare—"His flashing eyes, his floating hair." Kubla Khan, line 49.]

[21] {73}[Compare—"His intense gaze, his billowing hair." Kubla Khan, line 49.]

[22] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto I. stanzas lv., lvi., Poetical Works, 1898, i. 57, 58, and note II, pp. 91, 92.]

[22] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto I. stanzas 55, 56, Poetical Works, 1898, i. 57, 58, and note II, pp. 91, 92.]

[23] {75}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {75}[Compare—

"How wonderful is Death,

"How amazing is Death,"

Death and his brother Sleep!"

"Death and his brother Sleep!"

Shelley's Queen Mab, i. lines 1, 2]

[ac] Crisps the unswelling wave.—[MS. M. erased]

[ac] Sharpens the receding wave.—[MS. M. erased]

[ad] {76}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {76}

Old Hunter of mankind when baited and ye

Old Hunter of mankind when baited and you

All brutal who pursued both brutes and men.—[MS. M. erased.]

All the brutal who chased after both beasts and humans.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ae] {78} With arrows peeping through his falling hair.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ae] {78} With arrows poking through his messy hair.—[MS. M. erased.]

[24] [In the diary for November 23, 1813 (Letters, 1898, ii. 334, 335), Byron alludes to a dream which "chilled his blood" and shook his nerves. Compare Coleridge's Pains of Sleep, lines 23-26—

[24] [In the diary for November 23, 1813 (Letters, 1898, ii. 334, 335), Byron mentions a dream that "chilled him to the bone" and rattled his nerves. Compare Coleridge's Pains of Sleep, lines 23-26—

"Desire with loathing strangely mixed,

"Desire mixed with strange loathing,"

On wild or hateful objects fixed.

On wild or hateful things focused.

Fantastic passions! maddening brawl!

Awesome passions! crazy fight!

And shame and terror over all!"]

Shame and fear all around!

[25] {79}[For the story of Semiramis and Ninya, see Justinus Hist., lib. i. cap. ii.]

[25] {79}[For the story of Semiramis and Ninya, see Justinus Hist., book 1, chapter 2.]

[26] {81}[See Diod. Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. 80 c. Cotta was not a kinsman, but a loyal tributary.]

[26] {81}[See Diod. Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. 80 c. Cotta was not a relative, but a faithful supporter.]

[af] {82} The MS. inserts—(But I speak only of such as are virtuous.)

[af] {82} The MS. adds—(But I'm only talking about those who are virtuous.)

[27] [Byron must often have pictured to himself an unexpected meeting with his wife. In certain moods he would write letters to her which were never sent, or never reached her hands. The scene between Sardanapalus and Zarina reflects the sentiments contained in one such letter, dated November 17, 1821, which Moore printed in his Life, pp. 581, 582. See Letters, 1901, v. 479.]

[27] [Byron must have often imagined an unexpected reunion with his wife. In certain moods, he would write letters to her that were never sent or never actually reached her. The scene between Sardanapalus and Zarina captures the feelings in one of those letters, dated November 17, 1821, which Moore published in his Life, pp. 581, 582. See Letters, 1901, v. 479.]

[ag] {84} Bravely and won wear wisely—not as I.—[MS. M, erased.]

[ag] {84} Be brave and wear your experiences wisely—not like I did.—[MS. M, erased.]

[ah] {88}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {88}

Which thou hast lighted up at once? but leavest

Which you have lit up at once? but leave

One to grieve o'er the other's change—Zarina.-[MS. M, erased.]

One to mourn the other's change—Zarina.-[MS. M, erased.]

[ai] {89} ——natural.—[MS. M. The first edition reads "mutual."]

[aj] {91} Is heavier sorrow than the wrong which—[MS. M. erased.]

[aj] {91} Is deeper sadness than the injustice which—[MS. M. erased.]

[ak] {93} A leech's lancet would have done as much.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ak] {93} A leech's lancet would have done just as much.—[MS. M. erased.]

[28] {94}[Myrrha's apostrophe to the sunrise may be compared with the famous waking vision of the "Solitary" in the Second Book of the Excursion (Works of Wordsworth, 1889, p. 439)—

[28] {94}[Myrrha's call to the sunrise can be likened to the well-known awakening vision of the "Solitary" in the Second Book of the Excursion (Works of Wordsworth, 1889, p. 439)—

"The appearance, instantaneously disclosed,

"The look, revealed instantly,"

Was of a mighty city—boldly say

A wilderness of building, sinking far

A jungle of buildings, sinking deep

And self-withdrawn into a boundless depth,

And pulled back into an endless depth,

Far sinking into splendour—without end!

Sinking into endless splendor!

Fabric it seemed of diamond and of gold,

Fabric that looked like diamond and gold,

With alabaster domes, and silver spires,

With white domes and silver spires,

And blazing terrace upon terrace, high

Uplifted."

Lifted.

But the difference, even in form, between the two passages is more remarkable than the resemblance, and the interpretation, the moral of Byron's vision is distinct from, if not alien to, Wordsworth's. The "Solitary" sees all heaven opened; the revealed abode of spirits in beatitude—a refuge and a redemption from "this low world of care;" while Myrrha drinks in "enough of heaven," a medicament of "Sorrow and of Love," for the invigoration of "the common, heavy, human hours" of mortal existence. For a charge of "imitation," see Works of Lord Byron, 1832, xiii. 172, note I. See, too, Poetical Works, etc., 1891, p. 271, note 2.]

But the difference, even in form, between the two passages is more striking than the similarity, and the meaning, the moral of Byron's vision is different from, if not opposed to, Wordsworth's. The "Solitary" sees all of heaven opened up; the revealed home of spirits in bliss—a refuge and a redemption from "this low world of care;" while Myrrha absorbs "enough of heaven," a remedy for "Sorrow and of Love," to refresh "the common, heavy, human hours" of mortal life. For a charge of "imitation," see Works of Lord Byron, 1832, xiii. 172, note I. See, too, Poetical Works, etc., 1891, p. 271, note 2.

[al] {95}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {95}

Sunrise and sunset form the epoch of

Sunrise and sunset mark the beginning and end of

Sorrow and love; and they who mark them not

Sorrow and love; and those who don't acknowledge them

{ Are fit for neither of those

I'm ready to assist you with modernizing text! Please provide the phrases you want me to work on. Are not suitable for either of those

Can ne'er hold converse with these two.—[MS. M. erased.]

Can never talk with these two.—[MS. M. erased.]

[am] Of labouring wretches in alloted tasks.—[MS. M. erased.]

[am] About working people in assigned jobs.—[MS. M. erased.]

[an] {97} We are used to such inflictions.—[MS. M. erased.]

[an] {97} We're accustomed to these kinds of hardships.—[MS. M. erased.]

[29] {101} About two miles and a half.

[29] {101} Approximately two and a half miles.

[ao] {102} Complexions, climes, æras, and intellects.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ao] {102} Skin tones, climates, ages, and minds.—[MS. M. erased.]

[30] {103}[Athenæus represents the treasures which Sardanapalus placed in the chamber erected on his funeral pile as amounting to a thousand myriads of talents of gold, and ten times as many talents of silver.]

[30] {103}[Athenæus suggests that the wealth Sardanapalus put in the chamber built on his funeral pyre was equivalent to a hundred million talents of gold and ten times that amount in silver.]

[ap]

Ye will find the crevice

You will find the gap

To which the key fits, with a little care.—[MS. M. erased.]

[31] {106}["Then the king caused a huge pile of wood to be made in the palace court, and heaped together upon it all his gold, silver, and royal apparel, and enclosing his eunuchs and concubines in an apartment within the pile, caused it to be set on fire, and burned himself and them together."—Diod. Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. cap. 81A.

[31] {106}["Then the king had a massive pile of wood built in the palace courtyard, stacked with all his gold, silver, and royal garments. He locked his eunuchs and concubines in a room within the pile and had it set on fire, burning himself and them together."—Diod. Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. ii. cap. 81A.

"And he also erected on the funeral pile a chamber 100 feet long, made of wood, and in it he had couches spread, and there he himself lay down with his wife, and his concubines lay on other couches around.... And he made the roof of the apartment of large stout beams, and there all the walls of it he made of numerous thick planks, so that it was impossible to escape out of it,... And ... he bade the slaves set fire to the pile; and it was fifteen days burning. And those who saw the smoke wondered, and thought that he was celebrating a great sacrifice, but the eunuchs alone knew what was really being done. And in this way Sardanapalus, who had spent his life in extraordinary luxury, died with as much magnanimity as possible."—Athenæus, Deipnosophistæ, bk. xii. cap. 38.

"And he also built a funeral pyre with a chamber 100 feet long, made of wood, with couches arranged inside. There he lay down with his wife, and his concubines were on other couches around him. He constructed the roof of the room with large, sturdy beams, and all the walls were made of thick planks, making it impossible to escape. Then he ordered the slaves to set fire to the pyre, and it burned for fifteen days. Those who saw the smoke were puzzled and thought he was performing a grand sacrifice, but only the eunuchs knew what was actually happening. In this manner, Sardanapalus, who had lived a life of incredible luxury, died with as much dignity as he could muster."—Athenæus, Deipnosophistæ, bk. xii. cap. 38.

See Abydenus apud Eusebium, Præp. Ev. 9. 41. 4; Euseb., Chron., 1878, p. 42, ed. A. Schoene.

Saracus was the last king of Assyria, and being invaded by Cyaxares and a faithless general Nabopolassar ... "unable to resist them, took counsel of despair, and after all means of resistance were exhausted, burned himself in his palace."

Saracus was the last king of Assyria, and when Cyaxares and the disloyal general Nabopolassar invaded ... "unable to resist them, he despaired, and after exhausting all means of fighting back, set himself on fire in his palace."

"The self-immolation of Saracus has a parallel in the conduct of the Israelitish king Zimri, who, 'when he saw that the city was taken, went into the palace of the king's house, and burnt the king's house over him, and died' (1 Kings xvi. 18); and again in that of the Persian governor Boges, who burnt himself with his wives and children at Eion (Herod., vii. 107)."—The Five Great Monarchies, etc., by Rev. G. Rawlinson, 1871, ii. 232, note 4.]

"The self-immolation of Saracus is similar to the actions of the Israelite king Zimri, who, 'when he saw that the city was taken, went into the palace of the king's house, and burned the king's house down on himself, and died' (1 Kings xvi. 18); and also to the Persian governor Boges, who set himself and his family on fire at Eion (Herod., vii. 107)."—The Five Great Monarchies, etc., by Rev. G. Rawlinson, 1871, ii. 232, note 4.]

[aq] {109} Funeréal——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {109} Funeral——.—[MS. M.]

[ar] And strew the earth with, ashes——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ar] And cover the ground with ashes——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[as] {110}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {110}

——And what is there

And what is there?

An Indian widow dares for custom which

An Indian widow challenges the customs that

A Greek girl——.—[MS. M. erased.]

A Greek girl

[32] {111}[Bishop Heber (Quarterly Review, July, 1821, vol. xxvii. p. 503) takes exception to these lines on the ground that they "involve an anachronism, inasmuch as, whatever date be assigned to the erection of the earlier pyramids, there can be no reason for apprehending that, at the fall of Nineveh, and while the kingdom and hierarchy of Egypt subsisted in their full splendour, the destination of those immense fabrics could have been a matter of doubt.... Herodotus, three hundred years later, may have been misinformed on these points," etc., etc. According to modern Egyptology, the erection of the "earlier pyramids" was an event of remotest antiquity when the Assyrian Empire was in its infancy.]

[32] {111}[Bishop Heber (Quarterly Review, July, 1821, vol. xxvii. p. 503) critiques these lines because they "involve an anachronism, since, no matter the date given for the construction of the earlier pyramids, there’s no reason to think that, by the time Nineveh fell, and when the kingdom and hierarchy of Egypt were at their peak, the purpose of those massive structures could have been uncertain.... Herodotus, three hundred years later, may have been misinformed on these matters," etc., etc. According to modern Egyptology, the building of the "earlier pyramids" was an event from the distant past when the Assyrian Empire was just beginning.]

[33] End of Act fifth.—B.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ End of Act 5.—B.

Ravenne. May 27th 1821.

Ravenna. May 27, 1821.

Mem.—I began the drama on the 13th of January, 1821, and continued the two first acts very slowly and at long intervals. The three last acts were written since the 13th of May, 1821 (this present month, that is to say in a fortnight).

Mem.—I started writing the play on January 13, 1821, and took my time with the first two acts, working on them at long intervals. I wrote the last three acts since May 13, 1821 (which is this month, so in just two weeks).

[113]

THE TWO FOSCARI:[34]
A Historical Tragedy.[35]

"The father softens, but the governor's resolved."—Critic.[36]

"The dad softens, but the governor's determined."—Critic.__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

[114]

[The Two Foscari was produced at Drury Lane Theatre April 7, and again on April 18 and April 25, 1838. Macready played "Frances Foscari," Mr. Anderson "Jacopo Foscari," and Miss Helen Faucit "Marina."

[The Two Foscari was produced at Drury Lane Theatre on April 7, and again on April 18 and April 25, 1838. Macready played "Frances Foscari," Mr. Anderson played "Jacopo Foscari," and Miss Helen Faucit played "Marina."]

According to the Times, April 9, 1838, "Miss Faucit's Marina, the most energetic part of the whole, was clever, and showed a careful attention to the points which might be made."

According to the Times, April 9, 1838, "Miss Faucit's Marina, the most energetic part of the whole, was smart and demonstrated careful attention to the points that could be made."

Macready notes in his diary, April 7, 1838 (Reminiscences, 1875, ii. 106): "Acted Foscari very well. Was very warmly received ... was called for at the end of the tragedy, and received by the whole house standing up and waving handkerchiefs with great enthusiasm. Dickens, Forster, Procter, Browning, Talfourd, all came into my room."]

Macready writes in his diary on April 7, 1838 (Reminiscences, 1875, ii. 106): "I performed Foscari really well. I was received very warmly ... I was called back at the end of the tragedy and greeted by the entire audience standing and waving handkerchiefs with great enthusiasm. Dickens, Forster, Procter, Browning, and Talfourd all came into my room."

[115]

INTRODUCTION TO THE TWO FOSCARI

The Two Foscari was begun on June 12, and finished, within the month, on July 9, 1821. Byron was still in the vein of the historic drama, though less concerned with "ancient chroniclers" and original "authorities" (vide ante, Preface to Marino Faliero, vol. iv. p. 332) than heretofore. "The Venetian play," he tells Murray, July 14, 1821, is "rigidly historical;" but he seems to have depended for his facts, not on Sanudo or Navagero, but on Daru's Histoire de la République de Vénise (1821, ii. 520-537), and on Sismondi's Histoire des Républiques ... du Moyen Age (1815, x. 36-46). The story of the Two Doges, so far as it concerns the characters and action of Byron's play, may be briefly re-told. It will be found to differ in some important particulars from the extracts from Daru and Sismondi which Byron printed in his "Appendix to the Two Foscari" (Sardanapalus, etc., 1821, pp. 305-324), and no less from a passage in Smedley's Sketches from Venetian History (1832, ii. 93-105), which was substituted for the French "Pièces justificatives," in the collected edition of 1832-1835, xiii. 198-202, and the octavo edition of 1837, etc., pp. 790, 791.

The Two Foscari was started on June 12 and finished within the month, on July 9, 1821. Byron was still focused on historic drama, though less concerned with "ancient chroniclers" and original "authorities" (vide ante, Preface to Marino Faliero, vol. iv. p. 332) than before. "The Venetian play," he told Murray on July 14, 1821, is "strictly historical;" but he seems to have relied for his facts, not on Sanudo or Navagero, but on Daru's Histoire de la République de Vénise (1821, ii. 520-537), and Sismondi's Histoire des Républiques ... du Moyen Age (1815, x. 36-46). The story of the Two Doges, as it relates to the characters and action in Byron's play, can be briefly summarized. It will be found to differ in some significant ways from the excerpts from Daru and Sismondi that Byron included in his "Appendix to the Two Foscari" (Sardanapalus, etc., 1821, pp. 305-324), and also from a passage in Smedley's Sketches from Venetian History (1832, ii. 93-105), which replaced the French "Pièces justificatives" in the collected edition of 1832-1835, xiii. 198-202, and the octavo edition of 1837, etc., pp. 790, 791.

Francesco, son of Nicolò Foscari, was born in 1373. He was nominated a member of the Council of Ten in 1399, and, after holding various offices of state, elected Doge in 1423. His dukedom, the longest on record, lasted till 1457. He was married, in 1395, to Maria, daughter of Andrea Priuli, and, en secondes noces, to Maria, or Marina, daughter of Bartolommeo Nani. By his two wives he was the father of ten children—five sons and five daughters. Of the five sons, four died of the plague, and the fifth, Jacopo, lived to be the cause, if not the hero, of a tragedy.

Francesco, son of Nicolò Foscari, was born in 1373. He was appointed to the Council of Ten in 1399, and after holding various state positions, he was elected Doge in 1423. His rule, the longest recorded, lasted until 1457. He married Maria, the daughter of Andrea Priuli, in 1395, and later married Maria, or Marina, the daughter of Bartolommeo Nani. He had ten children with his two wives—five sons and five daughters. Of the five sons, four died from the plague, and the fifth, Jacopo, lived on to be the cause, if not the hero, of a tragedy.

The younger of the "Two Foscari" was a man of some cultivation, a collector and student of Greek manuscripts, well-mannered, and of ready wit, a child and lover of Venice, but indifferent to her ideals and regardless of her prejudices and restrictions. He seems to have begun life in a blaze of popularity, the admired of all admirers. His wedding with Lucrezia Contarini (January, 1441) was celebrated with a[116] novel and peculiar splendour. Gorgeous youths, Companions of the Hose (della calza), in jackets of crimson velvet, with slashed sleeves lined with squirrel fur, preceded and followed the bridegroom's train. A hundred bridesmaids accompanied the bride. Her dowry exceeded 16,000 ducats, and her jewels, which included a necklace worn by a Queen of Cyprus, were "rich and rare." And the maiden herself was a pearl of great price. "She behaved," writes her brother, "and does behave, so well beyond what could have been looked for. I believe she is inspired by God!"

The younger of the "Two Foscari" was a cultured man, a collector and student of Greek manuscripts, well-mannered, and quick-witted. He was a child and lover of Venice but was indifferent to her ideals and unconcerned about her prejudices and restrictions. He seemed to start his life in a blaze of popularity, adored by all. His wedding to Lucrezia Contarini (January, 1441) was celebrated with a[116] unique and extravagant splendor. Stunning young men, Companions of the Hose (della calza), dressed in crimson velvet jackets with slashed sleeves lined with squirrel fur, led and followed the groom's procession. A hundred bridesmaids accompanied the bride. Her dowry was over 16,000 ducats, and her jewels, which included a necklace worn by a Queen of Cyprus, were "rich and rare." And the bride herself was truly precious. "She acted," writes her brother, "and still acts, beyond anything one could have expected. I believe she is inspired by God!"

Jacopo had everything which fortune could bestow, but he lacked a capacity for right conduct. Four years after his marriage (February 17, 1445) an accusation was laid before the Ten (Romanin, Storia, etc., iv. 266) that, contrary to the law embodied in the Ducal Promissione, he had accepted gifts of jewels and money, not only from his fellow-citizens, but from his country's bitterest enemy, Filippo Visconti, Duke of Milan. Jacopo fled to Trieste, and in his absence the Ten, supported by a giunta of ten, on their own authority and independently of the Doge, sentenced him to perpetual banishment at Nauplia, in Roumania. One of the three Capi di' dieci was Ermolao (or Veneticé Almoro) Donato, of whom more hereafter. It is to be noted that this sentence was never carried into effect. At the end of four months, thanks to the intervention of five members of the Ten, he was removed from Trieste to Treviso, and, two years later (September 13, 1447), out of consideration to the Doge, who pleaded that the exile of his only son prevented him from giving his whole heart and soul to the Republic, permitted to return to Venice. So ends the first chapter of Jacopo's misadventures. He stands charged with unlawful, if not criminal, appropriation of gifts and moneys. He had been punished, but less than he deserved, and, for his father's sake, the sentence of exile had been altogether remitted.

Jacopo had everything that fortune could offer, but he didn’t have the ability to behave properly. Four years after his marriage (February 17, 1445), an accusation was brought against him before the Ten (Romanin, Storia, etc., iv. 266) that, contrary to the law stated in the Ducal Promissione, he had accepted gifts of jewelry and money, not just from his fellow citizens, but also from his country’s worst enemy, Filippo Visconti, Duke of Milan. Jacopo fled to Trieste, and during his absence, the Ten, with the support of a committee of ten, acted on their own authority and independently of the Doge to sentence him to permanent banishment in Nauplia, Romania. One of the three Capi di' dieci was Ermolao (or Veneticé Almoro) Donato, whom we will discuss later. It’s worth noting that this sentence was never enforced. After four months, thanks to the intervention of five members of the Ten, he was moved from Trieste to Treviso, and two years later (September 13, 1447), out of consideration for the Doge, who argued that the exile of his only son prevented him from fully dedicating himself to the Republic, he was allowed to return to Venice. Thus ends the first chapter of Jacopo's misfortunes. He faced charges of unlawful, if not criminal, acceptance of gifts and money. He had been punished, but it was less than he deserved, and for his father's sake, the sentence of exile had been completely waived.

Three years went by, and once again, January, 1451, a charge was preferred against Jacopo Foscari, and on this occasion he was arrested and brought before the Ten. He was accused of being implicated in the murder of Ermolao Donato, who was assassinated November 5, 1450, on leaving the Ducal Palace, where he had been attending the Council of the Pregadi. On the morning after the murder Benedetto Gritti, one of the "avvogadori di Commun," was at Mestre, some five miles from Venice, and, happening to accost a servant of Jacopo's who was loading a barge with wood, asked for the latest news from Venice, and got as answer, "Donato has been murdered!" The possession of the news some hours before it had been made public, and the[117] fact that the newsmonger had been haunting the purlieus of the Ducal Palace on the previous afternoon, enabled the Ten to convict Jacopo. They alleged (Decree of X., March 26, 1451) that other evidence ("testificationes et scripturæ") was in their possession, and they pointed to the prisoner's obstinate silence on the rack—a silence unbroken save by "several incantations and magic words which fell from him," as a confirmation of his guilt. Moreover, it was "for the advantage of the State from many points of view" that convicted and condemned he should be. The question of his innocence or guilt (complicated by the report or tradition that one Nicolò Erizzo confessed on his death-bed that he had assassinated Donato for reasons of his own) is still under discussion. Berlan (I due Foscari, etc., 1852, p. 36) sums up against him. It may, however, be urged in favour of Jacopo that the Ten did not produce or quote the scripturæ et testificationes which convinced them of his guilt; that they stopped short of the death-penalty, and pronounced a sentence inadequate to the crime; and, lastly, that not many years before they had taken into consideration the possibility and advisability of poisoning Filippo Visconti, an event which would, no doubt, have been "to the advantage of the State from many points of view."

Three years passed, and once again, in January 1451, charges were brought against Jacopo Foscari, and this time he was arrested and taken before the Ten. He was accused of being involved in the murder of Ermolao Donato, who was killed on November 5, 1450, after leaving the Ducal Palace, where he had attended the Council of the Pregadi. The morning after the murder, Benedetto Gritti, one of the “avvogadori di Commun,” was in Mestre, about five miles from Venice. He happened to run into one of Jacopo’s servants who was loading wood onto a barge and asked for the latest news from Venice. The servant replied, “Donato has been murdered!” The fact that he had this information hours before it became public, along with the detail that the servant had been hanging around the Ducal Palace the day before, helped the Ten to convict Jacopo. They claimed (Decree of X., March 26, 1451) that they had other evidence (“testificationes et scripturæ”) and pointed to the prisoner’s stubborn silence on the rack—a silence only broken by “several incantations and magic words that slipped from him”—as proof of his guilt. Furthermore, they argued it was “for the advantage of the State from many points of view” that he be convicted and condemned. The debate over his innocence or guilt (complicated by the report that Nicolò Erizzo confessed on his deathbed to killing Donato for his own reasons) continues. Berlan (I due Foscari, etc., 1852, p. 36) summarizes the case against him. However, it can be argued in Jacopo's favor that the Ten did not present or reference the scripturæ et testificationes that led them to believe in his guilt; that they stopped short of imposing the death penalty and delivered a sentence that was too lenient for the crime; and, finally, that just a few years earlier they had considered the possibility of poisoning Filippo Visconti, an act that would have certainly been “to the advantage of the State from many points of view.”

Innocent or guilty, he was sentenced to perpetual banishment to the city of Candia, on the north coast of the island of Crete; and, guilty or innocent, Jacopo was not the man to make the best of what remained to him and submit to fate. Intrigue he must, and, five years later (June, 1456), a report reached Venice that papers had been found in his possession, some relating to the Duke of Milan, calculated to excite "nuovi scandali e disordini," and others in cypher, which the Ten could not read. Over and above these papers there was direct evidence that Jacopo had written to the Imperatore dei Turchi, imploring him to send his galley and take him away from Candia. Here was a fresh instance of treachery to the Republic, and, July 21, 1456, Jacopo returned to Venice under the custody of Lorenzo Loredano.

Innocent or guilty, he was sentenced to permanent exile in the city of Candia, on the north coast of the island of Crete; and, whether guilty or innocent, Jacopo was not the kind of person to make the most of what was left to him and accept his fate. He had to engage in intrigue, and five years later (June, 1456), a report reached Venice that papers had been found in his possession, some related to the Duke of Milan, likely to provoke "nuovi scandali e disordini," and others in code, which the Ten could not decipher. In addition to these papers, there was direct evidence that Jacopo had written to the Imperatore dei Turchi, pleading with him to send his galley to rescue him from Candia. This was another act of treachery against the Republic, and on July 21, 1456, Jacopo returned to Venice under the custody of Lorenzo Loredano.

According to Romanin (Storia, etc., iv. 284), he was not put to the torture, but confessed his guilt spontaneously, pleading, by way of excuse, that the letter to the Duke of Milan had been allowed to fall into the hands of spies, with a view to his being recalled to Venice and obtaining a glimpse of his parents and family, even at a risk of a fresh trial. On the other hand, the Dolfin Cronaca, the work of a kinsman of the Foscari, which records Jacopo's fruitless appeal to the sorrowful but inexorable Doge, and other incidents of a personal nature, testifies, if not to torture on[118] the rack, "to mutilation by thirty strokes of the lash." Be that as it may, he was once more condemned to lifelong exile, with the additional penalty that he should be imprisoned for a year. He sailed for Venice July 31, 1456, and died at Candia, January 12, 1457. Jacopo's misconduct and consequent misfortune overshadowed the splendour of his father's reign, and, in very truth "brought his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave."

According to Romanin (Storia, etc., iv. 284), he wasn't tortured, but confessed his guilt voluntarily, arguing that the letter to the Duke of Milan had ended up in the hands of spies, hoping it would lead to his recall to Venice and a chance to see his parents and family, even at the risk of facing another trial. On the other hand, the Dolfin Cronaca, written by a relative of the Foscari, which documents Jacopo's unsuccessful plea to the sorrowful yet unyielding Doge, and other personal events, indicates, if not to torture on[118] the rack, "to mutilation by thirty strokes of the lash." Regardless, he was once again sentenced to lifelong exile, along with an additional punishment of one year in prison. He left for Venice on July 31, 1456, and died in Candia on January 12, 1457. Jacopo's wrongdoing and resulting misfortune overshadowed the greatness of his father's reign and, in truth, "brought his gray hairs with sorrow to the grave."

After his son's death, the aged Doge, now in his eighty-fifth year, retired to his own apartments, and refused to preside at Councils of State. The Ten, who in 1446 had yielded to the Doge's plea that a father fretting for an exiled son could not discharge his public duties, were instant that he should abdicate the dukedom on the score of decrepitude. Accounts differ as to the mode in which he received the sentence of deposition. It is certain that he was compelled to abdicate on Sunday morning, October 23, 1457, but was allowed a breathing-space of a few days to make his arrangements for quitting the Ducal Palace.

After his son's death, the elderly Doge, now in his eighty-fifth year, retreated to his private quarters and refused to lead the Councils of State. The Ten, who in 1446 had agreed to the Doge's request that a father worried about an exiled son shouldn't have to fulfill his public duties, insisted that he should step down from the dukedom due to his old age. There are different accounts of how he received the news of his removal. It is certain that he was forced to abdicate on Sunday morning, October 23, 1457, but he was given a few days to prepare for leaving the Ducal Palace.

On Monday, October 24, the Great Council met to elect his successor, and sat with closed doors till Sunday, October 30.

On Monday, October 24, the Great Council gathered to choose his successor, and they met behind closed doors until Sunday, October 30.

On Thursday, October 27, Francesco, heedless of a suggestion that he should avoid the crowd, descended the Giants' Staircase for the last time, and, says the Dolfin Cronaca, "after crossing the courtyard, went out by the door leading to the prisons, and entered his boat by the Ponte di Paglia." "He was dressed," says another chronicle (August. Cod. I, cl. vii.), "in a scarlet mantle, from which the fur lining had been taken," surmounted by a scarlet hood, an old friend which he had worn when his ducal honours were new, and which he had entrusted to his wife's care to be preserved for "red" days and festivals of State. "In his hand he held his staff, as he walked very slowly. His brother Marco was by his side, behind him were cousins and grandsons ... and in this way he went to his own house."

On Thursday, October 27, Francesco, ignoring advice to stay away from the crowd, went down the Giants' Staircase for the last time, and, according to the Dolfin Cronaca, "after crossing the courtyard, he exited through the door leading to the prisons and got into his boat at the Ponte di Paglia." "He was dressed," says another account (August. Cod. I, cl. vii.), "in a scarlet cloak, with the fur lining removed," topped with a scarlet hood, an old favorite he had worn when he first became duke, which he had asked his wife to keep safe for important occasions and state festivals. "He held his staff in hand as he walked very slowly. His brother Marco was by his side, with cousins and grandsons behind him... and this is how he made his way to his house."

On Sunday, October 30, Pasquale Malipiero was declared Doge, and two days after, All Saints' Day, at the first hour of the morning, Francesco Foscari died. If the interval between ten o'clock on Sunday night and one o'clock on Tuesday morning disproves the legend that the discrowned Doge ruptured a blood-vessel at the moment when the bell was tolling for the election of his successor, the truth remains that, old as he was, he died of a broken heart.

On Sunday, October 30, Pasquale Malipiero was named Doge, and two days later, on All Saints' Day, early in the morning, Francesco Foscari passed away. While the time between ten o'clock on Sunday night and one o'clock on Tuesday morning debunks the story that the dethroned Doge burst a blood vessel right when the bell was ringing for the election of his successor, the reality is that, despite his age, he died of a broken heart.

His predecessor, Tomaso Mocenigo, had prophesied on his death-bed that if the Venetians were to make Foscari Doge they would forfeit their "gold and silver, their honour and renown." "From your position of lords," said he, "you[119] will sink to that of vassals and servants to men of arms." The prophecy was fulfilled. "If we look," writes Mr. H. F. Brown (Venice, etc., 1893, p. 306), "at the sum-total of Foscari's reign ... we find that the Republic had increased her land territory by the addition of two great provinces, Bergamo and Brescia ... But the price had been enormous ... her debt rose from 6,000,000 to 13,000,000 ducats. Venetian funds fell to 18 ½.... Externally there was much pomp and splendour.... But underneath this bravery there lurked the official corruption of the nobles, the suspicion of the Ten, the first signs of bank failures, the increase in the national debt, the fall in the value of the funds. Land wars and landed possessions drew the Venetians from the sea to terra ferma.... The beginning of the end had arrived." (See Two Doges of Venice, by Alethea Wiel, 1891; I due Foscari, Memorie Storicho Critiche, di Francesco Berlan, 1852; Storia Documentata di Venezia, di S. Romanin, 1855, vol.iv.; Die beiden Foscari, von Richard Senger, 1878. For reviews, etc., of The Two Foscari, vide ante, "Introduction to Sardanapalus," p. 5.)

His predecessor, Tomaso Mocenigo, had predicted on his deathbed that if the Venetians made Foscari Doge, they would lose their "gold and silver, their honor and reputation." "From your position of lords," he warned, "you[119] will fall to that of vassals and servants to men of arms." The prophecy came true. "If we look," writes Mr. H. F. Brown (Venice, etc., 1893, p. 306), "at the overall outcome of Foscari's reign... we find that the Republic had expanded her land by adding two major provinces, Bergamo and Brescia... But the cost was huge... her debt skyrocketed from 6,000,000 to 13,000,000 ducats. Venetian funds dropped to 18 ½.... Externally there was much show and splendor.... But beneath this façade lay the official corruption of the nobles, the distrust of the Ten, the initial signs of bank collapses, the rising national debt, and the decline in the value of the funds. Land wars and land holdings pulled the Venetians away from the sea to terra ferma.... The beginning of the end had come." (See Two Doges of Venice, by Alethea Wiel, 1891; I due Foscari, Memorie Storicho Critiche, di Francesco Berlan, 1852; Storia Documentata di Venezia, di S. Romanin, 1855, vol.iv.; Die beiden Foscari, von Richard Senger, 1878. For reviews, etc., of The Two Foscari, vide ante, "Introduction to Sardanapalus," p. 5.)

Both Jeffrey in the Edinburgh, and Heber in the Quarterly Review, took exception to the character of Jacopo Foscari, in accordance with the Horatian maxim, "Incredulus odi." "If," said Jeffrey, "he had been presented to the audience wearing out his heart in exile, ... we might have caught some glimpse of the nature of his motives." As it is (in obedience to the "unities") "we first meet with him led from the 'Question,' and afterwards ... clinging to the dungeon walls of his native city, and expiring from his dread of leaving them." The situation lacks conviction.

Both Jeffrey in the Edinburgh and Heber in the Quarterly Review criticized the character of Jacopo Foscari, following the Horatian saying, "I despise what I cannot believe." "If," Jeffrey remarked, "he had been shown to the audience suffering in exile, ... we might have gained some insight into his motives." As it stands (to adhere to the "unities"), "we first see him being taken from the 'Question,' and later ... clinging to the dungeon walls of his hometown, and dying from his fear of leaving them." The situation feels unconvincing.

"If," argued Heber, "there ever existed in nature a case so extraordinary as that of a man who gravely preferred tortures and a dungeon at home, to a temporary residence in a beautiful island and a fine climate; it is what few can be made to believe, and still fewer to sympathize with."

"If," Heber argued, "there has ever been a case in nature so exceptional as that of a man who would rather face torture and a dungeon at home than enjoy a temporary stay on a beautiful island with a nice climate; it's something that few can believe, and even fewer can empathize with."

It was, no doubt, with reference to these criticisms that Byron told Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 173) that it was no invention of his that the "young Foscari should have a sickly affection for his native city.... I painted the men as I found them, as they were—not as the critics would have them.... But no painting, however highly coloured, can give an idea of the intensity of a Venetian's affection for his native city."

It was certainly in response to these criticisms that Byron told Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 173) that it wasn't his idea that the "young Foscari should have a deep love for his hometown.... I portrayed the men as I saw them, as they truly were—not as the critics wanted them to be.... But no painting, no matter how vivid, can capture the depth of a Venetian's love for his native city."

Goethe, on the other hand, was "not careful" to note these inconsistencies and perplexities. He thought that the dramatic handling of The Two Foscari was "worthy of great praise," was "admirable!" (Conversations with Goethe, 1874, p. 265).

Goethe, in contrast, was "not careful" to address these inconsistencies and confusions. He believed that the dramatic treatment of The Two Foscari was "worthy of great praise" and was "admirable!" (Conversations with Goethe, 1874, p. 265).

[120]

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

MEN.

Francis Foscari, Doge of Venice.

Jacopo Foscari, Son of the Doge.

James Loredano, a Patrician.

Marco Memmo, a Chief of the Forty.

Barbarigo, a Senator.

Other Senators, The Council of Ten, Guards, Attendants, etc., etc.

WOMAN.

Marina, Wife of young Foscari.

Scene—The Ducal Palace, Venice.

[121]

THE TWO FOSCARI.

ACT I.

Scene I.—A Hall in the Ducal Palace.

Enter Loredano and Barbarigo, meeting.

Lor. Where is the prisoner?

Lor. Where's the prisoner?

Bar.‍Reposing from

Bar. Reposing from

The Question.

Lor.‍The hour's past—fixed yesterday

Lor. The hour has passed—set yesterday

For the resumption of his trial.—Let us

Rejoin our colleagues in the council, and

Urge his recall.

Request his recall.

Bar.‍Nay, let him profit by

Bar. Nay, let him benefit by

A few brief minutes for his tortured limbs;

A few quick minutes for his aching limbs;

He was o'erwrought by the Question yesterday,

He was overwhelmed by the question yesterday,

And may die under it if now repeated.[at][37][122]

And might die under it if it's repeated now.[at][37][122]

Lor. Well?

Lor. What's up?

Bar.‍I yield not to you in love of justice,

Bar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I don't love justice any less than you do,

Or hate of the ambitious Foscari,10

Or hatred of the ambitious Foscari,10

Father and son, and all their noxious race;

Father and son, along with their whole toxic family;

But the poor wretch has suffered beyond Nature's

But the poor soul has suffered beyond what is natural.

Most stoical endurance.

Most stoic endurance.

Lor.‍Without owning

Lor. ‍Not owning

His crime?

His offense?

Bar.‍Perhaps without committing any.

Bar. Maybe without any commitment.

But he avowed the letter to the Duke

But he revealed the letter to the Duke.

Of Milan, and his sufferings half atone for

Of Milan, and his sufferings partly make up for

Such weakness.

So weak.

Lor.‍We shall see.

Lor.‍We'll see.

Bar.‍You, Loredano,

Bar. You, Loredano,

Pursue hereditary hate too far.

Pursue family hate too far.

Lor. How far?

Lor. How far away?

Bar.‍To extermination.

Bar.‍To elimination.

Lor.‍When they are

Lor.‍When they're

Extinct, you may say this.—Let's in to council.20

Extinct, you might say that.—Let's go into the meeting.20

Bar. Yet pause—the number of our colleagues is not

Bar. But wait—the number of our colleagues is not

Complete yet; two are wanting ere we can

Complete yet; two are needed before we can

Proceed.

Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.

Lor.‍And the chief judge, the Doge?

Lor.Okay, I understand. Please provide the short text you'd like me to modernize.And the head judge, the Doge?

Bar.‍No—he,

Bar. No—he,

With more than Roman fortitude, is ever

With more than Roman strength, is ever

First at the board in this unhappy process

First at the board in this unfortunate process

Against his last and only son.[38]

Lor.‍True—true—

True—true—

His last.[123]

His last.

Bar. Will nothing move you?

Bar. Will nothing change your mind?

Lor.‍Feels he, think you?

Lor.‍He thinks so, don't you?

Bar. He shows it not.

Bar. He doesn't show it.

Lor.‍I have marked that—the wretch!

Lor.‍I have marked that—the jerk!

Bar. But yesterday, I hear, on his return

Bar. But yesterday, I heard, when he got back

To the ducal chambers, as he passed the threshold30

To the duke's chambers, as he stepped through the door30

The old man fainted.

The elderly man fainted.

Lor.‍It begins to work, then.

It starts to work, then.

Bar. The work is half your own.

Bar. The job is partly yours.

Lor.‍And should be all mine—

Lor. And should be all mine—

My father and my uncle are no more.

My dad and my uncle are gone now.

Bar. I have read their epitaph, which says they died

Bar. I’ve read their epitaph, which states they died

By poison.[39]

Lor.‍When the Doge declared that he

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.When the Doge announced that he

Should never deem himself a sovereign till

Should never consider himself a ruler until

The death of Peter Loredano, both

The brothers sickened shortly:—he is Sovereign.

The brothers got sick soon:—he is Sovereign.

Bar. A wretched one.

Bar. A terrible one.

Lor.‍What should they be who make

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.What should they be who make

Orphans?

Orphaned kids?

Bar. But did the Doge make you so?

Bar. But did the Doge really turn you into this?

Lor.‍Yes.40

Lor.‍Yep.40

Bar. What solid proofs?

Bar. What solid evidence?

Lor.‍When Princes set themselves

Lor. When princes take a stand

To work in secret, proofs and process are[124]

Alike made difficult; but I have such

Of the first, as shall make the second needless.

Of the first, which will make the second unnecessary.

Bar. But you will move by law?

Bar. But are you going to take legal action?

Lor.‍By all the laws

By all the laws

Which he would leave us.

Bar.‍They are such in this

Bar. They are like this

Our state as render retribution easier

Our state makes it easier to get revenge.

Than 'mongst remoter nations. Is it true

That you have written in your books of commerce,

That you have written in your business books,

(The wealthy practice of our highest nobles)50

"Doge Foscari, my debtor for the deaths

"Doge Foscari, who owes me for the deaths

Of Marco and Pietro Loredano,

My sire and uncle?"[40]

My dad and uncle?"[40]

Lor.‍It is written thus.

Lor. It’s written this way.

Bar. And will you leave it unerased?

Bar. Will you leave it unchanged?

Lor.‍Till balanced.

Lor.‍Till even.

Bar. And how?

Bar. And how?

[Two Senators pass over the stage, as in their way to "the Hall of the Council of Ten."

Two Senators walk across the stage, on their way to "the Hall of the Council of Ten."

Lor.‍You see the number is complete.

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.You see the number is complete.

Follow me.[Exit Loredano.

Follow me.

Bar. (solus). Follow thee! I have followed long

Bar. (solus). Follow you! I have followed for a long time.

Thy path of desolation, as the wave

Sweeps after that before it, alike whelming [au]

The wreck that creaks to the wild winds, and wretch

The wreck that creaks in the wild winds, and wretch

Who shrieks within its riven ribs, as gush60

Who screams within its broken ribs, as gush

The waters through them; but this son and sire

The waters through them; but this son and father

Might move the elements to pause, and yet

Must I on hardily like them—Oh! would

Must I be so harsh like them—Oh! would

I could as blindly and remorselessly!—

I could just as blindly and ruthlessly!—

Lo, where he comes!—Be still, my heart! they are

Lo, here he comes!—Calm down, my heart! they are

Thy foes, must be thy victims: wilt thou beat

Thy foes must be your victims: will you beat

For those who almost broke thee?

For those who almost broke you?

[125]

Enter Guards, with young Foscari as Prisoner, etc.

Guard.‍Let him rest.

Guard.‍Let him take a break.

Signor, take time.

Sir, take your time.

Jac. Fos.‍I thank thee, friend, I'm feeble;

Jac. Fos.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I appreciate it, friend, I'm weak;

But thou mayst stand reproved.

But you may stand corrected.

Guard.‍I'll stand the hazard.

Guard.‍I'll take the risk.

Jac. Fos. That's kind:—I meet some pity, but no mercy;[av]70

Jac. Fos. That's nice:—I encounter some pity, but no mercy;[av]70

This is the first.

This is the first one.

Guard.‍And might be the last, did they

Guard.Understood! Please provide the text you would like to be modernized.And could be the last, did they

Who rule behold us.

Who rules over us.

Bar. (advancing to the Guard). There is one who does:

Bar. (walking up to the Guard). There’s someone who does:

Yet fear not; I will neither be thy judge

Yet don’t be afraid; I won’t be your judge.

Nor thy accuser; though the hour is past,

Nor your accuser; though the time has passed,

Wait their last summons—I am of "the Ten,"[41]

Wait for their final call—I am one of "the Ten,"[41]

And waiting for that summons, sanction you

And waiting for that call, approve you

Even by my presence: when the last call sounds,

Even with me here: when the final announcement is made,

We'll in together.—Look well to the prisoner!

We'll go in together.—Keep a close eye on the prisoner!

Jac. Fos. What voice is that?—'Tis Barbarigo's! Ah!

Jac. Fos. Whose voice is that?—It's Barbarigo's! Ah!

Our House's foe, and one of my few judges.80

Our House's enemy, and one of my few judges.80

Bar. To balance such a foe, if such there be,

Bar. To counter such an opponent, if one exists,

Thy father sits amongst thy judges.

Your father sits among your judges.

Jac. Fos.‍True,

Jac. Fos. True,

He judges.

He critiques.

Bar.‍Then deem not the laws too harsh

Bar.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Then don't think the laws are too strict

Which yield so much indulgence to a sire,

Which gives so much leniency to a father,

As to allow his voice in such high matter

As to let his voice be heard in such an important matter

As the state's safety——

As the state's safety concerns—

Jac. Fos.‍And his son's. I'm faint;

Jac. Fos.Understood. Please provide the text.And his son's. I'm feeling faint;

Let me approach, I pray you, for a breath

Let me come closer, please, for a moment.

Of air, yon window which o'erlooks the waters.[126]

Of air, that window overlooking the waters.[126]

Enter an Officer, who whispers Barbarigo.

Enter an officer, who whispers Barbarigo.

Bar. (to the Guard). Let him approach. I must not speak with him

Bar. (to the Guard). Let him come forward. I can't talk to him.

Further than thus: I have transgressed my duty90

Further than that: I have failed in my duty90

In this brief parley, and must now redeem it [aw]

In this short conversation, and must now make up for it [aw]

Within the Council Chamber.[Exit Barbarigo.

In the Council Chamber.

[Guard conducting Jacopo Foscari to the window.

[Guard leading Jacopo Foscari to the window.

Guard.‍There, sir, 'tis

Guard. There, sir, it is.

Open.—How feel you?

Open.—How do you feel?

Jac. Fos.‍Like a boy—Oh Venice!

Jac. Fos.‍Like a kid—Oh Venice!

Guard. And your limbs?

Watch out. And your limbs?

Jac. Fos.‍Limbs! how often have they borne me [42]

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Limbs! How many times have they carried me [42]

Bounding o'er yon blue tide, as I have skimmed

Bounding over that blue tide, as I have skimmed

The gondola along in childish race,

The gondola glided by in a playful race,

And, masqued as a young gondolier, amidst

And, disguised as a young gondolier, amidst

My gay competitors, noble as I,

My gay competitors, as noble as I,

Raced for our pleasure, in the pride of strength;

Raced for our enjoyment, in the pride of strength;

While the fair populace of crowding beauties,100

While the lovely crowd of beautiful people, 100

Plebeian as patrician, cheered us on

Plebeian and patrician alike cheered us on.

With dazzling smiles, and wishes audible,

With bright smiles and wishes you can hear,

And waving kerchiefs, and applauding hands,

And waving handkerchiefs and clapping hands,

Even to the goal!—How many a time have I

Even to the goal!—How many times have I

Cloven with arm still lustier, breast more daring,

Cloven with an arm still stronger, chest more daring,

The wave all roughened; with a swimmer's stroke

The wave got all choppy; with a swimmer's stroke

Flinging the billows back from my drenched hair,

Flicking the wet strands away from my soaked hair,

And laughing from my lip the audacious brine,

And laughing from my lips the bold seawater,

Which kissed it like a wine-cup, rising o'er

Which kissed it like a wine cup, rising over

The waves as they arose, and prouder still110

The waves as they rose, even prouder still110

The loftier they uplifted me; and oft,

The higher they lifted me; and often,

In wantonness of spirit, plunging down

In reckless abandon, diving down

Into their green and glassy gulfs, and making

Into their green and glassy depths, and making

My way to shells and sea-weed, all unseen

My path to shells and seaweed, all hidden

By those above, till they waxed fearful; then[127]

By those above, until they grew scared; then[127]

Returning with my grasp full of such tokens

Returning with my hands full of such keepsakes

As showed that I had searched the deep: exulting,

As I showed that I had searched deeply: rejoicing,

With a far-dashing stroke, and, drawing deep

With a bold stroke, and taking a deep breath

The long-suspended breath, again I spurned

The long-held breath, once again I rejected.

The foam which broke around me, and pursued120

The foam that crashed around me and chased me

My track like a sea-bird.—I was a boy then.

My path was like that of a seabird.—I was a boy back then.

Guard. Be a man now: there never was more need

Guard. Step up now: there's never been a greater need.

Of manhood's strength.

Of manhood's power.

Jac. Fos. (looking from the lattice). My beautiful, my own,

Jac. Fos. (looking out the window). My beautiful, my own,

My only Venice—this is breath! Thy breeze,

My only Venice—this is breath! Your breeze,

Thine Adrian sea-breeze, how it fans my face!

Your Adrian sea breeze, how it cools my face!

Thy very winds feel native to my veins,

Your very winds feel like they're part of my blood,

And cool them into calmness! How unlike

And cool them into calmness! How different

The hot gales of the horrid Cyclades,

The hot winds of the terrible Cyclades,

Which howled about my Candiote dungeon,[43] and

Made my heart sick.

Made my heart hurt.

Guard.‍I see the colour comes [ax]130

Guard.‍I see the color comes [ax]130

Back to your cheek: Heaven send you strength to bear

Back to your cheek: May heaven give you the strength to endure

What more may be imposed!—I dread to think on't.

What else could be added?—I’m afraid to even consider it.

Jac. Fos. They will not banish me again?—No—no,

Jac. Fos. They won't kick me out again?—No—no,

Let them wring on; I am strong yet.

Let them keep squeezing; I'm still strong.

Guard.‍Confess,

Guard.‍Come clean,

And the rack will be spared you.

And you will be spared from the rack.

Jac. Fos.‍I confessed

Jac. Fos.‍I admitted

Once—twice before: both times they exiled me.

Once—twice before: both times they sent me away.

Guard. And the third time will slay you.

Guard. The third time will kill you.

Jac. Fos.‍Let them do so,

Let them do that,

So I be buried in my birth-place: better

So I'll be buried in my birthplace: better

Be ashes here than aught that lives elsewhere.

Be ashes here rather than anything that exists anywhere else.

Guard. And can you so much love the soil which hates you?140

Guard. Can you really love the ground that despises you?140

Jac. Fos. The soil!—Oh no, it is the seed of the soil

Jac. Fos. The dirt!—Oh wait, it's the seed from the dirt.

Which persecutes me: but my native earth

Which persecutes me: but my homeland

Will take me as a mother to her arms.

Will take me as a mother into her arms.

I ask no more than a Venetian grave,

I ask for nothing more than a grave in Venice,

A dungeon, what they will, so it be here.

A dungeon, whatever they want, so be it here.

[128]

Enter an Officer.

Enter an officer.

Offi. Bring in the prisoner!

Offi. Bring in the inmate!

Guard.‍Signor, you hear the order.

Guard.‍Sir, you hear the order.

Jac. Fos. Aye, I am used to such a summons; 'tis

Jac. Fos. Yeah, I'm used to getting called like this; it's

The third time they have tortured me:—then lend me

Thine arm.[To the Guard.

Your arm.[To the Guard.

Offi.‍Take mine, sir; 'tis my duty to

Offi.Got it! Please provide the text you want me to modernize.Take mine, sir; it’s my responsibility to

Be nearest to your person.

Be close to your person.

Jac. Fos.‍You!—you are he150

Jac. Fos.‍You!—you are him150

Who yesterday presided o'er my pangs—

Who oversaw my pain yesterday—

Away!—I'll walk alone.

Go away!—I'll walk alone.

Offi.‍As you please, Signor;

Offi.‍As you wish, Signor;

The sentence was not of my signing, but

The sentence wasn't something I signed, but

I dared not disobey the Council when

I didn't dare to go against the Council when

They——

They—

Jac. Fos. Bade thee stretch me on their horrid engine.

Jac. Fos. Told you to lay me on their terrible device.

I pray thee touch me not—that is, just now;

I ask you not to touch me—at least, not right now;

The time will come they will renew that order,

The time will come when they will renew that order,

But keep off from me till 'tis issued. As

But stay away from me until it’s released. As

I look upon thy hands my curdling limbs

I look at your hands, my stiffening limbs.

Quiver with the anticipated wrenching,160

Quiver with the expected wrench,160

And the cold drops strain through my brow, as if——

And the cold drops press against my forehead, as if——

But onward—I have borne it—I can bear it.—

But moving forward—I have endured it—I can endure it.—

How looks my father?

How does my father look?

Offi.‍With his wonted aspect.

Offi.‍In his usual appearance.

Jac. Fos. So does the earth, and sky, the blue of Ocean,

Jac. Fos. So do the earth, the sky, and the blue of the ocean,

The brightness of our city, and her domes,

The brightness of our city and its domes,

The mirth of her Piazza—even now

The joy of her Piazza—even now

Its merry hum of nations pierces here,

Its cheerful buzz of nations comes through here,

Even here, into these chambers of the unknown

Even here, into these rooms of uncertainty

Who govern, and the unknown and the unnumbered

Who governs, and the unknown and the countless

Judged and destroyed in silence,—all things wear170

The self-same aspect, to my very sire!

Same thing, I swear!

Nothing can sympathise with Foscari,

Nothing can relate to Foscari,

Not even a Foscari.—Sir, I attend you.

Not even a Foscari.—Sir, I'm here for you.

[Exeunt Jacopo Foscari, Officer, etc.[129]

[Exit Jacopo Foscari, Officer, etc.[129]

Enter Memmo and another Senator.

Enter Memmo and another senator.

Mem. He's gone—we are too late:—think you "the Ten"

Mem. He's gone—we're too late:—do you think "the Ten"

Will sit for any length of time to-day?

Will you sit for any length of time today?

Sen. They say the prisoner is most obdurate,

Sen. They say the prisoner is really stubborn,

Persisting in his first avowal; but

Persisting in his initial confession; but

More I know not.

I don't know more.

Mem.‍And that is much; the secrets

Mem.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And that is a lot; the secrets

Of yon terrific chamber are as hidden

Of that terrifying room, there are hidden

From us, the premier nobles of the state,180

From us, the top nobles of the state,180

As from the people.

By the people.

Sen.‍Save the wonted rumours,

Sen.‍Forget the usual rumors,

Which—like the tales of spectres, that are rife

Which—like the stories of ghosts that are everywhere

Near ruined buildings—never have been proved,

Near ruined buildings—this has never been proven,

Nor wholly disbelieved: men know as little

Nor completely disbelieved: people know as little

Of the state's real acts as of the grave's

Of the state's real actions as of the grave's

Unfathomed mysteries.

Unexplained mysteries.

Mem.‍But with length of time

Mem. But over time

We gain a step in knowledge, and I look

Forward to be one day of the decemvirs.

Sen. Or Doge?

Mem.‍Why, no; not if I can avoid it.

Mem.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.No, not if I can help it.

Sen. 'Tis the first station of the state, and may190

Sen. It’s the first station of the state, and may190

Be lawfully desired, and lawfully

Be legally desired, and legally

Attained by noble aspirants.

Achieved by noble seekers.

Mem.‍To such

Mem. To such

I leave it; though born noble, my ambition

I leave it; even though I was born into nobility, my ambition

Is limited: I'd rather be an unit

Is limited: I'd rather be a unit

Of an united and Imperial "Ten,"

Of a united and Imperial "Ten,"

Than shine a lonely, though a gilded cipher.—

Than shine a lonely, though a golden symbol.—

Whom have we here? the wife of Foscari?

Whom do we have here? The wife of Foscari?

Enter Marina, with a female Attendant.

Enter Marina, with a woman attendant.

Mar. What, no one?—I am wrong, there still are two;

Mar. What, no one?—I'm mistaken, there are still two;

But they are senators.

But they're senators.

Mem.‍Most noble lady,

Most honorable lady,

Command us.

Order us.

Mar.‍I command!—Alas! my life200

"I demand!—Alas! my life"

Has been one long entreaty, and a vain one.[130]

Has been one long plea, and a pointless one.[130]

Mem. I understand thee, but I must not answer.

Mem. I get you, but I can't reply.

Mar. (fiercely). True—none dare answer here save on the rack,

Mar. (fiercely). It's true—no one would dare to answer here except under torture,

Or question save those——

Or question save those—

Mem. (interrupting her). High-born dame![44] bethink thee

Mem. (interrupting her). Noble lady![44] think about it

Where thou now art.

Where you are now.

Mar.‍Where I now am!—It was

Where I am now!—It was

My husband's father's palace.

My father-in-law's palace.

Mem.‍The Duke's palace.

The Duke's palace.

Mar. And his son's prison!—True, I have not forgot it;

Mar. And his son's prison!—It’s true, I haven't forgotten that;

And, if there were no other nearer, bitterer

And, if there were no other closer, harsher

Remembrances, would thank the illustrious Memmo

Remembrances, would thank the renowned Memmo

For pointing out the pleasures of the place.210

For highlighting the enjoyment of the location.210

Mem. Be calm!

Mem. Stay calm!

Mar. (looking up towards heaven). I am; but oh, thou eternal God!

Mar. (looking up towards heaven). I exist; but oh, you eternal God!

Canst thou continue so, with such a world?

Can you continue like this, in a world like this?

Mem. Thy husband yet may be absolved.

Mem. Your husband can still be forgiven.

Mar.‍He is,

He is,

In Heaven. I pray you, Signer Senator,

In Heaven. I urge you, Senator,

Speak not of that; you are a man of office,

Speak not of that; you're a man of authority,

So is the Doge; he has a son at stake

So is the Doge; he has a son involved.

Now, at this moment, and I have a husband,

Now, at this moment, I have a husband,

Or had; they are there within, or were at least

An hour since, face to face, as judge and culprit:

An hour ago, face to face, as judge and offender:

Will he condemn him?

Will he condemn him?

Mem.‍I trust not.[131]

Mem. I don't trust.

Mar.‍But if220

Mar. But if

He does not, there are those will sentence both.

He doesn't; there are those who will judge both.

Mem. They can.

They can.

Mar.‍And with them power and will are one

Mar.Understood. Please provide the text.And with them, power and will are unified.

In wickedness;—my husband's lost!

In wickedness—my husband's gone!

Mem.‍Not so;

Mem.‍No way;

Justice is judge in Venice.

Justice is the judge in Venice.

Mar.‍If it were so,

If that were the case,

There now would be no Venice. But let it

There wouldn't be a Venice anymore. But let it

Live on, so the good die not, till the hour

Live on, so the good don’t die, until the time comes.

Of Nature's summons; but "the Ten's" is quicker,

Of Nature's call; but "the Ten's" is faster,

And we must wait on't. Ah! a voice of wail!

And we have to wait for it. Ah! a voice of sorrow!

[A faint cry within.

[A soft cry inside.

Sen. Hark!

Sen. Listen up!

Mem.‍'Twas a cry of—

Mar.‍No, no; not my husband's—

Mar. ‍No, no; not my spouse's—

Not Foscari's.

Mem.‍The voice was—

The voice was—

Mar.‍Not his: no.230

He shriek! No; that should be his father's part,

He screamed! No; that should be his father’s role,

Not his—not his—he'll die in silence.

Not his—not his—he'll pass quietly.

[A faint groan again within.

[A faint groan again inside.

Mem.‍What!

What!

Again?

Mar. His voice! it seemed so: I will not

Mar. His voice! It sounded so: I will not

Believe it. Should he shrink, I cannot cease

Believe it. If he shrinks, I can't stop.

To love; but—no—no—no—it must have been

A fearful pang, which wrung a groan from him.

A sharp feeling of fear that made him groan.

Sen. And, feeling for thy husband's wrongs, wouldst thou

Sen. And, thinking about what your husband went through, would you

Have him bear more than mortal pain in silence?

Have him endure more pain than a human should in silence?

Mar. We all must bear our tortures. I have not

Mar. We all have to endure our struggles. I have not

Left barren the great house of Foscari,240

Left deserted, the grand house of Foscari, 240

Though they sweep both the Doge and son from life;

Though they take both the Doge and his son from life;

I have endured as much in giving life

I have gone through a lot in bringing life

To those who will succeed them, as they can

To those who will take their place, as they can

In leaving it: but mine were joyful pangs:

In leaving it: but mine were joyful pains:

And yet they wrung me till I could have shrieked,

And yet they squeezed me until I could have screamed,

But did not; for my hope was to bring forth

But I didn't; because my hope was to achieve

Heroes, and would not welcome them with tears.

Heroes, and wouldn’t greet them with tears.

Mem. All's silent now.[132]

Mem. It's all quiet now.[132]

Mar.‍Perhaps all's over; but

Maybe it's all over; but

I will not deem it: he hath nerved himself,

I won’t consider it: he has steeled himself,

And now defies them.

And now challenges them.

Enter an Officer hastily.

Enter an Officer quickly.

Mem.‍How now, friend, what seek you?250

Mem.Understood! Please provide the short text you'd like me to modernize.Hey there, friend, what are you looking for?250

Offi. A leech. The prisoner has fainted.[Exit Officer.

Offi. A leech. The prisoner has passed out.[Departure Officer.

Mem.‍Lady,

Mem. Lady,

'Twere better to retire.

It's better to retire.

Sen. (offering to assist her), I pray thee do so.

Sen. (offering to assist her) I hope you do that.

Mar. Off! I will tend him.

Mar off! I will care for him.

Mem.‍You! Remember, lady!

Hey! Remember, lady!

Ingress is given to none within those chambers

Ingress is granted to no one within those rooms.

Except "the Ten," and their familiars.

Except for "the Ten" and their close associates.

Mar.‍Well,

Well,

I know that none who enter there return

I know that no one who goes in there comes back.

As they have entered—many never; but

As they entered—many never did; but

They shall not balk my entrance.

They won't stop me from entering.

Mem.‍Alas! this

Mem. Alas! this

Is but to expose yourself to harsh repulse,

Is just to expose yourself to a harsh rejection,

And worse suspense.

And even more suspense.

Mar.‍Who shall oppose me?

Who will stand against me?

Mem.‍They260

Mem. They

Whose duty 'tis to do so.

Whose responsibility it is to do so.

Mar.‍'Tis their duty

Mar. ‍It's their duty

To trample on all human feelings, all

To stomp on all human emotions, all

Ties which bind man to man, to emulate

Ties that connect people to each other, to imitate

The fiends who will one day requite them in

The villains who will eventually pay them back in

Variety of torturing! Yet I'll pass.

Variety of torturing! Yet I’ll pass.

Mem. It is impossible.

Mem. It's impossible.

Mar.‍That shall be tried.[ay]

That will be tested. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Despair defies even despotism: there is

Despair goes beyond even tyranny: there is

That in my heart would make its way through hosts

That in my heart would make its way through crowds

With levelled spears; and think you a few jailors

With leveled spears; and do you think a few jailers

Shall put me from my path? Give me, then, way;270

Shall you get in my way? Then make way for me; 270

This is the Doge's palace; I am wife

This is the Doge's Palace; I am the wife.

Of the Duke's son, the innocent Duke's son,

And they shall hear this!

And they'll hear this!

Mem.‍It will only serve[133]

Mem. It will only serve[133]

More to exasperate his judges.

More to frustrate his judges.

Mar.‍What

What

Are judges who give way to anger? they

Are judges who give in to anger? They

Who do so are assassins. Give me way.[Exit Marina.

Who do that are assassins. Get out of my way.[Exit Marina.

Sen. Poor lady!

Poor lady!

Mem.‍'Tis mere desperation: she

It's just desperation: she

Will not be admitted o'er the threshold.

Will not be allowed over the threshold.

Sen.‍And

Sen. And

Even if she be so, cannot save her husband.

Even if she is, she can't save her husband.

But, see, the officer returns.

But, look, the officer is back.

[The Officer passes over the stage with another person.

The Officer walks across the stage with someone else.

Mem.‍I hardly280

Mem. I hardly

Thought that "the Ten" had even this touch of pity,

Thought that "the Ten" even had this hint of compassion,

Or would permit assistance to this sufferer.

Or would allow help for this person in pain.

Sen. Pity! Is't pity to recall to feeling

Sen. What a shame! Is it shameful to bring back feelings?

The wretch too happy to escape to Death

The unfortunate one who is too happy to escape to Death.

By the compassionate trance, poor Nature's last

By the compassionate trance, poor Nature’s last

Resource against the tyranny of pain?

Mem. I marvel they condemn him not at once.

Mem. I can't believe they don't condemn him right away.

Sen. That's not their policy: they'd have him live,

Sen. That's not their policy: they'd want him to stay alive,

Because he fears not death; and banish him,

Because he isn't afraid of death; and send him away,

Because all earth, except his native land,290

Because all the earth, except for his home country,290

To him is one wide prison, and each breath

To him, everything feels like a huge prison, and every breath

Of foreign air he draws seems a slow poison,

Of foreign air he breathes feels like a slow poison,

Consuming but not killing.

Consuming without killing.

Mem.‍Circumstance

Mem.‍Situation

Confirms his crimes, but he avows them not.

Confirms his crimes, but he doesn't admit to them.

Sen. None, save the Letter, which, he says, was written

Sen. None, except for the Letter, which he claims was written

Addressed to Milan's duke, in the full knowledge

Addressed to the Duke of Milan, fully aware

That it would fall into the Senate's hands,

That it would end up in the Senate's hands,

And thus he should be re-conveyed to Venice.[45][134]

And so he should be taken back to Venice.[45][134]

Mem. But as a culprit.

Mem. But as a suspect.

Sen.‍Yes, but to his country;

Yes, but to his country;

And that was all he sought,—so he avouches.300

And that's all he wanted,—so he claims.300

Mem. The accusation of the bribes was proved.

Mem. The bribery accusations were proven true.

Sen. Not clearly, and the charge of homicide

Sen. Not clearly, and the accusation of murder

Has been annulled by the death-bed confession

Has been canceled by the confession on their deathbed

Of Nicolas Erizzo, who slew the late

Of Nicolas Erizzo, who killed the late

Chief of "the Ten."[46]

Leader of "the Ten."

Mem.‍Then why not clear him?

Then why not clear him?

Sen.‍That

Sen. That

They ought to answer; for it is well known

They should respond; because it is widely known

That Almoro Donato, as I said,

Was slain by Erizzo for private vengeance.

Was killed by Erizzo out of personal revenge.

Mem. There must be more in this strange process than

Mem. There has to be more to this weird process than

The apparent crimes of the accused disclose—310

The apparent crimes of the accused reveal—310

But here come two of "the Ten;" let us retire.

But here come two of "the Ten;" let's step back.

[Exeunt Memmo and Senator.

[Exit Memmo and Senator.

Enter Loredano and Barbarigo.

Bar. (addressing Lor.).

Bar. (addressing Lor.)

That were too much: believe me,'twas not meet

That was too much: believe me, it wasn't right.

The trial should go further at this moment.

The trial should proceed at this time.

Lor. And so the Council must break up, and Justice

Lor. So the Council has to disband, and Justice

Pause in her full career, because a woman

Breaks in on our deliberations?

Interrupts our discussions?

Bar.‍No,

Bar. No,

That's not the cause; you saw the prisoner's state.

That's not the reason; you saw how the prisoner was.

Lor. And had he not recovered?

Lor. So, did he not get better?

Bar.‍To relapse

Bar. To slip up.

Upon the least renewal.

At the first opportunity.

Lor.‍'Twas not tried.

Lor.‍It wasn’t attempted.

Bar. 'Tis vain to murmur; the majority320

Bar. It's pointless to complain; the majority320

In council were against you.

In council were opposed to you.

Lor.‍Thanks to you, sir,[135]

Lor. Thanks to you, sir,

And the old ducal dotard, who combined

And the old duke, who mixed

The worthy voices which o'er-ruled my own.

The worthy voices that overshadowed my own.

Bar. I am a judge; but must confess that part

Bar. I'm a judge; but I have to admit that part

Of our stern duty, which prescribes the Question,[47]

Of our serious responsibility, which sets the Question,[47]

And bids us sit and see its sharp infliction,

And asks us to sit and witness its painful impact,

Makes me wish——

Makes me wish—

Lor.‍What?

Lor. What?

Bar.‍That you would sometimes feel,

Bar. That you would occasionally feel,

As I do always.

As I always do.

Lor.‍Go to, you're a child,

Lor. Go on, you're a kid,

Infirm of feeling as of purpose, blown

Incapable of feeling or determination, shattered

About by every breath, shook [48] by a sigh,330

And melted by a tear—a precious judge

For Venice! and a worthy statesman to

For Venice! And a deserving politician to

Be partner in my policy.

Be a partner in my policy.

Bar.‍He shed

Bar. He let go

No tears.

No crying.

Lor.‍He cried out twice.

Lor. He shouted twice.

Bar.‍A Saint had done so,

Bar. A Saint did that,

Even with the crown of Glory in his eye,

Even with the crown of glory in his eyes,

At such inhuman artifice of pain

At such cruel manipulation of suffering

As was forced on him; but he did not cry [az]

As it was imposed on him; but he didn’t cry [az]

For pity; not a word nor groan escaped him,

For pity's sake; not a word or groan came from him,

And those two shrieks were not in supplication,

And those two screams were not in pleading,

But wrung from pangs, and followed by no prayers.340

But forced out by suffering, and not accompanied by any prayers.340

Lor. He muttered many times between his teeth,

Lor. He mumbled to himself repeatedly,

But inarticulately.[49]

But not clearly expressed.[49]

Bar.‍That I heard not:

Bar. I didn't hear that:

You stood more near him.

You stood closer to him.

Lor.‍I did so.[136]

Lor.‍I did that.[136]

Bar.‍Methought,

Bar. I thought,

To my surprise too, you were touched with mercy,

To my surprise as well, you were filled with compassion,

And were the first to call out for assistance

And were the first to ask for help

When he was failing.

When he was struggling.

Lor.‍I believed that swoon

I believed that was amazing

His last.

His final.

Bar.‍And have I not oft heard thee name

Bar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And have I not often heard you mention

His and his father's death your nearest wish?

Is your biggest wish for him and his father to die?

Lor. If he dies innocent, that is to say,

With his guilt unavowed, he'll be lamented.350

With his guilt unacknowledged, people will mourn him.350

Bar. What, wouldst thou slay his memory?

Bar. What, would you destroy his memory?

Lor.‍Wouldst thou have

Lor. Would you like

His state descend to his children, as it must,

His estate goes to his children, as it should,

If he die unattainted?

If he dies without blame?

Bar.‍War with them too?

Bar. War with them too?

Lor. With all their house, till theirs or mine are nothing.

Lor. With everything they have, until either theirs or mine amounts to nothing.

Bar. And the deep agony of his pale wife,

Bar. And the intense suffering of his pale wife,

And the repressed convulsion of the high

And the suppressed surge of the high

And princely brow of his old father, which

And the noble forehead of his elderly father, which

Broke forth in a slight shuddering, though rarely,

Broke out in a slight shudder, although it was infrequent,

Or in some clammy drops, soon wiped away

Or in some chilly drops, quickly wiped away

In stern serenity; these moved you not?360

In calm seriousness; did these not affect you?360 degrees

[Exit Loredano.

He's silent in his hate, as Foscari

He's quiet in his hatred, like Foscari.

Was in his suffering; and the poor wretch moved me

Was in his suffering; and the poor wretch affected me

More by his silence than a thousand outcries

More through his silence than a thousand shouts

Could have effected. 'Twas a dreadful sight

Could have affected. It was a dreadful sight.

When his distracted wife broke through into

When his distracted wife interrupted

The hall of our tribunal, and beheld

The hall of our court, and saw

What we could scarcely look upon, long used

What we could barely look at, having been so accustomed

To such sights. I must think no more of this,

To such sights. I can’t think about this anymore,

Lest I forget in this compassion for

Our foes, their former injuries, and lose370

Our enemies, their past injuries, and lose370

The hold of vengeance Loredano plans

The grip of revenge Loredano schemes

For him and me; but mine would be content

For him and me; but mine would be happy

With lesser retribution than he thirsts for,

With less revenge than he longs for,

And I would mitigate his deeper hatred

And I would ease his deeper resentment.

To milder thoughts; but, for the present, Foscari

To gentler thoughts; but for now, Foscari

Has a short hourly respite, granted at

Has a short hourly break, given at

The instance of the elders of the Council,[137]

Moved doubtless by his wife's appearance in

Moved undoubtedly by his wife's appearance in

The hall, and his own sufferings.—Lo! they come:

The hall, and his own struggles.—Look! They’re here:

How feeble and forlorn! I cannot bear380

How weak and hopeless! I can't stand it.

To look on them again in this extremity:

To see them again in this situation:

I'll hence, and try to soften Loredano.[ba]

I'll go now and try to soften Loredano.[ba]

[Exit Barbarigo.

[Exit Barbarigo.]

ACT II.

Scene I.—A hall in the Dogecoin's Palace.

The Doge and a Senator.

The Doge and a Senator.

Sen. Is it your pleasure to sign the report

Sen. Do you want to sign the report?

Now, or postpone it till to-morrow?

Now, or put it off until tomorrow?

Doge.‍Now;

Doge.‍Now:

I overlooked it yesterday: it wants

I missed it yesterday: it wants

Merely the signature. Give me the pen—

Merely the signature. Hand me the pen—

[The Doge sits down and signs the paper.

The Doge sits down and signs the document.

There, Signor.

Here you go, Signor.

Sen. (looking at the paper). You have forgot; it is not signed.

Sen. (looking at the paper). You forgot; it's not signed.

Doge. Not signed? Ah, I perceive my eyes begin

Doge. Not signed? Ah, I see my eyes starting to

To wax more weak with age. I did not see

To grow weaker with age. I did not see

That I had dipped the pen without effect.[bb]

That I had dipped the pen to no avail.[bb]

Sen. (dipping the pen into the ink, and placing the paper

Sen. (dipping the pen in ink and putting the paper

before the Doge). Your hand, too, shakes, my Lord: allow me, thus—

before the Doge). Your hand is trembling as well, my Lord: let me do this—

Doge. 'Tis done, I thank you.

Doge. It's complete, thanks.

Sen.‍Thus the act confirmed10

Sen. Thus the act confirmed

By you and by "the Ten" gives peace to Venice.

By you and by "the Ten," peace is brought to Venice.

Doge. 'Tis long since she enjoyed it: may it be

Doge. It's been a while since she enjoyed it: may it be

As long ere she resume her arms!

As long as she takes up her arms again!

Sen.‍'Tis almost

It's almost

Thirty-four years of nearly ceaseless warfare[138]

Thirty-four years of almost nonstop fighting[138]

With the Turk, or the powers of Italy;

With the Turk or the powers of Italy;

The state had need of some repose.

The state needed a break.

Doge.‍No doubt:

Doge. No doubt:

I found her Queen of Ocean, and I leave her

I found her, the Queen of the Ocean, and now I’m leaving her.

Lady of Lombardy; it is a comfort [bc]

That I have added to her diadem

That I have added to her crown

The gems of Brescia and Ravenna; Crema [50]20

And Bergamo no less are hers; her realm

And Bergamo is no less part of her realm;

By land has grown by thus much in my reign,

By land has increased this much during my reign,

While her sea-sway has not shrunk.

While her ocean rhythm hasn't diminished.

Sen.‍'Tis most true,

Sen. It's true,

And merits all our country's gratitude.

And deserves all our country's gratitude.

Doge. Perhaps so.

Doge. Maybe.

Sen.‍Which should be made manifest.

It should be made clear.

Doge. I have not complained, sir.

Doge. I haven't complained, sir.

Sen.‍My good Lord, forgive me.

Sen. My good Lord, forgive me.

Doge. For what?

Doge. For what purpose?

Sen.‍My heart bleeds for you.

I feel so sorry for you.

Doge.‍For me, Signor?

Doge. For me, sir?

Sen. And for your——

Doge.‍Stop!

Doge. Wait!

Sen.‍It must have way, my Lord:

Sen.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.It must be the way, my Lord:

I have too many duties towards you

I have too many responsibilities to you.

And all your house, for past and present kindness,30

And your entire household, for all the kindness shown in the past and present, 30

Not to feel deeply for your son.

Not to care deeply for your son.

Doge.‍Was this

In your commission?

On your list?

Sen.‍What, my Lord?

What, my Lord?

Doge.‍This prattle

Doge. This chatter

Of things you know not: but the treaty's signed;

Of things you don’t know: but the treaty’s signed;

Return with it to them who sent you.

Return it to those who sent you.

Sen.‍I

Obey. I had in charge, too, from the Council,

Obey. I was also in charge of this from the Council,

That you would fix an hour for their reunion.

That you would set a time for their reunion.

Doge. Say, when they will—now, even at this moment,[139]

Doge. So, when will they—right now, even at this moment,[139]

If it so please them: I am the State's servant.

If it pleases them: I am the servant of the State.

Sen. They would accord some time for your repose.

Sen. They would allow some time for you to rest.

Doge. I have no repose, that is, none which shall cause40

Doge. I have no rest, that is, none which will cause40

The loss of an hour's time unto the State.

The loss of an hour's time to the State.

Let them meet when they will, I shall be found

Let them meet whenever they want, I'll be there.

Where I should be, and what I have been ever.

Where I should be, and what I have always been.

[Exit Senator. The Doge remains in silence.

[Exit Senator. The Doge stays silent.

Enter an Attendant.

Enter a Staff Member.

Att. Prince!

Hey, Prince!

Doge.‍Say on.

Doge.‍Keep talking.

Att.‍The illustrious lady Foscari

The renowned Lady Foscari

Requests an audience.

Requests a meeting.

Doge.‍Bid her enter. Poor

Doge. Bid her come in. Poor

Marina!

[Exit Attendant. The Doge remains in silence as before.

[Exit Attendant. The Doge remains quiet as usual.

Enter Marina.

Mar.‍I have ventured, father, on

I have ventured, dad, on

Your privacy.

Your privacy matters.

Doge.‍I have none from you, my child.

Doge.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I don’t have anything from you, my child.

Command my time, when not commanded by

The State.

The Government.

Mar.‍I wished to speak to you of him.

Mar.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I wanted to talk to you about him.

Doge. Your husband?50

Doge. Is that your husband?

Mar.‍And your son.

And your son.

Doge.‍Proceed, my daughter!

Doge. Proceed, my daughter!

Mar. I had obtained permission from "the Ten"

Mar. I had gotten permission from "the Ten"

To attend my husband for a limited number

To help my husband for a limited time

Of hours.

For hours.

Doge.‍You had so.

Doge. You definitely did.

Mar.‍'Tis revoked.

Mar.‍It's canceled.

Doge.‍By whom?

Doge.‍Who made this?

Mar. "The Ten."—When we had reached "the Bridge of Sighs,"[51][140]

Mar. "The Ten."—When we got to "the Bridge of Sighs,"[51][140]

Which I prepared to pass with Foscari,

Which I got ready to pass with Foscari,

The gloomy guardian of that passage first

Demurred: a messenger was sent back to

"The Ten;"—but as the Court no longer sate,

"The Ten;"—but since the Court was no longer in session,

And no permission had been given in writing,

And no permission had been granted in writing,

I was thrust back, with the assurance that60

I was pushed back, with the assurance that60

Until that high tribunal reassembled

Until that court reassembled

The dungeon walls must still divide us.

The dungeon walls still keep us apart.

Doge.‍True,

Doge.‍Facts,

The form has been omitted in the haste

The form has been overlooked in the rush.

With which the court adjourned; and till it meets,

With that, the court adjourned; and until it meets,

'Tis dubious.

It's questionable.

Mar.‍Till it meets! and when it meets,

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Until it comes together! And when it does,

They'll torture him again; and he and I

They'll torture him again, and he and I

Must purchase by renewal of the rack

Must purchase by renewing the rack

The interview of husband and of wife,

The interview of husband and wife,

The holiest tie beneath the Heavens!—Oh God!

The most sacred bond in the world!—Oh God!

Dost thou see this?

Do you see this?

Doge.‍Child—child——

Doge.‍Kid—kid——

Mar. (abruptly).‍Call me not "child!"70

Mar. (abruptly). Call me "not a kid!"70

You soon will have no children—you deserve none—

You’ll soon have no kids—you don’t deserve any—

You, who can talk thus calmly of a son

You, who can speak so calmly about a son

In circumstances which would call forth tears

In situations that would bring on tears

Of blood from Spartans! Though these did not weep

Of blood from Spartans! Even though these did not cry

Their boys who died in battle, is it written

That they beheld them perish piecemeal, nor

That they watched them perish bit by bit, nor

Stretched forth a hand to save them?

Stretched out a hand to save them?

Doge.‍You behold me:

Doge.‍You're looking at me:

I cannot weep—I would I could; but if

I can’t cry—I wish I could; but if

Each white hair on this head were a young life,

Each white hair on this head represented a young life,

This ducal cap the Diadem of earth,80

This ducal cap, the crown of the earth, 80

This ducal ring with which I wed the waves

This duke's ring that I used to marry the waves

A talisman to still them—I'd give all

A charm to calm them—I’d give anything

For him.

Mar. ‍With less he surely might be saved.

Mar. Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.He could probably be saved with less.

Doge. That answer only shows you know not Venice.

Doge. That answer just shows you don't know Venice.

Alas! how should you? she knows not herself,

Alas! how could you? she doesn't even know herself,

In all her mystery. Hear me—they who aim

In all her mystery. Hear me—those who aim

At Foscari, aim no less at his father;

At Foscari, don’t aim any lower than your father;

The sire's destruction would not save the son;

The father's downfall wouldn't save the son;

They work by different means to the same end,[141]

They use different methods to achieve the same goal,[141]

And that is—but they have not conquered yet.90

And that is—but they haven't conquered yet.90

Mar. But they have crushed.

Mar. But they've crushed.

Doge.‍Nor crushed as yet—I live.

Doge. Not crushed yet—I live.

Mar. And your son,—how long will he live?

Mar. And your son—how long will he live?

Doge.‍I trust,

Doge. I trust,

For all that yet is past, as many years

For everything that has happened so far, as many years

And happier than his father. The rash boy,

And happier than his dad. The reckless boy,

With womanish impatience to return,

With feminine impatience to return,

Hath ruined all by that detected letter:

Has ruined everything with that exposed letter:

A high crime, which I neither can deny

A serious crime, which I can't deny

Nor palliate, as parent or as Duke:

Nor soften the blow, either as a parent or as a Duke:

Had he but borne a little, little longer

Had he just endured a little bit longer

His Candiote exile, I had hopes—he has quenched them—100

His exile in Candiote, I had hopes—he has dashed them—100

He must return.

He has to come back.

Mar.‍To exile?

To exile?

Doge.‍I have said it.

Doge. I said it.

Mar. And can I not go with him?

Mar. Can’t I go with him?

Doge.‍You well know

Doge. You know

This prayer of yours was twice denied before

This prayer of yours was denied twice before.

By the assembled "Ten," and hardly now

By the assembled "Ten," and barely now

Will be accorded to a third request,

Will be granted to a third request,

Since aggravated errors on the part

Since serious mistakes made by the

Of your Lord renders them still more austere.

Of your Lord makes them even more serious.

Mar. Austere? Atrocious! The old human fiends,

Mar. Austere? That's awful! The old human monsters,

With one foot in the grave, with dim eyes, strange

With one foot in the grave, with dull eyes, strange

To tears save drops of dotage, with long white [bd]110

To tears save drops of old age, with long white [bd]110

And scanty hairs, and shaking hands, and heads

And thin hair, shaky hands, and heads

As palsied as their hearts are hard, they counsel,

As shaky as their hearts are tough, they advise,

Cabal, and put men's lives out, as if Life

Cabal, and end men's lives, as if Life

Were no more than the feelings long extinguished

Were nothing more than feelings that had long been extinguished.

In their accurséd bosoms.

In their cursed hearts.

Doge.‍You know not——

Doge.‍You don't know—

Mar. I do—I do—and so should you, methinks—

Mar. I do—I do—and I think you should too—

That these are demons: could it be else that

That these are demons: could it be anything else that

Men, who have been of women born and suckled—

Men, who were born from women and nursed—

Who have loved, or talked at least of Love—have given

Who have loved, or at least talked about Love—have given

Their hands in sacred vows—have danced their babes120

Their hands in sacred vows have danced their babies120

Upon their knees, perhaps have mourned above them—

Upon their knees, they may have mourned over them—

In pain, in peril, or in death—who are,[142]

In pain, in danger, or in death—who are,[142]

Or were, at least in seeming, human, could

Or were, at least in appearance, human, could

Do as they have done by yours, and you yourself—

Do what they have done with yours, and you yourself—

You, who abet them?

You, who supports them?

Doge.‍I forgive this, for

Doge. I forgive this, for

You know not what you say.

You don't know what you're talking about.

Mar.‍You know it well,

You know it well,

And feel it nothing.

And feel nothing.

Doge.‍I have borne so much,

Doge. I have endured so much,

That words have ceased to shake me.

That words no longer affect me.

Mar.‍Oh, no doubt!

Mar.‍Definitely!

You have seen your son's blood flow, and your flesh shook not;

You have watched your son's blood spill, and your body did not tremble;

And after that, what are a woman's words?130

No more than woman's tears, that they should shake you.

No more than a woman's tears, that they should move you.

Doge. Woman, this clamorous grief of thine, I tell thee,

Doge. Woman, this loud sorrow of yours, I’m telling you,

Is no more in the balance weighed with that

Is no longer measured against that

Which——but I pity thee, my poor Marina!

Which—but I feel sorry for you, my poor Marina!

Mar. Pity my husband, or I cast it from me;

Mar. Feel sorry for my husband, or I’ll push it away from me;

Pity thy son! Thou pity!—'tis a word

Pity your son! You pity!—it's a word

Strange to thy heart—how came it on thy lips?

Strange to your heart—how did it end up on your lips?

Doge. I must bear these reproaches, though they wrong me.

Doge. I have to endure these accusations, even though they're unjust.

Couldst thou but read——

If only you could read—

Mar.‍'Tis not upon thy brow,

Mar.‍It's not on your brow,

Nor in thine eyes, nor in thine acts,—where then140

Nor in your eyes, nor in your actions—where then

Should I behold this sympathy? or shall?

Should I see this sympathy? Or not?

Doge (pointing downwards). There.

Doge (pointing down). There.

Mar.‍In the earth?

In the ground?

Doge.‍To which I am tending: when

Doge.Understood. Please provide the text you want to be modernized.To which I am focusing: when

It lies upon this heart, far lightlier, though

It rests on this heart, much more lightly, though

Loaded with marble, than the thoughts which press it

Loaded with marble, more than the thoughts that weigh on it.

Now, you will know me better.

Now, you’ll know me more.

Mar.‍Are you, then,

Are you, then,

Indeed, thus to be pitied?

Really, should this be pitied?

Doge.‍Pitied! None

Doge. Pitied! None

Shall ever use that base word, with which men

Cloak their soul's hoarded triumph, as a fit one

Cloak their soul's hidden victory, just as it should be.

To mingle with my name; that name shall be,

To mix with my name; that name will be,

As far as I have borne it, what it was150

As far as I have dealt with it, what it was150

When I received it.

When I got it.

Mar.‍But for the poor children[143]

But for the poor kids

Of him thou canst not, or thou wilt not save,

Of him you cannot, or you will not save,

You were the last to bear it.

You were the last to carry it.

Doge.‍Would it were so!

Doge.‍I wish it were true!

Better for him he never had been born;

Better for him that he had never been born;

Better for me.—I have seen our house dishonoured.

Better for me.—I've seen our house dishonored.

Mar. That's false! A truer, nobler, trustier heart,

Mar. That's not true! A more genuine, noble, and reliable heart,

More loving, or more loyal, never beat

More love or loyalty never lost.

Within a human breast. I would not change

My exiled, persecuted, mangled husband,

My estranged, persecuted, injured husband,

Oppressed but not disgraced, crushed, overwhelmed,160

Oppressed but not humiliated, defeated, overwhelmed,160

Alive, or dead, for Prince or Paladin

Alive, or dead, for Prince or Knight

In story or in fable, with a world

In a story or a fable, with a world

To back his suit. Dishonoured!—he dishonoured!

To support his case. Disgraced!—he disgraced!

I tell thee, Doge, 'tis Venice is dishonoured;

I tell you, Doge, Venice is dishonored;

His name shall be her foulest, worst reproach,

His name will be her biggest, worst insult,

For what he suffers, not for what he did.

For what he’s going through, not for what he did.

'Tis ye who are all traitors, Tyrant!—ye!

'You are all traitors, Tyrant!—you!

Did you but love your Country like this victim

Did you love your country like this victim?

Who totters back in chains to tortures, and

Who stumbles back in chains to suffer, and

Submits to all things rather than to exile,170

Submits to everything instead of being exiled,170

You'd fling yourselves before him, and implore

You'd throw yourselves at his feet and beg.

His grace for your enormous guilt.

His kindness for your huge guilt.

Doge.‍He was

Indeed all you have said. I better bore

Indeed all you have said. I’d rather be bored.

The deaths of the two sons [52] Heaven took from me,

The deaths of my two sons [52] Heaven took from me,

Than Jacopo's disgrace.

Than Jacopo's shame.

Mar.‍That word again?

That word again?

Doge. Has he not been condemned?

Doge. Hasn't he been evaluated?

Mar.‍Is none but guilt so?

Is guilt the only cause?

Doge. Time may restore his memory—I would hope so.

Doge. Time might help him remember—I really hope it does.

He was my pride, my——but 'tis useless now—

He was my pride, my—but it's useless now—

I am not given to tears, but wept for joy

I don’t usually cry, but I cried happy tears.

When he was born: those drops were ominous.180

When he was born, those drops were a bad sign.180

Mar. I say he's innocent! And were he not so,

Mar. I say he's innocent! And if he weren't,

Is our own blood and kin to shrink from us

Is our own blood and family supposed to turn away from us?

In fatal moments?

In life-or-death situations?

Doge.‍I shrank not from him:

Doge. I didn’t shy away from him:

But I have other duties than a father's;

But I have other responsibilities besides those of a father;

The state would not dispense me from those duties;[144]

The government wouldn’t excuse me from those responsibilities;[144]

Twice I demanded it, but was refused:[53]

Twice I asked for it, but was denied:[53]

They must then be fulfilled.

They must be completed.

Enter an Attendant.

Enter a Staff Member.

Att.‍A message from

A message from

"The Ten."

"The Top Ten."

Doge.‍Who bears it?

Doge. Who has it?

Att.‍Noble Loredano.

Att. Noble Loredano.

Doge. He!—but admit him.[Exit Attendant.

Doge. He!—but let him in.[Exit Attendant.

Mar.‍Must I then retire?

Must I then step back?

Doge. Perhaps it is not requisite, if this190

Doge. Maybe it's not necessary, if this190

Concerns your husband, and if not——Well, Signor,

Concerns your husband, and if not—Well, sir,

[To Loredano entering.

[To Loredano entering.]

Your pleasure?

Your enjoyment?

Lor.‍I bear that of "the Ten."

Lor.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I bear the title of "the Ten."

Doge.‍They

Doge. They

Have chosen well their envoy.

Have chosen a good envoy.

Lor.‍'Tis their choice

Lor. It's their choice

Which leads me here.

Which brings me here.

Doge.‍It does their wisdom honour,

Doge. It honors their wisdom,

And no less to their courtesy.—Proceed.

And no less to their politeness.—Go ahead.

Lor. We have decided.

Lor. We've made our decision.

Doge.‍We?

Doge. ‍We?

Lor.‍"The Ten" in council.

Lor.‍"The Ten" in meeting.

Doge. What! have they met again, and met without

Doge. What! Have they run into each other again, and met without

Apprising me?

Updating me?

Lor.‍They wished to spare your feelings,

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.They wanted to protect your feelings,

No less than age.

Not younger than age.

Doge.‍That's new—when spared they either?

Doge.‍That's new—when are they spared?

I thank them, notwithstanding.

I thank them anyway.

Lor.‍You know well200

You know well

That they have power to act at their discretion,

That they have the authority to act as they see fit,

With or without the presence of the Doge.

With or without the Doge present.

Doge. 'Tis some years since I learned this, long before

Doge. It’s been a few years since I learned this, long before

I became Doge, or dreamed of such advancement.

I became the Doge, or fantasized about that kind of promotion.

You need not school me, Signor; I sate in

You don’t have to teach me, Sir; I sat in

That Council when you were a young patrician.

That Council when you were a young aristocrat.

Lor. True, in my father's time; I have heard him and[145]

Lor. It's true, back in my father's day; I've heard him and[145]

The Admiral, his brother, say as much.

The Admiral and his brother both say the same thing.

Your Highness may remember them; they both

Your Highness might remember them; they both

Died suddenly.[54]

Died unexpectedly.[54]

Doge.‍And if they did so, better210

Doge.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And if they did that, it would be better210

So die than live on lingeringly in pain.

So die than live on suffering for so long.

Lor. No doubt: yet most men like to live their days out.

Lor. There's no question about it: still, most people prefer to live out their lives.

Doge. And did not they?

Doge. And didn't they?

Lor.‍The Grave knows best: they died,

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.The Grave knows best: they died,

As I said, suddenly.

As I mentioned, suddenly.

Doge.‍Is that so strange,

Doge. Is that so weird,

That you repeat the word emphatically?

That you say the word with emphasis?

Lor. So far from strange, that never was there death

Lor. So far from strange, that there has never been death

In my mind half so natural as theirs.

In my mind, it's not as natural as theirs.

Think you not so?

Think you don't?

Doge.‍What should I think of mortals?

Doge.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.What should I make of humans?

Lor. That they have mortal foes.

Lor. That they have enemies for life.

Doge.‍I understand you;

Doge. I get you;

Your sires were mine, and you are heir in all things.220

Your ancestors were mine, and you inherit everything.220

Lor. You best know if I should be so.

Lor. You know better than I if I should be like that.

Doge.‍I do.

Doge. I do.

Your fathers were my foes, and I have heard

Your fathers were my enemies, and I have heard

Foul rumours were abroad; I have also read

Foul rumors were spreading; I have also read

Their epitaph, attributing their deaths

Their epitaph, linking their deaths

To poison. 'Tis perhaps as true as most

To poison. It’s probably as true as most

Inscriptions upon tombs, and yet no less

Inscriptions on tombs, and yet no less

A fable.

Lor.‍Who dares say so?

Lor. Who says that?

Doge.‍I!——'Tis true

Doge! It’s true

Your fathers were mine enemies, as bitter

Your fathers were my enemies, just as bitter

As their son e'er can be, and I no less

As their son can be, and I no less

Was theirs; but I was openly their foe:230

Was theirs; but I was clearly their enemy:230

I never worked by plot in Council, nor

I never worked on the plot in Council, nor

Cabal in commonwealth, nor secret means

Cabal in a commonwealth, nor secret ways

Of practice against life by steel or drug.

Of practicing against life with steel or drugs.

The proof is—your existence.

The proof is—your presence.

Lor.‍I fear not.

I’m not afraid.

Doge. You have no cause, being what I am; but were I

Doge. You have no reason, considering who I am; but if I

That you would have me thought, you long ere now[146]

That you would have me think, you long before now[146]

Were past the sense of fear. Hate on; I care not.

We're beyond feeling afraid. Go ahead and hate; it doesn't matter to me.

Lor. I never yet knew that a noble's life

Lor. I’ve never known a noble’s life

In Venice had to dread a Doge's frown,

In Venice, people had to fear the Doge's frown,

That is, by open means.

That is, by open methods.

Doge.‍But I, good Signor,240

Doge. But I, good Sir,

Am, or at least was, more than a mere duke,

Am, or at least was, more than just a duke,

In blood, in mind, in means; and that they know

In blood, in mind, in resources; and that they know

Who dreaded to elect me, and have since

Who was afraid to choose me, and has since

Striven all they dare to weigh me down: be sure,

Struggled as hard as they could to bring me down: trust me,

Before or since that period, had I held you

Before or since that time, have I held you

At so much price as to require your absence,

At such a high cost that it demands your absence,

A word of mine had set such spirits to work

A word of mine had gotten such spirits to work

As would have made you nothing. But in all things

As would have amounted to nothing for you. But in everything

I have observed the strictest reverence;

I have noticed the greatest respect;

Not for the laws alone, for those you have strained250

Not just for the laws, but for those you have worked hard for250

(I do not speak of you but as a single

Voice of the many) somewhat beyond what

I could enforce for my authority,

I could assert my power,

Were I disposed to brawl; but, as I said,

Were I inclined to fight; but, as I said,

I have observed with veneration, like

I have watched with respect, like

A priest's for the High Altar, even unto

The sacrifice of my own blood and quiet,

The sacrifice of my own blood and silence,

Safety, and all save honour, the decrees,

Safety, and everything except honor, the rules,

The health, the pride, and welfare of the State.

The health, pride, and well-being of the State.

And now, sir, to your business.

And now, sir, let's get to your business.

Lor.‍'Tis decreed,260

Lor. It's decided, 260

That, without further repetition of

That, without further repeating of

The Question, or continuance of the trial,

The Question, or continuation of the trial,

Which only tends to show how stubborn guilt is,

Which just shows how stubborn guilt can be,

("The Ten," dispensing with the stricter law

Which still prescribes the Question till a full

Which still prescribes the Question until a full

Confession, and the prisoner partly having

Avowed his crime in not denying that

Avowed his crime by not denying that

The letter to the Duke of Milan's his),

James Foscari return to banishment,

James Foscari returns to exile,

And sail in the same galley which conveyed him.270

And sail in the same ship that carried him.270

Mar. Thank God! At least they will not drag him more

Mar. Thank God! At least they won't drag him any further.

Before that horrible tribunal. Would he

But think so, to my mind the happiest doom,

But I believe that it's the happiest fate,

Not he alone, but all who dwell here, could[147]

Not just him, but everyone who lives here, could[147]

Desire, were to escape from such a land.

Desire was to escape from such a land.

Doge. That is not a Venetian thought, my daughter.

Doge. That's not a Venetian idea, my daughter.

Mar. No, 'twas too human. May I share his exile?

Mar. No, that was too human. Can I join him in his exile?

Lor. Of this "the Ten" said nothing.

Lor. None of "the Ten" mentioned this.

Mar.‍So I thought!

So I thought!

That were too human, also. But it was not

That were too human, too. But it was not

Inhibited?

Shy?

Lor.‍It was not named.

It was not named.

Mar. (to the Doge).‍Then, father,280

Mar. (to the Doge). Then, dad,

Surely you can obtain or grant me thus much:

Surely you can get or give me at least this much:

[To Loredano.

[To Loredano.]

And you, sir, not oppose my prayer to be

And you, sir, won't refuse my request to be

Permitted to accompany my husband.

Allowed to accompany my husband.

Doge. I will endeavour.

Doge. I'll give it a try.

Mar.‍And you, Signor?

And you, Sir?

Lor.‍Lady!

Lor.‍Wow, lady!

'Tis not for me to anticipate the pleasure

Of the tribunal.

Of the court.

Mar.‍Pleasure! what a word

Pleasure! What a word!

To use for the decrees of——

To use for the rules of——

Doge.‍Daughter, know you

Doge. Daughter, know you.

In what a presence you pronounce these things?

In what a way you say these things?

Mar. A Prince's and his subject's.

Mar. A prince and his subject.

Lor.‍Subject!

Lor.‍Hey there!

Mar.‍Oh!

Oh!

It galls you:—well, you are his equal, as290

It annoys you:—well, you are his equal, as290

You think; but that you are not, nor would be,

You think you are, but you're not, and you wouldn't want to be,

Were he a peasant:—well, then, you're a Prince,

Were he a peasant—well, then, you're a Prince,

A princely noble; and what then am I?

A royal noble; so what does that make me?

Lor. The offspring of a noble house.

Lor. The child of an elite family.

Mar.‍And wedded

Married

To one as noble. What, or whose, then, is

To someone as noble. What, or whose, then, is

The presence that should silence my free thoughts?

The presence that should quiet my thoughts?

Lor. The presence of your husband's Judges.

Lor. The presence of your husband's judges.

Doge.‍And

Doge. And

The deference due even to the lightest word

The respect owed even to the slightest word

That falls from those who rule in Venice.

That comes from those who govern in Venice.

Mar.‍Keep

Mar.‍Hold

Those maxims for your mass of scared mechanics,300

Those sayings for your group of anxious workers,300

Your merchants, your Dalmatian and Greek slaves,

Your merchants, your Dalmatian and Greek workers,

Your tributaries, your dumb citizens,[148]

Your followers, your clueless citizens,

And masked nobility, your sbirri, and

Your spies, your galley and your other slaves,

Your spies, your crew, and your other servants,

To whom your midnight carryings off and drownings,

To whom your midnight abductions and drownings,

Your dungeons next the palace roofs, or under

Your dungeons next to the palace roofs, or under

The water's level;[55] your mysterious meetings,

The water level; __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ your secret meetings,

And unknown dooms, and sudden executions,

And unknown fates, and sudden judgments,

Your "Bridge of Sighs," your strangling chamber, and

Your "Bridge of Sighs," your execution room, and

Your torturing instruments, have made ye seem310

Your torture tools have made you seem310

The beings of another and worse world!

The creatures from a different, more terrible world!

Keep such for them: I fear ye not. I know ye;[be]

Keep such for them: I’m not afraid of you. I know you;[be]

Have known and proved your worst, in the infernal

Have known and shown your worst, in the hellish

Process of my poor husband! Treat me as

Ye treated him:—you did so, in so dealing

You treated him: you did so in that way

With him. Then what have I to fear from you,

With him. Then what do I have to fear from you,

Even if I were of fearful nature, which

Even if I were naturally timid, which

I trust I am not?

I hope I'm not?

Doge.‍You hear, she speaks wildly.

Doge.‍You hear, she talks crazy.

Mar. Not wisely, yet not wildly.

Mar. Not smartly, but not recklessly.

Lor.‍Lady! words

Lor. Lady! Words

Uttered within these walls I bear no further320

Uttered within these walls, I have nothing more to say.

Than to the threshold, saving such as pass

Between the Duke and me on the State's service.

Doge! have you aught in answer?

Doge! Do you have anything to say?

Doge.‍Something from

Doge. Something from

The Doge; it may be also from a parent.

The Doge; it could also come from a parent.

Lor. My mission here is to the Doge.

My mission here is to the Doge.

Doge.‍Then say

Doge. Then say

The Doge will choose his own ambassador,

The Doge will select his own ambassador,

Or state in person what is meet; and for

Or say in person what is appropriate; and for

The father——

The dad——

Lor.‍I remember mine.—Farewell!

Lor.‍I remember mine.—Goodbye!

I kiss the hands of the illustrious Lady,

I kiss the hands of the distinguished Lady,

And bow me to the Duke.[Exit Loredano.

And bow to the Duke.[Exit Loredano.

Mar.‍Are you content?330

Mar.‍Are you happy?330

Doge. I am what you behold.

Doge. I am what you see.

Mar.‍And that's a mystery.

And that's a mystery.

Doge. All things are so to mortals; who can read them

Doge. Everything is like that for humans; who can understand them?

Save he who made? or, if they can, the few[149]

And gifted spirits, who have studied long

And talented individuals who have studied for a long time

That loathsome volume—man, and pored upon

That disgusting book—man, and focused on

Those black and bloody leaves, his heart and brain,[bf]

Those dark, bloody leaves, his heart and mind,[bf]

But learn a magic which recoils upon

But learn a magic that backfires on

The adept who pursues it: all the sins

The person who strives for it: all the sins

We find in others, Nature made our own;

We discover in others what nature has made in us;

All our advantages are those of Fortune;340

All our advantages come from luck;340

Birth, wealth, health, beauty, are her accidents,

Birth, wealth, health, and beauty are just her circumstances,

And when we cry out against Fate, 'twere well

And when we shout out against Fate, it would be good

We should remember Fortune can take nought

We should remember that Fortune can take nothing.

Save what she gave—the rest was nakedness,

Save what she gave—the rest was vulnerability,

And lusts, and appetites, and vanities,

And wants, cravings, and superficialities,

The universal heritage, to battle

Universal heritage, to fight

With as we may, and least in humblest stations,[bg]

With all that we can, and especially in the humblest positions,[bg]

Where Hunger swallows all in one low want,[bh]

Where hunger consumes everything in a single craving,[bh]

And the original ordinance, that man

Must sweat for his poor pittance, keeps all passions350

Must work hard for his meager pay, holds back all his emotions.

Aloof, save fear of famine! All is low,

Aloof, except for the fear of hunger! Everything is bleak,

And false, and hollow—clay from first to last,

And fake, and empty—shallow from beginning to end,

The Prince's urn no less than potter's vessel.

The Prince's urn is just as important as the potter's vessel.

Our Fame is in men's breath, our lives upon

Our fame is in people's words, our lives depend on

Less than their breath; our durance upon days [bi]

Less than their breath; our time spent on days [bi]

Our days on seasons; our whole being on

Our days are defined by seasons; our entire existence depends on

Something which is not us![56]—So, we are slaves,

Something that isn’t us![56]—So, we are slaves,

The greatest as the meanest—nothing rests

The greatest and the meanest—nothing stays the same.

Upon our will; the will itself no less [bj]

Depends upon a straw than on a storm;360

Depends on a straw rather than on a storm; 360

And when we think we lead, we are most led,[57][150]

And when we think we’re in charge, we’re actually being led. [57] [150]

And still towards Death, a thing which comes as much

And still towards Death, a thing that comes as much

Without our act or choice as birth, so that

Without our action or decision at birth, so that

Methinks we must have sinned in some old world,

Methinks we must have done something wrong in some past life,

And this is Hell: the best is, that it is not

And this is Hell: the best part is, that it is not

Eternal.

Timeless.

Mar.‍These are things we cannot judge

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.These are things we can't judge

On earth.

On Earth.

Doge.‍And how then shall we judge each other,

Doge.Understood! Please provide the short phrases you'd like me to modernize.And how should we judge one another,

Who are all earth, and I, who am called upon

Who is everyone on earth, and who am I that I am called upon?

To judge my son? I have administered

My country faithfully—victoriously—370

My country loyally—triumphantly—370

I dare them to the proof, the chart of what

I challenge them to prove it, the chart of what

She was and is: my reign has doubled realms;

She was and is: my rule has expanded to two kingdoms;

And, in reward, the gratitude of Venice

And, as a reward, the appreciation of Venice

Has left, or is about to leave, me single.

Mar. And Foscari? I do not think of such things,

Mar. And Foscari? I don't think about stuff like that,

So I be left with him.

So I'm stuck with him.

Doge.‍You shall be so;

Doge. You will be so;

Thus much they cannot well deny.

They can't really deny this much.

Mar.‍And if

And if

They should, I will fly with him.

They should, I will go with him.

Doge.‍That can ne'er be.

Doge.‍That can never be.

And whither would you fly?

And where would you fly?

Mar.‍I know not, reck not—

I don't know, don't care—

To Syria, Egypt, to the Ottoman—380

Any where, where we might respire unfettered,

Any place where we can breathe freely,

And live nor girt by spies, nor liable

And live neither surrounded by spies, nor vulnerable

To edicts of inquisitors of state.

To orders from state inquisitors.

Doge. What, wouldst thou have a renegade for husband,

Doge. What, would you want a renegade for a husband,

And turn him into traitor?

And make him a traitor?

Mar.‍He is none!

He is no one!

The Country is the traitress, which thrusts forth

The Country is the betrayer that pushes forth

Her best and bravest from her. Tyranny

Her best and bravest against her. Oppression

Is far the worst of treasons. Dost thou deem

Is by far the worst of betrayals. Do you think

None rebels except subjects? The Prince who

Neglects or violates his trust is more390

Neglects or breaks his trust is more390

A brigand than the robber-chief.

A brigand more than the robber-chief.

Doge.‍I cannot

Doge. I can't

Charge me with such a breach of faith.

Charge me with such a betrayal of trust.

Mar‍No; thou[151]

No; you

Observ'st, obey'st such laws as make old Draco's

A code of mercy by comparison.

A standard of compassion by comparison.

Doge. I found the law; I did not make it. Were I

Doge. I found the law; I did not create it. If I were

A subject, still I might find parts and portions

A subject, but I might still find some bits and pieces.

Fit for amendment; but as Prince, I never

Would change, for the sake of my house, the charter

Would change, for the benefit of my home, the agreement.

Left by our fathers.

Abandoned by our fathers.

Mar.‍Did they make it for

Did they make it for

The ruin of their children?

The downfall of their kids?

Doge.‍Under such laws, Venice400

Doge. Under these laws, Venice

Has risen to what she is—a state to rival

In deeds, and days, and sway, and, let me add,

In actions, and times, and influence, and, let me add,

In glory (for we have had Roman spirits

In glory (because we've had Roman spirits

Amongst us), all that history has bequeathed

Among us, all that history has given

Of Rome and Carthage in their best times, when

Of Rome and Carthage in their prime, when

The people swayed by Senates.

The people swayed by the Senate.

Mar.‍Rather say,

Rather say,

Groaned under the stern Oligarchs.

Groaned under the strict Oligarchs.

Doge.‍Perhaps so;

Doge. Maybe so;

But yet subdued the World: in such a state

But still, the world was subdued: in that state

An individual, be he richest of

An individual, whether he is the richest of

Such rank as is permitted, or the meanest,410

Such rank as is allowed, or the lowest,410

Without a name, is alike nothing, when

Without a name, it’s like nothing, when

The policy, irrevocably tending

The policy, permanently leaning

To one great end, must be maintained in vigour.

To achieve a significant goal, it must be actively sustained.

Mar. This means that you are more a Doge than father.

Mar. This means you're more of a Doge than a dad.

Doge. It means, I am more citizen than either.

Doge. It means, I am a more devoted citizen than either of them.

If we had not for many centuries

If we hadn't for many centuries

Had thousands of such citizens, and shall,

Had thousands of citizens like that, and will have more,

I trust, have still such, Venice were no city.

I trust, still have such, Venice was no city.

Mar. Accurséd be the city where the laws

Mar. Cursed be the city where the laws

Would stifle Nature's!

Would stifle nature!

Doge.‍Had I as many sons420

Doge. Had I as many sons

As I have years, I would have given them all,

Not without feeling, but I would have given them

To the State's service, to fulfil her wishes,

To serve the State and meet her wishes,

On the flood, in the field, or, if it must be,

On the flood, in the field, or, if it has to be,

As it, alas! has been, to ostracism,

As it, unfortunately, has been, to exclusion,

Exile, or chains, or whatsoever worse

Exile, or imprisonment, or anything worse

She might decree.[152]

She might decide.[152]

Mar.‍And this is Patriotism?

And this is patriotism?

To me it seems the worst barbarity.

To me, it seems like the most terrible act of cruelty.

Let me seek out my husband: the sage "Ten,"

Let me find my husband: the wise "Ten,"

With all its jealousy, will hardly war430

With all its jealousy, will hardly wage war.

So far with a weak woman as deny me

A moment's access to his dungeon.

A brief look into his dungeon.

Doge.‍I'll

Doge. I'll

So far take on myself, as order that

So far as I take on myself, as ordered that

You may be admitted.

You can be admitted.

Mar.‍And what shall I say

And what should I say

To Foscari from his father?

To Foscari from his dad?

Doge.‍That he obey

Doge. That he follows.

The laws.

The regulations.

Mar.‍And nothing more? Will you not see him

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And nothing else? Will you not go see him?

Ere he depart? It may be the last time.

Before he leaves? This might be the last time.

Doge. The last!—my boy!—the last time I shall see

Doge. The final time!—my son!—the last time I will see

My last of children! Tell him I will come.[Exeunt.

My last child! Tell him I will come.[Exit.

ACT III.

Setting I.—The prison of Jacopo Foscari.

Jac. Fos. (solus). No light, save yon faint gleam which shows me walls

Jac. Fos. (alone). No light, except for that dim glow that reveals the walls to me.

Which never echoed but to Sorrow's sounds,[58]

The sigh of long imprisonment, the step

Of feet on which the iron clanked the groan

Of feet where the iron clanked the groan

Of Death, the imprecation of Despair!

Of Death, the curse of Despair!

And yet for this I have returned to Venice,

And yet for this, I have come back to Venice,

With some faint hope, 'tis true, that Time, which wears[153]

With some faint hope, it's true, that Time, which wears[153]

The marble down, had worn away the hate

The marble below had worn away the hatred.

Of men's hearts; but I knew them not, and here

Of men's hearts; but I didn't know them, and here

Must I consume my own, which never beat10

Must I eat my own, which never beat10

For Venice but with such a yearning as

For Venice but with such a longing as

The dove has for her distant nest, when wheeling

The dove has her distant nest when flying around.

High in the air on her return to greet

Her callow brood. What letters are these which

Her immature kids. What letters are these that

[Approaching the wall.

[Getting close to the wall.

Are scrawled along the inexorable wall?

Are written on the unstoppable wall?

Will the gleam let me trace them? Ah! the names

Will the shine let me follow them? Ah! the names

Of my sad predecessors in this place,[59]

Of my sorrowful predecessors in this place,[59]

The dates of their despair, the brief words of

A grief too great for many. This stone page

Holds like an epitaph their history;20

Holds like a tombstone their history;20

And the poor captive's tale is graven on

And the poor captive's story is etched on

His dungeon barrier, like the lover's record

Upon the bark of some tall tree,[60] which bears

His own and his belovéd's name. Alas!

His own and his beloved's name. Alas!

I recognise some names familiar to me,

I recognize some names that I know,

And blighted like to mine, which I will add,

And ruined like mine, which I'll add,

Fittest for such a chronicle as this,

Fitting for a story like this,

Which only can be read, as writ, by wretches.[bk]

Which can only be read, as it’s written, by those who are unfortunate.[bk]

[He engraves his name.

[He signs his name.

Enter a Familiar of "the Ten."

Fam. I bring you food.

Hey fam, I brought food.

Jac. Fos.‍I pray you set it down;

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I urge you to write it down;

I am past hunger: but my lips are parched—30

I’m beyond hunger now, but my lips are dry—30

The water!

Fam.‍There.[154]

Fam. There.

Jac. Fos. (after drinking). I thank you: I am better.

Jac. Fos. (after drinking). Thank you; I'm feeling better.

Fam. I am commanded to inform you that

Fam. I'm told to let you know that

Your further trial is postponed.

Your trial has been delayed.

Jac. Fos.‍Till when?

Jac. Fos.‍Until when?

Fam. I know not.—It is also in my orders

Fam. I don’t know.—It’s also part of my orders

That your illustrious lady be admitted.

That your distinguished lady be allowed in.

Jac. Fos. Ah! they relent, then—I had ceased to hope it:

Jac. Fos. Ah! they’re changing their minds, then—I had stopped hoping for that:

'Twas time.

It was time.

Enter Marina.

Mar.‍My best belovéd!

My beloved!

Jac. Fos. (embracing her).‍My true wife,

Jac. Fos. (hugging her).Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.My real wife,

And only friend! What happiness!

And only friend! What joy!

Mar.‍We'll part

We'll split up.

No more.

Jac. Fos. How! would'st thou share a dungeon?

Jac. Fos. What! Would you really share a dungeon?

Mar.‍Aye,

Mar. Aye,

The rack, the grave, all—any thing with thee,40

The rack, the grave, everything with you,40

But the tomb last of all, for there we shall

But the tomb, ultimately, for there we shall

Be ignorant of each other, yet I will

Be unaware of one another, yet I will

Share that—all things except new separation;

Share that—all things except for new separation;

It is too much to have survived the first.

It’s overwhelming to have made it through the first.

How dost thou? How are those worn limbs? Alas!

How are you? How are those tired limbs? Oh no!

Why do I ask? Thy paleness——

Why do I ask? Your paleness—

Jac. Fos.‍'Tis the joy

Jac. Fos. It's the joy

Of seeing thee again so soon, and so

Of seeing you again so soon, and so

Without expectancy, has sent the blood

Without expectation, has sent the blood

Back to my heart, and left my cheeks like thine,

Back to my heart, and left my cheeks like yours,

For thou art pale too, my Marina!

For you are pale too, my Marina!

Mar.‍'Tis50

Mar. 'Tis 50

The gloom of this eternal cell, which never

The darkness of this endless cell, which never

Knew sunbeam, and the sallow sullen glare

Knew sunlight, and the pale, dull glare

Of the familiar's torch, which seems akin [bl]

Of the familiar's torch, which seems similar [bl]

To darkness more than light, by lending to

The dungeon vapours its bituminous smoke,

The dungeon emits its thick, tar-like smoke,

Which cloud whate'er we gaze on, even thine eyes—

Which cloud, whatever we look at, even your eyes—

No, not thine eyes—they sparkle—how they sparkle![155]

No, not your eyes—they shine—how they shine![155]

Jac. Fos. And thine!—but I am blinded by the torch.

Jac. Fos. And yours!—but I can’t see because of the torchlight.

Mar. As I had been without it. Couldst thou see here?

Mar. Since I had been without it. Can you see here?

Jac. Fos. Nothing at first; but use and time had taught me60

Jac. Fos. Nothing at first; but experience and time had taught me60

Familiarity with what was darkness;

Familiarity with what was dark;

And the grey twilight of such glimmerings as

And the gray twilight of such glimmers as

Glide through the crevices made by the winds

Glide through the gaps created by the winds

Was kinder to mine eyes than the full Sun,

Was kinder to my eyes than the bright Sun,

When gorgeously o'ergilding any towers

When beautifully gilding any towers

Save those of Venice; but a moment ere

Save those of Venice; but a moment before

Thou earnest hither I was busy writing.

You came here while I was busy writing.

Mar. What?

Mar. What?

Jac. Fos. My name: look, 'tis there—recorded next

Jac. Fos. My name: look, it’s right there—written down next

The name of him who here preceded me,—

The name of the person who came before me here—

If dungeon dates say true.

If dungeon dates are accurate.

Mar.‍And what of him?70

And what about him?

Jac. Fos. These walls are silent of men's ends; they only

Jac. Fos. These walls are silent about people's fates; they only

Seem to hint shrewdly of them. Such stern walls

Seem to cleverly suggest them. Such strong walls

Were never piled on high save o'er the dead,

Were never stacked up high except over the dead,

Or those who soon must be so.—What of him?

Or those who will have to be soon.—What about him?

Thou askest.—What of me? may soon be asked,

Thou askest.—What about me? may soon be asked,

With the like answer—doubt and dreadful surmise—

With a similar answer—doubt and terrifying guess—

Unless thou tell'st my tale.

Unless you tell my story.

Mar.‍I speak of thee!

Mar.‍I'm talking about you!

Jac. Fos. And wherefore not? All then shall speak of me:

Jac. Fos. And why not? Everyone will then talk about me:

The tyranny of silence is not lasting,

The oppression of silence doesn't last forever,

And, though events be hidden, just men's groans80

And, even if things are concealed, the cries of just men

Will burst all cerement, even a living grave's!

Will break free from all confinement, even a grave that’s still alive!

I do not doubt my memory, but my life;

And neither do I fear.

And I don't fear either.

Mar.‍Thy life is safe.

Your life is safe.

Jac. Fos. And liberty?

And freedom?

Mar.‍The mind should make its own!

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you want me to modernize.Your mind should create its own!

Jac. Fos. That has a noble sound; but 'tis a sound,

Jac. Fos. That has a noble ring to it; but it's just a sound,

A music most impressive, but too transient:

A music that's really impressive, but just too fleeting:

The Mind is much, but is not all. The Mind

The mind is important, but it’s not everything. The mind

Hath nerved me to endure the risk of death,

Has strengthened me to face the risk of death,

And torture positive, far worse than death[156]

And torture is definitely worse than death[156]

(If death be a deep sleep), without a groan,90

(If death is a deep sleep), without a groan,90

Or with a cry which rather shamed my judges

Or with a shout that embarrassed my judges

Than me; but 'tis not all, for there are things

Than me; but it's not just that, because there are things

More woful—such as this small dungeon, where

More sorrowful—such as this small dungeon, where

I may breathe many years.

I might live many years.

Mar.‍Alas! and this

Alas! and this

Small dungeon is all that belongs to thee

Small dungeon is all that belongs to you.

Of this wide realm, of which thy sire is Prince.

Of this vast kingdom, of which your father is the Prince.

Jac. Fos. That thought would scarcely aid me to endure it.

Jac. Fos. That thought wouldn't really help me get through it.

My doom is common; many are in dungeons,

My fate is ordinary; many are in prisons,

But none like mine, so near their father's palace;

But none like mine, so close to their father's palace;

But then my heart is sometimes high, and hope100

But then sometimes I feel really uplifted, and hope

Will stream along those moted rays of light

Will flow along those speckled rays of light.

Peopled with dusty atoms, which afford

Our only day; for, save the gaoler's torch,

Our only day; because, except for the jailer's torch,

And a strange firefly, which was quickly caught

Last night in yon enormous spider's net,

Last night in that huge spider's web,

I ne'er saw aught here like a ray. Alas!

I’ve never seen anything like this here. Oh no!

I know if mind may bear us up, or no,

I know if my mind can keep us going or not,

For I have such, and shown it before men;

For I have it, and have shown it to people;

It sinks in solitude: my soul is social.

It sinks in loneliness: my spirit is outgoing.

Mar. I will be with thee.

Mar. I'll be there for you.

Jac. Fos.‍Ah! if it were so!110

Jac. Fos.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Oh! if only that were true!110

But that they never granted—nor will grant,

But they never granted that—nor will grant,

And I shall be alone: no men; no books—

And I will be alone: no men; no books—

Those lying likenesses of lying men.

Those fake images of deceitful people.

I asked for even those outlines of their kind,

I asked for even those sketches of their kind,

Which they term annals, history, what you will,

Which they call annals, history, whatever you want to say,

Which men bequeath as portraits, and they were

Which men leave behind as portraits, and they were

Refused me,—so these walls have been my study,

Refused me—so these walls have been my focus,

More faithful pictures of Venetian story,

More accurate depictions of Venetian tales,

With all their blank, or dismal stains, than is

With all their dull or grim marks, than is

The Hall not far from hence, which bears on high120

The Hall not far from here, which stands tall120

Hundreds of Doges, and their deeds and dates.

Hundreds of Doges, along with their actions and timelines.

Mar. I come to tell thee the result of their

Mar. I'm here to tell you the result of their

Last council on thy doom.

Last council on your doom.

Jac. Fos.‍I know it—look!

Jac. Fos.‍I know it—check it out!

[He points to his limbs, as referring to the Question
which he had undergone.

[He points to his arms and legs, referring to the question
he had experienced.

Mar. No—no—no more of that: even they relent[157]

Mar. No—no—no more of that: even they give in[157]

From that atrocity.

From that horror.

Jac. Fos.‍What then?

Jac. Fos.‍So what?

Mar.‍That you

That you

Return to Candia.

Jac. Fos.‍Then my last hope's gone.

Jac. Fos.Got it! I'll modernize any text as needed while keeping everything intact, including any placeholder tokens. Please provide the text you would like me to work on.Then my last hope is gone.

I could endure my dungeon, for 'twas Venice;

I could handle my prison because it was Venice;

I could support the torture, there was something

I could support the torture; there was something

In my native air that buoyed my spirits up

In my home environment that lifted my spirits

Like a ship on the Ocean tossed by storms,130

Like a ship on the ocean rocked by storms,130

But proudly still bestriding [61] the high waves,

But still proudly riding the high waves,

And holding on its course; but there, afar,

And staying on its path; but there, in the distance,

In that accurséd isle of slaves and captives,

In that cursed island of slaves and captives,

And unbelievers, like a stranded wreck,

And nonbelievers, like a stranded wreck,

My very soul seemed mouldering in my bosom,

My very soul felt like it was rotting inside me,

And piecemeal I shall perish, if remanded.

And little by little, I will fade away if I'm sent back.

Mar. And here?

March. And here?

Jac. Fos.‍At once—by better means, as briefer.[bm]

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Immediately—through better methods, as well as more concisely.[bm]

What! would they even deny me my Sire's sepulchre,

What! Would they really deny me my lord's burial place?

As well as home and heritage?

Mar.‍My husband!

My husband!

I have sued to accompany thee hence,140

I have decided to go with you now,140

And not so hopelessly. This love of thine

And not so hopelessly. This love of yours

For an ungrateful and tyrannic soil

For an ungrateful and tyrannical land

Is Passion, and not Patriotism; for me,

Is it passion, not patriotism, that drives me?

So I could see thee with a quiet aspect,

So I could see you with a calm expression,

And the sweet freedom of the earth and air,

And the sweet freedom of the earth and sky,

I would not cavil about climes or regions.

I wouldn’t complain about different climates or places.

This crowd of palaces and prisons is not

This group of grand buildings and jails is not

A Paradise; its first inhabitants

A Paradise; its original inhabitants

Were wretched exiles.

Were miserable exiles.

Jac. Fos.‍Well I know how wretched!

Jac. Fos. Well, I know how awful!

Mar. And yet you see how, from their banishment150

Mar. And yet you can see how, since their exile150

Before the Tartar into these salt isles,

Before the Tartar arrived on these salt islands,

Their antique energy of mind, all that[158]

Their outdated mindset, all that

Remained of Rome for their inheritance,

Created by degrees an ocean Rome;[62]

Created gradually, an ocean of Rome; [62]

And shall an evil, which so often leads

And will an evil, which so often leads

To good, depress thee thus?

Is it good to depress you like this?

Jac. Fos.‍Had I gone forth

Jac. Fos.‍If I had gone out

From my own land, like the old patriarchs, seeking

Another region, with their flocks and herds;

Another area, with their animals;

Had I been cast out like the Jews from Zion,

Had I been kicked out like the Jews from Zion,

Or like our fathers, driven by Attila [63]160

From fertile Italy, to barren islets,

From fertile Italy to desolate islands,

I would have given some tears to my late country

I would have shed some tears for my lost country.

And many thoughts; but afterwards addressed

And many thoughts; but later addressed

Myself, with those about me, to create

Myself and those around me, to create

A new home and fresh state: perhaps I could

A new home and a fresh start: maybe I could

Have borne this—though I know not.

Have endured this—though I'm not sure why.

Mar.‍Wherefore not?

Mar.Why not?

It was the lot of millions, and must be

It was the fate of millions, and it has to be.

The fate of myriads more.

The fate of countless others.

Jac. Fos.‍Aye—we but hear

Jac. Fos.‍Yes—we only hear

Of the survivors' toil in their new lands,[159]

Of the survivors' hard work in their new lands,[159]

Their numbers and success; but who can number170

Their numbers and success; but who can count170

The hearts which broke in silence at that parting,

The hearts that shattered quietly at that separation,

Or after their departure; of that malady [64]

Or after they left; of that illness [64]

Which calls up green and native fields to view

Which brings to mind green and natural fields to see

From the rough deep, with such identity

From the rough depths, with such identity

To the poor exile's fevered eye, that he

Can scarcely be restrained from treading them?

Can hardly be stopped from walking on them?

That melody,[65] which out of tones and tunes [bn]

That melody,[65] which is made up of notes and rhythms [bn]

Collects such pasture for the longing sorrow

Collects such pasture for the deep longing and sadness.

Of the sad mountaineer, when far away

From his snow canopy of cliffs and clouds,180

From his snowy mountain peaks and clouds,180

That he feeds on the sweet, but poisonous thought,

That he feeds on the sweet yet toxic thought,

And dies.[66] You call this weakness! It is strength,

I say,—the parent of all honest feeling.

I say—the source of all genuine emotions.

He who loves not his Country, can love nothing.

He who doesn't love his country can't truly love anything.

Mar. Obey her, then: 'tis she that puts thee forth.[160]

Mar. Listen to her, then: it's she who encourages you.[160]

Jac. Fos. Aye, there it is; 'tis like a mother's curse

Jac. Fos. Yeah, there it is; it's like a mother's curse.

Upon my soul—the mark is set upon me.

Upon my soul—the mark is upon me.

The exiles you speak of went forth by nations,

The exiles you're talking about went out in groups by country,

Their hands upheld each other by the way,

Their hands supported each other in that way,

Their tents were pitched together—I'm alone.190

Their tents were set up close together—I’m by myself.190

Mar. You shall be so no more—I will go with thee.

Mar. You won't be like that anymore—I will go with you.

Jac. Fos. My best Marina!—and our children?

Jac. Fos. My dearest Marina!—and how are our kids?

Mar.‍They,

Mar. They,

I fear, by the prevention of the state's

I fear that by stopping the state's

Abhorrent policy, (which holds all ties

As threads, which may be broken at her pleasure),

As threads that she can break whenever she wants),

Will not be suffered to proceed with us.

Will not be allowed to continue with us.

Jac. Fos. And canst thou leave them?

Jac. Fos. Can you really leave them?

Mar.‍Yes—with many a pang!

Mar.‍Yes—with lots of pain!

But—I can leave them, children as they are,

But—I can leave them, kids as they are,

To teach you to be less a child. From this

To help you be less childish. From this

Learn you to sway your feelings, when exacted200

Learn to control your feelings when required200

By duties paramount; and 'tis our first

By duties that are most important; and it is our first

On earth to bear.

On Earth to bear.

Jac. Fos.‍Have I not borne?

Jac. Fos. Have I not endured?

Mar.‍Too much

Too much

From tyrannous injustice, and enough

From oppressive injustice, and enough

To teach you not to shrink now from a lot,

To teach you not to back away now from a challenge,

Which, as compared with what you have undergone

Which, compared to what you have been through

Of late, is mercy.

Recently, there is mercy.

Jac. Fos.‍Ah! you never yet

Jac. Fos. Ah! you haven't yet

Were far away from Venice, never saw

Her beautiful towers in the receding distance,

Her beautiful towers fading into the distance,

While every furrow of the vessel's track

While every groove of the ship's path

Seemed ploughing deep into your heart; you never210

Seemed to be digging deep into your heart; you never210

Saw day go down upon your native spires [bo]

Saw the day set over your hometown towers [bo]

So calmly with its gold and crimson glory,

So peacefully with its golden and crimson beauty,

And after dreaming a disturbéd vision

And after dreaming a troubling vision

Of them and theirs, awoke and found them not.

Of them and theirs, they woke up and found them missing.

Mar. I will divide this with you. Let us think

Mar. I'll share this with you. Let's think.

Of our departure from this much-loved city,

Of our leaving this beloved city,

(Since you must love it, as it seems,) and this

Chamber of state, her gratitude allots you.

Chamber of state, her gratitude gives you.

Our children will be cared for by the Doge,

Our kids will be looked after by the Doge,

And by my uncles; we must sail ere night.220[161]

And by my uncles; we must set sail before nightfall.220[161]

Jac. Fos. That's sudden. Shall I not behold my father?

Jac. Fos. That's unexpected. Won't I see my father?

Mar. You will.

Mar. You got this.

Jac. Fos.‍Where?

Jac. Fos.‍Location?

Mar.‍Here, or in the ducal chamber—

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text for modernization.Here, or in the duke's chamber—

He said not which. I would that you could bear

He didn't specify which one. I wish you could handle it.

Your exile as he bears it.

Your exile as he endures it.

Jac. Fos.‍Blame him not.

Jac. Fos.‍Don't blame him.

I sometimes murmur for a moment; but

I sometimes whisper for a moment; but

He could not now act otherwise. A show

He couldn't act any differently now. A show

Of feeling or compassion on his part

Would have but drawn upon his agéd head

Would have but drawn upon his aged head

Suspicion from "the Ten," and upon mine

Suspicion from "the Ten," and upon my

Accumulated ills.

Built-up problems.

Mar.‍Accumulated!230

Accumulated!

What pangs are those they have spared you?

What pains have they saved you from?

Jac. Fos.‍That of leaving

Jac. Fos. That of leaving

Venice without beholding him or you,

Venice without seeing him or you,

Which might have been forbidden now, as 'twas

Which might have been forbidden now, as it was

Upon my former exile.

During my past exile.

Mar.‍That is true,

That’s true,

And thus far I am also the State's debtor,

And so far, I also owe the State.

And shall be more so when I see us both

And it will be even more so when I see us both.

Floating on the free waves—away—away—

Floating on the ocean waves—away—away—

Be it to the earth's end, from this abhorred,

Be it to the end of the earth, from this hated,

Unjust, and——

Unfair, and——

Jac. Fos.‍Curse it not. If I am silent,

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Don't curse it. If I stay quiet,

Who dares accuse my Country?

Who dares to accuse my country?

Mar.‍Men and Angels!240

Men and Angels!

The blood of myriads reeking up to Heaven,

The blood of countless people rising up to Heaven,

The groans of slaves in chains, and men in dungeons,

The groans of enslaved people in chains, and men in prison,

Mothers, and wives, and sons, and sires, and subjects,

Moms, and wives, and sons, and fathers, and followers,

Held in the bondage of ten bald-heads; and

Held in the control of ten bald heads; and

Though last, not least, thy silence! Couldst thou say

Though last, not least, your silence! Could you say

Aught in its favour, who would praise like thee?

Anything in its favor, who would praise it like you?

Jac. Fos. Let us address us then, since so it must be,

Jac. Fos. Let's talk then, since we have to,

To our departure. Who comes here?

To our departure. Who's coming here?

[162]

Enter Loredano attended by Familiars.

Enter Loredano accompanied by Associates.

Lor. (to the Familiars).‍Retire,

Lor. (to the Familiars).‍Stand down,

But leave the torch.[Exeunt the two Familiars.

But leave the torch.[Leave the two Familiars.

Jac. Fos. Most welcome, noble Signor.

Jac. Fos. Most welcome, honorable Sir.

I did not deem this poor place could have drawn250

I didn't think this poor place could have attracted250

Such presence hither.

Such presence here.

Lor.‍'Tis not the first time

It's not the first time

I have visited these places.

I've been to these places.

Mar.‍Nor would be

Nor would be

The last, were all men's merits well rewarded.

The last part was that all men's contributions were properly recognized.

Came you here to insult us, or remain [bp]

Came you here to insult us, or stay [bp]

As spy upon us, or as hostage for us?

As a spy on us, or as a hostage for us?

Lor. Neither are of my office, noble Lady!

Lor. Neither of them are my responsibility, noble Lady!

I am sent hither to your husband, to

I am sent here to your husband, to

Announce "the Ten's" decree.

Announce "the Ten's" ruling.

Mar.‍That tenderness

That tenderness

Has been anticipated: it is known.

Has been expected: it is understood.

Lor. As how?

Lor. How come?

Mar.‍I have informed him, not so gently,260

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I've let him know, not in the nicest way,260

Doubtless, as your nice feelings would prescribe,

Doubtless, as your good instincts would suggest,

The indulgence of your colleagues; but he knew it.

The indulgence of your colleagues; but he was aware of it.

If you come for our thanks, take them, and hence!

If you're here for our thanks, take them and leave!

The dungeon gloom is deep enough without you,

The dungeon is dark enough without you,

And full of reptiles, not less loathsome, though

And full of reptiles, which are just as disgusting, though

Their sting is honester.

Their sting is more honest.

Jac. Fos.‍I pray you, calm you:

Jac. Fos.Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Please, take a deep breath and relax:

What can avail such words?

What good are such words?

Mar.‍To let him know

To inform him

That he is known.

He is recognized.

Lor.‍Let the fair dame preserve

Lor.‍Let the lovely lady keep

Her sex's privilege.

Her gender's privilege.

Mar.‍I have some sons, sir,

I have some sons, sir,

Will one day thank you better.

Will one day thank you in a better way.

Lor.‍You do well270

Lor.‍You’re doing great270

To nurse them wisely. Foscari—you know

To care for them wisely. Foscari—you know

Your sentence, then?

Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.

Jac. Fos.‍Return to Candia?

Jac. Fos. Return to Crete?

Lor.‍True—

Lor. True—

For life.[163]

Jac. Fos. Not long.

Jac. Fos. Not long.

Lor.‍I said—for life.

I said—for life.

Jac. Fos.‍And I

Jac. Fos.‍And me

Repeat—not long.

Repeat—shortly.

Lor.‍A year's imprisonment

A year in prison

In Canea—afterwards the freedom of

In Canea—afterwards, the freedom of

The whole isle.

The entire aisle.

Jac. Fos.‍Both the same to me: the after

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Both are the same to me: the after

Freedom as is the first imprisonment.

Freedom is the first trap.

Is't true my wife accompanies me?

Is it true my wife is with me?

Lor.‍Yes,

Lor.‍Yep,

If she so wills it.

If she wants it that way.

Mar.‍Who obtained that justice?

Mar.‍Who got that justice?

Lor. One who wars not with women.

Lor. A person who does not fight with women.

Mar.‍But oppresses280

Mar. But oppresses

Men: howsoever let him have my thanks

Men: however, let him have my thanks

For the only boon I would have asked or taken

For the only benefit I would have requested or accepted

From him or such as he is.

From him or someone like him.

Lor.‍He receives them

Lor. He gets them.

As they are offered.

As they're offered.

Mar.‍May they thrive with him

May they thrive with him

So much!—no more.

So much!—not anymore.

Jac. Fos.‍Is this, sir, your whole mission?

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Is this, sir, your entire purpose?

Because we have brief time for preparation,

Because we have limited time to prepare,

And you perceive your presence doth disquiet

And you notice that your presence makes things uncomfortable.

This lady, of a house noble as yours.

This woman comes from a family as noble as yours.

Mar. Nobler!

Mar. More noble!

Lor.‍How nobler?

Lor.‍How much nobler?

Mar.‍As more generous!

More generous!

We say the "generous steed" to express the purity290

We call it the "generous horse" to express its purity290

Of his high blood. Thus much I've learnt, although

Of his high blood. I've learned this much, although

Venetian (who see few steeds save of bronze),[67]

Venetian (who see few horses except for those made of bronze),[67]

From those Venetians who have skirred [68] the coasts

From those Venetians who have skimmed [68] the coasts

Of Egypt and her neighbour Araby:

Of Egypt and her neighboring Arabia:

And why not say as soon the "generous man?"

And why not just say the "generous man?"

If race be aught, it is in qualities[164]

If race means anything, it’s in our qualities[164]

More than in years; and mine, which is as old

As yours, is better in its product, nay—

As yours is better in its product, no—

Look not so stern—but get you back, and pore

Look not so serious—but go back and think

Upon your genealogic tree's most green300

Upon your family tree's most green300

Of leaves and most mature of fruits, and there

Of leaves and the ripest fruits, and there

Blush to find ancestors, who would have blushed

Blush to discover ancestors, who would have felt embarrassed

For such a son—thou cold inveterate hater!

For such a son—you cold, stubborn hater!

Jac. Fos. Again, Marina!

Jac. Fos. Here we go again, Marina!

Mar.‍Again! still, Marina.

Mar. Again! Still, Marina.

See you not, he comes here to glut his hate

See you not, he's here to satisfy his hatred.

With a last look upon our misery?

With one last glance at our suffering?

Let him partake it!

Let him join in!

Jac. Fos.‍That were difficult.

Jac. Fos. That was tough.

Mar. Nothing more easy. He partakes it now—

Mar. Nothing easier. He's taking part in it now—

Aye, he may veil beneath a marble brow

Sure, here’s the updated text: Yeah, he might hide behind a marble face.

And sneering lip the pang, but he partakes it.310

And with a sneer on his lip, he feels the pain, but he still goes through with it.310

A few brief words of truth shame the Devil's servants

A few simple words of truth embarrass the Devil's followers.

No less than Master; I have probed his soul

No less than a Master; I have explored his soul.

A moment, as the Eternal Fire, ere long,

A moment, like the Eternal Fire, soon,

Will reach it always. See how he shrinks from me!

Will always reach it. Look how he pulls away from me!

With death, and chains, and exile in his hand,

With death, chains, and exile in his grasp,

To scatter o'er his kind as he thinks fit;

To spread among his people as he sees fit;

They are his weapons, not his armour, for

They are his weapons, not his armor, for

I have pierced him to the core of his cold heart.

I care not for his frowns! We can but die,

I don’t care about his frowns! We can only die,

And he but live, for him the very worst320

And he just lives, for him the very worst320

Of destinies: each day secures him more

Of destinies: each day secures him more.

His tempter's.

His tempter.

Jac. Fos.‍This is mere insanity.

Jac. Fos.‍This is just crazy.

Mar. It may be so; and who hath made us mad?

Mar. That might be true; and who has driven us mad?

Lor. Let her go on; it irks not me.

Lor. Let her keep going; it doesn’t bother me.

Mar.‍That's false!

That's not true!

You came here to enjoy a heartless triumph

You came here to enjoy a cold victory.

Of cold looks upon manifold griefs! You came

Of cold looks on many sorrows! You came

To be sued to in vain—to mark our tears,

To be sued to in vain—to record our tears,

And hoard our groans—to gaze upon the wreck

And hold back our sighs—to look at the ruin

Which you have made a Prince's son—my husband;

Which you have made my husband, a prince's son;

In short, to trample on the fallen—an office330

In short, to step on those who have fallen—an office330

The hangman shrinks from, as all men from him!

The hangman is avoided by everyone, just like they avoid him!

How have you sped? We are wretched, Signor, as

How have you been? We are miserable, Sir, as

Your plots could make, and vengeance could desire us,[165]

Your schemes could succeed, and revenge could drive us. [165]

And how feel you?

And how do you feel?

Lor.‍As rocks.

Lor.‍Like stones.

Mar.‍By thunder blasted:

By thunder blasted:

They feel not, but no less are shivered. Come,

They may not feel it, but they are still shivering. Come,

Foscari; now let us go, and leave this felon,

Foscari; now let's go and leave this criminal,

The sole fit habitant of such a cell,

The only suitable resident of such a cell,

Which he has peopled often, but ne'er fitly

Which he has populated many times, but never properly.

Till he himself shall brood in it alone.

Till he himself will reflect on it alone.

Enter the Doge.

Join the Doge.

Jac. Fos. My father!

My dad!

Doge (embracing him). Jacopo! my son—my son!340

Doge (hugging him). Jacopo! my son—my son!340

Jac. Fos. My father still! How long it is since I

Jac. Fos. My dad is still around! How long has it been since I

Have heard thee name my name—our name!

Have you heard them call my name—our name!

Doge.‍My boy!

Doge. My dude!

Couldst thou but know——

If only you knew—

Jac. Fos.‍I rarely, sir, have murmured.

Jac. Fos.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I hardly ever complain, sir.

Doge. I feel too much thou hast not.

Doge. I feel like you don’t have enough.

Mar.‍Doge, look there!

Mar.‍Doge, check it out!

[She points to Loredano.

Doge. I see the man—what mean'st thou?

Doge. I see the man—what do you mean?

Mar.‍Caution!

Mar.‍Warning!

Lor.‍Being

Lor.‍Existence

The virtue which this noble lady most [bq]

The virtue that this noble lady values the most [bq]

May practise, she doth well to recommend it.

May practice, she does well to suggest it.

Mar. Wretch! 'tis no virtue, but the policy

Mar. Poor thing! It's not a virtue; it's just a strategy.

Of those who fain must deal perforce with vice:

Of those who must inevitably confront wrongdoing:

As such I recommend it, as I would350

As such, I recommend it, just like I would.

To one whose foot was on an adder's path.

To someone whose foot was on a snake's path.

Doge. Daughter, it is superfluous; I have long

Doge. Daughter, it's unnecessary; I've long

Known Loredano.

Familiar with Loredano.

Lor.‍You may know him better.

Lor.‍You might know him better.

Mar. Yes; worse he could not.

Mar. Yes; it couldn't get worse.

Jac. Fos.‍Father, let not these

Jac. Fos.‍Dad, don't let these

Our parting hours be lost in listening to

Our farewell moments are spent in listening to

Reproaches, which boot nothing. Is it—is it,

Reproaches that mean nothing. Is it—is it,

Indeed, our last of meetings?

Are we done meeting?

Doge.‍You behold

Doge. You see

These white hairs![166]

These gray hairs![166]

Jac. Fos.‍And I feel, besides, that mine

Jac. Fos.Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And I feel, besides, that mine

Will never be so white. Embrace me, father!

Will never be so white. Embrace me, Dad!

I loved you ever—never more than now.360

I have always loved you—never more than I do right now.360-degree

Look to my children—to your last child's children:

Look to my kids—to your youngest child's kids:

Let them be all to you which he was once,

Let them be everything to you that he once was,

And never be to you what I am now.

And I will never be to you what I am now.

May I not see them also?

Can I not see them too?

Mar.‍No—not here.

No—not here.

Jac. Fos. They might behold their parent any where.

Jac. Fos. They could see their parent anywhere.

Mar. I would that they beheld their father in

Mar. I wish they could see their father in

A place which would not mingle fear with love,

A place that wouldn't mix fear with love,

To freeze their young blood in its natural current.

To stop their young energy in its natural flow.

They have fed well, slept soft, and knew not that

They have eaten well, slept comfortably, and were unaware that

Their sire was a mere hunted outlaw. Well,370

Their father was just a hunted outlaw. Well,370

I know his fate may one day be their heritage,

I know his fate might someday become their legacy,

But let it only be their heritage,

But let it just be their heritage,

And not their present fee. Their senses, though

And not their current fee. Their senses, though

Alive to love, are yet awake to terror;

Alive to love, yet aware of terror;

And these vile damps, too, and yon thick green wave

And these nasty damp conditions, along with that thick green wave

Which floats above the place where we now stand—

Which floats above the spot where we now stand—

A cell so far below the water's level,

A cell so deep below the water's level,

Sending its pestilence through every crevice,

Sending its disease through every crack,

Might strike them: this is not their atmosphere,

Might strike them: this isn't their vibe,

However you—and you—and most of all,380

As worthiest—you, sir, noble Loredano!

As the worthiest—you, sir, noble Loredano!

May breathe it without prejudice.

Can breathe it without bias.

Jac. Fos.‍I had not

Jac. Fos. I hadn't

Reflected upon this, but acquiesce.

Thought about this, but agree.

I shall depart, then, without meeting them?

I guess I’ll leave without seeing them?

Doge. Not so: they shall await you in my chamber.

Doge. Not at all: they will be waiting for you in my room.

Jac. Fos. And must I leave them—all?

Jac. Fos. And do I really have to leave them—all?

Lor.‍You must.

You have to.

Jac. Fos.‍Not one?

Not a single one?

Lor. They are the State's.

Lor. They belong to the State.

Mar.‍I thought they had been mine.

I thought they were mine.

Lor. They are, in all maternal things.

Lor. They are, in all motherly matters.

Mar.‍That is,

Mar. That is,

In all things painful. If they're sick, they will

In all painful things. If they’re sick, they will

Be left to me to tend them; should they die,390

Be left to me to take care of them; if they die,390

To me to bury and to mourn; but if

They live, they'll make you soldiers, senators,[167]

Slaves, exiles—what you will; or if they are

Slaves, exiles—whatever you want to call them; or if they are

Females with portions, brides and bribes for nobles!

Females with assets, brides and bribes for the wealthy!

Behold the State's care for its sons and mothers!

Look at how the State cares for its sons and mothers!

Lor. The hour approaches, and the wind is fair.

Lor. The time is near, and the wind is good.

Jac. Fos. How know you that here, where the genial wind

Jac. Fos. How do you know that here, where the pleasant wind

Ne'er blows in all its blustering freedom?

Never blows in all its blustering freedom?

Lor.‍'Twas so

When I came here. The galley floats within

When I got here, the kitchen floats within

A bow-shot of the "Riva di Schiavoni."400

A bow shot of the "Riva di Schiavoni."400

Jac. Fos. Father! I pray you to precede me, and

Jac. Fos. Dad! Please go ahead of me, and

Prepare my children to behold their father.

Prepare my kids to see their dad.

Doge. Be firm, my son!

Doge. Stay strong, son!

Jac. Fos.‍I will do my endeavour.

I'll give it my all.

Mar. Farewell! at least to this detested dungeon,

Mar. Goodbye! at least to this hated dungeon,

And him to whose good offices you owe

And to the person whose help you appreciate

In part your past imprisonment.

Due to your past imprisonment.

Lor.‍And present

Lor.‍And now

Liberation.

Freedom.

Doge.‍He speaks truth.

Doge. He speaks the truth.

Jac. Fos.‍No doubt! but 'tis

Jac. Fos.‍No doubt! But it is

Exchange of chains for heavier chains I owe him.

Exchange of lighter chains for heavier ones that I owe him.

He knows this, or he had not sought to change them,

He knows this, or he wouldn't have tried to change them,

But I reproach not.

But I hold no grudges.

Lor.‍The time narrows, Signor.410

Lor.‍The time is running out, Signor.410

Jac. Fos. Alas! I little thought so lingeringly

Jac. Fos. Sadly, I never thought it would take so long.

To leave abodes like this: but when I feel

To leave places like this: but when I feel

That every step I take, even from this cell,

Is one away from Venice, I look back

Even on these dull damp walls, and——

Even on these boring, damp walls, and——

Doge.‍Boy! no tears.

Doge. Boy! No tears.

Mar. Let them flow on: he wept not on the rack

Mar. Let them flow: he didn’t cry on the rack.

To shame him, and they cannot shame him now.

To embarrass him, and they can't embarrass him now.

They will relieve his heart—that too kind heart—

They will ease his heart—that too gentle heart—

And I will find an hour to wipe away

And I’ll find an hour to erase

Those tears, or add my own. I could weep now,420

Those tears, or add my own. I could cry now,420

But would not gratify yon wretch so far.

But I wouldn’t give that poor soul the satisfaction.

Let us proceed. Doge, lead the way.

Let’s move on. Doge, take the lead.

Lor. (to the Familiar).‍The torch, there!

Lor. (to the Familiar).Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.The torch, over there!

Mar. Yes, light us on, as to a funeral pyre,

Mar. Yes, light us up, like a funeral pyre,

With Loredano mourning like an heir.[168]

With Loredano grieving like someone who has inherited a fortune.[168]

Doge. My son, you are feeble; take this hand.

Doge. My son, you are weak; take my hand.

Jac. Fos.‍Alas!

Jac. Fos.‍Oh no!

Must youth support itself on age, and I

Must youth rely on age, and I

Who ought to be the prop of yours?

Who should be your support?

Lor.‍Take mine.

Take mine.

Mar. Touch it not, Foscari; 'twill sting you. Signor,

Mar. Don't touch it, Foscari; it'll sting you. Sir,

Stand off! be sure, that if a grasp of yours

Stand back! Just know that if you reach out your hand

Would raise us from the gulf wherein we are plunged,430

Would lift us from the depths where we are stuck,430

No hand of ours would stretch itself to meet it.

No hand of ours would reach out to meet it.

Come, Foscari, take the hand the altar gave you;

Come on, Foscari, take the hand that the altar gave you;

It could not save, but will support you ever.[Exeunt.

It might not be able to save you, but it will always be there to support you.[Leaving.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—A Hall in the Ducal Palace.

Enter Loredano and Barbarigo.

Bar. And have you confidence in such a project?

Bar. Do you really believe in this project?

Lor. I have.

Lor. Yes, I have.

Bar.‍'Tis hard upon his years.

Bar. It's tough at his age.

Lor.‍Say rather

Lor. Say instead

Kind to relieve him from the cares of State.

Kind to free him from the burdens of government.

Bar. 'Twill break his heart.

Bar. It will break his heart.

Lor.‍Age has no heart to break.

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Age doesn't have a heart to break.

He has seen his son's half broken, and, except

He has seen his son's half-broken, and, except

A start of feeling in his dungeon, never

A feeling began in his dungeon, never

Swerved.

Bar.‍In his countenance, I grant you, never;

Bar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.In his expression, I assure you, never;

But I have seen him sometimes in a calm

But I have seen him sometimes when he's calm.

So desolate, that the most clamorous grief

So lonely that the loudest sorrow

Had nought to envy him within. Where is he?10

Had nothing to envy him inside. Where is he?10

Lor. In his own portion of the palace, with

Lor. In his part of the palace, with

His son, and the whole race of Foscaris.

His son, and the entire Foscaris family.

Bar. Bidding farewell.

Bar. Saying goodbye.

Lor.‍A last! as, soon, he shall

Lor. Finally! Soon, he will

Bid to his Dukedom.

Bid for his Dukedom.

Bar.‍When embarks the son?

Bar.‍When does the son leave?

Lor. Forthwith—when this long leave is taken. 'Tis

Lor. Right away—once this long break is over. It's

Time to admonish them again.[169]

Time to scold them again.[169]

Bar.‍Forbear;

Bar. Forbear;

Retrench not from their moments.

Don't hold back from their moments.

Lor.‍Not I, now

Not me, not now

We have higher business for our own. This day

We have more business for ourselves. Today

Shall be the last of the old Doge's reign,

Shall be the last of the old Doge's rule,

As the first of his son's last banishment,20

As the first of his son's final exile,20

And that is vengeance.

And that's revenge.

Bar.‍In my mind, too deep.

Bar.‍In my head, too deep.

Lor. 'Tis moderate—not even life for life, the rule

Lor. It's fair—not even life for life, the rule

Denounced of retribution from all time;

Denounced for punishment throughout all time;

They owe me still my father's and my uncle's.

They still owe me for my father's and my uncle's.

Bar. Did not the Doge deny this strongly?

Bar. Did the Doge not strongly deny this?

Lor.‍Doubtless.

Lor. Definitely.

Bar. And did not this shake your suspicion?

Bar. And didn't that shake your suspicion?

Lor.‍No.

Lor.‍Nope.

Bar. But if this deposition should take place

Bar. But if this testimony is going to happen

By our united influence in the Council,

By our combined influence in the Council,

It must be done with all the deference

It has to be done with all the respect.

Due to his years, his station, and his deeds.30

Due to his age, position, and actions.30

Lor. As much of ceremony as you will,

Lor. Go ahead and make it as ceremonial as you want,

So that the thing be done. You may, for aught

So that the thing is done. You may, for anything

I care, depute the Council on their knees,

I care, put the Council on their knees,

(Like Barbarossa to the Pope,) to beg him

(Like Barbarossa to the Pope,) to ask him

To have the courtesy to abdicate.

To have the respect to step down.

Bar. What if he will not?

Bar. What if he doesn't?

Lor.‍We'll elect another,

Lor.‍We'll choose someone else,

And make him null.

And make him obsolete.

Bar.‍But will the laws uphold us?[69]

Bar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But will the laws support us?[69]

Lor. What laws?—"The Ten" are laws; and if they were not,

Lor. What laws?—"The Ten" are laws; and if they weren't,

I will be legislator in this business.

I will be a lawmaker in this business.

Bar. At your own peril?

Bar. At your own risk?

Lor.‍There is none, I tell you,40

Lor.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.There isn’t any, I’m telling you,40

Our powers are such.

Our powers are strong.

Bar.‍But he has twice already

Bar. ‍But he's done it twice already

Solicited permission to retire,

Requested permission to retire,

And twice it was refused.[170]

And it was denied twice.[170]

Lor.‍The better reason

Lor.‍The good reason

To grant it the third time.

To give it a third chance.

Bar.‍Unasked?

Bar. Uninvited?

Lor.‍It shows

Lor. It shows

The impression of his former instances:

The impression of his past experiences:

If they were from his heart, he may be thankful:

If they came from his heart, he might be grateful:

If not, 'twill punish his hypocrisy.

If not, it will expose his hypocrisy.

Come, they are met by this time; let us join them,

Come, they must be together by now; let’s go join them,

And be thou fixed in purpose for this once.

And be you fixed in purpose for this once.

I have prepared such arguments as will not50

I have prepared arguments that will not50

Fail to move them, and to remove him: since

Their thoughts, their objects, have been sounded, do not

Their thoughts and their things have been explored, do not

You, with your wonted scruples, teach us pause,

You, with your usual reservations, make us think twice,

And all will prosper.

And everyone will thrive.

Bar.‍Could I but be certain

Bar. Could I just be sure

This is no prelude to such persecution

This is not the beginning of such persecution.

Of the sire as has fallen upon the son,

Of the father who has passed down to the son,

I would support you.

I've got your back.

Lor.‍He is safe, I tell you;

Lor. He's safe, trust me;

His fourscore years and five may linger on

His eighty-five years may linger on

As long as he can drag them: 'tis his throne

As long as he can carry them: that's his throne.

Alone is aimed at.

Aimed at being alone.

Bar.‍But discarded Princes60

Bar. But discarded Princes

Are seldom long of life.

Rarely live long.

Lor.‍And men of eighty

Lor. ‍And guys in their eighties

More seldom still.

Even less often.

Bar.‍And why not wait these few years?

Bar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And why not wait a few years?

Lor. Because we have waited long enough, and he

Lor. Because we've waited long enough, and he

Lived longer than enough. Hence! in to council!

Lived long enough. So, into the council!

[Exeunt Loredano and Barbarigo.

[Exit Loredano and Barbarigo.

Enter Memmo [70] and a Senator.

Enter Memmo__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and a Senator.

Sen. A summons to "the Ten!" why so?

Sen. A call to "the Ten!" What's the reason for that?

Mem.‍"The Ten"[171]

Alone can answer; they are rarely wont

Alone can answer; they are rarely inclined.

To let their thoughts anticipate their purpose

To let their thoughts foresee their goals

By previous proclamation. We are summoned—

By previous announcement. We are called—

That is enough.

That's enough.

Sen.‍For them, but not for us;

Sen.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.For them, but not for us;

I would know why.

I want to know why.

Mem.‍You will know why anon,70

You will know why soon,

If you obey: and, if not, you no less

If you obey; and if not, you still...

Will know why you should have obeyed.

Will understand why you should have obeyed.

Sen.‍I mean not

I don’t mean to

To oppose them, but——

To oppose them, but——

Mem.‍In Venice "but"'s a traitor.

In Venice, "but" is a traitor.

But me no "buts" unless you would pass o'er

But no "buts" for me unless you want to skip.

The Bridge which few repass.[71]

The bridge that few cross. [71]

Sen.‍I am silent.

I’m silent.

Mem.‍Why

Mem. Why

Thus hesitate? "The Ten" have called in aid

Thus hesitate? "The Ten" have called for help.

Of their deliberation five and twenty

Of their discussion 25

Patricians of the Senate—you are one,

And I another; and it seems to me

Both honoured by the choice or chance which leads us80

Both honored by the choice or chance that leads us80

To mingle with a body so august.

To socialize with such a distinguished group.

Sen. Most true. I say no more.

Sen. That's true enough. I'll say no more.

Mem.‍As we hope, Signor,

As we hope, Sir,

And all may honestly, (that is, all those

And everyone can honestly, (that is, everyone

Of noble blood may,) one day hope to be

Of noble blood may one day hope to be

Decemvir, it is surely for the Senate's [br]

Decemvir, it’s definitely for the Senate’s [br]

Chosen delegates, a school of wisdom, to

Chosen delegates, a group of wise individuals, to

Be thus admitted, though as novices,

Be accepted, even if as newcomers,

To view the mysteries.

To explore the mysteries.

Sen.‍Let us view them: they,

Let’s check them out: they,

No doubt, are worth it.

No doubt, they're worth it.

Mem.‍Being worth our lives

Mem.‍Worth our lives

If we divulge them, doubtless they are worth90

If we share them, they're definitely worth90

Something, at least to you or me.

Sen.‍I sought not

I didn't seek

A place within the sanctuary; but being[172]

Chosen, however reluctantly so chosen,

Chosen, even if reluctantly.

I shall fulfil my office.

I will do my job.

Mem.‍Let us not

Let’s not

Be latest in obeying "the Ten's" summons.

Be the first to respond to "the Ten's" call.

Sen. All are not met, but I am of your thought

Sen. Not everyone is here, but I'm with you in spirit.

So far—let's in.

So far—let's go in.

Mem.‍The earliest are most welcome

The earliest are most welcome

In earnest councils—we will not be least so.[Exeunt.

In serious discussions—we will not be the least involved.[Exit.

Enter the Doge, Jacopo Foscari, and Marina.

Enter the Doge, Jacopo Foscari, and Marina.

Jac. Fos. Ah, father! though I must and will depart,

Jac. Fos. Ah, Dad! Even though I have to leave,

Yet—yet—I pray you to obtain for me100

Yet—yet—I ask you to get for me100

That I once more return unto my home,

That I return to my home once again,

Howe'er remote the period. Let there be

How ever distant the time. Let there be

A point of time, as beacon to my heart,

A moment in time, like a beacon to my heart,

With any penalty annexed they please,

With any penalty they choose,

But let me still return.

But let me come back.

Doge.‍Son Jacopo,

Doge. Son Jacopo,

Go and obey our Country's will:[72] 'tis not

Go and obey our country's wishes:[72] it's not

For us to look beyond.

For us to see more.

Jac. Fos.‍But still I must

Jac. Fos.‍But I still have to

Look back. I pray you think of me.

Look back. I hope you remember me.

Doge.‍Alas!

Doge. Oh no!

You ever were my dearest offspring, when

You were always my dearest child when

They were more numerous, nor can be less so110

They were more numerous, and they can't be any less.110

Now you are last; but did the State demand

The exile of the disinterréd ashes

The exile of the uncovered ashes

Of your three goodly brothers, now in earth,[73]

Of your three good brothers, now on earth,[73]

And their desponding shades came flitting round

And their gloomy shadows came drifting around

To impede the act, I must no less obey

To stop the action, I must still obey.

A duty, paramount to every duty.

A responsibility, more important than any other responsibility.

Mar. My husband! let us on: this but prolongs[173]

Mar. My husband! Let's go: this just delays things[173]

Our sorrow.

Our grief.

Jac. Fos.‍But we are not summoned yet;

Jac. Fos.Understood. Please provide the short phrases for modernization.But we haven't been called yet;

The galley's sails are not unfurled:—who knows?

The galley's sails aren't raised:—who knows?

The wind may change.

The wind might change.

Mar.‍And if it do, it will not120

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And if it does, it will not120

Change their hearts, or your lot: the galley's oars

Change their hearts, or your fate: the ship's oars

Will quickly clear the harbour.

Will quickly clear the port.

Jac. Fos.‍O, ye Elements!

Jac. Fos.‍Oh, you Elements!

Where are your storms?

Where are your storms at?

Mar.‍In human breasts. Alas!

In human breasts. Alas!

Will nothing calm you?

Will anything calm you down?

Jac. Fos.‍Never yet did mariner

Jac. Fos.‍No sailor has ever

Put up to patron saint such prayers for prosperous

Put up prayers to your patron saint for prosperity.

And pleasant breezes, as I call upon you,

And nice breezes, as I reach out to you,

Ye tutelar saints of my own city! which

Ye love not with more holy love than I,

You don't love with a more sacred love than I do,

To lash up from the deep the Adrian waves,

To whip up the Adrian waves from the depths,

And waken Auster, sovereign of the Tempest!130

And wake Auster, ruler of the Storm!130

Till the sea dash me back on my own shore

Till the sea pushes me back to my own shore

A broken corse upon the barren Lido,

A lifeless body on the empty Lido,

Where I may mingle with the sands which skirt

Where I can mix with the sands that line

The land I love, and never shall see more!

The land I love and will never see again!

Mar. And wish you this with me beside you?

Mar. And do you want this with me next to you?

Jac. Fos.‍No—

Jac. Fos.‍Not happening—

No—not for thee, too good, too kind! May'st thou

No—not for you, too good, too kind! May you

Live long to be a mother to those children

Live long to be a mom to those kids.

Thy fond fidelity for a time deprives

Your loving loyalty for a while takes away

Of such support! But for myself alone,

Of that kind of support! But just for me alone,

May all the winds of Heaven howl down the Gulf,140

May all the winds of Heaven roar down the Gulf,140

And tear the vessel, till the mariners,

And tear the vessel until the sailors,

Appalled, turn their despairing eyes on me,

Appalled, they turn their desperate eyes toward me,

As the Phenicians did on Jonah, then

As the Phoenicians did with Jonah, then

Cast me out from amongst them, as an offering

Cast me out from among them, as a sacrifice.

To appease the waves. The billow which destroys me

To calm the waves. The swell that crushes me

Will be more merciful than man, and bear me

Will be more merciful than humans and support me

Dead, but still bear me to a native grave,

Dead, but still carry me to a native grave,

From fishers' hands, upon the desolate strand,

From the hands of fishermen, on the deserted shore,

Which, of its thousand wrecks, hath ne'er received

Which, of its thousand wrecks, has never received

One lacerated like the heart which then150

One was hurt like the heart which then150

Will be.—But wherefore breaks it not? why live I?

Will it be?—But why doesn't it happen? Why am I alive?

Mar. To man thyself, I trust, with time, to master[174]

Mar. I hope over time you can learn to control yourself[174]

Such useless passion. Until now thou wert

Such useless passion. Until now you were

A sufferer, but not a loud one: why

A person in pain, but not one to complain loudly: why

What is this to the things thou hast borne in silence—

What does this matter compared to the things you've endured in silence—

Imprisonment and actual torture?

Imprisonment and real torture?

Jac. Fos.‍Double,

Jac. Fos.‍Twice,

Triple, and tenfold torture! But you are right,

Triple, and tenfold torture! But you’re right,

It must be borne. Father, your blessing.

It must be endured. Father, your blessing.

Doge.‍Would

Doge. Would

It could avail thee! but no less thou hast it.

It could help you! But you still have it.

Jac. Fos. Forgive——

Jac. Fos. Forgive—

Doge.‍What?

Doge. What?

Jac. Fos.‍My poor mother, for my birth,160

Jac. Fos.Understood! Please provide the short piece of text you'd like me to modernize.My poor mom, for my birth,160

And me for having lived, and you yourself

And I for having lived, and you yourself

(As I forgive you), for the gift of life,

Which you bestowed upon me as my sire.

Which you gave to me as my father.

Mar. What hast thou done?

Mar. What have you done?

Jac. Fos.‍Nothing. I cannot charge

Jac. Fos.‍Nothing. I can't charge

My memory with much save sorrow: but

My memory brings me a lot of sadness: but

I have been so beyond the common lot

I have been so far beyond the usual experience.

Chastened and visited, I needs must think

Chastened and visited, I have to think

That I was wicked. If it be so, may

That I was evil. If that's true, may

What I have undergone here keep me from

What I experienced here keeps me from

A like hereafter!

A like in the future!

Mar.‍Fear not: that's reserved170

Fear not: that's reserved

For your oppressors.

Jac. Fos.‍Let me hope not.

Let’s hope not.

Mar.‍Hope not?

Hope not?

Jac. Fos. I cannot wish them all they have inflicted.

Jac. Fos. I can't wish them everything they've made others suffer.

Mar. All! the consummate fiends! A thousandfold

Mar. All! the ultimate villains! A thousand times

May the worm which never dieth feed upon them!

May the eternal worm feed on them!

Jac. Fos. They may repent.

Jac. Fos. They might regret it.

Mar.‍And if they do, Heaven will not

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And if they do, Heaven won't

Accept the tardy penitence of demons.

Accept the late remorse of demons.

Enter an Officer and Guards.

Offi. Signor! the boat is at the shore—the wind

Offi. Sir! The boat is at the shore—the wind

Is rising—we are ready to attend you.

Is rising—we are ready to assist you.

Jac. Fos. And I to be attended. Once more, father,

Jac. Fos. And I need to be taken care of. Once again, dad,

Your hand!

Doge.‍Take it. Alas! how thine own trembles!180[175]

Doge.Understood! Please provide the text for modernization.Take it. Oh no! Look how it shakes in your own hands!180[175]

Joe. Fos. No—you mistake; 'tis yours that shakes, my father.

Joe. Fos. No—you've got it wrong; it's your hand that trembles, Dad.

Farewell!

Goodbye!

Doge.‍Farewell! Is there aught else?

Doge.‍Goodbye! Is there anything else?

Jac. Fos.‍No—nothing.

Jac. Fos.‍Nope—nothing.

[To the Officer.

Lend me your arm, good Signor.

Lend me your arm, good Sir.

Offi.‍You turn pale—

Office.‍You turn pale—

Let me support you—paler—ho! some aid there!

Let me help you—paler—hey! I need some help here!

Some water!

Water, please!

Mar.‍Ah, he is dying!

Oh no, he’s dying!

Jac. Fos.‍Now, I'm ready—

Jac. Fos.‍Now, I’m set—

My eyes swim strangely—where's the door?

My vision is blurred—where's the door?

Mar.‍Away!

Mar.‍Go away!

Let me support him—my best love! Oh, God!

Let me help him—my greatest love! Oh, God!

How faintly beats this heart—this pulse!

How softly this heart beats—this pulse!

Jac. Fos.‍The light!

The light!

Is it the light?—I am faint.

Is it the light? I'm faint.

[Officer presents him with water.

[Officer offers him water.

Offi.‍He will be better,

Offi. He'll be better,

Perhaps, in the air.

Maybe, in the air.

Jac. Fos.‍I doubt not. Father—wife—190

Jac. Fos. I’m sure. Father—wife—190

Your hands!

Mar.‍There's death in that damp, clammy grasp.[74]

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.There’s a sense of death in that wet, cold grip.[74]

Oh, God!—My Foscari, how fare you?

Oh, God!—My Foscari, how are you?

Jac. Fos.‍Well![He dies.

Jac. Fos.‍Well![He passes away.

Offi. He's gone!

Offi. He’s out of here!

Doge.‍He's free.

Doge.‍He's liberated.

Mar.‍No—no, he is not dead;

No, he is not dead;

There must be life yet in that heart—he could not [bs]

There must be life still in that heart—he could not [bs]

Thus leave me.

So just leave me.

Doge.‍Daughter!

Doge.‍Girl!

Mar.‍Hold thy peace, old man![176]

Mar.‍Be quiet, old man![176]

I am no daughter now—thou hast no son.

I’m not your daughter anymore—you have no son.

Oh, Foscari!

Offi.‍We must remove the body.

Offi.‍We need to dispose of the body.

Mar. Touch it not, dungeon miscreants! your base office

Mar. Don't touch it, you dungeon villains! Your lowly position

Ends with his life, and goes not beyond murder,

Ends with his life and doesn't go beyond murder,

Even by your murderous laws. Leave his remains200

Even with your deadly laws. Leave his remains200

To those who know to honour them.

To those who know how to appreciate them.

Offi.‍I must

Offi. I must

Inform the Signory, and learn their pleasure.

Inform the leaders, and find out what they want.

Doge. Inform the Signory from me, the Doge,

Doge. Let the Signory know from me, the Doge,

They have no further power upon those ashes:

They no longer have any control over those ashes:

While he lived, he was theirs, as fits a subject—

While he was alive, he was theirs, just like any subject should be—

Now he is mine—my broken-hearted boy![Exit Officer.

Now he is mine—my heartbroken boy![Exit Officer.]

Mar. And I must live!

Mar. And I have to live!

Doge.‍Your children live, Marina.

Doge. Your kids are alive, Marina.

Mar. My children! true—they live, and I must live

Mar. My kids! It's true—they're alive, and I need to keep going.

To bring them up to serve the State, and die

To raise them to serve the State and die

As died their father. Oh! what best of blessings210

As their father died. Oh! what a great blessing.

Were barrenness in Venice! Would my mother

Were there barrenness in Venice! Would my mother

Had been so!

So had it been!

Doge.‍My unhappy children!

Doge.‍My sad kids!

Mar.‍What!

Mar.‍Seriously!

You feel it then at last—you!—Where is now

The Stoic of the State?

Doge (throwing himself down by the body). Here!

Doge (throwing himself down beside the body). Here!

Mar.‍Aye, weep on!

Mar.‍Yes, cry on!

I thought you had no tears—you hoarded them

I thought you had no tears—you saved them up

Until they are useless; but weep on! he never

Until they are useless; but keep crying! he never

Shall weep more—never, never more.

Will weep more—never, never again.

Enter Loredano and Barbarigo.

Lor.‍What's here?

What's here?

Mar. Ah! the Devil come to insult the dead! Avaunt!

Mar. Ah! The devil has come to mock the dead! Go away!

Incarnate Lucifer! 'tis holy ground.

Summon Lucifer! This is sacred ground.

A martyr's ashes now lie there, which make it220

A martyr's ashes now rest there, which makes it220

A shrine. Get thee back to thy place of torment!

A shrine. Go back to your place of suffering!

Bar. Lady, we knew not of this sad event,

Bar. Ma'am, we were unaware of this unfortunate incident,

But passed here merely on our path from council.

But just passed here on our way back from the meeting.

Mar. Pass on.[177]

Mar. Pass it on.[177]

Lor.‍We sought the Doge.

Lor.‍We looked for the Doge.

Mar. (pointing to the Doge, who is still on the ground

by his son's body)‍He's busy, look,

by his son's body)Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.He's busy, look,

About the business you provided for him.

About the business you set up for him.

Are ye content?

Are you happy?

Bar.‍We will not interrupt

Bar. We won't interrupt.

A parent's sorrows.

A parent's grief.

Mar.‍No, ye only make them,

No, you only make them,

Then leave them.

Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.

Doge (rising).‍Sirs, I am ready.

Doge (up). Sirs, I'm ready.

Bar.‍No—not now.

Bar. No—not now.

Lor. Yet 'twas important.

Lor. But it was important.

Doge.‍If 'twas so, I can

Doge. If it were so, I can

Only repeat—I am ready.

I am ready.

Bar.‍It shall not be230

Bar. It shall not be

Just now, though Venice tottered o'er the deep

Just now, even though Venice wobbled over the deep

Like a frail vessel. I respect your griefs.

Like a fragile ship. I acknowledge your sorrows.

Doge. I thank you. If the tidings which you bring

Doge. Thank you. If the news you bring

Are evil, you may say them; nothing further

Are evil, you might say; nothing more.

Can touch me more than him thou look'st on there;

Can touch me more than he you’re looking at there;

If they be good, say on; you need not fear

If they are good, go ahead; you don't need to worry.

That they can comfort me.

That they can support me.

Bar.‍I would they could!

Bar. I wish they could!

Doge. I spoke not to you, but to Loredano.

Doge. I wasn't talking to you, but to Loredano.

He understands me.

He gets me.

Mar.‍Ah! I thought it would be so.

Mar.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Ah! I knew it would be like this.

Doge. What mean you?

Doge. What do you mean?

Mar.‍Lo! there is the blood beginning240

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text that you would like me to modernize.Look! The blood is starting to appear240

To flow through the dead lips of Foscari—

To pass through the lifeless lips of Foscari—

The body bleeds in presence of the assassin.

The body bleeds in the presence of the killer.

[To Loredano.

[To Loredano.]

Thou cowardly murderer by law, behold

How Death itself bears witness to thy deeds!

How Death itself bears witness to your actions!

Doge. My child! this is a phantasy of grief.

Doge. My child! This is a vision of sadness.

Bear hence the body. [To his attendants] Signors, if it please you,

Bear the body. [To his attendants] Gentlemen, if it's alright with you,

Within an hour I'll hear you.

Within an hour, I’ll hear you.

[Exeunt Doge, Marina, and attendants with the body.
Manent Loredano and Barbarigo.

[Exit Doge, Marina, and attendants with the body.
Stay Loredano and Barbarigo.

Bar.‍He must not

Bar. He must not

Be troubled now.

Be concerned now.

[178]

Lor.‍He said himself that nought

Lor.‍He said himself that nothing

Could give him trouble farther.

Could cause him trouble later.

Bar.‍These are words;

Bar. These are words;

But Grief is lonely, and the breaking in250

But grief is lonely, and the breaking in250

Upon it barbarous.

Upon it brutal.

Lor.‍Sorrow preys upon

Lor.‍Sadness consumes

Its solitude, and nothing more diverts it

Its isolation, and nothing else entertains it.

From its sad visions of the other world,

From its bleak views of the afterlife,

Than calling it at moments back to this.

Than calling it back to this at times.

The busy have no time for tears.

The busy don't have time for tears.

Bar.‍And therefore

Bar. And so

You would deprive this old man of all business?

You would take away all of this old man's work?

Lor. The thing's decreed. The Giunta [75] and "the Ten"

Lor. It’s been decided. The Giunta [75] and "the Ten"

Have made it law—who shall oppose that law?

Have made it law—who would challenge that law?

Bar. Humanity!

Lor.‍Because his son is dead?

Lor.‍Because his son has died?

Bar. And yet unburied.

Bar. Yet to be buried.

Lor.‍Had we known this when260

Lor.‍We would have acted differently if we had known this when260

The act was passing, it might have suspended

The act was in progress; it could have been put on hold.

Its passage, but impedes it not—once passed.

Its passage does not block it—once it's passed.

Bar. I'll not consent.

Bar. I won't agree.

Lor.‍You have consented to

Lor.‍You have agreed to

All that's essential—leave the rest to me.

All that's important—I'll take care of the rest.

Bar. Why press his abdication now?

Bar. Why force him to step down now?

Lor.‍The feelings

The feelings

Of private passion may not interrupt

The public benefit; and what the State

The public good; and what the government

Decides to-day must not give way before

Decisions made today shouldn't be influenced by what happened before.

To-morrow for a natural accident.

Tomorrow for a natural accident.

Bar. You have a son.

Bar. You have a kid.

Lor.‍I have—and had a father.270

I have—and had—a dad.

Bar. Still so inexorable?

Bar. Still so relentless?

Lor.‍Still.

Lor. Still.

Bar.‍But let him

Bar. But let him

Inter his son before we press upon him[179]

This edict.

This decree.

Lor.‍Let him call up into life

Lor. Let him bring it to life

My sire and uncle—I consent. Men may,

My lord and uncle—I agree. People can,

Even agéd men, be, or appear to be,

Even old men, whether they are or just seem to be,

Sires of a hundred sons, but cannot kindle

Sires of a hundred sons, but cannot ignite

An atom of their ancestors from earth.

An atom of their ancestors from Earth.

The victims are not equal; he has seen

The victims are not equal; he's seen

His sons expire by natural deaths, and I

His sons die of natural causes, and I

My sires by violent and mysterious maladies.280

My ancestors suffered from violent and mysterious illnesses.280

I used no poison, bribed no subtle master

I didn't use any poison or bribe any cunning master

Of the destructive art of healing, to

Of the harmful practice of healing, to

Shorten the path to the eternal cure.

Shorten the journey to the everlasting solution.

His sons—and he had four—are dead, without

My dabbling in vile drugs.

My experimenting with bad drugs.

Bar.‍And art thou sure

Bar.‍Are you sure

He dealt in such?

He sold that?

Lor.‍Most sure.

Sure thing.

Bar.‍And yet he seems

Bar. And yet he seems

All openness.

Complete transparency.

Lor.‍And so he seemed not long

Lor.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And so he didn't seem to last long

Ago to Carmagnuola.

Go to Carmagnola.

Bar.‍The attainted

Bar. The disqualified

And foreign traitor?

And foreign spy?

Lor.‍Even so: when he,

Lor.‍Still: when he,

After the very night in which "the Ten"290

After the very night when "the Ten"290

(Joined with the Doge) decided his destruction,

(Joined with the Doge) decided to take him down,

Met the great Duke at daybreak with a jest,

Met the great Duke at dawn with a joke,

Demanding whether he should augur him

Demanding whether he should predict for him

"The good day or good night?" his Doge-ship answered,

"The good day or good night?" his Doge-ship replied,

"That he in truth had passed a night of vigil,

"That he really had spent a night awake,

In which" (he added with a gracious smile)

In which" (he said with a warm smile)

"There often has been question about you."[76]

"There have often been questions about you."[76]

'Twas true; the question was the death resolved

Of Carmagnuola, eight months ere he died;

Of Carmagnuola, eight months before he died;

And the old Doge, who knew him doomed, smiled on him300[180]

And the old Doge, who knew he was doomed, smiled at him300[180]

With deadly cozenage, eight long months beforehand—

With deadly deception, eight long months earlier—

Eight months of such hypocrisy as is

Learnt but in eighty years. Brave Carmagnuola

Learnt in just eighty years. Brave Carmagnuola.

Is dead; so is young Foscari and his brethren—

Is dead; so is young Foscari and his siblings—

I never smiled on them.

I never smiled at them.

Bar.‍Was Carmagnuola

Bar. Was Carmagnuola.

Your friend?

Your buddy?

Lor.‍He was the safeguard of the city.

Lor.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.He was the protector of the city.

In early life its foe, but in his manhood,

In early life, it’s an enemy, but in his adulthood,

Its saviour first, then victim.

First its savior, then victim.

Bar.‍Ah! that seems

Bar. Ah! that seems

The penalty of saving cities. He

Whom we now act against not only saved310

Whom we are now opposing not only saved310

Our own, but added others to her sway.

Our own, but we added others to her influence.

Lor. The Romans (and we ape them) gave a crown

Lor. The Romans (and we imitate them) gave a crown

To him who took a city: and they gave

To the one who conquered a city: and they gave

A crown to him who saved a citizen

A crown for the one who saved a citizen.

In battle: the rewards are equal. Now,

In battle, the rewards are the same. Now,

If we should measure forth the cities taken

If we were to tally up the cities captured

By the Doge Foscari, with citizens

By Doge Foscari, with locals

Destroyed by him, or through him, the account

Were fearfully against him, although narrowed

To private havoc, such as between him320

To personal chaos, like between him320

And my dead father.

And my late father.

Bar.‍Are you then thus fixed?

Bar.‍Are you set on that?

Lor. Why, what should change me?

Lor. Why would anything change me?

Bar.‍That which changes me.

Bar.‍What transforms me.

But you, I know, are marble to retain

But you, I know, are like marble to hold on to

A feud. But when all is accomplished, when

A feud. But when everything is done, when

The old man is deposed, his name degraded,

The old man is removed from power, his name tarnished,

His sons all dead, his family depressed,

His sons are all dead, and his family is downcast,

And you and yours triumphant, shall you sleep?

And you and your loved ones victorious, will you sleep?

Lor. More soundly.

Lor. More clearly.

Bar.‍That's an error, and you'll find it

Bar.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.That's a mistake, and you'll see it

Ere you sleep with your fathers.

Before you rest with your ancestors.

Lor.‍They sleep not

Lor.‍They don't sleep

In their accelerated graves, nor will330

In their quick graves, nor will

Till Foscari fills his. Each night I see them

Stalk frowning round my couch, and, pointing towards

Stalk frowning around my couch, and, pointing towards

The ducal palace, marshal me to vengeance.

The duke's palace, lead me to revenge.

Bar. Fancy's distemperature! There is no passion[181]

Bar. Fancy's bad mood! There is no passion[181]

More spectral or fantastical than Hate;

More ghostly or imaginary than Hate;

Not even its opposite, Love, so peoples air

Not even its opposite, Love, so fills the air.

With phantoms, as this madness of the heart.

With ghosts, like this craziness of the heart.

Enter an Officer.

Officer enters.

Lor. Where go you, sirrah?

Lor. Where are you going, dude?

Offi.‍By the ducal order

Offi. By the duke's order

To forward the preparatory rites

To advance the preparatory rites

For the late Foscari's interment.

For the late Foscari's burial.

Bar.‍Their340

Bar. Their 340

Vault has been often opened of late years.

Vault has been opened frequently in recent years.

Lor. 'Twill be full soon, and may be closed for ever!

Lor. It'll be full soon, and might be closed forever!

Offi. May I pass on?

Offi. Can I get through?

Lor.‍You may.

Lor. You can.

Bar.‍How bears the Doge

Bar. How bears the Doge

This last calamity?

This latest disaster?

Offi.‍With desperate firmness.

Offi. With determined resolve.

In presence of another he says little,

In the presence of others, he says very little,

But I perceive his lips move now and then;

But I notice his lips moving every now and then;

And once or twice I heard him, from the adjoining

And once or twice I heard him from the next room.

Apartment, mutter forth the words—"My son!"

Apartment, say the words—"My kid!"

Scarce audibly. I must proceed.[Exit Officer.

Scarce audibly. I need to continue.[Exit Officer.]

Bar.‍This stroke

Bar. This stroke

Will move all Venice in his favour.

Will move all Venice to support him.

Lor.‍Right!350

Lor. Right!

We must be speedy: let us call together

We need to be quick: let's gather everyone together.

The delegates appointed to convey

The delegates chosen to convey

The Council's resolution.

The Council's decision.

Bar.‍I protest

Bar. I protest.

Against it at this moment.

Opposed to it right now.

Lor.‍As you please—

Lor.‍Go for it—

I'll take their voices on it ne'ertheless,

I'll take their word for it, nonetheless,

And see whose most may sway them, yours or mine.

And let's see whose influence is stronger, yours or mine.

[Exeunt Barbarigo and Loredano.

[Exit Barbarigo and Loredano.

[182]

ACT V.

Scene I.—The Doge's Apartment.

The Doge and Attendants.

The Doge and Team.

Att. My Lord, the deputation is in waiting;

Att. My Lord, the delegation is waiting;

But add, that if another hour would better

But also say that if another hour would work better

Accord with your will, they will make it theirs.

Agree with your desires, and they will make it their own.

Doge. To me all hours are like. Let them approach.

Doge. To me, every hour feels the same. Let them come closer.

[Exit Attendant.

[Staff at Exit.

An Officer. Prince! I have done your bidding.

An Officer. Prince! I've done what you asked.

Doge‍What command?

Doge What command?

Offi. A melancholy one—to call the attendance

Offi. A sad one—to summon the attendance

Of——

Doge.‍True—true—true: I crave your pardon. I

Doge.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.True—true—true: I ask for your forgiveness. I

Begin to fail in apprehension, and

Begin to struggle with understanding, and

Wax very old—old almost as my years.

Wax very old—old nearly as long as I've been alive.

Till now I fought them off, but they begin10

Till now I've fought them off, but they are starting to

To overtake me.

To pass me.

Enter the Deputation, consisting of six of the Signory and the Chief of the Ten.

Enter the Delegation, made up of six members of the Signory and the Chief of the Ten.

Noble men, your pleasure!

Gentlemen, your enjoyment!

Chief of the Ten. In the first place, the Council doth condole

Chief of the Ten. First of all, the Council extends its condolences

With the Doge on his late and private grief.

With the Doge in his deep, private sorrow.

Doge. No more—no more of that.

Doge. That's it—no more of that.

Chief of the Ten.‍Will not the Duke

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Will not the Duke

Accept the homage of respect?

Accept the tribute of respect?

Doge.‍I do

Doge. I do

Accept it as 'tis given—proceed.

Accept it as it is—proceed.

Chief of the Ten.‍"The Ten,"

Leader of the Ten.‍"The Ten,"

With a selected giunta from the Senate

With a chosen group from the Senate

Of twenty-five of the best born patricians,

Of twenty-five of the best-born aristocrats,

Having deliberated on the state

After considering the situation

Of the Republic, and the o'erwhelming cares20

Of the Republic, and the overwhelming cares20

Which, at this moment, doubly must oppress

Which, right now, must weigh down even more

Your years, so long devoted to your Country,[183]

Your years, so long dedicated to your country,[183]

Have judged it fitting, with all reverence,

Have deemed it appropriate, with all respect,

Now to solicit from your wisdom (which

Now to ask for your wisdom (which

Upon reflection must accord in this),

Upon reflection, this must be agreed upon.

The resignation of the ducal ring,

Which you have worn so long and venerably:

Which you have worn for so long and respectfully:

And to prove that they are not ungrateful, nor

And to show that they are not ungrateful, nor

Cold to your years and services, they add

Cold to your years and contributions, they add

An appanage of twenty hundred golden30

An annual payment of two thousand gold30

Ducats, to make retirement not less splendid

Ducats, to ensure retirement remains just as splendid

Than should become a Sovereign's retreat.

Than should become a sovereign's escape.

Doge. Did I hear rightly?

Doge. Did I hear that correctly?

Chief of the Ten.‍Need I say again?

Chief of the Ten.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Do I really need to say this again?

Doge. No.—Have you done?

Doge. No.—Are you done?

Chief of the Ten.‍I have spoken. Twenty four [77]

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I have spoken. Twenty-four [77]

Hours are accorded you to give an answer.

You have some time to give an answer.

Doge. I shall not need so many seconds.

Doge. I won't need that many seconds.

Chief of the Ten.‍We

Chief of the Ten. We

Will now retire.

Now retiring.

Doge.‍Stay! four and twenty hours

Doge. Stay! 24 hours

Will alter nothing which I have to say.

Will change nothing about what I have to say.

Chief of the Ten. Speak!

Leader of the Ten. Speak!

Doge.‍When I twice before reiterated

Doge. When I said again

My wish to abdicate, it was refused me:40

My request to step down was denied:40

And not alone refused, but ye exacted

And not only did you refuse, but you also demanded

An oath from me that I would never more

An oath from me that I would never again

Renew this instance. I have sworn to die

Renew this instance. I have sworn to die.

In full exertion of the functions, which

My Country called me here to exercise,

My country called me here to take action,

According to my honour and my conscience—

According to my honor and my conscience—

I cannot break my oath.

I can’t break my oath.

Chief of the Ten.‍Reduce us not

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Don't diminish us

To the alternative of a decree,

To the alternative of an order,

Instead of your compliance.

Instead of your agreement.

Doge.‍Providence

Doge.‍Provenance

Prolongs my days to prove and chasten me;50

Prolongs my days to test and refine me;50

But ye have no right to reproach my length[184]

But you have no right to criticize my length[184]

Of days, since every hour has been the Country's.

Of days, since every hour has belonged to the country.

I am ready to lay down my life for her,

I’m ready to give my life for her,

As I have laid down dearer things than life:

As I have given up things more precious than life:

But for my dignity—I hold it of

But for my dignity—I consider it my own

The whole Republic: when the general will

The entire Republic: when the people's will

Is manifest, then you shall all be answered.

Is clear, then you will all receive answers.

Chief of the Ten. We grieve for such an answer; but it cannot

Chief of the Ten. We mourn such an answer; but it cannot

Avail you aught.

Can I help you?

Doge.‍I can submit to all things,

Doge. I can accept anything,

But nothing will advance; no, not a moment.60

But nothing will move forward; not even for a second.60

What you decree—decree.

What you say—goes.

Chief of the Ten.‍With this, then, must we

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.With this, then, must we

Return to those who sent us?

Doge.‍You have heard me.

Doge. You’ve heard me.

Chief of the Ten. With all due reverence we retire.

Chief of the Ten. With all due respect, we take our leave.

[Exeunt the Deputation, etc.

[Deputies exit, etc..

Enter an Attendant.

Call an Attendant.

Att.‍My Lord,

Attn: My Lord,

The noble dame Marina craves an audience.

The noble lady Marina seeks an audience.

Doge. My time is hers.

Enter Marina.

Mar.‍My Lord, if I intrude—

Mar.‍My Lord, if I’m intruding—

Perhaps you fain would be alone?

Perhaps you would like to be alone?

Doge.‍Alone!

Doge. Alone!

Alone, come all the world around me, I

Alone, as the whole world surrounds me, I

Am now and evermore. But we will bear it.

Am now and always. But we'll handle it.

Mar. We will, and for the sake of those who are,

Endeavour——Oh, my husband!

Endeavor——Oh, my husband!

Doge.‍Give it way:70

Doge.‍Give it away:70

I cannot comfort thee.

I can't comfort you.

Mar.‍He might have lived,

He could have lived,

So formed for gentle privacy of life,

So suited for the peaceful privacy of life,

So loving, so beloved; the native of

Another land, and who so blest and blessing

Another land, and who is so blessed and blessing

As my poor Foscari? Nothing was wanting

As for my poor Foscari? Nothing was missing.

Unto his happiness and mine save not

To be Venetian.[185]

To be Venetian.

Doge.‍Or a Prince's son.

Doge.‍Or a prince's son.

Mar. Yes; all things which conduce to other men's

Mar. Yes; everything that helps other people

Imperfect happiness or high ambition,

Imperfect happiness or lofty ambition,

By some strange destiny, to him proved deadly.80

By some strange fate, it turned out to be deadly for him.80

The Country and the People whom he loved,

The country and the people he loved,

The Prince of whom he was the elder born,

The Prince of whom he was the eldest born,

And——

And—

Doge.‍Soon may be a Prince no longer.

Doge.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Soon may no longer be a Prince.

Mar.‍How?

How?

Doge. They have taken my son from me, and now aim

Doge. They've taken my son from me, and now they plan

At my too long worn diadem and ring.

At my old, worn-out crown and ring.

Let them resume the gewgaws!

Let them continue the gewgaws!

Mar.‍Oh, the tyrants!

Oh, the oppressors!

In such an hour too!

At such an hour too!

Doge.‍'Tis the fittest time;

Doge. It's the perfect time;

An hour ago I should have felt it.

An hour ago, I should have sensed it.

Mar.‍And

Mar. And

Will you not now resent it?—Oh, for vengeance!

Will you not be upset about it now?—Oh, for revenge!

But he, who, had he been enough protected,90

But he, if he had been adequately protected,

Might have repaid protection in this moment,

Might have paid back protection in this moment,

Cannot assist his father.

Can't help his dad.

Doge.‍Nor should do so

Doge. Nor should do that.

Against his Country, had he a thousand lives

Against his country, if he had a thousand lives

Instead of that——

Instead of that—

Mar.‍They tortured from him. This

They tortured him. This

May be pure patriotism. I am a woman:

To me my husband and my children were

To me, my husband and my kids were

Country and home. I loved him—how I loved him!

Country and home. I loved him—oh, how I loved him!

I have seen him pass through such an ordeal as

I have seen him go through such a tough experience as

The old martyrs would have shrunk from: he is gone,

The old martyrs would have recoiled from: he is gone,

And I, who would have given my blood for him,100

Have nought to give but tears! But could I compass

Have nothing to give but tears! But could I manage

The retribution of his wrongs!—Well, well!

The payback for his wrongs!—Alright, alright!

I have sons, who shall be men.

I have sons who will become men.

Doge.‍Your grief distracts you.

Doge. Your sadness distracts you.

Mar. I thought I could have borne it, when I saw him

Mar. I thought I could handle it when I saw him

Bowed down by such oppression; yes, I thought

That I would rather look upon his corse

That I would rather look at his corpse

Than his prolonged captivity:—I am punished

For that thought now. Would I were in his grave!

For that thought now. I wish I were in his grave!

Doge. I must look on him once more.[186]

Doge. I need to see him one more time.[186]

Mar.‍Come with me!

Mar.‍Let's go!

Doge. Is he——

Doge. Is he—

Mar.‍Our bridal bed is now his bier,110

Mar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Our wedding bed is now his coffin,110

Doge. And he is in his shroud!

Doge. And he's in his burial cloth!

Mar.‍Come, come, old man!

Come on, old man!

[Exeunt the Doge and Marina.

[Exeunt the Doge and Marina.]

Enter Barbarigo and Loredano.

Bar. (to an Attendant). Where is the Doge?

Bar. (to an Attendant). Where’s the Doge?

Att.‍This instant retired hence,

This moment retired now,

With the illustrious lady his son's widow.

With the distinguished lady who is his son's widow.

Lor. Where?

Lor. Where at?

Att.‍To the chamber where the body lies.

Att.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.To the room where the body is.

Bar. Let us return, then.

Bar. Let's go back, then.

Lor.‍You forget, you cannot.

Lor.‍You can't forget.

We have the implicit order of the Giunta

We have the unspoken order of the Giunta

To await their coming here, and join them in

To wait for them to arrive here and join them in

Their office: they'll be here soon after us.

Their office: they’ll be here shortly after us.

Bar. And will they press their answer on the Doge?

Bar. Will they push their answer onto the Doge?

Lor. 'Twas his own wish that all should be done promptly.120

Lor. It was his own wish that everything be done quickly.120

He answered quickly, and must so be answered;

He answered quickly, and had to be answered that way;

His dignity is looked to, his estate

His dignity is respected, his status

Cared for—what would he more?

Cared for—what more could he want?

Bar.‍Die in his robes:

Bar.‍Die in his clothes:

He could not have lived long; but I have done

He couldn't have lived for very long; but I have done

My best to save his honours, and opposed

My best to save his honors, and opposed

This proposition to the last, though vainly.

This suggestion to the end, although futile.

Why would the general vote compel me hither?

Why would the general vote bring me here?

Lor. 'Twas fit that some one of such different thoughts

Lor. It was right that someone with such different thoughts

From ours should be a witness, lest false tongues

From us should be a witness, so that false tongues

Should whisper that a harsh majority130

Should whisper that a tough majority130

Dreaded to have its acts beheld by others.

Dreaded to have its actions seen by others.

Bar. And not less, I must needs think, for the sake

Bar. And not less, I must believe, for the sake

Of humbling me for my vain opposition.

Of humbling me for my pointless resistance.

You are ingenious, Loredano, in

You’re clever, Loredano, in

Your modes of vengeance, nay, poetical,

Your ways of getting back at people, no, poetic,

A very Ovid in the art of hating;

A true Ovid in the art of hating;

'Tis thus (although a secondary object,

Yet hate has microscopic eyes), to you[187]

I owe, by way of foil to the more zealous,

I owe, as a contrast to the more enthusiastic,

This undesired association in140

This unwanted association in140

Your Giunta's duties.

Your Giunta's responsibilities.

Lor.‍How!—my Giunta!

Lor.‍Wow!—my Giunta!

Bar.‍Yours!

Bar.‍Your place!

They speak your language, watch your nod, approve

They understand your language, notice your nod, and agree.

Your plans, and do your work. Are they not yours?

Your plans, and do your work. Aren't they yours?

Lor. You talk unwarily. 'Twere best they hear not

Lor. You're speaking carelessly. It would be better if they didn't hear.

This from you.

This is from you.

Bar.‍Oh! they'll hear as much one day

Bar.‍Oh! they'll find out soon.

From louder tongues than mine; they have gone beyond

From voices louder than mine; they have moved past

Even their exorbitance of power: and when

Even their excessive power: and when

This happens in the most contemned and abject

This happens in the most despised and miserable

States, stung humanity will rise to check it.

States, hurt by the suffering, will rise to confront it.

Lor. You talk but idly.

Lor. You talk but casually.

Bar.‍That remains for proof.150

Bar. That remains for proof.

Here come our colleagues.

Here come our coworkers.

Enter the Deputation as before.

Enter the Delegation as before.

Chief of the Ten.‍Is the Duke aware

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to work on.Does the Duke know

We seek his presence?

Are we seeking his presence?

Att.‍He shall be informed.

He will be informed.

[Exit Attendant.

[Exit Staff.

Bar. The Duke is with his son.

Chief of the Ten.‍If it be so,

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.If that's the case,

We will remit him till the rites are over.

We will keep him until the ceremonies are finished.

Let us return. 'Tis time enough to-morrow.

Let’s go back. There’s plenty of time tomorrow.

Lor. (aside to Bar.) Now the rich man's hell-fire upon your tongue,

Lor. (aside to Bar.) Now the rich man's hellfire is on your tongue,

Unquenched, unquenchable! I'll have it torn

Unquenched, unquenchable! I want it ripped apart.

From its vile babbling roots, till you shall utter

From its corrupt and nonsensical beginnings, until you speak

Nothing but sobs through blood, for this! Sage Signors,

Nothing but sobs through blood for this! Sage Signors,

I pray ye be not hasty.[Aloud to the others.

I pray you not to be in a rush.Out loud to the others.

Bar.‍But be human!160

Bar. But be human!

Lor. See, the Duke comes!

Lor. Look, the Duke is here!

Enter the Doge.

Doge.‍I have obeyed your summons.

Doge. I have answered your call.

Chief of the Ten. We come once more to urge our past request.[188]

Chief of the Ten. We're here again to ask for what we requested before.[188]

Doge. And I to answer.

Doge. And I'll respond.

Chief of the Ten.‍What?

Leader of the Ten.‍What?

Doge.‍My only answer.

Doge. My only response.

You have heard it.

You've heard it.

Chief of the Ten.‍Hear you then the last decree,

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Listen to the final order,

Definitive and absolute!

Totally and completely!

Doge.‍To the point—

Doge. Straight to the point—

To the point! I know of old the forms of office,

To the point! I'm familiar with the old ways of doing things,

And gentle preludes to strong acts.—Go on!

And gentle beginnings to powerful actions.—Keep going!

Chief of the Ten. You are no longer Doge; you are released

Chief of the Ten. You’re no longer the Doge; you’re free now.

From your imperial oath as Sovereign;

From your royal vow as the Sovereign;

Your ducal robes must be put off; but for170

Your duke's robes need to be taken off; but for170

Your services, the State allots the appanage

Your services, the State allocates the financial support.

Already mentioned in our former congress.

Already mentioned in our previous meeting.

Three days are left you to remove from hence,

Three days are left for you to leave here,

Under the penalty to see confiscated

Under the penalty of having it confiscated

All your own private fortune.

All your personal wealth.

Doge.‍That last clause,

Doge. That last part,

I am proud to say, would not enrich the treasury.

I’m proud to say, it would not add to the treasury.

Chief of the Ten. Your answer, Duke!

Chief of the Ten. What's your answer, Duke!

Lor.‍Your answer, Francis Foscari!

Doge. If I could have foreseen that my old age

Doge. If I had known that my later years

Was prejudicial to the State, the Chief

Was harmful to the State, the Chief

Of the Republic never would have shown180

Himself so far ungrateful, as to place

His own high dignity before his Country;

His own high dignity before his country;

But this life having been so many years

But this life has lasted so many years

Not useless to that Country, I would fain

Not useless to that country, I would like to

Have consecrated my last moments to her.

Have dedicated my final moments to her.

But the decree being rendered, I obey.[bt][78]

But the decree is made, and I comply.[bt][78]

Chief of the Ten. If you would have the three days named extended,

Chief of the Ten. If you would like the three days mentioned to be extended,

We willingly will lengthen them to eight,

We are happy to extend them to eight,

As sign of our esteem.

As a sign of our respect.

Doge.‍Not eight hours, Signor,[189]

Doge. Not 8 hours, Signor, [189]

Not even eight minutes—there's the ducal ring,190

Not even eight minutes—there’s the ducal ring,190

[Taking off his ring and cap.

He removed his ring and cap.

And there the ducal diadem! And so

And there’s the ducal crown! And so

The Adriatic's free to wed another.

The Adriatic is free to marry someone else.

Chief of the Ten. Yet go not forth so quickly.

Chief of the Ten. But don't rush out just yet.

Doge.‍I am old, sir,

Doge. I’m old, sir.

And even to move but slowly must begin

And even to move slowly, one must start.

To move betimes. Methinks I see amongst you

To move early. I think I see among you

A face I know not.—Senator! your name,

A face I don't know.—Senator! What's your name?

You, by your garb, Chief of the Forty!

You, with your outfit, Chief of the Forty!

Mem.‍Signor,

Mem. Signor,

I am the son of Marco Memmo.

I'm Marco Memmo's son.

Doge.‍Ah!

Doge.‍Wow!

Your father was my friend.—But sons and fathers!—

Your dad was my friend.—But sons and fathers!—

What, ho! my servants there!

Hey, my servants over there!

Atten.‍My Prince!

Hey, my Prince!

Doge.‍No Prince—200

Doge. No Prince—200

There are the princes of the Prince!

[Pointing to the Ten's Deputation

[Pointing to the Ten's Delegation

‍—Prepare

—Get ready

To part from hence upon the instant.

Leave here immediately.

Chief of the Ten.‍Why

Leader of the Ten.‍Why

So rashly? 'twill give scandal.

So reckless? It'll cause drama.

Doge. (To the Ten).‍Answer that;

Doge. (To the Ten).‍Respond to that;

It is your province.

It’s your responsibility.

[To the Servants.

[To the Staff.

‍—Sirs, bestir yourselves:

—Gentlemen, get moving:

There is one burthen which I beg you bear

There is one burden that I ask you to carry.

With care, although 'tis past all farther harm—

With care, even though it’s beyond any further danger—

But I will look to that myself.

But I will take care of that myself.

Bar.‍He means

Bar. He means

The body of his son.

His son's body.

Doge.‍And call Marina,

Doge.‍And text Marina,

My daughter!

Enter Marina.

Doge.‍Get thee ready, we must mourn

Doge.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Get ready, we need to mourn.

Elsewhere.

Somewhere else.

Mar.‍And everywhere.

And everywhere.

Doge.‍True; but in freedom,210

Without these jealous spies upon the great.

Without these jealous spies on the powerful.

Signers, you may depart: what would you more?[190]

Signers, you can leave now: what else do you want?[190]

We are going; do you fear that we shall bear

We’re going; are you worried that we’ll have to endure

The palace with us? Its old walls, ten times

As old as I am, and I'm very old,

As old as I am, and I’m really old,

Have served you, so have I, and I and they

Could tell a tale; but I invoke them not

Could tell a story; but I won't.

To fall upon you! else they would, as erst

To fall upon you! Otherwise, they would, as before.

The pillars of stone Dagon's temple on

The pillars of stone in Dagon's temple on

The Israelite and his Philistine foes.220

The Israelite and his Philistine enemies.220

Such power I do believe there might exist

Such power I believe might exist

In such a curse as mine, provoked by such

In a curse like mine, triggered by such

As you; but I curse not. Adieu, good Signers!

As you do; but I don't curse. Goodbye, good Signers!

May the next Duke be better than the present!

May the next Duke be better than this one!

Lor. The present Duke is Paschal Malipiero.

Lor. The current Duke is Paschal Malipiero.

Doge. Not till I pass the threshold of these doors.

Doge. Not until I step through these doors.

Lor. Saint Mark's great bell is soon about to toll

Lor. Saint Mark's big bell is about to ring.

For his inauguration.

For his swearing-in.

Doge.‍Earth and Heaven!

Doge. Earth and Heaven!

Ye will reverberate this peal; and I

Live to hear this!—the first Doge who e'er heard230

Live to hear this!—the first Doge who ever heard230

Such sound for his successor: happier he,

Such news for his successor: he's so much happier,

My attainted predecessor, stern Faliero—

My disgraced predecessor, stern Faliero—

This insult at the least was spared him.

This insult was at least spared from him.

Lor.‍What!

Lor.‍What the heck!

Do you regret a traitor?

Do you regret betraying someone?

Doge.‍No—I merely

Doge. No— I just

Envy the dead.

Envy the deceased.

Chief of the Ten. My Lord, if you indeed

Here is the paragraph: Chief of the Ten. My Lord, if you really

Are bent upon this rash abandonment

Are determined to go through with this reckless abandonment

Of the State's palace, at the least retire

Of the state's palace, at the very least, take a step back.

By the private staircase, which conducts you towards

By the private staircase, which leads you towards

The landing-place of the canal.

The canal landing spot.

Doge.‍No. I

Doge. No, I

Will now descend the stairs by which I mounted240

Will now go down the stairs that I came up240

To sovereignty—the Giants' Stairs, on whose

Broad eminence I was invested Duke.

Broad eminence, I was made Duke.

My services have called me up those steps,

My job has brought me up those steps,

The malice of my foes will drive me down them.[79]

The hostility of my enemies will push me down that path.[79]

There five and thirty years ago was I

Installed, and traversed these same halls, from which[191]

Installed, and walked through these same halls, from which[191]

I never thought to be divorced except

I never imagined I would get divorced except

A corse—a corse, it might be, fighting for them—

A corpse—a corpse, it could be, fighting for them—

But not pushed hence by fellow-citizens.

But not pushed away by fellow citizens.

But come; my son and I will go together—250

But come on; my son and I will go together—250

He to his grave, and I to pray for mine.

He goes to his grave, and I go to pray for mine.

Chief of the Ten. What! thus in public?

Chief of the Ten. What! like this in public?

Doge.‍I was publicly

Doge. I was publicly

Elected, and so will I be deposed.

Elected, and so I will be removed.

Marina! art thou willing?

Marina! Are you willing?

Mar.‍Here's my arm!

Here's my arm!

Doge. And here my staff: thus propped will I go forth.

Doge. And here is my staff: with this support, I will move forward.

Chief of the Ten. It must not be—the people will perceive it.

Chief of the Ten. It can't be that way—the people will notice.

Doge. The people,—There's no people, you well know it,

Doge. The people—You know there are no people.

Else you dare not deal thus by them or me.

Else you wouldn't dare to treat them or me this way.

There is a populace, perhaps, whose looks

May shame you; but they dare not groan nor curse you,260

May shame you; but they won’t dare to groan or curse you,260

Save with their hearts and eyes.

Chief of the Ten.‍You speak in passion,

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.You speak with passion,

Else——

Otherwise—

Doge. You have reason. I have spoken much

Doge. You're right. I've said a lot.

More than my wont: it is a foible which

More than I usually do: it's a quirk that

Was not of mine, but more excuses you,

Wasn't mine, just more excuses from you,

Inasmuch as it shows, that I approach

In so far as it shows, that I approach

A dotage which may justify this deed

A weakness that might explain this action

Of yours, although the law does not, nor will.

Of yours, even though the law doesn't, and won't.

Farewell, sirs!

Goodbye, gentlemen!

Bar.‍You shall not depart without

Bar.‍You can't leave without

An escort fitting past and present rank.

An escort that matches past and present status.

We will accompany, with due respect,270

We will accompany, with proper respect,270

The Doge unto his private palace. Say!

The Doge to his private palace. Say!

My brethren, will we not?

My friends, will we not?

Different voices.‍Aye!—Aye!

Various voices.‍Aye!—Aye!

Doge.‍You shall not

Doge. You shall not

Stir—in my train, at least. I entered here

As Sovereign—I go out as citizen

As Sovereign—I step out as a citizen

By the same portals, but as citizen.

By the same entrances, but as a citizen.

All these vain ceremonies are base insults,[192]

All these pointless ceremonies are just disrespectful, [192]

Which only ulcerate the heart the more,

Which only make the heart ache more,

Applying poisons there as antidotes.

Using poisons as antidotes there.

Pomp is for Princes—I am none!—That's false,

Pomp is for princes—I’m not one!—That’s not true,

I am, but only to these gates.—Ah!

I am, but only at these gates.—Ah!

Lor.‍Hark!280

Lor.‍Hey!280

[The great bell of St. Mark's tolls.

The large bell of St. Mark's chimes.

Bar. The bell!

Chief of the Ten. St. Mark's, which tolls for the election

Chief of the Ten. St. Mark's, which chimes for the election

Of Malipiero.

Doge.‍Well I recognise

Doge. Well, I recognize

The sound! I heard it once, but once before,

And that is five and thirty years ago;

And that was thirty-five years ago;

Even then I was not young.

Even then I wasn't young.

Bar.‍Sit down, my Lord!

Bar. Sit down, my Lord!

You tremble.

You're shaking.

Doge.‍'Tis the knell of my poor boy!

Doge.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.It’s the bell tolling for my poor boy!

My heart aches bitterly.

My heart hurts deeply.

Bar.‍I pray you sit.

Bar.‍Please have a seat.

Doge. No; my seat here has been a throne till now.

Doge. No; my seat here has been a throne until now.

Marina! let us go.

Marina! Let's go.

Mar.‍Most readily.

Most readily.

Doge. (walks a few steps, then stops).

Doge. (takes a few steps, then pauses).

I feel athirst—will no one bring me here290

I feel thirsty—will no one bring me here290

A cup of water?

A glass of water?

Bar.‍I——

Bar. I——

Mar.‍And I——

Mar. And I——

Lor.‍And I——

[The Doge takes a goblet from the hand of Loredano.

The Doge takes a goblet from Loredano's hand. Loredano.

Doge. I take yours, Loredano, from the hand

Doge. I accept yours, Loredano, from the hand

Most fit for such an hour as this.[bu]

Most suitable for a moment like this.[bu]

Lor.‍Why so?

Lor. Why's that?

Doge. 'Tis said that our Venetian crystal has

Doge. It is said that our Venetian crystal has

Such pure antipathy to poisons as

Such a strong dislike for poisons as

To burst, if aught of venom touches it.

To burst if anything poisonous touches it.

You bore this goblet, and it is not broken.

You carried this cup, and it’s not broken.

Lor. Well, sir!

Lor. Well, mister!

Doge.‍Then it is false, or you are true.

Doge.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.So it's either a lie, or you are genuine.

For my own part, I credit neither; 'tis[193]

For my part, I don’t believe either. 'tis[193]

An idle legend.

A lazy legend.

Mar.‍You talk wildly, and300

You talk crazily, and

Had better now be seated, nor as yet

Depart. Ah! now you look as looked my husband!

Depart. Ah! now you look like my husband did!

Bar. He sinks!—support him!—quick—a chair—support him!

Bar. He’s going down!—help him!—hurry—get a chair—support him!

Doge. The bell tolls on!—let's hence—my brain's on fire!

Doge. The bell is ringing!—let's go—my mind's racing!

Bar. I do beseech you, lean upon us!

Bar. Please, count on us!

Doge.‍No!

Doge. No!

A Sovereign should die standing. My poor boy!

A ruler should die while standing. My poor boy!

Off with your arms!—That bell![80]

[The Doge drops down and dies.

[The Doge falls and dies.

Mar.‍My God! My God!

OMG! OMG!

Bar. (to Lor.). Behold! your work's completed!

Bar. (to Lor.). Look! Your work is done!

Chief of the Ten.‍Is there then

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Is there then

No aid? Call in assistance!

No help? Call for assistance!

Att.‍'Tis all over.

It’s all over.

Chief of the Ten. If it be so, at least his obsequies310

Chief of the Ten. If that's the case, at least his funeral

Shall be such as befits his name and nation,

Shall be suitable for his name and country,

His rank and his devotion to the duties

His position and his commitment to the responsibilities

Of the realm, while his age permitted him

Of the kingdom, while he was still of an age that allowed him

To do himself and them full justice. Brethren,

To give himself and them the credit they deserve. Brothers,

Say, shall it not be so?

Say, will it not be so?

Bar.‍He has not had

Bar. He hasn't had

The misery to die a subject where [bv]

The misery of dying a subject where [bv]

He reigned: then let his funeral rites be princely.[81]

He ruled, so let his funeral be grand.[81]

Chief of the Ten. We are agreed, then?

Chief of the Ten. So, we all agree, right?

All, except Lor., answer,‍Yes.[194]

Everyone but Lor. says yes.

Chief of the Ten. Heaven's peace be with him!

Chief of the Ten. May he find peace in heaven!

Mar. Signers, your pardon: this is mockery.320

Mar. Signers, excuse me: this is ridiculous.320

Juggle no more with that poor remnant, which,

A moment since, while yet it had a soul,

A moment ago, while it still had a soul,

(A soul by whom you have increased your Empire,

And made your power as proud as was his glory),

And made your power as proud as his glory was,

You banished from his palace and tore down

You were kicked out of his palace and had it destroyed.

From his high place, with such relentless coldness;

From his high position, with such unyielding coldness;

And now, when he can neither know these honours,

And now, when he can no longer recognize these honors,

Nor would accept them if he could, you, Signors,

Purpose, with idle and superfluous pomp,

Purpose, with unnecessary and pointless show,

To make a pageant over what you trampled.330

To make a spectacle over what you crushed.330

A princely funeral will be your reproach,

A royal funeral will be your shame,

And not his honour.

And not his dignity.

Chief of the Ten.‍Lady, we revoke not

Chief of the Ten.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Lady, we do not withdraw.

Our purposes so readily.

Our goals are so clear.

Mar.‍I know it,

I know it,

As far as touches torturing the living.

As far as causing pain to the living.

I thought the dead had been beyond even you,

Though (some, no doubt) consigned to powers which may

Though (some, no doubt) assigned to powers which may

Resemble that you exercise on earth.

Resemble that you work out on Earth.

Leave him to me; you would have done so for

His dregs of life, which you have kindly shortened:

His leftover bits of life, which you have generously cut down:

It is my last of duties, and may prove340

It is my final duty, and it may turn out

A dreary comfort in my desolation.[bw]

A bleak comfort in my loneliness.[bw]

Grief is fantastical, and loves the dead,

Grief is surreal and has an affinity for the dead,

And the apparel of the grave.

And the clothing of the grave.

Chief of the Ten.‍Do you

Chief of the Ten.

Pretend still to this office?

Still pretending in this office?

Mar.‍I do, Signor.

I do, Sir.

Though his possessions have been all consumed

Though his belongings have all been used up

In the State's service, I have still my dowry,

In the state's service, I still have my dowry,

Which shall be consecrated to his rites,

Which will be dedicated to his rituals,

And those of——[She stops with agitation.

And those of——She stops, feeling restless.

Chief of the Ten.‍Best retain it for your children.

Chief of the Ten.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Make sure to keep it for your kids.

Mar. Aye, they are fatherless, I thank you.

Mar. Yes, they don't have a father, thank you.

Chief of the Ten.‍We

Leader of the Ten.‍We

Cannot comply with your request. His relics350

Shall be exposed with wonted pomp, and followed

Shall be shown with the usual grandeur, and followed

Unto their home by the new Doge, not clad[195]

Unto their home by the new Doge, not dressed[195]

As Doge, but simply as a senator.

As Doge, but just as a senator.

Mar. I have heard of murderers, who have interred

Mar. I have heard of murderers who have buried

Their victims; but ne'er heard, until this hour,

Their victims; but never heard, until this hour,

Of so much splendour in hypocrisy

Of so much grandeur in deceit

O'er those they slew.[82] I've heard of widows' tears—

O'er those they killed.[82] I've heard of widows' tears—

Alas! I have shed some—always thanks to you!

Alas! I've shed some—always because of you!

I've heard of heirs in sables—you have left none

I've heard of heirs in fur—you haven't left any

To the deceased, so you would act the part360

To the deceased, so you would play the role

Of such. Well, sirs, your will be done! as one day,

Of such. Well, gentlemen, your wish is my command! as one day,

I trust, Heaven's will be done too![bx]

I hope that God's will is done too![bx]

Chief of the Ten.‍Know you, Lady,

Chief of the Ten.Sure! Please provide the short piece of text you would like me to modernize.Just so you know, Lady,

To whom ye speak, and perils of such speech?

To whom are you speaking, and what are the dangers of that conversation?

Mar. I know the former better than yourselves;

Mar. I know the past better than you do;

The latter—like yourselves; and can face both.

The latter—just like you all; and can handle both.

Wish you more funerals?

Want more funerals?

Bar.‍Heed not her rash words;

Bar.‍Don't listen to her rash words;

Her circumstances must excuse her bearing.

Her situation must excuse her attitude.

Chief of the Ten. We will not note them down.

Chief of the Ten. We won't write them down.

Bar. (turning to Lor., who is writing upon his tablets).

Bar. (turning to Lor., who is writing on his tablet).

What art thou writing,

What are you writing,

With such an earnest brow, upon thy tablets?

With such a serious expression on your faces, on your tablets?

Lor. (pointing to the Doge's body). That he has paid me![83][196]

Chief of the Ten. What debt did he owe you?370

Chief of the Ten. What did he owe you?370

Lor. A long and just one; Nature's debt and mine.[84]

Lor. A long and fair one; Nature's debt and mine.[84]

[Curtain falls[85]

Curtains close

FOOTNOTES:

[34] {113}[The MS. of The Two Foscari is now in the possession of H.R.H. the Princess of Wales.]

[34] {113}[The manuscript of The Two Foscari is currently held by H.R.H. the Princess of Wales.]

[35] [Begun June the 12th, completed July the 9th, Ravenna, 1821.—Byron MS.]

[35] [Started on June 12th, finished on July 9th, Ravenna, 1821.—Byron MS.]

[36] [Gov. "The father softens—but the governor is fixed." Dingle. "Aye that antithesis of persons is a most established figure."—Critic, act ii. sc. 2.

[36] [Gov. "The father may change his mind—but the governor stands firm." Dingle. "Yeah, that contrast between people is a well-known figure."—Critic, act ii. sc. 2.

Byron may have guessed that this passage would be quoted against him, and, by taking it as a motto, hoped to anticipate or disarm ridicule; or he may have selected it out of bravado, as though, forsooth, the public were too stupid to find him out.]

Byron might have suspected that this quote would be used against him, and by adopting it as a motto, he hoped to get ahead of or soften any ridicule; or he may have chosen it out of arrogance, as if the public were too ignorant to see through him.

[at]{121} ——too soon repeated.—[MS. erased.]

[37] [It is a moot point whether Jacopo Foscari was placed on the rack on the occasion of his third trial. The original document of the X. (July 23, 1456) runs thus: "Si videtur vobis per ea quæ dicta et lecta sunt, quod procedatur contra Ser Jacobum Foscari;" and it is argued (see F. Berlan, I due Foscari, etc., 1852, p. 57), (1) that the word procedatur is not a euphemism for "tortured," but should be rendered "judgment be given against;" (2) that if the X had decreed torture, torture would have been expressly enjoined; and (3) that as the decrees of the Council were not divulged, there was no motive for ambiguity. S. Romanin (Storia Documentata, etc., 1853, iv. 284) and R. Senger (Die beiden Foscari, 1878, p. 116) take the same view. On the other hand, Miss A. Wiel (Two Doges of Venice, 1891, p. 107) points out that, according to the Dolfin Cronaca, which Berlan did not consult, Jacopo was in a "mutilated" condition when the trial was over, and he was permitted to take a last farewell of his wife and children in Torricella. Goethe (Conversations, 1874, pp. 264, 265) did not share Eckermann's astonishment that Byron "could dwell so long on this torturing subject." "He was always a self-tormentor, and hence such subjects were his darling theme."]

[37] [It's unclear whether Jacopo Foscari was tortured during his third trial. The original document from the X. (July 23, 1456) states: "If you think that based on what has been said and read, procedatur against Ser Jacobum Foscari;" and it is argued (see F. Berlan, I due Foscari, etc., 1852, p. 57), (1) that the word procedatur isn't a euphemism for "tortured," but should be translated as "judgment be given against;" (2) that if the X had ordered torture, it would have been explicitly stated; and (3) that since the Council's decrees weren't made public, there was no reason for vagueness. S. Romanin (Storia Documentata, etc., 1853, iv. 284) and R. Senger (Die beiden Foscari, 1878, p. 116) share this perspective. On the other hand, Miss A. Wiel (Two Doges of Venice, 1891, p. 107) notes that according to the Dolfin Cronaca, which Berlan did not review, Jacopo was in a "mutilated" state when the trial ended, and he was allowed a final farewell with his wife and children in Torricella. Goethe (Conversations, 1874, pp. 264, 265) did not share Eckermann's surprise that Byron "could focus so long on this tormenting subject." "He was always a self-tormentor, and thus such topics were his favorite theme."]

[38] {122}[It is extremely improbable that Francesco Foscari was present in person at the third or two preceding trials of his son. As may be gathered from the parte of the Council of Ten relating to the first trial, there was a law which prescribed the contrary: "In ipsius Domini Ducis præsentiâ de rebus ad ipsum, vel ad filios suos tangentibus non tractetur, loquatur vel consulatur, sicut non potest (fieri) quando tractatur de rebus tangentibus ad attinentes Domini Ducis." The fact that "Nos Franciscus Foscari," etc., stood at the commencement of the decree of exile may have given rise to the tradition that the Doge, like a Roman father, tried and condemned his son. (See Berlan's I due Foscari, p. 13.)]

[38] {122}[It is very unlikely that Francesco Foscari was actually present at the third trial or the two earlier ones involving his son. As can be inferred from the records of the Council of Ten regarding the first trial, there was a law that stated otherwise: "In the presence of the Lord Duke, matters concerning him or his sons shall not be discussed, spoken about, or consulted upon, just as it cannot happen when discussing matters related to those connected to the Lord Duke." The fact that "We, Francesco Foscari," etc., appeared at the beginning of the exile decree may have led to the belief that the Doge, similar to a Roman father, tried and condemned his son. (See Berlan's I due Foscari, p. 13.)]

[39] {123}[Pietro Loredano, admiral of the Venetian fleet, died November 11, 1438. His death was sudden and suspicious, for he was taken with violent pains and spasms after presiding at a banquet in honour of his victories over the Milanese; and, when his illness ended fatally, it was remembered that the Doge had publicly declared that so long as the admiral lived he would never be de facto Prince of the Republic. Jacopo Loredano chose to put his own interpretation on this outburst of impatience, and inscribed on his father's monument in the Church of the Monastery of Sant' Elena, in the Isola della Santa Lena, the words, "Per insidias hostium veneno sublatus." (See Ecclesiæ Venetæ, by Flaminio Cornaro, 1749, ix. 193, 194; see, too, Cicogna's Inscrizioni Veneziane, 1830, iii. 381.)

[39] {123}[Pietro Loredano, the admiral of the Venetian fleet, died on November 11, 1438. His death was sudden and suspicious, as he experienced severe pain and spasms after hosting a banquet in celebration of his victories over the Milanese. When his illness turned fatal, people recalled that the Doge had publicly declared that as long as the admiral was alive, he would never be the de facto Prince of the Republic. Jacopo Loredano decided to interpret this expression of impatience his own way and inscribed on his father’s monument in the Church of the Monastery of Sant' Elena, on the Isola della Santa Lena, the words, "Per insidias hostium veneno sublatus." (See Ecclesiæ Venetæ, by Flaminio Cornaro, 1749, ix. 193, 194; see also Cicogna's Inscrizioni Veneziane, 1830, iii. 381.)

Not long afterwards Marco Loredano, the admiral's brother, met with a somewhat similar fate. He had been despatched by the X. to Legnano, to investigate the conduct of Andrea Donate, the Doge's brother-in-law, who was suspected of having embezzled the public moneys. His report was unfavourable to Donato, and, shortly after, he too fell sick and died. It is most improbable that the Doge was directly or indirectly responsible for the death of either brother; but there was an hereditary feud, and the libellous epitaph was a move in the game.]

Not long after, Marco Loredano, the admiral's brother, faced a somewhat similar fate. He had been sent by the X. to Legnano to look into the actions of Andrea Donate, the Doge's brother-in-law, who was suspected of embezzling public funds. His report was negative regarding Donato, and shortly after that, he also fell ill and died. It's highly unlikely that the Doge was directly or indirectly responsible for the deaths of either brother; however, there was a longstanding family feud, and the slanderous epitaph was a tactic in that conflict.

[40] {124}[Daru gives Palazzi's Fasti Ducales and L'Histoire Vénitienne of Vianolo as his authorities for this story.]

[40] {124}[Daru cites Palazzi's Fasti Ducales and Vianolo's L'Histoire Vénitienne as his sources for this story.]

[au]

——checked by nought

checked by zero

The vessel that creaks——.—[MS. M. erased.]

[av] {125} ——much pity.—[MS. M. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {125} ——so sad.—[MS. M. erased.]

[41] ["This whole episode in the private life of the Foscari family is valuable chiefly for the light it throws upon the internal history of Venice. We are clearly in an atmosphere unknown before. The Council of Ten is all-powerful; it even usurps functions which do not belong to it by the constitution. The air is charged with plots, suspicion, assassination, denunciation, spies,—all the paraphernalia which went to confirm the popular legend as to the terrible nature of the Dieci."—Venice, etc., by Horatio F. Brown, 1893, p. 305.]

[41] ["This whole episode in the private life of the Foscari family is important mainly for how it sheds light on the internal history of Venice. We're clearly in a previously unknown atmosphere. The Council of Ten holds all the power; it even takes on roles that aren't actually part of its official duties. The environment is filled with plots, suspicion, assassination, betrayal, and spies—everything that adds to the popular belief about the terrifying nature of the Dieci."—Venice, etc., by Horatio F. Brown, 1893, p. 305.]

[aw] {126} In this brief colloquy, and must redeem it.—[MS. M.]

[aw] {126} In this short conversation, and must make it right.—[MS. M.]

[42] [Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [Compare—

"And I have loved thee, Ocean! and my joy

"And I have loved you, Ocean! and my joy

Of youthful sports was on thy breast to be

Of youthful games was on your heart to be

Borne, like thy bubbles, onward: from a boy

Borne, like your bubbles, onward: from a boy

I wantoned with thy breakers."

I wanted to be with you.

Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza clxxxiv. lines 1-4,
Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 461, note 2.]

[43] {127}[The climate of Crete is genial and healthy; but the town of Candia is exposed to winds from the north and north-west.]

[43] {127}[The climate in Crete is mild and healthy, but the town of Candia is exposed to winds from the north and northwest.]

[ax] I see your colour comes.—[MS. M.]

[ax] I see your color is coming.—[MS. M.]

[44] {130}["She was a Contarini (her name was Lucrezia, not Marina)—

'A daughter of the house that now among

Its ancestors in monumental brass

Its ancestors in brass plaques

Numbers eight Doges.'

Eight Doges.

On the occasion of her marriage the Bucentaur came out in its splendour; and a bridge of boats was thrown across the Canal Grande for the bridegroom and his retinue of three hundred horse."—Foscari, by Samuel Rogers, Poems, 1852, ii. 93, note.

On her wedding day, the Bucentaur made a grand appearance, and a bridge of boats was set up across the Canal Grande for the groom and his entourage of three hundred horsemen. —Foscari, by Samuel Rogers, Poems, 1852, ii. 93, note.

According to another footnote (ibid., p. 90), "this story (Foscari) and the tragedy of the Two Foscari were published within a few days of each other, in November, 1821." The first edition of Italy was published anonymously in 1822. According to the announcement of a corrected and enlarged edition, which appeared in the Morning Chronicle, April 11, 1823, "a few copies of this poem were printed off the winter before last, while the author was abroad."]

According to another footnote (ibid., p. 90), "this story (Foscari) and the tragedy of the Two Foscari were published just a few days apart in November 1821." The first edition of Italy was released anonymously in 1822. An announcement for a corrected and expanded edition, which appeared in the Morning Chronicle on April 11, 1823, stated, "a few copies of this poem were printed during the winter before last while the author was overseas."

[ay] {132} Do not deem so.—[MS. M.]

Do not think so.

[45] {133}[Jacopo's plea, that the letter to the Duke of Milan was written for the express purpose of being recalled to Venice, is inadmissible for more reasons than one. In the first place, if on suspicion of a letter written but never sent, the Ten had thought fit to recall him, it by no means followed that they would have granted him an interview with his wife and family; and, secondly, the fact that there were letters in cypher found in his possession, and that a direct invitation to the Sultan to rescue him by force was among the impounded documents ("Quod requirebat dictum Teucrum ut mitteret ex galeis suis ad accipiendum et levandum eum de dicto loco"), proves that the appeal to the Duke of Milan was bonâ fide, and not a mere act of desperation. (See The Two Doges, pp. 101, 102, and Berlan's I due Poscari, p. 53, etc.)]

[45] {133}[Jacopo's claim that the letter to the Duke of Milan was written solely to be recalled to Venice doesn't hold up for several reasons. First, if the Ten had decided to recall him based on a letter that was written but never sent, it doesn't necessarily mean they would have allowed him to meet with his wife and family. Additionally, the discovery of coded letters in his possession, including a direct invitation to the Sultan to rescue him by force among the confiscated documents ("Quod requirebat dictum Teucrum ut mitteret ex galeis suis ad accipiendum et levandum eum de dicto loco"), shows that the appeal to the Duke of Milan was bonâ fide and not just a desperate move. (See The Two Doges, pp. 101, 102, and Berlan's I due Poscari, p. 53, etc.)]

[46] {134}[There is no documentary evidence for this "confession," which rests on a mere tradition. (Vide Sanudo, Vita Ducum Venetorum, apud Muratori, Rerum Ital. Script., 1733, xxii. col. 1139; see, too, Berlan, I due Foscari, p. 37.) Moreover, Almoro Donato was not chief of the "Ten" at the date of his murder. The three "Capi" for November, 1450, were Ermolao Vallaresso, Giovanni Giustiniani, and Andrea Marcello (vide ibid., p. 25).]

[46] {134}[There is no documentary proof for this "confession," which is based solely on tradition. (See Sanudo, Vita Ducum Venetorum, in Muratori, Rerum Ital. Script., 1733, xxii. col. 1139; also, Berlan, I due Foscari, p. 37.) Additionally, Almoro Donato was not the head of the "Ten" at the time of his murder. The three "Capi" for November, 1450, were Ermolao Vallaresso, Giovanni Giustiniani, and Andrea Marcello (see ibid., p. 25).]

[47] {135}["Examination by torture: 'Such presumption is only sufficient to put the person to the rack or torture' (Ayliffe's Parergon)."—Cent. Dict., art. "Question."]

[47] {135}["Examination by torture: 'This assumption is only enough to subject the individual to the rack or torture' (Ayliffe's Parergon)."—Cent. Dict., article "Question."]

[48] [Shakespeare, Milton, Thompson, and others, use "shook" for "shaken."]

[az] As was proved on him——.—[MS. M.]

[az] As was shown by him——.—[MS. M.]

[49] [The inarticulate mutterings are probably an echo of the "incantation and magic words" ("incantationem et verba quas sibi reperta sunt de quibus ad funem utitur ... quoniam in fune aliquam nec vocem nec gemitum emittit sed solum inter dentes ipse videtur et auditur loqui" [Die beiden Foscari, pp. 160, 161]), which, according to the decree of the Council of Ten, dated March 26, 1451, Jacopo let fall "while under torture" during his second trial.]

[49] [The unclear mumblings are likely a reflection of the "incantation and magic words" ("incantationem et verba quas sibi reperta sunt de quibus ad funem utitur ... quoniam in fune aliquam nec vocem nec gemitum emittit sed solum inter dentes ipse videtur et auditur loqui" [Die beiden Foscari, pp. 160, 161]), which, according to the ruling of the Council of Ten on March 26, 1451, Jacopo mentioned "while under torture" during his second trial.]

[ba] {137} I'll hence and follow Loredano home.—[MS. M.]

[ba] {137} I'm going to follow Loredano home.—[MS. M.]

[bb] That I had dipped the pen too heedlessly.—[MS. M.]

[bb] That I had dipped the pen too carelessly.—[MS. M.]

[bc] {138} Mistress of Lombardy—'tis some comfort to me.—[MS. M.]

[bc] {138} Lady of Lombardy—this gives me some comfort.—[MS. M.]

[50] [Compare "Ce fut l'époque, où Vénise étendit son empire sur Brescia, Bergame, Ravenne, et Crème; où elle fonda sa domination de Lombardie," etc. (Sismondi's Histoire des Républiques, x. 38). Brescia fell to the Venetians, October, 1426; Bergamo, in April, 1428; Ravenna, in August, 1440; and Crema, in 1453.]

[50] [See "This was the time when Venice expanded its empire over Brescia, Bergamo, Ravenna, and Crema; when it established its rule in Lombardy," etc. (Sismondi's History of the Republics, x. 38). Brescia came under Venetian control in October 1426; Bergamo in April 1428; Ravenna in August 1440; and Crema in 1453.]

[51] {139}[The Bridge of Sighs was not built till the end of the sixteenth century. (Vide ante, Marino Faliero, act i. sc. 2, line 508, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 363, note 2; see, too, Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza i. line 1, et post, act iv. sc. 1, line 75.)]

[51] {139}[The Bridge of Sighs was completed at the end of the sixteenth century. (See earlier, Marino Faliero, act i. sc. 2, line 508, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 363, note 2; also check Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza i. line 1, and later, act iv. sc. 1, line 75.)]

[bd] {141} To tears save those of dotage——.—[MS. M.]

[bd] {141} Only save tears for the elderly——.—[MS. M.]

[52] {143}[Five sons were born to the Doge, of whom four died of the plague (Two Doges, etc., by A. Wiel, 1891, p. 77).]

[52] {143}[The Doge had five sons, but four of them died from the plague (Two Doges, etc., by A. Wiel, 1891, p. 77).]

[53] {144}[The Doge offered to abdicate in June, 1433, in June, 1442, and again in 1446 (see Romanin, Storia, etc., 1855, iv. 170, 171, note 1).]

[53] {144}[The Doge proposed to resign in June 1433, again in June 1442, and once more in 1446 (see Romanin, Storia, etc., 1855, iv. 170, 171, note 1).]

[54] [Vide ante, p. 123.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [See above, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__.]

[55] {148}[For the Pozzi and Piombi, see Marino Faliero, act i. sc. 2, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 363, note 2.]

[be] Keep this for them——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Save this for them——.—[MS. M.]

[bf] {149} The blackest leaf, his heart, and blankest, his brain.—[MS. M.]

[bf] {149} The darkest leaf, his heart, and emptiest, his brain.—[MS. M.]

[bg]—and best in humblest stations.—[MS. M.]

[bg]—and best in the simplest roles.—[MS. M.]

[bh]

Where hunger swallows all—where ever was

Where hunger consumes everything—wherever it was

The monarch who could bear a three days' fast?—[MS. M.]

The king who could handle a three-day fast?—[MS. M.]

[bi] Their disposition——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Their attitude——.—[MS. M.]

[56] [It would seem that Byron's "not ourselves" by no means "made for" righteousness.]

[56] [It appears that Byron's "not ourselves" definitely wasn't "meant for" righteousness.]

[bj]

——the will itself dependent

the will itself dependent

Upon a storm, a straw, and both alike

During a storm, a straw, and both are similar

Leading to death——.—[MS. M.]

Causing death——.—[MS. M.]

[57] [Compare—"The boldest steer but where their ports invite." Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza Ixx. lines 7-9; and Canto IV. stanza xxxiv., Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 260, 353, and 74, note 1.]

[57] [Compare—"The bravest steer only goes where their ports welcome." Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza Ixx. lines 7-9; and Canto IV. stanza xxxiv., Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 260, 353, and 74, note 1.]

[58] {152}[Compare—

[58]

"Our voices took a dreary tone,

"Our voices took on a gloomy tone,

An echo of the dungeon stone."

An echo of the dungeon stone.

Prisoner of Chillon, lines 63, 64.

Compare, too—

Compare as well—

"——prisoned solitude.

"——imprisoned solitude."

And the Mind's canker in its savage mood,

And the mind's anguish in its wild state,

When the impatient thirst of light and air

When the eager craving for light and air

Parches the heart."

Heals the heart.

Lament of Tasso, lines 4-7.]

Lament of Tasso, lines 4-7.

[59] {153}[For inscriptions on the walls of the Pozzi, see note 1 to Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto IV., Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 465-467. Hobhouse transferred these "scratchings" to his pocket-books, and thence to his Historical Notes; but even as prison inscriptions they lack both point and style.]

[59] {153}[For the writings on the walls of the Pozzi, check note 1 in Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto IV., Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 465-467. Hobhouse copied these "scratchings" into his notebooks, and later included them in his Historical Notes; however, even as prison inscriptions, they lack both significance and style.]

[60] [Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [See—

"Run, run, Orlando; carve on every tree

The fair, the chaste and unexpressive she."

The fair, the pure, and the restrained she.

As You Like It, act iii. sc. 2, lines 9, 10.]

[bk]

Which never can be read but, as 'twas written,

Which can only be read as it was written,

By wretched beings.—[MS.]

By miserable beings.—[MS.]

[bl] {154}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {154}

Of the familiar's torch, which seems to love

Of the familiar's torch, which seems to care

Darkness far more than light.—[MS.]

Darkness exceeds light.—[MS.]

[61] {157}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {157}[See—

"Once more upon the waters! yet once more!

"Once again on the waters! One more time!"

And the waves bound beneath me as a steed

And the waves surge beneath me like a horse

That knows his rider."

"That knows their rider."

Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza ii. lines 1-3,
Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 217, note 1.]

[bm] At once by briefer means and better.—[MS.]

[bm] In a more concise and effective way.—[MS.]

[62] {158} In Lady Morgan's fearless and excellent work upon Italy, I perceive the expression of "Rome of the Ocean" applied to Venice. The same phrase occurs in the "Two Foscari." My publisher can vouch for me, that the tragedy was written and sent to England some time before I had seen Lady Morgan's work, which I only received on the 16th of August. I hasten, however, to notice the coincidence, and to yield the originality of the phrase to her who first placed it before the public.

[62] {158} In Lady Morgan's bold and outstanding work about Italy, I notice the term "Rome of the Ocean" used to describe Venice. The same phrase appears in "The Two Foscari." My publisher can confirm that the play was written and sent to England well before I had seen Lady Morgan's work, which I only received on August 16th. Nevertheless, I want to acknowledge the coincidence and credit the originality of the phrase to her for being the first to present it to the public.

[Byron calls Lady Morgan's Italy "fearless" on account of her strictures on the behaviour of Great Britain to Genoa in 1814. "England personally stood pledged to Genoa.... When the British officers rode into their gates bearing the white flag consecrated by the holy word of 'independence,' the people ... 'kissed their garments.'... Every heart was open.... Lord William Bentinck's flag of 'Independenza' was taken down from the steeples and high places at sunrise; before noon the arms of Sardinia blazoned in their stead; and yet the Genoese did not rise en masse and massacre the English" (Italy, 1821, i. 245, 246). The passage which Byron feared might be quoted to his disparagement runs as follows: "As the bark glides on, as the shore recedes, and the city of waves, the Rome of the ocean, rises on the horizon, the spirits rally; ... and as the spires and cupolas of Venice come forth in the lustre of the mid-day sun, and its palaces, half-veiled in the aërial tints of distance, gradually assume their superb proportions, then the dream of many a youthful vigil is realized" (ibid., ii. 449).]

[Byron calls Lady Morgan's Italy "fearless" because of her criticisms of Great Britain's actions towards Genoa in 1814. "England had personally committed to Genoa.... When the British officers entered their gates carrying the white flag honored by the sacred word of 'independence,' the people ... 'kissed their garments.'... Every heart was open.... Lord William Bentinck's flag of 'Independenza' was taken down from the steeples and high places at sunrise; by noon, the arms of Sardinia were displayed in its place; and yet the Genoese did not rise en masse and massacre the English" (Italy, 1821, i. 245, 246). The passage that Byron worried might be quoted to his disadvantage reads: "As the boat glides on, as the shore recedes, and the city of waves, the Rome of the ocean, appears on the horizon, the spirits gather; ... and as the spires and domes of Venice emerge in the brilliance of the midday sun, and its palaces, half-hidden in the airy hues of distance, slowly reveal their magnificent forms, then the dream of many youthful nights is fulfilled" (ibid., ii. 449).]

[63] [Compare Marino Faliero, act ii. sc. 2, line 110, Poetical Works, 901, iv. 386, note 3.]

[63] [See Marino Faliero, act ii. sc. 2, line 110, Poetical Works, 901, iv. 386, note 3.]

[64] {159} The Calenture.—[From the Spanish Calentura, a fever peculiar to sailors within the tropics—

[64] {159} The Calenture.—[From the Spanish Calentura, a fever unique to sailors in tropical regions—

"So, by a calenture misled,

"So, misled by a fever,"

The mariner with rapture sees,

The sailor joyfully sees,

On the smooth ocean's azure bed,

On the calm ocean's blue floor,

Enamelled fields and verdant trees:

Enamelled fields and green trees:

With eager haste he longs to rove

With excited urgency, he yearns to wander

In that fantastic scene, and thinks

In that amazing scene, and thinks

It must be some enchanted grove;

It must be some magical grove;

And in he leaps, and down he sinks."

And in he jumps, and down he goes.

Swift, The South-Sea Project, 1721, ed. 1824, xiv. 147.]

[65] Alluding to the Swiss air and its effects.—[The Ranz des Vaches, played upon the bag-pipe by the young cowkeepers on the mountains:—"An air," says Rousseau, "so dear to the Swiss, that it was forbidden, under the pain of death, to play it to the troops, as it immediately drew tears from them, and made those who heard it desert, or die of what is called la maladie du païs, so ardent a desire did it excite to return to their country. It is in vain to seek in this air for energetic accents capable of producing such astonishing effects, for which strangers are unable to account from the music, which is in itself uncouth and wild. But it is from habit, recollections, and a thousand circumstances, retraced in this tune by those natives who hear it, and reminding them of their country, former pleasures of their youth, and all their ways of living, which occasion a bitter reflection at having lost them." Compare Byron's Swiss "Journal" for September 19, 1816, Letters, 1899, ii. 355.]

[65] Referring to the Swiss air and its effects.—[The Ranz des Vaches, played on the bagpipes by young herders in the mountains:—"An air," Rousseau says, "so beloved by the Swiss that it was banned, under the threat of death, from being played for the troops, as it instantly brought them to tears and caused those who heard it to either desert or die from what is called la maladie du pays, such was the intense longing it sparked to return to their homeland. It’s pointless to search for powerful notes in this music that could explain such extraordinary effects, which foreigners find hard to understand, as the tune itself is awkward and wild. Instead, it’s the familiarity, memories, and countless experiences evoked by this melody in the locals who hear it, reminding them of their homeland, past joys of their youth, and their entire way of life that lead to a painful realization of what they've lost." Compare Byron's Swiss "Journal" for September 19, 1816, Letters, 1899, ii. 355.]

[bn] That malady, which——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ That illness, which——.—[MS. M.]

[66] [Compare Don Juan, Canto XVI. stanza xlvi. lines 6, 7—

[66] [See Don Juan, Canto XVI, stanza 46, lines 6 and 7—

"The calentures of music which o'ercome

"The fever of music that overwhelms"

The mountaineers with dreams that they are highlands."]

The climbers dream that they are in the mountains.

[bo]{160} ——upon your native towers.—[MS. M.]

[bo]{160} ——on your home towers.—[MS. M.]

[bp] {162} Come you here to insult us——.—[MS. M.]

[bp] {162} Are you here to insult us?——.—[MS. M.]

[67] {163}[For "steeds of brass," compare Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza xiii. line I, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 338, and 336, note 1.]

[67] {163}[For "brass horses," see Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza xiii. line I, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 338, and 336, note 1.]

[68] [The first and all subsequent editions read "skimmed the coasts." Byron wrote "skirred," a word borrowed from Shakespeare. Compare Siege of Corinth, line 692, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 480, note 4.]

[68] [The first and all later editions say "skimmed the coasts." Byron used "skirred," a term taken from Shakespeare. See Siege of Corinth, line 692, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 480, note 4.]

[bq] {165} ——which this noble lady worst,—[MS. M.]

[bq] {165} ——which this noble lady endured,—[MS. M.]

[69] {169}[According to the law, it rested with the six councillors of the Doge and a majority of the Grand Council to insist upon the abdication of a Doge. The action of the Ten was an usurpation of powers to which they were not entitled by the terms of the Constitution.]

[69] {169}[According to the law, it was up to the six councillors of the Doge and a majority of the Grand Council to demand the abdication of a Doge. The actions of the Ten were an overreach of authority that they were not entitled to under the Constitution.]

[70] {170}[A touching incident is told concerning an interview between the Doge and Jacopo Memmo, head of the Forty. The Doge had just learnt (October 21, 1457) the decision of the Ten with regard to his abdication, and noticed that Memmo watched him attentively. "Foscari called to him, and, touching his hand, asked him whose son he was. He answered, 'I am the son of Messer Marin Memmo.'—' He is my dear friend,' said the Doge; 'tell him from me that it would be pleasing to me if he would come and see me, so that we might go at our leisure in our boats to visit the monasteries'" (The Two Doges, by A. Weil, 1891, p. 124; see, too, Romanin, Storia, etc., 1855, iv. 291).]

[70] {170}[A touching incident is shared about a meeting between the Doge and Jacopo Memmo, the head of the Forty. The Doge had just learned (October 21, 1457) the decision of the Ten concerning his resignation and noticed that Memmo was watching him closely. "Foscari called to him, and, touching his hand, asked him whose son he was. He replied, 'I am the son of Messer Marin Memmo.'—'He is my dear friend,' said the Doge; 'tell him from me that it would make me happy if he would come and visit me, so that we could leisurely take our boats to see the monasteries'" (The Two Doges, by A. Weil, 1891, p. 124; see also Romanin, Storia, etc., 1855, iv. 291).]

[71] {171}[Vide ante, p. 139, note 1.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {171}[See above, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__]

[br] Decemvirs, it is surely——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Decemvirs, it definitely is——.—[MS. M.]

[72] {172}[Romanin (Storia, etc., 1855, iv. 285, 286) quotes the following anecdote from the Cronaca Dolfin:—

[72] {172}[Romanin (History, etc., 1855, iv. 285, 286) shares the following story from the Cronaca Dolfin:—

"Alla commozione, alle lagrime, ai singulti che accompagnavano gli ultimi abbraciamenti, Jacopo più che mai sentendo il dolore di quel distacco, diceva: Padre ve priego, procurè per mi, che ritorni a casa mia. E messer lo doxe: Jacomo va e obbedisci quel che vuol la terra e non cerear più oltre. Ma, uscito l'infelice figlio dalla stanza, più non resistendo alla piena degli affetti, si getto piangendo sopra una sedia e lamentando diceva: O pietà grande!"]

"With all the emotion, tears, and sobs that accompanied their last hugs, Jacopo, feeling the pain of the separation more than ever, said: Father, please, help me to return home. And messer lo doxe: Jacomo, go and obey what the land wants, and do not worry any further. But once the unfortunate son left the room, unable to withstand the flood of emotions, he threw himself crying onto a chair and lamented: O great pity!"

[73] [Vide ante, act ii. sc. I, line 174, p. 143, note 1.]

[73] [See earlier, act ii. sc. I, line 174, p. 143, note 1.]

[74] {175}[So, too, Coleridge of Keats: "There is death in that hand;" and of Adam Steinmetz: "Alas! there is death in that dear hand." See Table Talk for August 14, 1832, and Letter to John Peirse Kennard, August 13, 1832, Letters of S. T. C., 1895, ii. 764. Jacopo Foscari was sent back to exile in Crete, and did not die till February, 1457. His death at Venice, immediately after his sentence, is contrived for the sake of observing "the unities."]

[74] {175}[Similarly, Coleridge wrote about Keats: "There is death in that hand;" and about Adam Steinmetz: "Sadly, there is death in that dear hand." See Table Talk for August 14, 1832, and Letter to John Peirse Kennard, August 13, 1832, Letters of S. T. C., 1895, ii. 764. Jacopo Foscari was sent back into exile in Crete and didn’t die until February 1457. His death in Venice, right after his sentence, is staged to maintain "the unities."]

[bs]

——he would not

he wouldn't

Thus leave me.—[MS. M.]

So just leave me.—[MS. M.]

[75] {178}[It is to be noted that the "Giunta" was demanded by Loredano himself—a proof of his bona fides, as the addition of twenty-five nobles to the original Ten would add to the chance of opposition on the part of the supporters and champions of the Doge (see The Two Doges, and Romanin, Storia, etc., iv. 286, note 3).]

[75] {178}[It's important to note that Loredano himself requested the "Giunta"—a demonstration of his good intentions, as adding twenty-five nobles to the original Ten would increase the likelihood of opposition from the supporters and champions of the Doge (see The Two Doges, and Romanin, Storia, etc., iv. 286, note 3).]

[76] {179} An historical fact. See Daru [1821], tom. ii. [pp. 398, 399. Daru quotes as his authorities Sabellicus and Pietro Giustiniani. As a matter of fact, the Doge did his utmost to save Carmagnola, pleading that his sentence should be commuted to imprisonment for life (see The Two Doges, p. 66; and Romanin, Storia, etc., iv. 161).]

[76] {179} A historical fact. See Daru [1821], vol. ii. [pp. 398, 399. Daru cites Sabellicus and Pietro Giustiniani as his sources. In reality, the Doge did everything he could to save Carmagnola, arguing that his sentence should be changed to life imprisonment (see The Two Doges, p. 66; and Romanin, Storia, etc., iv. 161).]

[77] {183}[By the terms of the "parte," or act of deposition drawn up by the Ten, October 21, 1457, the time granted for deliberation was "till the third hour of the following day." This limitation as to time was designed to prevent the Doge from summoning the Grand Council, "to whom alone belonged the right of releasing him from the dukedom." (The Two Doges, p. 118; Diebeiden Foscari, 1878, pp. 174-176).]

[77] {183}[According to the "parte," or deposition act created by the Ten on October 21, 1457, the time allowed for discussion was "until the third hour of the following day." This time limit was meant to stop the Doge from calling the Grand Council, "which alone had the right to release him from the dukedom." (The Two Doges, p. 118; Die beiden Foscari, 1878, pp. 174-176).]

[bt] {188} The act is passed—I will obey it.—[MS. M.]

[bt] {188} The law has been enacted—I'll follow it.—[MS. M.]

[78] [For this speech, see Daru (who quotes from Pietro Giustiniani, Histoire, etc., 1821, ii. 534).]

[78] [For this speech, see Daru (who quotes from Pietro Giustiniani, History, etc., 1821, ii. 534).]

[79] {190}[See Daru's Histoire, etc., 1821, ii. 535. The Cronaca Augustini is the authority for the anecdote (see The Two Doges, 1891, p. 126).]

[79] {190}[See Daru's Histoire, etc., 1821, ii. 535. The Cronaca Augustini is the source for the story (see The Two Doges, 1891, p. 126).]

[bu] {192}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {192}

I take yours, Loredano—'tis the draught

I’ll take yours, Loredano—this is the drink

Most fitting such an hour as this.—[MS. M.]

Most suitable for a time like this.—[MS. M.]

[80] {193}[Vide ante, Introduction to The Two Foscari, p. 118.]

[80] {193}[See above, Introduction to The Two Foscari, p. 118.]

[bv] The wretchedness to die——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The misery of death——.—[MS. M.]

[81] ["A decree was at once passed that a public funeral should be accorded to Foscari, ... and the bells of St. Mark were ordered to peal nine times.... The same Council also determined that on Thursday night, November 3, the corpse should be carried into the room of the 'Signori di notte,' dressed in a golden mantle, with the ducal bonnet on his head, golden spurs on his feet, ... the gold sword by his side." But Foscari's wife, Marina (or Maria) Nani, opposed. "She declined to give up the body, which she had caused to be dressed in plain clothes, and she maintained that no one but herself should provide for the funeral expenses, even should she have to give up her dower." It is needless to add that her protest was unavailing, and that the decree of the Ten was carried into effect.—The Two Doges, 1891, pp. 129, 130.]

[81] ["A decree was immediately issued for a public funeral for Foscari, ... and the bells of St. Mark were ordered to ring nine times.... The same Council decided that on Thursday night, November 3, the body should be taken into the room of the 'Signori di notte,' dressed in a golden robe, wearing the ducal hat, with golden spurs on his feet, ... and a gold sword at his side." However, Foscari's wife, Marina (or Maria) Nani, opposed this. "She refused to release the body, which she had dressed in simple clothes, and insisted that only she should cover the funeral costs, even if it meant losing her dowry." It goes without saying that her objections were ignored, and the decree of the Ten was carried out.—The Two Doges, 1891, pp. 129, 130.]

[bw] {194} ——comfort to my desolation.—[MS. M.]

[bw] {194} ——solace for my despair.—[MS. M.]

[82] {195} The Venetians appear to have had a particular turn for breaking the hearts of their Doges. The following is another instance of the kind in the Doge Marco Barbarigo: he was succeeded by his brother Agostino Barbarigo, whose chief merit is here mentioned.—"Le doge, blessé de trouver constamment un contradicteur et un censeur si amer dans son frère, lui dit un jour en plein conseil: 'Messire Augustin, vous faites tout votre possible pour hâter ma mort; vous vous flattez de me succéder; mais, si les autres vous connaissent aussi bien que je vous connais, ils n'auront garde de vous élire.' Là-dessus il se leva, ému de colere, rentra dans son appartement, et mourut quelques jours après. Ce frère, contre lequel il s'etait emporté, fut précisement le successeur qu'on lui donna. C'était un mérite don't on aimait à tenir compte; surtout à un parent, de s'être mis en opposition avec le chef de la république."—Daru, Hist, de Vénise, 1821, in. 29.

[82] {195} The Venetians seemed to have a special knack for breaking the hearts of their Doges. Here’s another example with Doge Marco Barbarigo: he was succeeded by his brother Agostino Barbarigo, whose main accomplishment is noted here.—"The Doge, upset to constantly find such a harsh critic and opponent in his brother, said one day in a full council: 'Sir Augustin, you are doing everything you can to hasten my death; you fool yourself into thinking you'll succeed me; but if others know you as well as I do, they won't elect you.' With that, he got up, filled with anger, returned to his quarters, and died a few days later. This brother, against whom he had lashed out, was precisely the successor they appointed. It was a quality that was appreciated; especially in a relative, to oppose the leader of the republic."—Daru, Hist, de Vénise, 1821, in. 29.

[bx] I trust Heavens will be done also.—[MS.]

[bx] I trust that what is meant to happen will happen as well.—[MS.]

[83] "L'ha pagata." An historical fact. See Hist. de Vénise, par P. Daru, 1821, ii. 528, 529.

[83] "She paid for it." A historical fact. See Hist. de Vénise, by P. Daru, 1821, ii. 528, 529.

[Daru quotes Palazzi's Fasti Ducales as his authority for this story. According to Pietro Giustiniani (Storia, lib. viii.), Jacopo Loredano was at pains to announce the decree of the Ten to the Doge in courteous and considerate terms, and begged him to pardon him for what it was his duty to do. Romanin points out that this version of the interview is inconsistent with the famous "L'hapagata."—Storia, etc., iv. 290, note i.]

[Daru cites Palazzi's Fasti Ducales as his source for this story. According to Pietro Giustiniani (Storia, lib. viii.), Jacopo Loredano made an effort to present the decree of the Ten to the Doge in a polite and thoughtful way, and asked him to forgive him for what he had to do. Romanin notes that this account of the meeting conflicts with the well-known "L'hapagata."—Storia, etc., iv. 290, note i.]

[84] {196}[Here the original MS. ends. The two lines which follow, were added by Gifford. In the margin of the MS. Byron has written, "If the last line should appear obscure to those who do not recollect the historical fact mentioned in the first act of Loredano's inscription in his book, of 'Doge Foscari, debtor for the deaths of my father and uncle,' you may add the following lines to the conclusion of the last act:—

[84] {196}[Here the original manuscript ends. The following two lines were added by Gifford. In the margin of the manuscript, Byron has written, "If the last line seems unclear to those who don’t remember the historical fact mentioned in the first act of Loredano's inscription in his book, 'Doge Foscari, indebted for the deaths of my father and uncle,' you can add the following lines to the end of the last act:—

Chief of the Ten. For what has he repaid thee?

Chief of the Ten. What has he done for you in return?

Lor.‍For my father's

Lor.‍For my dad's

And father's brother's death—by his son's and own!

And my uncle's death—caused by his son and himself!

Ask Gifford about this."]

Ask Gifford about this.

[85] [The Appendix to the First Edition of The Two Foscari consisted of (i.) an extract from P. Daru's Histoire de la République Française, 1821, ii. 520-537; (ii.) an extract from J. C. L. Simonde de Sismondi's Histoire des Républiques Italiennes du Moyen Age, 1815, x. 36-46; and (iii.) a note in response to certain charges of plagiarism brought against the author in the Literary Gazette and elsewhere; and to Southey's indictment of the "Satanic School," which had recently appeared in the Preface to the Laureate's Vision of Judgement (Poetical Works of Robert Southey, 1838, x. 202-207). See, too, the "Introduction to The Vision of Judgment," Poetical Works, 1891, iv. pp. 475-480.]

[85] [The Appendix to the First Edition of The Two Foscari included (i.) a passage from P. Daru's Histoire de la République Française, 1821, ii. 520-537; (ii.) a passage from J. C. L. Simonde de Sismondi's Histoire des Républiques Italiennes du Moyen Age, 1815, x. 36-46; and (iii.) a note addressing certain accusations of plagiarism made against the author in the Literary Gazette and other publications; and in response to Southey's criticism of the "Satanic School," which had recently appeared in the Preface to the Laureate's Vision of Judgement (Poetical Works of Robert Southey, 1838, x. 202-207). See also the "Introduction to The Vision of Judgment," Poetical Works, 1891, iv. pp. 475-480.]

[197]

CAIN:
A mystery.

"Now the Serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made."

"Now the serpent was more cunning than any other creature that the Lord God had made."

Genesis,
Chapter 3rd, verse 1.

Genesis,
Chapter 3, verse 1.

[198]

[199]

INTRODUCTION TO CAIN.

Cain was begun at Ravenna, July 16, and finished September 9, 1821 (vide MS. M.). Six months before, when he was at work on the first act of Sardanapalus, Byron had "pondered" Cain, but it was not till Sardanapalus and a second historical play, The Two Foscari, had been written, copied out, and sent to England, that he indulged his genius with a third drama—on "a metaphysical subject, something in the style of Manfred" (Letters, 1901, v. 189).

Cain was started in Ravenna on July 16 and completed on September 9, 1821 (see MS. M.). Six months earlier, while working on the first act of Sardanapalus, Byron had "thought about" Cain, but it wasn't until after he had finished Sardanapalus and a second historical play, The Two Foscari, that he allowed himself to write a third drama—on "a metaphysical topic, something like Manfred" (Letters, 1901, v. 189).

Goethe's comment on reading and reviewing Cain was that he should be surprised if Byron did not pursue the treatment of such "biblical subjects," as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Conversations, etc., 1879, p. 62); and, many years after, he told Crabb Robinson (Diary, 1869, ii. 435) that Byron should have lived "to execute his vocation ... to dramatize the Old Testament." He was better equipped for such a task than might have been imagined. A Scottish schoolboy, "from a child he had known the Scriptures," and, as his Hebrew Melodies testify, he was not unwilling to turn to the Bible as a source of poetic inspiration. Moreover, he was born with the religious temperament. Questions "of Providence, foreknowledge, will and fate," exercised his curiosity because they appealed to his imagination and moved his spirit. He was eager to plunge into controversy with friends and advisers who challenged or rebuked him, Hodgson, for instance, or Dallas; and he responded with remarkable amenity to the strictures and exhortations of such orthodox professors as Mr. Sheppard and Dr. Kennedy. He was, no doubt, from first to last a heretic, impatient, not to say contemptuous, of authority, but he was by no means indifferent to religion altogether. To "argue about it and about" was a necessity, if not an agreeable relief, to his intellectual energies. It would appear from the Ravenna diary (January 28, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 190,191), that the conception of Lucifer was working in his brain[200] before the "tragedy of Cain" was actually begun. He had been recording a "thought" which had come to him, that "at the very height of human desire and pleasure, a certain sense of doubt and sorrow"—an amari aliquid which links the future to the past, and so blots out the present—"mingles with our bliss," making it of none effect, and, by way of moral or corollary to his soliloquy, he adds three lines of verse headed, "Thought for a speech of Lucifer in the Tragedy of Cain"—

Goethe remarked on reading and reviewing Cain that he wouldn’t be surprised if Byron didn’t explore the theme of such "biblical subjects," like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Conversations, etc., 1879, p. 62); years later, he told Crabb Robinson (Diary, 1869, ii. 435) that Byron should have lived "to fulfill his calling ... to dramatize the Old Testament." He was actually better suited for this task than one might think. A Scottish schoolboy, he "had known the Scriptures from childhood," and, as his Hebrew Melodies show, he was definitely willing to look to the Bible for poetic inspiration. Also, he had a deeply religious nature. Questions about "Providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate" piqued his curiosity because they sparked his imagination and stirred his spirit. He was eager to engage in debates with friends and advisors who challenged or criticized him, like Hodgson or Dallas; and he responded with notable patience to the critiques and encouragement of conservative professors like Mr. Sheppard and Dr. Kennedy. He was, without a doubt, a heretic, often impatient, if not outright scornful, of authority, yet he wasn’t completely indifferent to religion. To "debate about it and about it" was a necessity, if not a welcome outlet, for his intellectual energy. It seems from the Ravenna diary (January 28, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 190, 191) that the idea of Lucifer was already forming in his mind before he actually began the "tragedy of Cain." He had been noting down a "thought" that had come to him, about how "at the height of human desire and pleasure, a certain sense of doubt and sorrow"—an amari aliquid that connects the future to the past, erasing the present—"mingles with our bliss," rendering it ineffective. As a moral or corollary to his soliloquy, he adds three lines of verse titled, "Thought for a speech of Lucifer in the Tragedy of Cain"—

"Were Death an Evil, would I let thee live?

"Were Death an Evil, would I let you live?"

Fool! live as I live—as thy father lives,

Fool! live like I do—as your father does,

And thy son's sons shall live for evermore."

And your grandsons will live forever.

In these three lines, which were not inserted in the play, and in the preceding "thought," we have the key-note to Cain. "Man walketh in a vain shadow"—a shadow which he can never overtake, the shadow of an eternally postponed fruition. With a being capable of infinite satisfaction, he is doomed to realize failure in attainment. In all that is best and most enjoyable, "the rapturous moment and the placid hour," there is a foretaste of "Death the Unknown"! The tragedy of Manfred lies in remorse for the inevitable past; the tragedy of Cain, in revolt against the limitations of the inexorable present.

In these three lines, which weren't included in the play, and in the earlier "thought," we find the main idea of Cain. "Man walks in a vain shadow"—a shadow he can never catch up to, the shadow of eternal delay in achieving what he desires. With the ability to experience infinite satisfaction, he is doomed to face failure in achieving it. In all that is best and most pleasurable, "the rapturous moment and the peaceful hour," there is a hint of "Death the Unknown"! The tragedy of Manfred lies in regret for the unavoidable past; the tragedy of Cain is in defiance against the constraints of the relentless present.

The investigation of the "sources" of Cain does not lead to any very definite conclusion (see Lord Byron's Cain und Seine Quellen, von Alfred Schaffner, 1880). He was pleased to call his play "a Mystery," and, in his Preface (vide post, p. 207), Byron alludes to the Old Mysteries as "those very profane productions, whether in English, French, Italian, or Spanish." The first reprint of the Chester Plays was published by the Roxburghe Club in 1818, but Byron's knowledge of Mystery Plays was probably derived from Dodsley's Plays (ed. 1780, l., xxxiii.-xlii.), or from John Stevens's Continuation of Dugdale's Monasticon (vide post, p. 207), or possibly, as Herr Schaffner suggests, from Warton's History of English Poetry, ed. 1871, ii. 222-230. He may, too, have witnessed some belated Rappresentazione of the Creation and Fall at Ravenna, or in one of the remoter towns or villages of Italy. There is a superficial resemblance between the treatment of the actual encounter of Cain and Abel, and the conventional rendering of the same incident in the Ludus Coventriæ, and in the Mistère du Viel Testament; but it is unlikely that he had closely studied any one Mystery Play at first hand. On the other hand, his recollections of Gessner's Death of Abel which "he had never read since he was eight years old," were clearer than he imagined. Not[201] only in such minor matters as the destruction of Cain's altar by a whirlwind, and the substitution of the Angel of the Lord for the Deus of the Mysteries, but in the Teutonic domesticities of Cain and Adah, and the evangelical piety of Adam and Abel, there is a reflection, if not an imitation, of the German idyll (see Gessner's Death of Abel, ed. 1797, pp. 80, 102).

The exploration of the "sources" of Cain doesn't lead to any clear conclusions (see Lord Byron's Cain and His Sources, by Alfred Schaffner, 1880). He liked to refer to his play as "a Mystery," and in his Preface (see below, p. 207), Byron mentions the Old Mysteries as "those very profane works, whether in English, French, Italian, or Spanish." The first reprint of the Chester Plays was released by the Roxburghe Club in 1818, but Byron's understanding of Mystery Plays likely came from Dodsley's Plays (ed. 1780, l., xxxiii.-xlii.), or from John Stevens's continuation of Dugdale's Monasticon (see below, p. 207), or possibly, as Herr Schaffner suggests, from Warton's History of English Poetry, ed. 1871, ii. 222-230. He might also have witnessed some late Rappresentazione of the Creation and Fall in Ravenna, or in one of the more remote towns or villages of Italy. There is a superficial similarity between the portrayal of the actual encounter of Cain and Abel and the standard depiction of the same event in the Ludus Coventriæ and in the Mistère du Viel Testament; however, it's unlikely that he studied any single Mystery Play in depth. On the other hand, his memories of Gessner's Death of Abel, which "he had never read since he was eight," were clearer than he thought. Not[201] only in such minor details as the destruction of Cain's altar by a whirlwind and the replacement of the Angel of the Lord for the Deus of the Mysteries, but also in the Teutonic domesticity of Cain and Adah and the virtuous piety of Adam and Abel, there is a reflection, if not a direct imitation, of the German idyll (see Gessner's Death of Abel, ed. 1797, pp. 80, 102).

Of his indebtedness to Milton he makes no formal acknowledgment, but he was not ashamed to shelter himself behind Milton's shield when he was attacked on the score of blasphemy and profanity. "If Cain be blasphemous, Paradise Lost is blasphemous" (letter to Murray, Pisa, February 8, 1822), was, he would fain believe, a conclusive answer to his accusers. But apart from verbal parallels or coincidences, there is a genuine affinity between Byron's Lucifer and Milton's Satan. Lucifer, like Satan, is "not less than Archangel ruined," a repulsed but "unvanquished Titan," marred by a demonic sorrow, a confessor though a rival of Omnipotence. He is a majestic and, as a rule, a serious and solemn spirit, who compels the admiration and possibly the sympathy of the reader. There is, however, another strain in his ghostly attributes, which betrays a more recent consanguinity: now and again he gives token that he is of the lineage of Mephistopheles. He is sometimes, though rarely, a mocking as well as a rebellious spirit, and occasionally indulges in a grim persiflage beneath the dignity if not the capacity of Satan. It is needless to add that Lucifer has a most lifelike personality of his own. The conception of the spirit of evil justifying an eternal antagonism to the Creator from the standpoint of a superior morality, may, perhaps, be traced to a Manichean source, but it has been touched with a new emotion. Milton's devil is an abstraction of infernal pride—

Of his debt to Milton, he makes no formal acknowledgment, but he wasn't ashamed to hide behind Milton's shield when he was accused of blasphemy and profanity. "If Cain is blasphemous, then Paradise Lost is blasphemous" (letter to Murray, Pisa, February 8, 1822) was, he believed, a solid response to his critics. But aside from verbal similarities or coincidences, there's a true connection between Byron's Lucifer and Milton's Satan. Lucifer, like Satan, is "not less than Archangel ruined," a rejected but "unconquered Titan," burdened by a demonic sorrow, a confessor though a rival of Omnipotence. He is a majestic and usually serious spirit who commands the admiration and perhaps the sympathy of the reader. However, there is another element in his ghostly traits that reveals a more modern ancestry: now and then, he shows that he is part of the lineage of Mephistopheles. He is sometimes, though rarely, both a mocking and a rebellious spirit, and occasionally indulges in a grim persiflage beneath the dignity, if not the capacity, of Satan. It's worth noting that Lucifer has a very real personality of his own. The idea of the spirit of evil justifying an eternal opposition to the Creator from a viewpoint of superior morality may, perhaps, trace back to a Manichean source, but it has been infused with new emotion. Milton's devil is an abstraction of infernal pride—

"Sole Positive of Night!

"Only positive of the night!"

Antipathist of Light!

Light Hater!

Fate's only essence! primal scorpion rod—

The one permitted opposite of God!"

The only allowed opposite of God!

Goethe's devil is an abstraction of scorn. He "maketh a mock" alike of good and evil! But Byron's devil is a spirit, yet a mortal too—the traducer, because he has suffered for his sins; the deceiver, because he is self-deceived; the hoper against hope that there is a ransom for the soul in perfect self-will and not in perfect self-sacrifice. Byron did not uphold Lucifer, but he "had passed that way," and could imagine a spiritual warfare not only against the Deus of the Mysteries or of the Book of Genesis, but against what he[202] believed and acknowledged to be the Author and Principle of good.

Goethe's devil represents a form of disdain. He "makes a mock" of both good and evil! In contrast, Byron's devil is both a spirit and a mortal—the slanderer, because he has suffered for his sins; the deceiver, because he is deceived by himself; the one who hopes against hope that there is redemption for the soul through perfect self-will rather than perfect self-sacrifice. Byron did not idolize Lucifer, but he "had passed that way," and could envision a spiritual battle not only against the Deus of the Mysteries or the Book of Genesis, but also against what he[202] recognized and acknowledged to be the Author and Principle of good.

Autres temps, autres mœurs! It is all but impossible for the modern reader to appreciate the audacity of Cain, or to realize the alarm and indignation which it aroused by its appearance. Byron knew that he was raising a tempest, and pleads, in his Preface, "that with regard to the language of Lucifer, it was difficult for me to make him talk like a clergyman," and again and again he assures his correspondents (e.g. to Murray, November 23, 1821, "Cain is nothing more than a drama;" to Moore, March 4, 1822, "With respect to Religion, can I never convince you that I have no such opinions as the characters in that drama, which seems to have frightened everybody?" Letters, 1901, v. 469; vi. 30) that it is Lucifer and not Byron who puts such awkward questions with regard to the "politics of paradise" and the origin of evil. Nobody seems to have believed him. It was taken for granted that Lucifer was the mouthpiece of Byron, that the author of Don Juan was not "on the side of the angels."

Other times, other customs! It's nearly impossible for today’s reader to grasp the boldness of Cain or to understand the shock and outrage it caused when it was released. Byron knew he was stirring up a storm, and he argued in his Preface, "that when it comes to Lucifer's language, it was hard for me to make him speak like a clergyman," and he repeatedly reassures his correspondents (e.g. to Murray, November 23, 1821, "Cain is nothing more than a drama;" to Moore, March 4, 1822, "As for Religion, can I never convince you that I don’t share the opinions of the characters in that drama, which seems to have frightened everyone?" Letters, 1901, v. 469; vi. 30) that it is Lucifer, not Byron, who raises such uncomfortable questions about the "politics of paradise" and the origin of evil. Nobody seems to have believed him. It was assumed that Lucifer was speaking for Byron, that the author of Don Juan was not "on the side of the angels."

Little need be said of the "literature," the pamphlets and poems which were evoked by the publication of Cain: A Mystery. One of the most prominent assailants (said to be the Rev. H. J. Todd (1763-1845), Archdeacon of Cleveland, 1832, author inter alia of Original Sin, Free Will, etc., 1818) issued A Remonstrance to Mr. John Murray, respecting a Recent Publication, 1822, signed "Oxoniensis." The sting of the Remonstrance lay in the exposure of the fact that Byron was indebted to Bayle's Dictionary for his rabbinical legends, and that he had derived from the same source his Manichean doctrines of the Two Principles, etc., and other "often-refuted sophisms" with regard to the origin of evil. Byron does not borrow more than a poet and a gentleman is at liberty to acquire by way of raw material, but it cannot be denied that he had read and inwardly digested more than one of Bayle's "most objectionable articles" (e.g. "Adam," "Eve," "Abel," "Manichees," "Paulicians," etc.). The Remonstrance was answered in A Letter to Sir Walter Scott, etc., by "Harroviensis." Byron welcomed such a "Defender of the Faith," and was anxious that Murray should print the letter together with the poem. But Murray belittled the "defender," and was upbraided in turn for his slowness of heart (letter to Murray, June 6, 1822, Letters, 1901, vi. 76).

Not much needs to be said about the "literature," the pamphlets and poems that were sparked by the release of Cain: A Mystery. One of the most notable critics was the Rev. H. J. Todd (1763-1845), Archdeacon of Cleveland in 1832 and author of works like Original Sin and Free Will (1818). He published A Remonstrance to Mr. John Murray, respecting a Recent Publication in 1822, under the name "Oxoniensis." The sharp point of the Remonstrance was the revelation that Byron had borrowed his rabbinical legends from Bayle's Dictionary, and that his Manichean ideas about the Two Principles, among other "often-refuted sophisms" regarding the origin of evil, came from the same source. Byron didn't borrow more than a poet and a gentleman could reasonably gather as raw material, but it's true that he had engaged with more than one of Bayle's "most objectionable articles" (like "Adam," "Eve," "Abel," "Manichees," "Paulicians," etc.). The Remonstrance was responded to in A Letter to Sir Walter Scott, etc. by "Harroviensis." Byron welcomed such a "Defender of the Faith" and was eager for Murray to publish the letter along with the poem. However, Murray dismissed the "defender," and in return was criticized for his lack of enthusiasm (letter to Murray, June 6, 1822, Letters, 1901, vi. 76).

Fresh combatants rushed into the fray: "Philo-Milton," with a Vindication of the "Paradise Lost" from the charge of exculpating "Cain: A Mystery," London, 1822; "Britannicus," with a pamphlet entitled, Revolutionary Causes, etc., and A Postscript containing Strictures on "Cain," etc., [203]London, 1822, etc.; but their works, which hardly deserve to be catalogued, have perished with them. Finally, in 1830, a barrister named Harding Grant, author of Chancery Practice, compiled a work (Lord Byron's "Cain," etc., with Notes) of more than four hundred pages, in which he treats "the proceedings and speeches of Lucifer with the same earnestness as if they were existing and earthly personages." But it was "a week too late." The "Coryphæus of the Satanic School" had passed away, and the tumult had "dwindled to a calm."

Fresh fighters jumped into the debate: "Philo-Milton," with a Vindication of the "Paradise Lost" from the charge of exculpating "Cain: A Mystery, London, 1822; "Britannicus," with a pamphlet titled, Revolutionary Causes, etc., and A Postscript containing Strictures on "Cain," etc., [203]London, 1822, etc.; but their works, which hardly deserve to be listed, have disappeared along with them. Finally, in 1830, a lawyer named Harding Grant, author of Chancery Practice, put together a book (Lord Byron's "Cain," etc., with Notes) of over four hundred pages, in which he discusses "the actions and speeches of Lucifer with the same seriousness as if they were real and living characters." But it was "a week too late." The "Coryphæus of the Satanic School" had already died, and the uproar had "dwindled to a calm."

Cain "appeared in conjunction with" Sardanapalus and The Two Foscari, December 19, 1821. Last but not least of the three plays, it had been announced "by a separate advertisement (Morning Chronicle, November 24, 1821), for the purpose of exciting the greater curiosity" (Memoirs of the Life, etc. [by John Watkins], 1822, p. 383), and it was no sooner published than it was pirated. In the following January, "Cain: A Mystery, by the author of Don Juan," was issued by W. Benbow, at Castle Street, Leicester Square (the notorious "Byron Head," which Southey described as "one of those preparatory schools for the brothel and the gallows, where obscenity, sedition, and blasphemy are retailed in drams for the vulgar"!).

Cain "was released alongside" Sardanapalus and The Two Foscari, on December 19, 1821. As the last of the three plays, it had been promoted "with a separate advertisement (Morning Chronicle, November 24, 1821), to generate more curiosity" (Memoirs of the Life, etc. [by John Watkins], 1822, p. 383), and it was immediately pirated upon publication. The following January, "Cain: A Mystery, by the author of Don Juan," was published by W. Benbow, at Castle Street, Leicester Square (the infamous "Byron Head," which Southey called "one of those preparatory schools for the brothel and the gallows, where obscenity, sedition, and blasphemy are sold in doses for the masses"!).

Murray had paid Byron £2710 for the three tragedies, and in order to protect the copyright, he applied, through counsel (Lancelot Shadwell, afterwards Vice-Chancellor), for an injunction in Chancery to stop the sale of piratical editions of Cain. In delivering judgment (February 12, 1822), the Chancellor, Lord Eldon (see Courier, Wednesday, February 13), replying to Shadwell, drew a comparison between Cain and Paradise Lost, "which he had read from beginning to end during the course of the last Long Vacation—solicitæ jucunda oblivia vitæ." No one, he argued, could deny that the object and effects of Paradise Lost were "not to bring into disrepute," but "to promote reverence for our religion," and, per contra, no one could affirm that it was impossible to arrive at an opposite conclusion with regard to "the Preface, the poem, the general tone and manner of Cain." It was a question for a jury. A jury might decide that Cain was blasphemous, and void of copyright; and as there was a reasonable doubt in his mind as to the character of the book, and a doubt as to the conclusion at which a jury would arrive, he was compelled to refuse the injunction. According to Dr. Smiles (Memoir of John Murray, 1891, i. 428), the decision of a jury was taken, and an injunction eventually granted. If so, it was ineffectual, for Benbow issued[204] another edition of Cain in 1824 (see Jacob's Reports, p. 474, note). See, too, the case of Murray v. Benbow and Another, as reported in the Examiner, February 17, 1822; and cases of Wolcot v. Walker, Southey v. Sherwood, Murray v. Benbow, and Lawrence v. Smith [Quarterly Review, April, 1822, vol. xxvii. pp. 120-138].

Murray had paid Byron £2710 for the three tragedies, and to protect the copyright, he applied, through his lawyer (Lancelot Shadwell, who later became Vice-Chancellor), for an injunction in Chancery to stop the sale of pirated editions of Cain. In delivering the judgment (February 12, 1822), the Chancellor, Lord Eldon (see Courier, Wednesday, February 13), in response to Shadwell, compared Cain to Paradise Lost, "which he had read from beginning to end during the last Long Vacation—solicitæ jucunda oblivia vitæ." He argued that no one could deny that the goal and impact of Paradise Lost were "not to bring into disrepute," but "to foster reverence for our religion," and, per contra, it was impossible to say that a different conclusion couldn't be reached about "the Preface, the poem, the general tone and manner of Cain." It was up to a jury. A jury might decide that Cain was blasphemous and not protected by copyright; and since he had reasonable doubts about the nature of the book and about what conclusion a jury would reach, he had to deny the injunction. According to Dr. Smiles (Memoir of John Murray, 1891, i. 428), a jury's decision was made, and an injunction was eventually granted. If that happened, it was ineffective because Benbow released[204] another edition of Cain in 1824 (see Jacob's Reports, p. 474, note). Also, see the case of Murray v. Benbow and Another, as reported in the Examiner, February 17, 1822; and the cases of Wolcot v. Walker, Southey v. Sherwood, Murray v. Benbow, and Lawrence v. Smith [Quarterly Review, April, 1822, vol. xxvii. pp. 120-138].

"Cain," said Moore (February 9, 1822), "has made a sensation." Friends and champions, the press, the public "turned up their thumbs." Gifford shook his head; Hobhouse "launched out into a most violent invective" (letter to Murray, November 24, 1821); Jeffrey, in the Edinburgh, was regretful and hortatory; Heber, in the Quarterly, was fault-finding and contemptuous. The "parsons preached at it from Kentish Town to Pisa" (letter to Moore, February 20, 1822). Even "the very highest authority in the land," his Majesty King George IV., "expressed his disapprobation of the blasphemy and licentiousness of Lord Byron's writings" (Examiner, February 17, 1822). Byron himself was forced to admit that "my Mont Saint Jean seems Cain" (Don Juan, Canto XI. stanza lvi. line 2). The many were unanimous in their verdict, but the higher court of the few reversed the judgment.

"Cain," Moore said (February 9, 1822), "has caused quite a stir." Friends and supporters, the press, and the public "gave it a thumbs down." Gifford shook his head; Hobhouse "went off on a harsh tirade" (letter to Murray, November 24, 1821); Jeffrey, in the Edinburgh, was regretful and urged caution; Heber, in the Quarterly, was critical and disdainful. The "preachers denounced it from Kentish Town to Pisa" (letter to Moore, February 20, 1822). Even "the highest authority in the land," King George IV, "expressed his disapproval of the blasphemy and immorality in Lord Byron's writings" (Examiner, February 17, 1822). Byron himself had to admit that "my Mont Saint Jean seems Cain" (Don Juan, Canto XI. stanza lvi. line 2). The majority was unanimous in their judgment, but the elite few overturned the decision.

Goethe said that "Its beauty is such as we shall not see a second time in the world" (Conversations, etc., 1874, p. 261); Scott, in speaking of "the very grand and tremendous drama of Cain," said that the author had "matched Milton on his own ground" (letter to Murray, December 4, 1821, vide post, p. 206); "Cain," wrote Shelley to Gisborne (April 10, 1822), "is apocalyptic; it is a revelation never before communicated to man."

Goethe said that "Its beauty is something we won't see again in the world" (Conversations, etc., 1874, p. 261); Scott, while discussing "the very grand and tremendous drama of Cain," stated that the author had "matched Milton on his own turf" (letter to Murray, December 4, 1821, vide post, p. 206); "Cain," Shelley wrote to Gisborne (April 10, 1822), "is apocalyptic; it's a revelation never communicated to humanity before."

Uncritical praise, as well as uncritical censure, belongs to the past; but the play remains, a singular exercise of "poetic energy," a confession, ex animo, of "the burthen of the mystery, ... the heavy and the weary weight Of all this unintelligible world."

Unquestioned praise, just like unquestioned criticism, is a thing of the past; however, the play continues to exist, a unique display of "poetic energy," a heartfelt confession of "the burden of the mystery, ... the heavy and exhausting weight of all this incomprehensible world."

For reviews of Cain: A Mystery, vide ante, "Introduction to Sardanapalus," p. 5; see, too, Eclectic Review, May, 1822, N.S. vol. xvii. pp. 418-427; Examiner, June 2, 1822; British Review, 1822, vol. xix. pp. 94-102.

For reviews of Cain: A Mystery, see "Introduction to Sardanapalus," p. 5; also check Eclectic Review, May 1822, N.S. vol. xvii. pp. 418-427; Examiner, June 2, 1822; British Review, 1822, vol. xix. pp. 94-102.

For O'Doherty's parody of the "Pisa" Letter, February 8, 1822, see Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, February, 1822, vol. xi. pp. 215-217; and for a review of Harding Grant's Lord Byron's Cain, etc., see Fraser's Magazine, April, 1831, iii. 285-304.

For O'Doherty's parody of the "Pisa" Letter, February 8, 1822, see Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, February 1822, vol. xi, pp. 215-217; and for a review of Harding Grant's Lord Byron's Cain, etc., see Fraser's Magazine, April 1831, iii. 285-304.

[205]

To
SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.
THIS MYSTERY OF CAIN
IS INSCRIBED,
BY HIS GRATEFUL FRIEND
AND LOYAL SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.[86]

[206]

[207]

PREFACE

The following scenes are entitled "A Mystery," in conformity with the ancient title annexed to dramas upon similar subjects, which were styled "Mysteries, or Moralities."[87] The author has by no means taken the same liberties with his subject which were common formerly, as may be seen by any reader curious enough to refer to those very profane productions, whether in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. The author has endeavoured to preserve the language adapted to his characters; and where it is (and this is but rarely) taken from actual Scripture, he has made as little alteration, even of words, as the rhythm would permit. The reader will recollect that the book of Genesis does not state[208] that Eve was tempted by a demon, but by "the Serpent [88];" and that only because he was "the most subtil of all the beasts of the field." Whatever interpretation the Rabbins and the Fathers may have put upon this, I take the words as I find them, and reply, with Bishop Watson [89] upon similar occasions, when the Fathers were quoted to him as Moderator in the schools of Cambridge, "Behold the Book!"—holding up the Scripture. It is to be recollected, that my present subject has nothing to do with the New Testament, to which no reference can be here made without anachronism.[90] With the poems upon similar topics I have not been recently familiar. Since I was twenty I have never read Milton; but I had read him so frequently before, that this may make little difference. Gesner's "Death of Abel" I have never read since I was eight years of age, at Aberdeen. The[209] general impression of my recollection is delight; but of the contents I remember only that Cain's wife was called Mahala, and Abel's Thirza; in the following pages I have called them "Adah" and "Zillah," the earliest female names which occur in Genesis. They were those of Lamech's wives: those of Cain and Abel are not called by their names. Whether, then, a coincidence of subject may have caused the same in expression, I know nothing, and care as little. [I [91] am prepared to be accused of Manicheism,[92] or some other hard name ending in ism, which makes a formidable figure and awful sound in the eyes and ears of those who would be as much puzzled to explain the terms so bandied about, as the liberal and pious indulgers in such epithets. Against such I can defend myself, or, if necessary, I can attack in turn. "Claw for claw, as Conan said to Satan and the deevil take the shortest nails" (Waverley).[93]]

The following scenes are titled "A Mystery," following the traditional name given to plays on similar topics, which were called "Mysteries, or Moralities."[87] The author hasn't taken the same liberties with his subject as was common in the past, which any reader interested enough can see by looking at those rather irreverent works in English, French, Italian, or Spanish. The author has tried to keep the language appropriate for his characters; and when it is (and this is rare) taken directly from the Scripture, he has made as few changes, even in wording, as the rhythm allows. The reader will remember that the book of Genesis does not say[208] that Eve was tempted by a demon, but by "the Serpent [88];" and this is only because he was "the most cunning of all the beasts of the field." Whatever interpretation the Rabbis and the Church Fathers may have had about this, I take the words as they are, and respond, like Bishop Watson [89] when he was quoted by the Fathers as the Moderator in the schools of Cambridge, "Behold the Book!"—holding up the Scripture. It's important to remember that my current subject has nothing to do with the New Testament, as referencing it here would be anachronistic.[90] I haven't recently been familiar with the poems on similar topics. Since I turned twenty, I haven't read Milton; but I had read him so often before that this may not matter much. I haven't read Gesner's "Death of Abel" since I was eight years old, in Aberdeen. The[209] overall impression I have is one of delight; but regarding the content, I only remember that Cain's wife was named Mahala, and Abel's Thirza; in the following pages, I’ve named them "Adah" and "Zillah," the earliest female names found in Genesis. These were the names of Lamech's wives: the wives of Cain and Abel are not named. Whether there is a coincidence in subject that resulted in similar expression, I don’t know, and I care just as little. [I [91] am ready to be accused of Manicheism,[92] or some other harsh term ending in ism, which sounds impressive and intimidating to those who would struggle to explain these terms just as much as the open-minded and religious people who indulge in such labels. Against such accusations, I can defend myself, or if needed, I can retaliate in turn. "Claw for claw, as Conan said to Satan and the devil take the shortest nails" (Waverley).[93]]

The reader will please to bear in mind (what few choose to recollect), that there is no allusion to a future state in any of the books of Moses, nor indeed in the Old Testament. For a reason for this extraordinary omission he may consult Warburton's "Divine Legation;"[94][210] whether satisfactory or not, no better has yet been assigned. I have therefore supposed it new to Cain, without, I hope, any perversion of Holy Writ.

The reader should keep in mind (what few tend to remember) that there is no mention of an afterlife in any of the books of Moses or, for that matter, in the Old Testament. For an explanation of this unusual omission, one can refer to Warburton's "Divine Legation;"[94][210] whether it’s convincing or not, no better reason has been given. Therefore, I have assumed it’s new to Cain, without, I hope, misinterpreting the Scriptures.

With regard to the language of Lucifer, it was difficult for me to make him talk like a clergyman upon the same subjects; but I have done what I could to restrain him within the bounds of spiritual politeness. If he disclaims having tempted Eve in the shape of the Serpent, it is only because the book of Genesis has not the most distant allusion to anything of the kind, but merely to the Serpent in his serpentine capacity.

With respect to Lucifer's language, I found it challenging to make him speak like a clergyman on the same topics; however, I've tried my best to keep him within the limits of spiritual politeness. If he denies having tempted Eve in the form of the Serpent, it’s only because the book of Genesis doesn’t even hint at anything like that, but simply refers to the Serpent in his snake-like role.

Note.—The reader will perceive that the author has partly adopted in this poem the notion of Cuvier,[95] that the world had been destroyed several times before the creation of man. This speculation, derived from the different strata and the bones of enormous and unknown animals found in them, is not contrary to the Mosaic account, but rather confirms it; as no human bones have yet been discovered in those strata, although those of many known animals are found near the remains of the unknown. The assertion of Lucifer, that the pre-Adamite world was also peopled by rational beings much more intelligent than man, and proportionably powerful to the mammoth, etc., etc., is, of course, a poetical fiction to help him to make out his case.

Note.—The reader will notice that the author has partly adopted in this poem the idea of Cuvier,[95] that the world has been destroyed several times before the creation of man. This theory, based on the different layers of rock and the bones of enormous and unknown animals found within them, does not contradict the Biblical account but rather supports it; as no human bones have been found in those layers, even though remains of many known animals are found alongside those of the unknown. Lucifer's claim that the pre-Adamite world was populated by rational beings that were much more intelligent than humans and proportionately powerful like the mammoth, etc., is, of course, a poetic invention to strengthen his argument.

I ought to add, that there is a "tramelogedia" of[211] Alfieri, called "Abele."[96] I have never read that, nor any other of the posthumous works of the writer, except his Life.

I should mention that there is a "tramelogedia" by Alfieri called "Abele." I have never read that, nor any of the other posthumous works by the writer, except his Life.

Ravenna, Sept. 20, 1821.

Ravenna, Sept. 20, 1821.

[212]

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

MEN.

Adam.

Cain.

Abel.

SPIRITS.

Angel of God.

Lucifer.

WOMEN.

Eve.

Adah.

Zillah.

[213]

CAIN: A MYSTERY.

ACT I.

Scene I.—The Land without Paradise.—Time, Sunrise.

Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Adah, Zillah, offering a Sacrifice.

Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Adah, Zillah, offering a sacrifice.

Adam. God, the Eternal! Infinite! All-wise!—

Adam. God, the Eternal! Infinite! All-knowing!—

Who out of darkness on the deep didst make

Who brought light out of darkness on the deep

Light on the waters with a word—All Hail!

Jehovah! with returning light—All Hail!

Eve. God! who didst name the day, and separate

Eve. God! You who named the day and separated

Morning from night, till then divided never—

Morning from night, never divided until then—

Who didst divide the wave from wave, and call

Who separated the waves and called

Part of thy work the firmament—All Hail!

Part of your work, the sky—All Hail!

Abel. God! who didst call the elements into

Abel. God! who called forth the elements into

Earth, ocean, air and fire—and with the day10

Earth, ocean, air, and fire—and with the day10

And night, and worlds which these illuminate,

And night, and the worlds that these light up,

Or shadow, madest beings to enjoy them,

Or shadow, you created beings to enjoy them,

And love both them and thee—All Hail! All Hail!

And love both them and you—All Hail! All Hail!

Adah. God! the Eternal parent of all things!

Adah. Wow! the Eternal parent of everything!

Who didst create these best and beauteous beings,

Who created these beautiful and wonderful beings,

To be belovéd, more than all, save thee—

To be loved, more than anything else, except for you—

Let me love thee and them:—All Hail! All Hail!

Let me love you and them:—All Hail! All Hail!

Zillah. Oh, God! who loving, making, blessing all,

Zillah. Oh, God! you who love, create, and bless everyone,

Yet didst permit the Serpent to creep in,

Yet you allowed the Serpent to sneak in,

And drive my father forth from Paradise,330[214]

And drive my father out of Paradise,330[214]

Keep us from further evil:—Hail! All Hail!

Keep us from more harm:—Cheers! All Cheers!

Adam. Son Cain! my first-born—wherefore art thou silent?

Adam. Cain, my firstborn! Why are you silent?

Cain. Why should I speak?

Cain. Why should I say anything?

Adam.‍To pray.

Adam. To pray.

Cain.‍Have ye not prayed?

Cain.‍Have you not prayed?

Adam. We have, most fervently.

Adam. We really do.

Cain.‍And loudly: I

Cain. And loudly: I

Have heard you.

I've heard you.

Adam.‍So will God, I trust.

Adam.‍I trust God will.

Abel.‍Amen!

Abel.‍Yes!

Adam. But thou my eldest born? art silent still?

Adam. But you, my firstborn, are still silent?

Cain. 'Tis better I should be so.

Cain. It's better for me to be like this.

Adam.‍Wherefore so?

Adam. Why so?

Cain. I have nought to ask.

Cain. I have nothing to ask.

Adam.‍Nor aught to thank for?

Adam. Nor anything to thank for?

Cain.‍No.

Cain.‍Nope.

Adam. Dost thou not live?

Adam. Don't you live?

Cain.‍Must I not die?

Cain.‍Do I have to die?

Eve.‍Alas!

Eve. Oh no!

The fruit of our forbidden tree begins30

The fruit from our forbidden tree starts30

To fall.

To tumble.

Adam. And we must gather it again.

Adam. We need to collect it again.

Oh God! why didst thou plant the tree of knowledge?

Oh God! Why did you plant the tree of knowledge?

Cain. And wherefore plucked ye not the tree of life?

Cain. Why didn’t you take from the tree of life?

Ye might have then defied him.

You might have then challenged him.

Adam.‍Oh! my son,

Adam. Oh! my son,

Blaspheme not: these are Serpent's words.

Blaspheme not: these are the Serpent's words.

Cain.‍Why not?

Cain. Why not?

The snake spoke truth; it was the Tree of Knowledge;

The snake spoke the truth; it was the Tree of Knowledge;

It was the Tree of Life: knowledge is good,

And Life is good; and how can both be evil?

And life is good; how can both be evil?

Eve. My boy! thou speakest as I spoke in sin,

Eve. My boy! You speak like I did when I was in sin,

Before thy birth: let me not see renewed40

Before your birth: let me not see renewed40

My misery in thine. I have repented.

My misery is yours. I have regretted it.

Let me not see my offspring fall into

Let me not watch my kids fall into

The snares beyond the walls of Paradise,

The traps outside the gates of Paradise,

Which even in Paradise destroyed his parents.

Which even in Paradise led to the downfall of his parents.

Content thee with what is. Had we been so,

Content yourself with what is. Had we been so,

Thou now hadst been contented.—Oh, my son!

You would have been satisfied now.—Oh, my son!

Adam. Our orisons completed, let us hence,[215]

Adam. Now that we've finished our prayers, let's go, [215]

Each to his task of toil—not heavy, though

Each to his task of work—not heavy, though

Needful: the earth is young, and yields us kindly

Needful: the earth is young and generously provides for us.

Her fruits with little labour.

Her rewards with little effort.

Eve.‍Cain—my son—50

Eve.‍Cain—my kid—50

Behold thy father cheerful and resigned—

Behold your father, cheerful and accepting—

And do as he doth.[Exeunt Adam and Eve.

And do as he does.[Exeunt Adam and Eve.

Zillah.‍Wilt thou not, my brother?

Zillah. Will you not, my brother?

Abel. Why wilt thou wear this gloom upon thy brow,

Abel. Why do you want to wear this sadness on your face,

Which can avail thee nothing, save to rouse

Which can do you no good, except to stir up

The Eternal anger?

The eternal anger?

Adah.‍My belovéd Cain

Adah.‍My beloved Cain

Wilt thou frown even on me?

Will you even frown at me?

Cain.‍No, Adah! no;

Cain.‍No, Adah! No;

I fain would be alone a little while.

I would really like to be alone for a little while.

Abel, I'm sick at heart; but it will pass;

Abel, I feel really down; but it'll get better;

Precede me, brother—I will follow shortly.

Precede me, brother—I’ll catch up with you soon.

And you, too, sisters, tarry not behind;60

And you, too, sisters, don't lag behind;60

Your gentleness must not be harshly met:

Your kindness shouldn't be met with harshness:

I'll follow you anon.

I'll follow you soon.

Adah.‍If not, I will

Adah. If not, I will

Return to seek you here.

Return to find you here.

Abel.‍The peace of God

Abel.‍God's peace

Be on your spirit, brother!

Stay positive, brother!

[Exeunt Abel, Zillah, and Adah.

[Exit Abel, Zillah, and Adah.

Cain (solus).‍And this is

Cain (alone).‍And this is

Life?—Toil! and wherefore should I toil?—because

Life?—Hard work! And why should I work hard?—because

My father could not keep his place in Eden?

My dad couldn't stay in Eden?

What had I done in this?—I was unborn:

What had I done in this?—I was never born:

I sought not to be born; nor love the state

I didn't want to be born, nor did I love the situation.

To which that birth has brought me. Why did he

Yield to the Serpent and the woman? or70

Yielding—why suffer? What was there in this?

Yielding—why go through pain? What was the point of this?

The tree was planted, and why not for him?

If not, why place him near it, where it grew

If not, why put him close to it, where it grew?

The fairest in the centre? They have but

The fairest in the center? They only have

One answer to all questions, "'Twas his will,

And he is good." How know I that? Because

And he is good." How do I know that? Because

He is all-powerful, must all-good, too, follow?

He is all-powerful, so He must be all-good, right?

I judge but by the fruits—and they are bitter—

I can only judge by the results—and they are bitter—

Which I must feed on for a fault not mine.

Which I have to endure for a mistake that's not my fault.

Whom have we here?—A shape like to the angels80[216]

Who do we have here?—A figure resembling the angels80[216]

Yet of a sterner and a sadder aspect

Yet of a harsher and more sorrowful appearance

Of spiritual essence: why do I quake?

Of spiritual essence: why do I tremble?

Why should I fear him more than other spirits,

Why should I be more afraid of him than of other spirits,

Whom I see daily wave their fiery swords

Whom I see every day waving their fiery swords

Before the gates round which I linger oft,

Before the gates where I often hang out,

In Twilight's hour, to catch a glimpse of those

In the twilight hour, to catch a glimpse of those

Gardens which are my just inheritance,

Gardens I rightfully inherit,

Ere the night closes o'er the inhibited walls

Ere the night closes over the restricted walls

And the immortal trees which overtop

And the everlasting trees that rise above

The Cherubim-defended battlements?90

The Cherubim-protected walls?

If I shrink not from these, the fire-armed angels,

If I don't back down from these fire-wielding angels,

Why should I quail from him who now approaches?

Why should I be afraid of the one who is coming towards me now?

Yet—he seems mightier far than them, nor less

Yet—he seems much mightier than they are, nor less

Beauteous, and yet not all as beautiful

Beautiful, but not completely beautiful

As he hath been, and might be: sorrow seems

As he has been, and might be: sorrow seems

Half of his immortality.[97] And is it

So? and can aught grieve save Humanity?

So? Can anything grieve except for Humanity?

He cometh.

He's coming.

Enter Lucifer.

Lucifer.‍Mortal!

Lucifer. Mortal!

Cain.‍Spirit, who art thou?

Cain.‍Spirit, who are you?

Lucifer. Master of spirits.

Lucifer. Spirit master.

Cain.‍And being so, canst thou

Cain. And if so, can you

Leave them, and walk with dust?

Just leave and walk away?

Lucifer.‍I know the thoughts100

Lucifer.‍I know what's on your mind100

Of dust, and feel for it, and with you.

Cain.‍How!

Cain. How!

You know my thoughts?

You know what I think?

Lucifer.‍They are the thoughts of all

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.They are the thoughts of everyone

Worthy of thought;—'tis your immortal part [98][217]

Worthy of thought;—it's your eternal self [98][217]

Which speaks within you.

Which speaks to you.

Cain.‍What immortal part?

Cain.‍What eternal part?

This has not been revealed: the Tree of Life

This hasn't been revealed: the Tree of Life

Was withheld from us by my father's folly,

Was kept from us because of my father's foolishness,

While that of Knowledge, by my mother's haste,

While the aspect of Knowledge, due to my mother's hurry,

Was plucked too soon; and all the fruit is Death!

Was picked too early; and all the outcome is Death!

Lucifer. They have deceived thee; thou shalt live.

Lucifer. They have tricked you; you will live.

Cain.‍I live,

Cain. I am alive,

But live to die; and, living, see no thing110

But live to die; and, while living, see nothing.

To make death hateful, save an innate clinging,

To make death repulsive, except for a natural attachment,

A loathsome, and yet all invincible

A gross but totally unstoppable

Instinct of life, which I abhor, as I

Instinct of life, which I hate, as I

Despise myself, yet cannot overcome—

Hate myself, yet can't overcome—

And so I live. Would I had never lived!

And so I live. I wish I had never lived!

Lucifer. Thou livest—and must live for ever. Think not

Lucifer. You live—and will live forever. Don’t think

The Earth, which is thine outward cov'ring, is

The Earth, which is your outer covering, is

Existence—it will cease—and thou wilt be—

Existence—it will end—and you will be—

No less than thou art now.

No less than you are now.

Cain.‍No less! and why

Cain.‍No less! And why?

No more?

Not anymore?

Lucifer.‍It may be thou shalt be as we.120

Lucifer.‍Maybe you'll fit in with us.120

Cain. And ye?

Cain. And you?

Lucifer.‍Are everlasting.

Lucifer.‍Are eternal.

Cain.‍Are ye happy?

Cain.‍Are you happy?

Lucifer. We are mighty.

Lucifer. We are powerful.

Cain.‍Are ye happy?

Cain. Are you happy?

Lucifer.‍No: art thou?

Lucifer.‍No, are you?

Cain. How should I be so? Look on me!

Cain. How should I act like that? Just look at me!

Lucifer.‍Poor clay!

Lucifer. Poor clay!

And thou pretendest to be wretched! Thou!

And you pretend to be miserable! You!

Cain. I am:—and thou, with all thy might, what art thou?

Cain. I am; and you, with all your strength, what are you?

Lucifer. One who aspired to be what made thee, and

Lucifer. Someone who wanted to become what created you, and

Would not have made thee what thou art.

Would not have made you what you are.

Cain.‍Ah!

Cain! Ah!

Thou look'st almost a god; and——

Lucifer.‍I am none:

Lucifer. I am nothing:

And having failed to be one, would be nought[218]

And having failed to be one, would be nothing[218]

Save what I am. He conquered; let him reign!130

Save what I am. He won; let him rule!130

Cain. Who?

Cain. Who's that?

Lucifer.‍Thy Sire's maker—and the Earth's.

Lucifer. Your father's creator—and the Earth’s.

Cain.‍And Heaven's,

Cain.‍And Heaven’s,

And all that in them is. So I have heard

And everything in them. That’s what I’ve heard.

His Seraphs sing; and so my father saith.

His angels sing; and that's what my dad says.

Lucifer. They say—what they must sing and say, on pain

Lucifer. They say—what they have to sing and say, under threat

Of being that which I am,—and thou art—

Of being who I am,—and you are—

Of spirits and of men.

Of spirits and men.

Cain.‍And what is that?

Cain. And what is that?

Lucifer. Souls who dare use their immortality—

Lucifer. Souls who choose to use their immortality—

Souls who dare look the Omnipotent tyrant in

Souls who dare to face the All-Powerful tyrant in

His everlasting face, and tell him that

His timeless face, and tell him that

His evil is not good! If he has made,140

His bad deeds are not good! If he has made,140

As he saith—which I know not, nor believe—

As he says—which I don’t know, nor believe—

But, if he made us—he cannot unmake:

But if he created us, he can't just erase us:

We are immortal!—nay, he'd have us so,

We are immortal!—no, he'd make us so,

That he may torture:—let him! He is great—

That he can torture:—let him! He is powerful—

But, in his greatness, is no happier than

We in our conflict! Goodness would not make

We in our conflict! Goodness wouldn’t make

Evil; and what else hath he made? But let him

Evil; and what else has he created? But let him

Sit on his vast and solitary throne—

Sit on his large and lonely throne—

Creating worlds, to make eternity

Building worlds for eternity

Less burthensome to his immense existence150

Less burdensome to his immense existence150

And unparticipated solitude;[99]

And unshared solitude;[99]

Let him crowd orb on orb: he is alone

Let him gather sphere upon sphere: he is alone.

Indefinite, Indissoluble Tyrant;

Indeterminate, Unbreakable Tyrant;

Could he but crush himself, 'twere the best boon

Could he just crush himself, it would be the best gift.

He ever granted: but let him reign on!

He granted it: but let him continue to reign!

And multiply himself in misery!

And multiply his misery!

Spirits and Men, at least we sympathise—

Spirits and people, at least we understand—

And, suffering in concert, make our pangs[219]

And, suffering together, we share our pain[219]

Innumerable, more endurable,

Countless, more durable,

By the unbounded sympathy of all160

By the limitless compassion of everyone160

With all! But He! so wretched in his height,

With everything! But He! so miserable in his height,

So restless in his wretchedness, must still

So restless in his misery, must still

Create, and re-create—perhaps he'll make [100]

Create and recreate—maybe he'll make [100]

One day a Son unto himself—as he

One day a Son to himself—as he

Gave you a father—and if he so doth,

Gave you a father—and if he does,

Mark me! that Son will be a sacrifice!

Mark my words! That son will be a sacrifice!

Cain. Thou speak'st to me of things which long have swum

Cain. You’re talking to me about things that have been around for a long time.

In visions through my thought: I never could

In visions through my mind: I never could

Reconcile what I saw with what I heard.

My father and my mother talk to me170

My dad and my mom talk to me170

Of serpents, and of fruits and trees: I see

Of snakes, and of fruits and trees: I see

The gates of what they call their Paradise

The gates of what they refer to as their Paradise

Guarded by fiery-sworded Cherubim,

Guarded by flaming-sworded Cherubim,

Which shut them out—and me: I feel the weight

Of daily toil, and constant thought: I look

Of daily work and constant thoughts: I look

Around a world where I seem nothing, with

Around a world where I feel insignificant, with

Thoughts which arise within me, as if they

Thoughts that come to me, as if they

Could master all things—but I thought alone

Could master everything—but I thought only.

This misery was mine. My father is

Tamed down; my mother has forgot the mind180

Tamed down; my mom has forgotten the mind180

Which made her thirst for knowledge at the risk

Which made her eager to learn, even at the risk

Of an eternal curse; my brother is

A watching shepherd boy,[101] who offers up

The firstlings of the flock to him who bids

The firstborn of the flock to the one who asks

The earth yield nothing to us without sweat;[by]

The earth gives us nothing without hard work;[by]

My sister Zillah sings an earlier hymn

My sister Zillah sings an old hymn.

Than the birds' matins; and my Adah—my

Than the birds' morning songs; and my Adah—my

Own and belovéd—she, too, understands not

Own and beloved—she, too, does not understand.

The mind which overwhelms me: never till[220]

The mind that overwhelms me: never until[220]

Now met I aught to sympathise with me.190

Now I must find someone to empathize with me.190

'Tis well—I rather would consort with spirits.

It's fine—I would prefer to hang out with spirits.

Lucifer. And hadst thou not been fit by thine own soul

Lucifer. And if you hadn't been suitable because of your own soul

For such companionship, I would not now

For that kind of companionship, I wouldn't now

Have stood before thee as I am: a serpent

Have stood before you just like this: a serpent

Had been enough to charm ye, as before.[bz]

Had been enough to charm you, just like before.[bz]

Cain. Ah! didst thou tempt my mother?

Cain. Ah! did you tempt my mother?

Lucifer.‍I tempt none,

Lucifer. I tempt no one,

Save with the truth: was not the Tree, the Tree

Of Knowledge? and was not the Tree of Life

Of Knowledge? And was it not the Tree of Life?

Still fruitful? Did I bid her pluck them not?

Still fruitful? Did I tell her not to pick them?

Did I plant things prohibited within200

Did I plant things that were not allowed within200

The reach of beings innocent, and curious

The influence of innocent and curious beings

By their own innocence? I would have made ye

By your own innocence? I would have made you

Gods; and even He who thrust ye forth, so thrust ye

Gods; and even He who pushed you away, so pushed you.

Because "ye should not eat the fruits of life,

Because "you should not eat the fruits of life,

And become gods as we." Were those his words?

And become gods like us." Were those his words?

Cain. They were, as I have heard from those who heard them,

Cain. They were, as I've heard from those who heard them,

In thunder.

In a storm.

Lucifer.‍Then who was the Demon? He

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Then who was the Demon? He

Who would not let ye live, or he who would

Who wouldn't let you live, or who would?

Have made ye live for ever, in the joy

Have made you live forever, in the joy

And power of Knowledge?

And the power of knowledge?

Cain.‍Would they had snatched both210

Cain. Would they had taken both

The fruits, or neither!

The fruits, or not!

Lucifer.‍One is yours already,

Lucifer.‍You already have one,

The other may be still.

The other might still be.

Cain.‍How so?

Cain.‍How come?

Lucifer.‍By being

Lucifer. By being

Yourselves, in your resistance. Nothing can

Quench the mind, if the mind will be itself

Quench the mind, if the mind will be itself.

And centre of surrounding things—'tis made

And center of surrounding things—it's made

To sway.

To influence.

Cain.‍But didst thou tempt my parents?

Cain.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But did you tempt my parents?

Lucifer.‍I?

Lucifer.‍Me?

Poor clay—what should I tempt them for, or how?

Poor clay—what should I try to get them to do, or how?

Cain. They say the Serpent was a spirit.

Cain. People say the Serpent was a spirit.

Lucifer.‍Who[221]

Lucifer. Who

Saith that? It is not written so on high:

Saith that? It’s not written that way up there:

The proud One will not so far falsify,220

The proud one won't go so far as to lie,

Though man's vast fears and little vanity

Though man's great fears and small vanity

Would make him cast upon the spiritual nature

Would make him focus on the spiritual side

His own low failing. The snake was the snake—

His own low failure. The snake was the snake—

No more;[102] and yet not less than those he tempted,

In nature being earth also—more in wisdom,

In nature being earth too—more in wisdom,

Since he could overcome them, and foreknew

Since he could overcome them and knew in advance

The knowledge fatal to their narrow joys.

The knowledge that ruins their limited happiness.

Think'st thou I'd take the shape of things that die?

Do you really think I would take on the form of things that perish?

Cain. But the thing had a demon?

Cain. But did it have a demon?

Lucifer.‍He but woke one

Lucifer. He just woke up.

In those he spake to with his forky tongue.230

In those he spoke to with his forked tongue.230

I tell thee that the Serpent was no more

I tell you that the Serpent was no more

Than a mere serpent: ask the Cherubim

Who guard the tempting tree. When thousand ages

Who guards the tempting tree? When a thousand ages

Have rolled o'er your dead ashes, and your seed's,

Have rolled over your dead ashes and your offspring's,

The seed of the then world may thus array

The seed of the world back then may thus arrange

Their earliest fault in fable, and attribute

Their first mistake in storytelling and quality

To me a shape I scorn, as I scorn all

To me, a shape I despise, just like I despise everything.

That bows to him, who made things but to bend

That bows to him, who created things just to be flexible.

Before his sullen, sole eternity;

Before his gloomy, lonely eternity;

But we, who see the truth, must speak it. Thy240

But we, who know the truth, have to speak it. Thy240

Fond parents listened to a creeping thing,

And fell. For what should spirits tempt them? What

And fell. Why should spirits tempt them? What

Was there to envy in the narrow bounds

Was there anything to envy in such narrow limits?

Of Paradise, that spirits who pervade

Space——but I speak to thee of what thou know'st not,

Space—but I’m talking to you about something you don’t know,

With all thy Tree of Knowledge.

With all your Tree of Knowledge.

Cain.‍But thou canst not

Cain. But you cannot

Speak aught of Knowledge which I would not know,

Speak of any Knowledge that I should not know,

And do not thirst to know, and bear a mind

And don't crave to know, and keep an open mind.

To know.

To understand.

Lucifer. And heart to look on?

Lucifer. And a heart to look at?

Cain.‍Be it proved.

Cain. Prove it.

Lucifer. Darest thou look on Death?

Lucifer. Do you dare to look at Death?

Cain.‍He has not yet250

Cain.‍He hasn't yet250

Been seen.

Seen.

Lucifer. But must be undergone.

Lucifer. But must be endured.

Cain.‍My father[222]

Cain. My dad[222]

Says he is something dreadful, and my mother

Says he is something terrible, and my mom

Weeps when he's named; and Abel lifts his eyes

Weeps when he's called; and Abel looks up

To Heaven, and Zillah casts hers to the earth,

To Heaven, and Zillah looks down at the earth,

And sighs a prayer; and Adah looks on me,

And lets out a sigh of prayer; and Adah watches me,

And speaks not.

And doesn't speak.

Lucifer.‍And thou?

Lucifer. And you?

Cain.‍Thoughts unspeakable

Cain.‍Unthinkable thoughts

Crowd in my breast to burning, when I hear

Crowd in my chest to burning, when I hear

Of this almighty Death, who is, it seems,

Of this all-powerful Death, who is, it seems,

Inevitable. Could I wrestle with him?

Inevitably. Can I fight him?

I wrestled with the lion, when a boy,260

I wrestled with the lion when I was a kid,260

In play, till he ran roaring from my gripe.

In play, until he ran away screaming from my hold.

Lucifer. It has no shape; but will absorb all things

Lucifer. It has no form, yet it will take in everything.

That bear the form of earth-born being.

That take the form of earth-born beings.

Cain.‍Ah!

Cain.‍Wow!

I thought it was a being: who could do

Such evil things to beings save a being?

Lucifer. Ask the Destroyer.

Lucifer. Ask the Reaper.

Cain.‍Who?

Cain.‍Who’s that?

Lucifer.‍The Maker—Call him

Lucifer. The Creator—Call him

Which name thou wilt: he makes but to destroy.

Which name you choose: he only wants to destroy.

Cain. I knew not that, yet thought it, since I heard

Cain. I didn't know that, but I thought it since I heard.

Of Death: although I know not what it is—

Of Death: although I don’t know what it is—

Yet it seems horrible. I have looked out270

In the vast desolate night in search of him;

In the wide, empty night searching for him;

And when I saw gigantic shadows in

And when I saw enormous shadows in

The umbrage of the walls of Eden, chequered

The shadows of the walls of Eden, patterned

By the far-flashing of the Cherubs' swords,

By the distant glint of the Cherubs' swords,

I watched for what I thought his coming; for

I watched for what I thought was his arrival; for

With fear rose longing in my heart to know

With fear came a deep desire in my heart to know

What 'twas which shook us all—but nothing came.

What was it that shook us all—but nothing happened.

And then I turned my weary eyes from off

And then I turned my tired eyes away

Our native and forbidden Paradise,

Our native and forbidden paradise,

Up to the lights above us, in the azure,280

Up to the lights above us, in the blue sky,280

Which are so beautiful: shall they, too, die?

Which are so beautiful: will they, too, die?

Lucifer. Perhaps—but long outlive both thine and thee.

Lucifer. Maybe—but far outlast both you and yourself.

Cain. I'm glad of that: I would not have them die—

Cain. I'm glad to hear that: I wouldn't want them to die—

They are so lovely. What is Death? I fear,

They are so lovely. What is Death? I'm afraid,

I feel, it is a dreadful thing; but what,

I feel like it's a terrible thing; but what,

I cannot compass: 'tis denounced against us,[223]

I can't understand: it's been declared against us,[223]

Both them who sinned and sinned not, as an ill—

Both those who sinned and those who didn't, as a bad…

What ill?

What's wrong?

Lucifer. To be resolved into the earth.

Lucifer. To be returned to the ground.

Cain. But shall I know it?

Cain. But will I know it?

Lucifer.‍As I know not death,

Lucifer. As I don’t know death,

I cannot answer.[103]

I can't answer.[103]

Cain.‍Were I quiet earth,290

Cain. Were I silent earth,

That were no evil: would I ne'er had been

That was not evil: I wish I had never been.

Aught else but dust!

Nothing but dust!

Lucifer.‍That is a grovelling wish,

Lucifer.‍That's a sucky wish,

Less than thy father's—for he wished to know!

Less than your father's—because he wanted to know!

Cain. But not to live—or wherefore plucked he not

Cain. But not to live—and why didn't he pick it instead?

The Life-tree?

The Tree of Life?

Lucifer.‍He was hindered.

Lucifer.‍He was delayed.

Cain.‍Deadly error!

Cain. Deadly mistake!

Not to snatch first that fruit:—but ere he plucked

Not to grab that fruit first:—but before he picked

The knowledge, he was ignorant of Death.

The knowledge he had, he did not understand Death.

Alas! I scarcely now know what it is,

Alas! I hardly know what it is now,

And yet I fear it—fear I know not what!

And yet I'm afraid of it—afraid of something I can't quite identify!

Lucifer. And I, who know all things, fear nothing; see300

Lucifer. And I, who know everything, fear nothing; see300

What is true knowledge.

What is real knowledge?

Cain.‍Wilt thou teach me all?

Cain.‍Will you teach me everything?

Lucifer. Aye, upon one condition.

Lucifer. Sure, under one condition.

Cain.‍Name it.

Cain. Name it.

Lucifer.‍That

Lucifer. That

Thou dost fall down and worship me—thy Lord.

You fall down and worship me—your Lord.

Cain. Thou art not the Lord my father worships.

Cain. You are not the God my father worships.

Lucifer.‍No.

Lucifer. Nope.

Cain. His equal?

Cain. Is there anyone equal?

Lucifer.‍No;—I have nought in common with him!

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text for me to modernize.No;—I have nothing in common with him!

Nor would: I would be aught above—beneath—

Nor would: I would be anything above—beneath—

Aught save a sharer or a servant of

His power. I dwell apart; but I am great:—

His power. I live separately; but I am strong:—

Many there are who worship me, and more

Many people worship me, and even more

Who shall—be thou amongst the first.[224]

Who will—be you among the first.[224]

Cain.‍I never310

Cain. I never

As yet have bowed unto my father's God.

As yet have bowed to my father's God.

Although my brother Abel oft implores

Although my brother Abel often begs

That I would join with him in sacrifice:—

That I would join him in sacrifice:—

Why should I bow to thee?

Why should I bow to you?

Lucifer.‍Hast thou ne'er bowed

Lucifer. Have you never bowed

To him?

For him?

Cain.‍Have I not said it?—need I say it?

Cain.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Haven't I said it?—do I really need to say it?

Could not thy mighty knowledge teach thee that?

Could your great knowledge not teach you that?

Lucifer. He who bows not to him has bowed to me.[104]

Lucifer. Whoever doesn't bow to him has bowed to me.[104]

Cain. But I will bend to neither.

Cain. But I won’t give in to either.

Lucifer.‍Ne'er the less,

Lucifer. Still,

Thou art my worshipper; not worshipping

You are my follower; not worshipping

Him makes thee mine the same.

Him makes you mine the same.

Cain.‍And what is that?320

Cain.‍And what's that?320

Lucifer. Thou'lt know here—and hereafter.

Lucifer. You’ll know here—and later.

Cain.‍Let me but

Cain. Let me just

Be taught the mystery of my being.

Understand the mystery of who I am.

Lucifer.‍Follow

Lucifer. Follow

Where I will lead thee.

Where I will lead you.

Cain.‍But I must retire

Cain. But I need to go.

To till the earth—for I had promised——

To farm the land—for I had promised——

Lucifer.‍What?

Lucifer? What?

Cain. To cull some first-fruits.

Cain. To gather some first fruits.

Lucifer.‍Why?

Cain.‍To offer up

Cain. To make an offering

With Abel on an altar.

Lucifer.‍Said'st thou not

Lucifer.‍

Thou ne'er hadst bent to him who made thee?

You never bowed to the one who created you?

Cain.‍Yes—

Cain.‍Yeah—

But Abel's earnest prayer has wrought upon me;

But Abel's sincere prayer has affected me;

The offering is more his than mine—and Adah——

The offering is more his than mine—and Adah—

Lucifer. Why dost thou hesitate?

Lucifer. Why are you hesitating?

Cain.‍She is my sister,330[225]

Cain. She’s my sister,

Born on the same day, of the same womb; and

Born on the same day, from the same womb; and

She wrung from me, with tears, this promise; and

She got me to promise this while crying; and

Rather than see her weep, I would, methinks,

Rather than watch her cry, I would, I think,

Bear all—and worship aught.

Bear all—and worship anything.

Lucifer.‍Then follow me!

Lucifer. Then follow me!

Cain. I will.

Cain. Sure thing.

Enter Adah.

Adah.‍My brother, I have come for thee;

Adah.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.My brother, I'm here for you;

It is our hour of rest and joy—and we

It is our time to relax and be happy—and we

Have less without thee. Thou hast laboured not

Have less without you. You have not worked.

This morn; but I have done thy task: the fruits

This morning; but I have completed your task: the results

Are ripe, and glowing as the light which ripens:

Are ripe and glowing like the light that makes them so:

Come away.

Step back.

Cain.‍Seest thou not?

Cain. Do you not see?

Adah.‍I see an angel;340

We have seen many: will he share our hour

We have seen many: will he join us for our hour?

Of rest?—he is welcome.

Cain.‍But he is not like

Cain.‍But he isn't like

The angels we have seen.

The angels we've seen.

Adah.‍Are there, then, others?

Adah.‍Are there others?

But he is welcome, as they were: they deigned

But he is welcome, just like they were: they agreed

To be our guests—will he?

Cain (to Lucifer).‍Wilt thou?

Cain (to Lucifer). Will you?

Lucifer.‍I ask

Lucifer. I ask

Thee to be mine.

You to be mine.

Cain.‍I must away with him.

Cain. I have to leave with him.

Adah. And leave us?

Cain.‍Aye.

Cain.‍Yeah.

Adah.‍And me?

Cain.‍Belovéd Adah!

Cain.‍Beloved Adah!

Adah. Let me go with thee.

Adah. Let me come with you.

Lucifer.‍No, she must not.

Lucifer. No, she can't.

Adah.‍Who

Adah. Who

Art thou that steppest between heart and heart?

Are you the one who steps between hearts?

Cain. He is a God.

Cain. He is a god.

Adah.‍How know'st thou?

Adah. How do you know?

Cain.‍He speaks like

Cain. He talks like

A God.

A deity.

Adah. So did the Serpent, and it lied.410[226]

Adah. So did the Serpent, and it deceived. 410[226]

Lucifer. Thou errest, Adah!—was not the Tree that

Lucifer. You are mistaken, Adah!—wasn't the Tree that

Of Knowledge?

Adah.‍Aye—to our eternal sorrow.

Adah. Aye—to our everlasting sorrow.

Lucifer. And yet that grief is knowledge—so he lied not:

Lucifer. And yet that sorrow is understanding—so he wasn't lying:

And if he did betray you, 'twas with Truth;

And if he did betray you, it was with Truth;

And Truth in its own essence cannot be

But good.

But that's good.

Adah.‍But all we know of it has gathered

Adah.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But all we know about it has accumulated

Evil on ill; expulsion from our home,

Evil upon evil; kicked out of our home,

And dread, and toil, and sweat, and heaviness;

And fear, and hard work, and struggle, and burden;

Remorse of that which was—and hope of that360

Remorse for what was—and hope for what could be.

Which cometh not. Cain! walk not with this Spirit.

Which does not come. Cain! do not walk with this Spirit.

Bear with what we have borne, and love me—I

Bear with what we have endured, and love me—I

Love thee.

Love you.

Lucifer.‍More than thy mother, and thy sire?

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.More than your mother and your father?

Adah. I do. Is that a sin, too?

Adah. I do. Is that a sin as well?

Lucifer.‍No, not yet;

Lucifer. No, not yet;

It one day will be in your children.

It will one day be in your children.

Adah.‍What!

Adah.‍What the heck!

Must not my daughter love her brother Enoch?

Mustn't my daughter love her brother Enoch?

Lucifer. Not as thou lovest Cain.

Lucifer. Not like you love Cain.

Adah.‍Oh, my God!

Adah. Oh my God!

Shall they not love and bring forth things that love

Shall they not love and create things that love?

Out of their love? have they not drawn their milk

Out of their love? Haven't they drawn their milk?

Out of this bosom? was not he, their father,370

Out of this womb? Wasn't he, their father,370

Born of the same sole womb,[105] in the same hour

Born from the same womb,[105] at the same time

With me? did we not love each other? and

With me? Did we not love each other? And

In multiplying our being multiply

In multiplying ourselves, multiply.

Things which will love each other as we love

Things that will love each other like we do

Them?—And as I love thee, my Cain! go not

Them?—And as I love you, my Cain! don’t go.

Forth with this spirit; he is not of ours.

With this spirit; he doesn't belong to us.

Lucifer. The sin I speak of is not of my making,

Lucifer. The sin I'm talking about isn't something I caused,

And cannot be a sin in you—whate'er

And cannot be a sin in you—whatever

It seem in those who will replace ye in[227]

It seems that those who will take your place in[227]

Mortality [106].

Mortality __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Adah.‍What is the sin which is not380

Adah.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.What is the sin that is not380

Sin in itself? Can circumstance make sin

Sin in itself? Can circumstances make something sinful?

Or virtue?—if it doth, we are the slaves

Or virtue?—if it does, we are the slaves

Of——

Lucifer. Higher things than ye are slaves: and higher

Lucifer. Greater beings than you are slaves: and greater

Than them or ye would be so, did they not

Than them or you would be so, if they didn't

Prefer an independency of torture

Prefer independence from torture

To the smooth agonies of adulation,

To the effortless pains of praise,

In hymns and harpings, and self-seeking prayers,

In songs and strumming, and self-serving prayers,

To that which is omnipotent, because

To that which is all-powerful, because

It is omnipotent, and not from love,

It is all-powerful, and not out of love,

But terror and self-hope.

But fear and self-belief.

Adah.‍Omnipotence390

Adah. Omnipotence

Must be all goodness.

Must be all good vibes.

Lucifer.‍Was it so in Eden?

Lucifer.‍Was it like that in Eden?

Adah. Fiend! tempt me not with beauty; thou art fairer

Adah. Devil! Don't tempt me with your looks; you are more beautiful.

Than was the Serpent, and as false.

Than was the Serpent, and just as deceitful.

Lucifer.‍As true.

Lucifer.‍For real.

Ask Eve, your mother: bears she not the knowledge

Ask Eve, your mother: doesn't she have the knowledge

Of good and evil?

Adah.‍Oh, my mother! thou

Adah.‍Oh, my mother! you

Hast plucked a fruit more fatal to thine offspring

You have picked a fruit that's more dangerous for your children.

Than to thyself; thou at the least hast passed

Than to yourself; you at least have passed

Thy youth in Paradise, in innocent

And happy intercourse with happy spirits:

And joyful interactions with joyful spirits:

But we, thy children, ignorant of Eden,400

But we, your children, unaware of Eden,400

Are girt about by demons, who assume

Are surrounded by demons, who take on

The words of God, and tempt us with our own

Dissatisfied and curious thoughts—as thou

Dissatisfied and curious thoughts—like you

Wert worked on by the snake, in thy most flushed

And heedless, harmless wantonness of bliss.

And careless, innocent pleasure of happiness.

I cannot answer this immortal thing

I can't respond to this timeless question.

Which stands before me; I cannot abhor him;

Which stands before me; I cannot hate him;

I look upon him with a pleasing fear,

I look at him with a mix of pleasure and fear,

And yet I fly not from him: in his eye

And yet I don’t run away from him: in his gaze

There is a fastening attraction which410[228]

There is a strong attraction which410[228]

Fixes my fluttering eyes on his; my heart

Beats quick; he awes me, and yet draws me near,

Beating faster; he amazes me, yet pulls me closer,

Nearer and nearer:—Cain—Cain—save me from him!

Nearer and nearer:—Cain—Cain—help me escape from him!

Cain. What dreads my Adah? This is no ill spirit.

Cain. What troubles you, Adah? This is not an evil spirit.

Adah. He is not God—nor God's: I have beheld

Adah. He is not God—nor God's: I have seen

The Cherubs and the Seraphs; he looks not

The Cherubs and the Seraphs; he doesn't look

Like them.

Cain.‍But there are spirits loftier still—

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But there are even higher spirits—

The archangels.

Lucifer.‍And still loftier than the archangels.

Lucifer.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And still higher than the archangels.

Adah. Aye—but not blesséd.

Adah. Yes—but not blessed.

Lucifer.‍If the blessedness

Lucifer.‍If the blessing

Consists in slavery—no.

It’s not slavery.

Adah.‍I have heard it said,420

Adah. I've heard it said,

The Seraphs love most—Cherubim know most[107]—

The Seraphs love the most—Cherubim know the most__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—

And this should be a Cherub—since he loves not.

And this should be a Cherub—since he doesn’t love.

Lucifer. And if the higher knowledge quenches love,

Lucifer. And if advanced knowledge dampens love,

What must he be you cannot love when known?[ca]

What must he be that you can't love once you know him?[ca]

Since the all-knowing Cherubim love least,

Since the all-knowing Cherubim love the least,

The Seraphs' love can be but ignorance:

The Seraphs' love can only be ignorance:

That they are not compatible, the doom

That they don't get along, the end

Of thy fond parents, for their daring, proves.

Of your loving parents, for their bravery, shows.

Choose betwixt Love and Knowledge—since there is

Choose between Love and Knowledge—since there is

No other choice: your sire hath chosen already:430

No other choice: your father has already chosen:430

His worship is but fear.

His worship is just fear.

Adah.‍Oh, Cain! choose Love.

Adah.‍Oh, Cain! choose love.

Cain. For thee, my Adah, I choose not—It was

Cain. For you, my Adah, I choose not—It was

Born with me—but I love nought else.

Born with me—but I love nothing else.

Adah.‍Our parents?

Adah.‍What about our parents?

Cain. Did they love us when they snatched from the Tree

Cain. Did they care about us when they took from the Tree?

That which hath driven us all from Paradise?

What has driven us all out of Paradise?

Adah. We were not born then—and if we had been,

Adah. We weren't born back then—and if we had been,

Should we not love them—and our children, Cain?[229]

Shouldn't we love them—and our kids, Cain?[229]

Cain. My little Enoch! and his lisping sister!

Cain. My little Enoch! And his little sister who talks with a lisp!

Could I but deem them happy, I would half

Could I only think they were happy, I would half

Forget——but it can never be forgotten440

Forget—but it can never be forgotten440

Through thrice a thousand generations! never

Through three thousand generations! never

Shall men love the remembrance of the man

Shall people cherish the memory of the man

Who sowed the seed of evil and mankind

Who planted the seed of evil in humanity?

In the same hour! They plucked the tree of science

In the same hour! They picked the tree of knowledge.

And sin—and, not content with their own sorrow,

And sin—and, not satisfied with their own sadness,

Begot me—thee—and all the few that are,

Begot me—you—and all the few that exist,

And all the unnumbered and innumerable

And all the countless and countless

Multitudes, millions, myriads, which may be,

Multitudes, millions, countless, which may be,

To inherit agonies accumulated

To inherit accumulated pain

By ages!—and I must be sire of such things!450

By ages!—and I have to be the father of such things!450

Thy beauty and thy love—my love and joy,

Your beauty and your love—my love and joy,

The rapturous moment and the placid hour,

The thrilling moment and the calm hour,

All we love in our children and each other,

All the love we have for our kids and for one another,

But lead them and ourselves through many years

But lead them and us through many years

Of sin and pain—or few, but still of sorrow,

Of sin and pain—or a few, but still of sorrow,

Interchecked with an instant of brief pleasure,

Interspersed with a moment of quick enjoyment,

To Death—the unknown! Methinks the Tree of Knowledge

To Death—the unknown! I think the Tree of Knowledge

Hath not fulfilled its promise:—if they sinned,

Haven't kept its promise:—if they sinned,

At least they ought to have known all things that are

At the very least, they should have been aware of everything that exists.

Of knowledge—and the mystery of Death [cb].460

What do they know?—that they are miserable.

What do they know?—that they're unhappy.

What need of snakes and fruits to teach us that?

What do we need snakes and fruits for to teach us that?

Adah. I am not wretched, Cain, and if thou

Adah. I am not miserable, Cain, and if you

Wert happy——

Were happy——

Cain.‍Be thou happy, then, alone—

Cain.‍So be happy, then, alone—

I will have nought to do with happiness,

I want nothing to do with happiness,

Which humbles me and mine.

Which humbles me and my family.

Adah.‍Alone I could not,

Adah. Alone, I couldn't,

Nor would be happy; but with those around us

I think I could be so, despite of Death,

I think I could be that way, in spite of death,

Which, as I know it not, I dread not, though

Which, since I don’t know it, I don’t fear, though

It seems an awful shadow—if I may470

It seems like a terrible shadow—if I may

Judge from what I have heard.

Judge based on what I've heard.

Lucifer.‍And thou couldst not

Lucifer. And you could not

Alone, thou say'st, be happy?

Alone, you say, be happy?

Adah.‍Alone! Oh, my God![230]

Adah.‍All alone! Oh my God![230]

Who could be happy and alone, or good?

To me my solitude seems sin; unless

To me, being alone feels like a sin; unless

When I think how soon I shall see my brother,

When I think about how soon I'll see my brother,

His brother, and our children, and our parents.

His brother, our kids, and our parents.

Lucifer. Yet thy God is alone; and is he happy?

Lucifer. But your God is alone; is he happy?

Lonely, and good?

Alone, but happy?

Adah.‍He is not so; he hath

Adah.Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.He's not like that; he has

The angels and the mortals to make happy,

The angels and the humans to make happy,

And thus becomes so in diffusing joy.480

And so it brings joy.480

What else can joy be, but the spreading joy?[cc]

What else can joy be, but the sharing of happiness?[cc]

Lucifer. Ask of your sire, the exile fresh from Eden;

Lucifer. Ask your father, the one recently banished from Eden;

Or of his first-born son: ask your own heart;

Or of his firstborn son: ask your own heart;

It is not tranquil.

It's not peaceful.

Adah.‍Alas! no! and you—

Adah.‍No way! And you—

Are you of Heaven?

Are you from Heaven?

Lucifer.‍If I am not, enquire

Lucifer. If I'm not, ask

The cause of this all-spreading happiness

The reason for this widespread happiness

(Which you proclaim) of the all-great and good

Maker of life and living things; it is

His secret, and he keeps it. We must bear,

And some of us resist—and both in vain,490

And some of us resist—and it’s all pointless,490

His Seraphs say: but it is worth the trial,

His Seraphs say: but it's worth the try,

Since better may not be without: there is

Since better may not exist without it: there is

A wisdom in the spirit, which directs

A wisdom in the spirit that guides

To right, as in the dim blue air the eye

To the right, as in the soft blue air, the eye

Of you, young mortals, lights at once upon

Of you, young humans, lights shining down at once upon

The star which watches, welcoming the morn.

The star that observes, greeting the morning.

Adah. It is a beautiful star; I love it for

Adah. It's a beautiful star; I love it for

Its beauty.

Lucifer.‍And why not adore?

Lucifer. And why not love?

Adah.‍Our father

Adah. Our dad

Adores the Invisible only.

Loves only the Invisible.

Lucifer.‍But the symbols

Lucifer. But the symbols

Of the Invisible are the loveliest500

Of the Invisible are the most beautiful500

Of what is visible; and yon bright star

Of what we can see; and that bright star

Is leader of the host of Heaven.

Is the leader of the host of Heaven.

Adah.‍Our father

Adah. Our dad

Saith that he has beheld the God himself

Says that he has seen God himself

Who made him and our mother.

Who created him and our mother.

Lucifer.‍Hast thou seen him?[231]

Lucifer. Have you seen him?

Adah. Yes—in his works.

Adah. Yes—in his writing.

Lucifer.‍But in his being?

Lucifer. But what about his essence?

Adah.‍No—

Adah. No—

Save in my father, who is God's own image;

Save in my father, who is the image of God;

Or in his angels, who are like to thee—

Or in his angels, who are like you—

And brighter, yet less beautiful and powerful

And brighter, but less beautiful and powerful

In seeming: as the silent sunny noon,

In appearance: like the quiet, sunny afternoon,

All light, they look upon us; but thou seem'st510

All light, they look at us; but you seem

Like an ethereal night [108], where long white clouds

Like a dreamy night [108], where long white clouds

Streak the deep purple, and unnumbered stars

Spangle the wonderful mysterious vault

Spangle the amazing mysterious vault

With things that look as if they would be suns;

With things that seem like they could be suns;

So beautiful, unnumbered, and endearing,

So lovely, countless, and charming,

Not dazzling, and yet drawing us to them,

Not flashy, yet still attracting us to them,

They fill my eyes with tears, and so dost thou.

They fill my eyes with tears, and so do you.

Thou seem'st unhappy: do not make us so,

You seem unhappy: please don’t make us feel that way,

And I will weep for thee.

And I will cry for you.

Lucifer.‍Alas! those tears!

Lucifer.‍Oh no! Those tears!

Couldst thou but know what oceans will be shed——520

Could you only know how many tears will be shed——520

Adah. By me?

Adah. Me?

Lucifer.‍By all.

Lucifer. By all.

Adah.‍What all?

Adah.‍What’s up?

Lucifer.‍The million millions—

Lucifer. The billions—

The myriad myriads—the all-peopled earth—

The countless people on Earth—

The unpeopled earth—and the o'er-peopled Hell,

The empty earth—and the overcrowded Hell,

Of which thy bosom is the germ.

Of which your heart is the source.

Adah.‍O Cain!

Adah.‍Oh, Cain!

This spirit curseth us.

This spirit curses us.

Cain.‍Let him say on;

Cain. Let him speak on;

Him will I follow.

I will follow him.

Adah.‍Whither?

Adah. Where to?

Lucifer.‍To a place

Lucifer.‍To a location

Whence he shall come back to thee in an hour;

Where he will return to you in an hour;

But in that hour see things of many days.

But in that hour, I see things from many days ago.

Adah. How can that be?

Adah. How is that possible?

Lucifer.‍Did not your Maker make

Lucifer. Did your Creator not make

Out of old worlds this new one in few days?530

Out of old worlds, this new one in just a few days?530

And cannot I, who aided in this work,[232]

And can’t I, who helped with this work,[232]

Show in an hour what he hath made in many,

Show in an hour what he has created over many.

Or hath destroyed in few?

Or has destroyed in few?

Cain.‍Lead on.

Cain. ‍Go ahead.

Adah.‍Will he,

Adah.‍Is he going to,

In sooth, return within an hour?

In truth, will you come back in an hour?

Lucifer.‍He shall.

Lucifer. He will.

With us acts are exempt from time, and we

With us, actions are free from time, and we

Can crowd eternity into an hour,

Can you pack eternity into an hour,

Or stretch an hour into eternity:

Or stretch an hour into forever:

We breathe not by a mortal measurement—

We don't breathe based on a human measurement—

But that's a mystery. Cain, come on with me.

But that's a mystery. Cain, come with me.

Adah. Will he return?

Adah. Is he coming back?

Lucifer.‍Aye, woman! he alone540

Lucifer. Aye, woman! he alone

Of mortals from that place (the first and last

Who shall return, save One), shall come back to thee,

Who will return, except for One, will come back to you,

To make that silent and expectant world

To create that quiet and hopeful world

As populous as this: at present there

As crowded as this: right now there

Are few inhabitants.

There are few inhabitants.

Adah.‍Where dwellest thou?

Adah. Where are you living?

Lucifer. Throughout all space. Where should I dwell? Where are

Lucifer. Across the entire universe. Where should I live? Where are

Thy God or Gods—there am I: all things are

Thy God or Gods—there I am: everything is

Divided with me: Life and Death—and Time—

Eternity—and heaven and earth—and that

Which is not heaven nor earth, but peopled with550

Which is neither heaven nor earth, but filled with

Those who once peopled or shall people both—

Those who lived in the past or will live in the future both—

These are my realms! so that I do divide

These are my domains! I'm here to split them up

His, and possess a kingdom which is not

His, and own a kingdom that is not

His[109]. If I were not that which I have said,

His[109]. If I weren't what I've claimed,

Could I stand here? His angels are within

Could I stand here? His angels are inside.

Your vision.

Adah.‍So they were when the fair Serpent

Adah.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.So they were when the fair Serpent

Spoke with our mother first.

Talked to our mom first.

Lucifer.‍Cain! thou hast heard.

Lucifer. Cain! You’ve heard.

If thou dost long for knowledge, I can satiate

If you long for knowledge, I can satisfy

That thirst; nor ask thee to partake of fruits

That thirst; nor ask you to share in the fruits

Which shall deprive thee of a single good560[233]

Which will take away any good560[233]

The Conqueror has left thee. Follow me.

The Conqueror has left you. Come with me.

Cain. Spirit, I have said it.

Cain. Spirit, I’ve mentioned it.

[Exeunt Lucifer and Cain.

[Exit Lucifer and Cain.

Adah (follows exclaiming). Cain! my brother! Cain!

Adah (continues to shout). Cain! my brother! Cain!

ACT II.

Scene I.—The Abyss of Space.

Cain. I tread on air, and sink not—yet I fear

Cain. I'm walking on air, and I don't fall—yet I'm scared.

To sink.

To submerge.

Lucifer. Have faith in me, and thou shalt be

Lucifer. Have faith in me, and you will be

Borne on the air [110], of which I am the Prince.

Cain. Can I do so without impiety?

Cain. Can I do that without being disrespectful?

Lucifer. Believe—and sink not! doubt—and perish! thus

Lucifer. Believe—and don’t fall! Doubt—and you’ll be lost! Thus

Would run the edict of the other God,

Would enforce the command of the other God,

Who names me Demon to his angels; they

Who calls me Demon to his angels; they

Echo the sound to miserable things,

Echo the sound to unhappy things,

Which, knowing nought beyond their shallow senses,

Which, knowing nothing beyond their superficial senses,

Worship the word which strikes their ear, and deem10

Worship the word that catches their attention, and consider10

Evil or good what is proclaimed to them

Evil or good, whatever is declared to them

In their abasement. I will have none such:

In their humiliation, I want nothing to do with that:

Worship or worship not, thou shalt behold

Worship or don't worship, you will see

The worlds beyond thy little world, nor be

The worlds beyond your small world, nor be

Amerced for doubts beyond thy little life,

Amerced for doubts beyond your little life,

With torture of my dooming. There will come

With the torture of my doom. There will come

An hour, when, tossed upon some water-drops [cd],

An hour, when, tossed on some water droplets [cd],

A man shall say to a man, "Believe in me,

A man will say to another man, "Trust me,

And walk the waters;" and the man shall walk

And walk on the waters; and the man will walk

The billows and be safe. I will not say,20

The waves and stay safe. I won’t say,20

Believe in me, as a conditional creed

Believe in me, as a conditional belief.

To save thee; but fly with me o'er the gulf

To save you; but fly with me over the gap

Of space an equal flight, and I will show

Of equal space, I will show you a flight.

What thou dar'st not deny,—the history

What you dare not deny—the history

Of past—and present, and of future worlds.[234]

Of the past—and present, and of future worlds.[234]

Cain. Oh God! or Demon! or whate'er thou art,

Cain. Oh God! Or Demon! Or whatever you are,

Is yon our earth?

Is that our earth?

Lucifer.‍Dost thou not recognise

Lucifer. Don't you recognize

The dust which formed your father?

The dust that made your father?

Cain.‍Can it be?

Cain. Can it be?

Yon small blue circle, swinging in far ether [ce],

With an inferior circlet purpler it still [111],30

With a lesser purple circle it still [111],30

Which looks like that which lit our earthly night?

Which looks like what lit up our earthly night?

Is this our Paradise? Where are its walls,

And they who guard them?

And who protects them?

Lucifer.‍Point me out the site

Lucifer.‍Show me the site

Of Paradise.

Of Heaven.

Cain.‍How should I? As we move

Cain.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.How am I supposed to? As we move

Like sunbeams onward, it grows small and smaller,

Like beams of sunlight, it gets smaller and smaller,

And as it waxes little, and then less,

And as it grows a bit, and then less,

Gathers a halo round it, like the light

Gathers a halo around it, like the light

Which shone the roundest of the stars, when I

Beheld them from the skirts of Paradise:

Beheld them from the edges of Paradise:

Methinks they both, as we recede from them,40

Methinks they both, as we move away from them,40

Appear to join the innumerable stars

Appear to join the countless stars

Which are around us; and, as we move on,

Increase their myriads.

Increase their numbers.

Lucifer.‍And if there should be

Lucifer. And if there's a

Worlds greater than thine own—inhabited

Worlds greater than your own—inhabited

By greater things—and they themselves far more

By greater things—and they themselves much more

In number than the dust of thy dull earth,

In number more than the dust of your dull earth,

Though multiplied to animated atoms,[235]

Though multiplied to animated particles,[235]

All living—and all doomed to death—and wretched,

All living beings—and all destined to die—and miserable,

What wouldst thou think?

What would you think?

Cain.‍I should be proud of thought

Cain.Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I should be proud of my thoughts.

Which knew such things.

Who knew such things.

Lucifer.‍But if that high thought were50

Lucifer.Got it! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.But if that lofty idea were50

Linked to a servile mass of matter—and,

Linked to a submissive mass of matter—and,

Knowing such things, aspiring to such things,

Knowing these things, aiming for these things,

And science still beyond them, were chained down

And science, still beyond their reach, was limited.

To the most gross and petty paltry wants,

To the most trivial and insignificant desires,

All foul and fulsome—and the very best

All disgusting and repulsive—and the very best

Of thine enjoyments a sweet degradation,

Of your pleasures, a sweet downfall,

A most enervating and filthy cheat

A really exhausting and disgusting scam

To lure thee on to the renewal of

To encourage you to renew

Fresh souls and bodies [112], all foredoomed to be

Fresh souls and bodies [112], all destined to be

As frail, and few so happy——

As fragile, and not many so happy——

Cain.‍Spirit! I60

Cain. ‍Spirit! I60

Know nought of Death, save as a dreadful thing

Know nothing about Death, except that it’s a terrible thing.

Of which I have heard my parents speak, as of

Of which I have heard my parents talk, as of

A hideous heritage I owe to them

A terrible legacy I owe to them.

No less than life—a heritage not happy,

No less than life—a heritage that's not joyful,

If I may judge, till now. But, Spirit! if

If I may judge, until now. But, Spirit! if

It be as thou hast said (and I within

It is as you said (and I within

Feel the prophetic torture of its truth),

Feel the torment of its truth,

Here let me die: for to give birth to those

Who can but suffer many years, and die—

Who can help but suffer for many years and then die—

Methinks is merely propagating Death,70

Methinks is just spreading Death,70

And multiplying murder.

And increasing murder.

Lucifer.‍Thou canst not

Lucifer.‍You cannot

All die—there is what must survive.

All die—there is what survives.

Cain.‍The Other

Cain. The Other

Spake not of this unto my father, when

Spoke not of this to my father, when

He shut him forth from Paradise, with death

He banished him from Paradise, along with death.

Written upon his forehead. But at least

Written on his forehead. But at least

Let what is mortal of me perish, that

Let my mortal self fade away, that

I may be in the rest as angels are.

I might be at peace, just like angels are.

Lucifer. I am angelic: wouldst thou be as I am?[236]

Lucifer. I am angelic: would you like to be like me?[236]

Cain. I know not what thou art: I see thy power,

Cain. I don't know what you are: I see your power,

And see thou show'st me things beyond my power,80

And look, you're showing me things beyond my control,80

Beyond all power of my born faculties,

Beyond all power of my natural abilities,

Although inferior still to my desires

Although still less than what I want

And my conceptions.

And my ideas.

Lucifer.‍What are they which dwell

Lucifer.‍Who are those that dwell

So humbly in their pride, as to sojourn

So humbly in their pride, as to stay

With worms in clay?

With worms in the clay?

Cain.‍And what art thou who dwellest

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And what are you who lives

So haughtily in spirit, and canst range

So arrogantly in spirit, and can you range

Nature and immortality—and yet

Nature and immortality—yet

Seem'st sorrowful?

Feeling sad?

Lucifer.‍I seem that which I am;

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I am what I appear to be;

And therefore do I ask of thee, if thou

And so I ask you, if you

Wouldst be immortal?

Would you like to be immortal?

Cain.‍Thou hast said, I must be90

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You have said, I must be90

Immortal in despite of me. I knew not

Immortal regardless of me. I didn’t know

This until lately—but since it must be,

This until recently—but since it has to be,

Let me, or happy or unhappy, learn

Let me, whether I'm happy or unhappy, learn.

To anticipate my immortality.

To await my immortality.

Lucifer. Thou didst before I came upon thee.

Lucifer. You did that before I arrived.

Cain.‍How?

Cain. How?

Lucifer. By suffering.

Lucifer. Through suffering.

Cain.‍And must torture be immortal?

Cain.‍Is eternal suffering necessary?

Lucifer. We and thy sons will try. But now, behold!

Lucifer. We and your sons will give it a shot. But now, look!

Is it not glorious?

Isn't it glorious?

Cain.‍Oh thou beautiful

Cain.‍Oh you beautiful

And unimaginable ether! and

And unbelievable ether! and

Ye multiplying masses of increased100

The growing number of increased100

And still-increasing lights! what are ye? what

And still-brightening lights! What are you? What

Is this blue wilderness of interminable

Is this an endless blue wilderness?

Air, where ye roll along, as I have seen

Air, where you roll along, as I have seen

The leaves along the limpid streams of Eden?

The leaves by the clear streams of Eden?

Is your course measured for ye? Or do ye

Is your course set for you? Or do you

Sweep on in your unbounded revelry

Sweep on in your limitless celebration

Through an aërial universe of endless

Through an aerial universe of endless

Expansion—at which my soul aches to think—

Expansion—something my soul longs to consider—

Intoxicated with eternity [113]?[237]

Intoxicated by eternity__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__?[237]

Oh God! Oh Gods! or whatsoe'er ye are!110

Oh God! Oh Gods! or whatever you are!110

How beautiful ye are! how beautiful

How beautiful you are! How beautiful

Your works, or accidents, or whatsoe'er

Your actions, or mistakes, or whatever else

They may be! Let me die, as atoms die,

They might be! Let me die, like atoms die,

(If that they die), or know ye in your might

(If they die), or do you know in your strength

And knowledge! My thoughts are not in this hour

And knowledge! My thoughts are not in this moment.

Unworthy what I see, though my dust is;

Unworthy of what I see, even though I'm just dust;

Spirit! let me expire, or see them nearer.

Spirit! Let me die, or let me see them up close.

Lucifer. Art thou not nearer? look back to thine earth!

Lucifer. Aren't you getting closer? Look back at your world!

Cain. Where is it? I see nothing save a mass

Cain. Where is it? I see nothing but a bunch

Of most innumerable lights.

Of countless lights.

Lucifer.‍Look there!120

Lucifer. Look over there!

Cain. I cannot see it.

Cain. I can't see it.

Lucifer.‍Yet it sparkles still.

Lucifer. Still shining bright.

Cain. That!—yonder!

Cain. Look over there!

Lucifer.‍Yea.

Lucifer. Yeah.

Cain.‍And wilt thou tell me so?

Cain.Got it! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Are you really going to say that to me?

Why, I have seen the fire-flies and fire-worms

Why, I have seen the fireflies and fire worms.

Sprinkle the dusky groves and the green banks

Sprinkle the shadowy groves and the green banks

In the dim twilight, brighter than yon world

In the dim twilight, brighter than that world

Which bears them.

Which carries them.

Lucifer.‍Thou hast seen both worms and worlds,

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You have seen both worms and worlds,

Each bright and sparkling—what dost think of them?

Each bright and sparkling—what do you think of them?

Cain. That they are beautiful in their own sphere,

Cain. That they are beautiful in their own way,

And that the night, which makes both beautiful,

And that night, which makes both beautiful,

The little shining fire-fly in its flight,130

The little glowing firefly in its flight,130

And the immortal star in its great course,

And the eternal star on its journey,

Must both be guided.

Both must be guided.

Lucifer.‍But by whom or what?

Lucifer.‍But by who or what?

Cain. Show me.

Lucifer.‍Dar'st thou behold?

Lucifer. Do you dare to see?

Cain.‍How know I what

Cain.‍How do I know what

I dare behold? As yet, thou hast shown nought

I dare to look? So far, you haven't revealed anything.

I dare not gaze on further.

I can't watch any longer.

Lucifer.‍On, then, with me.[238]

Lucifer. Let's go together.

Wouldst thou behold things mortal or immortal?

Do you want to see things that are mortal or immortal?

Cain. Why, what are things?

Cain. What are things?

Lucifer.‍Both partly: but what doth

Lucifer.‍Both partly: but what does

Sit next thy heart?

Sit next to your heart?

Cain.‍The things I see.

Cain.‍The things I notice.

Lucifer.‍But what

Lucifer. But what

Sate nearest it?

Sate closest to it?

Cain.‍The things I have not seen,

Cain. The things I haven't seen,

Nor ever shall—the mysteries of Death.140

Lucifer. What, if I show to thee things which have died,

Lucifer. What if I show you things that have died,

As I have shown thee much which cannot die?

As I have shown you much that cannot die?

Cain. Do so.

Cain. Go for it.

Lucifer.‍Away, then! on our mighty wings!

Lucifer.Understood. Please provide the text.Let's go! On our powerful wings!

Cain. Oh! how we cleave the blue! The stars fade from us!

Cain. Oh! how we cut through the sky! The stars disappear from view!

The earth! where is my earth? Let me look on it,

The earth! Where is my earth? Let me see it,

For I was made of it.

For I was created from it.

Lucifer.‍'Tis now beyond thee,

Lucifer.‍It's now beyond you,

Less, in the universe, than thou in it;

Less, in the universe, than you in it;

Yet deem not that thou canst escape it; thou

Yet don’t think that you can escape it; you

Shalt soon return to earth, and all its dust:

Shall soon return to earth, and all its dust:

'Tis part of thy eternity, and mine.150

It's part of your eternity, and mine.150

Cain. Where dost thou lead me?

Cain. Where are you taking me?

Lucifer.‍To what was before thee!

Lucifer.‍To what came before you!

The phantasm of the world; of which thy world

The illusion of the world; of which your world

Is but the wreck.

Is just the wreck.

Cain.‍What! is it not then new?

Cain.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.What! Is it not new then?

Lucifer. No more than life is; and that was ere thou

Lucifer. Just as life is; and that was before you

Or I were, or the things which seem to us

Or I was, or the things that seem to us

Greater than either: many things will have

No end; and some, which would pretend to have

No end; and some, who would claim to have

Had no beginning, have had one as mean

As thou; and mightier things have been extinct

As you; and greater things have become extinct

To make way for much meaner than we can160

To make room for those who are much meaner than we are.

Surmise; for moments only and the space

Guess; for moments only and the space

Have been and must be all unchangeable.

But changes make not death, except to clay;

But changes don't mean death, except for clay;

But thou art clay—and canst but comprehend

But you are clay—and can only understand

That which was clay, and such thou shall behold.

That which was clay, and such you shall see.

Cain. Clay—Spirit—what thou wilt—I can survey.[239]

Cain. Clay—Spirit—whatever you want—I can see. [239]

Lucifer. Away, then!

Lucifer. Go away, then!

Cain.‍But the lights fade from me fast,

Cain.Sure! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But the lights are fading from me quickly,

And some till now grew larger as we approached,

And some kept getting bigger as we got closer,

And wore the look of worlds.

And wore the look of different worlds.

Lucifer.‍And such they are.

Lucifer. And that's how they are.

Cain. And Edens in them?

Cain. And are there Edens?

Lucifer.‍It may be.

Lucifer. It might be.

Cain.‍And men?170

Cain.‍And guys?170

Lucifer. Yea, or things higher.

Lucifer. Yes, or higher things.

Cain.‍Aye! and serpents too?[cf]

Cain. Aye! And snakes too? __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Lucifer. Wouldst thou have men without them? must no reptiles

Lucifer. Would you want people without them? Should there be no reptiles?

Breathe, save the erect ones?

Breathe, save the straight ones?

Cain.‍How the lights recede!

Cain.‍How the lights fade away!

Where fly we?

Where are we flying to?

Lucifer.‍To the world of phantoms, which

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.To the realm of spirits, which

Are beings past, and shadows still to come.

Are beings from the past, and shadows that are yet to come.

Cain. But it grows dark, and dark—the stars are gone!

Cain. But it’s getting dark, really dark—the stars have disappeared!

Lucifer. And yet thou seest.

Lucifer. And yet you see.

Cain.‍'Tis a fearful light!

Cain.‍It's a scary light!

No sun—no moon—no lights innumerable—

No sun, no moon, no lights.

The very blue of the empurpled night

The deep blue of the darkened night

Fades to a dreary twilight—yet I see180

Fades to a gloomy twilight—yet I see180

Huge dusky masses; but unlike the worlds

Huge dark masses; but unlike the worlds

We were approaching, which, begirt with light,

We were getting closer, surrounded by light,

Seemed full of life even when their atmosphere

Of light gave way, and showed them taking shapes

Of light faded, revealing them taking form.

Unequal, of deep valleys and vast mountains;

Unequal, with deep valleys and high mountains;

And some emitting sparks, and some displaying

And some giving off sparks, and some showing

Enormous liquid plains, and some begirt

Enormous liquid plains, and some surrounded

With luminous belts, and floating moons, which took,

With glowing rings and floating moons, which took,

Like them, the features of fair earth:—instead,

Like them, the features of the fair earth:—instead,

All here seems dark and dreadful.

All around feels dark and scary.

Lucifer.‍But distinct.190

Lucifer. But different.

Thou seekest to behold Death, and dead things?

You seek to see Death and dead things?

Cain. I seek it not; but as I know there are

Cain. I'm not looking for it; but since I know there are

Such, and that my sire's sin makes him and me,

Such is the sin of my father that it affects both him and me,

And all that we inherit, liable

And everything we inherit is vulnerable

To such, I would behold, at once, what I

To such, I would see, at once, what I

Must one day see perforce.[240]

Must see one day for sure.[240]

Lucifer.‍Behold!

Lucifer. Check it out!

Cain.‍'Tis darkness!

Cain.‍It's dark!

Lucifer. And so it shall be ever—but we will

Lucifer. And so it will always be—but we will

Unfold its gates!

Open its gates!

Cain.‍Enormous vapours roll

Cain.‍Massive clouds gather

Apart—what's this?

Apart—what's this all about?

Lucifer.‍Enter!

Lucifer. Welcome in!

Cain.‍Can I return?

Cain.‍Can I come back?

Lucifer. Return! be sure: how else should Death be peopled?200

Lucifer. Come back! Think about it: how else would Death have its inhabitants?200

Its present realm is thin to what it will be,

Its current state is minimal compared to what it will become,

Through thee and thine.

Through you and yours.

Cain.‍The clouds still open wide

Cain. The clouds are still wide open.

And wider, and make widening circles round us!

And wider, let's make wider circles around us!

Lucifer. Advance!

Lucifer. Move forward!

Cain.‍And thou!

Cain. And you!

Lucifer.‍Fear not—without me thou

Lucifer. Don’t worry—without me you

Couldst not have gone beyond thy world. On! on!

Couldn’t have gone beyond your world. Come on! Come on!

[They disappear through the clouds.

[They vanish into the clouds.

Scene II.—Hades.

Enter Lucifer and Cain.

Cain. How silent and how vast are these dim worlds!

Cain. How quiet and how expansive are these shadowy realms!

For they seem more than one, and yet more peopled

For they seem like more than one, and yet they feel more populated.

Than the huge brilliant luminous orbs which swung

Than the huge, bright, glowing orbs that swung

So thickly in the upper air, that I

So densely in the upper atmosphere, that I

Had deemed them rather the bright populace

Had considered them more of the lively crowd

Of some all unimaginable Heaven,

Of some unimaginable Heaven,

Than things to be inhabited themselves,[cg]

But that on drawing near them I beheld

But as I got closer to them, I saw

Their swelling into palpable immensity

Their growth into noticeable size

Of matter, which seemed made for life to dwell on,10

Of matter, which appeared to be created for life to exist on,10

Rather than life itself. But here, all is

Rather than life itself. But here, everything is

So shadowy, and so full of twilight, that

So shadowy and so filled with twilight that

It speaks of a day past.

It talks about a day that has gone by.

Lucifer.‍It is the realm[241]

Lucifer. It’s the realm[241]

Of Death.—Wouldst have it present?

Of Death.—Do you want it present?

Cain.‍Till I know

Cain. Till I know

That which it really is, I cannot answer.

That’s something I can’t really answer.

But if it be as I have heard my father

But if it's true like I've heard from my dad

Deal out in his long homilies, 'tis a thing—

Deal out in his long speeches, it's a thing—

Oh God! I dare not think on't! Curséd be

Oh God! I can't even think about it! Curse be

He who invented Life that leads to Death!

He who created life that leads to death!

Or the dull mass of life, that, being life,20

Could not retain, but needs must forfeit it—

Couldn't hold on, but I have to give it up—

Even for the innocent!

Lucifer.‍Dost thou curse thy father?

Lucifer.‍Do you curse your father?

Cain. Cursed he not me in giving me my birth?

Cain. Did he not curse me by bringing me into this world?

Cursed he not me before my birth, in daring

To pluck the fruit forbidden?

To pick the forbidden fruit?

Lucifer.‍Thou say'st well:

Lucifer. You say it well:

The curse is mutual 'twixt thy sire and thee—

The curse is shared between your father and you—

But for thy sons and brother?

But what about your sons and brother?

Cain.‍Let them share it

Cain. Let them have it

With me, their sire and brother! What else is

With me, their father and brother! What else is

Bequeathed to me? I leave them my inheritance!

Bequeathed to me? I’m leaving them my inheritance!

Oh, ye interminable gloomy realms30

Oh, you endless gloomy realms

Of swimming shadows and enormous shapes,

Of swimming shadows and huge shapes,

Some fully shown, some indistinct, and all

Some clearly visible, some blurry, and all

Mighty and melancholy—what are ye?

Strong and sad—what are you?

Live ye, or have ye lived?

Live now, or have you lived before?

Lucifer.‍Somewhat of both.

Lucifer. A bit of both.

Cain. Then what is Death?

Cain. Then what is death?

Lucifer.‍What? Hath not he who made ye

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.What? Hasn't the one who created you

Said 'tis another life?

Said it's another life?

Cain.‍Till now he hath

Cain.‍Until now he has

Said nothing, save that all shall die.

Said nothing, except that everyone will die.

Lucifer.‍Perhaps

Lucifer.‍Maybe

He one day will unfold that further secret.

He will eventually reveal that deeper secret.

Cain. Happy the day!

Cain. What a great day!

Lucifer.‍Yes; happy! when unfolded,

Lucifer. Yes; happy! when revealed,

Through agonies unspeakable, and clogged40

Through unspeakable pain, and clogged

With agonies eternal, to innumerable

With endless pain, to countless

Yet unborn myriads of unconscious atoms,

Yet to be born countless unconscious atoms,

All to be animated for this only!

All for this alone to be brought to life!

Cain. What are these mighty phantoms which I see

Cain. What are these powerful figures I see

Floating around me?—They wear not the form[242]

Floating around me?—They don’t take on the form[242]

Of the Intelligences I have seen

Of the Intelligences I've encountered

Round our regretted and unentered Eden;

Round our regretted and unvisited Eden;

Nor wear the form of man as I have viewed it

Nor wear the form of man as I have seen it

In Adam's and in Abel's, and in mine,

In Adam's, in Abel's, and in my own,

Nor in my sister-bride's, nor in my children's:50

Nor in my sister's marriage, nor in my children's: 50

And yet they have an aspect, which, though not

And yet they have an aspect that, although not

Of men nor angels, looks like something, which,

Of men or angels, seems like something, which,

If not the last, rose higher than the first,

Haughty, and high, and beautiful, and full

Haughty, lofty, beautiful, and full

Of seeming strength, but of inexplicable

Of apparent strength, but of unexplainable

Shape; for I never saw such. They bear not

The wing of Seraph, nor the face of man,

Nor form of mightiest brute, nor aught that is

Nor form of the mightiest beast, nor anything that is

Now breathing; mighty yet and beautiful

Now breathing; strong and beautiful.

As the most beautiful and mighty which60

As the most beautiful and powerful which60

Live, and yet so unlike them, that I scarce

Live, and yet so unlike them, that I can hardly

Can call them living.[114]

Can call them alive.[114]

Lucifer.‍Yet they lived.

Lucifer. Yet they survived.

Cain.‍Where?

Cain. Where?

Lucifer.‍Where

Lucifer. Where

Thou livest.

You live.

Cain.‍When?

Cain. When?

Lucifer.‍On what thou callest earth

Lucifer.‍On what you call earth

They did inhabit.

They lived there.

Cain.‍Adam is the first.

Cain. Adam is the first.

Lucifer. Of thine, I grant thee—but too mean to be

Lucifer. I give you that, but it's too insignificant to be

The last of these.

The final one.

Cain.‍And what are they?

Cain. And what are they?

Lucifer.‍That which

Lucifer. That which

Thou shalt be.

You will be.

Cain.‍But what were they?

Cain.‍But what were they?

Lucifer.‍Living, high,

Lucifer.‍Living large,

Intelligent, good, great, and glorious things,

Intelligent, good, great, and amazing things,

As much superior unto all thy sire

As much better than all your father

Adam could e'er have been in Eden, as70

Adam could have ever been in Eden, as70

The sixty-thousandth generation shall be,[243]

The 60,000th generation shall be,[243]

In its dull damp degeneracy, to

In its boring, wet decline, to

Thee and thy son;—and how weak they are, judge

You and your son;—and how weak they are, judge

By thy own flesh.

By your own flesh.

Cain.‍Ah me! and did they perish?

Cain.‍Oh no! Did they die?

Lucifer. Yes, from their earth, as thou wilt fade from thine.

Lucifer. Yes, from their world, just like you'll disappear from yours.

Cain. But was mine theirs?

Lucifer.‍It was.

Lucifer. It happened.

Cain.‍But not as now.

Cain.‍But not like this.

It is too little and too lowly to

Sustain such creatures.

Sustain these creatures.

Lucifer.‍True, it was more glorious.

Lucifer. True, it was more awesome.

Cain. And wherefore did it fall?

Cain. And why did it happen?

Lucifer.‍Ask him who fells.[115]

Lucifer.‍Ask him who falls.[115]

Cain. But how?

Lucifer.‍By a most crushing and inexorable80

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text that needs to be modernized.By a very overwhelming and unavoidable80

Destruction and disorder of the elements,

Destruction and chaos of the elements,

Which struck a world to chaos, as a chaos

Which threw the world into chaos, as chaos

Subsiding has struck out a world: such things,

Subsiding has created a world: such things,

Though rare in time, are frequent in eternity.—

Though they're rare in time, they're common in eternity.—

Pass on, and gaze upon the past.

Pass by and look at the past.

Cain.‍'Tis awful!

Cain. That’s terrible!

Lucifer. And true. Behold these phantoms! they were once

Lucifer. And true. Look at these ghosts! They were once

Material as thou art.

Material as you are.

Cain.‍And must I be

Cain.‍Do I have to be

Like them?

Do you like them?

Lucifer.‍Let He [116] who made thee answer that.

Lucifer.Understood. Please provide the text you would like modernized.Let He [116] who created you answer that.

I show thee what thy predecessors are,

I show you what your predecessors are,

And what they were thou feelest, in degree90

And what they were you feel, to some extent90

Inferior as thy petty feelings and

Inferior as your petty feelings and

Thy pettier portion of the immortal part

Your smaller piece of the eternal part

Of high intelligence and earthly strength.

Of great intelligence and physical strength.

What ye in common have with what they had

What you have in common with what they had

Is Life, and what ye shall have—Death: the rest

Is Life, and what you will have—Death: the rest

Of your poor attributes is such as suits[244]

Of your unfortunate qualities, there are some that fit[244]

Reptiles engendered out of the subsiding

Reptiles evolved from the declining

Slime of a mighty universe, crushed into

Slime of a powerful universe, pressed into

A scarcely-yet shaped planet, peopled with

A barely formed planet, filled with

Things whose enjoyment was to be in blindness—100

Things whose enjoyment was meant to be in ignorance—100

A Paradise of Ignorance, from which

Knowledge was barred as poison. But behold

Knowledge was seen as dangerous. But look

What these superior beings are or were;

Or, if it irk thee, turn thee back and till

Or, if it bothers you, turn back and farm.

The earth, thy task—I'll waft thee there in safety.

The earth, your job—I'll get you there safely.

Cain. No: I'll stay here.

Cain. No, I'm staying here.

Lucifer.‍How long?

Lucifer. How long?

Cain.‍For ever! Since

Cain.‍Forever! Since

I must one day return here from the earth,

I must someday come back here from the earth,

I rather would remain; I am sick of all

I’d rather stay; I’m tired of everything.

That dust has shown me—let me dwell in shadows.

That dust has shown me—let me stay in the shadows.

Lucifer. It cannot be: thou now beholdest as110

Lucifer. It can't be: you now see as110

A vision that which is reality.

A vision turned reality.

To make thyself fit for this dwelling, thou

To make yourself suitable for this dwelling, you

Must pass through what the things thou seest have passed—

Must pass through what the things you see have passed—

The gates of Death.

The gates of death.

Cain.‍By what gate have we entered

Cain.Understood! Please provide the phrases you'd like me to modernize.Which gate did we come through?

Even now?

Still?

Lucifer.‍By mine! But, plighted to return,

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.By mine! But, promised to return,

My spirit buoys thee up to breathe in regions

My spirit lifts you up to breathe in places

Where all is breathless save thyself. Gaze on;

Where everything is still except for you. Look on;

But do not think to dwell here till thine hour

But don’t think about staying here until your time comes.

Is come!

It's here!

Cain.‍And these, too—can they ne'er repass

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And these, too—can they never pass again?

To earth again?

Back to Earth?

Lucifer.‍Their earth is gone for ever—120

Lucifer.‍Their world is gone forever—120

So changed by its convulsion, they would not

So changed by its upheaval, they would not

Be conscious to a single present spot

Be aware of a single present moment.

Of its new scarcely hardened surface—'twas—

Of its new barely hardened surface—it was—

Oh, what a beautiful world it was!

Oh, what a beautiful world it is!

Cain.‍And is!

Cain. And it is!

It is not with the earth, though I must till it,

It’s not about the earth, even though I have to work it,

I feel at war—but that I may not profit

I feel like I'm at war—but I might not benefit from it.

By what it bears of beautiful, untoiling,

By what it carries of beauty, effortlessly,

Nor gratify my thousand swelling thoughts

Nor satisfy my thousand rising thoughts

With knowledge, nor allay my thousand fears[245]

With knowledge, I won’t be able to calm my thousand fears[245]

Of Death and Life.

Of Life and Death.

Lucifer.‍What thy world is, thou see'st,130

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.What your world is, you see,130

But canst not comprehend the shadow of

But you cannot understand the shadow of

That which it was.

What it used to be.

Cain.‍And those enormous creatures,

Cain.‍And those huge creatures,

Phantoms inferior in intelligence

Less intelligent phantoms

(At least so seeming) to the things we have passed,

(At least it seems) to the things we've experienced,

Resembling somewhat the wild habitants

Similar to the wild inhabitants

Of the deep woods of earth, the hugest which

Of the deep woods of earth, the biggest which

Roar nightly in the forest, but ten-fold

Roar each night in the forest, but amplify it ten times.

In magnitude and terror; taller than

In size and fear; taller than

The cherub-guarded walls of Eden—with

The angel-guarded walls of Eden—with

Eyes flashing like the fiery swords which fence them—140

Eyes shining like the blazing swords that protect them—140

And tusks projecting like the trees stripped of

And tusks sticking out like trees without

Their bark and branches—what were they?

Lucifer.‍That which

Lucifer. That which

The Mammoth is in thy world;—but these lie

The Mammoth is in your world;—but these lie

By myriads underneath its surface.

By countless underneath its surface.

Cain.‍But

Cain. But

None on it?

Lucifer.‍No: for thy frail race to war

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like modernized.No: for your fragile kind to fight

With them would render the curse on it useless—

With them, the curse on it would be meaningless—

'Twould be destroyed so early.

It would be destroyed so early.

Cain.‍But why war?

Cain.‍But why is there war?

Lucifer. You have forgotten the denunciation

Lucifer. You have forgotten the accusation.

Which drove your race from Eden—war with all things,

Which drove your race from Eden—war with everything,

And death to all things, and disease to most things,150

And death to everything, and sickness to most things,150

And pangs, and bitterness; these were the fruits

And pain and bitterness; these were the results.

Of the forbidden tree.

Cain.‍But animals—

Did they, too, eat of it, that they must die?

Did they also eat from it, that they have to die?

Lucifer. Your Maker told ye, they were made for you,

Lucifer. Your Creator told you, they were made for you,

As you for him.—You would not have their doom

As you ask for him.—You wouldn’t want their fate

Superior to your own? Had Adam not

Fallen, all had stood.

Fallen, everyone had stood.

Cain.‍Alas! the hopeless wretches!

Cain.‍Alas! the doomed souls!

They too must share my sire's fate, like his sons;

They also must share my father's fate, just like his sons;

Like them, too, without having shared the apple;

Like them, too, even though we didn't share the apple;

Like them, too, without the so dear-bought knowledge!160

Like them, too, without that hard-earned knowledge!160

It was a lying tree—for we know nothing.

It was a deceptive tree—for we know nothing.

At least it promised knowledge at the price[246]

At least it promised knowledge at the cost[246]

Of death—but knowledge still: but what knows man?

Of death—but knowledge remains: but what does man know?

Lucifer. It may be death leads to the highest knowledge;

Lucifer. Maybe death is what brings about the highest knowledge;

And being of all things the sole thing certain,[ch]

And being the only thing that is absolutely certain about everything, [ch]

At least leads to the surest science: therefore

The Tree was true, though deadly.

The Tree was real, but it was dangerous.

Cain.‍These dim realms!

Cain.‍These dark places!

I see them, but I know them not.

I see them, but I don't know them.

Lucifer.‍Because

Thy hour is yet afar, and matter cannot

Comprehend spirit wholly—but 'tis something170

Understand spirit completely—but it's something

To know there are such realms.

To know there are such worlds.

Cain.‍We knew already

Cain.‍We already knew

That there was Death.

That was Death.

Lucifer.‍But not what was beyond it.

Lucifer.Sure, please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But not what lay beyond it.

Cain. Nor know I now.

Cain. I don't know now.

Lucifer.‍Thou knowest that there is

Lucifer. You know that there is

A state, and many states beyond thine own—

A state, and many states beyond your own—

And this thou knewest not this morn.

And you didn’t know this this morning.

Cain.‍But all

Cain. But all

Seems dim and shadowy.

Looks dim and shadowy.

Lucifer.‍Be content; it will

Lucifer.‍Be satisfied; it will

Seem clearer to thine immortality.

Seem clearer to your immortality.

Cain. And yon immeasurable liquid space

Cain. And that vast body of water

Of glorious azure which floats on beyond us,

Of glorious blue that drifts above us,

Which looks like water, and which I should deem [ci]180

Which looks like water, and which I should consider [ci]180

The river which flows out of Paradise

The river that flows out of Paradise

Past my own dwelling, but that it is bankless

Past my own home, but it's without a bank.

And boundless, and of an ethereal hue—

And limitless, and with a heavenly color—

What is it?

What’s that?

Lucifer. There is still some such on earth,

Lucifer. There are still some like that on earth,

Although inferior, and thy children shall

Although inferior, and your children shall

Dwell near it—'tis the phantasm of an Ocean.

Dwell near it—it's the illusion of an Ocean.

Cain. 'Tis like another world; a liquid sun—

Cain. It’s like another world; a liquid sun—

And those inordinate creatures sporting o'er

And those excessive creatures playing around

Its shining surface?

Its glossy surface?

Lucifer.‍Are its inhabitants,

Lucifer.‍Are its residents,

The past Leviathans.

The former Leviathans.

Cain.‍And yon immense190[247]

Cain.‍And that huge190[247]

Serpent, which rears his dripping mane and vasty

Serpent, which lifts its wet mane and enormous

Head, ten times higher than the haughtiest cedar,

Head, ten times taller than the proudest cedar,

Forth from the abyss, looking as he could coil

Himself around the orbs we lately looked on—

Himself around the orbs we just looked at—

Is he not of the kind which basked beneath

Isn't he the kind that basked beneath

The Tree in Eden?

The Tree of Knowledge?

Lucifer.‍Eve, thy mother, best

Lucifer.‍Eve, your mother, best

Can tell what shape of serpent tempted her.

Can tell what kind of serpent tempted her.

Cain. This seems too terrible. No doubt the other

Cain. This feels too awful. There's no doubt the other

Had more of beauty.

Had more beauty.

Lucifer.‍Hast thou ne'er beheld him?

Lucifer. Have you never seen him?

Cain. Many of the same kind (at least so called)200

Cain. Many of the same kind (at least so-called)200

But never that precisely, which persuaded

The fatal fruit, nor even of the same aspect.

The deadly fruit, nor even similar in appearance.

Lucifer. Your father saw him not?

Lucifer. Didn't your father see him?

Cain.‍No: 'twas my mother

Cain. No: it was my mom

Who tempted him—she tempted by the serpent.

Who tempted him? She was tempted by the serpent.

Lucifer. Good man! whene'er thy wife, or thy sons' wives,

Lucifer. Good man! whenever your wife or your sons' wives,

Tempt thee or them to aught that's new or strange,

Tempt you or them with anything that's new or unusual,

Be sure thou seest first who hath tempted them!

Make sure you see who has tempted them first!

Cain. Thy precept comes too late: there is no more

Cain. Your command comes too late: there is no more

For serpents to tempt woman to.

For snakes to tempt a woman to.

Lucifer.‍But there

Lucifer. But there

Are some things still which woman may tempt man to,210

Are there still things that a woman might entice a man with,210

And man tempt woman:—let thy sons look to it!

And man tempts woman:—let your sons be aware of this!

My counsel is a kind one; for 'tis even

My advice is kind; because it is even

Given chiefly at my own expense; 'tis true,

Given mainly at my own expense; it's true,

'Twill not be followed, so there's little lost.[117]

It won’t be followed, so there’s not much lost.[117]

Cain. I understand not this.

Cain. I don't get this.

Lucifer.‍The happier thou!—

Lucifer. The happier you!—

Thy world and thou are still too young! Thou thinkest

Thyself most wicked and unhappy—is it

Thou art most wicked and unhappy—is it

Not so?

Isn't that so?

Cain. For crime, I know not; but for pain,

Cain. I don't know about the crime; but for the pain,

I have felt much.

I've felt a lot.

Lucifer.‍First-born of the first man!

Lucifer. Firstborn of the first man!

Thy present state of sin—and thou art evil,220

Thy present state of sin—and you are evil,220

Of sorrow—and thou sufferest, are both Eden[248]

Of sorrow—and you suffer, are both Eden[248]

In all its innocence compared to what

Thou shortly may'st be; and that state again,

You'll soon be; and that state again,

In its redoubled wretchedness, a Paradise

In its intensified misery, a Paradise

To what thy sons' sons' sons, accumulating

To what your grandsons are accumulating

In generations like to dust (which they

In generations like dust (which they

In fact but add to), shall endure and do.—

In fact, it shall endure and be done.

Now let us back to earth!

Now let's get back to reality!

Cain.‍And wherefore didst thou

Cain.‍.And why did you

Lead me here only to inform me this?

Lead me here just to tell me this?

Lucifer. Was not thy quest for knowledge?

Lucifer. Wasn't your search for knowledge?

Cain.‍Yes—as being230

Cain. Yes—as being

The road to happiness!

The path to happiness!

Lucifer.‍If truth be so,

Lucifer.‍If that's true,

Thou hast it.

You have it.

Cain.‍Then my father's God did well

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Then my father's God did well

When he prohibited the fatal Tree.

When he forbade the deadly Tree.

Lucifer. But had done better in not planting it.

Lucifer. But it would have been better not to have planted it.

But ignorance of evil doth not save

But ignorance of evil does not save.

From evil; it must still roll on the same,

From evil; it must still keep going the same way,

A part of all things.

Part of everything.

Cain.‍Not of all things. No—

Cain. Not everything. No—

I'll not believe it—for I thirst for good.

I won't believe it—because I crave what’s good.

Lucifer. And who and what doth not? Who covets evil

Lucifer. And who doesn't? Who wants evil?

For its own bitter sake?—None—nothing! 'tis240

For its own bitter reason?—None—nothing! 'tis240

The leaven of all life, and lifelessness.

The yeast of all life, and lack of life.

Cain. Within those glorious orbs which we behold,

Cain. In those beautiful eyes that we see,

Distant, and dazzling, and innumerable,

Far away, bright, and countless,

Ere we came down into this phantom realm,

Ill cannot come: they are too beautiful.

Lucifer. Thou hast seen them from afar.

Lucifer. You have seen them from a distance.

Cain.‍And what of that?

Cain. And what about that?

Distance can but diminish glory—they,

Distance can only diminish glory—they,

When nearer, must be more ineffable.

When it gets closer, it has to be even more beyond words.

Lucifer. Approach the things of earth most beautiful,

Lucifer. Approach the most beautiful things on earth,

And judge their beauty near.

And assess their beauty up close.

Cain.‍I have done this—250

Cain. I did this—250

The loveliest thing I know is loveliest nearest.

The most beautiful thing I know is the one closest to me.

Lucifer. Then there must be delusion.—What is that

Lucifer. Then there must be some kind of delusion.—What is that?

Which being nearest to thine eyes is still

Which is closest to your eyes is still

More beautiful than beauteous things remote?[249]

More beautiful than beautiful things far away?[249]

Cain. My sister Adah.—All the stars of heaven,

Cain. My sister Adah.—All the stars in the sky,

The deep blue noon of night, lit by an orb

The deep blue night, illuminated by a bright moon

Which looks a spirit, or a spirit's world—

Which looks like a spirit or a spirit's realm—

The hues of twilight—the Sun's gorgeous coming—

The colors of twilight—the beautiful arrival of the Sun—

His setting indescribable, which fills

His setting is indescribable, filling

My eyes with pleasant tears as I behold260

My eyes are filled with happy tears as I look at

Him sink, and feel my heart float softly with him

Him sink, and feel my heart float gently with him

Along that western paradise of clouds—

The forest shade, the green bough, the bird's voice—

The shade of the forest, the green branches, the bird's song—

The vesper bird's, which seems to sing of love,

The vesper bird, which seems to sing about love,

And mingles with the song of Cherubim,

And mixes with the song of Cherubim,

As the day closes over Eden's walls;—

As the day ends over Eden's walls;—

All these are nothing, to my eyes and heart,

All of this means nothing to me, in my eyes and heart,

Like Adah's face: I turn from earth and heaven

Like Adah's face: I turn away from earth and sky.

To gaze on it.

To look at it.

Lucifer.‍'Tis fair as frail mortality,

Lucifer. It's as fair as fragile humanity,

In the first dawn and bloom of young creation,270

In the early days of creation, when everything was new, 270

And earliest embraces of earth's parents,

And the earliest embraces of the earth's parents,

Can make its offspring; still it is delusion.

Can create its offspring; yet it is an illusion.

Cain. You think so, being not her brother.

Cain. You think that way, even though you're not her brother.

Lucifer.‍Mortal!

Lucifer. Mortal!

My brotherhood's with those who have no children.

My bond is with those who don't have kids.

Cain. Then thou canst have no fellowship with us.

Cain. Then you can't associate with us.

Lucifer. It may be that thine own shall be for me.

Lucifer. Maybe what belongs to you will be mine.

But if thou dost possess a beautiful

But if you have a beautiful

Being beyond all beauty in thine eyes,

Being beyond all beauty in your eyes,

Why art thou wretched?

Why are you so wretched?

Cain.‍Why do I exist?

Cain. Why am I here?

Why art thou wretched? why are all things so?280

Why are you so miserable? Why is everything like this?

Ev'n he who made us must be, as the maker

Of things unhappy! To produce destruction

Of unhappy things! To cause destruction

Can surely never be the task of joy,

Can never truly be a joyful task,

And yet my sire says he's omnipotent:

And yet my father says he's all-powerful:

Then why is Evil—he being Good? I asked

Then why does Evil exist if he is Good? I asked.

This question of my father; and he said,

This question about my dad; and he said,

Because this Evil only was the path

Because this Evil was the only path

To Good. Strange Good, that must arise from out

Its deadly opposite. I lately saw

Its deadly opposite. I recently saw

A lamb stung by a reptile: the poor suckling290

A lamb bitten by a snake: the poor little one290

Lay foaming on the earth, beneath the vain

Lay foaming on the ground, beneath the vain

And piteous bleating of its restless dam;[250]

And the sad bleating of its anxious mother;[250]

My father plucked some herbs, and laid them to

My father picked some herbs and set them out to

The wound; and by degrees the helpless wretch

The wound; and gradually the helpless person

Resumed its careless life, and rose to drain

Resumed its carefree life and rose to drink

The mother's milk, who o'er it tremulous

The mother's milk, which is trembling over it

Stood licking its reviving limbs with joy.

Stood licking its healing limbs with joy.

Behold, my son! said Adam, how from Evil

Springs Good![118]

Springs are great![118]

Lucifer.‍What didst thou answer?

Lucifer. What did you say?

Cain.‍Nothing; for

Cain. Nothing; for

He is my father: but I thought, that 'twere300

He is my father, but I thought it would be

A better portion for the animal

A better share for the animal

Never to have been stung at all, than to

Purchase renewal of its little life

With agonies unutterable, though

With unbearable pain, though

Dispelled by antidotes.

Cured by antidotes.

Lucifer.‍But as thou saidst

Lucifer. But as you said

Of all belovéd things thou lovest her

Of all the things you love, you love her the most.

Who shared thy mother's milk, and giveth hers

Who shared your mother's milk and gives hers

Unto thy children——

To your children—

Cain.‍Most assuredly:

Cain. Sure thing:

What should I be without her?

What would I be without her?

Lucifer.‍What am I?

Lucifer. What am I?

Cain. Dost thou love nothing?

Cain. Do you love nothing?

Lucifer.‍What does thy God love?310

Lucifer.‍What does your God love?310

Cain. All things, my father says; but I confess

Cain. Everything, my dad says; but I admit

I see it not in their allotment here.

I don't see it in what they've been given here.

Lucifer. And, therefore, thou canst not see if I love

Lucifer. So, you can't see if I love

Or no—except some vast and general purpose,

Or no—except some huge and overarching purpose,

To which particular things must melt like snows.

To which specific things must melt like snow.

Cain. Snows! what are they?

Cain. Snow! What are they?

Lucifer.‍Be happier in not knowing

Lucifer. Be happier not knowing

What thy remoter offspring must encounter;[251]

What your distant descendants will face;[251]

But bask beneath the clime which knows no winter.

But bask under the sky that knows no winter.

Cain. But dost thou not love something like thyself?

Cain. But don't you love something like yourself?

Lucifer. And dost thou love thyself?

Lucifer. Do you love yourself?

Cain.‍Yes, but love more320

Cain. Yes, but love more

What makes my feelings more endurable,

What makes my feelings more manageable,

And is more than myself, because I love it!

And it’s more than just me because I love it!

Lucifer. Thou lovest it, because 'tis beautiful,

Lucifer. You love it because it’s beautiful,

As was the apple in thy mother's eye;

As was the apple of your mother's eye;

And when it ceases to be so, thy love

And when it stops being that way, your love

Will cease, like any other appetite.[119]

Will stop, like any other craving.[119]

Cain. Cease to be beautiful! how can that be?

Cain. Stop being beautiful! How is that even possible?

Lucifer. With time.

Lucifer. Over time.

Cain.‍But time has passed, and hitherto

Cain.Understood. Please provide the text for me to modernize.But time has passed, and so far

Even Adam and my mother both are fair:

Even Adam and my mom are both fair:

Not fair like Adah and the Seraphim—330

But very fair.

Lucifer.‍All that must pass away

Lucifer. Everything must come to an end.

In them and her.

Cain.‍I'm sorry for it; but

Cain. I'm sorry for that; but

Cannot conceive my love for her the less:

Cannot understand my love for her any less:

And when her beauty disappears, methinks

And when her beauty fades away, I think

He who creates all beauty will lose more

Than me in seeing perish such a work.

Than I in seeing such a work perish.

Lucifer. I pity thee who lovest what must perish.

Lucifer. I feel sorry for you who love what has to fade away.

Cain. And I thee who lov'st nothing.

Cain. And I know you love nothing.

Lucifer.‍And thy brother—

Lucifer. And your brother—

Sits he not near thy heart?

Sits he not close to your heart?

Cain.‍Why should he not?

Cain.‍Why shouldn't he?

Lucifer. Thy father loves him well—so does thy God.340

Lucifer. Your father loves him a lot—so does your God.340

Cain. And so do I.

Cain. Me too.

Lucifer.‍'Tis well and meekly done.

Lucifer.‍That's well and nicely done.

Cain. Meekly!

Cain. Quietly!

Lucifer.‍He is the second born of flesh,

Lucifer.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.He is the second born of flesh,

And is his mother's favourite.[252]

And is his mom's favorite.[252]

Cain.‍Let him keep

Cain. Let him keep

Her favour, since the Serpent was the first

Her favor, since the Serpent was the first

To win it.

To win that.

Lucifer.‍And his father's?

Lucifer. And his dad's?

Cain.‍What is that

Cain. What’s that?

To me? should I not love that which all love?

To me? Shouldn't I love what everyone loves?

Lucifer. And the Jehovah—the indulgent Lord,

Lucifer. And the Lord Jehovah—the forgiving God,

And bounteous planter of barred Paradise—

And generous planter of forbidden Paradise—

He, too, looks smilingly on Abel.

He also looks at Abel with a smile.

Cain.‍I

Cain.

Ne'er saw him, and I know not if he smiles.350

Never saw him, and I don't know if he smiles.350

Lucifer. But you have seen his angels.

Cain‍Rarely.

Cain‍Not often.

Lucifer.‍But

Lucifer. But

Sufficiently to see they love your brother:

His sacrifices are acceptable.

His sacrifices are worthwhile.

Cain. So be they! wherefore speak to me of this?

Cain. So be it! Why are you saying this to me?

Lucifer. Because thou hast thought of this ere now.

Lucifer. Because you have thought about this before.

Cain.‍And if

.‍And if

I have thought, why recall a thought that——

I have thought, why bring back a thought that——

(he pauses as agitated)—Spirit!

(he pauses, feeling anxious)—Spirit!

Here we are in thy world; speak not of mine.

Here we are in your world; don't speak of mine.

Thou hast shown me wonders: thou hast shown me those

Mighty Pre-Adamites who walked the earth

Mighty pre-Adamites who walked the earth

Of which ours is the wreck: thou hast pointed out360

Of which ours is the wreck: you have pointed out360°

Myriads of starry worlds, of which our own

Is the dim and remote companion, in

Is the dim and distant companion, in

Infinity of life: thou hast shown me shadows

Infinity of life: you have shown me shadows

Of that existence with the dreaded name

Of that existence known by the feared name

Which my sire brought us—Death;[cj] thou hast shown me much

Which my father brought us—Death;[cj] you have revealed so much to me.

But not all: show me where Jehovah dwells,

But not everyone: show me where Jehovah lives,

In his especial Paradise—or thine:

In his special Paradise—or yours:

Where is it?

Where is it at?

Lucifer.‍Here, and o'er all space.

Lucifer.‍Here, and across all space.

Cain.‍But ye

Cain. But you

Have some allotted dwelling—as all things;

Have a designated place to live—just like everything else;

Clay has its earth, and other worlds their tenants;370

Clay has its earth, and other worlds have their inhabitants;370

All temporary breathing creatures their

All temporary living creatures their

Peculiar element; and things which have[253]

Long ceased to breathe our breath, have theirs, thou say'st;

Long stopped breathing our breath, have theirs, you say;

And the Jehovah and thyself have thine—

And you and Jehovah have yours—

Ye do not dwell together?

Do you not live together?

Lucifer.‍No, we reign

Lucifer. No, we rule.

Together; but our dwellings are asunder.

Together; but our homes are apart.

Cain. Would there were only one of ye! perchance

Cain. I wish there was only one of you! Maybe

An unity of purpose might make union

A shared goal could bring about unity.

In elements which seem now jarred in storms.

In elements that now appear shaken by storms.

How came ye, being Spirits wise and infinite,380

How did you come here, being wise and infinite Spirits?

To separate? Are ye not as brethren in

To separate? Are you not like brothers in

Your essence—and your nature, and your glory?

Your essence—your nature, and your greatness?

Lucifer. Art not thou Abel's brother?

Lucifer. Aren't you Abel's bro?

Cain.‍We are brethren,

Cain. We are brothers,

And so we shall remain; but were it not so,

And so we will stay like this; but if that weren't the case,

Is spirit like to flesh? can it fall out—

Is spirit similar to flesh? Can it separate—

Infinity with Immortality?

Infinity and Immortality?

Jarring and turning space to misery—

Jarring and twisting space into misery—

For what?

Why?

Lucifer.‍To reign.

Lucifer.‍To rule.

Cain.‍Did ye not tell me that

Cain.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Did you not tell me that

Ye are both eternal?

Are you both eternal?

Lucifer.‍Yea!

Lucifer.‍Yeah!

Cain.‍And what I have seen—

Cain.‍And what I've seen—

Yon blue immensity, is boundless?

That blue expanse, is it endless?

Lucifer.‍Aye.390

Lucifer.‍Yes.390

Cain. And cannot ye both reign, then?—is there not

Cain. So can't you both rule, then?—is there not

Enough?—why should ye differ?

Enough?—why should you disagree?

Lucifer.‍We both reign.

Lucifer.‍We both rule.

Cain. But one of you makes evil.

Cain. But one of you does evil.

Lucifer.‍Which?

Lucifer.‍Which one?

Cain.‍Thou! for

Cain. You! for

If thou canst do man good, why dost thou not?

If you can do someone good, why don't you?

Lucifer. And why not he who made? I made ye not;

Lucifer. And why not the one who created? I didn’t make you;

Ye are his creatures, and not mine.

You are his creatures, not mine.

Cain.‍Then leave us

Cain. Then leave us.

His creatures, as thou say'st we are, or show me

His creatures, as you say we are, or show me

Thy dwelling, or his dwelling.

Your place, or his place.

Lucifer.‍I could show thee

Lucifer. I could show you.

Both; but the time will come thou shalt see one[254]

Both; but the time will come when you'll see one[254]

Of them for evermore.[120]

Of them forever.[120]

Cain.‍And why not now?400

Lucifer. Thy human mind hath scarcely grasp to gather

Lucifer. Your human mind has barely managed to understand

The little I have shown thee into calm

The little I have shown you into calm

And clear thought: and thou wouldst go on aspiring

And clear thought: and you would keep aspiring

To the great double Mysteries! the two Principles![121]

And gaze upon them on their secret thrones!

And look at them on their hidden thrones!

Dust! limit thy ambition; for to see

Dust! Limit your ambition; for to see

Either of these would be for thee to perish!

Either of these would be your doom!

Cain. And let me perish, so I see them!

Cain. And let me die, just to see them!

Lucifer.‍There

Lucifer. There

The son of her who snatched the apple spake!

The son of the woman who took the apple spoke!

But thou wouldst only perish, and not see them;410

But you would only perish and not see them;410

That sight is for the other state.

That view is for the other place.

Cain.‍Of Death?

Cain. Of Death?

Lucifer. That is the prelude.

Lucifer. This is the beginning.

Cain.‍Then I dread it less,

Cain.‍Now I fear it less,

Now that I know it leads to something definite.

Now that I know it leads to something certain.

Lucifer. And now I will convey thee to thy world,

Lucifer. And now I will take you to your world,

Where thou shall multiply the race of Adam,

Where you will increase the population of mankind,

Eat, drink, toil, tremble, laugh, weep, sleep—and die!

Eat, drink, work hard, feel fear, laugh, cry, sleep—and then die!

Cain. And to what end have I beheld these things

Cain. And what purpose have I seen in these things?

Which thou hast shown me?

Which you have shown me?

Lucifer.‍Didst thou not require

Lucifer.‍Did you not need

Knowledge? And have I not, in what I showed,

Knowledge? And haven’t I, in what I showed,

Taught thee to know thyself?

Taught you to know yourself?

Cain.‍Alas! I seem420

Cain.‍Alas! I appear420

Nothing.[122][255]

Lucifer. And this should be the human sum

Lucifer. And this should be the total of humanity.

Of knowledge, to know mortal nature's nothingness;

Of knowledge, to understand the emptiness of human nature;

Bequeath that science to thy children, and

Bequeath that knowledge to your children, and

'Twill spare them many tortures.

It will spare them many tortures.

Cain.‍Haughty spirit!

Cain. Arrogant attitude!

Thou speak'st it proudly; but thyself, though proud,

You say it proudly; but you, even though proud,

Hast a superior.

Have a superior.

Lucifer.‍No! By heaven, which he

Lucifer. No! By heaven, which he

Holds, and the abyss, and the immensity

Of worlds and life, which I hold with him—No!

Of worlds and life, which I share with him—No!

I have a Victor—true; but no superior.[123]

I have a Victor—that's true; but no one better.[123]

Homage he has from all—but none from me:430

Homage he gets from everyone—but not from me:430

I battle it against him, as I battled

I fight it against him, just like I fought.

In highest Heaven—through all Eternity,

In the highest Heaven—through all Eternity,

And the unfathomable gulfs of Hades,

And the endless depths of Hades,

And the interminable realms of space,

And the endless expanses of space,

And the infinity of endless ages,

And the infinite ages that never end,

All, all, will I dispute! And world by world,

All, all, I will argue! And world by world,

And star by star, and universe by universe,

Shall tremble in the balance, till the great

Conflict shall cease, if ever it shall cease,

Conflict will stop if it ever does stop,

Which it ne'er shall, till he or I be quenched!440

Which it never shall, until he or I am extinguished!440

And what can quench our immortality,

And what can satisfy our immortality,

Or mutual and irrevocable hate?

Or shared and permanent hate?

He as a conqueror will call the conquered[256]

He, as a conqueror, will call the conquered[256]

Evil; but what will be the Good he gives?

Evil; but what will the Good be that he offers?

Were I the victor, his works would be deemed

Were I the winner, his works would be considered

The only evil ones. And you, ye new

The only evil ones. And you, you new

And scarce-born mortals, what have been his gifts

And barely born humans, what gifts have been given to him?

To you already, in your little world?

To you already, in your small world?

Cain. But few; and some of those but bitter.

Cain. But not many; and some of them are just bitter.

Lucifer.‍Back

Lucifer. Back

With me, then, to thine earth, and try the rest450

With me, then, to your world, and try the rest

Of his celestial boons to you and yours.

Of his heavenly blessings to you and your family.

Evil and Good are things in their own essence,

Evil and Good are entities in their own right,

And not made good or evil by the Giver;

And not defined as good or evil by the Giver;

But if he gives you good—so call him; if

But if he treats you well—then call him; if

Evil springs from him, do not name it mine,

Evil comes from him, don't call it mine,

Till ye know better its true fount; and judge

Till you know better its true source; and judge

Not by words, though of Spirits, but the fruits

Not through words, even if from Spirits, but the results

Of your existence, such as it must be.

Of your existence, as it has to be.

One good gift has the fatal apple given,—

One good gift has the deadly apple given,—

Your reason:—let it not be overswayed460

Your reason:—don't let it be swayed

By tyrannous threats to force you into faith

By using oppressive threats to make you believe

'Gainst all external sense and inward feeling:

'Against all external sense and inward feeling:

Think and endure,—and form an inner world

Think and endure—and create an inner world.

In your own bosom—where the outward fails;

In your own heart—where the outside falls short;

So shall you nearer be the spiritual

So you will be closer to the spiritual

Nature, and war triumphant with your own.

Nature and war, victorious with your own.

[They disappear.

[They vanish.

ACT III.

Scene I.—The Earth, near Eden, as in Act I.

Enter Cain and Adah.

Adah. Hush! tread softly, Cain!

Adah. Shh! Walk quietly, Cain!

Cain.‍I will—but wherefore?

Cain. I will—but why?

Adah. Our little Enoch sleeps upon yon bed

Adah. Our little Enoch is sleeping on that bed over there.

Of leaves, beneath the cypress.

Of leaves, under the cypress.

Cain.‍Cypress! 'tis

Cain. ‍Cypress! it's

A gloomy tree, which looks as if it mourned

A sad-looking tree that seems to be grieving

O'er what it shadows; wherefore didst thou choose it

Over what it covers; why did you choose it?

For our child's canopy?[257]

For our kid's canopy?

Adah.‍Because its branches

Adah. Because its branches

Shut out the sun like night, and therefore seemed

Fitting to shadow slumber.

Suiting to shadow sleep.

Cain.‍Aye, the last—

Cain.‍Yep, the last—

And longest; but no matter—lead me to him.

And it's been the longest, but it doesn't matter—just take me to him.

[They go up to the child.

[They walk up to the child.

How lovely he appears! his little cheeks,10

How lovely he looks! his little cheeks,10

In their pure incarnation,[124] vying with

In their pure form, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ competing with

The rose leaves strewn beneath them.

The rose leaves scattered beneath them.

Adah.‍And his lips, too,

Adah.‍And his lips, as well,

How beautifully parted! No; you shall not

How beautifully separated! No; you will not

Kiss him, at least not now: he will awake soon—

Kiss him, just not right now: he’s going to wake up soon—

His hour of mid-day rest is nearly over;

His lunch break is almost over;

But it were pity to disturb him till

But it would be a shame to disturb him until

'Tis closed.

It's closed.

Cain.‍You have said well; I will contain

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You’re right; I will hold back.

My heart till then. He smiles, and sleeps!—sleep on,

My heart until then. He smiles and sleeps!—sleep on,

And smile, thou little, young inheritor

And smile, you little, young inheritor

Of a world scarce less young: sleep on, and smile!20

Of a world hardly less young: sleep on, and smile!20

Thine are the hours and days when both are cheering

Your hours and days when both are uplifting

And innocent! thou hast not plucked the fruit—

And innocent! you haven't picked the fruit—

Thou know'st not thou art naked! Must the time

Come thou shalt be amerced for sins unknown,

Come, you shall be fined for unknown sins,

Which were not thine nor mine? But now sleep on!

Which weren’t yours or mine? But now sleep on!

His cheeks are reddening into deeper smiles,

His cheeks are becoming more flushed with deeper smiles,

And shining lids are trembling o'er his long

And shining lids are quivering over his long

Lashes,[125] dark as the cypress which waves o'er them;

Lashes,[125] dark as the cypress that sways above them;

Half open, from beneath them the clear blue

Laughs out, although in slumber. He must dream—30

Laughs out, even while asleep. He must be dreaming—30

Of what? Of Paradise!—Aye! dream of it,

Of what? Of Paradise!—Yeah! Dream of it,

My disinherited boy! 'Tis but a dream;

My disinherited boy! It's just a dream;

For never more thyself, thy sons, nor fathers,

For never again yourself, your sons, or your fathers,

Shall walk in that forbidden place of joy!

Shall walk in that forbidden place of happiness!

Adah. Dear Cain! Nay, do not whisper o'er our son

Adah. Dear Cain! No, don’t whisper over our son.

Such melancholy yearnings o'er the past:[258]

Such sad longings for the past:[258]

Why wilt thou always mourn for Paradise?

Why do you always mourn for Paradise?

Can we not make another?

Can we make another one?

Cain.‍Where?

Cain.‍Where at?

Adah.‍Here, or

Where'er thou wilt: where'er thou art, I feel not

Wherever you want: wherever you are, I don't feel anything.

The want of this so much regretted Eden.40

The loss of this much-missed paradise.40

Have I not thee—our boy—our sire, and brother,

Have I not you—our boy—our father, and brother,

And Zillah—our sweet sister, and our Eve,

And Zillah—our dear sister, and our Eve,

To whom we owe so much besides our birth?

To whom do we owe so much beyond our birth?

Cain. Yes—Death, too, is amongst the debts we owe her.

Cain. Yes—Death is also one of the debts we owe her.

Adah. Cain! that proud Spirit, who withdrew thee hence,

Adah. Cain! That arrogant Spirit who took you away from here,

Hath saddened thine still deeper. I had hoped

Hath saddened you even more. I had hoped

The promised wonders which thou hast beheld,

The promised wonders that you have seen,

Visions, thou say'st, of past and present worlds,

Visions, you say, of past and present worlds,

Would have composed thy mind into the calm

Would have composed your mind into the calm

Of a contented knowledge; but I see50

Of a satisfied understanding; but I see50

Thy guide hath done thee evil: still I thank him,

Your guide has done you wrong: still I thank him,

And can forgive him all, that he so soon

And can forgive him everything, that he did so quickly

Hath given thee back to us.

Has given you back to us.

Cain.‍So soon?

Cain.‍Already?

Adah.‍'Tis scarcely

Adah.‍It's hardly

Two hours since ye departed: two long hours

Two hours since you left: two long hours

To me, but only hours upon the sun.

To me, but only hours in the sun.

Cain. And yet I have approached that sun, and seen

Cain. And yet I have come close to that sun and seen

Worlds which he once shone on, and never more

Worlds he once illuminated, but never again.

Shall light; and worlds he never lit: methought

Years had rolled o'er my absence.

Years had passed during my absence.

Adah.‍Hardly hours.

Adah.‍Almost no time.

Cain. The mind then hath capacity of time,60

Cain. The mind can comprehend time, 60

And measures it by that which it beholds,

And measures it by what it sees,

Pleasing or painful [126]; little or almighty.[259]

Pleasing or painful [126]; little or powerful.[259]

I had beheld the immemorial works

I had seen the ancient works

Of endless beings; skirred extinguished worlds;

And, gazing on eternity, methought

And, looking at eternity, I thought

I had borrowed more by a few drops of ages

I had borrowed a bit more over the years.

From its immensity: but now I feel

From its vastness: but now I feel

My littleness again. Well said the Spirit,

My smallness again. The Spirit said it well,

That I was nothing!

That I was nobody!

Adah.‍Wherefore said he so?

Adah. Why did he say that?

Jehovah said not that.

God didn't say that.

Cain.‍No: he contents him70

Cain.‍No: he is content. 70

With making us the nothing which we are;

With making us the nothing that we are;

And after flattering dust with glimpses of

Eden and Immortality, resolves

It back to dust again—for what?

It goes back to dust again—for what?

Adah.‍Thou know'st—

Adah. You know—

Even for our parents' error.

Even for our parents' mistake.

Cain.‍What is that

Cain.‍What's that?

To us? they sinned, then let them die!

To us? They messed up, then let them die!

Adah. Thou hast not spoken well, nor is that thought

Adah. You haven’t spoken well, and that idea

Thy own, but of the Spirit who was with thee.

Your own, but of the Spirit who was with you.

Would I could die for them, so they might live!

Cain. Why, so say I—provided that one victim80

Cain. Why, I say that—if there's just one victim80

Might satiate the Insatiable of life,

Might satisfy the never-ending cravings of life,

And that our little rosy sleeper there

And that our little rosy sleeper over there

Might never taste of death nor human sorrow,

Might never experience death or human sadness,

Nor hand it down to those who spring from him.

Nor pass it on to those who come from him.

Adah. How know we that some such atonement one day

Adah. How do we know that some kind of atonement will come one day?

May not redeem our race?

May not save our race?

Cain.‍By sacrificing

Cain. By sacrificing

The harmless for the guilty? what atonement [127]

The innocent for the guilty? What atonement [127]

Were there? why, we are innocent: what have we

Were there? Why, we are innocent: what do we have

Done, that we must be victims for a deed

Done, that we have to be victims for an act.

Before our birth, or need have victims to90

Before we were born, or needed victims to90

Atone for this mysterious, nameless sin—

Atone for this unknown, unnamed sin—

If it be such a sin to seek for knowledge?

Is it really such a sin to seek knowledge?

Adah. Alas! thou sinnest now, my Cain: thy words

Adah. Oh no! You’ve sinned now, my Cain: your words

Sound impious in mine ears.

Sounds irreverent to me.

Cain.‍Then leave me!

Cain. Then just go!

Adah.‍Never,[260]

Adah. Never.

Though thy God left thee.

Though your God left you.

Cain.‍Say, what have we here?

Cain.‍Hey, what do we have here?

Adah. Two altars, which our brother Abel made

Adah. Two altars that our brother Abel built

During thine absence, whereupon to offer

During your absence, when to offer

A sacrifice to God on thy return.

A sacrifice to God upon your return.

Cain. And how knew he, that I would be so ready

Cain. And how did he know that I would be so ready?

With the burnt offerings, which he daily brings100

With the burnt offerings, which he brings every day100

With a meek brow, whose base humility

With a humble expression, whose underlying modesty

Shows more of fear than worship—as a bribe

Shows more fear than reverence—as a bribe

To the Creator?

Adah.‍Surely, 'tis well done.

Adah. Sure, that's well done.

Cain. One altar may suffice; I have no offering.

Cain. One altar might be enough; I have no gift to present.

Adah. The fruits of the earth,[128] the early, beautiful,

Blossom and bud—and bloom of flowers and fruits—

Blossom and bud—and the blooming of flowers and fruits—

These are a goodly offering to the Lord,

These are a great gift to the Lord,

Given with a gentle and a contrite spirit.

Given with a gentle and remorseful spirit.

Cain. I have toiled, and tilled, and sweaten in the sun,

Cain. I have worked hard, farmed, and sweated under the sun,

According to the curse:—must I do more?110

For what should I be gentle? for a war

For what should I be gentle? For a war.

With all the elements ere they will yield

With all the elements before they will give in

The bread we eat? For what must I be grateful?

The bread we eat? What should I be thankful for?

For being dust, and grovelling in the dust,

For being dirt and crawling in the dirt,

Till I return to dust? If I am nothing—

For nothing shall I be an hypocrite,

For I won't be a hypocrite for anything,

And seem well-pleased with pain? For what should I

And look happy with pain? Why should I

Be contrite? for my father's sin, already

Be sorry for my father's sin, already.

Expiate with what we all have undergone,

Expiate with what we all have gone through,

And to be more than expiated by120

And to be more than forgiven by120

The ages prophesied, upon our seed.

The ages foretold, about our offspring.

Little deems our young blooming sleeper, there,

Little does our young blossoming sleeper think, there,

The germs of an eternal misery

The roots of lasting unhappiness

To myriads is within him! better 'twere

To countless things is within him! It would be better.

I snatched him in his sleep, and dashed him 'gainst

I grabbed him while he was sleeping and slammed him against

The rocks, than let him live to——

The rocks, then let him live to——

Adah.‍Oh, my God![261]

Adah.‍OMG![261]

Touch not the child—my child! thy child! Oh, Cain!

Touch not the child—my child! your child! Oh, Cain!

Cain. Fear not! for all the stars, and all the power

Cain. Don't be afraid! for all the stars, and all the power

Which sways them, I would not accost yon infant

Which influences them, I would not approach that child.

With ruder greeting than a father's kiss.130

With a harsher greeting than a father's kiss.130

Adah. Then, why so awful in thy speech?

Adah. Then why is your speech so terrible?

Cain.‍I said,

'Twere better that he ceased to live, than give

'Twould be better for him to stop living than to give

Life to so much of sorrow as he must

Life to so much sorrow as he must

Endure, and, harder still, bequeath; but since

Endure, and, even more challenging, pass on; but since

That saying jars you, let us only say—

That saying hits you hard, let's just say—

'Twere better that he never had been born.

It would be better if he had never been born.

Adah. Oh, do not say so! Where were then the joys,

Adah. Oh, please don’t say that! Where were the joys then,

The mother's joys of watching, nourishing,

And loving him? Soft! he awakes. Sweet Enoch!

And loving him? Wow! He wakes up. Sweet Enoch!

[She goes to the child.

[She approaches the child.

Oh, Cain! look on him; see how full of life,140

Oh, Cain! Look at him; see how full of life, 140

Of strength, of bloom, of beauty, and of joy—

Of strength, of growth, of beauty, and of happiness—

How like to me—how like to thee, when gentle—

How much like me—how much like you, when gentle—

For then we are all alike; is't not so, Cain?

For then we are all alike; isn't that right, Cain?

Mother, and sire, and son, our features are

Mother, father, and son, our features are

Reflected in each other; as they are

Reflected in each other; just as they are

In the clear waters, when they are gentle, and

When thou art gentle. Love us, then, my Cain!

When you are gentle. Love us, then, my Cain!

And love thyself for our sakes, for we love thee.

And love yourself for our sake, because we love you.

Look! how he laughs and stretches out his arms,

Look! How he laughs and stretches out his arms,

And opens wide his blue eyes upon thine,150

And opens his blue eyes wide at you,150

To hail his father; while his little form

To call out to his father; while his small figure

Flutters as winged with joy. Talk not of pain!

Flutters like wings filled with joy. Don't mention pain!

The childless cherubs well might envy thee

The childless cherubs might really envy you.

The pleasures of a parent! Bless him, Cain!

The joys of being a parent! Bless him, Cain!

As yet he hath no words to thank thee, but

As of now, he doesn't have the words to thank you, but

His heart will, and thine own too.

His heart will, and yours will too.

Cain.‍Bless thee, boy!

Cain.‍God bless you, kid!

If that a mortal blessing may avail thee,

If a human blessing can help you,

To save thee from the Serpent's curse!

To save you from the Serpent's curse!

Adah.‍It shall.

Adah. It will.

Surely a father's blessing may avert

Surely a father's blessing can prevent

A reptile's subtlety.

A reptile's sophistication.

Cain.‍Of that I doubt;160

Cain.‍I doubt that;160

But bless him ne'er the less.[262]

But bless him anyway.[262]

Adah.‍Our brother comes.

Adah. Our brother is coming.

Cain. Thy brother Abel.

Cain. Your brother Abel.

Enter Abel.

Join Abel.

Abel.‍Welcome, Cain! My brother,

Abel.‍Welcome, Cain! My bro,

The peace of God be on thee!

The peace of God be with you!

Cain.‍Abel, hail!

Cain.‍Hey, Abel!

Abel. Our sister tells me that thou hast been wandering,

Abel. Our sister says that you’ve been wandering,

In high communion with a Spirit, far

In close connection with a Spirit, far

Beyond our wonted range. Was he of those

Beyond our usual range. Was he one of those

We have seen and spoken with, like to our father?

We have seen and talked to, like with our dad?

Cain. No.

Cain. Nah.

Abel.‍Why then commune with him? he may be

Abel.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Why talk to him then? He could be

A foe to the Most High.

A enemy of the Most High.

Cain.‍And friend to man.

Cain. And friend to humanity.

Has the Most High been so—if so you term him?170

Has the Most High really been like that—if that's what you call him?170

Abel. Term him! your words are strange to-day, my brother.

Abel. Stop it! Your words are unusual today, my brother.

My sister Adah, leave us for awhile—

My sister Adah, please step away for a bit—

We mean to sacrifice [129].

We intend to sacrifice__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Adah.‍Farewell, my Cain;

Adah.‍Goodbye, my Cain;

But first embrace thy son. May his soft spirit,

But first, hug your son. May his gentle spirit,

And Abel's pious ministry, recall thee

And Abel's devoted ministry, remember you

To peace and holiness![Exit Adah, with her child.

To peace and holiness!Exit Adah, with her child.

Abel.‍Where hast thou been?

Abel.‍Where have you been?

Cain. I know not.

Cain. I don't know.

Abel.‍Nor what thou hast seen?

Abel.‍Or what you have seen?

Cain.‍The dead—

Cain. The deceased—

The Immortal—the Unbounded—the Omnipotent—

The Immortal—the Boundless—the All-Powerful—

The overpowering mysteries of space—

The overwhelming mysteries of space—

The innumerable worlds that were and are—180

The countless worlds that existed and exist—180

A whirlwind of such overwhelming things,

A whirlwind of so many overwhelming things,

Suns, moons, and earths, upon their loud-voiced spheres

Suns, moons, and earths, in their noisy orbits

Singing in thunder round me, as have made me

Singing in thunder around me, as have made me

Unfit for mortal converse: leave me, Abel.

Unfit for a conversation with a human: leave me, Abel.

Abel. Thine eyes are flashing with unnatural light[263]—

Abel. Your eyes are shining with an unnatural light[263]—

Thy cheek is flushed with an unnatural hue—

Your cheek is flushed with an unnatural color—

Thy words are fraught with an unnatural sound—

Your words have an unnatural sound—

What may this mean?

What could this mean?

Cain.‍It means—I pray thee, leave me.

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.It means—I ask you, please leave me alone.

Abel. Not till we have prayed and sacrificed together.

Abel. Not until we have prayed and made sacrifices together.

Cain. Abel, I pray thee, sacrifice alone—190

Cain. Abel, please sacrifice on your own—190

Jehovah loves thee well.

God loves you well.

Abel.‍Both well, I hope.

Abel. Both doing well, I hope.

Cain. But thee the better: I care not for that;

Cain. But you’re the better one; I don’t care about that;

Thou art fitter for his worship than I am;

You are more worthy of his worship than I am;

Revere him, then—but let it be alone—

Revere him, but do it alone—

At least, without me.

At least, not without me.

Abel.‍Brother, I should ill

Abel. Brother, I should not

Deserve the name of our great father's son,

Deserve to be called the son of our great father,

If, as my elder, I revered thee not,

If I didn't respect you as my elder,

And in the worship of our God, called not

On thee to join me, and precede me in

On you to join me and lead the way in

Our priesthood—'tis thy place.

Our priesthood—it's your place.

Cain.‍But I have ne'er200

Cain. But I have never

Asserted it.

Claimed it.

Abel.‍The more my grief; I pray thee

Abel.Understood. Please provide the text.The more I grieve; I ask you

To do so now: thy soul seems labouring in

To do so now: your soul seems to be struggling in

Some strong delusion; it will calm thee.

Some strong illusion; it will calm you.

Cain.‍No;

Cain. No;

Nothing can calm me more. Calm! say I? Never

Nothing can calm me more. Calm! you say? Never!

Knew I what calm was in the soul, although

I have seen the elements stilled. My Abel, leave me!

I have seen the elements calm down. My Abel, go away!

Or let me leave thee to thy pious purpose.

Or let me leave you to your religious goal.

Abel. Neither; we must perform our task together.

Abel. Neither; we have to work on this task together.

Spurn me not.

Don't reject me.

Cain.‍If it must be so——well, then,

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.If it has to be this way—fine, then,

What shall I do?

What should I do?

Abel.‍Choose one of those two altars.210

Abel.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Pick one of those two altars.210

Cain. Choose for me: they to me are so much turf

Cain. Choose for me: they mean so little to me.

And stone.

And rock.

Abel.‍Choose thou!

Abel. Choose!

Cain.‍I have chosen.

Cain. I choose.

Abel.‍'Tis the highest,

Abel. It's the highest,

And suits thee, as the elder. Now prepare

And it suits you, as the older one. Now get ready

Thine offerings.

Your offerings.

Cain.‍Where are thine?[264]

Cain.‍Where are you?[264]

Abel.‍Behold them here—

Abel.‍Check them out here—

The firstlings of the flock, and fat thereof—

The first lambs of the flock, and their fat—

A shepherd's humble offering.

A shepherd's simple gift.

Cain.‍I have no flocks;

Cain. I have no livestock;

I am a tiller of the ground, and must

I am a farmer and must

Yield what it yieldeth to my toil—its fruit:

Yield what it produces to my effort—its fruit:

[He gathers fruits.

[He picks fruit.

Behold them in their various bloom and ripeness.

Look at them in their different stages of growth and maturity.

[They dress their altars, and kindle aflame upon them[130].

They adorn their altars and ignite a fire on them __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Abel. My brother, as the elder, offer first220

Abel. My older brother will go first.220

Thy prayer and thanksgiving with sacrifice.

Your prayer and gratitude with sacrifice.

Cain. No—I am new to this; lead thou the way,

Cain. No—I’m not familiar with this; you show me the way,

And I will follow—as I may.

And I will follow—however I can.

Abel (kneeling).‍Oh, God!

Abel (kneeling).‍Oh my God!

Who made us, and who breathed the breath of life

Who created us, and who gave us the breath of life?

Within our nostrils, who hath blessed us,

Within our nostrils, who has blessed us,

And spared, despite our father's sin, to make

And spared, despite our father's mistake, to make

His children all lost, as they might have been,

His children were all lost, just as they might have been,

Had not thy justice been so tempered with

Had your justice not been so softened with

The mercy which is thy delight, as to

The mercy that brings you joy, as to

Accord a pardon like a Paradise,230

Compared with our great crimes:—Sole Lord of light!

Compared to our major sins:—Sole Lord of light!

Of good, and glory, and eternity!

Of goodness, glory, and forever!

Without whom all were evil, and with whom

Without whom everything would be bad, and with whom

Nothing can err, except to some good end

Nothing can go wrong, except for a positive outcome.

Of thine omnipotent benevolence!

Of your all-powerful kindness!

Inscrutable, but still to be fulfilled!

Inscrutable, but still waiting to be fulfilled!

Accept from out thy humble first of shepherds'

Accept from your humble beginnings as the first of shepherds.

First of the first-born flocks—an offering,

In itself nothing—as what offering can be

In itself, nothing—just like any offering can be—

Aught unto thee?—but yet accept it for240[265]

Aught to you?—but still, accept it for240[265]

The thanksgiving of him who spreads it in

The gratitude of the one who shares it in

The face of thy high heaven—bowing his own

The face of your high heaven—bowing his own

Even to the dust, of which he is—in honour

Even to the dust, of which he is—in honor

Of thee, and of thy name, for evermore!

Of you, and your name, forever!

Cain (standing erect during this speech).

Cain (standing tall during this speech).

Spirit whate'er or whosoe'er thou art,

Spirit, whatever or whoever you are,

Omnipotent, it may be—and, if good,

Omnipotent it might be—and, if good,

Shown in the exemption of thy deeds from evil;

Shown in the exemption of your actions from wrongdoing;

Jehovah upon earth! and God in heaven!

Jehovah on earth! and God in heaven!

And it may be with other names, because

And it might be with different names, because

Thine attributes seem many, as thy works:—250

Your qualities seem numerous, just like your deeds:—250

If thou must be propitiated with prayers,

If you need to be appeased with prayers,

Take them! If thou must be induced with altars,

Take them! If you need to be convinced with altars,

And softened with a sacrifice, receive them;

And, softened by a sacrifice, accept them;

Two beings here erect them unto thee.

Two beings here raise them up for you.

If thou lov'st blood, the shepherd's shrine, which smokes

If you love blood, the shepherd's shrine, which smokes

On my right hand, hath shed it for thy service

On my right hand, I have given it for your benefit.

In the first of his flock, whose limbs now reek

In the first of his group, whose limbs now smell

In sanguinary incense to thy skies;

In bloody smoke rising to your skies;

Or, if the sweet and blooming fruits of earth,

Or, if the sweet and blooming fruits of the earth,

And milder seasons, which the unstained turf260

And gentler seasons, which the unblemished grass

I spread them on now offers in the face

Of the broad sun which ripened them, may seem

Of the bright sun that ripened them, may seem

Good to thee—inasmuch as they have not

Good for you—since they have not

Suffered in limb or life—and rather form

Suffered in body or life—and rather shape

A sample of thy works, than supplication

A sample of your works, rather than a request

To look on ours! If a shrine without victim,

To look at ours! If a shrine without a sacrifice,

And altar without gore, may win thy favour,

And an altar without bloodshed may win your favor,

Look on it! and for him who dresseth it,

Look at it! And for the one who styles it,

He is—such as thou mad'st him; and seeks nothing

He is just as you made him; and wants nothing.

Which must be won by kneeling: if he's evil [ck],270

Which must be earned by kneeling: if he's evil [ck],270

Strike him! thou art omnipotent, and may'st—

Strike him! You are all-powerful and can—

For what can he oppose? If he be good,

For what can he oppose? If he is good,

Strike him, or spare him, as thou wilt! since all

Strike him or spare him, as you wish! since all

Rests upon thee; and Good and Evil seem

Rests on you; and Good and Evil look

To have no power themselves, save in thy will—

To have no power themselves, except through your will—

And whether that be good or ill I know not,

And whether that's good or bad, I don't know,

Not being omnipotent, nor fit to judge

Not being all-powerful, nor qualified to judge

Omnipotence—but merely to endure

All-powerful—but just to endure

Its mandate; which thus far I have endured.[266]

Its mandate, which I have managed to tolerate so far.[266]

[The fire upon the altar of Abel kindles into a column of the brightest flame, and ascends to heaven; while a whirlwind throws down the altar of Cain, and scatters the fruits abroad upon the earth.[131]

[The fire on Abel's shrine blazes into a bright column of flame and rises to the heavens; while a whirlwind knocks down Cain's altar and spreads the fruits all over the ground.[131]

Abel (kneeling). Oh, brother, pray! Jehovah's wroth with thee.280

Abel (kneeling). Oh, brother, please pray! God is angry with you.280

Cain. Why so?

Cain. Why?

Abel.‍Thy fruits are scattered on the earth.

Abel.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Your fruits are spread across the ground.

Cain. From earth they came, to earth let them return;

Cain. They came from the earth, and to the earth let them go back;

Their seed will bear fresh fruit there ere the summer:

Their seed will produce fresh fruit there before summer:

Thy burnt flesh-offering prospers better; see

Your burnt flesh offering is more successful; look

How Heaven licks up the flames, when thick with blood!

How Heaven quenches the flames when they're soaked with blood!

Abel. Think not upon my offering's acceptance,

Abel. Don't worry about whether my offering will be accepted,

But make another of thine own—before

But create another one of your own—before

It is too late.

It's too late.

Cain.‍I will build no more altars,

Cain. I'm done with altars,

Nor suffer any——

Nor endure any——

Abel (rising).‍Cain! what meanest thou?

Abel (rising).‍Cain! What do you mean?

Cain. To cast down yon vile flatterer of the clouds,290

Cain. To take down that worthless flatterer of the skies,290

The smoky harbinger of thy dull prayers—

The smoky sign of your boring prayers—

Thine altar, with its blood of lambs and kids,

Thy altar, with its blood of lambs and goats,

Which fed on milk, to be destroyed in blood.

Which fed on milk, only to be destroyed in blood.

Abel (opposing him).

Abel (against him).

Thou shalt not:—add not impious works to impious

You should not:—add unholy actions to unholy ones.

Words! let that altar stand—'tis hallowed now

Words! Let that altar stand—it's sacred now

By the immortal pleasure of Jehovah,

By the eternal pleasure of God,

In his acceptance of the victims.

Cain.‍His!

Cain! His!

His pleasure! what was his high pleasure in

His pleasure! what was his great pleasure in

The fumes of scorching flesh and smoking blood,

The smell of burning flesh and smoking blood,

To the pain of the bleating mothers, which300

To the pain of the crying mothers, which300

Still yearn for their dead offspring? or the pangs

Still longing for their deceased children? Or the pain

Of the sad ignorant victims underneath

Of the sad, unaware victims below

Thy pious knife? Give way! this bloody record

Your pious knife? Step aside! This bloody record

Shall not stand in the sun, to shame creation!

Abel. Brother, give back! thou shalt not touch my altar

Abel. Brother, give it back! You can't touch my altar.

With violence: if that thou wilt adopt it,

With violence: if you choose to embrace it,

To try another sacrifice, 'tis thine.[267]

To make another sacrifice, it’s up to you.[267]

Cain. Another sacrifice! Give way, or else

Cain. Another sacrifice! Move aside, or else

That sacrifice may be——

That sacrifice might be——

Abel.‍What mean'st thou?

Abel. What do you mean?

Cain.‍Give—

Cain. Give—

Give way!—thy God loves blood!—then look to it:—310

Give way! Your God loves blood! Then pay attention:—310

Give way, ere he hath more!

Give way before he has more!

Abel.‍In his great name,

Abel. In his great name,

I stand between thee and the shrine which hath

I stand between you and the shrine that has

Had his acceptance.

Received his acceptance.

Cain.‍If thou lov'st thyself,

Cain. If you love yourself,

Stand back till I have strewed this turf along

Stand back until I have spread this turf out

Its native soil:—else——

Abel (opposing him).‍I love God far more

Abel (opposing him).Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I love God way more

Than life.

Cain (striking him with a brand, on the temples, which

he snatches from the altar). Then take thy life unto thy God,

he snatches from the altar). Then give your life to your God,

Since he loves lives.

Since he loves life.

Abel (falls).‍What hast thou done—my brother?

Abel (falls).‍What have you done—my brother?

Cain. Brother!

Cain. Bro!

Abel.‍Oh, God! receive thy servant! and

Abel.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Oh, God! please accept your servant! And

Forgive his slayer, for he knew not what

Forgive his killer, for he didn't know what

He did—Cain, give me—give me thy hand; and tell320

He did—Cain, give me—give me your hand; and tell

Poor Zillah—

Cain (after a moment's stupefaction).

Cain (after a moment of shock).

My hand! 'tis all red, and with——

My hand! It's all red, and with——

What?[A long pause.—Looking slowly round.

What?

Where am I? alone! Where's Abel? where

Where am I? Alone! Where's Abel? Where?

Cain? Can it be that I am he? My brother,

Cain? Could it be that I'm him? My brother,

Awake!—why liest thou so long on the green earth?

Awake!—why do you lie there for so long on the green earth?

'Tis not the hour of slumber:—why so pale?

'It's not time to sleep:—why so pale?

What hast thou!—thou wert full of life this morn!

What do you have!—you were so full of life this morning!

Abel! I pray thee, mock me not! I smote

Abel! Please, don’t make fun of me! I hit

Too fiercely, but not fatally. Ah, why

Wouldst thou oppose me? This is mockery;

Do you really want to oppose me? This is just mocking;

And only done to daunt me:—'twas a blow—330

And it was only meant to intimidate me:—it was a strike—330

And but a blow. Stir—stir—nay, only stir!

And just one blow. Stir—stir—no, just stir!

Why, so—that's well!—thou breathest! breathe upon me!

Why, that's great! You breathe! Breathe on me!

Oh God! Oh God!

Oh my God! Oh my God!

Abel (very faintly). What's he who speaks of God?

Abel (very faintly). Who is he that talks about God?

Cain. Thy murderer.[268]

Cain. Your murderer.[268]

Abel.‍Then may God forgive him! Cain,

Abel.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Then may God forgive him! Cain,

Comfort poor Zillah:—she has but one brother

Comfort poor Zillah:—she has only one brother

Now.[Abel dies.

Now. [Abel dies.

Cain. And I none!—Who makes me brotherless?

Cain. And I don't! — Who's the one making me brotherless?

His eyes are open! then he is not dead!

His eyes are open! So he’s not dead!

Death is like sleep [132]; and sleep shuts down our lids.

Death is like sleep [132]; and sleep closes our eyes.

His lips, too, are apart; why then he breathes;

His lips are slightly parted; that's why he breathes;

And yet I feel it not.—His heart!—his heart!—340

And yet I don't feel it.—His heart!—his heart!—340

Let me see, doth it beat? methinks——No!—no!

Let me see, does it beat? I don't think so—No!—no!

This is a vision, else I am become

This is a vision, or I am becoming

The native of another and worse world.

The native of a different and more terrible world.

The earth swims round me:—what is this?—'tis wet;

The earth moves around me:—what is this?—it's wet;

[Puts his hand to his brow, and then looks at it.

[i]He puts his hand to his forehead and then looks at it.[/i]

And yet there are no dews! 'Tis blood—my blood—

And yet there are no dews! It’s blood—my blood—

My brother's and my own! and shed by me!

My brother's and mine! And spilled by me!

Then what have I further to do with life,

Then what else do I have to do with life,

Since I have taken life from my own flesh?

But he can not be dead!—Is silence death?

But he can't be dead!—Is silence death?

No; he will wake; then let me watch by him.350

No; he will wake; then let me stay by him.350

Life cannot be so slight, as to be quenched

Life cannot be so trivial as to be extinguished.

Thus quickly!—he hath spoken to me since—

Thus quickly!—he has spoken to me since—

What shall I say to him?—My brother!—No:

What should I say to him?—My brother!—No:

He will not answer to that name; for brethren

He won't respond to that name; for brothers

Smite not each other. Yet—yet—speak to me.

Don’t hurt each other. But—please—talk to me.

Oh! for a word more of that gentle voice,

Oh! I wish I could hear just one more word from that kind voice,

That I may bear to hear my own again!

That I can stand to hear myself again!

Enter Zillah.

Join Zillah.

Zillah. I heard a heavy sound; what can it be?

Zillah. I heard a loud noise; what could it be?

'Tis Cain; and watching by my husband. What

'Tis Cain; and watching over my husband. What

Dost thou there, brother? Doth he sleep? Oh, Heaven!360

Do you hear me, brother? Is he asleep? Oh, Heaven!360°

What means this paleness, and yon stream?—No, no!

What does this paleness mean, and that stream?—No, no!

It is not blood; for who would shed his blood?

It’s not blood; because who would spill their own blood?

Abel! what's this?—who hath done this? He moves not;

Abel! What’s going on? Who did this? He isn’t moving;

He breathes not: and his hands drop down from mine[269]

He doesn't breathe: and his hands fall away from mine[269]

With stony lifelessness! Ah! cruel Cain!

With a cold, lifeless stare! Ah! cruel Cain!

Why camest thou not in time to save him from

Why didn’t you come in time to save him from

This violence? Whatever hath assailed him,

This violence? Whatever has attacked him,

Thou wert the stronger, and shouldst have stepped in

You were stronger and should have intervened.

Between him and aggression! Father!—Eve!—

Between him and aggression! Dad!—Eve!—

Adah!—come hither! Death is in the world!370

Adah!—come here! There's death in the world!370

[Exit Zillah, calling on her Parents, etc.

[Leave Zillah, calling on her Parents, etc.

Cain (solus) And who hath brought him there?—I—who abhor

Cain (solus) And who brought him here?—I—who detest

The name of Death so deeply, that the thought

The name of Death is so profound that the thought

Empoisoned all my life, before I knew

Empowered all my life, before I realized

His aspect—I have led him here, and given

His appearance—I have brought him here and given

My brother to his cold and still embrace,

My brother to his cold and motionless hug,

As if he would not have asserted his

As if he wouldn't have claimed his

Inexorable claim without my aid.

Relentless demand without my help.

I am awake at last—a dreary dream

I’m finally awake—a boring dream

Had maddened me;—but he shall ne'er awake!

Had driven me crazy;—but he shall ne'er awake!

Enter Adam, Eve, Adah, and Zillah.

Adam. A voice of woe from Zillah brings me here—380

Adam. A voice of sorrow from Zillah brings me here—380

What do I see?—'Tis true!—My son!—my son!

What do I see?—It’s true!—My son!—my son!

Woman, behold the Serpent's work, and thine![To Eve.

Woman, look at what the Serpent has done, and what you have done!To Eve.

Eve. Oh! speak not of it now: the Serpent's fangs

Eve. Oh! Don’t talk about it now: the Serpent's fangs

Are in my heart! My best beloved, Abel!

Are in my heart! My dearest, Abel!

Jehovah! this is punishment beyond

God! this is punishment beyond

A mother's sin, to take him from me!

A mother's sin, to take him away from me!

Adam.‍Who,

Adam. Who,

Or what hath done this deed?—speak, Cain, since thou

Or who did this?—speak, Cain, since you

Wert present; was it some more hostile angel,

Who walks not with Jehovah? or some wild

Who doesn't walk with Jehovah? Or some wild

Brute of the forest?

Beast of the woods?

Eve.‍Ah! a livid light390

Eve.‍Ah! a bright light390

Breaks through, as from a thunder-cloud! yon brand

Breaks through, like from a thundercloud! that brand

Massy and bloody! snatched from off the altar,

Massive and bloody! taken from the altar,

And black with smoke, and red with——

Adam.‍Speak, my son!

Adam. Speak, my child!

Speak, and assure us, wretched as we are,

Speak, and reassure us, miserable as we are,

That we are not more miserable still.

That we aren't even more miserable.

Adah. Speak, Cain! and say it was not thou!

Adah. Speak, Cain! and say it wasn't you!

Eve.‍It was![270]

Eve. It was!

I see it now—he hangs his guilty head,

And covers his ferocious eye with hands

And covers his fierce eye with his hands

Incarnadine!

Blood-red!

Adah.‍Mother, thou dost him wrong—

Adah. Mother, you are wrong—

Cain! clear thee from this horrible accusal,400

Cain! free yourself from this terrible accusation,400

Which grief wrings from our parent.

Which grief burdens our parent.

Eve.‍Hear, Jehovah!

Eve.‍Listen, God!

May the eternal Serpent's curse be on him!

May the eternal curse of the Serpent be upon him!

For he was fitter for his seed than ours.

For he was better suited for his offspring than we are.

May all his days be desolate! May——

May all his days be empty! May——

Adah.‍Hold!

Adah. Stop!

Curse him not, mother, for he is thy son—

Curse him not, mom, for he is your son—

Curse him not, mother, for he is my brother,

Curse him not, mom, for he is my brother,

And my betrothed.

And my fiancé.

Eve.‍He hath left thee no brother—

Eve.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.He has left you no brother—

Zillah no husband—me no son! for thus

Zillah has no husband—me no son! for thus

I curse him from my sight for evermore!

I banish him from my sight forever!

All bonds I break between us, as he broke410

All bonds I break between us, just like he broke410

That of his nature, in yon——Oh Death! Death!

That of his nature, in that——Oh Death! Death!

Why didst thou not take me, who first incurred thee?

Why didn't you take me, who first brought this upon you?

Why dost thou not so now?

Why don't you do that now?

Adam.‍Eve! let not this,

Adam.‍Eve! don't let this,

Thy natural grief, lead to impiety!

Your natural grief leads to disrespect!

A heavy doom was long forespoken to us;

A serious fate had been predicted for us for a long time;

And now that it begins, let it be borne

And now that it’s starting, let it be accepted

In such sort as may show our God, that we

In a way that reflects our God, we

Are faithful servants to his holy will.

Are loyal servants to his sacred will.

Eve. (pointing to Cain).

Eve. (pointing at Cain).

His will! the will of yon Incarnate Spirit

His will! the will of that Incarnate Spirit

Of Death, whom I have brought upon the earth420

To strew it with the dead. May all the curses

To scatter it with the dead. May all the curses

Of life be on him! and his agonies

Of life be on him! And his struggles.

Drive him forth o'er the wilderness, like us

Drive him out into the wilderness, just like us.

From Eden, till his children do by him

From Eden, until his children act on his behalf

As he did by his brother! May the swords

And wings of fiery Cherubim pursue him

And fiery Cherubim with wings chase after him.

By day and night—snakes spring up in his path—

By day and night—snakes appear in his way—

Earth's fruits be ashes in his mouth—the leaves

Earth's fruits are ashes in his mouth—the leaves

On which he lays his head to sleep be strewed

On which he lays his head to sleep is scattered.

With scorpions! May his dreams be of his victim!430

With scorpions! I hope he dreams of his victim!430

His waking a continual dread of Death![271]

His constant awareness of Death is terrifying![271]

May the clear rivers turn to blood as he [133]

Stoops down to stain them with his raging lip!

Stoops down to stain them with his furious lips!

May every element shun or change to him!

May everything avoid or transform for him!

May he live in the pangs which others die with!

May he live with the pain that others die from!

And Death itself wax something worse than Death

And Death itself becomes something worse than Death.

To him who first acquainted him with man!

To the one who first introduced him to humanity!

Hence, fratricide! henceforth that word is Cain,

Hence, fratricide! From now on, that word is Cain,

Through all the coming myriads of mankind,

Through all the countless generations of humanity,

Who shall abhor thee, though thou wert their sire!440

Who would hate you, even if you were their father!440

May the grass wither from thy feet! the woods

May the grass wither beneath your feet! The woods

Deny thee shelter! earth a home! the dust

Deny you shelter! Earth a home! The dust

A grave! the sun his light! and heaven her God [134]!

A grave! the sun its light! and heaven its God [134]!

[Exit Eve.

Adam. Cain! get thee forth: we dwell no more together.

Adam. Cain! Go away; we can't live together anymore.

Depart! and leave the dead to me—I am

Depart! Leave the dead to me—I am

Henceforth alone—we never must meet more.

Henceforth alone—we can never meet again.

Adah. Oh, part not with him thus, my father: do not

Adah. Oh, don’t say goodbye to him like this, Dad: do not

Add thy deep curse to Eve's upon his head!

Add your deep curse to Eve's on his head!

Adam. I curse him not: his spirit be his curse.

Adam. I don't curse him: his own spirit is his curse.

Come, Zillah!

Come here, Zillah!

Zillah.‍I must watch my husband's corse [135].450

Zillah.Understood! Please provide the text you want me to modernize.I need to keep an eye on my husband's corpse [135].450

Adam. We will return again, when he is gone

Adam. We'll come back again after he's left.

Who hath provided for us this dread office.

Who has arranged for us this terrifying task?

Come, Zillah!

Come here, Zillah!

Zillah.‍Yet one kiss on yon pale clay,[272]

Zillah.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Yet one kiss on that pale clay,[272]

And those lips once so warm—my heart! my heart!

And those lips that were once so warm—my heart! my heart!

[Exeunt Adam and Zillah weeping.

[They exit Adam and Zillah crying.

Adah. Cain! thou hast heard, we must go forth. I am ready,

Adah. Cain! You’ve heard, we need to leave. I’m ready,

So shall our children be. I will bear Enoch,

So will our children be. I will have Enoch,

And you his sister. Ere the sun declines

And you, his sister. Before the sun sets

Let us depart, nor walk the wilderness

Let’s leave and not walk through the wilderness.

Under the cloud of night.—Nay, speak to me.

Under the cover of night.—No, talk to me.

To me—thine own.

To me—yours.

Cain.‍Leave me!

Cain. Leave me alone!

Adah.‍Why, all have left thee.460

Adah.‍Why, everyone has abandoned you.460

Cain. And wherefore lingerest thou? Dost thou not fear

Cain. Why are you hesitating? Don't you fear

To dwell with one who hath done this?

To live with someone who has done this?

Adah.‍I fear

Adah. I’m scared.

Nothing except to leave thee, much as I

Nothing except to leave you, just as I

Shrink from the deed which leaves thee brotherless.

Shrink from the action that would leave you without a brother.

I must not speak of this—it is between thee

I can't talk about this—it’s between you and me.

And the great God.

And the Almighty.

A Voice from within exclaims. Cain! Cain!

A voice from within exclaims. Cain! Cain!

Adah.‍Hear'st thou that voice?

Adah. Can you hear that voice?

The Voice within. Cain! Cain!

The Inner Voice. Cain! Cain!

Adah.‍It soundeth like an angel's tone.

Adah.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.It sounds like an angel's voice.

Enter the Angel of the Lord.[136]

Angel. Where is thy brother Abel?

Angel. Where is your brother Abel?

Cain.‍Am I then

Cain. Am I then

My brother's keeper?

My brother's guardian?

Angel.‍Cain! what hast thou done?

Angel.‍Cain! What have you done?

The voice of thy slain brother's blood cries out,470

The voice of your murdered brother's blood calls out, 470

Even from the ground, unto the Lord!—Now art thou

Even from the ground, to the Lord!—Now you are

Cursed from the earth, which opened late her mouth[273]

Cursed from the ground, which opened its mouth late[273]

To drink thy brother's blood from thy rash hand.

To drink your brother's blood from your reckless hand.

Henceforth, when thou shalt till the ground, it shall not

Henceforth, when you work the land, it will not

Yield thee her strength; a fugitive shalt thou

Yield her strength to you; you shall be a fugitive.

Be from this day, and vagabond on earth!

Be from this day on, and wander the earth!

Adah. This punishment is more than he can bear.

Adah. This punishment is more than he can handle.

Behold thou drivest him from the face of earth,

Behold, you drive him away from the face of the earth,

And from the face of God shall he be hid.

And he will be hidden from the presence of God.

A fugitive and vagabond on earth,480

A runaway and wanderer on earth,480

'Twill come to pass, that whoso findeth him

'Twill come to pass, that whoever finds him

Shall slay him.

Will kill him.

Cain.‍Would they could! but who are they

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Would they could! But who are they?

Shall slay me? Where are these on the lone earth

Shall you kill me? Where are these on this lonely earth?

As yet unpeopled?

Still unpopulated?

Angel.‍Thou hast slain thy brother,

Angel. You have killed your brother,

And who shall warrant thee against thy son?

And who will protect you from your son?

Adah. Angel of Light! be merciful, nor say

Adah. Angel of Light! please be kind, and don't say

That this poor aching breast now nourishes

That this poor, aching heart now nourishes

A murderer in my boy, and of his father.

A murderer in my son, and in his father.

Angel. Then he would but be what his father is.

Angel. Then he would just be what his father is.

Did not the milk of Eve give nutriment490

Didn't Eve's milk nourish?

To him thou now seest so besmeared with blood?

To him you now see so covered in blood?

The fratricide might well engender parricides.—

The killing of brothers could very likely lead to the killing of fathers.—

But it shall not be so—the Lord thy God

But it won't be that way—the Lord your God

And mine commandeth me to set his seal

And mine commands me to put his seal.

On Cain, so that he may go forth in safety.

On Cain, so that he can go out safely.

Who slayeth Cain, a sevenfold vengeance shall

Whoever kills Cain will face a vengeance seven times greater.

Be taken on his head. Come hither!

Be taken on his head. Come here!

Cain.‍What

Cain. What

Wouldst thou with me?

Do you want to join me?

Angel.‍To mark upon thy brow [cl]

Angel.‍To mark on your brow [cl]

Exemption from such deeds as thou hast done.

Exemption from actions like the ones you’ve taken.

Cain. No, let me die!

Cain. No, just let me die!

Angel.‍It must not be.

Angel. It can't be.

[The Angel sets the mark on Cain's brow.

[The Angel marks Cain with a sign.

Cain.‍It burns500

Cain. It burns

My brow, but nought to that which is within it!

My forehead, but nothing compared to what’s inside it!

Is there more? let me meet it as I may.

Is there more? Let me face it as I can.

Angel. Stern hast thou been and stubborn from the womb,

Angel. You have been harsh and unyielding since birth,

As the ground thou must henceforth till; but he[274]

As the ground you must now cultivate; but he[274]

Thou slew'st was gentle as the flocks he tended.

You were as gentle as the flocks you tended.

Cain. After the fall too soon was I begotten;

Cain. I was born too soon after the fall;

Ere yet my mother's mind subsided from

The Serpent, and my sire still mourned for Eden.

The Serpent, and my father still mourned for Eden.

That which I am, I am; I did not seek

That’s who I am; I didn’t search for it.

For life, nor did I make myself; but could I510

For life, I didn’t create myself; but could I

With my own death redeem him from the dust—

With my own death, free him from the dust—

And why not so? let him return to day,

And why not? Let him come back today,

And I lie ghastly! so shall be restored

And I lie horrifically! so shall be restored

By God the life to him he loved; and taken

By God, the life he loved; and taken

From me a being I ne'er loved to bear.

From me a being I never loved to bear.

Angel. Who shall heal murder? what is done, is done;

Angel. Who can heal murder? What’s done is done;

Go forth! fulfil thy days! and be thy deeds

Go ahead! Live your life to the fullest! and let your actions be

Unlike the last![The Angel disappears.

Unlike the last!

Adah.‍He's gone, let us go forth;

Adah. He's gone, let's move on;

I hear our little Enoch cry within

I hear our little Enoch crying inside.

Our bower.

Our garden.

Cain.‍Ah! little knows he what he weeps for!520

Cain.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Ah! he has no idea what he's crying about!520

And I who have shed blood cannot shed tears!

And I, who have spilled blood, cannot cry!

But the four rivers [137] would not cleanse my soul.

But the four rivers [137] wouldn't cleanse my soul.

Think'st thou my boy will bear to look on me?

Do you think my boy can stand to look at me?

Adah. If I thought that he would not, I would——

Adah. If I thought he wouldn’t, I would——

Cain (interrupting her).‍No,

No,

No more of threats: we have had too many of them:

No more threats: we’ve had enough of them.

Go to our children—I will follow thee.

Go to our kids—I’ll follow you.

Adah. I will not leave thee lonely with the dead—

Adah. I won't leave you alone with the dead—

Let us depart together.

Let's leave together.

Cain.‍Oh! thou dead

Cain.‍Oh! you dead

And everlasting witness! whose unsinking

And eternal witness! whose unsinking

Blood darkens earth and heaven! what thou now art530

Blood darkens earth and sky! what you now are530

I know not! but if thou seest what I am,

I don’t know! But if you see what I am,

I think thou wilt forgive him, whom his God

I think you will forgive him, whom his God

Can ne'er forgive, nor his own soul.—Farewell!

Can never forgive, nor his own soul. — Goodbye!

I must not, dare not touch what I have made thee.

I must not, and can't, touch what I've created you to be.

I, who sprung from the same womb with thee, drained

I, who came from the same womb as you, drained

The same breast, clasped thee often to my own,

The same breast, held you close to me often,

In fondness brotherly and boyish, I

In a brotherly and youthful affection, I

Can never meet thee more, nor even dare

Can never meet you again, nor even dare

To do that for thee, which thou shouldst have done[275]

To do that for you, which you should have done[275]

For me—compose thy limbs into their grave—540

For me—arrange your body into its resting place—540

The first grave yet dug for mortality.

The first grave ever dug for death.

But who hath dug that grave? Oh, earth! Oh, earth!

But who has dug that grave? Oh, earth! Oh, earth!

For all the fruits thou hast rendered to me, I

For all the fruits you have given me, I

Give thee back this.—Now for the wilderness!

Give this back to you.—Now for the wilderness!

[Adah stoops down and kisses the body of Abel.

[Adah bends down and kisses the body of Abel.

Adah. A dreary, and an early doom, my brother,

Adah. A gloomy, and an early fate, my brother,

Has been thy lot! Of all who mourn for thee,

Has been your fate! Of all who mourn for you,

I alone must not weep. My office is

I can't be the only one crying. My job is

Henceforth to dry up tears, and not to shed them;

From now on, to dry up tears instead of crying them.

But yet of all who mourn, none mourn like me,

But still, of all the people who grieve, none grieve like I do,

Not only for thyself, but him who slew thee.550

Not just for yourself, but for the one who killed you.550

Now, Cain! I will divide thy burden with thee.

Now, Cain! I will share your burden with you.

Cain. Eastward from Eden will we take our way;

Cain. We will head east of Eden;

'Tis the most desolate, and suits my steps.

It's the most desolate, and it fits my steps.

Adah. Lead! thou shalt be my guide, and may our God

Adah. Lead! You will be my guide, and may our God

Be thine! Now let us carry forth our children.

Be yours! Now let’s move forward with our children.

Cain. And he who lieth there was childless! I

Cain. And he who lies there was childless! I

Have dried the fountain of a gentle race,

Have dried the source of a gentle people,

Which might have graced his recent marriage couch,

Which might have graced his recent wedding bed,

And might have tempered this stern blood of mine,

And could have softened this harsh blood of mine,

Uniting with our children Abel's offspring!560

Uniting with our children Abel's kids!560

O Abel!

Oh Abel!

Adah.‍Peace be with him!

Adah.‍Rest in peace!

Cain.‍But with me!——

[Exeunt.

[Leave the stage.

FOOTNOTES:

[86] {205}[On the 13th December [1821] Sir Walter received a copy of Cain, as yet unpublished, from Murray, who had been instructed to ask whether he had any objection to having the "Mystery" dedicated to him. He replied in these words—

[86] {205}[On December 13, 1821, Sir Walter received an unpublished copy of Cain from Murray, who had been asked to check if he minded having the "Mystery" dedicated to him. He responded with these words—

"Edinburgh, 4th December, 1821.

"Edinburgh, December 4, 1821."

"My Dear Sir,—I accept, with feelings of great obligation, the flattering proposal of Lord Byron to prefix my name to the very grand and tremendous drama of 'Cain.'[*] I may be partial to it, and you will allow I have cause; but I do not know that his Muse has ever taken so lofty a flight amid her former soarings. He has certainly matched Milton on his own ground. Some part of the language is bold, and may shock one class of readers, whose line will be adopted by others out of affectation or envy. But then they must condemn the 'Paradise Lost,' if they have a mind to be consistent. The fiend-like reasoning and bold blasphemy of the fiend and of his pupil lead exactly to the point which was to be expected,—the commission of the first murder, and the ruin and despair of the perpetrator.

"My Dear Sir,—I gladly accept, with a deep sense of gratitude, the flattering proposal from Lord Byron to attach my name to the remarkable and powerful drama of 'Cain.'[*] I might be biased, and you’ll understand why; but I believe his Muse has never soared so high in her previous works. He has certainly matched Milton on his own turf. Some parts of the language are bold and may shock one group of readers, while others might adopt it out of pretentiousness or jealousy. However, they would have to condemn 'Paradise Lost' if they want to be consistent. The devilish reasoning and audacious blasphemy from the devil and his disciple lead directly to what was expected—the act of the first murder and the ruin and despair of the one who committed it."

"I do not see how any one can accuse the author himself of Manicheism. The Devil talks the language of that sect, doubtless; because, not being able to deny the existence of the Good Principle, he endeavours to exalt himself—the Evil Principle—to a seeming equality with the Good; but such arguments, in the mouth of such a being, can only be used to deceive and to betray. Lord Byron might have made this more evident, by placing in the mouth of Adam, or of some good and protecting spirit, the reasons which render the existence of moral evil consistent with the general benevolence of the Deity. The great key to the mystery is, perhaps, the imperfection of our own faculties, which see and feel strongly the partial evils which press upon us, but know too little of the general system of the universe, to be aware how the existence of these is to be reconciled with the benevolence of the great Creator.

"I don’t see how anyone can accuse the author of being Manichean. The Devil definitely speaks the language of that group because, unable to deny the existence of the Good Principle, he tries to elevate himself—the Evil Principle—to a false sense of equality with the Good. But arguments like that, coming from such a being, can only serve to deceive and betray. Lord Byron could have made this clearer by having Adam or some good protective spirit present the reasons why the existence of moral evil can coexist with the general kindness of the Deity. The key to this mystery might be our own imperfect abilities, which strongly perceive the specific evils that affect us but understand too little about the larger system of the universe to realize how these evils can reconcile with the benevolence of the great Creator."

"To drop these speculations, you have much occasion for some mighty spirit, like Lord Byron, to come down and trouble the waters; for, excepting 'The John Bull,'[**] you seem stagnating strangely in London.

"To put these speculations aside, you really need a strong spirit, like Lord Byron, to stir things up; because, apart from 'The John Bull,'[**] you seem to be stagnating oddly in London."

"Yours, my dear Sir,

"Yours, dear Sir,"

"Very truly,

"Honestly,"

"Walter Scott.

"Walter Scott."

"To John Murray, Esq."-Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, by J. G. Lockhart, Esq., 1838, iii. 92, 93.]

[[*] "However, the praise often given to Byron has been so exaggerated as to provoke, perhaps, a reaction in which he is unduly disparaged. 'As various in composition as Shakespeare himself, Lord Byron has embraced,' says Sir Walter Scott, 'every topic of human life, and sounded every string on the divine harp, from its slightest to its most powerful and heart-astounding tones.... In the very grand and tremendous drama of Cain,' etc.... 'And Lord Byron has done all this,' Scott adds, 'while managing his pen with the careless and negligent ease of a man of quality.'"—Poetry of Byron, chosen and arranged by Matthew Arnold, 1881, p. xiii.

[[*] "However, the praise often given to Byron has been so exaggerated that it may have caused an unreasonable backlash against him. 'As varied in style as Shakespeare himself, Lord Byron has tackled,' says Sir Walter Scott, 'every aspect of human life and explored every note on the divine harp, from its lightest to its most powerful and moving tones.... In the very grand and intense drama of Cain,' etc.... 'And Lord Byron has accomplished all this,' Scott adds, 'while wielding his pen with the effortless and casual ease of a person of high status.'"—Poetry of Byron, chosen and arranged by Matthew Arnold, 1881, p. xiii.

Scott does not add anything of the kind. The comparison with Shakespeare was written after Byron's death in May, 1824; the appreciation of Cain in December, 1821 (vide supra); while the allusion to "a man of quality" is to be found in an article contributed to the Quarterly Review in 1816!]

Scott doesn’t include anything like that. The comparison to Shakespeare was written after Byron died in May 1824; the analysis of Cain was in December 1821 (vide supra); and the reference to "a man of quality" appears in an article contributed to the Quarterly Review in 1816!

[[**] The first number of John Bull, "For God, the King, and the People," was published Sunday, December 17, 1820. Theodore Hook was the editor, and it is supposed that he owed his appointment to the intervention of Sir Walter Scott. The raison d'être of John Bull was to write up George IV., and to write down Queen Caroline. "The national movement (in favour of the Queen) was arrested; and George IV. had mainly John Bull to thank for that result."—A Sketch, [by J. G. Lockhart], 1852, p. 45.] ]

[[**] The first edition of John Bull, titled "For God, the King, and the People," was published on Sunday, December 17, 1820. Theodore Hook was the editor, and it's believed that he got the position thanks to Sir Walter Scott's influence. The main goal of John Bull was to support George IV and undermine Queen Caroline. "The national movement in favor of the Queen was halted; and George IV had largely John Bull to thank for that outcome." —A Sketch, [by J. G. Lockhart], 1852, p. 45.] ]

[87] {207}["Mysteries," or Mystery Plays, were prior to and distinct from "Moralities." Byron seems to have had some acquaintance with the archæology of the drama, but it is not easy to divine the source or extent of his knowledge. He may have received and read the Roxburghe reprint of the Chester Plays, published in 1818; but it is most probable that he had read the pages devoted to mystery plays in Warton's History of Poetry, or that he had met with a version of the Ludus Coventriæ (reprinted by J. O. Halliwell Phillipps, in 1841), printed in Stevens's continuation of Dugdale's Monasticon, 1722, i. 139-153. There is a sixteenth-century edition of Le Mistère du Viel Testament, which was reprinted by the Baron James de Rothschild, in 1878 (see for "De la Mort d'Abel et de la Malediction Cayn," pp. 103-113); but it is improbable that it had come under Byron's notice. For a quotation from an Italian Mystery Play, vide post, p. 264; and for Spanish "Mystery Plays," see Teatro Completo de Juan del Encina, "Proemio," Madrid, 1893, and History of Spanish Literature, by George Ticknor, 1888, i. 257. For instances of the profanity of Mystery Plays, see the Towneley Plays ("Mactacio Abel," p. 7), first published by the Surtees Society in 1836, and republished by the Early English Text Society, 1897, E.S. No. lxxi.]

[87] {207}["Mysteries," or Mystery Plays, came before and were different from "Moralities." Byron seems to have some knowledge of the history of drama, but it’s hard to determine how much he really knew. He might have received and read the Roxburghe reprint of the Chester Plays, published in 1818; however, it’s more likely he had read the sections about mystery plays in Warton's History of Poetry, or that he had encountered a version of the Ludus Coventriæ (reprinted by J. O. Halliwell Phillipps in 1841), which appeared in Stevens's continuation of Dugdale's Monasticon, 1722, i. 139-153. There exists a sixteenth-century edition of Le Mistère du Viel Testament, which was reprinted by Baron James de Rothschild in 1878 (see for "De la Mort d'Abel et de la Malediction Cayn," pp. 103-113); but it is unlikely that Byron would have seen it. For a quote from an Italian Mystery Play, vide post, p. 264; and for Spanish "Mystery Plays," see Teatro Completo de Juan del Encina, "Proemio," Madrid, 1893, and History of Spanish Literature, by George Ticknor, 1888, i. 257. For examples of the profanity in Mystery Plays, see the Towneley Plays ("Mactacio Abel," p. 7), first published by the Surtees Society in 1836 and republished by the Early English Text Society in 1897, E.S. No. lxxi.]

[88] {208}[For the contention that "the snake was the snake"—no more (vide post, p. 211), see La Bible enfin Expliquée, etc.; Œuvres Complètes de Voltaire, Paris, 1837, vi. 338, note. "La conversation de la femme et du serpent n'est point racontée comme une chose surnaturelle et incroyable, comme un miracle, ou conune une allégorie." See, too, Bayle (Hist. and Crit. Dictionary, 1735, ii. 851, art. "Eve," note A), who quotes Josephus, Paracelsus, and "some Rabbins," to the effect that it was an actual serpent which tempted Eve; and compare Critical Remarks on the Hebrew Scriptures, by the Rev. Alexander Geddes, LL.D., 1800, p. 42.]

[88] {208}[For the argument that "the snake was just a snake"—nothing more (see later, p. 211), refer to La Bible enfin Expliquée, etc.; Œuvres Complètes de Voltaire, Paris, 1837, vi. 338, note. "The conversation between the woman and the serpent is not told as something supernatural and unbelievable, like a miracle, or as an allegory." Also see Bayle (Hist. and Crit. Dictionary, 1735, ii. 851, art. "Eve," note A), who cites Josephus, Paracelsus, and "some Rabbis," to suggest that it was indeed a real serpent that tempted Eve; and compare Critical Remarks on the Hebrew Scriptures, by the Rev. Alexander Geddes, LL.D., 1800, p. 42.]

[89] [Richard Watson (1737-1816), Bishop of Llandaff, 1782, was appointed Moderator of the Schools in 1762, and Regius Professor of Divinity October 31, 1771. According to his own story (Anecdotes of the Life of Richard Watson, 1817, p. 39), "I determined to study nothing but my Bible.... I had no prejudice against, no predilection for, the Church of England, but a sincere regard for the Church of Christ, and an insuperable objection to every degree of dogmatical intolerance. I never troubled myself with answering any arguments which the opponents in the Divinity Schools brought against the articles of the Church, ... but I used on such occasions to say to them, holding the New Testament in my hand, 'En sacrum codicem! Here is the foundation of truth! Why do you follow the streams derived from it by the sophistry, or polluted by the passions, of man?'" It may be conceived that Watson's appeal to "Scripture" was against the sentence of orthodoxy. His authority as "a school Divine" is on a par with that of the author of Cain, or of an earlier theologian who "quoted Genesis like a very learned clerk"!]

[89] [Richard Watson (1737-1816), Bishop of Llandaff, 1782, was appointed Moderator of the Schools in 1762, and Regius Professor of Divinity on October 31, 1771. According to his own account (Anecdotes of the Life of Richard Watson, 1817, p. 39), "I decided to study nothing but my Bible.... I had no bias against, nor preference for, the Church of England, but a genuine respect for the Church of Christ, and a strong objection to any form of dogmatic intolerance. I never bothered to counter any arguments that the opponents in the Divinity Schools presented against the Church's articles, ... but I would often tell them, holding the New Testament in my hand, 'En sacrum codicem! Here is the foundation of truth! Why do you chase after the streams that have come from it through human sophistry or emotions?'" It can be understood that Watson's appeal to "Scripture" was against the orthodoxy ruling. His authority as "a school Divine" is on par with that of the author of Cain, or an earlier theologian who "quoted Genesis like a very learned clerk"!]

[90] [Byron breaks through his self-imposed canon with regard to the New Testament. There are allusions to the doctrine of the Atonement, act i. sc. I, lines 163-166: act iii. sc. I, lines 85-88; to the descent into Hades, act i. sc. I, lines 541, 542; and to the miraculous walking on the Sea of Galilee, act ii. se. i, lines 16-20.]

[90] [Byron moves beyond his self-imposed limits regarding the New Testament. There are references to the concept of Atonement in act i, sc. I, lines 163-166; act iii, sc. I, lines 85-88; to the descent into Hades in act i, sc. I, lines 541, 542; and to the miraculous walking on the Sea of Galilee in act ii, sc. i, lines 16-20.]

[91] {209}[The words enclosed in brackets are taken from an original draft of the Preface.]

[91] {209}[The words in brackets are from an original draft of the Preface.]

[92] [The Manichæans (the disciples of Mani or Manes, third century A.D.) held that there were two co-eternal Creators—a God of Darkness who made the body, and a God of Light who was responsible for the soul—and that it was the aim and function of the good spirit to rescue the soul, the spiritual part of man, from the possession and grasp of the body, which had been created by and was in the possession of the spirit of evil. St. Augustine passed through a stage of Manicheism, and in after-life exposed and refuted the heretical tenets which he had advocated, and with which he was familiar. See, for instance, his account of the Manichæan heresy "de duplici terrâ, de regno lucis et regno tenebrarum" (Opera, 1700, viii. 484, c; vide ibid., i. 693, 717; x. 893, d. etc.).]

[92] [The Manicheans (the followers of Mani or Manes, third century A.D.) believed that there were two eternal Creators—a God of Darkness who created the body, and a God of Light who was responsible for the soul. Their goal was for the good spirit to save the soul, the spiritual aspect of humans, from being trapped and controlled by the body, which was made by and belonged to the spirit of evil. St. Augustine went through a period of Manicheism and later exposed and disproved the heretical ideas he once supported and was familiar with. For example, see his discussion of the Manichean heresy "de duplici terrâ, de regno lucis et regno tenebrarum" (Opera, 1700, viii. 484, c; see also ibid., i. 693, 717; x. 893, d. etc.).]

[93] [Conan the Jester, a character in the Irish ballads, was "a kind of Thersites, but brave and daring even to rashness. He had made a vow that he would never take a blow without returning it; and having ... descended to the infernal regions, he received a cuff from the arch-fiend, which he instantly returned, using the expression in the text ('blow for blow')." Sometimes the proverb is worded thus: "'Claw for claw, and the devil take the shortest nails,' as Conan said to the devil."—Waverley Novels, 1829 (notes to chap. xxii. of Waverley), i. 241, note 1; see, too, ibid., p. 229.]

[93] [Conan the Jester, a character in the Irish ballads, was "a bit like Thersites, but brave and reckless even to the point of foolishness. He had sworn that he would never take a hit without giving one back; and after ... going down to the underworld, he got a slap from the archfiend, which he immediately returned, using the phrase in the text ('blow for blow')." Sometimes the saying is phrased like this: "'Claw for claw, and the devil take the shortest nails,' as Conan said to the devil."—Waverley Novels, 1829 (notes to chap. xxii. of Waverley), i. 241, note 1; see, too, ibid., p. 229.]

[94] [The full title of Warburton's book runs thus: The Divine Legation of Moses Demonstrated on the Principles of a Religious Deist; from the omission of the Doctrine of a Future State of Reward and Punishment in the Jewish Dispensation. (See, more particularly (ed. 1741), Vol. II. pt. ii. bk. v. sect. 5, pp. 449-461, and bk. vi. pp. 569-678.) Compare the following passage from Dieu et les Hommes (Œuvres, etc., de Voltaire, 1837, vi. 236, chap. xx.): "Notre Warburton s'est épuisé a ramasser dans son fatras de la Divine légation, toutes les preuves que l'auteur du Pentateuque, n'a jamais parlé d'une vie a venir, et il n'a pas eu grande peine; mais il en tire une plaisante conclusion, et digne d'un esprit aussi faux que le sien."]

[94] [The full title of Warburton's book is: The Divine Legation of Moses Demonstrated on the Principles of a Religious Deist; from the omission of the Doctrine of a Future State of Reward and Punishment in the Jewish Dispensation. (See, more specifically (ed. 1741), Vol. II. pt. ii. bk. v. sect. 5, pp. 449-461, and bk. vi. pp. 569-678.) Compare the following passage from Dieu et les Hommes (Œuvres, etc., de Voltaire, 1837, vi. 236, chap. xx.): "Our Warburton wore himself out gathering in his jumble of the Divine Legation, all the evidence that the author of the Pentateuch never mentioned an afterlife, and he had little difficulty; but he draws a silly conclusion, worthy of a mind as false as his."]

[95] {210}[See Recherches sur les Ossemens Fossiles, par M. le Bon G. Cuvier, Paris, 1821, i., "Discours Préliminaire," pp. iv., vii; and for the thesis, "Il n'y a point d'os humaines fossiles," see p. lxiv.; see, too, Cuvier's Discours sur les révolutions de la surface du globe, ed. 1825, p. 282: "Si l'on peut en juger par les differens ordres d'animaux dont on y trouve les dépouilles, ils avaient peut-être subi jusqu' á deux ou trois irruptions de la mer." It is curious to note that Moore thought that Cuvier's book was "a most desolating one in the conclusions to which it may lead some minds" (Life, p. 554).]

[95] {210}[See Recherches sur les Ossemens Fossiles, by M. le Bon G. Cuvier, Paris, 1821, i., "Preliminary Discourse," pp. iv., vii; and for the thesis, "There are no fossil human bones," see p. lxiv.; see also Cuvier's Discourse on the Revolutions of the Surface of the Globe, ed. 1825, p. 282: "If one can judge by the different orders of animals whose remains are found there, they may have experienced up to two or three incursions of the sea." It is interesting to note that Moore thought that Cuvier's book was "a very disheartening one in the conclusions to which it may lead some people" (Life, p. 554).]

[96] {211}[Alfieri's Abele was included in his Opere inediti, published by the Countess of Albany and the Abbé Calma in 1804.

"In a long Preface ... dated April 25, 1796, Alfieri gives a curious account of the reasons which induced him to call it ... 'Tramelogedy.' He says that Abel is neither a tragedy, a comedy, a drama, a tragi-comedy, nor a Greek tragedy, which last would, he thinks, be correctly described as melo-tragedy. Opera-tragedy would, in his opinion, be a fitting name for it; but he prefers interpolating the word 'melo' into the middle of the word 'tragedy,' so as not to spoil the ending, although by so doing he has cut in two ... the root of the word—τραγος—The Tragedies of Vittorio Alfieri, edited by E. A. Bowring, C. B., 1876, ii. 472.

"In a long Preface ... dated April 25, 1796, Alfieri gives an interesting explanation of why he decided to call it ... 'Tramelogedy.' He states that Abel is not a tragedy, a comedy, a drama, a tragicomedy, or a Greek tragedy, which he believes would more accurately be described as melo-tragedy. Opera-tragedy seems like a suitable name to him; however, he prefers to insert the word 'melo' into the middle of the word 'tragedy,' so as not to ruin the ending, even though by doing so he has split the root of the word—goat—The Tragedies of Vittorio Alfieri, edited by E. A. Bowring, C. B., 1876, ii. 472.

There is no resemblance whatever between Byron's Cain and Alfieri's Abele.]

There is no similarity at all between Byron's Cain and Alfieri's Abele.

[97] {216}[Compare—

[97]

" ... his form had not yet lost

All her original brightness, nor appears

All her original brightness, nor does it appear

Less than Arch-angel mind, and the excess

Less than an archangel's mind, and the excess

Of glory obscure."

Of hidden glory.

Paradise Lost, i. 591-593.

Compare, too—

Compare as well—

" ... but his face

" ... but his expression"

Deep scars of thunder had intrenched, and care

Deep scars of thunder had dug in, and care

Sat on his faded cheek."

Sat on his worn cheek.

Ibid., i., 600-602.]

Ibid., i., 600-602.

[98] [According to the Manichæans, the divinely created and immortal soul is imprisoned in an alien and evil body. There can be no harmony between soul and body.]

[98] [The Manichaeans believe that the divinely created and immortal soul is trapped in a foreign and evil body. There can be no harmony between the soul and the body.]

[99] {218}[Compare—

[99]

"Let him unite above

"Let him unite above"

Star upon star, moon, Sun;

Stars, moon, sun;

And let his God-head toil

And let his divinity toil

To re-adorn and re-illume his Heaven,

To refresh and brighten his Heaven,

Since in the end derision

Since ultimately mocking

Shall prove his works and all his efforts vain."

Shall prove his work and all his efforts worthless."

Adam, a Sacred Drama, by Giovanni Battista Andreini;
Cowper's Milton, 1810, iii. 24, sqq.]

[100] {219}[Lines 163-166 ("perhaps" ... "sacrifice"), which appear in the MS., were omitted from the text in the first and all subsequent editions. In the edition of 1832, etc. (xiv. 27), they are printed as a variant in a footnote. The present text follows the MS.]

[100] {219}[Lines 163-166 ("maybe" ... "give up"), which show up in the manuscript, were left out of the text in the first edition and all later editions. In the 1832 edition, etc. (xiv. 27), they are included as an option in a footnote. The current text reflects the manuscript.]

[101] [According to the Encyclopædia Biblica, the word "Abel" signifies "shepherd" or "herdman." The Massorites give "breath," or "vanity," as an equivalent.]

[101] [According to the Encyclopædia Biblica, the word "Abel" means "shepherd" or "herdsman." The Massorites translate it as "breath" or "vanity."]

[by]

A drudging husbandman who offers up

A dedicated farmer who sacrifices

The first fruits of the earth to him who made

That earth——.—[MS. M. erased.]

That earth

[bz] {220}

[bz]

Have stood before thee as I am; but chosen

Have stood in front of you as I am; but chosen

The serpents charming symbol.—[MS. M. erased.]

The snakes' captivating symbol.—[MS. M. erased.]

[102] {221}[Vide ante, "Preface," p. 208.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {221}[See earlier, "Preface," __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__]

[103] {223}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {223}[Compare—

"If, as thou sayst thine essence be as ours,

"If, as you say your essence is like ours,

We have replied in telling thee, the thing

We have responded by telling you, the thing

Mortals call Death hath nought to do with us."

"Mortals say that Death has nothing to do with us."

Manfred, act i. sc. 1, lines 161-163, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 90.]

[104] {224}[Dr. Arnold, speaking of Cain, used to say, "There is something to me almost awful in meeting suddenly, in the works of such a man, so great and solemn a truth as is expressed in that speech of Lucifer, 'He who bows not to God hath bowed to me'" (Stanley's Life of Arnold, ed. 1887, i. 263, note). It may be awful, but it is not strange. Byron was seldom at a loss for a text, and must have been familiar with the words, "He that is not with Me is against Me." Moreover, he was a man of genius!]

[104] {224}[Dr. Arnold, talking about Cain, used to say, "There's something almost terrifying about suddenly encountering such a profound and serious truth in the works of a person like that, expressed in Lucifer's line, 'He who doesn't bow to God has bowed to me'" (Stanley's Life of Arnold, ed. 1887, i. 263, note). It might be terrifying, but it's not unexpected. Byron was rarely without a quote, and he must have known the phrase, 'He that is not with Me is against Me.' Plus, he was truly a genius!]

[105] {226}["The most common opinion is that a son and daughter were born together; and they go so far as to tell us the very name of the daughters. Cain's twin sister was called Calmana (see, too, Le Mistère du Viel Testament, lines 1883-1936, ed. 1878), or Caimana, or Debora, or Azzrum; that of Abel was named Delbora or Awina."—Bayle's Dictionary, 1735, ii. 854, art. "Eve," D.]

[105] {226}["Most people believe that a son and daughter were born together; they even tell us the name of the daughters. Cain's twin sister was called Calmana (also see Le Mistère du Viel Testament, lines 1883-1936, ed. 1878), or Caimana, or Debora, or Azzrum; Abel's sister was named Delbora or Awina."—Bayle's Dictionary, 1735, ii. 854, art. "Eve," D.]

[106] {227}[It is impossible not to be struck with the resemblance between many of these passages and others in Manfred. e.g. act ii. sc. 1, lines 24-28, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 99, note 1.]

[106] {227}[It's hard not to notice the similarities between many of these sections and others in Manfred. For example, act ii. sc. 1, lines 24-28, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 99, note 1.]

[ca] {228} What can he be who places love in ignorance?—[MS. M.]

[ca] {228} What can he be who puts love in ignorance?—[MS. M.]

[107] ["One of the second order of angels of the Dionysian hierarchy, reputed to excel specially in knowledge (as the seraphim in love). See Bacon's Advancement of Learning, i. 28: 'The first place is given to the Angels of loue, which are tearmed Seraphim, the second to the Angels of light, which are tearmed Cherubim,'"-N. Eng. Dict., art. "Cherub."]

[107] ["One of the lower orders of angels in Dionysian hierarchy, known for their exceptional knowledge (just as the seraphim are known for love). See Bacon's Advancement of Learning, i. 28: 'The first place is given to the Angels of love, called Seraphim, and the second to the Angels of light, called Cherubim,'"-N. Eng. Dict., art. "Cherub."]

[cb] {229} But it was a lie no doubt.—[MS. M. erased.]

[cb] {229} But it was definitely a lie.—[MS. M. erased.]

[cc]{230} What else can be joy?——.—[MS. M.]

[cc]{230} What else can bring joy?——.—[MS. M.]

[108] {231}[Compare—"She walks in Beauty like the night." Hebrew Melodies, i. 1, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 381.]

[108] {231}[Compare—"She walks in beauty like the night." Hebrew Melodies, i. 1, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 381.]

[109] {232}[Lucifer was evidently indebted to the Manichæans for his theory of the duplex terra—an infernal as well as a celestial kingdom.]

[109] {232}[Lucifer clearly borrowed from the Manichæans for his idea of the duplex terra—both an infernal and a celestial kingdom.]

[110] {233}["According to the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. ii. 2).]

[110] {233}["As stated by the ruler of the air" (Eph. ii. 2).]

[cd] An hour, when walking on a petty lake.—[MS. M. erased.]

[cd] An hour spent walking on a small lake.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ce] {234}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {234}

Yon round blue circle swinging in far ether

That round blue circle swinging in the distant sky

With an inferior circlet dimmer still.—[MS. M. erased.]

With a less bright little circle still.—[MS. M. erased.]

[111] [Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [Compare—

"And, fast by, hanging in a golden chain,

"And right next to it, hanging on a golden chain,

This pendent World, in bigness as a star

This hanging world, as big as a star

Of smallest magnitude, close by the moon."

Of the smallest size, right next to the moon.

Paradise Lost, ii. 1051-1053.

Paradise Lost, II. 1051-1053.

Compare, too—

Compare as well—

"The magic car moved on.

"The enchanted car drove away."

Earth's distant orb appeared

Earth's distant moon appeared

The smallest light that twinkles in the heavens;

The tiniest light that sparkles in the sky;

Whilst round the chariot's way

While around the chariot's path

Innumerable systems rolled,

Countless systems rolled,

And countless spheres diffused

And countless spheres dispersed

An ever-varying glory."

A constantly changing glory.

Shelley's Queen Mab, Poetical Works, 1829, p. 106.]

[112] {235}["Several of the ancient Fathers, too much prejudiced in favour of virginity, have pretended that if Man had persevered in innocence he would not have entered into the carnal commerce of matrimony, and that the propagation of mankind would have been effected quite another way." (See St. Augustine, De Civitate Dei, xiv. cap. xxi.; Bayle's Dictionary, art. "Eve," 1735, ii. 853, note C.)]

[112] {235}["Several of the early Church Fathers, who were overly biased in favor of virginity, claimed that if humanity had stayed innocent, we wouldn't have engaged in the physical relationships of marriage, and that the continuation of the human race would have happened in a completely different way." (See St. Augustine, De Civitate Dei, xiv. cap. xxi.; Bayle's Dictionary, art. "Eve," 1735, ii. 853, note C.)]

[113] {236}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {236}[Compare—

"Below lay stretched the universe!

"Below lay the universe!"

There, far as the remotest line

There, as far as the farthest edge

That bounds imagination's flight,

That limits imagination's freedom,

Countless and unending orbs

Countless and endless spheres

In many motions intermingled,

In many mixed motions,

Yet still fulfilled immutably

Yet still fulfilled unchangingly

Eternal Nature's laws."

Nature's eternal laws.

Shelley's Queen Mab, ii. ibid., p. 107.]

Shelley's Queen Mab, vol. ii, p. 107.

[cf] {239} And with serpents too?—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {239} And with snakes too?—[MS. M.]

[cg] {240} Rather than things to be inhabited.—[MS. M.]

[cg] {240} Instead of places to live.—[MS. M.]

[114] {241}["I have ... supposed Cain to be shown in the rational pre-Adamites, beings endowed with a higher intelligence than man, but totally unlike him in form, and with much greater strength of mind and person. You may suppose the small talk which takes place between him and Lucifer upon these matters is not quite canonical."—Letter to Moore, September 19, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 368.]

[114] {241}["I have ... supposed Cain to be shown in the rational pre-Adamites, beings with a higher intelligence than humans, but completely different in appearance, and with much greater mental and physical strength. You might think that the casual conversation between him and Lucifer on these topics isn't exactly traditional."—Letter to Moore, September 19, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 368.]

[115] {243}[Compare the "jingle between king and kine," in Sardanapalus, act v. sc. I, lines 483, 484. It is hard to say whether Byron inserted and then omitted to erase these blemishes from negligence and indifference, or whether he regarded them as permissible or even felicitous.]

[115] {243}[Compare the "jingle between king and kine," in Sardanapalus, act v. sc. I, lines 483, 484. It's unclear if Byron added these flaws and then didn't bother to fix them due to carelessness, or if he saw them as acceptable or even enjoyable.]

[116] ["Let He." There is no doubt that Byron wrote, or that he should have written, "Let Him."]

[116] ["Let He." There's no question that Byron wrote, or should have written, "Let Him."]

[ch] {246} And being of all things the sole thing sure.—[MS. M.]

[ch] {246} And being the only certain thing among everything.—[MS. M.]

[ci] Which seems like water and which I should deem.—[MS. M.]

[ci] Which looks like water and which I should consider.—[MS. M.]

[117] {247}[Lucifer's candour and disinterested advice are "after" and in the manner of Mephistopheles.]

[117] {247}[Lucifer's honesty and selfless advice are "in the style of" Mephistopheles.]

[118] {250}["If you say that God permitted sin to manifest His wisdom, which shines the more brightly by the disorders which the wickedness of men produces every day, than it would have done in a state of innocence, it may be answered that this is to compare the Deity to a father who should suffer his children to break their legs on purpose to show to all the city his great art in setting their broken bones; or to a king who should suffer seditions and factions to increase through all his kingdom, that he might purchase the glory of quelling them.... This is that doctrine of a Father of the Church who said, 'Felix culpa quæ talem Redemptorem meruit!'"—Bayle's Dictionary, 1737, art. "Paulicians," note B, 25, iv. 515.]

[118] {250}["If you argue that God allowed sin to show off His wisdom, which shines even brighter because of the chaos caused by human wickedness, compared to how it would shine in a state of innocence, then one could say this is like a father who lets his kids break their legs just to flaunt his skill in fixing them; or like a king who allows uprisings and factionalism to grow throughout his kingdom just to gain fame for stopping them.... This reflects the belief of a Church Father who said, 'Happy fault that earned such a Redeemer!'"—Bayle's Dictionary, 1737, art. "Paulicians," note B, 25, iv. 515.]

[119] {251}[Lucifer does not infect Cain with his cynical theories as to the origin and endurance of love. For the antidote, compare Wordsworth's sonnet "To a Painter" (No. II), written in 1841—

[119] {251}[Lucifer doesn’t infect Cain with his cynical ideas about where love comes from and why it lasts. For the counterpoint, see Wordsworth's sonnet "To a Painter" (No. II), written in 1841—

"Morn into noon did pass, noon into eve,

"Morn turned into noon, and noon turned into evening,

And the old day was welcome as the young,

And the old day was just as welcome as the young,

As welcome, and as beautiful—in sooth

As welcoming and beautiful—truly

More beautiful, as being a thing more holy," etc.

More beautiful, as it is something more sacred," etc.

Works, 1889, p. 772.]

Works, 1889, p. 772.

[cj] {252} Which my sire shrinks from—Death——.—[MS. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {252} Which my father fears—Death——.—[MS. erased.]

[120] {254}[In Byron's Diary for January 28, 1821, we find the following entry—

"Thought for a speech of Lucifer, in the Tragedy of Cain.

"Thought for a speech by Lucifer, in the Tragedy of Cain."

"Were Death an evil, would I let thee live?

"Were Death an evil, would I let you live?"

Fool! live as I live—as thy father lives.

Fool! Live like I live—as your father lives.

And thy sons' sons shall live for evermore!"

And your grandsons will live forever!"

Letters, 1901, v. 191.]

Letters, 1901, vol. 191.

[121] [Matthew Arnold (Poetry of Byron, 1881, p. xxii.) quotes these lines as an instance of Byron's unknowingness and want of humour. It cannot be denied that he leaves imbedded in his fabric lumps of unshapen material, which mar the symmetry of his art. Lucifer's harangue involves a reference to "hard words ending in ism." The spirit of error, not the Manichæan heresy, should have proceeded out of his lips.]

[121] [Matthew Arnold (Poetry of Byron, 1881, p. xxii.) quotes these lines as an example of Byron's lack of awareness and humor. It’s true that he leaves rough patches in his work that disrupt the balance of his art. Lucifer's speech mentions "hard words ending in ism." The spirit of error, not the Manichaean heresy, should have come from his lips.]

[122] ["Cain is a proud man: if Lucifer promised him kingdoms, etc., it would elate him: the object of the Demon is to depress him still further in his own estimation than he was before, by showing him infinite things and his own abasement, till he falls into the frame of mind that leads to the catastrophe, from mere internal irritation, not premeditation, or envy of Abel (which would have made him contemptible), but from the rage and fury against the inadequacy of his state to his conceptions, and which discharges itself rather against Life, and the author of Life, than the mere living."—Letter to Moore, November 3, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 470. Here, no doubt, Byron is speaking in propriâ personâ. It was this sense of limitation, of human nothingness, which provoked an "internal irritation ... a rage and fury against the inadequacy of his state to his conceptions." His "spirit beats its mortal bars," not, like Galahad, to be possessed by, but to possess the Heavenly Vision.]

[122] ["Cain is a proud man: if Lucifer promised him kingdoms, it would make him feel great: the goal of the Demon is to bring him down even further in his own eyes than he was before, by showing him endless possibilities and his own worthlessness, until he reaches a state of mind that leads to disaster, not from premeditated actions or envy of Abel (which would make him pathetic), but from anger and frustration against the gap between his reality and his ideals, which is expressed more against Life and the creator of Life than against mere existence itself."—Letter to Moore, November 3, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 470. Here, without a doubt, Byron is speaking in propriâ personâ. It was this feeling of limitation, of human insignificance, that aroused an "internal irritation ... a rage and fury against the inadequacy of his state to his ideals." His "spirit beats its mortal bars," not like Galahad, to be possessed by, but to possess the Heavenly Vision.]

[123] {255}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {255}[Compare—

"What though the field be lost,

"What if the field is lost,

All is not lost; th' unconquerable will

All is not lost; the unconquerable will

And study of revenge, immortal hate,

And the study of revenge, eternal hate,

And courage never to submit or yield."

And the courage to never back down or give in.

Paradise Lost, i. 105-108.]

Paradise Lost, i. 105-108.

[124] {257}[An obsolete form of carnation, the colour of "flesh."]

[124] {257}[An outdated term for carnation, the color of "skin."]

[125] [Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [Compare—

"Her dewy eyes are closed,

"Her glistening eyes are closed,"

And on their lids, whose texture fine

And on their eyelids, which have a smooth texture

Scarce hides the dark-blue orbs beneath,

Scarce hides the dark-blue eyes beneath,

The baby Sleep is pillowed."

The baby sleeps on a pillow.

Shelley's Queen Mab, i., ibid., p. 104.]

Shelley's Queen Mab, vol. i, ibid., p. 104.

[126] {258}["Time is our consciousness of the succession of ideas in our mind.... One man is stretched on the rack during twelve hours, another sleeps soundly in his bed. The difference of time perceived by these two persons is immense: one hardly will believe that half an hour has elapsed, the other could credit that centuries had flown during his agony."—Shelley's note to the lines—

[126] {258}["Time is our awareness of the flow of thoughts in our mind.... One person is in agony for twelve hours, while another sleeps peacefully in his bed. The difference in how these two experience time is huge: one can barely believe that half an hour has gone by, while the other might think that centuries have passed during his suffering."—Shelley's note to the lines—

" ... the thoughts that rise

"... the thoughts that come up"

In time-destroying infiniteness."

In endless time.

Queen Mab, viii., ibid., p. 136.]

Queen Mab, viii., same source, p. 136.]

[127] {259}[Vide ante, p. 208.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {259}[See above, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__]

[128] {260}[It is Adah, Cain's wife, who suggests the disastrous compromise, not a "burnt-offering," but the "fruits of the earth," which would cost the giver little or nothing—an instance in point of Lucifer's cynical reminder (vide ante, act ii. sc. 2, line 210, p. 247) "that there are some things still which woman may tempt man to."]

[128] {260}[It’s Adah, Cain's wife, who proposes the disastrous compromise, not a "burnt offering," but the "fruits of the earth," which would cost the giver very little or nothing—an example of Lucifer's cynical reminder (see earlier, act ii. sc. 2, line 210, p. 247) "that there are still some things that a woman can tempt a man to."]

[129] {262}["From the beginning" the woman is ineligible for the priesthood—"He for God only, she for God in him" (Paradise Lost, iv. 299). "Let the women keep silence in the churches" (Corinthians, i. xiv. 34).]

[129] {262}["From the start," the woman is not qualified for the priesthood—"He is for God alone, she is for God through him" (Paradise Lost, iv. 299). "Let the women remain silent in the churches" (Corinthians, i. xiv. 34).]

[130] {264}[Compare the following passage from La Rapresentatione di Abel et di Caino (in Firenze l'anno mdliv.)—

[130] {264}[Check out this excerpt from La Rapresentatione di Abel et di Caino (in Florence in the year mdliv.)—

"Abel parla a dio fatto il sacrifitio,

"Abel speaks to God after making the sacrifice,"

Rendendogli laude.

Giving him praise.

Signor per cui di tanti bene abondo

Signor, for whom I have so much good to give.

Liquali tu sommamente mi concedi

Liquor, you grant me greatly.

Tanto mi piace, et tanto me' giocondo

Quanto delle mie greggie che tu vedi

El piu grasso el migliore el piu mondo

Ti do con lieto core come tu vedi

Ti do con lieto cuore come tu vedi

Tu vedi la intentione con lequal vegno," etc.]

[ck] {265} Which must be won with prayers—if he be evil.—[MS. M.]

[ck] {265} Which must be won with prayers—if he is wicked.—[MS. M.]

[131] {266}[See Gessner's Death of Abel.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {266}[See Gessner's Death of Abel.]

[132] {268}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {268}[Compare—

"How wonderful is Death—

"How wonderful is death—"

Death and his brother Sleep!"

"Death and his brother Sleep!"

Queen Mab, i. lines 1, 2.]

[133] {271}[Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {271}[Compare—

"And Water shall hear me,

"And Water will hear me,

And know thee and fly thee;

And know you and avoid you;

And the Winds shall not touch thee

And the winds won't touch you.

When they pass by thee....

When they pass by you...

And thou shalt seek Death

And you shall seek Death

To release thee in vain."

To set you free in vain."

The Curse of Kehama, by R. Southey, Canto II.]

[134] [The last three lines of this terrible denunciation were not in the original MS. In forwarding them to Murray (September 12, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 361), to be added to Eve's speech, Byron says, "There's as pretty a piece of Imprecation for you, when joined to the lines already sent, as you may wish to meet with in the course of your business. But don't forget the addition of these three lines, which are clinchers to Eve's speech."]

[134] [The last three lines of this harsh condemnation weren’t in the original manuscript. When sending them to Murray (September 12, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 361), to be included in Eve's speech, Byron says, "Here’s a nice piece of cursing for you, when combined with the lines already sent, as you might wish to encounter in your work. But don’t forget to add these three lines, which really close Eve's speech."]

[135] [If Byron had read his plays aloud, or been at pains to revise the proofs, he would hardly have allowed "corse" to remain in such close proximity to "curse."]

[135] [If Byron had read his plays out loud, or had taken the time to revise the proofs, he probably wouldn't have let "corse" stay so close to "curse."]

[136] {272}["I have avoided introducing the Deity, as in Scripture (though Milton does, and not very wisely either); but have adopted his angel as sent to Cain instead, on purpose to avoid shocking any feelings on the subject, by falling short of what all uninspired men must fall short in, viz. giving an adequate notion of the effect of the presence of Jehovah. The Old Mysteries introduced him liberally enough, and this is avoided in the New."—Letter to Murray, February 8, 1822, Letters, 1901, vi. 13. Byron does not seem to have known that in the older portions of the Bible "Angel of the Lord" is only a name for the Second Person of the Trinity.]

[136] {272}["I've chosen not to mention God directly, unlike Milton, who does so, though not very wisely; instead, I’ve used his angel sent to Cain to avoid upsetting anyone's feelings on the topic, as no ordinary person can truly capture the impact of being in God's presence. The Old Mysteries featured Him openly enough, which is skipped in the New."—Letter to Murray, February 8, 1822, Letters, 1901, vi. 13. Byron doesn't seem to realize that in the earlier parts of the Bible, "Angel of the Lord" refers to the Second Person of the Trinity.]

[cl] {273} On thy brow——.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {273} On your brow——.—[MS.]

[137] {274}[The "four rivers" which flowed round Eden, and consequently the only waters with which Cain was acquainted upon earth.]

[137] {274}[The "four rivers" that surrounded Eden, and therefore the only waters Cain knew about on Earth.]

[276]

[277]

Heaven and Earth;
A mystery.

Founded on the Following Passage in Genesis, Chap. vi. 1, 2.

Based on the following passage in Genesis, Chapter 6, Verses 1 and 2.

"And it came to pass ... that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose."

"And it happened that the sons of God noticed that the daughters of men were beautiful; and they chose wives for themselves from among all of them."

"And woman wailing for her demon lover."

"And a woman crying for her demon lover."

Coleridge [Kubla Khan, line 16]

[278]

[279]

INTRODUCTION TO HEAVEN AND EARTH.

Heaven and Earth was begun at Ravenna October 9,1821. "It occupied about fourteen days" (Medwin's Conversations, 1824, p. 231), and was forwarded to Murray, November 9, 1821. "You will find it," wrote Byron (Letters, 1901, v. 474), "pious enough, I trust—at least some of the Chorus might have been written by Sternhold and Hopkins themselves for that, and perhaps for the melody." It was on "a scriptural subject"—"less speculative than Cain, and very pious" (Letters, 1901, v. 475; vi. 31). It was to be published, he insists, at the same time, and, if possible, in the same volume with the "others" (Sardanapalus, etc.), and would serve, so he seems to have reflected ("The moment he reflects, he is a child," said Goethe), as an antidote to the audacities, or, as some would have it, the impieties of Cain!

Sky and Earth started in Ravenna on October 9, 1821. "It took about fourteen days" (Medwin's Conversations, 1824, p. 231), and was sent to Murray on November 9, 1821. "You will find it," Byron wrote (Letters, 1901, v. 474), "pious enough, I hope—at least some of the Chorus could have been written by Sternhold and Hopkins themselves for that, and maybe for the melody." It was on "a scriptural theme"—"less speculative than Cain, and very pious" (Letters, 1901, v. 475; vi. 31). He insisted it should be published at the same time, and if possible, in the same volume as the "others" (Sardanapalus, etc.), and it would serve, as he seems to have reflected ("The moment he reflects, he is a child," said Goethe), as a counter to the boldness, or, as some would put it, the irreverences of Cain!

He reckoned without his publisher, who understood the temper of the public and of the Government, and was naturally loth to awaken any more "reasonable doubts" in the mind of the Chancellor with regard to whether a "scriptural drama" was irreverent or profane. The new "Mystery" was revised by Gifford and printed, but withheld from month to month, till, at length, "the fire kindled," and, on the last day of October, 1821, Byron instructed John Hunt to "obtain from Mr. Murray Werner: a Drama, and another dramatic poem called Heaven and Earth." It was published in the second number of The Liberal (pp. 165-206), January 1, 1823.

He didn't consider his publisher, who understood the public's feelings and the government's stance, and was understandably reluctant to raise any more "reasonable doubts" in the Chancellor's mind about whether a "scriptural drama" was disrespectful or inappropriate. The new "Mystery" was revised by Gifford and printed, but it was held back month after month until, finally, "the fire kindled," and on the last day of October, 1821, Byron told John Hunt to "get from Mr. Murray Werner: a Drama, and another dramatic poem called Heaven and Earth." It was published in the second issue of The Liberal (pp. 165-206), January 1, 1823.

The same subject, the unequal union of angelic lovers with the daughters of men, had taken Moore's fancy a year before Byron had begun to "dramatize the Old Testament." He had designed a long poem, but having discovered that Byron was at work on the same theme, he resolved to restrict himself to the production of an "episode," to "give himself the chance of ... an heliacal rising," before he was outshone by the advent of a greater luminary. Thanks to[280] Murray's scruples, and the "translation" of MSS. to Hunt, the "episode" took the lead of the "Mystery" by eight days. The Loves of the Angels (see Memoirs, etc., 1853, iv. 28) was published December 23, 1822. None the less, lyric and drama were destined to run in double harness. Critics found it convenient to review the two poems in the same article, and were at pains to draw a series of more or less pointed and pungent comparisons between the unwilling though not unwitting rivals.

The same topic, the unequal union of angelic lovers with human women, had caught Moore's interest a year before Byron started to "dramatize the Old Testament." He had planned a long poem, but after realizing that Byron was working on the same subject, he decided to limit himself to creating an "episode" to "give himself the chance of ... a heliacal rising," before he got overshadowed by the arrival of a greater star. Thanks to[280] Murray's reservations, and the "translation" of manuscripts to Hunt, the "episode" was published eight days earlier than the "Mystery." The Loves of the Angels (see Memoirs, etc., 1853, iv. 28) came out on December 23, 1822. Still, lyric and drama were destined to run side by side. Critics found it convenient to review both poems in the same article and took care to draw a series of more or less pointed and sharp comparisons between the reluctant yet aware rivals.

Wilson, in Blackwood, writes, "The first [the Loves, etc.] is all glitter and point like a piece of Derbyshire spar, and the other is dark and massy like a block of marble.... Moore writes with a crow-quill, ... Byron writes with an eagle's plume;" while Jeffrey, in the Edinburgh, likens Moore to "an aurora borealis" and Byron to "an eruption of Mount Vesuvius"!

Wilson, in Blackwood, writes, "The first [the Loves, etc.] is all shiny and sharp like a piece of Derbyshire spar, and the other is dark and heavy like a block of marble.... Moore writes with a crow’s quill, ... Byron writes with an eagle’s feather;" while Jeffrey, in the Edinburgh, compares Moore to "an aurora borealis" and Byron to "an eruption of Mount Vesuvius”!

There is, indeed, apart from the subject, nothing in common between Moore's tender and alluring lyric and Byron's gloomy and tumultuous rhapsody, while contrast is to be sought rather in the poets than in their poems. The Loves of the Angels is the finished composition of an accomplished designer of Amoretti, one of the best of his kind, Heaven and Earth is the rough and unpromising sketch thrown off by a great master.

There is, in fact, nothing in common between Moore's sweet and captivating lyric and Byron's dark and chaotic rhapsody, while the contrast lies more in the poets themselves than in their poems. The Loves of the Angels is a polished work by a skilled creator of Amoretti, one of the finest of its kind, while Heaven and Earth is a rough and unrefined sketch produced by a great master.

Both the one and the other have passed out of the ken of readers of poetry, but, on the whole, the Loves of the Angels has suffered the greater injustice. It is opined that there may be possibilities in a half-forgotten work of Byron, but it is taken for granted that nothing worthy of attention is to be found in Moore. At the time, however, Moore scored a success, and Byron hardly escaped a failure. It is to be noted that within a month of publication (January 18, 1823) Moore was at work upon a revise for a fifth edition—consulting D'Herbelot "for the project of turning the poor 'Angels' into Turks," and so "getting rid of that connection with the Scriptures," which, so the Longmans feared, would "in the long run be a drag on the popularity of the poem" (Memoirs, etc., 1853, iv. 41). It was no wonder that Murray was "timorous" with regard to Byron and his "scriptural dramas," when the Longmans started at the shadow of a scriptural allusion.

Both have faded from the awareness of poetry readers, but overall, the Loves of the Angels has been treated more unfairly. People believe there might be potential in a somewhat forgotten work of Byron, but it’s assumed that Moore has nothing of interest. Back then, however, Moore achieved success, while Byron barely avoided failure. Notably, within a month of its release (January 18, 1823), Moore was working on a revision for a fifth edition—consulting D'Herbelot "about the idea of turning the poor 'Angels' into Turks," thus "removing that connection with the Scriptures," which, according to the Longmans, would likely "eventually hinder the popularity of the poem" (Memoirs, etc., 1853, iv. 41). It's no surprise that Murray was "anxious" about Byron and his "scriptural dramas," especially when the Longmans were unsettled at the mere hint of a biblical reference.

Byron, in his innocence, had taken for his motto the verse in Genesis (ch. vi. 2), which records the intermarriage of the "sons of God" with the "daughters of men." In Heaven and Earth the angels are angels, members, though erring members, of Jehovah's "thundering choir," and the daughters of men are the descendants of Cain. The question[281] had come up for debate owing to the recent appearance of a translation of the Book of Enoch (by Richard Laurence, LL.D., Oxford, 1821); and Moore, by way of safeguarding himself against any suspicion of theological irregularity, is careful to assure his readers ("Preface" to Loves of the Angels, 1823, p. viii. and note, pp. 125-127) that the "sons of God" were the descendants of Seth, and not beings of a supernatural order, as a mis-translation by the LXX., assisted by Philo and the "rhapsodical fictions of the Book of Enoch" had induced the ignorant or the profane to suppose. Nothing is so dangerous as innocence, and a little more of that empeiria of which Goethe accused him, would have saved Byron from straying from the path of orthodoxy.

Byron, in his naivety, had adopted as his motto the line in Genesis (ch. vi. 2), which speaks of the intermarriage between the "sons of God" and the "daughters of men." In Heaven and Earth, the angels are indeed angels, though they are flawed members of Jehovah's "thundering choir," while the daughters of men are the descendants of Cain. This issue had been raised for discussion due to the recent release of a translation of the Book of Enoch (by Richard Laurence, LL.D., Oxford, 1821); Moore, wanting to protect himself from any hint of theological controversy, carefully assures his readers ("Preface" to Loves of the Angels, 1823, p. viii. and note, pp. 125-127) that the "sons of God" were the descendants of Seth, not supernatural beings, as a mistranslation by the LXX., supported by Philo and the "rhapsodical fictions of the Book of Enoch," had led the ignorant or the irreverent to believe. Nothing is as perilous as innocence, and a bit more of that experience which Goethe accused him of would have kept Byron from straying from orthodox beliefs.

It is impossible to say for certain whether Laurence's translation of the whole of the Book of Enoch had come under Byron's notice before he planned his new "Mystery," but it is plain that he was, at any rate, familiar with the well-known fragment, "Concerning the 'Watchers'" [Περὶ των Ἐγρηγόρων], which is preserved in the Chronographia of Georgius Syncellus, and was first printed by J. J. Scaliger in Thes. temp. Euseb. in 1606. In the prophecy of the Deluge to which he alludes (vide post, p. 302, note 1), the names of the delinquent seraphs (Semjâzâ and Azâzêl), and of the archangelic monitor Raphael, are to be found in the fragment. The germ of Heaven and Earth is not in the Book of Genesis, but in the Book of Enoch.

It’s hard to say for sure whether Laurence's translation of the entire Book of Enoch caught Byron's attention before he started planning his new "Mystery," but it’s clear that he was at the very least familiar with the well-known fragment, "Concerning the 'Watchers'" [About the Watchers], which is found in the Chronographia of Georgius Syncellus, and was first published by J. J. Scaliger in Thes. temp. Euseb. in 1606. In the prophecy of the Flood that he references (vide post, p. 302, note 1), the names of the wayward seraphs (Semjâzâ and Azâzêl), along with the archangelic watcher Raphael, are included in the fragment. The concept behind Heaven and Earth isn’t in the Book of Genesis, but rather in the Book of Enoch.

Medwin, who prints (Conversations, 1824, pp. 234-238) what purports to be the prose sketch of a Second Part of Heaven and Earth (he says that Byron compared it to Coleridge's promised conclusion of Christabel—"that, and nothing more!"), detects two other strains in the composition of the "Mystery," an echo of Goethe's Faust and a "movement" which recalls the Eumenides of Æschylus. Byron told Murray that his fourth tragedy was "more lyrical and Greek" than he at first intended, and there is no doubt that with the Prometheus Vinctus he was familiar, if not at first hand, at least through the medium of Shelley's rendering. But apart from the "Greek choruses," which "Shelley made such a fuss about," Byron was acquainted with, and was not untouched by, the metrical peculiarities of the Curse of Kehama, and might have traced a kinship between his "angels" and Southey's "Glendoveers," to say nothing of their collaterals, the "glumms" and "gawreys" of Peter Wilkins (see notes to Southey's Curse of Kehama, Canto VI., Poetical Works, 1838, viii. 231-233).

Medwin, who prints (Conversations, 1824, pp. 234-238) what seems to be the prose outline of a Second Part of Heaven and Earth (he mentions that Byron compared it to Coleridge's promised ending of Christabel—"that, and nothing more!"), identifies two other influences in the composition of the "Mystery," an echo of Goethe's Faust and a "movement" reminiscent of the Eumenides by Æschylus. Byron informed Murray that his fourth tragedy was "more lyrical and Greek" than he initially intended, and there's no doubt that he was familiar with the Prometheus Vinctus, at least through Shelley's interpretation if not directly. However, aside from the "Greek choruses," which "Shelley made such a fuss about," Byron was aware of and affected by the metrical features of the Curse of Kehama, and he might have seen a connection between his "angels" and Southey's "Glendoveers," not to mention their counterparts, the "glumms" and "gawreys" from Peter Wilkins (see notes to Southey's Curse of Kehama, Canto VI., Poetical Works, 1838, viii. 231-233).

Goethe was interested in Heaven and Earth. "He preferred it," says Crabb Robinson (Diary, 1869, ii. 434),[282] "to all the other serious poems of Byron.... 'A bishop,' he exclaimed, though it sounded almost like satire, 'might have written it.' Goethe must have been thinking of a German bishop!" (For his daughter-in-law's translation of the speeches of Anah and Aholibamah with their seraph-lovers, see Goethe-Jahrbuch, 1899, pp. 18-21 [Letters, 1901, v. Appendix II. p. 518].)

Heaven and Earth was reviewed by Jeffrey in the Edinburgh Review, February, 1823, vol. 38, pp. 42-48; by Wilson in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, January, 1823, vol. xiii. pp. 71, 72; and in the New Monthly Magazine, N.S., 1823, vol. 7, pp. 353-358.

Heaven and Earth was reviewed by Jeffrey in the Edinburgh Review, February 1823, vol. 38, pp. 42-48; by Wilson in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, January 1823, vol. xiii, pp. 71, 72; and in the New Monthly Magazine, N.S., 1823, vol. 7, pp. 353-358.

[283]

[284]

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

ANGELS.

Samiasa.

Azaziel.

Raphael, the Archangel.

MEN.

Noah and His Sons.

Irad.

Japhet.

WOMEN.

Anah.

Aholibamah.

Chorus of Spirits of the Earth.—Chorus of Mortals.

[285]

HEAVEN AND EARTH.

PART I.

Scene I.—A woody and mountainous district near Mount Ararat.—Time, midnight.

Enter Anah and Aholibamah.[138]

Anah. Our father sleeps: it is the hour when they

Anah. Our father is sleeping: it's that time when they

Who love us are accustomed to descend

Who loves us is used to coming down

Through the deep clouds o'er rocky Ararat:—

Through the thick clouds over rocky Ararat:—

How my heart beats!

How my heart races!

Aho.‍Let us proceed upon

Aho. Let’s move forward

Our invocation.

Our call to action.

Anah.‍But the stars are hidden.

Anah.‍But the stars are covered.

I tremble.

I'm shaking.

Aho.‍So do I, but not with fear

Aho.Got it! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Me too, but not out of fear.

Of aught save their delay.

Of anything but their delay.

Anah.‍My sister, though

I love Azaziel more than——oh, too much!

I love Azaziel more than—oh, way too much!

What was I going to say? my heart grows impious.

What was I going to say? My heart feels reckless.

Aho. And where is the impiety of loving10

Aho. And where is the wrongdoing in loving10

Celestial natures?

Divine beings?

Anah.‍But, Aholibamah,

I love our God less since his angel loved me:

I love our God less since his angel has loved me:

This cannot be of good; and though I know not

This can't be good; and even though I don't know

That I do wrong, I feel a thousand fears[286]

That I’m doing something wrong fills me with a thousand fears[286]

Which are not ominous of right.

Which do not imply wrongdoing.

Aho.‍Then wed thee

Aho. Then marry you

Unto some son of clay, and toil and spin!

To some person made of clay, work hard and put in the effort!

There's Japhet loves thee well, hath loved thee long:

There's Japhet who loves you truly and has loved you for a long time:

Marry, and bring forth dust!

Get married and have kids!

Anah.‍I should have loved

Anah.‍I should have cared

Azaziel not less were he mortal; yet

Azaziel was no less than if he were human; yet

I am glad he is not. I cannot outlive him.20

I’m glad he isn’t. I can’t outlive him.20

And when I think that his immortal wings

And when I think that his eternal wings

Will one day hover o'er the sepulchre

Will one day hover over the grave

Of the poor child of clay [139] which so adored him,

Of the poor child of clay [139] who loved him so much,

As he adores the Highest, death becomes

As he worships the Highest, death becomes

Less terrible; but yet I pity him:

Less terrible; but I still feel sorry for him:

His grief will be of ages, or at least

His grief will last for ages, or at least

Mine would be such for him, were I the Seraph,

Mine would be that way for him, if I were the Seraph,

And he the perishable.

And he the temporary.

Aho.‍Rather say,

Aho. Rather say,

That he will single forth some other daughter

That he will choose another daughter.

Of earth, and love her as he once loved Anah.30

Of earth, and love her like he once loved Anah.30

Anah. And if it should be so, and she loved him,

Anah. And if that’s how it is, and she loved him,

Better thus than that he should weep for me.

Better this way than for him to cry over me.

Aho. If I thought thus of Samiasa's love,

Aho. If I felt this way about Samiasa's love,

All Seraph as he is, I'd spurn him from me.

All his angelic qualities aside, I would reject him.

But to our invocation!—'Tis the hour.

But to our call!—It's time.

Anah.

Anah

Seraph!

Angel!

From thy sphere!

Get out of your sphere!

Whatever star contain thy glory;

Whatever star holds your glory;

In the eternal depths of heaven

In the endless expanse of the sky

Albeit thou watchest with "the seven,"[140]40[287]

Albeit you watch with "the seven,"[140]40[287]

Though through space infinite and hoary

Though through space infinite and gray

Before thy bright wings worlds be driven,

Before your bright wings drive worlds,

Yet hear!

But listen!

Oh! think of her who holds thee dear!

Oh! think of the one who holds you dear!

And though she nothing is to thee,

And even though she means nothing to you,

Yet think that thou art all to her.

Yet think that you mean everything to her.

Thou canst not tell,—and never be

Such pangs decreed to aught save me,—

Such pains are destined for anything but me,—

The bitterness of tears.

The sting of tears.

Eternity is in thine years,50

Eternity is in your years,50

Unborn, undying beauty in thine eyes;

Unborn, everlasting beauty in your eyes;

With me thou canst not sympathise,

You can't empathize with me,

Except in love, and there thou must

Except in love, and there you must

Acknowledge that more loving dust

Acknowledge that more caring dust

Ne'er wept beneath the skies.

Never wept under the skies.

Thou walk'st thy many worlds, thou see'st

The face of him who made thee great,

The face of the one who made you great,

As he hath made me of the least

As he has made me one of the least

Of those cast out from Eden's gate:

Of those who were expelled from the garden of Eden:

Yet, Seraph dear!60

Yet, dear Seraph!

Oh hear!

Oh listen!

For thou hast loved me, and I would not die

For you have loved me, and I don't want to die

Until I know what I must die in knowing,

Until I know what I have to die knowing,

That thou forget'st in thine eternity

That you forget in your eternity

Her whose heart Death could not keep from o'er-flowing

Her whose heart Death could not stop from overflowing

For thee, immortal essence as thou art!

For you, immortal being as you are!

Great is their love who love in sin and fear;

And such, I feel, are waging in my heart

And I feel that these are fighting in my heart.

A war unworthy: to an Adamite

Forgive, my Seraph! that such thoughts appear,70

Forgive me, my Seraph! that such thoughts come up,70

For sorrow is our element;

Delight

Joy

An Eden kept afar from sight,

An Eden kept out of view,

Though sometimes with our visions blent.

Though sometimes blended with our visions.

The hour is near

The time is near

Which tells me we are not abandoned quite.—

Which tells me we are not completely abandoned.

Appear! Appear!

Show up! Show up!

Seraph!

My own Azaziel! be but here,

My own Azaziel! Just be here,

And leave the stars to their own light!80[288]

And let the stars shine in their own light!80[288]

Aho.

Aho.

Samiasa!

Wheresoe'er

Wherever

Thou rulest in the upper air—

Or warring with the spirits who may dare

Or fighting with the spirits who might dare

Dispute with him

Disagree with him

Who made all empires, empire; or recalling

Who created all empires, empire; or remembering

Some wandering star, which shoots through the abyss,

Some wandering star that darts through the void,

Whose tenants dying, while their world is falling,

Whose tenants are dying as their world crumbles,

Share the dim destiny of clay in this;

Share the dull fate of clay in this;

Or joining with the inferior cherubim,90

Or joining with the lesser cherubim,90

Thou deignest to partake their hymn—

You kindly join their song—

Samiasa!

I call thee, I await thee, and I love thee.

I call you, I wait for you, and I love you.

Many may worship thee, that will I not:

Many may worship you, but I will not:

If that thy spirit down to mine may move thee,

If your spirit can connect with mine,

Descend and share my lot!

Join me and share my fate!

Though I be formed of clay,

Though I am made of clay,

And thou of beams

And you of beams

More bright than those of day

On Eden's streams,100

On Eden's rivers,100

Thine immortality can not repay

Your immortality can't repay

With love more warm than mine

With love hotter than mine

My love. There is a ray

In me, which, though forbidden yet to shine,

In me, which, even though it's not allowed to shine,

I feel was lighted at thy God's and thine.

I felt illuminated by your God and yours.

It may be hidden long: death and decay

It might be hidden for a long time: death and decay

Our mother Eve bequeathed us—but my heart

Our mother Eve left us—but my heart

Defies it: though this life must pass away,

Defies it: even though this life has to come to an end,

Is that a cause for thee and me to part?

Is that a reason for you and me to break up?

Thou art immortal—so am I: I feel—110

You are immortal—so am I: I feel—110

I feel my immortality o'ersweep

I feel my immortality overwhelm

All pains, all tears, all fears, and peal,

All pain, all tears, all fears, and agony,

Like the eternal thunders of the deep,

Like the endless roars of the ocean,

Into my ears this truth—"Thou liv'st for ever!"

Into my ears this truth—"You live forever!"

But if it be in joy

But if it’s joyful

I know not, nor would know;

I don't know, and I wouldn't want to know;

That secret rests with the Almighty giver,

That secret lies with the all-powerful giver,

Who folds in clouds the fonts of bliss and woe.

Who shapes the clouds into sources of joy and sorrow.

But thee and me he never can destroy;

But he can never destroy you and me;

Change us he may, but not o'erwhelm; we are120

Change us he may, but not overwhelm us; we are120

Of as eternal essence, and must war[289]

Of eternal essence, and must war[289]

With him if he will war with us; with thee

With him if he wants to fight with us; with you

I can share all things, even immortal sorrow;

I can share everything, even endless pain;

For thou hast ventured to share life with me,

For you have chosen to share life with me,

And shall I shrink from thine eternity?

And should I shy away from your eternity?

No! though the serpent's sting should pierce me thorough,

No! even if the serpent's sting should pierce me completely,

And thou thyself wert like the serpent, coil

And you yourself were like the snake, coiled

Around me still! and I will smile,

Around me still! And I will smile,

And curse thee not; but hold

And don’t curse you; but hold

Thee in as warm a fold130

As——but descend, and prove

As — but descend and prove

A mortal's love

A human's love

For an immortal. If the skies contain

For an immortal. If the skies hold

More joy than thou canst give and take, remain!

More joy than you can give and take, stay!

Anah. Sister! sister! I view them winging

Anah. Sister! Sister! I see them flying

Their bright way through the parted night.

Their bright path through the split night.

Aho. The clouds from off their pinions flinging,

Aho. The clouds swirling off their wings,

As though they bore to-morrow's light.

As if they carried the light of tomorrow.

Anah. But if our father see the sight!

Anah. But what will our father think when he sees this!

Aho. He would but deem it was the moon140

Aho. He would just think it was the moon140

Rising unto some sorcerer's tune

Rising to a sorcerer's tune

An hour too soon.[141]

An hour early.[141]

Anah. They come! he comes!—Azaziel!

Anah. They’re here! he’s coming!—Azaziel!

Aho.‍Haste

Aho. Haste

To meet them! Oh! for wings to bear

To meet them! Oh! I wish I had wings to carry

My spirit, while they hover there,

My spirit, while they linger there,

To Samiasa's breast!

To Samiasa's chest!

Anah. Lo! they have kindled all the west,

Anah. Look! They have lit up the entire west,

Like a returning sunset;—lo!

Like a setting sun;—lo!

On Ararat's late secret crest

On Ararat's hidden peak

A mild and many-coloured bow,150[290]

A soft and colorful rainbow,150[290]

The remnant of their flashing path,

The trace of their bright trail,

Now shines! and now, behold! it hath

Now it shines! And now, look! it has

Returned to night, as rippling foam,

Returned to night, like rippling foam,

Which the Leviathan hath lashed

Which the Leviathan has struck

From his unfathomable home,

From his mysterious home,

When sporting on the face of the calm deep,

When enjoying the peaceful water's surface,

Subsides soon after he again hath dashed

Subsides soon after he has dashed again.

Down, down, to where the Ocean's fountains sleep.

Down, down, to where the ocean's springs rest.

Aho. They have touched earth! Samiasa!

Aho. They've reached the ground! Samiasa!

Anah.‍My Azaziel!

[Exeunt.

[Leaving the stage.

Scene II.—Enter Irad and Japhet.

Irad. Despond not: wherefore wilt thou wander thus

Irad. Don't lose hope: why would you want to wander like this?

To add thy silence to the silent night,

To add your quiet to the still night,

And lift thy tearful eye unto the stars?

And lift your tearful eye to the stars?

They cannot aid thee.

They can't help you.

Japh.‍But they soothe me—now

Japh. But they comfort me—now

Perhaps she looks upon them as I look.

Perhaps she sees them the way I do.

Methinks a being that is beautiful

Becometh more so as it looks on beauty,

Becomes even more so as it focuses on beauty,

The eternal beauty of undying things.

The timeless beauty of everlasting things.

Oh, Anah!

Irad.‍But she loves thee not.

Irad. But she doesn't love you.

Japh.‍Alas!

Japh. ‍Oh no!

Irad. And proud Aholibamah spurns me also.10

Irad. And proud Aholibamah rejects me too.10

Japh. I feel for thee too.

Japh. I empathize with you as well.

Irad.‍Let her keep her pride,

Irad. Let her have her pride,

Mine hath enabled me to bear her scorn:

Mine has allowed me to handle her disdain:

It may be, time too will avenge it.

It could be that time will also take revenge for it.

Japh.‍Canst thou

Japh. Can you

Find joy in such a thought?

Find joy in that idea?

Irad.‍Nor joy nor sorrow.

Irad.‍No happiness, no sadness.

I loved her well; I would have loved her better,

I loved her a lot; I would have loved her even more,

Had love been met with love: as 'tis, I leave her

Had love been returned with love: as it is, I leave her

To brighter destinies, if so she deems them.

To brighter futures, if she thinks they are.

Japh. What destinies?

Japh. What futures?

Irad.‍I have some cause to think

Irad.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I have a reason to believe

She loves another.

She loves someone else.

Japh.‍Anah![291]

Irad.‍No; her sister.

Irad. No; her sister.

Japh. What other?

Japh. Which other?

Irad.‍That I know not; but her air,20

Irad.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like modernized.I don’t know; but her demeanor,20

If not her words, tells me she loves another.

If not her words, then she's telling me she loves someone else.

Japh. Aye, but not Anah: she but loves her God.

Japh. Yes, but not Anah: she only loves her God.

Irad. Whate'er she loveth, so she loves thee not,

Irad. Whatever she loves, she doesn't love you,

What can it profit thee?

What good will it do you?

Japh.‍True, nothing; but

Japh. True, nothing; but

I love.

I love it.

Irad. And so did I.

Irad. Same here.

Japh.‍And now thou lov'st not,

Japh. And now you don't love,

Or think'st thou lov'st not, art thou happier?

Or do you think you don't love, are you happier?

Irad.‍Yes.

Irad. Yes.

Japh. I pity thee.

Japh. I feel sorry for you.

Irad.‍Me! why?

Me! Why?

Japh.‍For being happy,

Japh.‍To be happy,

Deprived of that which makes my misery.

Deprived of what makes me miserable.

Irad. I take thy taunt as part of thy distemper,

Irad. I see your insult as part of your upset,

And would not feel as thou dost for more shekels30

And wouldn't feel the way you do for more money30

Than all our father's herds would bring, if weighed

Against the metal of the sons of Cain—[142]

The yellow dust they try to barter with us,

The yellow dust they try to trade with us,

As if such useless and discoloured trash,

As if that worthless and faded garbage,

The refuse of the earth, could be received

The refuse of the earth could be received

For milk, and wool, and flesh, and fruits, and all

For milk, wool, meat, fruit, and everything

Our flocks and wilderness afford.—Go, Japhet,

Our flocks and wilderness provide. —Go, Japhet,

Sigh to the stars, as wolves howl to the moon—

Sigh to the stars, like wolves howling at the moon—

I must back to my rest.

I must get back to my rest.

Japh.‍And so would I

Japh. And I would too.

If I could rest.

If only I could rest.

Irad.‍Thou wilt not to our tents then?40

Irad.Please provide the text for modernization.Are you not coming to our tents then?40

Japh. No, Irad; I will to the cavern,[143] whose

Japh. No, Irad; I will go to the cave,[143] whose

Mouth they say opens from the internal world,[292]

Mouth, they say, opens from the internal world,[292]

To let the inner spirits of the earth

To allow the inner energies of the earth

Forth when they walk its surface.

Irad.‍Wherefore so?

Irad. Why is that?

What wouldst thou there?

What are you doing there?

Japh.‍Soothe further my sad spirit

Japh.‍Comfort my sad spirit further

With gloom as sad: it is a hopeless spot,

With sadness so deep: it is a place of despair,

And I am hopeless.

And I feel hopeless.

Irad.‍But 'tis dangerous;

Irad. But it's dangerous;

Strange sounds and sights have peopled it with terrors.

Strange sounds and sights have filled it with fears.

I must go with thee.

I must go with you.

Japh.‍Irad, no; believe me

Irad, no; trust me

I feel no evil thought, and fear no evil.50

I have no bad thoughts and don't fear any evil.50

Irad. But evil things will be thy foe the more

Irad. But bad things will be your enemy even more.

As not being of them: turn thy steps aside,

As you're not one of them: step aside,

Or let mine be with thine.

Or let mine be with yours.

Japh.‍No, neither, Irad;

Japh. No, neither, Irad;

I must proceed alone.

I have to go alone.

Irad.‍Then peace be with thee!

Irad. Then peace be with you!

[Exit Irad.

[Exit Irad.]

Japh. (solus).

Japh. (alone).

Peace! I have sought it where it should be found,

Peace! I've looked for it where it can actually be found,

In love—with love, too, which perhaps deserved it;

In love—with love, which maybe deserved it;

And, in its stead, a heaviness of heart,

And instead, a weight in my heart,

A weakness of the spirit, listless days,

A weakness of the spirit, aimless days,

And nights inexorable to sweet sleep

And nights that refuse to give way to sweet sleep

Have come upon me. Peace! what peace? the calm60

Have come upon me. Peace! What peace? The calm60

Of desolation, and the stillness of

The untrodden forest, only broken by

The sweeping tempest through its groaning boughs;

The raging storm through its creaking branches;

Such is the sullen or the fitful state

Such is the gloomy or inconsistent state

Of my mind overworn. The Earth's grown wicked,

Of my tired mind. The Earth's become corrupt,

And many signs and portents have proclaimed

And many signs and omens have announced

A change at hand, and an o'erwhelming doom

A change is coming, and an overwhelming fate

To perishable beings. Oh, my Anah!

To fragile beings. Oh, my Anah!

When the dread hour denounced shall open wide

When the dreaded hour arrives, it will open wide.

The fountains of the deep, how mightest thou70

The fountains of the deep, how might you70

Have lain within this bosom, folded from

Have rested in this heart, sheltered from

The elements; this bosom, which in vain

The elements; this chest, which uselessly

Hath beat for thee, and then will beat more vainly,

Has beaten for you, and then will beat more uselessly,

While thine—Oh, God! at least remit to her

While yours—Oh, God! at least lessen her

Thy wrath! for she is pure amidst the failing[293]

Thy anger! For she is pure amidst the failing[293]

As a star in the clouds, which cannot quench,

As a star in the clouds, which cannot be dimmed,

Although they obscure it for an hour. My Anah!

Although they hide it for an hour. My Anah!

How would I have adored thee, but thou wouldst not;

How would I have adored you, but you wouldn’t let me;

And still would I redeem thee—see thee live

And still I would save you—see you live.

When Ocean is earth's grave, and, unopposed80

When the ocean becomes the earth's grave, and, without opposition

By rock or shallow, the Leviathan,

Lord of the shoreless sea and watery world,

Lord of the endless sea and watery world,

Shall wonder at his boundlessness of realm.[Exit Japhet.

Shall be amazed at his limitless domain.[Exit Japhet.

Enter Noah and Shem.

Noah. Where is thy brother Japhet?

Noah. Where is your brother Japhet?

Shem.‍He went forth,

Shem.‍He set out,

According to his wont, to meet with Irad,

According to his usual practice, to meet with Irad,

He said; but, as I fear, to bend his steps

He said; but, as I worry, to change his route

Towards Anah's tents, round which he hovers nightly,

Towards Anah's tents, where he spends his nights hovering around,

Like a dove round and round its pillaged nest;

Like a dove circling its disturbed nest;

Or else he walks the wild up to the cavern

Or else he walks into the wild up to the cave

Which opens to the heart of Ararat.90

Noah. What doth he there? It is an evil spot

Noah. What is he doing there? It's a bad place.

Upon an earth all evil; for things worse

Upon an earth full of evil; for things worse

Than even wicked men resort there: he

Than even wicked men go there: he

Still loves this daughter of a fated race,

Still loves this daughter of a destined lineage,

Although he could not wed her if she loved him,

Although he couldn't marry her if she loved him,

And that she doth not. Oh, the unhappy hearts

And she doesn't. Oh, the miserable hearts

Of men! that one of my blood, knowing well

Of men! that one of my family, well aware

The destiny and evil of these days,

The fate and wickedness of these times,

And that the hour approacheth, should indulge

And that the hour is approaching, should indulge

In such forbidden yearnings! Lead the way;100

In these forbidden desires! Show the way;100

He must be sought for!

He needs to be found!

Shem.‍Go not forward, father:

Shem. Don’t go forward, father:

I will seek Japhet.

I'm going to find Japhet.

Noah.‍Do not fear for me:

Noah. Don't worry about me:

All evil things are powerless on the man

All evil things are powerless against the man.

Selected by Jehovah.—Let us on.

Chosen by God.—Let’s move on.

Shem. To the tents of the father of the sisters?

Shem. To the tents of their father's family?

Noah. No; to the cavern of the Caucasus.

Noah. No; to the cave in the Caucasus.

[Exeunt Noah and Shem.

[Exit Noah and Shem.

[294]

Setting III.—The mountains.—A cavern,[144] and the rocks of Caucasus.

Japh. (solus). Ye wilds, that look eternal; and thou cave,

Japh. (solus). You wild places that seem endless; and you cave,

Which seem'st unfathomable; and ye mountains,

Which seem unfathomable; and the mountains,

So varied and so terrible in beauty;

So diverse and so stunningly beautiful;

Here, in your rugged majesty of rocks

Here, in your powerful beauty of rocks

And toppling trees that twine their roots with stone [145]

And uprooting trees that intertwine their roots with stone [145]

In perpendicular places, where the foot

Of man would tremble, could he reach them—yes,

Ye look eternal! Yet, in a few days,

Perhaps even hours, ye will be changed, rent, hurled

Perhaps even hours, you will be changed, torn apart, thrown away.

Before the mass of waters; and yon cave,10

Before the vast body of water; and that cave,10

Which seems to lead into a lower world,

Which appears to lead into a lower world,

Shall have its depths searched by the sweeping wave,

Shall have its depths explored by the sweeping wave,

And dolphins gambol in the lion's den!

And dolphins play in the lion's den!

And man——Oh, men! my fellow-beings! Who

And man—Oh, men! my fellow beings! Who

Shall weep above your universal grave,

Shall weep above your grave that holds us all,

Save I? Who shall be left to weep? My kinsmen,

Save I? Who will be left to cry? My family,

Alas! what am I better than ye are,

Alas! How am I any better than you are,

That I must live beyond ye? Where shall be[295]

That I have to live without you? Where will I be[295]

The pleasant places where I thought of Anah

The nice spots where I thought about Anah

While I had hope? or the more savage haunts,20

While I had hope? or the more wild places,20

Scarce less beloved, where I despaired for her?

Scarce any less loved, where did I despair for her?

And can it be!—Shall yon exulting peak,

And can it be!—Will that triumphant peak,

Whose glittering top is like a distant star,

Whose shiny peak is like a faraway star,

Lie low beneath the boiling of the deep?

Lie low beneath the turbulence of the deep?

No more to have the morning sun break forth,

No longer will the morning sun rise,

And scatter back the mists in floating folds

And push back the fog in drifting layers

From its tremendous brow? no more to have

From its incredible height? no longer to have

Day's broad orb drop behind its head at even,

Day's wide sun sets behind its head in the evening,

Leaving it with a crown of many hues?

Leaving it with a crown of many colors?

No more to be the beacon of the world,30

No longer the light for the world,30

For angels to alight on, as the spot

For angels to land on, like the place

Nearest the stars? And can those words "no more"

Be meant for thee, for all things, save for us,

Be meant for you, for everything, except for us,

And the predestined creeping things reserved

And the destined creeping things set aside

By my sire to Jehovah's bidding? May

By my father to God's command? May

He preserve them, and I not have the power

He preserves them, and I do not have the power

To snatch the loveliest of earth's daughters from

To take the most beautiful daughters from earth

A doom which even some serpent, with his mate,

A fate that even some snake, with its partner,

Shall 'scape to save his kind to be prolonged,

Shall escape to save his kind from being prolonged,

To hiss and sting through some emerging world,40

To hiss and sting through some new world,40

Reeking and dank from out the slime, whose ooze

Reeking and damp from the slime, whose ooze

Shall slumber o'er the wreck of this, until

Shall sleep over the wreck of this, until

The salt morass subside into a sphere

The salt marsh settles into a sphere.

Beneath the sun, and be the monument,

The sole and undistinguished sepulchre,

The plain and unremarkable grave,

Of yet quick myriads of all life? How much

Breath will be stilled at once! All beauteous world!

Breath will be taken away instantly! All beautiful world!

So young, so marked out for destruction, I

So young, so destined for ruin, I

With a cleft heart look on thee day by day,

With a heart full of conflict, I gaze at you day after day,

And night by night, thy numbered days and nights.50

And night after night, your counted days and nights.50

I cannot save thee, cannot save even her

I can’t save you, and I can’t even save her.

Whose love had made me love thee more; but as

Whose love had made me love you more; but as

A portion of thy dust, I cannot think

A part of your dust, I can't imagine

Upon thy coming doom without a feeling

Upon your impending doom without any feeling

Such as—Oh God! and canst thou—[He pauses.

Such as—Oh God! and can you—He takes a moment.

[A rushing sound from the cavern is heard, and shouts
of laughter—afterwards a Spirit passes.

A rushing sound comes from the cave, followed by shouts of laughter—then a Spirit appears.

Japh.‍In the name

Japh. In the name

Of the Most High, what art thou?[296]

Of the Most High, who are you?[296]

Spirit (laughs).‍Ha! ha! ha![146]

Spirit (laughs).‍Haha![146]

Japh. By all that earth holds holiest, speak!

Japh. By everything sacred on this earth, speak!

Spirit (laughs).‍Ha! ha!

Spirit (laughs). Ha! Ha!

Japh. By the approaching deluge! by the earth

Japh. By the coming flood! by the earth

Which will be strangled by the ocean! by

Which will be choked by the ocean! by

The deep which will lay open all her fountains!60

The depths that will reveal all her springs!60

The heaven which will convert her clouds to seas,

The sky that will turn her clouds into oceans,

And the Omnipotent who makes and crushes!

And the all-powerful who creates and destroys!

Thou unknown, terrible, and indistinct,

You unknown, terrifying, and vague,

Yet awful Thing of Shadows, speak to me!

Yet terrible Thing of Shadows, talk to me!

Why dost thou laugh that horrid laugh?

Why do you laugh that terrible laugh?

Spirit.‍Why weep'st thou?

Spirit.‍Why are you crying?

Japh. For earth and all her children.

Japh. For the Earth and all her inhabitants.

Spirit.‍Ha! ha! ha!

Spirit.‍Haha!

[Spirit vanishes.

[Spirit disappears.

Japh. How the fiend mocks the tortures of a world,

Japh. How the devil mocks the suffering of a world,

The coming desolation of an orb,

The impending ruin of a planet,

On which the sun shall rise and warm no life!

On which the sun will rise and warm no one!

How the earth sleeps! and all that in it is70

How the earth rests! And everything in it is70

Sleep too upon the very eve of death!

Sleep too on the very night of death!

Why should they wake to meet it? What are here,

Why should they wake up to face it? What is here,

Which look like death in life, and speak like things

Born ere this dying world? They come like clouds!

Born before this dying world? They come like clouds!

[Various Spirits pass from the cavern.

Various Spirits leave the cave.

Spirit.

Energy.

Rejoice!

Celebrate!

The abhorréd race

The reviled race

Which could not keep in Eden their high place,

Which could not maintain their high place in Eden,

But listened to the voice

But listened to the voice.

Of knowledge without power,

knowledge without power,

Are nigh the hour,80

Are near the hour,

Of Death!

Not slow, not single, not by sword, nor sorrow,

Not slow, not alone, not by sword, nor sadness,

Nor years, nor heart-break, nor Time's sapping motion,[297]

Nor years, nor heartbreak, nor Time's draining movement,[297]

Shall they drop off. Behold their last to-morrow!

Shall they drop off? Look at their last tomorrow!

Earth shall be Ocean!

Earth will be Ocean!

And no breath,

Save of the winds, be on the unbounded wave!

Angels shall tire their wings, but find no spot:

Angels will tire their wings, but find no place:

Not even a rock from out the liquid grave

Not even a rock from the watery grave

Shall lift its point to save,90

Or show the place where strong Despair hath died,

Or show the place where deep Despair has faded,

After long looking o'er the ocean wide

After a long look across the wide ocean

For the expected ebb which cometh not:

For the anticipated decline that doesn’t happen:

All shall be void,

All will be null,

Destroyed![147]

Another element shall be the lord

Another element will be the lord.

Of life, and the abhorred

Of life and the hated

Children of dust be quenched; and of each hue

Of earth nought left but the unbroken blue;

Of the earth, nothing remains but the endless blue;

And of the variegated mountain100

And of the colorful mountain

Shall nought remain

Shall nothing remain

Unchanged, or of the level plain;

Unchanged, or at the same basic level;

Cedar and pine shall lift their tops in vain:

Cedar and pine will raise their tops for nothing:

All merged within the universal fountain,

All combined within the universal fountain,

Man, earth, and fire, shall die,

Man, earth, and fire will die,

And sea and sky

And ocean and sky

Look vast and lifeless in the eternal eye.

Look vast and empty in the endless gaze.

Upon the foam

On the foam

Who shall erect a home?

Who will build a home?

Japh. (coming forward).

Japh. (stepping forward).

My sire!110

My lord!110

Earth's seed shall not expire;

Earth's seed won't die;

Only the evil shall be put away

Only the wicked will be cast aside.

From day.

Since day one.

Avaunt! ye exulting demons of the waste!

Away! you triumphant demons of the wasteland!

Who howl your hideous joy

Who howls your hideous joy

When God destroys whom you dare not destroy:

When God takes down those you wouldn't dare to take down:

Hence! haste!

So fast!

Back to your inner caves!

Return to your inner caves!

Until the waves

Shall search you in your secret place,120[298]

Shall search you in your hidden spot,120[298]

And drive your sullen race

And lead your gloomy crew

Forth, to be rolled upon the tossing winds,

Forth, to be carried by the swirling winds,

In restless wretchedness along all space!

In constant misery throughout all of space!

Spirit.

Vibe.

Son of the saved!

Saved person's son!

When thou and thine have braved

When you and yours have faced

The wide and warring element;

The vast and fighting element;

When the great barrier of the deep is rent,

When the massive barrier of the ocean is broken,

Shall thou and thine be good or happy?—No!

Shall you and yours be good or happy?—No!

Thy new world and new race shall be of woe—

Your new world and new race will be filled with sorrow—

Less goodly in their aspect, in their years130

Less attractive in their appearance, in their years130

Less than the glorious giants, who

Yet walk the world in pride,

Yet walk the world with pride,

The Sons of Heaven by many a mortal bride.

Thine shall be nothing of the past, save tears!

Yours will be nothing from the past, except tears!

And art thou not ashamed

Aren't you ashamed?

Thus to survive,

To survive,

And eat, and drink, and wive?

And eat, and drink, and get married?

With a base heart so far subdued and tamed,

With a heart so deeply controlled and managed,

As even to hear this wide destruction named,

As even to hear this massive destruction mentioned,

Without such grief and courage, as should rather140

Without such grief and courage, as should rather

Bid thee await the world-dissolving wave,

Bid you wait for the world-dissolving wave,

Than seek a shelter with thy favoured father,

Than seek a refuge with your beloved father,

And build thy city o'er the drowned earth's grave?

And build your city over the buried earth's grave?

Who would outlive their kind,

Except the base and blind?

Mine

Hateth thine

Hate yours

As of a different order in the sphere,

But not our own.

But not ours.

There is not one who hath not left a throne150

There isn't anyone who hasn't left a throne150

Vacant in heaven to dwell in darkness here,

Vacant in heaven, residing in darkness here,

Rather than see his mates endure alone.

Rather than watch his friends suffer alone.

Go, wretch! and give

Go, wretch! And give

A life like thine to other wretches—live!

A life like yours for other unfortunate people—live!

And when the annihilating waters roar

And when the destructive waters roar

Above what they have done,

Above what they’ve done,

Envy the giant patriarchs then no more,

Envy the big patriarchs no longer,

And scorn thy sire as the surviving one!

And disrespect your father as the one who remains!

Thyself for being his son!

Yourself for being his son!

[299]

Chorus of Spirits issuing from the cavern.

Chorus of Spirits coming from the cave.

Rejoice!160

Celebrate!160

No more the human voice

No more human voices

Shall vex our joys in middle air

Shall disturb our happiness in midair

With prayer;

By praying;

No more

No more.

Shall they adore;

Should they adore;

And we, who ne'er for ages have adored

And we, who have never adored for ages

The prayer-exacting Lord,

The demanding Lord,

To whom the omission of a sacrifice

To whom the lack of a sacrifice

Is vice;

Is wrong;

We, we shall view the deep's salt sources poured170

We will look at the salt sources of the deep.

Until one element shall do the work

Until one element does the work

Of all in chaos; until they,

The creatures proud of their poor clay,

The creatures proud of their shabby clay,

Shall perish, and their bleached bones shall lurk

Shall perish, and their white bones shall hide

In caves, in dens, in clefts of mountains, where

In caves, in dens, in cracks of mountains, where

The deep shall follow to their latest lair;

The depths will lead them to their final hiding place;

Where even the brutes, in their despair,

Where even the animals, in their despair,

Shall cease to prey on man and on each other,

Shall stop harming humans and one another,

And the striped tiger shall lie down to die

And the striped tiger will lay down to die.

Beside the lamb, as though he were his brother;180

Beside the lamb, as if he were his brother;180

Till all things shall be as they were,

Till everything is as it used to be,

Silent and uncreated, save the sky:

Silent and unmade, except for the sky:

While a brief truce

During a short truce

Is made with Death, who shall forbear

Is made with Death, who will hold back

The little remnant of the past creation,

The small remnant of the past creation,

To generate new nations for his use;

To create new countries for his purposes;

This remnant, floating o'er the undulation

This remnant, floating over the waves

Of the subsiding deluge, from its slime,

Of the receding flood, from its mud,

When the hot sun hath baked the reeking soil

When the hot sun has baked the steaming soil

Into a world, shall give again to Time190

New beings—years, diseases, sorrow, crime—

New beings—years, illnesses, sadness, crime—

With all companionship of hate and toil,

With all the company of hate and hard work,

Until——

Until—

Japh. (Interrupting them).

Japh. (Cutting them off).

The eternal Will

The endless Will

Shall deign to expound this dream

Shall take the time to explain this dream

Of good and evil; and redeem

Unto himself all times, all things;

And, gathered under his almighty wings,[300]

And, gathered under his powerful wings,[300]

Abolish Hell!

And to the expiated Earth

And to the cleansed Earth

Restore the beauty of her birth,200

Her Eden in an endless paradise,

Her paradise in an endless Eden,

Where man no more can fall as once he fell,

Where man can no longer fall as he once did,

And even the very demons shall do well!

And even the demons will do fine!

Spirits. And when shall take effect this wondrous spell?

Spirits. And when will this amazing spell take effect?

Japh. When the Redeemer cometh; first in pain,

Japh. When the Savior arrives; first in suffering,

And then in glory.

Spirit. Meantime still struggle in the mortal chain,

Spirit. In the meantime, I still struggle with the chains of mortality,

Till Earth wax hoary;

Till Earth gets old;

War with yourselves, and Hell, and Heaven, in vain,

War with yourselves, and Hell, and Heaven, for nothing,

Until the clouds look gory210

Until the clouds look scary

With the blood reeking from each battle-plain;

With the blood stinking from each battlefield;

New times, new climes, new arts, new men; but still,

New times, new places, new art, new people; but still,

The same old tears, old crimes, and oldest ill,

The same old tears, old crimes, and oldest pain,

Shall be amongst your race in different forms;

Shall be among your people in various forms;

But the same moral storms

But the same moral challenges

Shall oversweep the future, as the waves

Shall cover the future, like the waves

In a few hours the glorious giants' graves [148].

In a few hours, the magnificent giants' graves [148].

Chorus of Spirits.

Spirits' Chorus.

Brethren, rejoice!

Friends, rejoice!

Mortal, farewell!

Goodbye, mortal!

Hark! hark! already we can hear the voice220

Hark! Hark! We can already hear the voice220

Of growing Ocean's gloomy swell;

Of the rising ocean's gloom;

The winds, too, plume their piercing wings;

The winds also spread their sharp wings;

The clouds have nearly filled their springs;

The clouds have almost filled their reservoirs;

The fountains of the great deep shall be broken,

The springs of the deep will be broken,

And heaven set wide her windows [149]; while mankind

And heaven opened up her windows [149]; while people

View, unacknowledged, each tremendous token—

View each incredible token, unnoticed—

Still, as they were from the beginning, blind.

Still, they remained blind just like they always had.

We hear the sound they cannot hear,

We hear the sound they can't hear,

The mustering thunders of the threatening sphere;

The rumbling thunder of the ominous sky;

Yet a few hours their coming is delayed;230[301]

Yet a few hours their arrival is postponed;230[301]

Their flashing banners, folded still on high,

Their bright banners, still folded up high,

Yet undisplayed,

Yet to be displayed,

Save to the Spirit's all-pervading eye.

Save to the Spirit's all-seeing eye.

Howl! howl! oh Earth!

Thy death is nearer than thy recent birth;

Your death is closer than your recent birth;

Tremble, ye mountains, soon to shrink below

Tremble, you mountains, soon to shrink below

The Ocean's overflow!

The ocean is overflowing!

The wave shall break upon your cliffs; and shells,

The wave will crash against your cliffs; and shells,

The little shells, of ocean's least things be

The tiny shells, from the ocean’s smallest creatures, are

Deposed where now the eagle's offspring dwells [150]—240

Deposed where the eagle's young now lives [150]—240

How shall he shriek o'er the remorseless sea!

How will he scream over the unforgiving sea!

And call his nestlings up with fruitless yell,

And call his chicks up with pointless cries,

Unanswered, save by the encroaching swell;—

Unanswered, except by the approaching waves;—

While man shall long in vain for his broad wings,

While people will long for their broad wings in vain,

The wings which could not save:—

The wings that couldn't save:—

Where could he rest them, while the whole space brings

Where could he put them down, while the whole area feels

Nought to his eye beyond the deep, his grave?

Naught to his eyes but the depth, his grave?

Brethren, rejoice!

Friends, rejoice!

And loudly lift each superhuman voice—

And raise each superhuman voice loudly—

All die,250

All die,

Save the slight remnant of Seth's seed—

Save the small trace of Seth's lineage—

The seed of Seth,

Seth's seed,

Exempt for future sorrow's sake from death.

Exempt from death for the sake of future sorrow.

But of the sons of Cain

None shall remain;

None will remain;

And all his goodly daughters

And all his lovely daughters

Must lie beneath the desolating waters;

Must lie beneath the draining waters;

Or, floating upward, with their long hair laid

Along the wave, the cruel heaven upbraid,

Along the wave, the harsh sky scolds,

Which would not spare260

Which would not spare

Beings even in death so fair.

Beings so beautiful even in death.

It is decreed,

It is ordered,

All die!

And to the universal human cry

And to the common call of humanity

The universal silence shall succeed!

The global silence will prevail!

Fly, brethren, fly!

Fly, brothers, fly!

But still rejoice!

But still celebrate!

We fell![302]

They fall!

They've fallen!

So perish all270

So perish all

These petty foes of Heaven who shrink from Hell!

These small enemies of Heaven who are afraid of Hell!

[The Spirits disappear, soaring upwards.

The spirits vanish, rising up.

Japh. (solus).

Japh. (alone).

God hath proclaimed the destiny of earth;

God has declared the destiny of the earth;

My father's ark of safety hath announced it;

My father's shelter has declared it;

The very demons shriek it from their caves;

The demons scream it from their caves;

The scroll [151] of Enoch prophesied it long[303]

The scroll [151] of Enoch predicted it a long[303]

In silent books, which, in their silence, say

In silent books, which, in their quiet, express

More to the mind than thunder to the ear:

And yet men listened not, nor listen; but

And yet men did not listen, nor do they listen; but

Walk darkling to their doom: which, though so nigh,

Walk blindly to their doom: which, though so close,

Shakes them no more in their dim disbelief,280

Than their last cries shall shake the Almighty purpose,

Than their last cries will shake the Almighty's purpose,

Or deaf obedient Ocean, which fulfils it.

Or obedient Ocean, which carries it out.

No sign yet hangs its banner in the air;

No sign yet displays its banner in the sky;

The clouds are few, and of their wonted texture;

The clouds are sparse and have their usual texture;

The Sun will rise upon the Earth's last day

The sun will rise on the Earth's final day.

As on the fourth day of creation, when

God said unto him, "Shine!" and he broke forth

God said to him, "Shine!" and he broke out

Into the dawn, which lighted not the yet

Into the dawn, which did not yet light the

Unformed forefather of mankind—but roused

Unformed ancestor of humanity—but awakened

Before the human orison the earlier290

Before the human prayer the earlier

Made and far sweeter voices of the birds,

Which in the open firmament of heaven

Which in the open sky above

Have wings like angels, and like them salute

Have wings like angels and salute like they do.

Heaven first each day before the Adamites:

Their matins now draw nigh—the east is kindling—

Their morning prayers are approaching now—the east is lighting up—

And they will sing! and day will break! Both near,

And they will sing! And day will break! Both near,

So near the awful close! For these must drop

So close to the terrible end! For these must drop

Their outworn pinions on the deep; and day,

Their worn-out wings on the deep; and day,

After the bright course of a few brief morrows,—

After a few sunny days,—

Aye, day will rise; but upon what?—a chaos,300

Which was ere day; and which, renewed, makes Time

Which was before today; and which, renewed, makes time.

Nothing! for, without life, what are the hours?

Nothing! Because without life, what are the hours?

No more to dust than is Eternity

No more to dust than Eternity does.

Unto Jehovah, who created both.

To God, who created both.

Without him, even Eternity would be

Without him, even eternity would be

A void: without man, Time, as made for man,

A void: without humans, Time, as created for humans,

Dies with man, and is swallowed in that deep

Dies with man, and is taken in by that deep

Which has no fountain; as his race will be

Devoured by that which drowns his infant world.—

Devoured by what overwhelms his fragile world.—

What have we here? Shapes of both earth and air?310

What do we have here? Forms of both land and sky?310

No—all of heaven, they are so beautiful.

No—all of heaven, they are so stunning.

I cannot trace their features; but their forms,

I can’t make out their faces, but their shapes,

How lovelily they move along the side

How gracefully they move along the side

Of the grey mountain, scattering its mist!

Of the gray mountain, spreading its mist!

And after the swart savage spirits, whose

And after the dark, wild spirits, whose

Infernal immortality poured forth[304]

Infernal immortality emerged

Their impious hymn of triumph, they shall be

Their unholy song of victory, they will be

Welcome as Eden. It may be they come

Welcome as Eden. They might be arriving.

To tell me the reprieve of our young world,

To tell me about the break from our youthful world,

For which I have so often prayed.—They come!320

For which I have prayed so many times.—They’re here!320

Anah! oh, God! and with her——

Anah! Oh my God! And with her——

Enter Samiasa, Azaziel, Anah, and Aholibamah.

Enter Samiasa, Azaziel, Anah, and Aholibamah.

Anah.‍Japhet!

Anah. Japhet!

Sam.‍Lo!

Sam.‍Hey!

A son of Adam!

A child of Adam!

Aza.‍What doth the earth-born here,

Aza.‍What does the earth-born do here,

While all his race are slumbering?

While all his race are sleeping?

Japh.‍Angel! what

Angel! What

Dost thou on earth when thou should'st be on high?

Do you belong on earth when you should be in the skies?

Aza. Know'st thou not, or forget'st thou, that a part

Aza. Don't you know, or have you forgotten, that a part

Of our great function is to guard thine earth?

Of our great duty is to protect your earth?

Japh. But all good angels have forsaken earth,

Japh. But all good angels have abandoned the earth,

Which is condemned; nay, even the evil fly

Which is condemned; no, even the wicked fly

The approaching chaos. Anah! Anah! my

In vain, and long, and still to be, beloved!330

In vain, for a long time, and still to come, beloved!330

Why walk'st thou with this Spirit, in those hours

Why are you walking with this Spirit at this hour?

When no good Spirit longer lights below?

When no good spirit shines down here anymore?

Anah. Japhet, I cannot answer thee; yet, yet

Anah. Japhet, I can't answer you; still, still

Forgive me——

I'm sorry—

Japh. ‍May the Heaven, which soon no more

Japh. Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.May the sky, which soon will no longer

Will pardon, do so! for thou art greatly tempted.

Will you forgive me? Please, do! Because you are seriously tempted.

Aho. Back to thy tents, insulting son of Noah!

Aho. Go back to your tents, you disrespectful son of Noah!

We know thee not.

We don't know you.

Japh.‍The hour may come when thou

Japh.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.The hour may come when you

May'st know me better; and thy sister know

May you know me better; and your sister knows

Me still the same which I have ever been.

Me still the same as I have always been.

Sam. Son of the patriarch, who hath ever been340

Sam. Son of the patriarch, who has always been340

Upright before his God, whate'er thy gifts,

Upright before his God, whatever your gifts,

And thy words seem of sorrow, mixed with wrath,

And your words seem filled with sadness, mixed with anger,

How have Azaziel, or myself, brought on thee

How have Azaziel or I caused this to you?

Wrong?

Incorrect?

Japh.‍Wrong! the greatest of all wrongs! but, thou

Japh.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Wrong! the greatest of all wrongs! but, you

Say'st well, though she be dust—I did not, could not,

Say what you will, even if she’s dust—I did not, could not,

Deserve her. Farewell, Anah! I have said

Deserve her. Goodbye, Anah! I've said

That word so often! but now say it, ne'er[305]

That word so often! But now say it, never[305]

To be repeated. Angel! or whate'er

To be repeated. Angel! or whatever

Thou art, or must be soon, hast thou the power

To save this beautiful—these beautiful350

To save this beautiful—these beautiful

Children of Cain?

Cain's descendants?

Aza.‍From what?

Aza. From what?

Japh.‍ And is it so,

Japh. And is that true,

That ye too know not? Angels! angels! ye

That you too do not know? Angels! Angels! You

Have shared man's sin, and, it may be, now must

Have shared man's sin, and now perhaps must

Partake his punishment; or, at the least,

Partake in his punishment; or, at the very least,

My sorrow.

My sadness.

Sam.‍Sorrow! I ne'er thought till now

Sam.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Sadness! I never thought until now

To hear an Adamite speak riddles to me.

To hear an Adamite speak in riddles to me.

Japh. And hath not the Most High expounded them?

Japh. Hasn't the Most High explained them?

Then ye are lost as they are lost.

Then you are lost just like they are lost.

Aho.‍So be it!

Aho. So be it!

If they love as they are loved, they will not shrink

If they love the way they are loved, they won't back down.

More to be mortal, than I would to dare360

More to be mortal than I would to dare360

An immortality of agonies

An endless suffering

With Samiasa!

Anah.‍Sister! sister! speak not

Anah. Sister! Don't speak!

Thus.

So.

Aza. Fearest thou, my Anah?

Aza. Do you fear, my Anah?

Anah.‍Yes, for thee:

Anah. Yes, for you:

I would resign the greater remnant of

I would give up the majority of

This little life of mine, before one hour

Of thine eternity should know a pang.

Of your eternity should know a pain.

Japh. It is for him, then! for the Seraph thou

Japh. So it's for him, then! For the Seraph you

Hast left me! That is nothing, if thou hast not

Hast left me! That doesn't matter, if you haven't

Left thy God too! for unions like to these,

Left your God too! for unions like these,

Between a mortal and an immortal, cannot370

Between a mortal and an immortal, cannot

Be happy or be hallowed. We are sent

Be happy or be blessed. We are sent

Upon the earth to toil and die; and they

Upon the earth to work hard and die; and they

Are made to minister on high unto

Are called to serve at a higher level to

The Highest: but if he can save thee, soon

The Highest: but if he can save you, soon

The hour will come in which celestial aid

The time will come when help from above

Alone can do so.

Can do it alone.

Anah.‍Ah! he speaks of Death.

Anah.‍Ah! he's talking about Death.

Sam. Of death to us! and those who are with us!

Sam. To death for us! and for those who are with us!

But that the man seems full of sorrow, I

But the man looks really sad, I

Could smile.

Japh.‍I grieve not for myself, nor fear.[306]

Japh.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I don't mourn for myself, nor do I fear.[306]

I am safe, not for my own deserts, but those

I am safe, not because of my own merit, but because of those

Of a well-doing sire, who hath been found380

Of a good father, who has been found

Righteous enough to save his children. Would

His power was greater of redemption! or

His power was greater than redemption! or

That by exchanging my own life for hers,

That by giving up my life for hers,

Who could alone have made mine happy, she,

Who could have made me happy all by herself, she,

The last and loveliest of Cain's race, could share

The last and most beautiful of Cain's descendants could share

The ark which shall receive a remnant of

The ark that will hold a remnant of

The seed of Seth!

Aho.‍And dost thou think that we,

Aho.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And do you really think that we,

With Cain's, the eldest born of Adam's, blood

With Cain, the firstborn of Adam, blood

Warm in our veins,—strong Cain! who was begotten390

Warm in our veins—strong Cain! who was born

In Paradise [152],—would mingle with Seth's children?

In Paradise [152],—would hang out with Seth's kids?

Seth, the last offspring of old Adam's dotage?

Seth, the last child of old Adam's old age?

No, not to save all Earth, were Earth in peril!

No, not to save all of Earth, even if Earth were in danger!

Our race hath always dwelt apart from thine

Our race has always lived separately from yours.

From the beginning, and shall do so ever.

From the start, and will continue to do so forever.

Japh. I did not speak to thee, Aholibamah!

Japh. I didn’t talk to you, Aholibamah!

Too much of the forefather whom thou vauntest

Too much of the ancestor you brag about

Has come down in that haughty blood which springs

Has come down in that arrogant lineage which originates

From him who shed the first, and that a brother's!

From the one who shed the first tear, and it was for a brother!

But thou, my Anah! let me call thee mine,400

But you, my Anah! let me call you mine,400

Albeit thou art not; 'tis a word I cannot

Albeit you are not; it's a word I cannot

Part with, although I must from thee. My Anah!

Part with you, even though I have to leave you. My Anah!

Thou who dost rather make me dream that Abel

Thou who makes me dream that Abel

Had left a daughter, whose pure pious race

Had left a daughter, whose pure and devout lineage

Survived in thee, so much unlike thou art

Survived in you, so much unlike you are.

The rest of the stem Cainites, save in beauty,

The rest of the Cainite line, except for their looks,

For all of them are fairest in their favour——

For all of them are the most beautiful in their approval——

Aho. (interrupting him).

Aho. (interrupting him).

And would'st thou have her like our father's foe

And would you want her to be like our father's enemy?

In mind, in soul? If I partook thy thought,

In mind, in soul? If I shared your thoughts,

And dreamed that aught of Abel was in her!—410

And dreamed that anything of Abel was in her!—410

Get thee hence, son of Noah; thou makest strife.[307]

Get out of here, son of Noah; you're causing trouble.[307]

Japh. Offspring of Cain, thy father did so!

Japh. Child of Cain, your father did that!

Aho.‍But

Aho. But

He slew not Seth: and what hast thou to do

He didn't kill Seth: and what do you have to do

With other deeds between his God and him?

With other actions between him and his God?

Japh. Thou speakest well: his God hath judged him, and

Japh. You speak well: his God has judged him, and

I had not named his deed, but that thyself

I hadn't labeled what he did, but you yourself

Didst seem to glory in him, nor to shrink

Did you seem to take pride in him, or to pull away?

From what he had done.

From what he did.

Aho.‍He was our father's father;

Grandpa.

The eldest born of man, the strongest, bravest,

The firstborn of humanity, the strongest and bravest,

And most enduring:—Shall I blush for him420

And most enduring:—Should I feel embarrassed for him?

From whom we had our being? Look upon

From whom did we come into existence? Look upon

Our race; behold their stature and their beauty,

Our race; look at their height and their beauty,

Their courage, strength, and length of days——

Their bravery, resilience, and endurance——

Japh.‍They are numbered.

Japh.‍They're numbered.

Aho. Be it so! but while yet their hours endure,

Aho. Fine, but while their time lasts,

I glory in my brethren and our fathers.

I take pride in my brothers and our ancestors.

Japh. My sire and race but glory in their God,

Japh. My father and people only find pride in their God,

Anah! and thou?——

Hey! And you?——

Anah.‍Whate'er our God decrees,

Anah.‍Whatever our God decides,

The God of Seth as Cain, I must obey,

The God of Seth as Cain, I have to follow,

And will endeavour patiently to obey.

And will try patiently to follow.

But could I dare to pray in his dread hour430

But could I really pray in his terrifying moment430

Of universal vengeance (if such should be),

Of universal revenge (if that even exists),

It would not be to live, alone exempt

It wouldn't be living, only free

Of all my house. My sister! oh, my sister!

Of all my home. My sister! Oh, my sister!

What were the world, or other worlds, or all

The brightest future, without the sweet past—

Thy love, my father's, all the life, and all

The things which sprang up with me, like the stars,

The things that came up with me, like the stars,

Making my dim existence radiant with

Making my dull existence bright with

Soft lights which were not mine? Aholibamah!

Soft lights that weren't mine? Aholibamah!

Oh! if there should be mercy—seek it, find it:440

Oh! if there should be mercy—look for it, discover it:440

I abhor Death, because that thou must die.

I hate Death because it means you have to die.

Aho. What, hath this dreamer, with his father's ark,

Aho. What, has this dreamer, with his father's boat,

The bugbear he hath built to scare the world,

The scary creature he created to frighten everyone,

Shaken my sister? Are we not the loved

Shaken my sister? Are we not loved?

Of Seraphs? and if we were not, must we

Of Seraphs? And if we weren't, must we

Cling to a son of Noah for our lives?

Cling to one of Noah's sons for our survival?

Rather than thus——But the enthusiast dreams

Rather than that——But the dreamer imagines

The worst of dreams, the fantasies engendered[308]

The worst of dreams, the fantasies created[308]

By hopeless love and heated vigils. Who

By hopeless love and restless nights. Who

Shall shake these solid mountains, this firm earth,450

And bid those clouds and waters take a shape

And tell those clouds and waters to take form

Distinct from that which we and all our sires

Distinct from that which we and all our fathers

Have seen them wear on their eternal way?

Have you seen them wear on their everlasting journey?

Who shall do this?

Who will do this?

Japh.‍He whose one word produced them.

Japh.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.The one whose single word created them.

Aho. Who heard that word?

Aho. Who heard that?

Japh.‍The universe, which leaped

Japh.‍The universe that jumped

To life before it. Ah! smilest thou still in scorn?

To life before it. Ah! Are you still smiling in scorn?

Turn to thy Seraphs: if they attest it not,

Turn to your Seraphs: if they don’t confirm it,

They are none.

There are none.

Sam.‍Aholibamah, own thy God!

Sam.‍Aholibamah, embrace your God!

Aho. I have ever hailed our Maker, Samiasa,

Aho. I have always praised our Creator, Samiasa,

As thine, and mine: a God of Love, not Sorrow.460

As yours and mine: a God of Love, not Sorrow.460

Japh. Alas! what else is Love but Sorrow? Even

Japh. Oh no! What else is Love but Pain? Even

He who made earth in love had soon to grieve

He who created the earth out of love soon had to mourn.

Above its first and best inhabitants.

Aho. 'Tis said so.

Aho. It is said so.

Japh.‍It is even so.

Japh.‍It really is.

Enter Noah and Shem.

Noah.‍Japhet! What

Noah.‍Japhet! What?

Dost thou here with these children of the wicked?

Are you here with these children of the wicked?

Dread'st thou not to partake their coming doom?

Do you not fear to share in their impending doom?

Japh. Father, it cannot be a sin to seek

Japh. Dad, it can't be wrong to search

To save an earth-born being; and behold,

To save a human being; and look,

These are not of the sinful, since they have

These aren't sinful since they have

The fellowship of angels.

The community of angels.

Noah.‍These are they, then,470

Noah. These are them, then,

Who leave the throne of God, to take them wives

Who leaves the throne of God to take wives for themselves?

From out the race of Cain; the sons of Heaven,

From the line of Cain; the sons of Heaven,

Who seek Earth's daughters for their beauty?

Who looks for Earth's daughters because of their beauty?

Aza.‍Patriarch!

Aza. Patriarch!

Thou hast said it.

You said it.

Noah.‍Woe, woe, woe to such communion!

Noah.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Oh no, oh no, oh no to such a gathering!

Has not God made a barrier between Earth

Hasn't God created a barrier between Earth

And Heaven, and limited each, kind to kind?

And Heaven, did you limit each one, being kind to its own kind?

Sam. Was not man made in high Jehovah's image?

Sam. Wasn't man created in the likeness of the Almighty?

Did God not love what he had made? And what[309]

Did God not love what He had created? And what[309]

Do we but imitate and emulate

Do we just imitate and try to be like

His love unto created love?

His love for created love?

Noah.‍I am480

Noah. I am

But man, and was not made to judge mankind,

But man was not made to judge mankind,

Far less the sons of God; but as our God

Has deigned to commune with me, and reveal

Has chosen to speak with me and share

His judgments, I reply, that the descent

His judgments, I respond, that the descent

Of Seraphs from their everlasting seat

Of Seraphs from their eternal throne

Unto a perishable and perishing,

To a temporary and fading,

Even on the very eve of perishing[153]?—world,

Even on the very brink of disaster__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__?—world,

Cannot be good.

Can't be good.

Aza.‍What! though it were to save?

Aza.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.What! Even if it were to save?

Noah. Not ye in all your glory can redeem

Noah. Not even in all your glory can you redeem

What he who made you glorious hath condemned.490

What the one who made you glorious has condemned.490

Were your immortal mission safety, 'twould

Were your immortal mission safety, it would

Be general, not for two, though beautiful;

Be general, not just for two, even if it's beautiful;

And beautiful they are, but not the less

And they are beautiful, but not any less

Condemned.

Cursed.

Japh.‍Oh, father! say it not.

Japh.‍Oh, dad! don't say that.

Noah.‍Son! son!

Noah. Son!

If that thou wouldst avoid their doom, forget

If you want to avoid their fate, forget

That they exist: they soon shall cease to be,

That they exist: they will soon be gone,

While thou shalt be the sire of a new world,

While you will be the father of a new world,

And better.

Japh.‍Let me die with this, and them!

Let me die with this and them!

Noah. Thou shouldst for such a thought, but shalt not: he

Noah. You should have such a thought, but you won’t: he

Who can, redeems thee.

Who can redeem you.

Sam.‍And why him and thee,500

Sam. And why him and you,

More than what he, thy son, prefers to both?

More than what he, your son, prefers to both?

Noah. Ask him who made thee greater than myself

Noah. Ask him who made you greater than me.

And mine, but not less subject to his own

And mine, but still just as subject to his own

Almightiness. And lo! his mildest and

Almightiness. And look! his mildest and

Least to be tempted messenger appears!

Enter Raphael [154] the Archangel.

Join Raphael__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ the Archangel.

Raph.

Raph.

Spirits!

Drinks!

Whose seat is near the throne,[310]

Whose seat is close to the throne,[310]

What do ye here?

What are you doing here?

Is thus a Seraph's duty to be shown,

Is it then a Seraph's duty to be revealed,

Now that the hour is near510

Now that the time is close510

When Earth must be alone?

When must Earth be alone?

Return!

Adore and burn,

Love and rage,

In glorious homage with the elected "Seven."

In a grand tribute to the chosen "Seven."

Your place is Heaven.

Your home is Heaven.

Sam.

Raphael!

The first and fairest of the sons of God,

The first and most beautiful of God's sons,

How long hath this been law,

How long has this been law,

That Earth by angels must be left untrod?

That Earth must be left untouched by angels?

Earth! which oft saw520

Earth! which often saw

Jehovah's footsteps not disdain her sod!

Jehovah's footsteps do not scorn her ground!

The world he loved, and made

The world he loved and created

For love; and oft have we obeyed

For love; and we have often followed

His frequent mission with delighted pinions:

His regular mission with joyful wings:

Adoring him in his least works displayed;

Adoring him in his least impressive work displayed;

Watching this youngest star of his dominions;

Watching this youngest star of his realm;

And, as the latest birth of his great word,

And, as the most recent creation of his remarkable phrase,

Eager to keep it worthy of our Lord.

Why is thy brow severe?

Why is your brow serious?

And wherefore speak'st thou of destruction near?530

And why are you talking about destruction being close? 530

Raph.

Raph.

Had Samiasa and Azaziel been

In their true place, with the angelic choir,

In their rightful spot, with the angelic choir,

Written in fire

Written in flames

They would have seen

Jehovah's late decree,

Jehovah's recent decree,

And not enquired their Maker's breath of me:

And didn't ask their Creator's opinion of me:

But ignorance must ever be

But ignorance must always be

A part of sin;

A part of wrongdoing;

And even the Spirits' knowledge shall grow less

And even the Spirits' knowledge will fade.

As they wax proud within;540

As they grow proud within;

For Blindness is the first-born of Excess.

For Blindness is the firstborn of Excess.

When all good angels left the world, ye stayed,

When all the good angels left the world, you stayed,

Stung with strange passions, and debased

Stung with strange passions and degraded

By mortal feelings for a mortal maid:

By human emotions for a human girl:

But ye are pardoned thus far, and replaced[311]

But you are forgiven for now and given another chance[311]

With your pure equals. Hence! away! away!

With your true equals. So! go away!

Or stay,

Or remain,

And lose Eternity by that delay!

And waste Eternity by that delay!

Aza.

And thou! if Earth be thus forbidden

And you! if Earth is this forbidden

In the decree550

In the decree

To us until this moment hidden,

To us, hidden until now,

Dost thou not err as we

In being here?

Is being here?

Raph.

Raph.

I came to call ye back to your fit sphere,

I came to invite you back to your rightful place,

In the great name and at the word of God,

Dear, dearest in themselves, and scarce less dear—

Dear, dearly beloved in themselves, and hardly any less dear—

That which I came to do [155]: till now we trod

That which I came to do [155]: until now we walked

Together the eternal space; together

Together in infinite space; together

Let us still walk the stars [156]. True, Earth must die!

Let’s still walk among the stars [156]. It’s true, Earth has to end!

Her race, returned into her womb, must wither,560

Her race, returned to her womb, must fade,560

And much which she inherits: but oh! why

And so much that she inherits: but why

Cannot this Earth be made, or be destroyed,

Cannot this Earth be created or destroyed,

Without involving ever some vast void

Without getting into some huge emptiness

In the immortal ranks? immortal still

In the endless ranks? still eternal

In their immeasurable forfeiture.

In their immense loss.

Our brother Satan fell; his burning will

Our brother Satan fell; his fiery desire

Rather than longer worship dared endure!

Instead of enduring longer worship!

But ye who still are pure!

But you who are still pure!

Seraphs! less mighty than that mightiest one,—

Seraphs! not as powerful as that most powerful one,—

Think how he was undone!570

Think about how he fell apart!570

And think if tempting man can compensate

And think about whether tempting someone can make up for it.

For Heaven desired too late?

For heaven wanted too late?

Long have I warred,

I've fought for a long time,

Long must I war

I must fight for long

With him who deemed it hard

With him who found it difficult

To be created, and to acknowledge him

To be created and to recognize him

Who midst the cherubim

Who among the cherubim

Made him as suns to a dependent star,

Made him like the suns around a dependent star,

Leaving the archangels at his right hand dim.

Leaving the archangels at his right hand unclear.

I loved him—beautiful he was: oh, Heaven!580

I loved him—he was so beautiful: oh, my God!580

Save his who made, what beauty and what power[312]

Save his who created, what beauty and what power[312]

Was ever like to Satan's! Would the hour

In which he fell could ever be forgiven!

The wish is impious: but, oh ye!

The wish is irreverent: but, oh you!

Yet undestroyed, be warned! Eternity

Yet undestroyed, beware! Eternity

With him, or with his God, is in your choice:

With him, or with his God, is your choice:

He hath not tempted you; he cannot tempt

He hasn't tempted you; he can't tempt.

The angels, from his further snares exempt:

The angels, free from his further traps:

But man hath listened to his voice,

But man has listened to his voice,

And ye to woman's—beautiful she is,590

And to woman—she's beautiful,

The serpent's voice less subtle than her kiss.

The snake's voice was less subtle than her kiss.

The snake but vanquished dust; but she will draw

The snake only defeated dust; but she will pull

A second host from heaven, to break Heaven's law.

A second host from heaven, to break heaven's law.

Yet, yet, oh fly!

Yet, yet, oh, fly!

Ye cannot die;

You can’t die;

But they

Shall pass away,

Will pass away,

While ye shall fill with shrieks the upper sky

While you fill the upper sky with screams

For perishable clay,

Whose memory in your immortality600

Whose memory is in your immortality?

Shall long outlast the Sun which gave them day.

Shall long outlast the Sun that gave them light.

Think how your essence differeth from theirs

Think about how your essence is different from theirs.

In all but suffering! why partake

In everything but suffering! Why take part?

The agony to which they must be heirs—

The suffering they will have to inherit—

Born to be ploughed with years, and sown with cares,

Born to be worked hard over the years and filled with worries,

And reaped by Death, lord of the human soil?

And taken by Death, the master of the human earth?

Even had their days been left to toil their path

Even if their days had been spent working hard on their journey

Through time to dust, unshortened by God's wrath,

Through time to dust, unshortened by God's anger,

Still they are Evil's prey, and Sorrow's spoil.

Still they are Evil's prey and Sorrow's victims.

Aho.

Let them fly!610

Let them go!610

I hear the voice which says that all must die,

I hear the voice that says everyone has to die,

Sooner than our white-bearded patriarchs died;

Sooner than our gray-bearded ancestors died;

And that on high

Up there

An ocean is prepared,

The ocean is ready,

While from below

From below

The deep shall rise to meet Heaven's overflow—

The depths will rise to meet Heaven's bounty—

Few shall be spared,

Few will be spared,

It seems; and, of that few, the race of Cain

It seems; and, among those few, the lineage of Cain

Must lift their eyes to Adam's God in vain.

Must lift their eyes to Adam's God without hope.

Sister! since it is so,620

Sister! Since it's like this,

And the eternal Lord

And the everlasting Lord

In vain would be implored[313]

In vain would be requested

For the remission of one hour of woe,

For the relief of one hour of sorrow,

Let us resign even what we have adored,

Let’s give up even the things we’ve loved,

And meet the wave, as we would meet the sword,

And face the wave, just like we would face a sword,

If not unmoved, yet undismayed,

If not unaffected, still undeterred,

And wailing less for us than those who shall

And crying less for us than those who will

Survive in mortal or immortal thrall,

Survive in the grip of life or death,

And, when the fatal waters are allayed,

And when the deadly waters calm down,

Weep for the myriads who can weep no more.630

Weep for the countless who can no longer weep.630

Fly, Seraphs! to your own eternal shore,

Fly, Seraphs! to your own eternal land,

Where winds nor howl, nor waters roar.

Where the winds don't howl and the waters don't roar.

Our portion is to die,

Our fate is to die,

And yours to live for ever:

And yours to live on:

But which is best, a dead Eternity,

But which is better, a lifeless Eternity,

Or living, is but known to the great Giver.

Or living is only known to the great Giver.

Obey him, as we shall obey;

Obey him, just like we will.

I would not keep this life of mine in clay

I wouldn't confine my life to something so fragile.

An hour beyond his will;

An hour past his control;

Nor see ye lose a portion of his grace,640

Nor see you lose a bit of his grace,640

For all the mercy which Seth's race

For all the mercy that Seth's descendants

Find still.

Find it.

Fly!

And as your pinions bear ye back to Heaven,

And as your wings take you back to Heaven,

Think that my love still mounts with thee on high,

Think that my love still rises with you up high,

Samiasa!

And if I look up with a tearless eye,

And if I look up with a dry eye,

'Tis that an angel's bride disdains to weep,—

'Tis that an angel's bride refuses to cry,—

Farewell! Now rise, inexorable deep!

Goodbye! Now rise, unstoppable deep!

Anah.

And must we die?650

And do we have to die?

And must I lose thee too,

And do I have to lose you too,

Azaziel?

Oh, my heart! my heart!

Oh, my heart!

Thy prophecies were true!

Your prophecies were true!

And yet thou wert so happy too!

And yet you were so happy too!

The blow, though not unlocked for, falls as new:

The unexpected blow hits hard and feels fresh:

But yet depart!

But still, leave!

Ah! why?

Ah! Why?

Yet let me not retain thee—fly!

Yet let me not hold you back—go!

My pangs can be but brief; but thine would be660

My pain may only last a short time; but yours would be

Eternal, if repulsed from Heaven for me.

Eternal, even if cast out of Heaven for me.

Too much already hast thou deigned

Too much already have you lowered yourself

To one of Adam's race![314]

To one of Adam's kind![314]

Our doom is sorrow: not to us alone,

Our fate is sadness: not just for us,

But to the Spirits who have not disdained

But to the Spirits who have not looked down on

To love us, cometh anguish with disgrace.

To love us brings pain along with shame.

The first who taught us knowledge hath been hurled

The first person who taught us knowledge has been thrown out.

From his once archangelic throne

From his former angelic throne

Into some unknown world:

Into an unknown world:

And thou, Azaziel! No—670

And you, Azaziel! No—670

Thou shall not suffer woe

You shall not suffer woe

For me. Away! nor weep!

For me. Go away! Don't cry!

Thou canst not weep; but yet

You can’t cry; but still

May'st suffer more, not weeping: then forget

May suffer more without weeping: then forget

Her, whom the surges of the all-strangling deep

Her, whom the waves of the all-consuming sea

Can bring no pang like this. Fly! fly!

Can’t bring any pain like this. Fly! Fly!

Being gone, 'twill be less difficult to die.

Being gone, it will be less difficult to die.

Japh.

Oh say not so!

Oh, don’t say that!

Father! and thou, archangel, thou!

Dad! And you, archangel, you!

Surely celestial mercy lurks below680

Surely divine mercy lurks below

That pure severe serenity of brow:

That pure, serious calm on their face:

Let them not meet this sea without a shore,

Let them not face this sea without a shore,

Save in our ark, or let me be no more!

Save in our ark, or let me be nothing!

Noah.

Noah.

Peace, child of passion, peace!

Peace, passionate child, peace!

If not within thy heart, yet with thy tongue

If not in your heart, then with your words

Do God no wrong!

Don't wrong God!

Live as he wills it—die, when he ordains,

Live as he chooses—die when he decides,

A righteous death, unlike the seed of Cain's.

A just death, unlike the seed of Cain.

Cease, or be sorrowful in silence; cease

Cease, or be quietly sad; stop.

To weary Heaven's ear with thy selfish plaint.690

To tire Heaven's ears with your selfish complaint.690

Wouldst thou have God commit a sin for thee?

Would you have God commit a sin for you?

Such would it be

That's how it would be.

To alter his intent

To change his mind

For a mere mortal sorrow. Be a man!

For a mere mortal sorrow. Be strong!

And bear what Adam's race must bear, and can.

And endure what humanity must endure, and is capable of.

Japh.

Aye, father! but when they are gone,

Aye, father! But when they're gone,

And we are all alone,

Floating upon the azure desert, and

Floating upon the blue desert, and

The depth beneath us hides our own dear land,

The depths below us conceal our beloved land,

And dearer, silent friends and brethren, all700

And dearer, silent friends and brothers, all700

Buried in its immeasurable breast,

Buried in its vast depths,

Who, who, our tears, our shrieks, shall then command?

Who, who, will command our tears and our screams?

Can we in Desolation's peace have rest?

Can we find peace and rest in Desolation?

Oh God! be thou a God, and spare[315]

Oh God! Be a God and spare[315]

Yet while 'tis time!

But it’s time!

Renew not Adam's fall:

Mankind were then but twain,

Humans were then just two,

But they are numerous now as are the waves

But they are as numerous now as the waves.

And the tremendous rain,

And the heavy rain,

Whose drops shall be less thick than would their graves,710

Whose tears will be lighter than their graves, 710

Were graves permitted to the seed of Cain.

Were graves allowed for the descendants of Cain?

Noah. Silence, vain boy! each word of thine's a crime.

Noah. Be quiet, foolish boy! Every word you say is a mistake.

Angel! forgive this stripling's fond despair.

Angel! forgive this young one's foolish despair.

Raph. Seraphs! these mortals speak in passion: Ye!

Raph. Seraphs! These humans speak with such passion: You!

Who are, or should be, passionless and pure,

Who are, or should be, emotionless and pure,

May now return with me.

Come back with me now.

Sam.‍It may not be:

Sam. It might not be:

We have chosen, and will endure.

We have made our choice, and we will see it through.

Raph. Say'st thou?

Raph. Did you just say that?

Aza.‍He hath said it, and I say, Amen!

Aza.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.He said it, and I say, Amen!

Raph.

Raph

Again!

Then from this hour,720

Then from this hour,

Shorn as ye are of all celestial power,

Shorn as you are of all celestial power,

And aliens from your God,

And aliens from your deity,

Farewell!

Goodbye!

Japh.‍Alas! where shall they dwell?

Japh.‍Alas! where will they live?

Hark, hark! Deep sounds, and deeper still,

Hark, hark! Deep sounds, and even deeper still,

Are howling from the mountain's bosom:

Are howling from the mountain's heart:

There's not a breath of wind upon the hill,

There's not a breath of wind on the hill,

Yet quivers every leaf, and drops each blossom:

Yet every leaf trembles, and every blossom falls:

Earth groans as if beneath a heavy load.

Earth groans as if it's carrying a heavy burden.

Noah. Hark, hark! the sea-birds cry!730

Noah. Listen, listen! The sea birds are calling!730

In clouds they overspread the lurid sky,

In clouds, they covered the dark sky,

And hover round the mountain, where before

And hover around the mountain, where before

Never a white wing, wetted by the wave,

Never a white wing, soaked by the wave,

Yet dared to soar,

Yet dared to fly,

Even when the waters waxed too fierce to brave.

Even when the waters grew too rough to face.

Soon it shall be their only shore,

Soon it will be their only shore,

And then, no more!

And then, that's it!

Japh.‍The sun! the sun [157]!

The sun! The sun __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__!

He riseth, but his better light is gone;

He rises, but his better light is gone;

And a black circle, bound740

And a black circle, bound

His glaring disk around,

His glaring screen around,

Proclaims Earth's last of summer days hath shone![316]

Proclaims that the last summer days on Earth have shined![316]

The clouds return into the hues of night,

The clouds move back into the colors of night,

Save where their brazen-coloured edges streak

Save where their bold-colored edges streak

The verge where brighter morns were wont to break.

The edge where brighter mornings used to dawn.

Noah. And lo! yon flash of light,

Noah. And look! That flash of light,

The distant thunder's harbinger, appears!

The distant thunder's warning appears!

It cometh! hence, away!

It's coming! Get away!

Leave to the elements their evil prey!

Leave the elements to their wicked catch!

Hence to where our all-hallowed ark uprears750

Hence to where our sacred ark rises

Its safe and wreckless sides!

Its safe and reckless sides!

Japh. Oh, father, stay!

Oh, Dad, please stay!

Leave not my Anah to the swallowing tides!

Leave my Anah not to the engulfing waves!

Noah. Must we not leave all life to such? Begone!

Noah. Should we really let all life be left to them? Go away!

Japh.‍Not I.

Japh. Not me.

Noah.‍Then die

Noah. Then die.

With them!

How darest thou look on that prophetic sky,

How dare you look at that prophetic sky,

And seek to save what all things now condemn,

And try to preserve what everything now disapproves of,

In overwhelming unison760

In perfect harmony

With just Jehovah's wrath!

With just God's wrath!

Japh. Can rage and justice join in the same path?

Japh. Can anger and fairness go together on the same path?

Noah. Blasphemer! darest thou murmur even now!

Noah. Blasphemer! Do you dare to complain even now!

Raph. Patriarch, be still a father! smooth thy brow:

Raph. Father, please calm down! Relax your forehead:

Thy son, despite his folly, shall not sink:

Your son, despite his mistakes, won't fail:

He knows not what he says, yet shall not drink

He doesn’t know what he’s saying, yet he won’t drink.

With sobs the salt foam of the swelling waters;

With sobs, the salty foam of the rising waves;

But be, when passion passeth, good as thou,

But be, when passion fades, as good as you,

Nor perish like Heaven's children with man's daughters.

Nor fade away like Heaven's children with human daughters.

Aho. The tempest cometh; heaven and earth unite770

Aho. A storm is coming; heaven and earth come together770

For the annihilation of all life.

For the destruction of all living things.

Unequal is the strife

Unequal is the struggle

Between our strength and the Eternal Might!

Between our strength and the Eternal Power!

Sam. But ours is with thee; we will bear ye far

Sam. But we’re with you; we’ll carry you far

To some untroubled star,

To a carefree star,

Where thou, and Anah, shalt partake our lot:

Where you and Anah will share our fate:

And if thou dost not weep for thy lost earth,

And if you don't cry for your lost land,

Our forfeit Heaven shall also be forgot.

Our lost paradise will also be forgotten.

Anah. Oh! my dear father's tents, my place of birth,

Anah. Oh! my father's tents, the place where I was born,

And mountains, land, and woods! when ye are not,780

And mountains, land, and woods! When you’re not,780

Who shall dry up my tears?

Who will wipe away my tears?

Aza.‍Thy spirit-lord.

Aza. Your spirit guide.

Fear not; though we are shut from Heaven,[317]

Fear not; even though we are cut off from Heaven,[317]

Yet much is ours, whence we can not be driven.

Yet we possess much that cannot be taken from us.

Raph. Rebel! thy words are wicked, as thy deeds

Raph. Rebel! Your words are evil, just like your actions.

Shall henceforth be but weak: the flaming sword,

Shall from now on be weak: the flaming sword,

Which chased the first-born out of Paradise,

Which drove the first-born out of Paradise,

Still flashes in the angelic hands.

Aza. It cannot slay us: threaten dust with death,

Aza. It can’t kill us: threaten dust with death,

And talk of weapons unto that which bleeds.

And talk about weapons to that which bleeds.

What are thy swords in our immortal eyes?790

What are your swords in our eternal eyes?790

Raph. The moment cometh to approve thy strength;

Raph. The time has come to prove your strength;

And learn at length

And learn extensively

How vain to war with what thy God commands:

How foolish to fight against what your God commands:

Thy former force was in thy faith.

Your former strength was in your faith.

Enter Mortals, flying for refuge.

Enter mortals, seeking refuge.

Chorus of Mortals.

Human Chorus.

The heavens and earth are mingling—God! oh God!

The sky and the ground are blending—God! oh God!

What have we done? Yet spare!

What have we done? Yet, be careful!

Hark! even the forest beasts howl forth their prayer!

Listen! Even the animals in the forest howl their prayers!

The dragon crawls from out his den,

The dragon creeps out of his den,

To herd, in terror, innocent with men;

To drive innocent people together in fear with men;

And the birds scream their agony through air.800

And the birds cry out in pain through the air.800

Yet, yet, Jehovah! yet withdraw thy rod

Yet, yet, God! please take back your punishment.

Of wrath, and pity thine own world's despair!

Of anger, and feel pity for your own world's despair!

Hear not man only but all nature plead!

Hear not just man, but all of nature pleading!

Raph. Farewell, thou earth! ye wretched sons of clay,

Raph. Goodbye, earth! you miserable beings made of soil,

I cannot, must not, aid you. 'Tis decreed!

I can't, and I shouldn't, help you. It's been decided!

[Exit Raphael.

[Exit Raphael.]

Japh. Some clouds sweep on as vultures for their prey,

Japh. Some clouds drift by like vultures looking for their next meal,

While others, fixed as rocks, await the word

While others, as steady as rocks, wait for the word

At which their wrathful vials shall be poured.

At which their angry vials will be poured.

No azure more shall robe the firmament,

No blue skies will cloak the heavens,

Nor spangled stars be glorious: Death hath risen:810

Nor do the shining stars look glorious: Death has risen:810

In the Sun's place a pale and ghastly glare

In the Sun's place, a pale and ghostly glow

Hath wound itself around the dying air.

Has wrapped itself around the fading air.

Aza. Come, Anah! quit this chaos-founded prison,

Aza. Come on, Anah! Leave this chaotic prison,

To which the elements again repair,

To which the elements return again,

To turn it into what it was: beneath

To turn it back into what it was: beneath

The shelter of these wings thou shall be safe,

The shelter of these wings you will be safe,

As was the eagle's nestling once within

As the eagle's chick was once inside

Its mother's.—Let the coming chaos chafe[318]

Its mother's.—Let the upcoming chaos irritate[318]

With all its elements! Heed not their din!

With all its elements! Don’t pay attention to their noise!

A brighter world than this, where thou shalt breathe820

A brighter world than this, where you will breathe820

Ethereal life, will we explore:

Ethereal life, shall we explore:

These darkened clouds are not the only skies.

These dark clouds aren't the only skies.

[Azaziel and Samiasa fly off, and disappear
with Anah and Aholibamah.

Azaziel and Samiasa fly away with Anah and Aholibamah.

Japh. They are gone! They have disappeared amidst the roar

Japh. They’re gone! They vanished into the noise.

Of the forsaken world; and never more,

Of the abandoned world; and never again,

Whether they live, or die with all Earth's life,

Whether they live or die with all the life on Earth,

Now near its last, can aught restore

Now close to its end, can anything bring back

Anah unto these eyes.

Anah to these eyes.

Chorus of Mortals.

Human Chorus.

Oh son of Noah! mercy on thy kind!

Oh, son of Noah! Have mercy on your kind!

What! wilt thou leave us all—all—all behind?

What! Are you really going to leave us all—all behind?

While safe amidst the elemental strife,830

While safe in the chaos of nature, 830

Thou sitt'st within thy guarded ark?

You sit inside your protected vessel?

A Mother (offering her infant to Japhet).

A Mother (handing her baby to Japhet).

Oh, let this child embark!

Oh, let this child begin!

I brought him forth in woe,

I brought him into the world in sorrow,

But thought it joy

But considered it joy

To see him to my bosom clinging so.

To see him clinging to me like that.

Why was he born?

What hath he done—

What has he done—

My unweaned son—

My breastfeeding son—

To move Jehovah's wrath or scorn?

To sway Jehovah’s anger or contempt?

What is there in this milk of mine, that Death840

What’s in this milk of mine that brings Death?

Should stir all Heaven and Earth up to destroy

Should stir up all of Heaven and Earth to destroy

My boy,

My dude,

And roll the waters o'er his placid breath?

And cover the waters over his calm breath?

Save him, thou seed of Seth!

Save him, you descendant of Seth!

Or curséd be—with him who made

Or cursed be—with him who made

Thee and thy race, for which we are betrayed!

You and your kind, for whom we have been betrayed!

Japh. Peace! 'tis no hour for curses, but for prayer!

Japh. Peace! This isn't a time for curses, but for prayer!

Chorus of Mortals.

Human Chorus.

For prayer!!!

For prayers!!!

And where[319]

And where

Shall prayer ascend,850

May prayer rise, 850

When the swoln clouds unto the mountains bend

When the swollen clouds bend down toward the mountains

And burst,

And explode,

And gushing oceans every barrier rend,

And rushing oceans break through every barrier,

Until the very deserts know no thirst?

Until the very deserts feel no thirst?

Accursed

Cursed

Be he who made thee and thy sire!

Be the one who created you and your father!

We deem our curses vain; we must expire;

We consider our curses pointless; we have to die;

But as we know the worst,

Why should our hymns be raised, our knees be bent

Why should we sing our praises and bow our knees?

Before the implacable Omnipotent,860

Before the relentless Omnipotent,

Since we must fall the same?

Since we have to fall the same way?

If he hath made Earth, let it be his shame,

If he made the Earth, let it be his shame,

To make a world for torture.—Lo! they come,

To create a world for torture.—Look! they're coming,

The loathsome waters, in their rage!

The disgusting waters, in their fury!

And with their roar make wholesome nature dumb!

And with their roar, they silence the natural world!

The forest's trees (coeval with the hour

The forest's trees (contemporary with the hour

When Paradise upsprung,

When Paradise emerged,

Ere Eve gave Adam knowledge for her dower,

Eve gave Adam knowledge as her gift,

Or Adam his first hymn of slavery sung),

Or Adam sang his first song of slavery),

So massy, vast, yet green in their old age,870

So heavy, immense, yet green in their old age,870

Are overtopped,

Are overflowing,

Their summer blossoms by the surges lopped,

Their summer blooms cut down by the waves,

Which rise, and rise, and rise.

Vainly we look up to the lowering skies—

Vainly we look up to the darkening skies—

They meet the seas,

They meet the oceans,

And shut out God from our beseeching eyes.

And closed ourselves off from God, ignoring our pleading eyes.

Fly, son of Noah, fly! and take thine ease,

Fly, son of Noah, fly! and take your ease,

In thine allotted ocean-tent;

In your assigned ocean tent;

And view, all floating o'er the element,

And look, all floating over the water,

The corpses of the world of thy young days:880

The bodies from the world of your youth:880

Then to Jehovah raise

Then raise to Jehovah

Thy song of praise!

Your song of praise!

A Mortal.

A Human

Blesséd are the dead

Blessed are the dead

Who die in the Lord!

Who dies in the Lord!

And though the waters be o'er earth outspread,

And even though the waters cover the earth,

Yet, as his word,

Yet, as his word,

Be the decree adored!

Love the decree!

He gave me life—he taketh but

He gave me life—he takes it away but

The breath which is his own:

The breath that is his own:

And though these eyes should be for ever shut,890[320]

And even if these eyes were to be closed forever,890[320]

Nor longer this weak voice before his throne

No longer this weak voice before his throne

Be heard in supplicating tone,

Speak humbly.

Still blessed be the Lord,

For what is past,

For what has passed,

For that which is:

For what is:

For all are his,

For everyone belongs to him,

From first to last—

From start to finish—

Time—Space—Eternity—Life—Death—

The vast known and immeasurable unknown.

The vast known and the limitless unknown.

He made, and can unmake;900

He created and can destroy;

And shall I, for a little gasp of breath,

And should I, for a quick breath,

Blaspheme and groan?

Cursing and moaning?

No; let me die, as I have lived, in faith,

No; let me die, just like I lived, in faith,

Nor quiver, though the Universe may quake!

Nor shake, even if the Universe trembles!

Chorus of Mortals.

Chorus of Humans.

Where shall we fly?

Where should we fly?

Not to the mountains high;

Not to the high mountains;

For now their torrents rush, with double roar,

For now their streams rush, with double roar,

To meet the Ocean, which, advancing still,

To reach the Ocean, which is still moving forward,

Already grasps each drowning hill,

Already understands every sinking hill,

Nor leaves an unsearched cave.910

Nor leaves an unexamined cave.910

Enter a Woman.

Woman.

Woman.

Oh, save me, save!

Oh, help me, please!

Our valley is no more:

Our valley is gone:

My father and my father's tent,

My dad and my dad's tent,

My brethren and my brethren's herds,

My brothers and my brothers' herds,

The pleasant trees that o'er our noonday bent,

The nice trees that leaned over us at noon,

And sent forth evening songs from sweetest birds,

And sent out evening songs from the sweetest birds,

The little rivulet which freshened all

The little stream that refreshed all

Our pastures green,

Our green pastures,

No more are to be seen.

Nothing more can be seen.

When to the mountain cliff I climbed this morn,920

When I climbed the mountain cliff this morning, 920

I turned to bless the spot,

I turned to bless the place,

And not a leaf appeared about to fall;—

And not a single leaf seemed ready to fall;—

And now they are not!—

And now they aren't!—

Why was I born?

Japh.

Japh.

To die! in youth to die!

To die! To die young!

And happier in that doom,[321]

Than to behold the universal tomb,

Than to see the whole world as a grave,

Which I

Am thus condemned to weep above in vain.

Am thus condemned to weep up here in vain.

Why, when all perish, why must I remain?

Why, when everyone else is gone, must I be the only one left?

[The waters rise; Men fly in every direction; many are overtaken by the waves: the Chorus of Mortals disperses in search of safety up the mountains: Japhet remains upon a rock, while the Ark floats towards him in the distance.[158]

The waters are rising; people are running in every direction; many are caught by the waves: the Chorus of Mortals scatters, looking for safety in the mountains: Japhet stays on a rock, while the Ark floats toward him in the distance.[158]

FOOTNOTES:

[138] {285}[Aholibamah ("tent of the highest") was daughter of Anah (a Hivite clan-name), the daughter of Zibeon, Esau's wife, Gen. xxxvi. 14. Irad was the son of Enoch, and grandson of Cain, Gen. iv. 18.]

[138] {285}[Aholibamah ("tent of the highest") was the daughter of Anah (a Hivite clan-name), who was the daughter of Zibeon, and Esau's wife, Gen. xxxvi. 14. Irad was the son of Enoch and the grandson of Cain, Gen. iv. 18.]

[139] {286}[Compare Manfred, act i. sc. I, line 131, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 89, and note i.]

[139] {286}[See Manfred, act 1, scene 1, line 131, Collected Poems, 1901, iv. 89, and note i.]

[140] The archangels, said to be seven in number, and to occupy the eighth rank in the celestial hierarchy.

[140] The archangels, believed to be seven in total, hold the eighth position in the celestial hierarchy.

[Compare Tobit xii. 15, "I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels which present the prayers of the saints." The Book of Enoch (ch. xx.) names the other archangels, "Uriel, Rufael, Raguel, Michael, Saraqâêl, and Gabriel, who is over Paradise and the serpents and the cherubin." In the Celestial Hierarchy of Dionysius the Areopagite, a chapter is devoted to archangels, but their names are not recorded, or their number given. On the other hand, "The teaching of the oracles concerning the angels affirms that they are thousand thousands and myriad myriads."—Celestial Hierarchy, etc., translated by the Rev. J. Parker, 1894, cap. xiv. p. 43. It has been supposed that "the seven which are the eyes of the Lord" (Zech. iv. 10) are the seven archangels.]

[Compare Tobit 12:15, "I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints." The Book of Enoch (ch. 20) lists the other archangels: "Uriel, Rufael, Raguel, Michael, Saraqâêl, and Gabriel, who oversees Paradise, the serpents, and the cherubim." In the Celestial Hierarchy by Dionysius the Areopagite, there's a chapter about archangels, but their names and the number of them aren’t recorded. On the other hand, "The teaching of the oracles about the angels states that they are thousands upon thousands and myriad myriads."—Celestial Hierarchy, etc., translated by the Rev. J. Parker, 1894, ch. 14, p. 43. It has been suggested that "the seven that are the eyes of the Lord" (Zech. 4:10) refer to the seven archangels.]

[141] {289}["The adepts of Incantation ... enter the realms of air, and by their spells they scatter the clouds, they gather the clouds, they still the storm.... We may adduce Ovid (Amor., bk. ii., El., i. 23), who says, 'Charmers draw down the horns of the blood-red moon,' ... Here it is to be observed that in the opinion of simple-minded persons, the moon could be actually drawn down from heaven. So Aristophanes says (Clouds, lines 739, 740), 'If I should purchase a Thessalian witch, and draw down the moon by night;' and Claudian (In Ruffin., bk. i. 145), 'I know by what spell the Thessalian sorceress snatches away the lunar beam.'"—Magic Incantations, by Christianus Pazig (circ. 1700), edited by Edmund Goldsmid, F.R.H.S., F.S.A. (Scot.), 1886, pp. 30, 31. See, too, Virgil, Eclogues, viii. 69, "Carmina vel cœlo possunt de ducere Lunam."]

[141] {289}["The masters of Incantation ... navigate the skies, and with their spells, they disperse the clouds, gather the clouds, and calm the storm.... We can reference Ovid (Amor., bk. ii., El., i. 23), who says, 'Charmers bring down the horns of the blood-red moon,' ... It's worth noting that, in the eyes of naive individuals, the moon could actually be pulled down from the heavens. Aristophanes states (Clouds, lines 739, 740), 'If I were to buy a Thessalian witch, and bring down the moon at night;' and Claudian (In Ruffin., bk. i. 145), 'I know what spell the Thessalian sorceress uses to steal the moonlight.'"—Magic Incantations, by Christianus Pazig (circa 1700), edited by Edmund Goldsmid, F.R.H.S., F.S.A. (Scot.), 1886, pp. 30, 31. See also Virgil, Eclogues, viii. 69, "Songs can even draw down the Moon from the sky."]

[142] {291}["Tubal-Cain [the seventh in descent from Cain] was an instructor of every artificer of brass and iron" (Gen. iv. 22). According to the Book of Enoch, cap. viii., it was "Azazel," one of the "sons of the heavens," who "taught men to make swords, and knives, and skins, and coats of mail, and made known to them metals, and the art of working them, bracelets and ornaments, and the use of antimony, and the beautifying of the eyebrows, and the most costly and choicest stones, and all colouring tincture, so that the world was changed."]

[142] {291}["Tubal-Cain [the seventh generation from Cain] was a teacher of every craftsman in brass and iron" (Gen. iv. 22). According to the Book of Enoch, cap. viii., it was "Azazel," one of the "sons of the heavens," who "taught people to create swords, knives, skins, coats of armor, and revealed to them the metals and how to work with them, as well as bracelets and jewelry, the use of antimony, enhancing eyebrows, and the most precious stones, along with all coloring dyes, which transformed the world."]

[143] [Vide post, p 294.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [See post, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__]

[144] {294}[Byron's knowledge of Mount Ararat was probably derived from the following passage in Tournefort: "It is a most frightful sight; David might well say such sort of places show the grandeur of the Lord. One can't but tremble to behold it; and to look on the horrible precipices ever so little will make the head turn round. The noise made by a vast number of crows [hence the 'rushing sound,' vide post, p. 295], who are continually flying from one side to the other, has something in it very frightful. To form any idea of this place you must imagine one of the highest mountains in the world opening its bosom, only to show the most horrible spectacle that can be thought of. All the precipices are perpendicular, and the extremities are rough and blackish, as if a smoke came out of the sides and smutted them."—A Voyage in the Levant, by M. [Joseph Pitton de] Tournefort, 1741, iii. 205, 206.

[144] {294}[Byron likely learned about Mount Ararat from this passage in Tournefort: "It's an incredibly terrifying sight; David might have said that such places reveal the greatness of the Lord. One can't help but feel a shiver when seeing it; even a brief look at the awful cliffs can make you dizzy. The noise created by a huge flock of crows [hence the 'rushing sound,' see below, p. 295], constantly flying back and forth, is quite frightening. To imagine this place, picture one of the tallest mountains in the world opening up just to reveal the most horrific view you could think of. All the cliffs are straight down, and the edges are rough and dark, as if smoke were billowing out of the sides and blackening them."—A Voyage in the Levant, by M. [Joseph Pitton de] Tournefort, 1741, iii. 205, 206.

Kitto also describes this "vast chasm," which contained "an enormous mass of ice, which seems to have fallen from a cliff that overhangs the ice" (Travels in Persia, 1846, i. 34); but Professor Friedrich Parrot, who was the first to ascend Mount Ararat, does not enlarge upon the "abyss" or chasm.—Journey to Ararat, translated by W. D. Cowley, 1845, p. 134.]

Kitto also talks about this "huge chasm," which held "a massive chunk of ice that appears to have fallen from a cliff above it" (Travels in Persia, 1846, i. 34); however, Professor Friedrich Parrot, who was the first to climb Mount Ararat, doesn’t elaborate on the "abyss" or chasm.—Journey to Ararat, translated by W. D. Cowley, 1845, p. 134.]

[145] [Compare the description of the "roots like snakes," which "wind out from rock and sand," in the scene on the Hartz Mountains in Goethe's Faust.]

[145] [Check out the description of the "roots like snakes," which "twist out from rock and sand," in the scene on the Hartz Mountains in Goethe's Faust.]

[146] {296} [Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 233) compares the laughter of the fiends in the cave of Caucasus with the snoring of the Furies in the Eumenides of Æschylus—

Ῥέγκουσι δ' oὐ πλατοῖσι φυσιάμασιν (line 53).

Ῥέγκουσι δ' oὐ πλατοῖσι фυσιάμασιν (line 53).

("Their snoring nostrils blow fearsome breath.")

("Their snoring nostrils release a terrifying breath.")

There is a closer parallel with—

Γελᾶ δὲ δαίμων ἐπ' ἀνδρὶ θερμῶ (line 560).

But a vibe went to the man (line 560).

("The spirit mocketh the headlong soul.")]

"The spirit mocks the reckless soul."

[147] {297}[Matthew Arnold, Poetry of Byron, 1881, xiv., xv., quotes this line in proof of Byron's barbarian insensibility, "to the true artist's fine passion for the correct use and consummate management of words."]

[147] {297}[Matthew Arnold, Poetry of Byron, 1881, xiv., xv., quotes this line as evidence of Byron's lack of sensitivity, "to the true artist's deep passion for the precise use and masterful handling of words."]

[148] {300} "[And] there were giants in the earth in those days; and ... after, ... mighty men, which were of old, men of renown."—Genesis [vi. 4].

[148] {300} "[And] there were giants on the earth in those days; and ... later, ... mighty men, who were of old, men of renown."—Genesis [vi. 4].

[149] "The same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened."—Genesis [vii. II].

[149] "On the same day, all the springs of the great deep burst open, and the floodgates of heaven were opened."—Genesis [vii. II].

[150] {301}[Byron falls in with the popular theory as to the existence of fossil remains of marine animals at a height above the level of the sea. The "deluge" accounted for what was otherwise inexplicable.]

[150] {301}[Byron agrees with the common belief regarding the presence of fossil remains of sea creatures at an elevation above sea level. The "flood" explained what would otherwise be unexplainable.]

[151] {302} The book of Enoch, preserved by the Ethiopians, is said by them to be anterior to the flood.

[151] {302} The book of Enoch, kept by the Ethiopians, is claimed by them to be from before the flood.

[Some fragments of the Book of Enoch (vide ante, Introduction to Heaven and Earth, p. 281), which were included by Georgius Syncellus (a Byzantine writer of the eighth century A.D.) in his Chronographia, pp. ii, 26 (Corpus Script. Hist. Byzantintæ, 1829, i. 20), were printed by J. J. Scaliger in 1606. They were, afterwards, included (i. 347-354) in the Spicilegium SS. Patrum of Joannes Ernestus Grabius, which was published at Oxford in 1714. A year after (1715) one of the fragments was "made English," and published under the title of The History of the Angels and their Gallantry with the Daughters of Men, written by Enoch the Patriarch.

[Some fragments of the Book of Enoch (see earlier, Introduction to Heaven and Earth, p. 281), which were included by Georgius Syncellus (a Byzantine writer from the eighth century A.D.) in his Chronographia, pp. ii, 26 (Corpus Script. Hist. Byzantintæ, 1829, i. 20), were printed by J. J. Scaliger in 1606. They were later included (i. 347-354) in the Spicilegium SS. Patrum by Joannes Ernestus Grabius, published at Oxford in 1714. A year later (1715), one of the fragments was translated into English and published under the title The History of the Angels and their Gallantry with the Daughters of Men, written by Enoch the Patriarch.]

In 1785 James Bruce, the traveller, discovered three MSS. of the Book of Enoch. One he conveyed to the library at Paris: a second MS. he presented to the Bodleian Library at Oxford (Travels, ii. 422, 8vo ed. 1805). In 1801 an article entitled, "Notice du Libre d'Enoch," was contributed by Silvestre de Sacy to the Magasin Encyclopédique (An. vi. tom. i. p. 369); and in 1821 Richard Laurence, LL.D., published a translation "from the Ethiopic MS. in the Bodleian Library." This was the first translation of the book as a whole.

In 1785, traveler James Bruce found three manuscripts of the Book of Enoch. He took one to the library in Paris, and he donated a second manuscript to the Bodleian Library at Oxford (Travels, ii. 422, 8vo ed. 1805). In 1801, Silvestre de Sacy contributed an article titled "Notice du Libre d'Enoch" to the Magasin Encyclopédique (An. vi. tom. i. p. 369). Then, in 1821, Richard Laurence, LL.D., published a translation "from the Ethiopic MS. in the Bodleian Library." This was the first complete translation of the book.

The following extracts, which were evidently within Byron's recollection when he planned Heaven and Earth, are taken from The Book of Enoch, translated from Professor Dillman's Ethiopic Text, by R. H. Charles, Oxford, 1892:—

The following excerpts, which clearly were in Byron's memory when he devised Heaven and Earth, are taken from The Book of Enoch, translated from Professor Dillman's Ethiopic Text by R. H. Charles, Oxford, 1892:—

"Chap. vi. [1. And it came to pass when the children of men had multiplied in those days that beautiful and comely daughters were born unto them. [2. And the angels, the sons of the Heavens, saw and lusted after them, and spake one to another, 'Come now, let us choose us wives from among the children of men, and beget children.' [3. And Semjâzâ, who was the leader, spake unto them: I fear ye will not indeed agree to do this deed.... [6. And they descended in the days of Jared on the summit of Mount Hermon....

"Chap. vi. [1. It happened that as humanity grew in those days, beautiful and attractive daughters were born to them. [2. And the angels, the sons of Heaven, saw them and desired them, saying to each other, 'Come on, let’s choose wives for ourselves from among humans and have children.' [3. And Semjâzâ, the leader, spoke to them: I’m worried that you may not really agree to do this... [6. And they descended in the days of Jared to the top of Mount Hermon....

"Chap. viii. [i. And Azâzêl taught men to make swords, etc.

"Chap. viii. [i. And Azâzêl taught people how to make swords, etc.

"Chap. x. Then spake the Most High, the Great, the Holy One, and sent Arsjalâljûr (= Uriel) to the son of Lamech, and said to him, 'Tell him in My Name to hide thyself!' and reveal to him that the end is approaching; for the whole earth will be destroyed, and a deluge will presently cover up the whole earth, and all that is in it will be destroyed. [3. And now instruct him that he may escape, as his seed may be preserved for all generations. [4. And again the Lord spake to Rafael; Bind Azâzêl hand and foot, and place him in darkness; make an opening in the desert which is in Dudâêl and place him therein. [5. And place upon him rough and ragged rocks," etc.]

"Chap. x. Then the Most High, the Great, the Holy One spoke and sent Arsjalâljûr (Uriel) to the son of Lamech, saying, 'Tell him in My Name to hide himself!' and let him know that the end is near; the entire earth will be destroyed, and a flood will soon cover the whole earth, and everything in it will perish. [3. Now instruct him so he can escape, as his lineage may be preserved for all future generations. [4. Once more, the Lord spoke to Rafael; Bind Azâzêl hand and foot, and put him in darkness; make an opening in the wilderness that is in Dudâêl and place him there. [5. And cover him with rough and jagged rocks," etc.]

[152] {306}[This does not correspond with Cain's statement—"After the fall too soon was I begotten," Cain, act. iii. sc. I, line 506 (vide ante).

[152] {306}[This doesn't match what Cain said—"I was born too soon after the fall," Cain, act. iii. sc. I, line 506 (see earlier).

Bayle (Hist. and Crit. Dict., 1735, art. "Eve," note B) has a great deal to say with regard to the exact date of the birth of Cain. He concludes with Cornelius à Lapide, who quotes Torniellus, "Cain genitum ease mox post expulsionem Adee et Evæ ex Paradiso."]

Bayle (Hist. and Crit. Dict., 1735, art. "Eve," note B) discusses extensively the exact date of Cain's birth. He concludes with Cornelius à Lapide, who cites Torniellus, stating, "Cain was born soon after Adam and Eve were expelled from Paradise."

[153] {309}[Byron said that it was difficult to make Lucifer talk "like a clergyman." He contrived to make Noah talk like a street-preacher.]

[153] {309}[Byron mentioned that it was hard to get Lucifer to speak "like a clergyman." He managed to make Noah sound like a street-preacher.]

[154] [In the original MS. "Michael."—"I return you," says Byron, "the revise. I have softened the part to which Gifford objected, and changed the name of Michael to Raphael, who was an angel of gentler sympathies."—July 6, 1822, Letters, vi. 93.]

[154] [In the original MS. "Michael."—"I’m sending you back," says Byron, "the revised version. I have toned down the section that Gifford had an issue with, and changed the name from Michael to Raphael, who was an angel with more gentle sympathies."—July 6, 1822, Letters, vi. 93.]

[155] {311}[That is, "to call you back." His ministry and function of clemency were almost as dear to him as his ministry and function of adoration and obedience.]

[155] {311}[That is, "to call you back." His role and duty of kindness meant as much to him as his role and duty of worship and respect.]

[156] [For the connection of stars with angels, see Book of Enoch, xxv. 1.]

[156] [For the link between stars and angels, see Book of Enoch, xxv. 1.]

[157] {315}[Compare Darkness, lines 2-5, Poetical Works, 1891, iv. 42, 43.]

[157] {315}[See Darkness, lines 2-5, Poetical Works, 1891, iv. 42, 43.]

[158] {321}[Sketch of Second Part of Heaven and Earth, as reported by Medwin (Conversations, 1824, pp. 234-237)—

"Azazael and Samiasa ... rise into the air with the two sisters.... The appearance of the land strangled by the ocean will serve by way of scenery and decorations. The affectionate tenderness of Adah for those from whom she is parted, and for ever, and her fears contrasting with the loftier spirit of Aholibamah triumphing in the hopes of a new and greater destiny will make the dialogue. They, in the meantime, continue their aërial voyage, everywhere denied admittance in those floating islands over the sea of space, and driven back by guardian-spirits of the different planets, till they are at length forced to alight on the only peak of the earth uncovered by water. Here a parting takes place between the lovers.... The fallen angels are suddenly called, and condemned, their destination and punishment unknown. The sisters cling to the rock, the waters mounting higher and higher. Now enter Ark. The scene draws up, and discovers Japhet endeavouring to persuade the Patriarch, with very strong arguments of love and pity, to receive the sisters, or at least Adah, on board. Adah joins in his entreaties, and endeavours to cling to the sides of the vessel. The proud and haughty Aholibamah scorns to pray either to God or man, and anticipates the grave by plunging into the waters. Noah is still inexorable. [Adah] is momentarily in danger of perishing before the eyes of the Arkites. Japhet is in despair. The last wave sweeps her from the rock, and her lifeless corpse floats past in all its beauty, whilst a sea-bird screams over it, and seems to be the spirit of her angel lord. I once thought of conveying the lovers to the moon or one of the planets; but it is not easy for the imagination to make any unknown world more beautiful than this; besides, I did not think they would approve of the moon as a residence. I remember what Fontenelle said of its having no atmosphere, and the dark spots having caverns where the inhabitants reside. There was another objection: all the human interest would have been destroyed, which I have even endeavoured to give my angels."]

"Azazael and Samiasa ... rise into the air with the two sisters.... The landscape choked by the ocean serves as the backdrop. Adah's deep affection for those she’s separated from, forever, contrasts with Aholibamah's higher spirit, filled with hopes for a new and greater destiny. The dialogue unfolds between them. In the meantime, they continue their aerial journey, consistently denied entry to the floating islands above the sea of space, pushed back by the guardian spirits of various planets, until they finally must land on the only part of the earth that isn’t submerged. Here, a separation occurs between the lovers.... The fallen angels are suddenly summoned and condemned, with their fate and punishment unknown. The sisters cling to the rock as the waters rise higher and higher. Now enters the Ark. The scene shifts to Japhet trying to persuade the Patriarch, using passionate arguments of love and compassion, to allow the sisters, especially Adah, on board. Adah joins in pleading and tries to hold onto the sides of the vessel. The proud and defiant Aholibamah refuses to pray to either God or man, anticipating death by plunging into the waters. Noah remains resolute. [Adah] is in imminent danger of drowning before the eyes of those in the Ark. Japhet is in despair. The final wave washes her off the rock, and her lifeless body drifts by in all its beauty, while a sea bird cries out above it, seeming to be the spirit of her angel lord. I once considered sending the lovers to the moon or one of the planets; but it’s hard for the imagination to envision any unknown world being more beautiful than this; besides, I doubted they would like the moon as a home. I remember Fontenelle saying it has no atmosphere, and the dark spots are caverns where the inhabitants live. There was another drawback: all the human interest would have been lost, which I have even tried to instill in my angels."]

[322]

[323]

WERNER
or,
THE INHERITANCE:
A tragedy.

[324]

[Werner was produced, for the first time, at the Park Theatre, New York, in 1826. Mr. Barry played "Werner."

[Werner was performed for the first time at the Park Theatre, New York, in 1826. Mr. Barry played the role of "Werner."]

Werner was brought out at Drury Lane Theatre, and played, for the first time, December 15, 1830. Macready appeared as "Werner," J. W. Wallack as "Ulric," Mrs. Faucit as "Josephine," and Miss Mordaunt as "Ida." According to the Times, December 16, 1830, "Mr. Macready appeared to very great advantage. We have never seen him exert himself more—we have never known him to exert himself with more powerful effect. Three of his scenes were masterpieces." Genest says that Werner was acted seventeen times in 1830-31.

Werner premiered at Drury Lane Theatre on December 15, 1830. Macready took on the role of "Werner," J. W. Wallack played "Ulric," Mrs. Faucit was "Josephine," and Miss Mordaunt portrayed "Ida." According to the Times on December 16, 1830, "Mr. Macready was outstanding. We’ve never seen him work harder—he hasn’t had a more powerful impact than this. Three of his scenes were exceptional." Genest notes that Werner was performed seventeen times in 1830-31.

There was a revival in 1833. Macready says (Diary, March 20) that he acted "'Werner' with unusual force, truth, and collectedness ... finished off each burst of passion, and, in consequence, entered on the following emotion with clearness and earnestness" (Macready's Reminiscences, 1875, i 36.6).

There was a revival in 1833. Macready says (Diary, March 20) that he acted "'Werner' with remarkable intensity, authenticity, and focus ... he wrapped up each surge of emotion, and as a result, moved into the next feeling with clarity and sincerity" (Macready's Reminiscences, 1875, i 36.6).

Werner was played in 1834, 5, 6, 7, 9; in 1841; in 1843-4 (New York, Boston, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Montreal); in 1845 (Paris, London, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin); in 1846, 1847; in America in 1848; in the provinces in 1849; in 1850; and, for the last time, at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, January 14, 1851. At the farewell performance Macready appeared as "Werner," Mr. Davenport as "Ulric," Mrs. Warner as "Josephine," Mrs. Ryder as "Ida." In the same year (1851) a portrait of Macready as "Werner," by Daniel Maclise, R.A., was on view at the Exhibition at the Royal Academy. The motto was taken from Werner, act i. sc. 1, lines 114, sq. (See, for a detailed criticism of Macready's "Werner," Our Recent Actors, by Westland Marston, 1881, i. 89-98; and for the famous "Macready burst," in act ii. sc. 2, and act v. sc. 1, vide ibid., i. 97.)

Werner was performed in 1834, 5, 6, 7, 9; in 1841; in 1843-4 (New York, Boston, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Montreal); in 1845 (Paris, London, Glasgow, Belfast, Dublin); in 1846, 1847; in America in 1848; in the provinces in 1849; in 1850; and, for the last time, at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket, January 14, 1851. At the farewell performance, Macready played "Werner," Mr. Davenport played "Ulric," Mrs. Warner played "Josephine," and Mrs. Ryder played "Ida." In the same year (1851), a portrait of Macready as "Werner," by Daniel Maclise, R.A., was displayed at the Royal Academy Exhibition. The motto was taken from Werner, act i. sc. 1, lines 114, sq. (See, for a detailed critique of Macready's "Werner," Our Recent Actors, by Westland Marston, 1881, i. 89-98; and for the famous "Macready burst," in act ii. sc. 2, and act v. sc. 1, vide ibid., i. 97.)

Werner was brought out at Sadler's Wells Theatre, November 21, 1860, and repeated November 22, 23, 24, 28, 29; December, 3, 4, 11, 13, 14, 1860. Phelps appeared as "Werner," Mr. Edmund Phelps as "Ulric," Miss Atkinson as "Josephine." "Perhaps the old actor never performed the part so finely as he did on that night. The identity between the real and ideal relations of the characters was as vivid to him as to the audience, and gave a deeper intensity, on both sides, to the scenes between father and son." (See The London Stage, by H. Barton Baker, 1889, ii. 217.)

Werner debuted at Sadler's Wells Theatre on November 21, 1860, with additional performances on November 22, 23, 24, 28, 29; December 3, 4, 11, 13, and 14, 1860. Phelps played "Werner," Mr. Edmund Phelps played "Ulric," and Miss Atkinson played "Josephine." "Maybe the old actor never performed the role as well as he did that night. The connection between the real and ideal relationships of the characters was as clear to him as it was to the audience, adding a deeper intensity to the scenes between father and son." (See The London Stage, by H. Barton Baker, 1889, ii. 217.)

On the afternoon of June 1, 1887, Werner (four acts, arranged by Frank Marshall) was performed at the Lyceum Theatre for the benefit of Westland Marston. [Sir] Henry Irving appeared as "Werner," Miss Ellen Terry as "Josephine," Mr. Alexander as "Ulric." (See for an appreciation of Sir Henry Irving's presentation of Werner, the Athenæum, June 4, 1887.)]

On the afternoon of June 1, 1887, Werner (four acts, arranged by Frank Marshall) was performed at the Lyceum Theatre to benefit Westland Marston. [Sir] Henry Irving played "Werner," Miss Ellen Terry played "Josephine," and Mr. Alexander played "Ulric." (See the Athenæum, June 4, 1887, for a review of Sir Henry Irving's performance of Werner.)

[325]

INTRODUCTION TO WERNER.

Werner; or, The Inheritance, was begun at Pisa, December 18, 1821, and finished January 20, 1822. At the end of the month, January 29, Byron despatched the MS., not to Murray, but to Moore, then in retreat at Paris, intending, no doubt, that it should be placed in the hands of another publisher; but a letter from Murray "melted him," and on March 6, 1822 (Letters, 1901, vi. 34), he desired Moore to forward the packet to Albemarle Street. The play was set up in type, and revised proofs were returned to Murray at the end of June; but, for various reasons, publication was withheld, and, on October 31, Byron informed John Hunt that he had empowered his friend Douglas Kinnaird to obtain Werner, with other MSS., from Murray. None the less, milder counsels again prevailed, and on Saturday, November 23, 1822, Werner was published, not in the same volume with Heaven and Earth, as Byron intended and expected, nor by John Hunt, as he had threatened, but by itself, and, as heretofore, by John Murray. Werner was "the last of all the flock" to issue from Murray's fold.

Werner; or, The Inheritance was started in Pisa on December 18, 1821, and finished on January 20, 1822. At the end of the month, on January 29, Byron sent the manuscript, not to Murray, but to Moore, who was in retreat in Paris, likely intending for it to be given to a different publisher. However, a letter from Murray "melted him," and on March 6, 1822 (Letters, 1901, vi. 34), he asked Moore to send the packet to Albemarle Street. The play was typeset, and revised proofs were sent back to Murray by the end of June. But for various reasons, the publication was delayed, and on October 31, Byron told John Hunt that he had authorized his friend Douglas Kinnaird to retrieve Werner and other manuscripts from Murray. Nevertheless, calmer advice prevailed again, and on Saturday, November 23, 1822, Werner was published, not in the same volume with Heaven and Earth, as Byron had intended and expected, nor by John Hunt, as he had threatened, but on its own, and once again, by John Murray. Werner was "the last of all the flock" to come out of Murray's collection.

In his Preface to Werner (vide post, p. 337) Byron disclaims all pretensions to originality. "The following drama," he writes, "is taken entirely from the 'German's Tale, Kruitzner,' published ... in Lee's Canterbury Tales.... I have adopted the characters, plan, and even the language, of many parts of this story." Kruitzner seems to have made a deep impression on his mind. When he was a boy of thirteen (i.e. in 1801, when the fourth volume of the Canterbury Tales was published), and again in 1815, he set himself to turn the tale into a drama. His first attempt, named Ulric and Ilvina, he threw into the fire, but he had nearly completed the first act of his second and maturer adaptation when he was "interrupted by circumstances," that is, no doubt, the circumstances which led up to and ended in[326] the separation from his wife. (See letter of October 9, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 391.)

In his Preface to Werner (vide post, p. 337), Byron denies any claims to originality. "The following drama," he writes, "is completely based on the 'German's Tale, Kruitzner,' published ... in Lee's Canterbury Tales.... I have taken the characters, the plot, and even the language from many parts of this story." Kruitzner seems to have left a strong impression on him. When he was thirteen years old (i.e. in 1801, when the fourth volume of the Canterbury Tales was published), and again in 1815, he tried to adapt the tale into a drama. He burned his first attempt, titled Ulric and Ilvina, but he had almost finished the first act of his second and more developed adaptation when he was "interrupted by circumstances," which, no doubt, refer to the events that led to and resulted in[326] his separation from his wife. (See letter of October 9, 1821, Letters, 1901, v. 391.)

On his leaving England for the Continent, April 25, 1816, the fragment was left behind. Most probably the MS. fell into his sister's hands, for in October, 1821, it was not forthcoming when Byron gave directions that Hobhouse should search for it "amongst my papers." Ultimately it came into the possession of the late Mr. Murray, and is now printed for the first time in its entirety (vide post, pp. 453-466: selections were given in the Nineteenth Century, August, 1899). It should be borne in mind that this unprinted first act of Werner, which synchronizes with the Siege of Corinth and Parisina, was written when Byron was a member of the sub-committee of management of Drury Lane Theatre, and, as the numerous stage directions testify, with a view to stage-representation. The MS. is scored with corrections, and betrays an unusual elaboration, and, perhaps, some difficulty and hesitation in the choice of words and the construction of sentences. In the opening scene the situation is not caught and gripped, while the melancholy squalor of the original narrative is only too faithfully reproduced. The Werner of 1821, with all its shortcomings, is the production of a playwright. The Werner of 1815 is the attempt of a highly gifted amateur.

On his departure from England to the Continent on April 25, 1816, the fragment was left behind. It likely ended up in his sister's possession since, in October 1821, it wasn't available when Byron instructed Hobhouse to look for it "among my papers." Eventually, it came into the hands of the late Mr. Murray and is now published for the first time in full (vide post, pp. 453-466: selections were published in the Nineteenth Century, August 1899). It's important to remember that this unpublished first act of Werner, which coincides with the Siege of Corinth and Parisina, was written while Byron was part of the management sub-committee of Drury Lane Theatre, and, as the many stage directions indicate, with the intention of being performed on stage. The manuscript is filled with corrections and shows considerable detail, along with some difficulty and uncertainty in word choice and sentence structure. In the opening scene, the situation isn’t fully captured, while the gloomy bleakness of the original story is reproduced all too faithfully. The Werner of 1821, despite its flaws, is the work of a playwright. The Werner of 1815 is the effort of a highly talented amateur.

When Byron once more bethought himself of his old subject, he not only sent for the MS. of the first act, but desired Murray "to cut out Sophia Lee's" (vide post, p. 337) "German's Tale from the Canterbury Tales, and send it in a letter" (Letters, 1901, v. 390). He seems to have intended from the first to construct a drama out of the story, and, no doubt, to acknowledge the source of his inspiration. On the whole, he carried out his intention, taking places, characters, and incidents as he found them, but recasting the materials and turning prose into metre. But here and there, to save himself trouble, he "stole his brooms ready made," and, as he acknowledges in the Preface, "adopted even the language of the story." Act ii. sc. 2, lines 87-172; act iii. sc. 4; and act v. sc. 1, lines 94-479, are, more or less, faithful and exact reproductions of pp. 203-206, 228-232, and 252-271 of the novel (see Canterbury Tales, ed. 1832, vol. ii.). On the other hand, in the remaining three-fourths of the play, the language is not Miss Lee's, but Byron's, and the "conveyance" of incidents occasional and insignificant. Much, too, was imported into the play (e.g. almost the whole of the fourth act), of which there is neither hint nor suggestion in the story. Maginn's categorical statement (see "O'Doherty on Werner," Miscellanies, 1885, i. 189) that "here Lord Byron has invented[327] nothing—absolutely, positively, undeniably nothing;" that "there is not one incident in his play, not even the most trivial, that is not to be found in the novel," etc., is "positively and undeniably" a falsehood. Maginn read Werner for the purpose of attacking Byron, and, by printing selected passages from the novel and the play, in parallel columns, gives the reader to understand that he had made an exhaustive analysis of the original and the copy. The review, which is quoted as an authority in the editions of 1832 (xiv. pp. 113, 114) and 1837, etc., p. 341, is disingenuous and misleading.

When Byron revisited his previous topic, he not only requested the manuscript of the first act but also asked Murray to remove Sophia Lee's "German's Tale" from the Canterbury Tales and send it in a letter. He seems to have planned from the beginning to create a drama based on the story, and he likely intended to acknowledge his source of inspiration. Overall, he followed through with his plan, taking locations, characters, and events as they were, but he reworked the material and transformed prose into verse. However, at times, to make things easier for himself, he "borrowed his brooms ready-made," and, as he admits in the Preface, "even adopted the language of the story." Act ii. sc. 2, lines 87-172; act iii. sc. 4; and act v. sc. 1, lines 94-479 are, to varying degrees, faithful and accurate reproductions of pages 203-206, 228-232, and 252-271 of the novel (see Canterbury Tales, ed. 1832, vol. ii.). Conversely, in the remaining three-fourths of the play, the language belongs to Byron, not Miss Lee, and the incorporation of incidents is occasional and minor. Additionally, much was added to the play (for example, almost the entire fourth act) that has no mention or suggestion in the story. Maginn's definitive claim that "here Lord Byron has invented nothing—absolutely, positively, undeniably nothing;" and that "there is not one incident in his play, not even the most trivial, that is not to be found in the novel," etc., is "positively and undeniably" false. Maginn read Werner with the intention of criticizing Byron, and by presenting selected excerpts from the novel and the play side by side, he implies that he conducted a thorough analysis of the original and the copy. The review, cited as an authority in the editions of 1832 (xiv. pp. 113, 114) and 1837, etc., p. 341, is deceptive and misleading.

The original story may be briefly retold. The prodigal and outlawed son of a Bohemian noble, Count Siegendorf, after various adventures, marries, under the assumed name of Friedrich Kruitzner, the daughter of an Italian scholar and man of science, of noble birth, but in narrow circumstances. A son, Conrad, is born to him, who, at eight years of age, is transferred to the charge of his grandfather. Twelve years go by, and, when the fortunes of the younger Siegendorf are at their lowest ebb, he learns, at the same moment, that his father is dead, and that a distant kinsman, the Baron Stralenheim, is meditating an attack on his person, with a view to claiming his inheritance. Of Conrad, who has disappeared, he hears nothing.

The original story can be retold like this. The wayward and outlawed son of a Bohemian noble, Count Siegendorf, after various adventures, marries, under the fake name of Friedrich Kruitzner, the daughter of an Italian scholar and scientist, who comes from a noble background but is in a difficult financial situation. A son, Conrad, is born to him and, at the age of eight, is put in the care of his grandfather. Twelve years pass, and when the fortunes of the younger Siegendorf hit rock bottom, he finds out, at the same time, that his father has died and that a distant relative, Baron Stralenheim, is planning to attack him to claim his inheritance. He hears nothing about Conrad, who has gone missing.

An accident compels the count and the baron to occupy adjoining quarters in a small town on the northern frontier of Silesia; and, again, another accident places the usurping and intriguing baron at the mercy of his poverty-stricken and exiled kinsman. Stralenheim has fallen asleep near the fire in his easy-chair. Papers and several rouleaux of gold are ranged on a cabinet beside the bed. Kruitzner, who is armed with "a large and sharp knife," is suddenly confronted with his unarmed and slumbering foe, and though habit and conscience conspire to make murder impossible, he yields to a sudden and irresistible impulse, and snatches up "the portion of gold which is nearest." He has no sooner returned to his wife and confessed his deed, than Conrad suddenly appears on the scene, and at the very moment of an unexpected and joyous reunion with his parents, learns that his father is a thief. Kruitzner pleads "guilty with extenuating circumstances," and Conrad, who either is or pretends to be disgusted at his father's sophistries, makes the best of a bad business, and undertakes to conceal his father's dishonour and rescue him from the power of Stralenheim. The plot hinges on the unlooked-for and unsuspected action of Conrad. Unlike his father, he is not the man to let "I dare not wait upon I would," but murders Stralenheim in cold blood, and, at the same time, diverts suspicion from his father and[328] himself to the person of his comrade, a Hungarian soldier of fortune, who is already supposed to be the thief, and who had sought and obtained shelter in the apartments of the conscience-stricken Kruitzner.

An accident forces the count and the baron to stay in adjoining rooms in a small town on the northern border of Silesia; and, again, another accident leaves the scheming baron at the mercy of his poor and exiled relative. Stralenheim has dozed off in his easy chair near the fire. Papers and several rolls of gold are lined up on a cabinet next to the bed. Kruitzner, who is equipped with "a large and sharp knife," suddenly comes face to face with his unarmed and sleeping enemy. Although habit and conscience make murder seem impossible, he succumbs to a sudden and overwhelming urge and grabs "the nearest pile of gold." As soon as he returns to his wife and confesses what he’s done, Conrad unexpectedly shows up, and just at the moment of a joyful reunion with his parents, he finds out that his father is a thief. Kruitzner admits "guilt with extenuating circumstances," and Conrad, who either genuinely is or pretends to be disgusted by his father's excuses, makes the best of a bad situation. He takes it upon himself to hide his father's shame and save him from Stralenheim. The plot relies on Conrad's unforeseen and unexpected actions. Unlike his father, he doesn’t hesitate when faced with his intentions; he coldly murders Stralenheim and simultaneously shifts suspicion away from himself and his father to his fellow comrade, a Hungarian mercenary who is already thought to be the thief, and who had sought shelter in the quarters of the guilt-ridden Kruitzner.[328]

The scene changes to Prague. Siegendorf, no longer Kruitzner, has regained his inheritance, and is once more at the height of splendour and prosperity. A service of thanksgiving is being held in the cathedral to commemorate the signature of the Treaty of Prague (1635), and the count is present in state. Suddenly he catches sight of the Hungarian, and, "like a flash of lightning" feels and remembers that he is a thief, and that he might, however unjustly, be suspected if not accused of the murder of Stralenheim. The service is over, and the count is recrossing "Muldau's Bridge," when he hears the fatal word Kruitzner, "the seal of his shame," spoken in his ear. He returns to his castle, and issues orders that the Hungarian should be arrested and interrogated. An interview takes place, at which the Hungarian denounces Conrad as the murderer of Stralenheim. The son acknowledges the deed, and upbraids the father for his weakness and credulity in supposing that his escape from Stralenheim's machinations could have been effected by any other means. If, he argues, circumstances can palliate dishonesty, they can compel and justify murder. Common sense even now demands the immediate slaughter of the Hungarian, as it compelled and sanctioned the effectual silencing of Stralenheim. But Siegendorf knows not "thorough," and shrinks at assassination. He repudiates and denounces his son, and connives at the escape of the Hungarian. Conrad, who is banished from Prague, rejoins his former associates, the "black bands," which were the scandal and terror of the neighbouring provinces, and is killed in a skirmish with the regular troops. Siegendorf dies of a broken heart.

The scene shifts to Prague. Siegendorf, now no longer Kruitzner, has reclaimed his inheritance and is once again enjoying great wealth and success. A thanksgiving service is being held in the cathedral to mark the signing of the Treaty of Prague (1635), and the count is present in full regalia. Suddenly, he spots the Hungarian and, "like a flash of lightning," remembers that he *is* a thief and could, however unfairly, be suspected or even accused of Stralenheim's murder. The service ends, and as the count crosses "Muldau's Bridge," he hears the damning word *Kruitzner*, "the seal of his shame," whispered in his ear. He returns to his castle and orders the arrest and questioning of the Hungarian. During the interview, the Hungarian accuses Conrad of being Stralenheim's murderer. The son admits to the act, chastising his father for being weak and gullible, believing he could have escaped Stralenheim's schemes through any other means. He argues that if circumstances can lessen the blame for dishonesty, they can also force and justify murder. Common sense even now demands the immediate killing of the Hungarian, just as it compelled and allowed for the silencing of Stralenheim. But Siegendorf doesn't think things through and hesitates at the thought of murder. He rejects and disowns his son, and allows the Hungarian to escape. Conrad, banished from Prague, returns to his former allies, the "black bands," who were infamous and feared in the surrounding regions, and is killed in a fight with the regular troops. Siegendorf dies of a broken heart.

The conception of The German's Tale, as Byron perceived, is superior to the execution. The style is laboured and involved, and the narrative long-winded and tiresome. It is, perhaps, an adaptation, though not a literal translation, of a German historical romance. But the motif—a son predestined to evil by the weakness and sensuality of his father, a father punished for his want of rectitude by the passionate criminality of his son, is the very key-note of tragedy.

The idea behind The German's Tale, as Byron saw it, is better than how it's actually written. The style is heavy and complicated, and the story is drawn out and exhausting. It might be an adaptation, but it's not a direct translation of a German historical romance. However, the theme—a son destined for bad things because of his father's weakness and indulgence, and a father who suffers because of his son's passionate wrongdoing—is the essential element of tragedy.

If from haste or indolence Byron scamped his task, and cut up whole cantles of the novel into nerveless and pointless blank verse, here and there throughout the play, in scattered lines and passages, he outdoes himself. The inspiration is fitful, but supreme.[329]

If Byron rushed through his work or was lazy and turned big sections of the novel into lifeless and meaningless blank verse, he still manages to surpass himself in some scattered lines and passages throughout the play. The inspiration may be inconsistent, but it is exceptional.[329]

Werner was reviewed in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, December, 1822, vol. xii. pp. 710-719 (republished in Miscellanies of W. Maginn, 1885, i. 189); in the Scots Magazine, December, 1822, N.S. vol. xi. pp. 688-694; the European Magazine, January, 1823, vol. 83, pp. 73-76; and in the Eclectic Review, February, 1823, N.S. vol. xix. pp. 148-155.

Note to the Intro to Werner.

In an article entitled, "Did Byron write Werner?" which appeared in the Nineteenth Century (August, 1899, vol. 46, pp. 243-250), the Hon. F. Leveson Gower undertakes to prove that Werner was not written by Lord Byron, but by Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (born June 9, 1757, died March 30, 1806). He adduces, in support of this claim, (1) a statement made to him by his sister, the late Lady Georgiana Fullerton, to the effect that their grandmother, the duchess, "wrote the poem and gave the MS. to her niece, Lady Caroline Ponsonby (better known as Lady Caroline Lamb), and that she, some years later, handed it over to Lord Byron, who, in 1822, published it in his own name;" (2) a letter written in 1822 by his mother, Lady Granville, to her sister, Lady Carlisle, which asserts that their mother, the duchess, "wrote an entire tragedy from Miss Lee's Kreutzner the Hungarian (sic)," and that the MS. had been sent to her by Lady Caroline's brother, Mr. William Ponsonby, and was in her possession; (3) another letter of Lady Granville's, dated December 3, 1822, in which she informs her sister that her husband, Lord Granville, had promised to read Werner aloud to her (i.e. Byron's Werner, published November 23, 1822), a promise which, if fulfilled, must have revealed one of two things—the existence of two dramas based on Miss Lee's Kruitzner, or the identity of Byron's version with that of the duchess. Now, argues Mr. Leveson Gower, if Lady Granville had known that two dramas were in existence, she would not have allowed her daughter, Lady Georgiana Fullerton, to believe "that the duchess was the author of the published poem."

In an article titled "Did Byron write Werner?" which appeared in the Nineteenth Century (August 1899, vol. 46, pp. 243-250), Hon. F. Leveson Gower seeks to prove that Werner was not written by Lord Byron, but by Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (born June 9, 1757, died March 30, 1806). He supports this claim with the following evidence: (1) a statement from his late sister, Lady Georgiana Fullerton, saying that their grandmother, the duchess, "wrote the poem and gave the manuscript to her niece, Lady Caroline Ponsonby (better known as Lady Caroline Lamb), and that she, years later, passed it on to Lord Byron, who published it under his own name in 1822;" (2) a letter from 1822 written by his mother, Lady Granville, to her sister, Lady Carlisle, claiming that their mother, the duchess, "wrote an entire tragedy based on Miss Lee's Kreutzner the Hungarian (sic)," and that the manuscript had been sent to her by Lady Caroline's brother, Mr. William Ponsonby, and was in her possession; (3) another letter from Lady Granville, dated December 3, 1822, informing her sister that her husband, Lord Granville, had promised to read Werner aloud to her (meaning Byron's Werner, published November 23, 1822), a promise which, if kept, would have revealed one of two possibilities—the existence of two plays based on Miss Lee's Kruitzner, or that Byron's version was the same as the duchess's. Now, Mr. Leveson Gower argues that if Lady Granville had known two plays existed, she wouldn’t have let her daughter, Lady Georgiana Fullerton, think "that the duchess was the author of the published poem."

I will deal with the external evidence first. Practically it amounts to this: (1) that Lady Granville knew that her[330] mother, the Duchess of Devonshire, dramatized Miss Lee's Kruitzner; and (2) that Lady Georgiana Fullerton believed that the duchess gave the MS. of her play to Lady Caroline Ponsonby, and that, many years after, Lady Caroline handed it over to Byron.

I'll tackle the external evidence first. Essentially, it comes down to this: (1) Lady Granville knew that her[330] mother, the Duchess of Devonshire, performed Miss Lee's Kruitzner; and (2) Lady Georgiana Fullerton believed that the duchess gave the manuscript of her play to Lady Caroline Ponsonby, and that many years later, Lady Caroline passed it on to Byron.

The external evidence establishes the fact that the Duchess of Devonshire dramatized Kruitzner, but it does not prove that Byron purloined her adaptation. It records an unverified impression on the part of the duchess's granddaughter, that the MS. of a play written between the years 1801-1806, passed into Byron's hands about the year 1813; that he took a copy of the MS.; and that in 1821-22 he caused his copy to be retranscribed and published under his own name.

The external evidence shows that the Duchess of Devonshire adapted Kruitzner, but it doesn't prove that Byron stole her version. It notes an unconfirmed impression from the duchess's granddaughter that a manuscript of a play written between 1801 and 1806 came into Byron's possession around 1813; that he made a copy of the manuscript; and that in 1821-22 he had his copy copied again and published under his own name.

But Mr. Leveson Gower appeals to internal as well as external evidence, (1) He regards the great inferiority of Werner to Byron's published plays, and to the genuine (hitherto) unpublished first act, together with the wholesale plagiarisms from Miss Lee's story, as an additional proof that the work was none of his. (2) He notes, as a suspicious circumstance, that "while the rough copies of his other poems have been preserved, no rough copy of Werner is to be found."

But Mr. Leveson Gower looks at both internal and external evidence. (1) He sees the significant inferiority of Werner compared to Byron's published plays and the genuine (previously unpublished) first act, along with the large-scale plagiarism from Miss Lee's story, as further proof that the work wasn’t his. (2) He also points out a concerning detail: "while the rough drafts of his other poems have been kept, there is no rough draft of Werner to be found."

In conclusion, he deals with two possible objections which may be brought against his theory: (1) that Byron would not have incurred the risk of detection at the hands of the owners of the duchess's MS.; and (2) that a great poet of assured fame and reputation could have had no possible motive for perpetrating a literary fraud. The first objection he answers by assuming that Byron would have counted on the reluctance of the "Ponsonby family and the daughters of the Duchess" to rake up the ashes of old scandals; the second, by pointing out that, in 1822, he was making "frantic endeavours to obtain money, not for himself, but to help the cause of Greece."

In conclusion, he addresses two potential objections to his theory: (1) that Byron wouldn’t have risked getting caught by the owners of the duchess's manuscript; and (2) that a renowned poet wouldn’t have any reason to commit a literary forgery. He responds to the first objection by suggesting that Byron would have relied on the "Ponsonby family and the daughters of the Duchess" not wanting to revisit old scandals; for the second objection, he notes that in 1822, Byron was making "frantic efforts to raise money, not for himself, but to support the cause of Greece."

(1) With regard to the marked inferiority of Werner to Byron's other plays, and the relative proportion of adapted to original matter, Mr. Leveson Gower appears to have been misled by the disingenuous criticism of Maginn and other contemporary reviewers (vide the Introduction, etc., p. 326). There is no such inferiority, and the plagiarisms, which were duly acknowledged, are confined to certain limited portions of the play. (2) There is nothing unusual in the fact that the rough draft of Werner cannot be found. In fact, but few of the early drafts of the dramas and other poems written in the later Italian days ever reached Murray's hands, or are still in existence. The fair copy for the printer alone was sent home. The time had gone by when Byron's publisher, who was also his friend, would stipulate that "all the original [331] MSS., copies and scraps" should fall to his share. But no argument can be founded on so insignificant a circumstance.

(1) Regarding the clear inferiority of Werner compared to Byron's other plays, and the ratio of adapted to original content, Mr. Leveson Gower seems to have been misled by the misleading criticism of Maginn and other contemporary reviewers (vide the Introduction, etc., p. 326). There is no such inferiority, and the instances of plagiarism, which were properly acknowledged, are limited to certain sections of the play. (2) It's not unusual that the rough draft of Werner can't be found. In fact, few of the early drafts of the dramas and other poems from the later Italian period ever made it to Murray, or still exist today. Only the clean copy for the printer was sent back home. The time had passed when Byron's publisher, who was also his friend, would insist that "all the original [331] MSS., copies, and scraps" would come to him. But no argument can be based on such a trivial detail.

Finally, the argument on which Mr. Leveson Gower dwells at some length, that Byron's "motive" for perpetrating a literary fraud was the necessity for raising money for the cause of Greek independence, is refuted by the fact that Werner was begun in December, 1821, and finished in January, 1822, and that it was not till the spring of 1823 that he was elected a member of the Greek Committee, or had any occasion to raise funds for the maintenance of troops or the general expenses of the war. So far from attempting to raise money by Werner, in letters to Murray, dated March 6, October 24, November 18, 1822, he emphatically waives the question of "terms," and makes no demand or request for money whatever. It was not till December 23, 1823 (Letters, 1901, vi. 287), two years after the play had been written, that he speaks of applying the two or three hundred pounds which the copyright of Werner might be worth, to the maintenance of armed men in the service of the Provisional Government. He could not have "purloined" and palmed off as his own the duchess's version of Miss Lee's story in order to raise money for a purpose which had not arisen. He had no intention at first or last of presenting the copyright of Werner to Murray or Hunt, but he was willing to wait for his money, and had no motive for raising funds by an illegal and dishonourable trick.

Finally, the point that Mr. Leveson Gower emphasizes at length—that Byron's "motive" for committing literary fraud was the need to raise money for Greek independence—is disproven by the fact that Werner was started in December 1821 and finished in January 1822, and it wasn’t until the spring of 1823 that he was elected a member of the Greek Committee or had any reason to collect money for troops or general war expenses. Instead of trying to raise money through Werner, in letters to Murray dated March 6, October 24, and November 18, 1822, he clearly avoids discussing "terms" and does not ask for any money at all. It was not until December 23, 1823 (Letters, 1901, vi. 287), two years after the play was written, that he mentions using the two or three hundred pounds that the copyright of Werner could be worth for supporting armed men in the service of the Provisional Government. He could not have "stolen" and passed off as his own the duchess’s version of Miss Lee’s story to raise money for a purpose that didn’t even exist yet. He had no intention of giving the copyright of Werner to Murray or Hunt at any point, but he was willing to wait for his payment and had no reason to raise funds through an illegal and dishonorable trick.

That Byron did not write Werner is, surely, non-proven on the external and internal evidence adduced by Mr. Leveson Gower. On the other hand, there is abundant evidence, both external and internal, that, apart from his acknowledged indebtedness to Miss Lee's story, he did write Werner.

That Byron did not write Werner is, of course, unproven based on the evidence presented by Mr. Leveson Gower. However, there is plenty of evidence, both external and internal, that shows that, besides his known reliance on Miss Lee's story, he did write Werner.

To take the external evidence first. On the first page of Mrs. Shelley's transcript of Werner, Byron inserted the date, "Dec. 18, 1821," and on the last he wrote "[The End] of fifth act of the Drama. B. P[isa]. Jy 21. 1822."

To start with the external evidence. On the first page of Mrs. Shelley's transcript of Werner, Byron wrote the date, "Dec. 18, 1821," and on the last page, he noted "[The End] of fifth act of the Drama. B. P[isa]. Jy 21. 1822."

Turning to the journal of Edward Williams (Shelley's Prose Works, 1880, iv. 318), I find the following entries:—

"December 21, 1821. Lord B. told me that he had commenced a tragedy from Miss Lee's German Tale ('Werner'), and had been fagging at it all day."

"December 21, 1821. Lord B. told me that he had started working on a tragedy based on Miss Lee's German Tale ('Werner'), and had been toiling at it all day."

"January 8, 1822. Mary read us the first two acts of Lord B.'s Werner."

Again, in an unpublished diary of the same period it is recorded that Mrs. Shelley was engaged in the task of copying on January 17, 1822, and the eight following days, and that on January 25 she finished her transcript.

Again, in an unpublished diary from that time, it's noted that Mrs. Shelley was busy copying on January 17, 1822, and for the next eight days, and that she completed her transcript on January 25.

Again, Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 409) records the fact[332] that Byron told him "that he had almost finished another play ... called Werner;" and (p. 412) "that Werner was written in twenty-eight days, and one entire act at a sitting." It is almost incredible that Byron should have recopied a copy of the duchess's play in order to impose on Mrs. Shelley and Williams and Medwin; and it is quite incredible that they were in the plot, and lent themselves to the deception. It is certain that both Williams and Medwin believed that Byron was the author of Werner, and it is certain that nothing would have induced Mrs. Shelley to be particeps criminis—to copy a play which was not Byron's, to be published as Byron's, and to suffer her copy to be fraudulently endorsed by her guilty accomplice.

Again, Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 409) notes that Byron told him "he had almost finished another play ... called Werner;" and (p. 412) "that Werner was written in twenty-eight days, and one whole act in one sitting." It's almost unbelievable that Byron would have recopied the duchess's play to trick Mrs. Shelley, Williams, and Medwin; and it's quite unbelievable that they participated in the deception. It's clear that both Williams and Medwin thought Byron was the author of Werner, and there's no way Mrs. Shelley would have agreed to be a part of the scheme—copying a play that wasn't Byron's, to let it be published as his, and allowing her copy to be fraudulently endorsed by her guilty accomplice.

The internal evidence of the genuineness of Werner is still more convincing. In the first place, there are numerous "undesigned coincidences," allusions, and phrases to be found in Werner and elsewhere in Byron's Poetical Works, which bear his sign-manual, and cannot be attributed to another writer; and, secondly, scattered through the play there are numerous lines, passages, allusions—"a cloud of witnesses" to their Byronic inspiration and creation.

The internal evidence for the authenticity of Werner is even more convincing. First, there are many "undesigned coincidences," references, and phrases found in Werner and other works of Byron's Poetical Works, which clearly show his authorship and can’t be linked to anyone else. Second, throughout the play, there are many lines, sections, and references—a "cloud of witnesses"—that showcase their Byronic inspiration and origin.

Take the following parallels:—

Take the following comparisons:—

Werner, act i. sc. 1, lines 693, 694—

"... as parchment on a drum,

"... like parchment on a drum,

Like Ziska's skin."

Like Ziska's skin.

Age of Bronze, lines 133, 134—

"The time may come,

"The time might come,"

His name shall beat the alarm like Ziska's drum."

His name will sound the alarm like Ziska's drum.

Werner, act ii. sc. 2, lines 177, 178—

"... save your throat

"... rest your voice"

From the Raven-stone."

From the Raven Stone.

Manfred, act iii. (original version)—

Manfred, act 3. (original version)—

"The raven sits

"The raven is sitting"

On the Raven-stone."

On the Raven Stone.

Werner, act ii. sc. 2, line 279—

"Things which had made this silkworm cast his skin."

"Things that made this silkworm shed its skin."

Marino Faliero, act ii. sc. 2, line 115—

"... these swoln silkworms masters."

"... these swollen silkworm masters."

("Silkworm," as a term of contempt, is an Italianism.)

("Silkworm," as a term of disdain, is an Italianism.)

Werner, act iii. sc. 1, lines 288, 289—

"I fear that men must draw their chariots, as

"I fear that men must pull their chariots, as

They say kings did Sesostris'."

"They say kings did Sesostris'."

[333]

Age of Bronze, line 45—

"The new Sesostris, whose unharnessed kings."

"The new Sesostris, whose free-spirited kings."

Werner, act iii. sc. 3, lines 10, 11—

"... while the knoll

"... while the hill"

Of long-lived parents."

Of long-lived parents.

Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza xcvi. lines 5, 6—

"... is the knoll

"... is the hill"

Of what in me is sleepless."

Of what in me doesn't sleep.

(Byron is the authority for the use of "knoll" as a substantive.)

(Byron is the source for the use of "knoll" as a noun.)

Or, compare the statement (see act i. sc. 1, line 213, sq.) that "A great personage ... is drowned below the ford, with five post-horses, A monkey and a mastiff—and a valet," with the corresponding passage in Kruitzner and in Byron's unfinished fragment; and note that "the monkey, the mastiff, and the valet," which formed part of Byron's retinue in 1821, are conspicuous by their absence from Miss Lee's story and the fragment.

Or, compare the statement (see act i. sc. 1, line 213, sq.) that "A great person ... is drowned below the river crossing, with five post-horses, a monkey, a mastiff, and a valet," with the matching passage in Kruitzner and in Byron's unfinished fragment; and notice that "the monkey, the mastiff, and the valet," which were part of Byron's entourage in 1821, are noticeably missing from Miss Lee's story and the fragment.

Space precludes the quotation of further parallels, and for specimens of a score of passages which proclaim their author the following lines must suffice:—

Space doesn't allow for more comparisons, and for examples of numerous passages that reveal their author, the following lines will have to do:—

Act i. sc. 1, lines 163-165—

"... although then

"... although at that time"

My passions were all living serpents, and

My passions were all living snakes, and

Twined like the Gorgon's round me."

Twined like the Gorgon's around me.

Act iii. sc. 1, lines 264-268—

"... sound him with the gem;

"... check him with the gem;

'Twill sink into his venal soul like lead

It will sink into his corrupt soul like lead.

Into the deep, and bring up slime and mud.

Into the depths and pull up sludge and dirt.

And ooze, too, from the bottom, as the lead doth

And ooze, too, from the bottom, as the lead does

With its greased understratum."

With its slick underlayer.

Did Byron write Werner, or was it the Duchess of Devonshire?

(For a correspondence on the subject, see Literature, August 12, 19, 26, September 9, 1899.)

[334]

[335]

TO
THE FAMOUS GOETHE
BY ONE OF HIS MOST MODEST ADMIRERS,
THIS TRAGEDY
IS DEDICATED.

[336]

[337]

PREFACE

The following drama is taken entirely from the German's Tale, Kruitzner, published many years ago in "Lee's Canterbury Tales" written (I believe) by two sisters, of whom one furnished only this story and another, both of which are considered superior to the remainder of the collection.[159] I have adopted the characters, plan, and even the language of many parts of this story. Some of the characters are modified or altered, a few of the names changed, and one character (Ida of Stralenheim) added by myself: but in the rest[338] the original is chiefly followed. When I was young (about fourteen, I think,) I first read this tale, which made a deep impression upon me; and may, indeed, be said to contain the germ of much that I have since written. I am not sure that it ever was very popular; or, at any rate, its popularity has since been eclipsed by that of other great writers in the same department. But I have generally found that those who had read it, agreed with me in their estimate of the singular power of mind and conception which it developes. I should also add conception, rather than execution; for the story might, perhaps, have been developed with greater advantage. Amongst those whose opinions agreed with mine upon this story, I could mention some very high names: but it is not necessary, nor indeed of any use; for every one must judge according to his own feelings. I merely refer the reader to the original story, that he may see to what extent I have borrowed from it; and am not unwilling that he should find much greater pleasure in perusing it than the drama which is founded upon its contents.

The following drama is taken entirely from the German's Tale, Kruitzner, which was published many years ago in "Lee's Canterbury Tales" and written, as I believe, by two sisters—one who provided just this story and another, both of which are considered better than the rest of the collection.[159] I have adopted the characters, plot, and even the language of many parts of this story. Some characters are modified or changed, a few names have been altered, and one character (Ida of Stralenheim) is added by me; but for the rest[338] the original is mainly followed. When I was young (around fourteen, I think), I first read this tale, which left a strong impression on me; and it can be said to contain the seeds of much of what I have since written. I’m not sure it was ever very popular; or, at least, its popularity has since been overshadowed by other great writers in the same field. However, I’ve generally found that those who had read it agreed with me about the unique power of thought and imagination it displays. I should also add imagination, rather than execution; because the story might have been developed more effectively. Among those whose opinions matched mine about this story, I could name some very respected figures; but that’s unnecessary and wouldn’t really help, as everyone must judge based on their own feelings. I simply direct the reader to the original story so they can see how much I borrowed from it; and I don’t mind if they find much more enjoyment in reading it than in the drama based on its contents.

I had begun a drama upon this tale so far back as 1815, (the first I ever attempted, except one at thirteen years old, called "Ulric and Ilvina," which I had sense enough to burn,) and had nearly completed an act, when I was interrupted by circumstances. This is somewhere amongst my papers in England; but as it has not been found, I have re-written the first, and added the subsequent acts.

I started working on a play based on this story way back in 1815 (the first one I ever tried, except for a piece I wrote at thirteen called "Ulric and Ilvina," which I was smart enough to burn), and I had almost finished an act when something got in the way. This is somewhere in my papers in England; however, since it hasn't been found, I've rewritten the first act and added the following acts.

The whole is neither intended, nor in any shape adapted, for the stage [cm].

The whole is neither meant nor in any way suitable for the stage [cm].

[339]

[340]

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

MEN.

Werner.

Ulric.

Stralenheim.

Idenstein.

Gabor.

Fritz.

Henrik.

Eric.

Arnheim.

Master.

Rodolph.

Ludwig.

WOMEN.

Josephine.

Ida Stralenheim.

Scene—Partly on the Frontier of Silesia, and partly in Siegendorf Castle, near Prague.

Scene—Partly on the Silesia border and partly at Siegendorf Castle, near Prague.

Time—The Close of the Thirty Years' War[160].

Time—The End of the Thirty Years' War[160].

[341]

WERNER
Or,
THE INHERITANCE.

ACT I.

Scene I.—The Hall of a decayed Palace near a small Town on the Northern Frontier of Silesia—the Night tempestuous.

Werner and Josephine, his Wife.

Werner and Josephine, his wife.

Jos. My love, be calmer!

Jos. My love, chill out!

Wer.‍I am calm.

I’m calm.

Jos.‍To me—

Jos. To me—

Yes, but not to thyself: thy pace is hurried,

Yes, but not for yourself: you're moving too fast,

And no one walks a chamber like to ours,

And no one walks a room like ours,

With steps like thine, when his heart is at rest.

With steps like yours, when his heart is at peace.

Were it a garden, I should deem thee happy,

Were it a garden, I would consider you happy,

And stepping with the bee from flower to flower;

And hopping from flower to flower like a bee;

But here!

Wer.‍'Tis chill; the tapestry lets through

Who.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.It's cold; the fabric lets in

The wind to which it waves: my blood is frozen.

The wind it waves in: my blood runs cold.

Jos. Ah, no!

Jos. Oh, no!

Wer. (smiling). Why! wouldst thou have it so?

Wer. (smiling). Why would you want it that way?

Jos.‍I would

Jos. I would

Have it a healthful current.

Stay healthy.

Wer.‍Let it flow10

Let it flow

Until 'tis spilt or checked—how soon, I care not.

Until it's spilled or stopped—how soon, I don't care.

Jos. And am I nothing in thy heart?[342]

Jos. Am I nothing to you?[342]

Wer.‍All—all.

Who.‍All—all.

Jos. Then canst thou wish for that which must break mine?

Jos. Then can you wish for something that will break mine?

Wer. (approaching her slowly).

Who. (walking toward her slowly).

But for thee I had been—no matter what—

But for you, I would have been—no matter what—

But much of good and evil; what I am,

But a lot of good and bad; who I am,

Thou knowest; what I might or should have been,

You know what I could have been or should have been,

Thou knowest not: but still I love thee, nor

Shall aught divide us.

Nothing shall divide us.

[Werner walks on abruptly, and then approaches Josephine.

[Werner suddenly walks in and then approaches Josephine.

The storm of the night,

Last night's storm,

Perhaps affects me; I'm a thing of feelings,

Perhaps it affects me; I'm all about feelings,

And have of late been sickly, as, alas!20

And have lately been unwell, unfortunately!20

Thou know'st by sufferings more than mine, my Love!

You know more pain than I do, my Love!

In watching me.

Watching me.

Jos.‍To see thee well is much—

Jos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Seeing you clearly is a lot—

To see thee happy——

To see you happy—

Wer.‍Where hast thou seen such?

Who.‍Where have you seen this?

Let me be wretched with the rest!

Let me be miserable with everyone else!

Jos.‍But think

Jos. But consider

How many in this hour of tempest shiver

How many in this stormy hour tremble

Beneath the biting wind and heavy rain,

Beneath the cold wind and pouring rain,

Whose every drop bows them down nearer earth,

Whose every drop pulls them closer to the ground,

Which hath no chamber for them save beneath

Which has no room for them except underneath

Her surface.

Wer.‍And that's not the worst: who cares

Wer.Sure, please provide the text you’d like me to modernize.And that's not the worst part: who cares

For chambers? rest is all. The wretches whom30

For rooms? Rest is everything. The miserable ones whom

Thou namest—aye, the wind howls round them, and

Thou namest—aye, the wind howls around them, and

The dull and dropping rain saps in their bones

The monotonous, steady rain drains their energy.

The creeping marrow. I have been a soldier,

The creeping marrow. I’ve been a soldier,

A hunter, and a traveller, and am

A hunter, a traveler, and I am

A beggar, and should know the thing thou talk'st of.

A beggar, and should know what you're talking about.

Jos. And art thou not now sheltered from them all?

Jos. Aren't you safe from all of them now?

Wer. Yes. And from these alone.

Wer. Yes. And only from these.

Jos.‍And that is something.

And that's something.

Wer. True—to a peasant.[cn]

Who. True—to a commoner.[cn]

Jos.‍Should the nobly born

Jos. Should the noble born

Be thankless for that refuge which their habits

Be ungrateful for that shelter which their habits

Of early delicacy render more40[343]

Of early delicacy, provide more

Needful than to the peasant, when the ebb

Of fortune leaves them on the shoals of life?

Of fortune leaves them stuck on the rocks of life?

Wer. It is not that, thou know'st it is not: we

Wer. It’s not that, you know it’s not: we

Have borne all this, I'll not say patiently,

Have endured all this, I won’t say patiently,

Except in thee—but we have borne it.

Except in you—but we have endured it.

Jos.‍Well?

Jos. Well?

Wer. Something beyond our outward sufferings (though

Wer. Something beyond our external pain (although

These were enough to gnaw into our souls)

These were enough to eat away at our souls.

Hath stung me oft, and, more than ever, now.

Has stung me often, and more than ever, now.

When, but for this untoward sickness, which

When it wasn’t for this unfortunate illness, which

Seized me upon this desolate frontier, and50

Seized me on this lonely frontier, and50

Hath wasted, not alone my strength, but means,

Hath wasted, not only my strength, but also resources,

And leaves us—no! this is beyond me!—but

And leaves us—no! This is too much for me!—but

For this I had been happy—thou been happy—

For this, I had been happy—you had been happy—

The splendour of my rank sustained—my name—

The glory of my position upheld—my name—

My father's name—been still upheld; and, more

My father's name has been kept alive, and, more

Than those——

Than those—

Jos. (abruptly). My son—our son—our Ulric,

Been clasped again in these long-empty arms,

And all a mother's hunger satisfied.

And all a mother's hunger was fulfilled.

Twelve years! he was but eight then:—beautiful

Twelve years! He was only eight then:—beautiful

He was, and beautiful he must be now,60

He was, and he must be beautiful now,60

My Ulric! my adored!

My Ulric! my beloved!

Wer.‍I have been full oft

I have often been full

The chase of Fortune; now she hath o'ertaken

The pursuit of luck; now she has caught up.

My spirit where it cannot turn at bay,—

My spirit where it can't escape, —

Sick, poor, and lonely.

Sick, broke, and alone.

Jos.‍Lonely! my dear husband?

Jos.‍Lonely! my love?

Wer. Or worse—involving all I love, in this

Who. Or worse—putting everyone I care about in this

Far worse than solitude. Alone, I had died,

Far worse than being alone. Alone, I had died,

And all been over in a nameless grave.

And everything has ended up in an unmarked grave.

Jos. And I had not outlived thee; but pray take

Jos. And I hadn't outlived you; but please take

Comfort! We have struggled long; and they who strive

Comfort! We have fought hard; and those who try

With Fortune win or weary her at last,70

With Fortune either finally rewarding her or leaving her exhausted,

So that they find the goal or cease to feel

So that they can find the goal or stop feeling

Further. Take comfort,—we shall find our boy.

Further. Don’t worry,—we will find our boy.

Wer. We were in sight of him, of every thing

Wer. We could see him, and everything around us.

Which could bring compensation for past sorrow—

Which could bring healing for past pain—

And to be baffled thus!

And to be confused like this!

Jos.‍We are not baffled.[344]

Jos. We aren't confused.

Wer. Are we not penniless?

Are we broke?

Jos.‍We ne'er were wealthy.

Jos. We were never wealthy.

Wer. But I was born to wealth, and rank, and power;

Wer. But I was born into wealth, status, and influence;

Enjoyed them, loved them, and, alas! abused them,

Enjoyed them, loved them, and, unfortunately! misused them,

And forfeited them by my father's wrath,

And lost them because of my father's anger,

In my o'er-fervent youth: but for the abuse80

In my overly passionate youth: but for the abuse80

Long-sufferings have atoned. My father's death

Long sufferings have been paid for. My father's death

Left the path open, yet not without snares.

Left the path open, but not without traps.

This cold and creeping kinsman, who so long

This cold and creeping relative, who has long

Kept his eye on me, as the snake upon

Kept his eye on me, like a snake on

The fluttering bird, hath ere this time outstept me,

The fluttering bird has already outpaced me.

Become the master of my rights, and lord

Become the master of my rights and lord

Of that which lifts him up to princes in

Of that which raises him up to princes in

Dominion and domain.

Control and territory.

Jos.‍Who knows? our son

Our son, who knows?

May have returned back to his grandsire, and

May have returned back to his grandfather, and

Even now uphold thy rights for thee?

Even now, stand up for your rights?

Wer.‍'Tis hopeless.90

It’s hopeless.

Since his strange disappearance from my father's,

Since his odd disappearance from my dad's,

Entailing, as it were, my sins upon

Himself, no tidings have revealed his course.

Himself, no news has revealed his path.

I parted with him to his grandsire, on

I said goodbye to him with his grandfather, on

The promise that his anger would stop short

The promise that his anger would fade away

Of the third generation; but Heaven seems

Of the third generation; but it seems like Heaven

To claim her stern prerogative, and visit

To assert her firm authority and visit

Upon my boy his father's faults and follies.

Upon my boy, his father's mistakes and foolishness.

Jos. I must hope better still,—at least we have yet

Jos. I have to hope for even better things—at least we still have

Baffled the long pursuit of Stralenheim.100

Baffled by the long pursuit of Stralenheim.100

Wer. We should have done, but for this fatal sickness;—

Wer. We would have done it, but for this terrible illness;—

More fatal than a mortal malady,

More deadly than a life-threatening illness,

Because it takes not life, but life's sole solace:

Because it takes not life, but life's only comfort:

Even now I feel my spirit girt about

Even now I feel my spirit surrounded

By the snares of this avaricious fiend:—

By the traps of this greedy monster:—

How do I know he hath not tracked us here?

How do I know he hasn't followed us here?

Jos. He does not know thy person; and his spies,

Jos. He doesn't know who you are; and his spies,

Who so long watched thee, have been left at Hamburgh.

Whoever watched you for so long has been left in Hamburg.

Our unexpected journey, and this change

Our unexpected journey and this change

Of name, leaves all discovery far behind:110

None hold us here for aught save what we seem.

None keep us here for anything other than how we appear.

Wer. Save what we seem! save what we are—sick beggars,[345]

Who. Save what we appear to be! save what we actually are—sick beggars,[345]

Even to our very hopes.—Ha! ha!

Jos.‍Alas!

Jos. Oh no!

That bitter laugh!

That sarcastic laugh!

Wer.‍Who would read in this form

Who would read like this

The high soul of the son of a long line?

The noble spirit of the son from a long line?

Who, in this garb, the heir of princely lands?

Who, in this outfit, is the heir to royal lands?

Who, in this sunken, sickly eye, the pride

Of rank and ancestry? In this worn cheek

Of status and lineage? In this weathered cheek

And famine-hollowed brow, the Lord of halls

And a brow hollowed by hunger, the Lord of the halls

Which daily feast a thousand vassals?

Which daily feast for a thousand vassals?

Jos.‍You120

Jos.

Pondered not thus upon these worldly things,

Pondered not on these worldly things,

My Werner! when you deigned to choose for bride

My Werner! When you decided to choose a bride

The foreign daughter of a wandering exile.

The foreign daughter of a restless wanderer.

Wer. An exile's daughter with an outcast son,

Wer. A daughter of an exile with a son who's an outcast,

Were a fit marriage: but I still had hopes

Were a good match: but I still had hopes

To lift thee to the state we both were born for.

To elevate you to the position we were both meant for.

Your father's house was noble, though decayed;

Your father's house was impressive, even though it was falling apart;

And worthy by its birth to match with ours.

And worthy by its birth to be equal to ours.

Jos. Your father did not think so, though 'twas noble;

Jos. Your father didn't see it that way, even though it was admirable;

But had my birth been all my claim to match130

But if my birth was all I had to qualify for matching

With thee, I should have deemed it what it is.

With you, I would have seen it for what it really is.

Wer. And what is that in thine eyes?

Who. And what is that in your eyes?

Jos.‍All which it

Jos. All that it

Has done in our behalf,—nothing.

Has done nothing for us.

Wer.‍How,—nothing?

Who—nothing?

Jos. Or worse; for it has been a canker in

Jos. Or worse; because it has been a serious problem in

Thy heart from the beginning: but for this,

We had not felt our poverty but as

We hadn't really realized our poverty until

Millions of myriads feel it—cheerfully;

Millions feel it—cheerfully;

But for these phantoms of thy feudal fathers,

But for these ghosts of your feudal ancestors,

Thou mightst have earned thy bread, as thousands earn it;

You could have earned your living, like thousands of others do;

Or, if that seem too humble, tried by commerce,140

Or, if that feels too modest, tested by business,140

Or other civic means, to amend thy fortunes.

Or other community methods, to improve your situation.

Wer. (ironically). And been an Hanseatic burgher? Excellent!

Who. (ironically). And has been a Hanseatic citizen? Great!

Jos. Whate'er thou mightest have been, to me thou art

Jos. No matter what you may have been, to me you are

What no state high or low can ever change,

What no state, high or low, can ever change,

My heart's first choice;—which chose thee, knowing neither[346]

My heart's first choice;—which chose you, knowing neither[346]

Thy birth, thy hopes, thy pride; nought, save thy sorrows:

Your birth, your hopes, your pride; nothing but your sorrows:

While they last, let me comfort or divide them:

While they last, let me comfort or separate them:

When they end—let mine end with them, or thee!

When they finish—let mine finish with them, or with you!

Wer. My better angel! Such I have ever found thee;

Who. My better angel! I have always found you to be this way;

This rashness, or this weakness of my temper,150

This impulsiveness, or this flaw in my temperament,150

Ne'er raised a thought to injure thee or thine.

Never had a thought to harm you or yours.

Thou didst not mar my fortunes: my own nature

You didn't ruin my fortunes: my own nature

In youth was such as to unmake an empire,

In his youth, he had the kind of talent that could topple an empire,

Had such been my inheritance; but now,

Had that been my inheritance; but now,

Chastened, subdued, out-worn, and taught to know

Chastened, subdued, worn out, and taught to know

Myself,—to lose this for our son and thee!

Myself—to give this up for our son and you!

Trust me, when, in my two-and-twentieth spring,

Trust me, when I was twenty-two in the spring,

My father barred me from my father's house,

My dad forbade me from going to my dad's house,

The last sole scion of a thousand sires

The last remaining descendant of a thousand ancestors

(For I was then the last), it hurt me less160

Than to behold my boy and my boy's mother

Than to see my son and his mother

Excluded in their innocence from what

My faults deserved-exclusion; although then

My flaws deserved exclusion; although then

My passions were all living serpents,[161] and

My passions were all living snakes,[161] and

Twined like the Gorgon's round me.

Twisted around me like a Gorgon.

[A loud knocking is heard.

[Someone is knocking loudly.

Jos.‍Hark!

Jos. ‍Listen up!

Wer.‍A knocking!

Who.‍Someone's at the door!

Jos. Who can it be at this lone hour? We have

Jos. Who could it be at this late hour? We have

Few visitors.

Few guests.

Wer.‍And poverty hath none,

Who. And poverty has none,

Save those who come to make it poorer still.

Save those who come to make it even poorer.

Well—I am prepared.

I'm ready.

[Werner puts his hand into his bosom, as if to search for some weapon.

[Werner reaches into his chest, as if searching for a weapon.

Jos.‍Oh! do not look so. I

Jos.Understood! Please provide the short piece of text you'd like me to modernize.Oh! don't look like that. I

Will to the door. It cannot be of import170

Will to the door. It can't be important170

In this lone spot of wintry desolation:—

In this isolated place of winter emptiness:—

The very desert saves man from mankind.

The desert itself protects a person from other people.

[She goes to the door.

[She walks to the door.

[347]

Enter Idenstein.

Join Idenstein.

Iden. A fair good evening to my fair hostess

Iden. A very good evening to my lovely host.

And worthy——What's your name, my friend?

And worthy—What's your name, my friend?

Wer.‍Are you

Who.‍Are you

Not afraid to demand it?

Not afraid to ask for it?

Iden.‍Not afraid?

Iden.‍Not scared?

Egad! I am afraid. You look as if

Egad! I'm afraid. You look like

I asked for something better than your name,

I asked for something more than just your name,

By the face you put on it.

By the expression you have.

Wer.‍Better, sir!

Who. Better, sir!

Iden. Better or worse, like matrimony: what

Iden. Better or worse, like marriage: what

Shall I say more? You have been a guest this month180

Here in the prince's palace—(to be sure,

Here in the prince's palace—(of course,

His Highness had resigned it to the ghosts

His Highness had given it up to the ghosts.

And rats these twelve years—but 'tis still a palace)—

And rats for these twelve years—but it’s still a palace—

I say you have been our lodger, and as yet

I say you have been our tenant, and so far

We do not know your name.

We don't know your name.

Wer.‍My name is Werner [162].

Who.‍My name is Werner__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Iden. A goodly name, a very worthy name,

Iden. A great name, a truly worthy name,

As e'er was gilt upon a trader's board:

As ever was gold on a merchant's table:

I have a cousin in the lazaretto

I have a cousin in the quarantine station.

Of Hamburgh, who has got a wife who bore

Of Hamburg, who has a wife who gave birth

The same. He is an officer of trust,190

The same. He is a trusted officer,190

Surgeon's assistant (hoping to be surgeon),

Surgeon’s assistant (hoping to become a surgeon),

And has done miracles i' the way of business.

And has done amazing things in the world of business.

Perhaps you are related to my relative?

Perhaps you’re related to my family member?

Wer. To yours?

Who? To yours?

Jos.‍Oh, yes; we are, but distantly.

Jos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Oh, yes; we are, but from a distance.

(Aside to Werner.) Cannot you humour the dull gossip till

(Aside to Werner.) Can't you just go along with the boring gossip until

We learn his purpose?

What's his purpose?

Iden.‍Well, I'm glad of that;

Iden. Glad to hear that;

I thought so all along, such natural yearnings[348]

I felt that way all along, such natural desires[348]

Played round my heart:—blood is not water, cousin;

Played around my heart:—blood isn't water, cousin;

And so let's have some wine, and drink unto

And so let's have some wine, and drink to

Our better acquaintance: relatives should be200

Friends.

Buddies.

Wer.‍You appear to have drunk enough already;

Who.Understood! Please provide the text that needs to be modernized.You seem to have had enough to drink already;

And if you have not, I've no wine to offer,

And if you haven't, I don't have any wine to offer,

Else it were yours: but this you know, or should know:

Else it would belong to you: but this you know, or should know:

You see I am poor, and sick, and will not see

You see, I'm broke, and I’m not feeling well, and I won't look.

That I would be alone; but to your business!

That I would be alone; but let's get to your business!

What brings you here?

Iden.‍Why, what should bring me here?

Iden.Sure! Please provide the text you would like modernized.Why on earth would I come here?

Wer. I know not, though I think that I could guess

Wer. I don't know, but I think I could take a guess.

That which will send you hence.

That which will take you away.

Jos. (aside).‍Patience, dear Werner!

Jos. (aside).‍Hang in there, dear Werner!

Iden. You don't know what has happened, then?

Iden. You have no idea what happened, then?

Jos.‍How should we?

Jos. How should we proceed?

Iden. The river has o'erflowed.

Iden. The river has overflowed.

Jos.‍Alas! we have known210

Jos. Alas! we have known

That to our sorrow for these five days; since

That, to our sadness, has been the case for these five days; since

It keeps us here.

Iden.‍But what you don't know is,

Iden.Sure, please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But what you don't know is,

That a great personage, who fain would cross

That a great figure, who really wanted to cross

Against the stream and three postilions' wishes,

Against the current and the wishes of the three postilions,

Is drowned below the ford, with five post-horses,

Is drowned below the river crossing, along with five riding horses,

A monkey, and a mastiff—and a valet [163].

A monkey, a mastiff, and a valet [163].

Jos. Poor creatures! are you sure?

Jos. Poor things! Are you sure?

Iden.‍Yes, of the monkey,

Iden. Yes, about the monkey,

And the valet, and the cattle; but as yet

And the valet, and the cattle; but so far

We know not if his Excellency's dead

We don't know if his Excellency is dead.

Or no; your noblemen are hard to drown,220

Or no; your nobles are hard to drown,220

As it is fit that men in office should be;

As it is right for people in positions of authority to be;

But what is certain is, that he has swallowed

But what’s clear is that he has swallowed

Enough of the Oder [164] to have burst two peasants;

And now a Saxon and Hungarian traveller,

And now a Saxon and Hungarian traveler,

Who, at their proper peril, snatched him from[349]

Who, at their own risk, grabbed him from[349]

The whirling river, have sent on to crave

The swirling river has sparked a desire.

A lodging, or a grave, according as

A lodging, or a grave, depending on

It may turn out with the live or dead body.

It might end up with either a living or a dead body.

Jos. And where will you receive him? here, I hope,

Jos. So where will you welcome him? Here, I hope,

If we can be of service—say the word.230

If you need anything, just let us know.230

Iden. Here? no; but in the Prince's own apartment,

Iden. Here? No; but in the Prince's own room,

As fits a noble guest:—'tis damp, no doubt,

As is appropriate for a noble guest:—it's definitely damp,

Not having been inhabited these twelve years;

Not having been lived in for twelve years;

But then he comes from a much damper place,

But then he comes from a much wetter place,

So scarcely will catch cold in't, if he be

So he will hardly catch a cold in it if he is

Still liable to cold—and if not, why

Still susceptible to cold—and if not, why

He'll be worse lodged to-morrow: ne'ertheless,

He'll be worse off tomorrow: nevertheless,

I have ordered fire and all appliances

I have ordered fire and all equipment.

To be got ready for the worst—that is,

To be prepared for the worst—that is,

In case he should survive.

If he survives.

Jos.‍Poor gentleman!240

Jos.‍Poor guy!240

I hope he will, with all my heart.

I really hope he will.

Wer.‍Intendant,

Who.‍Director,

Have you not learned his name? (Aside to his wife.) My Josephine,

Retire: I'll sift this fool.[Exit Josephine.

Retire: I'll deal with this fool.[Exit Josephine.

Iden.‍His name? oh Lord!

Iden. His name? Oh my gosh!

Who knows if he hath now a name or no?

Who knows if he has a name now or not?

'Tis time enough to ask it when he's able

It's time to ask when he's able.

To give an answer; or if not, to put

To provide an answer; or if not, to place

His heir's upon his epitaph. Methought

His heir's on his tombstone. I thought

Just now you chid me for demanding names?

Just now you scolded me for asking for names?

Wer. True, true, I did so: you say well and wisely.

Wer. True, true, I did that: you're right and insightful.

Enter Gabor.[165]

Join Gabor.[165]

Gab. If I intrude, I crave——

Gab. If I'm interrupting, I really want——

Iden.‍Oh, no intrusion!250

Iden. Oh, no interruption!

This is the palace; this a stranger like

This is the palace; this is a stranger like

Yourself; I pray you make yourself at home:

Yourself; I ask you to make yourself at home:

But where's his Excellency? and how fares he?

But where's his Excellency? And how is he doing?

Gab. Wetly and wearily, but out of peril:

Gab. Soaked and exhausted, but safe from danger:

He paused to change his garments in a cottage[350]

He took a moment to change his clothes in a cottage[350]

(Where I doffed mine for these, and came on hither),

(Where I took off mine for these, and came here),

And has almost recovered from his drenching.

And has almost dried off from getting soaked.

He will be here anon.

He will be here soon.

Iden.‍What ho, there! bustle!

Iden. What’s up? Let’s go!

Without there, Herman, Weilburg, Peter, Conrad!

[Gives directions to different servants who enter.

Gives directions to different staff members who arrive.

A nobleman sleeps here to-night—see that260

A nobleman is sleeping here tonight—check that260

All is in order in the damask chamber—

All is in order in the damask room—

Keep up the stove—I will myself to the cellar—

Keep an eye on the stove—I’ll head down to the cellar—

And Madame Idenstein (my consort, stranger,)

And Madame Idenstein (my partner, stranger,)

Shall furnish forth the bed-apparel; for,

Will provide the bedding; for,

To say the truth, they are marvellous scant of this

To be honest, they are wonderfully short of this.

Within the palace precincts, since his Highness

Within the palace grounds, since his Highness

Left it some dozen years ago. And then

Left it about twelve years ago. And then

His Excellency will sup, doubtless?

Will His Excellency be dining?

Gab.‍Faith!

Gab.‍Belief!

I cannot tell; but I should think the pillow

I can't say for sure, but I would guess the pillow

Would please him better than the table, after270

His soaking in your river: but for fear

His soaking in your river: but out of fear

Your viands should be thrown away, I mean

Your food should be thrown away, I mean

To sup myself, and have a friend without

To eat by myself and have a friend without

Who will do honour to your good cheer with

Who will appreciate your good cheer with

A traveller's appetite.

A traveler's appetite.

Iden.‍But are you sure

Iden. But are you sure?

His Excellency——But his name: what is it?

His Excellency—But what is his name?

Gab. I do not know.

Gab. I don’t know.

Iden.‍And yet you saved his life.

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.But you still saved his life.

Gab. I helped my friend to do so.

Gab. I helped my friend do that.

Iden.‍Well, that's strange,

Iden. Well, that's odd,

To save a man's life whom you do not know.

To save the life of a man you don't know.

Gab. Not so; for there are some I know so well,280

Gab. Not at all; because there are some I know really well,280

I scarce should give myself the trouble.

I hardly think it’s worth my time.

Iden.‍Pray,

Iden. Pray,

Good friend, and who may you be?

Hey friend, who are you?

Gab.‍By my family,

Gab. By my family,

Hungarian.

Iden.‍Which is called?

Iden. What is it called?

Gab.‍It matters little.

Gab.‍It doesn't matter much.

Iden. (aside). I think that all the world are grown anonymous,

Iden. (aside). I feel like everyone has become anonymous,

Since no one cares to tell me what he's called![351]

Since no one bothers to tell me what he's called![351]

Pray, has his Excellency a large suite?

Does his Excellency have a large entourage?

Gab.‍Sufficient.

Gab. ‍Enough.

Iden. How many?

Gab.‍I did not count them.

Gab. I didn't count them.

We came up by mere accident, and just

We came up by pure chance, and just

In time to drag him through his carriage window.

In time to pull him through the window of his carriage.

Iden. Well, what would I give to save a great man!290

Iden. Well, what wouldn’t I give to save a great man!290

No doubt you'll have a swingeing sum as recompense.

No doubt you'll receive a huge sum as compensation.

Gab. Perhaps.

Gab. Maybe.

Iden.‍Now, how much do you reckon on?

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text for modernizing.So, how much do you think?

Gab. I have not yet put up myself to sale:

Gab. I haven't put myself up for sale yet:

In the mean time, my best reward would be

In the meantime, my greatest reward would be

A glass of your [166] Hockcheimer—a green glass,

A glass of your __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Hockcheimer—a green glass,

Wreathed with rich grapes and Bacchanal devices,

Wreathed with lush grapes and party themes,

O'erflowing with the oldest of your vintage:

Overflowing with the oldest of your wine:

For which I promise you, in case you e'er

For which I promise you, if you ever

Run hazard of being drowned, (although I own

Run the risk of drowning, (even though I admit

It seems, of all deaths, the least likely for you,)300

It seems, out of all deaths, the least likely for you,)300

I'll pull you out for nothing. Quick, my friend,

I'll get you out for free. Hurry, my friend,

And think, for every bumper I shall quaff,

And think, for every drink I have,

A wave the less may roll above your head.

A wave that’s smaller might crash over your head.

Iden. (aside). I don't much like this fellow—close and dry

Iden. (aside). I'm not a fan of this guy—he's reserved and unapproachable.

He seems,—two things which suit me not; however,

He seems like two things that don’t work for me; however,

Wine he shall have; if that unlocks him not,

Wine he will have; if that doesn't unlock him,

I shall not sleep to-night for curiosity.[Exit Idenstein.

I won't sleep tonight because I'm so curious.[Exit Idenstein.

Gab. (to Werner). This master of the ceremonies is

Gab. (to Werner). This master of ceremonies is

The intendant of the palace, I presume:

The palace manager, I guess:

'Tis a fine building, but decayed.

It's a great building, but it's falling apart.

Wer.‍The apartment310

Who.‍The apartment310

Designed for him you rescued will be found

Designed for him, you will be found rescued.

In fitter order for a sickly guest.

In better shape for a sickly guest.

Gab. I wonder then you occupied it not,

Gab. I wonder why you didn't take it over,

For you seem delicate in health.

You seem unwell.

Wer. (quickly).‍Sir!

Who. (quickly).‍Sir!

Gab.‍Pray

Gab. Pray

Excuse me: have I said aught to offend you?

Excuse me: have I said anything to offend you?

Wer. Nothing: but we are strangers to each other.[352]

Who. Nothing: but we don't know each other.[352]

Gab. And that's the reason I would have us less so:

Gab. And that's why I would prefer us to be less so:

I thought our bustling guest without had said

I thought our lively guest outside had said

You were a chance and passing guest, the counterpart

You were just a fleeting visitor, the opposite

Of me and my companions.

With my friends.

Wer.‍Very true.320

Who.‍So true.320

Gab. Then, as we never met before, and never,

Gab. Then, since we’ve never met before, and never,

It may be, may again encounter, why,

I thought to cheer up this old dungeon here

I thought I’d brighten up this old dungeon.

(At least to me) by asking you to share

The fare of my companions and myself.

The cost for my friends and me.

Wer. Pray, pardon me; my health——

Wer. Please, excuse me; I’m not feeling well——

Gab.‍Even as you please.

Gab.‍As you wish.

I have been a soldier, and perhaps am blunt

I’ve been a soldier, and maybe I’m a bit direct.

In bearing.

In good shape.

Wer.‍I have also served, and can

Wer.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I have also served, and can

Requite a soldier's greeting.

Respond to a soldier's greeting.

Gab.‍In what service?

Gab. In which service?

The Imperial?

The Empire?

Wer. (quickly, and then interrupting himself).

Who. (quickly, and then interrupting himself).

I commanded—no—I mean330

I ordered—no—I mean

I served; but it is many years ago,

I served; but that was many years ago,

When first Bohemia [167] raised her banner 'gainst

When first Bohemia [167] raised her banner against

The Austrian.

The Austrian person.

Gab.‍Well, that's over now, and peace

Gab.Understood! Please provide the short piece of text for modernization.Well, that's done now, and peace

Has turned some thousand gallant hearts adrift

Has sent about a thousand brave hearts adrift

To live as they best may: and, to say truth,

To live as best they can: and, to be honest,

Some take the shortest.

Some choose the shortest route.

Wer.‍What is that?

Who? What is that?

Gab.‍Whate'er

Gab. Whatever

They lay their hands on. All Silesia and

They put their hands on. All of Silesia and

Lusatia's woods are tenanted by bands

Lusatia's woods are home to groups

Of the late troops, who levy on the country

Of the late troops that tax the country

Their maintenance: the Chatelains must keep340

Their castle walls—beyond them 'tis but doubtful

Their castle walls—beyond them it's just uncertain.

Travel for your rich Count or full-blown Baron.

Travel for your wealthy Count or high-ranking Baron.

My comfort is that, wander where I may,[353]

My comfort is that, no matter where I go,[353]

I've little left to lose now.

I've got very little left to lose now.

Wer.‍And I—nothing.

Who. And I—nothing.

Gab. That's harder still. You say you were a soldier.

Gab. That's even tougher. You claim you were in the military.

Wer. I was.

I was.

Gab.‍You look one still. All soldiers are

Gab.Understood, I will follow your instructions. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You still look the same. All soldiers are

Or should be comrades, even though enemies.

Or we should be friends, even if we’re enemies.

Our swords when drawn must cross, our engines aim

Our swords, when drawn, must cross; our weapons take aim.

(While levelled) at each other's hearts; but when

A truce, a peace, or what you will, remits350

A truce, a peace, or whatever you want to call it, gives up350

The steel into its scabbard, and lets sleep

The steel back into its scabbard, and lets it rest.

The spark which lights the matchlock, we are brethren.

The spark that ignites the matchlock, we are brothers.

You are poor and sickly—I am not rich, but healthy;

You are poor and sick—I may not be wealthy, but I'm healthy;

I want for nothing which I cannot want;

I don’t want anything that I can’t actually have;

You seem devoid of this—wilt share it?

You seem to lack this—will you share it?

[Gabor pulls out his purse.

[Gabor pulls out his wallet.

Wer.‍Who

Who

Told you I was a beggar?

Gab.‍You yourself,

Gab. You yourself,

In saying you were a soldier during peace-time.

In saying you were a soldier during peacetime.

Wer. (looking at him with suspicion). You know me not.

Who. (looking at him suspiciously). You don’t know me.

Gab.‍I know no man, not even

Gab.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I know no man, not even

Myself: how should I then know one I ne'er

Myself: how should I then know one I never

Beheld till half an hour since?

Beheld until half an hour ago?

Wer.‍Sir, I thank you.360

You.‍Thank you, sir.360

Your offer's noble were it to a friend,

Your offer would be great if it were to a friend,

And not unkind as to an unknown stranger,

And not unkind to a stranger they didn't know,

Though scarcely prudent; but no less I thank you.

Though it's not the wisest thing to do, I still thank you.

I am a beggar in all save his trade;

I am a beggar in every way except for my job;

And when I beg of any one, it shall be

And when I ask anyone, it will be

Of him who was the first to offer what

Of the person who was the first to offer what

Few can obtain by asking. Pardon me.[Exit Werner.

Few can get what they want just by asking. Excuse me.[Logout Werner.

Gab. (solus). A goodly fellow by his looks, though worn

Gab. (solus). He looks like a decent guy, though a bit tired.

As most good fellows are, by pain or pleasure,

As most good people are, through pain or pleasure,

Which tear life out of us before our time;370

Which take life from us before our time;370

I scarce know which most quickly: but he seems

I hardly know which one is faster: but he seems

To have seen better days, as who has not

To have seen better days, as who hasn't?

Who has seen yesterday?—But here approaches

Who has seen yesterday?—But here comes

Our sage intendant, with the wine: however,

Our wise manager, with the wine: however,

For the cup's sake I'll bear the cupbearer.

For the sake of the cup, I'll put up with the cupbearer.

[354]

Enter Idenstein.

Join Idenstein.

Iden. 'Tis here! the supernaculum![168] twenty years

Iden. It's here! The supernaculum!__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ 20 years

Of age, if 'tis a day.

Of age, if it's a day.

Gab.‍Which epoch makes

Gab. Which era makes

Young women and old wine; and 'tis great pity,

Young women and old wine; and it’s a real shame,

Of two such excellent things, increase of years,

Of two such excellent things, the passage of time,

Which still improves the one, should spoil the other.380

Which still improves one should spoil the other.380

Fill full—Here's to our hostess!—your fair wife!

Fill it up—Here's to our hostess!—your lovely wife!

[Takes the glass.

[Picks up the glass.

Iden. Fair!—Well, I trust your taste in wine is equal

Iden. Great!—Well, I hope your taste in wine is just as good

To that you show for beauty; but I pledge you

To that you show for beauty; but I promise you

Nevertheless.

Nonetheless.

Gab.‍Is not the lovely woman

Gab. Is not the beautiful woman

I met in the adjacent hall, who, with

I met in the nearby hall, who, with

An air, and port, and eye, which would have better

Beseemed this palace in its brightest days

(Though in a garb adapted to its present

(Though in a outfit suitable for its current

Abandonment), returned my salutation—

Abandonment), returned my greeting—

Is not the same your spouse?

Isn’t your partner the same?

Iden.‍I would she were!390

Iden. I wish she were!

But you're mistaken:—that's the stranger's wife.

But you're wrong:—that's the stranger's wife.

Gab. And by her aspect she might be a Prince's;

Gab. And by her appearance, she could be a princess;

Though time hath touched her too, she still retains

Though time has affected her too, she still keeps

Much beauty, and more majesty.

So much beauty and majesty.

Iden.‍And that

Iden. And that

Is more than I can say for Madame Idenstein,

At least in beauty: as for majesty,

She has some of its properties which might

Be spared—but never mind!

Be spared—but it's all good!

Gab.‍I don't. But who

Gab. I don't. But who

May be this stranger? He too hath a bearing

Maybe this stranger? He also has a presence

Above his outward fortunes.

Above his external circumstances.

Iden.‍There I differ.400

Iden. There I disagree.

He's poor as Job, and not so patient; but

He's as poor as Job, and not nearly as patient; but

Who he may be, or what, or aught of him,[355]

Who he might be, or what he is, or anything about him,[355]

Except his name (and that I only learned

To-night), I know not.

Tonight, I don't know.

Gab.‍But how came he here?

Gab. But how did he get here?

Iden. In a most miserable old caleche,

Iden. In a really sad old carriage,

About a month since, and immediately

About a month ago, and right away

Fell sick, almost to death. He should have died.

Fell seriously ill, nearly to the point of death. He should have died.

Gab. Tender and true!—but why?

Gab. Sweet and genuine!—but why?

Iden.‍Why, what is life

Iden. Why, what is life?

Without a living? He has not a stiver.[co]

Without a job? He doesn't have a penny.[co]

Gab. In that case, I much wonder that a person410

Gab. In that case, I really wonder why a person410

Of your apparent prudence should admit

Of your obvious caution should accept

Guests so forlorn into this noble mansion.

Guests so sad to be in this grand house.

Iden. That's true: but pity, as you know, does make

One's heart commit these follies; and besides,

One's heart makes these mistakes; and besides,

They had some valuables left at that time,

They still had some valuables at that time,

Which paid their way up to the present hour;

Which have supported themselves right up to now;

And so I thought they might as well be lodged

And so I thought they might as well be put up

Here as at the small tavern, and I gave them

The run of some of the oldest palace rooms.

The route through some of the oldest palace rooms.

They served to air them, at the least as long420

They helped to air them, at least as long

As they could pay for firewood.

As long as they could afford firewood.

Gab.‍Poor souls!

Gab. Poor souls!

Iden.‍Aye,

Iden. Aye,

Exceeding poor.

Very poor.

Gab.‍And yet unused to poverty,

Gab. And yet unaccustomed to poverty,

If I mistake not. Whither were they going?

If I'm not mistaken. Where were they going?

Iden. Oh! Heaven knows where, unless to Heaven itself.

Iden. Oh! Only God knows where, unless it's to Heaven itself.

Some days ago that looked the likeliest journey

Some days ago, that seemed like the most promising journey.

For Werner.

Gab.‍Werner! I have heard the name.

Gab.‍Werner! I know that name.

But it may be a feigned one.

But it might be a fake one.

Iden.‍Like enough!

Iden. Sure thing!

But hark! a noise of wheels and voices, and

But listen! There's a sound of wheels and voices, and

A blaze of torches from without. As sure

A blaze of torches from outside. As sure

As destiny, his Excellency's come.430

As fate has it, his Excellency's arrived.430

I must be at my post; will you not join me,

I have to be at my post; will you come with me?

To help him from his carriage, and present

To help him out of his carriage and introduce

Your humble duty at the door?

Your simple task at the door?

Gab.‍I dragged him[356]

Gab. I dragged him[356]

From out that carriage when he would have given

From that carriage when he would have given

His barony or county to repel

His barony or county to defend

The rushing river from his gurgling throat.

The rushing river from his bubbling throat.

He has valets now enough: they stood aloof then,

He has plenty of valets now: they kept their distance back then,

Shaking their dripping ears upon the shore,

Shaking their wet ears on the shore,

All roaring "Help!" but offering none; and as

All shouting "Help!" but giving none; and as

For duty (as you call it)—I did mine then,440

Now do yours. Hence, and bow and cringe him here!

Now do yours. So, bow and cringe in front of him here!

Iden. I cringe!—but I shall lose the opportunity—

Iden. I cringe!—but I can't miss this chance—

Plague take it! he'll be here, and I not there!

Plague take it! He'll be here, and I'll be not there!

[Exit Idenstein hastily.

[Leave Idenstein quickly.

Re-enter Werner.

Log back in Werner.

Wer. (to himself). I heard a noise of wheels and voices. How

Wer. (to himself). I heard the sound of wheels and voices. How

All sounds now jar me![Perceiving Gabor.

All sounds now annoy me![Perceiving Gabor.

Still here! Is he not

Still here! Is he not?

A spy of my pursuer's? His frank offer

A spy from my pursuer? His honest offer

So suddenly, and to a stranger, wore

The aspect of a secret enemy;

The idea of a secret enemy;

For friends are slow at such.

For friends take their time with that.

Gab.‍Sir, you seem rapt;

Gab. Sir, you look fascinated;

And yet the time is not akin to thought.450

And yet, the time doesn’t match up with thoughts.450

These old walls will be noisy soon. The baron,

These old walls are going to be noisy soon. The baron,

Or count (or whatsoe'er this half drowned noble

Or count (or whatever this half-drowned noble

May be), for whom this desolate village and

Its lone inhabitants show more respect

Its only inhabitants show more respect

Than did the elements, is come.

Iden. (without).‍This way—

This way, your Excellency:—have a care,

This way, Your Excellency:—be cautious,

The staircase is a little gloomy, and

The staircase is a bit dark and

Somewhat decayed; but if we had expected

Somewhat worn down; but if we had expected

So high a guest—Pray take my arm, my Lord!

So esteemed a guest—Please take my arm, my Lord!

Enter Stralenheim, Idenstein, and Attendants—partly his own, and partly Retainers of the Domain of which Idenstein is Intendant.

Enter Stralenheim, Idenstein, and attendants—some are his own, and others are retainers from the domain where Idenstein is the manager.

Stral. I'll rest here a moment.

Stral. I'll take a break here for a minute.

Iden. (to the servants).‍Ho! a chair!460

Iden. (to the servants).Understood, please provide the text.Hey! A chair!460

Instantly, knaves. [Stralenheim sits down.[357]

Instantly, goons. [Stralenheim sits down.[357]

Wer. (aside).‍Tis he!

Tis him!

Stral.‍I'm better now.

Stral. I'm good now.

Who are these strangers?

Who are these people?

Iden.‍Please you, my good Lord,

Iden.‍Please, my good Lord,

One says he is no stranger.

He says he's familiar.

Wer. (aloud and hastily). Who says that?

Who says that?

[They look at him with surprise.

They stare at him in disbelief.

Iden. Why, no one spoke of you, or to you!—but

Iden. Well, no one talked about you or to you!—but

Here's one his Excellency may be pleased

Here's one his Excellency might like.

To recognise.[Pointing to Gabor.

To recognize.[Pointing to Gabor.

Gab.‍I seek not to disturb

Gab. I don't want to disturb.

His noble memory.

His honorable memory.

Stral.‍I apprehend

Stral. I get it.

This is one of the strangers to whose aid [cp]

This is one of the strangers who came to help [cp]

I owe my rescue. Is not that the other?

I owe my rescue. Isn't that someone else?

[Pointing to Werner.

[Pointing to Werner.]

My state when I was succoured must excuse470

My state when I was rescued must excuse470

My uncertainty to whom I owe so much.

My uncertainty about who I owe so much to.

Iden. He!—no, my Lord! he rather wants for rescue

Iden. Hey!—no, my Lord! he actually needs saving.

Than can afford it. 'Tis a poor sick man,

Travel-tired, and lately risen from a bed

Travel-weary, and recently gotten out of bed

From whence he never dreamed to rise.

From where he never imagined he would rise.

Stral.‍Methought

Stral. I thought.

That there were two.

Gab.‍There were, in company;

Gab. There were, in company;

But, in the service rendered to your Lordship,

But, in the service provided to your Lordship,

I needs must say but one, and he is absent.

I can only say one, and he isn't here.

The chief part of whatever aid was rendered

The main part of any help given

Was his: it was his fortune to be first.480

My will was not inferior, but his strength

My determination was just as strong, but his power was greater.

And youth outstripped me; therefore do not waste

And youth surpassed me; so don’t waste

Your thanks on me. I was but a glad second

Your thanks mean a lot to me. I was just a happy moment.

Unto a nobler principal.

To a nobler principle.

Stral.‍Where is he?

Stral. Where is he?

An Atten. My Lord, he tarried in the cottage where

An Atten. My Lord, he stayed in the cottage where

Your Excellency rested for an hour,

Your Excellency took a break for an hour,

And said he would be here to-morrow.

And he said he would be here tomorrow.

Stral.‍Till

Stral. Till

That hour arrives, I can but offer thanks,

That hour arrives, and all I can do is express my gratitude,

And then—[358]—

Gab.‍I seek no more, and scarce deserve

Gab.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like modernized.I don’t want anything else, and I hardly deserve it.

So much. My comrade may speak for himself.490

So much for that. My friend can speak for himself.490

Stral. (fixing his eyes upon Werner: then aside).

Stral. (looking intently at Werner: then to the side).

It cannot be! and yet he must be looked to.

It can't be! Yet he has to be considered.

'Tis twenty years since I beheld him with

'Tis twenty years since I saw him with

These eyes; and, though my agents still have kept

These eyes; and, even though my agents have still kept

Theirs on him, policy has held aloof

Theirs on him, the policy has stayed distant.

My own from his, not to alarm him into

Suspicion of my plan. Why did I leave

Suspicion about my plan. Why did I leave?

At Hamburgh those who would have made assurance

At Hamburg, those who wanted certainty

If this be he or no? I thought, ere now,

If this is him or not? I thought, before now,

To have been lord of Siegendorf, and parted

To have been the lord of Siegendorf and separated

In haste, though even the elements appear500

In a rush, even the elements seem

To fight against me, and this sudden flood

To stand against me and this sudden flood

May keep me prisoner here till——

[He pauses and looks at Werner: then resumes.

He stops and looks at Werner, then keeps going.

This man must

This guy must

Be watched. If it is he, he is so changed,

Be watched. If it's him, he's so different now,

His father, rising from his grave again,

His father, coming back to life from his grave again,

Would pass by him unknown. I must be wary:

Would pass by him unnoticed. I need to be cautious:

An error would spoil all.

One mistake would ruin everything.

Iden.‍Your Lordship seems

Iden. Your Lordship seems

Pensive. Will it not please you to pass on?

Pensive. Won't you be pleased to move on?

Stral. 'Tis past fatigue, which gives my weighed-down spirit

Stral. It's beyond exhaustion, which burdens my tired spirit

An outward show of thought. I will to rest.

An external display of thought. I will take a break.

Iden. The Prince's chamber is prepared, with all510

Iden. The Prince's room is ready, with all510

The very furniture the Prince used when

Last here, in its full splendour.

Last here, in all its glory.

(Aside). Somewhat tattered,

A bit worn-out,

And devilish damp, but fine enough by torch-light;

And it was dangerously damp, but looked good enough by torchlight;

And that's enough for your right noble blood

And that's enough for your noble blood.

Of twenty quarterings upon a hatchment;

Of twenty divisions on a memorial plaque;

So let their bearer sleep 'neath something like one

So let their bearer sleep beneath something like one

Now, as he one day will for ever lie.

Now, as he one day will lie forever.

Stral. (rising and turning to Gabor).

Good night, good people! Sir, I trust to-morrow

Good night, good people! Sir, I hope tomorrow

Will find me apter to requite your service.

Will find me more willing to return your favor.

In the meantime I crave your company520

In the meantime, I really want to be with you520

A moment in my chamber.

A moment in my room.

Gab.‍I attend you.[359]

Gab. I’m here for you.[359]

Stral, (after a few steps, pauses, and calls Werner).

Friend!

Hey!

Wer.‍Sir!

Who? Sir!

Iden.‍Sir! Lord—oh Lord! Why don't you say

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Sir! My Lord—oh my Lord! Why don’t you say

His Lordship, or his Excellency? Pray,

His Lordship, or his Excellency? Please,

My Lord, excuse this poor man's want of breeding:

My Lord, please forgive this poor man's lack of manners:

He hath not been accustomed to admission

He has not been used to being admitted.

To such a presence.

To that presence.

Stral. (to Idenstein). Peace, intendant!

Stral. (to Idenstein). Peace, manager!

Iden.‍Oh!

Iden. Oh!

I am dumb.

I'm not very smart.

Stral. (to Werner). Have you been long here?

Stral. (to Werner). Have you been here long?

Wer.‍Long?

Who? Long?

Stral.‍I sought

Stral.‍I searched

An answer, not an echo.

A response, not an echo.

Wer.‍You may seek

You may seek

Both from the walls. I am not used to answer

Both from the walls. I'm not used to answering.

Those whom I know not.

Those I don't know.

Stral.‍Indeed! Ne'er the less,530

Stral.‍Indeed! Nevertheless,530

You might reply with courtesy to what

You might respond politely to what

Is asked in kindness.

Is asked with kindness.

Wer.‍When I know it such

Who.‍When I know it like that

I will requite—that is, reply—in unison.

I will reply together.

Stral. The intendant said, you had been detained by sickness—

Stral. The manager said you had been held up by illness—

If I could aid you—journeying the same way?

If I could help you—traveling the same path?

Wer. (quickly). I am not journeying the same way!

Wer. (quickly). I'm not going the same way!

Stral.‍How know ye

Stral. How do you know?

That, ere you know my route?

That, before you know my path?

Wer.‍Because there is

Wer. Because there is

But one way that the rich and poor must tread

But one way that the rich and poor must walk

Together. You diverged from that dread path

Together. You strayed from that terrible path.

Some hours ago, and I some days: henceforth540

Some hours ago, and a few days ago: from now on540

Our roads must lie asunder, though they tend

Our paths must split apart, even though they lead

All to one home.

All to one place.

Stral.‍Your language is above

Stral. Your language is above

Your station.

Wer. (bitterly). Is it?

Is it?

Stral.‍Or, at least, beyond

Stral. Or, at least, beyond

Your garb.

Your outfit.

Wer. 'Tis well that it is not beneath it,[360]

Who. It's good that it isn't beneath it,[360]

As sometimes happens to the better clad.

As sometimes happens to those who dress better.

But, in a word, what would you with me?

But, in short, what do you want from me?

Stral. (startled).‍I?

Stral. (shocked).‍Me?

Wer. Yes—you! You know me not, and question me,

Who. Yes—you! You don't know me, and you’re questioning me,

And wonder that I answer not—not knowing

And I wonder why I don't answer—not knowing

My inquisitor. Explain what you would have,

My questioner. Tell me what you want,

And then I'll satisfy yourself, or me.550

And then I'll make sure you’re satisfied, or I will be.550

Stral. I knew not that you had reasons for reserve.

Stral. I didn't realize you had reasons to hold back.

Wer. Many have such:—Have you none?

Who. Many have them:—Do you have none?

Stral.‍None which can

Stral. None that can

Interest a mere stranger.

Fascinate a random stranger.

Wer.‍Then forgive

Wer. Then forgive

The same unknown and humble stranger, if

He wishes to remain so to the man

He wants to stay like that for the guy.

Who can have nought in common with him.

Who could have nothing in common with him?

Stral.‍Sir,

Stral. Sir,

I will not balk your humour, though untoward:

I won’t resist your humor, even if it’s inappropriate:

I only meant you service—but good night!

I only meant to help you—but good night!

Intendant, show the way! (To Gabor.) Sir, you will with me?

Intendant, lead the way! (To Gabor.) Sir, will you come with me?

[Exeunt Stralenheim and Attendants; Idenstein and Gabor.

[Exit Stralenheim and attendants; Idenstein and Gabor.

Wer. (solus). 'Tis he! I am taken in the toils. Before560

Wer. (solus). It's him! I'm caught in the traps. Before560

I quitted Hamburg, Giulio, his late steward,

I left Hamburg, Giulio, his former steward,

Informed me, that he had obtained an order

Informed me that he had gotten an order

From Brandenburg's elector, for the arrest

From the elector of Brandenburg, regarding the arrest

Of Kruitzner (such the name I then bore) when

Of Kruitzner (the name I had at that time) when

I came upon the frontier; the free city

I came across the border; the free city

Alone preserved my freedom—till I left

Alone kept my freedom—until I left

Its walls—fool that I was to quit them! But

Its walls—fool that I was to leave them! But

I deemed this humble garb, and route obscure,

I thought this simple outfit and hidden path,

Had baffled the slow hounds in their pursuit.

Had confused the slow hounds in their chase.

What's to be done? He knows me not by person;570

What's to be done? He doesn't know me in person;570

Nor could aught, save the eye of apprehension,

Nor could anything, except the eye of fear,

Have recognised him, after twenty years—

Have recognized him, after twenty years—

We met so rarely and so coldly in

We met so infrequently and with such distance in

Our youth. But those about him! Now I can

Our youth. But the people around him! Now I can

Divine the frankness of the Hungarian, who

Divine the honesty of the Hungarian, who

No doubt is a mere tool and spy of Stralenheim's,[361]

No doubt is just a tool and spy of Stralenheim's,[361]

To sound and to secure me. Without means!

To make sure I’m safe and secure. With no resources!

Sick, poor—begirt too with the flooding rivers,

Sick, poor—surrounded as well by the overflowing rivers,

Impassable even to the wealthy, with

All the appliances which purchase modes580

All the appliances that purchase modes580

Of overpowering peril, with men's lives,—

Of overwhelming danger, with people's lives,—

How can I hope! An hour ago methought

How can I have any hope! An hour ago I thought

My state beyond despair; and now, 'tis such,

My state beyond despair; and now, it's like this,

The past seems paradise. Another day,

The past feels like paradise. Another day,

And I'm detected,—on the very eve

And I've been caught—on the very eve

Of honours, rights, and my inheritance,

Of honors, rights, and my inheritance,

When a few drops of gold might save me still

When just a few drops of gold could still save me

In favouring an escape.

In favor of an escape.

Enter Idenstein and Fritz in conversation.

Enter Idenstein and Fritz talking.

Fritz.‍Immediately.

Fritz. Right away.

Iden. I tell you, 'tis impossible.

Iden. I'm telling you, it's impossible.

Fritz.‍It must

Fritz. It must

Be tried, however; and if one express590

Be tried, though; and if someone expresses

Fail, you must send on others, till the answer

Fail, you have to send others until you get the answer.

Arrives from Frankfort, from the commandant.

Arrives from Frankfurt, from the commander.

Iden. I will do what I can.

Iden. I'll give it my all.

Fritz.‍And recollect

Fritz. And remember

To spare no trouble; you will be repaid

To make no effort; you will be rewarded.

Tenfold.

Ten times.

Iden.‍The Baron is retired to rest?

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Is the Baron taking a break?

Fritz. He hath thrown himself into an easy chair

Fritz. He has thrown himself into an easy chair.

Beside the fire, and slumbers; and has ordered

Beside the fire, and sleeping; and has arranged

He may not be disturbed until eleven,

He might not be disturbed until eleven,

When he will take himself to bed.

When he goes to sleep.

Iden.‍Before

Iden. Before

An hour is past I'll do my best to serve him.600

An hour has passed, and I'll do my best to serve him.600

Fritz. Remember![Exit Fritz.

Iden.‍The devil take these great men! they

Iden. Forget these great men! They

Think all things made for them. Now here must I

Think of everything created for them. Now I must here

Rouse up some half a dozen shivering vassals

Rouse up about six shivering servants

From their scant pallets, and, at peril of

From their small mats, and, at the risk of

Their lives, despatch them o'er the river towards

Their lives, send them over the river towards

Frankfort. Methinks the Baron's own experience

Frankfort. I think the Baron's own experience

Some hours ago might teach him fellow-feeling:

Some hours ago might teach him empathy:

But no, "it must" and there's an end. How now?[362]

But no, "it must" and that's that. What now?[362]

Are you there, Mynheer Werner?

Are you there, Mr. Werner?

Wer.‍You have left

Who.‍You have left

Your noble guest right quickly.

Your esteemed guest is arrived.

Iden.‍Yes—he's dozing,610

Iden.‍Yeah—he's napping,610

And seems to like that none should sleep besides.

And it feels like no one else should be sleeping either.

Here is a packet for the Commandant

Here’s a packet for the Commandant

Of Frankfort, at all risks and all expenses;

Of Frankfort, no matter the risks or costs;

But I must not lose time: Good night![Exit Iden.

But I can't waste time: Good night![Exit Iden.

Wer.‍"To Frankfort!"

Who.‍"To Frankfurt!"

So, so, it thickens! Aye, "the Commandant!"

So, it's getting serious! Yep, "the Commandant!"

This tallies well with all the prior steps

This matches up well with all the previous steps.

Of this cool, calculating fiend, who walks

Of this cold, calculating villain, who walks

Between me and my father's house. No doubt

Between me and my dad's house. No doubt.

He writes for a detachment to convey me

He writes for a unit to send me

Into some secret fortress.—Sooner than620

Into a secret fortress.—Sooner than

This——

This—

[Werner looks around, and snatches up a knife
lying on a table in a recess.

[Werner glances around and grabs a knife
resting on a table in a nook.

Now I am master of myself at least.

Now I am in control of myself, at least.

Hark,—footsteps! How do I know that Stralenheim

Hark—footsteps! How do I know that Stralenheim

Will wait for even the show of that authority

Will wait for even a hint of that authority

Which is to overshadow usurpation?

What's worse, being overshadowed or usurped?

That he suspects me 's certain. I'm alone—

That he definitely suspects me is clear. I’m alone—

He with a numerous train: I weak—he strong

He had many followers: I was weak—he was strong.

In gold, in numbers, rank, authority.

In gold, in numbers, rank, power.

I nameless, or involving in my name

I am nameless, or tied to my name

Destruction, till I reach my own domain;

Destruction, until I get to my own territory;

He full-blown with his titles, which impose630

He was full of himself with his titles, which impose

Still further on these obscure petty burghers

Still further on these obscure little-town businessmen

Than they could do elsewhere. Hark! nearer still!

Than they could do elsewhere. Listen! Closer now!

I'll to the secret passage, which communicates

I'll go to the secret passage that connects

With the——No! all is silent—'twas my fancy!—

With the——No! everything is silent—'twas just my imagination!—

Still as the breathless interval between

Still as the breathless pause between

The flash and thunder:—I must hush my soul

The flash and thunder:—I must quiet my soul

Amidst its perils. Yet I will retire,

Amidst its dangers. Yet I will step back,

To see if still be unexplored the passage

To see if the passage is still unexplored

I wot of: it will serve me as a den

I know that it will serve me as a hideout.

Of secrecy for some hours, at the worst.640

Of secrecy for a few hours, at the most.640

[Werner draws a panel, and exit, closing it after him.[363]

[Werner draws a panel, and exits, closing it behind him.[363]

Enter Gabor and Josephine.

Gab. Where is your husband?

Gab. Where's your husband?

Jos.‍Here, I thought: I left him

Jos.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Here, I thought: I left him

Not long since in his chamber. But these rooms

Not long ago in his room. But these spaces

Have many outlets, and he may be gone

Have many outlets, and he might be gone.

To accompany the Intendant.

To accompany the manager.

Gab.‍Baron Stralenheim

Gab. Baron Stralenheim

Put many questions to the Intendant on

The subject of your lord, and, to be plain,

The topic of your lord, and to be straightforward,

I have my doubts if he means well.

I have my doubts about whether he has good intentions.

Jos.‍Alas!

Jos. Oh no!

What can there be in common with the proud

What can the proud have in common

And wealthy Baron, and the unknown Werner?

And the rich baron, and the mysterious Werner?

Gab. That you know best.

Gab. You know best.

Jos.‍Or, if it were so, how650

Jos.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Or, if it were like that, how650

Come you to stir yourself in his behalf,

Come, you should get involved for his sake,

Rather than that of him whose life you saved?

Rather than the life of the person you saved?

Gab. I helped to save him, as in peril; but

Gab. I helped to save him, as in danger; but

I did not pledge myself to serve him in

I did not promise to serve him in

Oppression. I know well these nobles, and

Oppression. I know these nobles well, and

Their thousand modes of trampling on the poor.

Their countless ways of stepping on the poor.

I have proved them; and my spirit boils up when

I have proven them; and my spirit boils over when

I find them practising against the weak:—

I see them practicing against the weak:—

This is my only motive.

This is my only reason.

Jos.‍It would be

Jos. It would be

Not easy to persuade my consort of660

Not easy to convince my partner of660

Your good intentions.

Your best intentions.

Gab.‍Is he so suspicious?

Gab. Is he that suspicious?

Jos. He was not once; but time and troubles have

Jos. He wasn’t alone; but time and difficulties have

Made him what you beheld.

Made him who you saw.

Gab.‍I'm sorry for it.

Gab. I'm sorry about that.

Suspicion is a heavy armour, and

Suspicion is heavy armor, and

With its own weight impedes more than protects.

With its own weight, it hinders more than it helps.

Good night! I trust to meet with him at day-break.

Good night! I hope to meet with him at dawn.

[Exit Gabor.

Re-enter Idenstein and some Peasants. Josephine retires up the Hall.

Re-enter Idenstein and some Peasants. Josephine walks up the Hall.

First Peasant. But if I'm drowned?

First Peasant. But what if I drown?

Iden.‍Why, you will be well paid for 't,[364]

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Why, you will be well compensated for it,[364]

And have risked more than drowning for as much,

And have risked more than drowning for that much,

I doubt not.

I don't doubt it.

Second Peasant. But our wives and families?

Second Peasant. But what about our wives and families?

Iden. Cannot be worse off than they are, and may670

Iden. They can’t be worse off than they already are, and may670

Be better.

Improve yourself.

Third Peasant. I have neither, and will venture.

Third Peasant. I have neither, and I will take the risk.

Iden. That's right. A gallant carle, and fit to be

Iden. That's right. A brave guy, and suitable to be

A soldier. I'll promote you to the ranks

A soldier. I'll move you up in rank.

In the Prince's body-guard—if you succeed:

In the Prince's bodyguard—if you succeed:

And you shall have besides, in sparkling coin,

And you'll also have, in shiny coins,

Two thalers.

Third Peasant. No more!

Third Peasant. Enough!

Iden.‍Out upon your avarice!

Iden. ‍Stop being greedy!

Can that low vice alloy so much ambition?

Can that low vice combine with so much ambition?

I tell thee, fellow, that two thalers in

I tell you, my friend, that two thalers in

Small change will subdivide into a treasure.

Small change will turn into a treasure.

Do not five hundred thousand heroes daily680

Risk lives and souls for the tithe of one thaler?

Risk lives and souls for the payment of one thaler?

When had you half the sum?

When did you have half the amount?

Third Peasant.‍Never—but ne'er

Never—but never

The less I must have three.

The fewer I need, the more I require three.

Iden.‍Have you forgot

Iden. Have you forgotten?

Whose vassal you were born, knave?

Whose servant were you born, you scoundrel?

Third Peasant.‍No—the Prince's,

Third Peasant.‍Not the Prince's,

And not the stranger's.

And not the outsider's.

Iden.‍Sirrah! in the Prince's

Iden.‍Hey! in the Prince's

Absence, I am sovereign; and the Baron is

Absence, I am in control; and the Baron is

My intimate connection;—"Cousin Idenstein!

My close relationship;—"Cousin Idenstein!

(Quoth he) you'll order out a dozen villains."

(He said) you'll send out a dozen troublemakers.

And so, you villains! troop—march—march, I say;

And so, you villains! Get moving—march—march, I say;

And if a single dog's ear of this packet690

And if just one dog's ear from this packet690

Be sprinkled by the Oder—look to it!

Be sprinkled by the Oder—pay attention to it!

For every page of paper, shall a hide

For every page of paper, there should be a hide

Of yours be stretched as parchment on a drum,

Of yours be stretched like parchment on a drum,

Like Ziska's skin,[169] to beat alarm to all

Refractory vassals, who can not effect

Rebellious vassals, who cannot act

Impossibilities.—Away, ye earth-worms!

Impossibilities.—Go away, you earth-worms!

[Exit, driving them out.

[Leave, pushing them out.

Jos. (coming forward).

Jos. (stepping up).

I fain would shun these scenes, too oft repeated,[365]

I would gladly avoid these scenes, which happen too often,[365]

Of feudal tyranny o'er petty victims;

Of feudal oppression over small victims;

I cannot aid, and will not witness such.

I can’t help, and I won’t stand by and watch that.

Even here, in this remote, unnamed, dull spot,700

Even here, in this remote, unnamed, boring place,700

The dimmest in the district's map, exist

The dimmest on the district's map, exist

The insolence of wealth in poverty

The arrogance of rich people in the face of poverty

O'er something poorer still—the pride of rank

Over something even poorer—the pride of status

In servitude, o'er something still more servile;

In servitude, over something even more servile;

And vice in misery affecting still

And evil still causes misery

A tattered splendour. What a state of being!

A worn-out magnificence. What a way to exist!

In Tuscany, my own dear sunny land,

In Tuscany, my beloved sunny land,

Our nobles were but citizens and merchants,[170]

Our nobles were just citizens and merchants,[170]

Like Cosmo. We had evils, but not such

Like Cosmo. We had our problems, but not like that.

As these; and our all-ripe and gushing valleys710

As these; and our fully developed and overflowing valleys710

Made poverty more cheerful, where each herb

Was in itself a meal, and every vine

Rained, as it were, the beverage which makes glad

Rained, so to speak, the drink that cheers.

The heart of man; and the ne'er unfelt sun

The human heart; and the sun that is never unrecognized

(But rarely clouded, and when clouded, leaving

(But rarely clouded, and when it is, leaving

His warmth behind in memory of his beams)

His warmth remains in memory like his beams.

Makes the worn mantle, and the thin robe, less

Makes the worn cloak and the thin robe, less

Oppressive than an emperor's jewelled purple.

Oppressive as an emperor's jeweled purple.

But, here! the despots of the north appear

But look! The tyrants from the north are here.

To imitate the ice-wind of their clime,720

To mimic the icy wind of their region,720

Searching the shivering vassal through his rags,

Searching the cold vassal through his tattered clothing,

To wring his soul—as the bleak elements

To squeeze his soul—as the harsh elements

His form. And 'tis to be amongst these sovereigns

His form. And it is to be among these rulers

My husband pants! and such his pride of birth—

My husband pants! And that's how proud he is of his family background—

That twenty years of usage, such as no

Father born in a humble state could nerve

Father, who was born in a modest background, could find the strength

His soul to persecute a son withal,

His soul to torment a son as well,

Hath changed no atom of his early nature;

Has not changed a single bit of his early nature;

But I, born nobly also, from my father's

But I, born into nobility as well, from my father's

Kindness was taught a different lesson. Father!730

Kindness learned a different lesson. Dad!730

May thy long-tried and now rewarded spirit

May your long-tested and now rewarded spirit

Look down on us and our so long desired

Look down on us and our long-desired

Ulric! I love my son, as thou didst me!

Ulric! I love my son, just like you loved me!

What's that? Thou, Werner! can it be? and thus?

What's that? You, Werner! Is it really you? And like this?

[366]

Enter Werner hastily, with the knife in his hand, by the secret panel, which he closes hurriedly after him.

Werner rushes in with the knife in his hand through the secret panel, which he quickly closes behind him.

Wer. (not at first recognising her).

Who. (not recognizing her at first).

Discovered! then I'll stab—(recognising her). Ah! Josephine

Discovered! Then I’ll stab—(recognizing her). Ah! Josephine

Why art thou not at rest?

Why aren't you at peace?

Jos.‍What rest? My God!

Jos. What rest? OMG!

What doth this mean?

What does this mean?

Wer. (showing a rouleau).

Who. (showing a roll).

Here's gold—gold, Josephine,

Here's gold—gold, Josephine,

Will rescue us from this detested dungeon.

Will rescue us from this hated dungeon.

Jos. And how obtained?—that knife!

Jos. And how did you get that knife?

Wer.‍'Tis bloodless—yet.

Who.‍It's bloodless—but.

Away—we must to our chamber.

Let's go to our room.

Jos.‍But whence comest thou?740

Jos. But where are you from?740

Wer. Ask not! but let us think where we shall go—

Wer. Don't ask! Instead, let's think about where we should go—

This—this will make us way—(showing the gold)—I'll fit them now.

This—this will make us rich—(showing the gold)—I'll get them ready now.

Jos. I dare not think thee guilty of dishonour.

Jos. I can’t believe you are guilty of dishonor.

Wer. Dishonour!

Who. Disgrace!

Jos.‍I have said it.

Jos. I've said it.

Wer.‍Let us hence:

Who.‍Let’s go:

'Tis the last night, I trust, that we need pass here.

It's the last night, I hope, that we need to stay here.

Jos. And not the worst, I hope.

Jos. And I hope it's not the worst.

Wer.‍Hope! I make sure.

Who. Hope! I ensure.

But let us to our chamber.

But let's go to our room.

Jos.‍Yet one question—

Jos.‍But one question—

What hast thou done?

What have you done?

Wer. (fiercely).‍Left one thing undone, which

Who. (intensely).‍Left one thing unfinished, which

Had made all well: let me not think of it!

Had made everything good: let me not dwell on it!

Away!

Go away!

Jos.‍Alas that I should doubt of thee!750

Jos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.It’s a pity that I should have doubts about you!750

[Exeunt.

[Exit.

[367]

ACT II.

Scene I.—A Hall in the same Palace.

Enter Idenstein and Others.

Join Idenstein and Others.

Iden. Fine doings! goodly doings! honest doings!

Iden. Great things! Wonderful things! Honest things!

A Baron pillaged in a Prince's palace!

A baron looted a prince's palace!

Where, till this hour, such a sin ne'er was heard of.

Where, up until now, such a sin has never been heard of.

Fritz. It hardly could, unless the rats despoiled

Fritz. It really couldn't, unless the rats ruined

The mice of a few shreds of tapestry.

The mice of a few scraps of fabric.

Iden. Oh! that I e'er should live to see this day!

Iden. Oh! I can't believe I'm actually seeing this day!

The honour of our city's gone for ever.

The honor of our city is gone forever.

Fritz. Well, but now to discover the delinquent:

Fritz. Well, now let's find out who the culprit is:

The Baron is determined not to lose

The Baron is set on not losing.

This sum without a search.

This total without searching.

Iden.‍And so am I.10

Iden. And I am too.

Fritz. But whom do you suspect?

Fritz. But who do you think it is?

Iden.‍Suspect! all people

Iden. Suspect! everyone

Without—within—above—below—Heaven help me!

Without—within—above—below—Heaven, help me!

Fritz. Is there no other entrance to the chamber?

Fritz. Is there no other way into the room?

Iden. None whatsoever.

Iden. Not at all.

Fritz.‍Are you sure of that?

Fritz.‍Are you sure about that?

Iden. Certain. I have lived and served here since my birth,

Iden. Definitely. I've lived and worked here my entire life,

And if there were such, must have heard of such,

And if there were such things, they must have heard of them,

Or seen it.

Fritz.‍Then it must be some one who

Fritz.Sure! Please provide the short piece of text you'd like me to modernize.Then it must be someone who

Had access to the antechamber.

Had access to the waiting room.

Iden.‍Doubtless.

Iden. Definitely.

Fritz. The man called Werner's poor!

Fritz. The guy said Werner's broke!

Iden.‍Poor as a miser [171].

Iden. Broke as a joke __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

But lodged so far off, in the other wing,20

But located so far away, in the other wing,20

By which there's no communication with

The baron's chamber, that it can't be he.

The baron's room, that it can't be him.

Besides, I bade him "good night" in the hall,[368]

Besides, I said "good night" to him in the hall,[368]

Almost a mile off, and which only leads

Almost a mile away, and which only leads

To his own apartment, about the same time

To his apartment, around the same time

When this burglarious, larcenous felony

When this robbery crime

Appears to have been committed.

Seems to have been done.

Fritz.‍There's another,

Fritz. There’s another,

The stranger——

The unknown person——

Iden.‍The Hungarian?

Fritz.‍He who helped

Fritz.‍The one who helped

To fish the baron from the Oder.

To catch the baron from the Oder.

Iden.‍Not

Iden. Not

Unlikely. But, hold—might it not have been30

Unlikely. But hold on—could it not have been30

One of the suite?

One of the suites?

Fritz.‍How? We, sir!

Iden.‍No—not you,

Iden. No—not you,

But some of the inferior knaves. You say

But some of the lowlifes. You say

The Baron was asleep in the great chair—

The Baron was sleeping in the big chair—

The velvet chair—in his embroidered night-gown;

The velvet chair—in his fancy nightgown;

His toilet spread before him, and upon it

His toilet was laid out in front of him, and on it

A cabinet with letters, papers, and

A cabinet filled with letters, papers, and

Several rouleaux of gold; of which one only

Several rolls of gold; of which one only

Has disappeared:—the door unbolted, with

Has disappeared: the door unlocked, with

No difficult access to any.

Easy access for everyone.

Fritz.‍Good sir,

Fritz. Good sir,

Be not so quick; the honour of the corps40

Be not so quick; the honor of the corps40

Which forms the Baron's household's unimpeached

Which makes up the Baron's household's unquestionable

From steward to scullion, save in the fair way

From steward to dishwasher, except in a fair manner

Of peculation; such as in accompts,

Of embezzlement; such as in accounts,

Weights, measures, larder, cellar, buttery,

Weights, measures, pantry, basement, kitchen,

Where all men take their prey; as also in

Where everyone goes to catch their prey; as well as in

Postage of letters, gathering of rents,

Mailing letters, collecting rent,

Purveying feasts, and understanding with

Serving feasts and understanding with

The honest trades who furnish noble masters [cq];

The honest workers who provide for noble masters [cq];

But for your petty, picking, downright thievery,

But for your petty, annoying, outright stealing,

We scorn it as we do board wages. Then50

We look down on it just like we do with board wages. Then50

Had one of our folks done it, he would not

Had one of our people done it, he wouldn't

Have been so poor a spirit as to hazard

Have been so lacking in spirit as to risk

His neck for one rouleau, but have swooped all;

His neck for one roll, but has taken everything;

Also the cabinet, if portable.

Also the cabinet, if mobile.

Iden. There is some sense in that——

Iden. That makes some sense—

Fritz.‍No, Sir, be sure[369]

Fritz. No, Sir, be sure

'Twas none of our corps; but some petty, trivial

'Twas none of our group; but some petty, trivial

Picker and stealer, without art or genius.

Picker and thief, lacking skill or talent.

The only question is—Who else could have

Access, save the Hungarian and yourself?

Access, save Hungary and yourself?

Iden. You don't mean me?

Iden. You aren't talking about me?

Fritz.‍No, sir; I honour more60

Fritz. No, sir; I respect more

Your talents——

Your skills—

Iden.‍And my principles, I hope.

Iden. And my values, I hope.

Fritz. Of course. But to the point: What's to be done?

Fritz. Of course. But let's get to the point: What should we do?

Iden. Nothing—but there's a good deal to be said.

Iden. Nothing—but there's a lot to talk about.

We'll offer a reward; move heaven and earth,

We'll offer a reward; go to great lengths,

And the police (though there's none nearer than

And the police (even though there isn't one closer than

Frankfort); post notices in manuscript

Frankfort); post notices in writing

(For we've no printer); and set by my clerk

(For we’ve no printer); and set by my assistant

To read them (for few can, save he and I).

To read them (since few can, except him and me).

We'll send out villains to strip beggars, and

We'll send out bad guys to rob beggars, and

Search empty pockets; also, to arrest70

All gipsies, and ill-clothed and sallow people.

All gypsies, and poorly dressed and pale people.

Prisoners we'll have at least, if not the culprit;

Prisoners we'll have for sure, even if we don't catch the real culprit;

And for the Baron's gold—if 'tis not found,

And for the Baron's gold—if it’s not found,

At least he shall have the full satisfaction

At least he will have complete satisfaction.

Of melting twice its substance in the raising

The ghost of this rouleau. Here's alchemy

The ghost of this roll. Here’s alchemy.

For your Lord's losses!

For your lord's losses!

Fritz.‍He hath found a better.

Fritz. He has found a better.

Iden. Where?

Iden. Where?

Fritz.‍In a most immense inheritance.

Fritz. In a huge inheritance.

The late Count Siegendorf, his distant kinsman,

The late Count Siegendorf, his distant relative,

Is dead near Prague, in his castle, and my Lord80

Is on his way to take possession.

Iden.‍Was there

Iden. Was there

No heir?

Fritz. Oh, yes; but he has disappeared

Fritz. Oh, yeah; but he’s gone.

Long from the world's eye, and, perhaps, the world.

Long away from the world's gaze, and maybe, from the world itself.

A prodigal son, beneath his father's ban

A wayward son, under his father's curse

For the last twenty years; for whom his sire

For the last twenty years; for whom his father

Refused to kill the fatted calf; and, therefore,

Refused to kill the fattened calf; and, therefore,

If living, he must chew the husks still. But

If he's alive, he still has to chew the husks. But

The Baron would find means to silence him,

The Baron would find ways to shut him up,

Were he to re-appear: he's politic,[370]

Were he to reappear: he's diplomatic,[370]

And has much influence with a certain court.90

And has a lot of influence with a certain court.90

Iden. He's fortunate.

Iden. He’s lucky.

Fritz.‍'Tis true, there is a grandson,

Fritz.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.It's true, there is a grandson,

Whom the late Count reclaimed from his son's hands,

Whom the late Count took back from his son's grasp,

And educated as his heir; but, then,

His birth is doubtful.

His birth is uncertain.

Iden.‍How so?

Iden.‍Why is that?

Fritz.‍His sire made

Fritz. His dad made

A left-hand, love, imprudent sort of marriage,

A wrong-sided, passionate, reckless kind of marriage,

With an Italian exile's dark-eyed daughter:

With the dark-eyed daughter of an Italian exile:

Noble, they say, too; but no match for such

A house as Siegendorf's. The grandsire ill

A house like Siegendorf's. The grandfather is sick.

Could brook the alliance; and could ne'er be brought

Could accept the alliance; and could never be convinced

To see the parents, though he took the son.100

To see the parents, even though he took the son.100

Iden. If he's a lad of mettle, he may yet

Iden. If he's a brave guy, he might still

Dispute your claim, and weave a web that may

Dispute your claim, and create a web that may

Puzzle your Baron to unravel.

Solve your Baron to uncover.

Fritz.‍Why,

Fritz. Why,

For mettle, he has quite enough: they say,

For courage, he has plenty: people say,

He forms a happy mixture of his sire

He creates a happy blend of his father

And grandsire's qualities,—impetuous as

And grandpa's qualities,—impulsive as

The former, and deep as the latter; but

The strangest is, that he too disappeared

The strangest thing is that he also disappeared.

Some months ago.

A few months ago.

Iden.‍The devil he did!

The devil made him do it!

Fritz.‍Why, yes:

Fritz. Why, sure:

It must have been at his suggestion, at110

An hour so critical as was the eve

An hour as critical as the evening

Of the old man's death, whose heart was broken by it.

Of the old man's death, which shattered his heart.

Iden. Was there no cause assigned?

Iden. Was there no reason given?

Fritz.‍Plenty, no doubt,

Fritz. Definitely plenty.

And none, perhaps, the true one. Some averred

And maybe, none of them were actually true. Some claimed

It was to seek his parents; some because

It was to find his parents; some because

The old man held his spirit in so strictly

The old man kept his spirit so tightly confined

(But that could scarce be, for he doted on him);

(But that was hardly possible, because he was very fond of him);

A third believed he wished to serve in war,

A third thought he wanted to serve in the war,

But, peace being made soon after his departure,

But peace was established shortly after his departure,

He might have since returned, were that the motive;120

He might have come back by now, if that was the reason; 120

A fourth set charitably have surmised,

A fourth group has kindly speculated,

As there was something strange and mystic in him,

As there was something odd and mysterious about him,

That in the wild exuberance of his nature[371]

That in the wild excitement of his nature[371]

He had joined the black bands [172], who lay waste Lusatia,

He had joined the black bands [172], who were devastating Lusatia,

The mountains of Bohemia and Silesia,

Since the last years of war had dwindled into

Since the last years of conflict had faded into

A kind of general condottiero system

A sort of overall mercenary system

Of bandit-warfare; each troop with its chief,

Of bandit warfare; each group with its leader,

And all against mankind.

And all against humanity.

Iden.‍That cannot be.

Iden.‍That can't be.

A young heir, bred to wealth and luxury,130

A young heir, raised in wealth and luxury,130

To risk his life and honours with disbanded

To risk his life and reputation with a disbanded

Soldiers and desperadoes!

Soldiers and outlaws!

Fritz.‍Heaven best knows!

Fritz. Heaven knows!

But there are human natures so allied

But there are human natures so closely connected

Unto the savage love of enterprise,

Unto the wild passion of adventure,

That they will seek for peril as a pleasure.

That they will look for danger as a thrill.

I've heard that nothing can reclaim your Indian,

I've heard that nothing can bring back your Indian,

Or tame the tiger, though their infancy

Or tame the tiger, even in their youth

Were fed on milk and honey. After all,

Your Wallenstein, your Tilly and Gustavus,

Your Bannier, and your Torstenson and Weimar [173],140[372]

Were but the same thing upon a grand scale;

Were it only the same thing on a larger scale;

And now that they are gone, and peace proclaimed,

And now that they are gone, and peace has been declared,

They who would follow the same pastime must

They who want to pursue the same hobby must

Pursue it on their own account. Here comes

Pursue it for their own sake. Here comes

The Baron, and the Saxon stranger, who

The Baron and the Saxon stranger who

Was his chief aid in yesterday's escape,

Was his main help in yesterday's escape,

But did not leave the cottage by the Oder

But did not leave the cottage by the Oder.

Until this morning.

Enter Stralenheim and Ulric.

Stral.‍Since you have refused

Stral. Since you have declined

All compensation, gentle stranger, save

All compensation, kind stranger, except

Inadequate thanks, you almost check even them,150

Making me feel the worthlessness of words,

Making me feel that words are worthless,

And blush at my own barren gratitude,

And feel embarrassed by my own empty gratitude,

They seem so niggardly, compared with what

They seem so greedy compared to what

Your courteous courage did in my behalf——

Your kind bravery did so much for me——

Ulr. I pray you press the theme no further.

Ulr. Please don't push this topic any further.

Stral.‍But

Stral. But

Can I not serve you? You are young, and of

Can I not help you? You're young, and of

That mould which throws out heroes; fair in favour;

That mold that produces heroes; favorably attractive;

Brave, I know, by my living now to say so;

Brave, I know, by my living now to say this;

And, doubtlessly, with such a form and heart,

And, surely, with such a shape and heart,

Would look into the fiery eyes of War,160

Would gaze into the fiery eyes of War,160

As ardently for glory as you dared

As eagerly for glory as you dared

An obscure death to save an unknown stranger,

An unclear death to save a complete stranger,

In an as perilous, but opposite, element.

In a similarly dangerous, but contrasting, environment.

You are made for the service: I have served;

You are meant to serve: I have served;

Have rank by birth and soldiership, and friends,

Have status from birth and military service, along with friends,

Who shall be yours. 'Tis true this pause of peace

Who will be yours? It's true this moment of peace

Favours such views at present scantily;

Favours such views right now are rare;

But 'twill not last, men's spirits are too stirring;

But it won't last; people's spirits are too restless;

And, after thirty years of conflict, peace

Is but a petty war, as the time shows us170

Is just a trivial conflict, as the time reveals to us170

In every forest, or a mere armed truce.

In every forest, or just a temporary peace.

War will reclaim his own; and, in the meantime,

War will take back what belongs to it; and, in the meantime,

You might obtain a post, which would ensure[373]

You might get a position, which would ensure[373]

A higher soon, and, by my influence, fail not

A higher soon, and, through my influence, don't fail.

To rise. I speak of Brandenburgh, wherein

To rise. I'm talking about Brandenburg, where

I stand well with the Elector [174]; in Bohemia,

I have a good relationship with the Elector [174]; in Bohemia,

Like you, I am a stranger, and we are now

Like you, I’m a stranger, and we are now

Upon its frontier.

At its boundary.

Ulr.‍You perceive my garb

Ulr. You notice my outfit

Is Saxon, and, of course, my service due

Is Saxon, and, of course, my service is due.

To my own Sovereign. If I must decline180

To my own Sovereign. If I have to decline180

Your offer, 'tis with the same feeling which

Your offer is with the same feeling that

Induced it.

Triggered it.

Stral.‍Why, this is mere usury!

This is just usury!

I owe my life to you, and you refuse

I owe you my life, and you turn me down.

The acquittance of the interest of the debt,

The acknowledgment of the debt's interest,

To heap more obligations on me, till

To add more responsibilities to my plate, until

I bow beneath them.

I bow to them.

Ulr.‍You shall say so when

Ulr. You should say that when

I claim the payment.

I request the payment.

Stral.‍Well, sir, since you will not—

Stral. Well, sir, since you won't—

You are nobly born?

Are you nobly born?

Ulr.‍I have heard my kinsmen say so.

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I have heard my relatives say that.

Stral. Your actions show it. Might I ask your name?

Stral. Your actions say it all. Can I ask what your name is?

Ulr. Ulric.

Stral.‍Your house's?

Stral.‍Is that your house?

Ulr.‍When I'm worthy of it,190

Ulr.‍When I deserve it,190

I'll answer you.

I’ll get back to you.

Stral. (aside). Most probably an Austrian,

Stral. (aside). Most likely from Austria,

Whom these unsettled times forbid to boast

Whom these uncertain times prevent from bragging

His lineage on these wild and dangerous frontiers,

His ancestry in these wild and perilous frontiers,

Where the name of his country is abhorred.

Where the name of his country is hated.

[Aloud to Fritz and Idenstein.

[Out loud to Fritz and Idenstein.

So, sirs! how have ye sped in your researches?

So, gentlemen! How have you done in your research?

Iden. Indifferent well, your Excellency.

Iden. Indifferent, well, Your Excellency.

Stral.‍Then

Stral. Then

I am to deem the plunderer is caught?

I have to assume that the thief is caught?

Iden. Humph!—not exactly.

Iden. Hmph!—not quite.

Stral.‍Or, at least, suspected?

Stral. Or maybe suspected?

Iden. Oh! for that matter, very much suspected.

Iden. Oh! in that case, definitely suspected.

Stral. Who may he be?[374]

Stral. Who could he be?[374]

Iden.‍Why, don't you know, my Lord?200

Stral. How should I? I was fast asleep.

Stral. How am I supposed to? I was sound asleep.

Iden.‍And so

Iden. And so

Was I—and that's the cause I know no more

Was I—and that's the reason I don't know anything more

Than does your Excellency.

Than you, Your Excellency.

Stral.‍Dolt!

Stral.‍Idiot!

Iden.‍Why, if

Iden. Why, if

Your Lordship, being robbed, don't recognise

Your Lordship, being robbed, doesn't recognize

The rogue; how should I, not being robbed, identify

The thief; how should I, not being robbed, recognize

The thief among so many? In the crowd,

The thief in such a large crowd?

May it please your Excellency, your thief looks

May it please you, your thief looks

Exactly like the rest, or rather better:

Exactly like the rest, or even better:

'Tis only at the bar and in the dungeon,

That wise men know your felon by his features;210

That wise people recognize your criminal by their appearance;210

But I'll engage, that if seen there but once,

But I'll agree that if he's seen there just once,

Whether he be found criminal or no,

Whether he is found to be a criminal or not,

His face shall be so.

His face will be like this.

Stral. (to Fritz). Prithee, Fritz, inform me

Stral. (to Fritz). Please, Fritz, let me know

What hath been done to trace the fellow?

What has been done to track the guy?

Fritz.‍Faith!

Fritz. Faith!

My Lord, not much as yet, except conjecture.

My Lord, not much yet, just speculation.

Stral. Besides the loss (which, I must own, affects me

Stral. Besides the loss (which, I have to admit, impacts me

Just now materially), I needs would find

Just now materially), I need to find

The villain out of public motives; for

The villain for public reasons; for

So dexterous a spoiler, who could creep

So skilled a thief, who could sneak

Through my attendants, and so many peopled220

Through my attendants, and so many people

And lighted chambers, on my rest, and snatch

And brightly lit rooms, as I rest, and grab

The gold before my scarce-closed eyes, would soon

The gold before my barely closed eyes would soon

Leave bare your borough, Sir Intendant!

Leave your area bare, Sir Intendant!

Iden.‍True;

Iden. True;

If there were aught to carry off, my Lord.

If there was anything to take, my Lord.

Ulr. What is all this?

Ulr. What’s all this?

Stral.‍You joined us but this morning,

Stral.Understood. Please provide the text you would like modernized.You joined us just this morning,

And have not heard that I was robbed last night.

And I haven't heard that I was robbed last night.

Ulr. Some rumour of it reached me as I passed

Ulr. I heard some gossip about it while I was passing by

The outer chambers of the palace, but

I know no further.

I don't know anymore.

Stral.‍It is a strange business:

Stral.‍It's a weird business:

The Intendant can inform you of the facts.230

The Intendant can inform you of the details.230

Iden. Most willingly. You see——

Iden. Sure thing. You see——

Stral. (impatiently).‍Defer your tale,[375]

Stral. (impatiently).‍Save your story, [375]

Till certain of the hearer's patience.

Till certain of the listener's patience.

Iden.‍That

Iden. That

Can only be approved by proofs. You see——

Can only be approved by evidence. You see——

Stral. (again interrupting him, and addressing Ulric).

Stral. (cutting him off again, and speaking to Ulric).

In short, I was asleep upon my chair,

In short, I was asleep in my chair,

My cabinet before me, with some gold

My cabinet in front of me, with some gold

Upon it (more than I much like to lose,

Upon it (more than I would like to lose,

Though in part only): some ingenious person

Though in part only: some clever person

Contrived to glide through all my own attendants,

Contrived to move smoothly past all my own attendants,

Besides those of the place, and bore away

Besides those of the place, and took away

A hundred golden ducats, which to find240

I would be fain, and there's an end. Perhaps

I would be happy, and that's the end of it. Perhaps

You (as I still am rather faint) would add

You (as I still am pretty weak) would add

To yesterday's great obligation, this,

To yesterday's important duty, this,

Though slighter, yet not slight, to aid these men

Though it’s less, it’s still significant, to help these men.

(Who seem but lukewarm) in recovering it?

(Who seem just indifferent) in recovering it?

Ulr. Most willingly, and without loss of time—

Ulr. Absolutely, and without wasting any time—

(To Idenstein.) Come hither, mynheer!

(To Idenstein.) Come here, my man!

Iden.‍But so much haste bodes

Iden. But too much haste bodes

Right little speed, and——

Ulr.‍Standing motionless

Ulr. Standing still

None; so let's march: we'll talk as we go on.

None; so let's move forward: we'll talk as we go.

Iden. But——

Iden. But—

Ulr.‍Show the spot, and then I'll answer you.250

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Point out the place, and then I'll respond to you.250

Fritz. I will, sir, with his Excellency's leave.

Fritz. I will, sir, with his Excellency's permission.

Stral. Do so, and take yon old ass with you.

Stral. Do that, and take that old donkey with you.

Fritz.‍Hence!

Fritz!

Ulr. Come on, old oracle, expound thy riddle!

Ulr. Come on, old oracle, solve your riddle!

[Exit with Idenstein and Fritz.

[Leave with Idenstein and Fritz.

Stral. (solus). A stalwart, active, soldier-looking stripling,

Stral. (solus). A strong, energetic, soldier-like young man,

Handsome as Hercules ere his first labour,

Handsome as Hercules before his first task,

And with a brow of thought beyond his years

And with a furrowed brow that showed wisdom beyond his age

When in repose, till his eye kindles up

When he's at rest, until his eyes light up

In answering yours. I wish I could engage him:

In responding to your question, I wish I could talk to him:

I have need of some such spirits near me now,

I need some of those kinds of spirits around me right now,

For this inheritance is worth a struggle.260

For this inheritance is worth the effort.260

And though I am not the man to yield without one,

And even though I’m not the kind of guy to give in without a fight,

Neither are they who now rise up between me

And my desire. The boy, they say, 's a bold one;

And my desire. They say the boy is pretty bold;

But he hath played the truant in some hour[376]

But he has skipped school at some point[376]

Of freakish folly, leaving fortune to

Of crazy foolishness, leaving luck to

Champion his claims. That's well. The father, whom

Champion his claims. That's good. The father, whom

For years I've tracked, as does the blood-hound, never

For years I've tracked, just like a bloodhound, never

In sight, but constantly in scent, had put me

In view, but always detectable by smell, had positioned me

To fault; but here I have him, and that's better.

To blame; but here I have him, and that's better.

It must be he! All circumstance proclaims it;270

It has to be him! Everything points to it;270

And careless voices, knowing not the cause

And careless voices, not knowing the reason

Of my enquiries, still confirm it.—Yes!

Of my inquiries, I still confirm it.—Yes!

The man, his bearing, and the mystery

The guy, his demeanor, and the mystery

Of his arrival, and the time; the account, too,

Of his arrival and the timing; the details, too,

The Intendant gave (for I have not beheld her)

The Intendant gave (since I haven't seen her)

Of his wife's dignified but foreign aspect;

Of his wife's dignified but foreign appearance;

Besides the antipathy with which we met,

Despite the dislike we faced,

As snakes and lions shrink back from each other

As snakes and lions pull away from one another

By secret instinct that both must be foes

By a hidden instinct, they both must be enemies.

Deadly, without being natural prey to either;280

Deadly, without being a natural target for either;280

All—all—confirm it to my mind. However,

All—everyone—confirms it in my mind. However,

We'll grapple, ne'ertheless. In a few hours

We'll struggle, nonetheless. In a few hours

The order comes from Frankfort, if these waters

The order comes from Frankfurt, if these waters

Rise not the higher (and the weather favours

Rise not the higher (and the weather favors

Their quick abatement), and I'll have him safe

Their quick resolution), and I'll have him secure

Within a dungeon, where he may avouch

Within a dungeon, where he can affirm

His real estate and name; and there's no harm done,

His real estate and name; and nothing is harmed,

Should he prove other than I deem. This robbery

Should he turn out to be different than I think. This robbery

(Save for the actual loss) is lucky also;

(Save for the actual loss) is also fortunate;

He's poor, and that's suspicious—he's unknown,290

He's poor, and that raises some suspicions—he's a nobody,290

And that's defenceless.—True, we have no proofs

And that's helpless.—True, we have no evidence

Of guilt—but what hath he of innocence?

Of guilt—but what does he have of innocence?

Were he a man indifferent to my prospects,

Were he a man who didn’t care about my future,

In other bearings, I should rather lay

In other situations, I would prefer to lay

The inculpation on the Hungarian, who

Hath something which I like not; and alone

Hath something that I don't like; and alone

Of all around, except the Intendant, and

Of everyone around, except the Intendant, and

The Prince's household and my own, had ingress

The Prince's household and mine had access

Familiar to the chamber.

Known in the chamber.

Enter Gabor.

Log in Gabor.

Friend, how fare you?

Hey friend, how are you?

Gab. As those who fare well everywhere, when they300

Gab. As those who do well everywhere, when they300

Have supped and slumbered, no great matter how—[377]

Have eaten and slept, it doesn't really matter how—[377]

And you, my Lord?

And you, my lord?

Stral.‍Better in rest than purse:

Stral. Better in peace than wealth:

Mine inn is like to cost me dear.

Mine inn is going to cost me a lot.

Gab.‍I heard

Gab. I heard

Of your late loss; but 'tis a trifle to

Of your recent loss; but it's a small matter to

One of your order.

One of your orders.

Stral.‍You would hardly think so,

Stral.‍You wouldn't think so,

Were the loss yours.

If the loss was yours.

Gab.‍I never had so much

Gab. I never had so much

(At once) in my whole life, and therefore am not

At once in my whole life, and therefore am not

Fit to decide. But I came here to seek you.

Fit to decide. But I came here to find you.

Your couriers are turned back—I have outstripped them,

Your messengers have been stopped—I’ve beaten them to it,

In my return.

On my way back.

Stral.‍You!—Why?

Stral! You!—Why?

Gab.‍I went at daybreak,310

Gab. I went at dawn,

To watch for the abatement of the river,

To keep an eye out for the river to recede,

As being anxious to resume my journey.

As I was eager to continue my journey.

Your messengers were all checked like myself;

Your messengers were all checked like I was;

And, seeing the case hopeless, I await

And, seeing the situation as hopeless, I wait

The current's pleasure.

The pleasure of now.

Stral.‍Would the dogs were in it!

Stral.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize. I wish the dogs were in it!

Why did they not, at least, attempt the passage?

Why didn’t they at least try to make the crossing?

I ordered this at all risks.

I placed this order without any hesitation.

Gab.‍Could you order

Gab. Could you order

The Oder to divide, as Moses did

The order to divide, as Moses did

The Red Sea (scarcely redder than the flood

The Red Sea (hardly redder than the flood

Of the swoln stream), and be obeyed, perhaps320

Of the swollen stream), and be obeyed, perhaps320

They might have ventured.

They might have explored.

Stral.‍I must see to it:

Stral. I need to handle it:

The knaves! the slaves!—but they shall smart for this.

The scoundrels! The fools!—but they'll definitely pay for this.

[Exit Stralenheim.

[Exit Stralenheim.]

Gab. (solus). There goes my noble, feudal, self-willed Baron!

Gab. (solus). There goes my proud, independent, strong-willed Baron!

Epitome of what brave chivalry

The essence of brave chivalry

The preux Chevaliers of the good old times

The noble knights of the good old days

Have left us. Yesterday he would have given

His lands [175] (if he hath any), and, still dearer,[378]

His lands [175] (if he has any), and, even more precious,[378]

His sixteen quarterings, for as much fresh air

As would have filled a bladder, while he lay

Gurgling and foaming half way through the window330

Gurgling and foaming halfway through the window330

Of his o'erset and water-logged conveyance;

Of his overturned and waterlogged vehicle;

And now he storms at half a dozen wretches

And now he rages at half a dozen miserable people.

Because they love their lives too! Yet, he's right:

Because they love their lives too! But he’s right:

'Tis strange they should, when such as he may put them

To hazard at his pleasure. Oh, thou world!

To take risks for his enjoyment. Oh, you world!

Thou art indeed a melancholy jest![Exit Gabor.

You really are a sad joke![Exit Gabor.

Scene II.—The Apartment of Werner, in the Palace.

Enter Josephine and Ulric.

Jos. Stand back, and let me look on thee again!

Jos. Step back, and let me see you again!

My Ulric!—my belovéd!—can it be—

My Ulric!—my love!—can it be—

After twelve years?

After 12 years?

Ulr.‍My dearest mother!

Ulr. My dearest mom!

Jos.‍Yes!

Jos. Yep!

My dream is realised—how beautiful!—

My dream is realized—how beautiful!—

How more than all I sighed for! Heaven receive

How much more than everything I longed for! May heaven accept

A mother's thanks! a mother's tears of joy!

A mother's gratitude! A mother's joyful tears!

This is indeed thy work!—At such an hour, too,

This is definitely your work!—At this hour, too,

He comes not only as a son, but saviour.

He comes not just as a son, but as a savior.

Ulr. If such a joy await me, it must double

Ulr. If such happiness is in store for me, it must be twice as much.

What I now feel, and lighten from my heart10

What I feel now, and release from my heart10

A part of the long debt of duty, not

Of love (for that was ne'er withheld)—forgive me!

Of love (because it was never held back)—forgive me!

This long delay was not my fault.

This long delay wasn't my fault.

Jos.‍I know it,

Jos. I get it,

But cannot think of sorrow now, and doubt

But I can't think about sorrow right now, and I doubt

If I e'er felt it, 'tis so dazzled from

If I ever felt it, it's so dazzled from

My memory by this oblivious transport!—

My memory by this clueless ride!—

My son!

My kid!

[379]

Enter Werner.

Join Werner.

Wer. What have we here,—more strangers?—

Who. What do we have here—more strangers?—

Jos.‍No!

Jos. No way!

Look upon him! What do you see?

Look at him! What do you see?

Wer.‍A stripling,

A young man,

For the first time—

For the first time ever—

Ulr. (kneeling). For twelve long years, my father!

Ulr. (kneeling). For twelve long years, Dad!

Wer. Oh, God!

Who. Oh my God!

Jos.‍He faints!

Jos. He passes out!

Wer.‍No—I am better now—20

No—I’m better now—

Ulric! (Embraces him.)

Ulric! (Hugs him.)

Ulr. My father, Siegendorf!

Ulr. My dad, Siegendorf!

Wer. (starting).‍Hush! boy—

Hush! Boy—

The walls may hear that name!

The walls might hear that name!

Ulr.‍What then?

Ulr.‍So, what now?

Wer.‍Why, then—

Who. Why, then—

But we will talk of that anon. Remember,

But we'll talk about that later. Remember,

I must be known here but as Werner. Come!

I can only be known as Werner here. Come!

Come to my arms again! Why, thou look'st all

Come to my arms again! Wow, you look all

I should have been, and was not. Josephine!

I should have been, and I wasn't. Josephine!

Sure 'tis no father's fondness dazzles me;

Sure, it's not a father's affection that amazes me;

But, had I seen that form amid ten thousand

But if I had seen that figure among ten thousand

Youth of the choicest, my heart would have chosen

Youth of the finest, my heart would have picked

This for my son!

This is for my son!

Ulr.‍And yet you knew me not!30

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And yet you didn't really know me!30

Wer. Alas! I have had that upon my soul

Wer. Oh no! I have that weighing on my conscience.

Which makes me look on all men with an eye

Which makes me look at all men with a critical eye.

That only knows the evil at first glance.

That only recognizes the evil at first glance.

Ulr. My memory served me far more fondly: I

Ulr. My memory was much kinder to me: I

Have not forgotten aught; and oft-times in

Have not forgotten anything; and many times in

The proud and princely halls of—(I'll not name them,

The proud and princely halls of—(I won't name them,

As you say that 'tis perilous)—but i' the pomp

As you say, 'it's dangerous'—but in the showiness

Of your sire's feudal mansion, I looked back

Of your father's big house, I looked back

To the Bohemian mountains many a sunset,

To the Bohemian mountains, many sunsets,

And wept to see another day go down40

And cried to see another day end40

O'er thee and me, with those huge hills between us.

Over you and me, with those huge hills between us.

They shall not part us more.

They won't split us up again.

Wer.‍I know not that.

I don't know that.

Are you aware my father is no more?

Are you aware that my father has passed away?

Ulr. Oh, Heavens! I left him in a green old age,[380]

Ulr. Oh no! I left him in a ripe old age,[380]

And looking like the oak, worn, but still steady

And looking like the oak, aged, but still solid

Amidst the elements, whilst younger trees

Amidst the elements, while younger trees

Fell fast around him. 'Twas scarce three months since.

Fell fast around him. It was barely three months ago.

Wer. Why did you leave him?

Jos. (embracing Ulric).‍Can you ask that question?

Jos. (embracing Ulric).Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Can you ask that question?

Is he not here?

Isn't he here?

Wer.‍True; he hath sought his parents,

Who.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.True; he has looked for his parents,

And found them; but, oh! how, and in what state!50

And found them; but, wow! how, and in what shape!50

Ulr. All shall be bettered. What we have to do

Ulr. Everything will be improved. What we need to do

Is to proceed, and to assert our rights,

Is to move forward and stand up for our rights,

Or rather yours; for I waive all, unless

Or rather yours; because I give up everything, unless

Your father has disposed in such a sort

Your father has handled things in such a way

Of his broad lands as to make mine the foremost,

Of his vast lands to make mine the most prominent,

So that I must prefer my claim for form:

So I must prioritize my claim for form:

But I trust better, and that all is yours.

But I trust more, and that everything is yours.

Wer. Have you not heard of Stralenheim?

Wer. Haven't you heard of Stralenheim?

Ulr.‍I saved

His life but yesterday: he's here.

His life was just yesterday: he's here.

Wer.‍You saved

Who.‍You saved

The serpent who will sting us all!

The snake that will bite us all!

Ulr.‍You speak60

Ulr. You speak

Riddles: what is this Stralenheim to us?

Riddles: what does Stralenheim mean to us?

Wer. Every thing. One who claims our father's lands:

Wer. Everything. Someone who claims our father's land:

Our distant kinsman, and our nearest foe.

Our distant relative, and our closest enemy.

Ulr. I never heard his name till now. The Count,

Ulr. I’ve never heard his name until now. The Count,

Indeed, spoke sometimes of a kinsman, who,

Indeed, sometimes he talked about a relative who,

If his own line should fail, might be remotely

If his own line were to fail, it might be unlikely

Involved in the succession; but his titles

Were never named before me—and what then?

His right must yield to ours.

His right must give way to ours.

Wer.‍Aye, if at Prague:

Who.‍Yeah, if in Prague:

But here he is all-powerful; and has spread70

But here he has all the power; and has spread70

Snares for thy father, which, if hitherto

Snares for your father, which, if until now

He hath escaped them, is by fortune, not

He has escaped them, thanks to luck, not

By favour.

By favor.

Ulr.‍Doth he personally know you?

Ulr.‍Does he know you personally?

Wer. No; but he guesses shrewdly at my person,

Wer. No; but he has a good sense of who I am,

As he betrayed last night; and I, perhaps,

As he betrayed me last night; and I, maybe,

But owe my temporary liberty

But owe my short freedom

To his uncertainty.

To his doubt.

Ulr.‍I think you wrong him[381]

Ulr.‍I think you’re wrong about him[381]

(Excuse me for the phrase); but Stralenheim

Is not what you prejudge him, or, if so,

Isn't what you think of him, or, if that’s the case,

He owes me something both for past and present.80

He owes me for both what he did before and what he's doing now.80

I saved his life, he therefore trusts in me.

I saved his life, so he trusts me.

He hath been plundered too, since he came hither:

He has also been robbed since he came here:

Is sick, a stranger, and as such not now

Is sick, a stranger, and so not now

Able to trace the villain who hath robbed him:

Able to track down the villain who has robbed him:

I have pledged myself to do so; and the business

I have promised to do that; and the task

Which brought me here was chiefly that:[176] but I

Which brought me here was mainly that:[176] but I

Have found, in searching for another's dross,

Have found, while looking for someone else's garbage,

My own whole treasure—you, my parents!

My whole treasure—you, my parents!

Wer. (agitatedly).‍Who

Who

Taught you to mouth that name of "villain?"

Taught you to say that name "villain?"

Ulr.‍What

Ulr. What

More noble name belongs to common thieves?90

Wer. Who taught you thus to brand an unknown being

Wer. Who taught you to label someone you don’t know like that?

With an infernal stigma?

With a hellish stigma?

Ulr.‍My own feelings

Ulr. My feelings

Taught me to name a ruffian from his deeds.

Taught me to recognize a troublemaker by their actions.

Wer. Who taught you, long-sought and ill-found boy! that

Wer. Who taught you, hard-to-find and elusive boy! that

It would be safe for my own son to insult me?

Would it be okay for my own son to insult me?

Ulr. I named a villain. What is there in common

Ulr. I named a villain. What do they have in common?

With such a being and my father?

With someone like that and my dad?

Wer.‍Every thing!

Who.‍Everything!

That ruffian is thy father![177]

That troublemaker is your father![177]

Jos.‍Oh, my son!

Oh, my son!

Believe him not—and yet!—(her voice falters.)[382]

Ulr. (starts, looks earnestly at Werner

Ulr. (starts, gazes earnestly at Werner

and then says slowly)‍And you avow it?

and then says slowly)Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Do you admit it?

Wer. Ulric, before you dare despise your father,100

Wer. Ulric, before you think about looking down on your father,100

Learn to divine and judge his actions. Young,

Learn to understand and evaluate his actions. Young,

Rash, new to life, and reared in Luxury's lap,

Rash, inexperienced, and raised in the lap of luxury,

Is it for you to measure Passion's force,

Is it for you to measure the strength of Passion,

Or Misery's temptation? Wait—(not long,

It cometh like the night, and quickly)—Wait!—

It comes like the night, and fast)—Wait!—

Wait till, like me, your hopes are blighted [178] till

Wait until your hopes are crushed, just like mine.

Sorrow and Shame are handmaids of your cabin—

Sorrow and Shame are the servants of your cabin—

Famine and Poverty your guests at table;

Famine and Poverty are your guests at the table;

Despair your bed-fellow—then rise, but not

Despair your partner—then get up, but not

From sleep, and judge! Should that day e'er arrive—110

From sleep, and judge! If that day ever comes—110

Should you see then the Serpent, who hath coiled

Should you see the Serpent, who has coiled

Himself around all that is dear and noble

Himself among all that is valued and respected

Of you and yours, lie slumbering in your path,

Of you and your family, rest quietly in your way,

With but his folds between your steps and happiness,

With just his layers separating your path from joy,

When he, who lives but to tear from you name,

When he, who lives only to take your name,

Lands, life itself, lies at your mercy, with

Chance your conductor—midnight for your mantle—

Chance your conductor—midnight for your cloak—

The bare knife in your hand, and earth asleep,

The bare knife in your hand, and the earth asleep,

Even to your deadliest foe; and he as 'twere

Even to your deadliest enemy; and he, as it were

Inviting death, by looking like it, while120

Inviting death by resembling it while120

His death alone can save you:—Thank your God!

His death alone can save you—Thank your God!

If then, like me, content with petty plunder,

If you’re like me, satisfied with small treasures,

You turn aside——I did so.

You look away—I did too.

Ulr.‍But——

Ulr.‍But—

Wer. (abruptly).‍Hear me!

Who. (abruptly).‍Listen to me!

I will not brook a human voice—scarce dare

I won't tolerate a human voice—barely dare

Listen to my own (if that be human still)[383]—

Listen to my own (if that’s still human)[383]—

Hear me! you do not know this man—I do.[179]

Hear me! You don't know this man—I do.[179]

He's mean, deceitful, avaricious. You

He's cruel, dishonest, greedy. You

Deem yourself safe, as young and brave; but learn

None are secure from desperation, few

None are safe from desperation, and few

From subtilty. My worst foe, Stralenheim,130

From subtilty. My worst enemy, Stralenheim,130

Housed in a Prince's palace, couched within

Housed in a prince's palace, nestled within

A Prince's chamber, lay below my knife!

A prince's room, right under my knife!

An instant—a mere motion—the least impulse—

An instant—a simple movement—the smallest urge—

Had swept him and all fears of mine from earth.

Had swept him and all my fears away from this world.

He was within my power—my knife was raised—

He was in my grasp—my knife was up—

Withdrawn—and I'm in his:—are you not so?

Withdrawn—and I'm in his:—are you not?

Who tells you that he knows you not? Who says

Who tells you that he doesn’t know you? Who says

He hath not lured you here to end you? or

He hasn't brought you here to kill you? Or

To plunge you, with your parents, in a dungeon?

To throw you and your parents into a dungeon?

[He pauses.

[He pauses.]

Ulr. Proceed—proceed!

Ulr. Go ahead—go ahead!

Wer.‍Me he hath ever known,140

Wer. Me he hath ever known,

And hunted through each change of time—name—fortune—

And searched through every change of time—name—fortune—

And why not you? Are you more versed in men?

And why not you? Do you know more about guys?

He wound snares round me; flung along my path

He set traps around me; tossed them in my way

Reptiles, whom, in my youth, I would have spurned

Reptiles, whom, in my youth, I would have rejected

Even from my presence; but, in spurning now,

Even from my presence; but, by rejecting now,

Fill only with fresh venom. Will you be

More patient? Ulric!—Ulric!—there are crimes

More patient? Ulric!—Ulric!—there are offenses

Made venial by the occasion, and temptations

Made excusable by the situation and temptations

Which nature cannot master or forbear.[180][384]

Which nature cannot control or resist.[180][384]

Ulr. (who looks first at him and then at Josephine).

Ulr. (who first looks at him and then at Josephine).

My mother!

Mom!

Wer.‍Ah! I thought so: you have now150

Well.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Ah! I thought so: you have now150

Only one parent. I have lost alike

Only one parent. I've lost both.

Father and son, and stand alone.

Dad and son, standing alone.

Ulr.‍But stay!

Ulr.‍But wait!

[Werner rushes out of the chamber.

[Werner hurries out of the room.

Jos. (to Ulric). Follow him not, until this storm of passion

Jos. (to Ulric). Don't follow him until this storm of emotions

Abates. Think'st thou, that were it well for him,

Abates. Do you think it would be good for him,

I had not followed?

I didn't follow?

Ulr.‍I obey you, mother,

I obey you, Mom.

Although reluctantly. My first act shall not

Be one of disobedience.

Be part of the rebellion.

Jos.‍Oh! he is good!

Jos. Oh! he's great!

Condemn him not from his own mouth, but trust

Condemn him not based on his own words, but trust

To me, who have borne so much with him, and for him,

To me, who have put up with so much for him and because of him,

That this is but the surface of his soul,160

That this is just the surface of his soul,160

And that the depth is rich in better things.

And that the depth is full of better things.

Ulr. These then are but my father's principles [181]?

Ulr. So these are just my father's principles [181]?

My mother thinks not with him?

My mom doesn't think like him?

Jos.‍Nor doth he

Jos. Nor does he

Think as he speaks. Alas! long years of grief

Think as he speaks. Unfortunately! After many years of sorrow

Have made him sometimes thus.

Have made him do this sometimes.

Ulr.‍Explain to me

Ulr. Explain to me

More clearly, then, these claims of Stralenheim,

That, when I see the subject in its bearings,

That, when I see the topic in its context,

I may prepare to face him, or at least

I might get ready to confront him, or at least

To extricate you from your present perils.

To free you from your current dangers.

I pledge myself to accomplish this—but would170

I promise to achieve this—but would

I had arrived a few hours sooner!

I got here a few hours early!

Jos.‍Aye!

Jos. Yup!

Hadst thou but done so!

If you had only done that!

[385]

Enter Gabor and Idenstein, with Attendants.

Enter Gabor and Idenstein, with attendants.

Gab. (to Ulric). I have sought you, comrade.

Gab. (to Ulric). I've been looking for you, my friend.

So this is my reward!

So this is my prize!

Ulr.‍What do you mean?

Ulr. What do you mean?

Gab. 'Sdeath! have I lived to these years, and for this!

Gab. "Damn it! Have I lived to this age, and for this!"

(To Idenstein.) But for your age and folly, I would——

(To Idenstein.) If it weren't for your youth and foolishness, I would——

Iden.‍Help!

Iden.‍Emergency!

Hands off! Touch an Intendant!

Hands off! Don't touch an Intendant!

Gab.‍Do not think

Gab. Don’t think

I'll honour you so much as save your throat

I'll honor you enough to save your neck.

From the Ravenstone [182] by choking you myself.

From the Ravenstone [182] by actually choking you myself.

Iden. I thank you for the respite: but there are

Iden. I appreciate the break: but there are

Those who have greater need of it than me.180

Those who need it more than I do.180

Ulr. Unriddle this vile wrangling, or——

Ulr. Figure out this nasty argument, or——

Gab.‍At once, then,

Gab. At once, then,

The Baron has been robbed, and upon me

The Baron has been robbed, and it's on me

This worthy personage has deigned to fix

This esteemed individual has kindly chosen to set

His kind suspicions—me! whom he ne'er saw

His kind suspicions—me! someone he’d never seen

Till yester evening.

Until yesterday evening.

Iden.‍Wouldst have me suspect

Iden. Would you have me suspect?

My own acquaintances? You have to learn

My own acquaintances? You need to learn

That I keep better company.

That I have better friends.

Gab.‍You shall

Gab. You shall

Keep the best shortly, and the last for all men,

Keep the best for a little while, and save the last for everyone.

The worms! You hound of malice!

The worms! You naughty dog!

[Gabor seizes on him.

[Gabor grabs him.

Ulr. (interfering).‍Nay, no violence:

No violence:

He's old, unarmed—be temperate, Gabor!

He's old and unarmed—be calm, Gabor!

Gab. (letting go Idenstein).‍True:190

Gab. (letting go Idenstein). True:190

I am a fool to lose myself because

Fools deem me knave: it is their homage.

Fools consider me a scoundrel: it's their way of showing respect.

Ulr. (to Idenstein).‍How

Ulr. (to Idenstein). How

Fare you?

How are you?

Iden.‍Help!

Iden. Help!

Ulr.‍I have helped you.[386]

Ulr.‍I got your back.[386]

Iden.‍Kill him! then

Iden. ‍Kill him! Then

I'll say so.

I'll say that.

Gab.‍I am calm—live on!

Gab. I’m calm—carry on!

Iden.‍That's more

Iden. That's more

Than you shall do, if there be judge or judgment

Than you shall do, if there is a judge or a judgment

In Germany. The Baron shall decide!

In Germany, the Baron will decide!

Gab. Does he abet you in your accusation?

Gab. Does he support you in your accusation?

Iden. Does he not?

Iden. Doesn't he?

Gab.‍Then next time let him go sink

Gab.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Then next time, let him go drown.

Ere I go hang for snatching him from drowning.

Before I get hanged for saving him from drowning.

But here he comes!

Enter Stralenheim.

Gab. (goes up to him). My noble Lord, I'm here!200

Gab. (walks up to him). My esteemed Lord, I'm here!200

Stral. Well, sir!

Stral. Well, sir!

Gab.‍Have you aught with me?

Gab. Do you have something to say to me?

Stral.‍What should I

Stral. What should I

Have with you?

Got it with you?

Gab.‍You know best, if yesterday's

Gab. You know best, if yesterday's

Flood has not washed away your memory;

Flood has not erased your memory;

But that's a trifle. I stand here accused,

But that's a minor issue. I stand here accused,

In phrases not equivocal, by yon

In simple terms, by that

Intendant, of the pillage of your person

Intendant, for the looting of your being

Or chamber:—is the charge your own or his?

Or chamber:—is the charge yours or his?

Stral. I accuse no man.

Stral. I'm not blaming anyone.

Gab.‍Then you acquit me, Baron?

Gab.‍So you’re letting me off the hook, Baron?

Stral. I know not whom to accuse, or to acquit,

Stral. I don't know who to blame or to let off the hook,

Or scarcely to suspect.

Or barely to suspect.

Gab.‍But you at least210

Gab. But at least you

Should know whom not to suspect. I am insulted—

Should know whom not to suspect. I feel insulted—

Oppressed here by these menials, and I look

Oppressed here by these servants, and I look

To you for remedy—teach them their duty!

To you for a solution—show them what they should do!

To look for thieves at home were part of it,

To look for thieves at home was part of it,

If duly taught; but, in one word, if I

If taught properly; but, in short, if I

Have an accuser, let it be a man

Have an accuser, let it be a man.

Worthy to be so of a man like me.

Worthy to be that of a man like me.

I am your equal.

I’m your equal.

Stral.‍You!

Stral. You!

Gab.‍Aye, sir; and, for

Gab. Aye, sir; and, for

Aught that you know, superior; but proceed[387]—

I do not ask for hints, and surmises,220

I don't ask for hints or guesses,220

And circumstance, and proof: I know enough

And the situation, and evidence: I know enough

Of what I have done for you, and what you owe me,

Of what I’ve done for you, and what you owe me,

To have at least waited your payment rather

To have at least waited for your payment rather

Than paid myself, had I been eager of

Your gold. I also know, that were I even

Your gold. I also know that if I were even

The villain I am deemed, the service rendered

The villain I'm seen as, the help provided

So recently would not permit you to

So recently wouldn't allow you to

Pursue me to the death, except through shame,

Pursue me to the end, but not through shame,

Such as would leave your scutcheon but a blank.

Such as would leave your shield without any marks.

But this is nothing: I demand of you230

But this is nothing: I ask you

Justice upon your unjust servants, and

Justice for your unjust servants, and

From your own lips a disavowal of

From your own lips, a denial of

All sanction of their insolence: thus much

All approval of their arrogance: this much

You owe to the unknown, who asks no more,

You owe it to the unknown, which asks for nothing more,

And never thought to have asked so much.

And never thought to ask for so much.

Stral.‍This tone

Stral. This tone

May be of innocence.

Might be of innocence.

Gab.‍'Sdeath! who dare doubt it,

Gab! Death! Who dares doubt it?

Except such villains as ne'er had it?

Except for those villains who never had it?

Stral.‍You

Stral. You

Are hot, sir.

Gab.‍Must I turn an icicle

Gab. Must I turn an icicle

Before the breath of menials, and their master [cr]?

Before the breath of servants, and their master [cr]?

Stral. Ulric! you know this man; I found him in240

Stral. Ulric! You know this guy; I found him in240

Your company.

Your company.

Gab.‍We found you in the Oder;

Gab. We found you in the Oder;

Would we had left you there!

Stral.‍I give you thanks, sir.

Stral.‍Thank you, sir.

Gab. I've earned them; but might have earned more from others,

Gab. I’ve earned them; but I could have earned more from others,

Perchance, if I had left you to your fate.

Perhaps, if I had left you to your fate.

Stral. Ulric! you know this man?

Stral. Ulric! Do you know this guy?

Gab.‍No more than you do

Gab. No more than you do

If he avouches not my honour.

If he does not support my honor.

Ulr.‍I

Ulr.

Can vouch your courage, and, as far as my

Can vouch for your courage, and, as far as my

Own brief connection led me, honour.

Stral.‍Then

Stral.‍Next

I'm satisfied.[388]

I'm happy.[388]

Gab. (ironically). Right easily, methinks.

Gab. (ironically). Sounds easy, I think.

What is the spell in his asseveration250

What is the spell in his declaration250

More than in mine?

More than in my case?

Stral.‍I merely said that I

Stral. I just said that I

Was satisfied—not that you are absolved.

Was satisfied—not that you are off the hook.

Gab. Again! Am I accused or no?

Gab. Again! Am I being accused or not?

Stral.‍Go to!

Stral.‍Let's go!

You wax too insolent. If circumstance

You’re becoming too arrogant. If the situation

And general suspicion be against you,

And general suspicion is against you,

Is the fault mine? Is't not enough that I

Is the fault mine? Isn't it enough that I

Decline all question of your guilt or innocence?

Decline all questions about your guilt or innocence?

Gab. My Lord, my Lord, this is mere cozenage [183],

Gab. My Lord, my Lord, this is just trickery [183],

A vile equivocation; you well know

A disgusting half-truth; you know it well.

Your doubts are certainties to all around you—260

Your doubts are sure things to everyone around you—260

Your looks a voice—your frowns a sentence; you

Your looks express a voice—your frowns convey a message; you

Are practising your power on me—because

Are you using your power against me—because

You have it; but beware! you know not whom

You have it, but be careful! You don't know who

You strive to tread on.

You aim to keep going.

Stral.‍Threat'st thou?

Stral. Threatening you?

Gab.‍Not so much

Gab. Not really

As you accuse. You hint the basest injury,

As you accuse. You suggest the lowest offense,

And I retort it with an open warning.

And I respond with a clear warning.

Stral. As you have said, 'tis true I owe you something,

Stral. As you said, it's true I owe you something,

For which you seem disposed to pay yourself.

For which you seem willing to reward yourself.

Gab. Not with your gold.

Gab. Not with your money.

Stral.‍With bootless insolence.

Stral.‍With pointless arrogance.

[To his Attendants and Idenstein.

You need not further to molest this man,270

You don't need to bother this man any longer,270

But let him go his way. Ulric, good morrow!

But let him do his thing. Ulric, good morning!

[Exit Stralenheim, Idenstein, and Attendants.

[Leave Stralenheim, Idenstein, and Attendants.

Gab. (following). I'll after him and——

Gab. (following). I'll go after him and——

Ulr. (stopping him).‍Not a step.

Ulr. (stopping him).‍Don't move.

Gab.‍Who shall

Gab. Who will

Oppose me?

Disagree with me?

Ulr.‍Your own reason, with a moment's

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text for modernization.Your own reasoning, even for just a moment

Thought.[389]

Thought.

Gab. ‍Must I bear this?

Gab. ‍Do I have to deal with this?

Ulr.‍Pshaw! we all must bear

Ulr.‍ Ugh! We all have to deal

The arrogance of something higher than

Ourselves—the highest cannot temper Satan,

Ourselves—the highest can’t tame Satan,

Nor the lowest his vicegerents upon earth.

Nor the least of his representatives on earth.

I've seen you brave the elements, and bear

I've seen you face the elements and endure

Things which had made this silkworm [184] cast his skin—

Things that had caused this silkworm [184] to shed his skin—

And shrink you from a few sharp sneers and words?280

And make you crumble from a few biting remarks and insults?280

Gab. Must I bear to be deemed a thief? If 'twere

Gab. Do I really have to be seen as a thief? If it were

A bandit of the woods, I could have borne it—

A woods bandit, I could have dealt with it—

There's something daring in it:—but to steal

There's something bold about it:—but to steal

The moneys of a slumbering man!—

The money of a sleeping person!—

Ulr.‍It seems, then,

Ulr. It seems, then,

You are not guilty.

You are not guilty.

Gab.‍Do I hear aright?

Gab. Do I hear correctly?

You too!

You as well!

Ulr.‍I merely asked a simple question.

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text for me to modernize.I just asked a straightforward question.

Gab. If the judge asked me, I would answer "No"—

Gab. If the judge asked me, I would say "No"—

To you I answer thus.[He draws.

To you I answer thus. He draws.

Ulr. (drawing).‍With all my heart!

With all my heart!

Jos. Without there! Ho! help! help!—Oh, God! here's murder!

Jos. Over there! Hey! Help! Help!—Oh, God! There's been a murder!

[Exit Josephine, shrieking.

[Leave Josephine, yelling.

Gabor and Ulric fight. Gabor is disarmed just as Stralenheim, Josephine, Idenstein, etc., re-enter.

Gabor and Ulric fight. Gabor is disarmed just as Stralenheim, Josephine, Idenstein, etc., re-enter.

Jos. Oh! glorious Heaven! He's safe!

Jos. Oh! awesome! He's safe!

Stral. (to Josephine).‍Who's safe!

Stral. (to Josephine).‍Who’s safe!

Jos.‍My——

Jos. My——

Ulr. (interrupting her with a stern look, and turning

Ulr. (cutting her off with a serious expression, and turning

afterwards to Stralenheim).‍Both!290

Here's no great harm done.

No big deal.

Stral.‍What hath caused all this?

Stral. What caused all this?

Ulr. You, Baron, I believe; but as the effect

Ulr. You, Baron, I think; but as the effect

Is harmless, let it not disturb you.—Gabor!

Is harmless, so don’t let it bother you.—Gabor!

There is your sword; and when you bare it next,[390]

There’s your sword; and when you draw it next,[390]

Let it not be against your friends.

[Ulric pronounces the last words slowly and emphatically in a low voice to Gabor.

[Ulric says the final words slowly and strongly in a quiet voice to Gabor.

Gab.‍I thank you

Thanks, Gab.

Less for my life than for your counsel.

Less for my sake than for your advice.

Stral.‍These

Stral. These

Brawls must end here.

Brawls need to stop here.

Gab. (taking his sword). They shall. You've wronged me, Ulric,

Gab. (grabbing his sword). They will. You’ve done me wrong, Ulric,

More with your unkind thoughts than sword: I would

More with your unkind thoughts than with a sword: I would

The last were in my bosom rather than

The last were in my heart rather than

The first in yours. I could have borne yon noble's300

The first in yours. I could have handled that noble's

Absurd insinuations—ignorance

Ridiculous claims—ignorance

And dull suspicion are a part of his

And boring suspicion are a part of his

Entail will last him longer than his lands—

Entail will last him longer than his land—

But I may fit him yet:—you have vanquished me.

But I might still match him:—you've defeated me.

I was the fool of passion to conceive

I was foolishly passionate to imagine

That I could cope with you, whom I had seen

That I could deal with you, someone I had seen

Already proved by greater perils than

Already proved by greater dangers than

Rest in this arm. We may meet by and by,

Rest in this arm. We might meet again later,

However—but in friendship.[Exit Gabor.

However—but in friendship.

Stral.‍I will brook

Stral. I will tolerate

No more! This outrage following upon his insults,310

No more! This is unacceptable after his insults,310

Perhaps his guilt, has cancelled all the little

Perhaps his guilt has canceled all the little

I owed him heretofore for the so-vaunted

I owed him up until now for the so-called

Aid which he added to your abler succour.

Aid that he provided for your stronger support.

Ulric, you are not hurt?—

Ulric, are you okay?

Ulr.‍Not even by a scratch.

Ulr.‍Not even a scratch.

Stral. (to Idenstein). Intendant! take your measures to secure

Stral. (to Idenstein). Director! make sure to take the necessary steps to secure

Yon fellow: I revoke my former lenity.

That guy: I've changed my mind about being lenient.

He shall be sent to Frankfort with an escort,

He will be sent to Frankfurt with an escort,

The instant that the waters have abated.

The moment the waters have receded.

Iden. Secure him! He hath got his sword again—

Iden. Stop him! He’s got his sword back—

And seems to know the use on't; 'tis his trade,320

And he seems to know how to use it; it’s his job,320

Belike;—I'm a civilian.

Maybe;—I'm a civilian.

Stral.‍Fool! are not

Fool! are not

Yon score of vassals dogging at your heels

Those scores of followers trailing behind you

Enough to seize a dozen such? Hence! after him!

Enough to grab a dozen of those? Let's go after him!

Ulr. Baron, I do beseech you!

Ulr. Baron, I really beg you!

Stral.‍I must be[391]

Stral. I must be

Obeyed. No words!

Obeyed. No words needed!

Iden.‍Well, if it must be so—

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Fine, if that’s how it has to be—

March, vassals! I'm your leader, and will bring

The rear up: a wise general never should

The rear up: a smart general never should

Expose his precious life—on which all rests.

Expose his precious life—which everything depends on.

I like that article of war.

I like that article about war.

[Exit Idenstein and Attendants.

[Exit Idenstein and Team.

Stral.‍Come hither,

Stral. Come here,

Ulric; what does that woman here? Oh! now330

Ulric, what is that woman doing here? Oh! now

I recognise her, 'tis the stranger's wife

I recognize her; it's the stranger's wife.

Whom they name "Werner."

Whom they call "Werner."

Ulr.‍'Tis his name.

Ulr.‍That's his name.

Stral.‍Indeed!

Stral.‍For sure!

Is not your husband visible, fair dame?—

Isn't your husband around, lovely lady?—

Jos. Who seeks him?

Jos. Who's looking for him?

Stral.‍No one—for the present: but

Stral. No one—for now: but

I fain would parley, Ulric, with yourself

I would gladly like to talk, Ulric, with you.

Alone.

By myself.

Ulr.‍I will retire with you.

I’ll retire with you.

Jos.‍Not so:

Jos.‍Not really:

You are the latest stranger, and command

You are the newest stranger, and you demand

All places here.

All locations here.

(Aside to Ulric, as she goes out.) O Ulric! have a care—

(Aside to Ulric, as she goes out.) Oh Ulric! Be careful—

Remember what depends on a rash word!

Remember what relies on a thoughtless word!

Ulr. (to Josephine).‍Fear not!—

Ulr. (to Josephine).‍Don’t worry!—

[Exit Josephine.

[Leave Josephine.

Stral. Ulric, I think that I may trust you;340

Stral. Ulric, I believe I can trust you;340

You saved my life—and acts like these beget

You saved my life—and actions like these lead to

Unbounded confidence.

Limitless confidence.

Ulr.‍Say on.

Ulr.‍Go ahead.

Stral.‍Mysterious

Stral. Mysterious

And long-engendered circumstances (not

And long-standing circumstances (not

To be now fully entered on) have made

To be now fully involved in) have made

This man obnoxious—perhaps fatal to me.

This man is annoying—maybe even dangerous for me.

Ulr. Who? Gabor, the Hungarian?

Ulr. Who? Gabor, the Hungarian guy?

Stral.‍No—this "Werner"—

With the false name and habit.

With the fake name and disguise.

Ulr.‍How can this be?

Ulr.‍How is this possible?

He is the poorest of the poor—and yellow

He is the poorest of the poor—and sickly.

Sickness sits caverned in his hollow eye [cs]:[392]

Sickness lingers deep in his empty eye [cs]:[392]

The man is helpless.

The man is powerless.

Stral.‍He is—'tis no matter;—350

Stral. He is—it doesn't matter;—

But if he be the man I deem (and that

But if he is the man I think (and that

He is so, all around us here—and much

He is everywhere around us here—and much

That is not here—confirm my apprehension)

That's not here—confirm my anxiety)

He must be made secure ere twelve hours further.

He needs to be secured before another twelve hours pass.

Ulr. And what have I to do with this?

Ulr. What does this have to do with me?

Stral.‍I have sent

Stral. I have sent

To Frankfort, to the Governor, my friend,

(I have the authority to do so by

An order of the house of Brandenburgh),

An order from the house of Brandenburg),

For a fit escort—but this curséd flood

For a fit escort—but this cursed flood

Bars all access, and may do for some hours.360

Bars all access and may do so for several hours.360°

Ulr. It is abating.

Ulr. It's calming down.

Stral.‍That is well.

Stral. That's good.

Ulr.‍But how

Am I concerned?

Am I worried?

Stral.‍As one who did so much

Stral.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.As someone who did so much

For me, you cannot be indifferent to

For me, you can’t be indifferent to

That which is of more import to me than

That which matters more to me than

The life you rescued.—Keep your eye on him!

The life you saved.—Watch him closely!

The man avoids me, knows that I now know him.—

The man avoids me, aware that I know him now.

Watch him!—as you would watch the wild boar when

Watch him!—just like you would watch a wild boar when

He makes against you in the hunter's gap—

He is up against you in the hunter's gap—

Like him he must be speared.

Like him, he must be speared.

Ulr.‍Why so?

Ulr.‍Why's that?

Stral.‍He stands

Stral. He stands

Between me and a brave inheritance!370

Oh! could you see it! But you shall.

Oh! You’re gonna see it!

Ulr.‍I hope so.

Ulr.‍Fingers crossed.

Stral. It is the richest of the rich Bohemia,

Stral. It is the wealthiest part of Bohemia,

Unscathed by scorching war. It lies so near

Unharmed by the intense war. It sits so close

The strongest city, Prague, that fire and sword

Have skimmed it lightly: so that now, besides

Its own exuberance, it bears double value

Its own excitement carries double value.

Confronted with whole realms far and near

Confronted with entire realms, both near and far

Made deserts.

Created deserts.

Ulr.‍You describe it faithfully.

Ulr.‍You describe it accurately.

Stral. Aye—could you see it, you would say so—but,

Stral. Yeah—if you could see it, you would say that—but,

As I have said, you shall.

As I mentioned, you will.

Ulr.‍I accept the omen.380[393]

I accept the omen.

Stral. Then claim a recompense from it and me,

Stral. Then demand a reward from me and it,

Such as both may make worthy your acceptance

Such as both may make it worth accepting

And services to me and mine for ever.

And services to me and my family forever.

Ulr. And this sole, sick, and miserable wretch—

Ulr. And this lonely, sick, and miserable person—

This way-worn stranger—stands between you and

This tired stranger stands between you and

This Paradise?—(As Adam did between

This Paradise?—(Like Adam did between

The devil and his)—[Aside].

Stral.‍He doth.

Stral. He does.

Ulr.‍Hath he no right?

Ulr.‍Does he have no rights?

Stral. Right! none. A disinherited prodigal,

Stral. Right! none. A disinherited wayward son,

Who for these twenty years disgraced his lineage

Who has dishonored his family for the past twenty years

In all his acts—but chiefly by his marriage,390

In everything he did—but especially through his marriage,390

And living amidst commerce-fetching burghers,

And living among money-driven merchants,

And dabbling merchants, in a mart of Jews.

And small-time traders, in a market of Jews.

Ulr. He has a wife, then?

Ulr. So he has a wife, huh?

Stral.‍You'd be sorry to

Stral. You'd regret it.

Call such your mother. You have seen the woman

Call her your mother. You've seen the woman.

He calls his wife.

He calls his wife.

Ulr.‍Is she not so?

Isn’t she?

Stral.‍No more

Stral. No more

Than he's your father:—an Italian girl,

The daughter of a banished man, who lives

On love and poverty with this same Werner.

Ulr. They are childless, then?

Ulr. So, they're childless?

Stral.‍There is or was a bastard,

Stral.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.There is or was a bastard,

Whom the old man—the grandsire (as old age400

Whom the old man—the grandfather (as old age

Is ever doting) took to warm his bosom,

Is ever doting) took to warm his heart,

As it went chilly downward to the grave:

As it got colder going down to the grave:

But the imp stands not in my path—he has fled,

But the imp isn’t blocking my way—he has run off,

No one knows whither; and if he had not,

No one knows where; and if he hadn't,

His claims alone were too contemptible

His claims alone were too pathetic.

To stand.—Why do you smile?

To stand.—Why are you smiling?

Ulr.‍At your vain fears:

Ulr.‍About your petty worries:

A poor man almost in his grasp—a child

A poor man nearly within reach—a child

Of doubtful birth—can startle a grandee!

Of uncertain origin—can surprise a noble!

Stral. All's to be feared, where all is to be gained.

Stral. Everything is to be feared where everything is to be gained.

Ulr. True; and aught done to save or to obtain it.410

Ulr. That's true; and anything done to save or to get it.410

Stral. You have harped the very string next to my heart [185].[394]

Stral. You’ve played the exact note that resonates with my heart [185].[394]

I may depend upon you?

Can I rely on you?

Ulr.‍'Twere too late

Ulr.‍It’s too late

To doubt it.

To question it.

Stral.‍Let no foolish pity shake

Stral. Let no foolish pity sway

Your bosom (for the appearance of the man

Your chest (for the appearance of the man

Is pitiful)—he is a wretch, as likely

To have robbed me as the fellow more suspected,

To have taken

Except that circumstance is less against him;

Except that the situation is not as unfavorable to him;

He being lodged far off, and in a chamber

He was staying far away, in a room

Without approach to mine; and, to say truth,

Without coming closer to me; and, to be honest,

I think too well of blood allied to mine,420

I think too highly of family blood,420

To deem he would descend to such an act:

To think he would lower himself to such an act:

Besides, he was a soldier, and a brave one

Besides, he was a soldier, and a brave one.

Once—though too rash.

Once—though too impulsive.

Ulr.‍And they, my Lord, we know

Ulr.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And they, my Lord, we know

By our experience, never plunder till

By our experience, never steal until

They knock the brains out first—which makes them heirs,

Not thieves. The dead, who feel nought, can lose nothing,

Not thieves. The dead, who feel nothing, can lose nothing,

Nor e'er be robbed: their spoils are a bequest—

Nor ever be robbed: their spoils are a gift—

No more.

Stral.‍Go to! you are a wag. But say

Stral.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.Come on! You're quite the joker. But really, say

I may be sure you'll keep an eye on this man,

I’m sure you’ll keep an eye on this guy,

And let me know his slightest movement towards430

Concealment or escape.

Hide or flee.

Ulr.‍You may be sure

Ulr.‍You can be sure

You yourself could not watch him more than I

You couldn't watch him any more than I could.

Will be his sentinel.

Will be his guardian.

Stral.‍By this you make me

Stral. By this, you make me

Yours, and for ever.

Yours forever.

Ulr.‍Such is my intention.[Exeunt.

Ulr. That's my plan. [Exeunt.]

[395]

ACT III.

Scene I.—A Hall in the same Palace, from whence the secret Passage leads.

Enter Werner and Gabor.

Gab. Sir, I have told my tale: if it so please you

Gab. Sir, I've shared my story: if that’s alright with you

To give me refuge for a few hours, well—

To give me shelter for a few hours, well—

If not, I'll try my fortune elsewhere.

If not, I'll look for my luck somewhere else.

Wer.‍How

Wer. How

Can I, so wretched, give to Misery

Can I, so miserable, give to Suffering

A shelter?—wanting such myself as much

A shelter?—I want one just as much.

As e'er the hunted deer a covert——

As ever the hunted deer a hiding place——

Gab.‍Or

Gab. Or

The wounded lion his cool cave. Methinks

The wounded lion in his cool cave. I think

You rather look like one would turn at bay,

You look more like someone who's backed into a corner,

And rip the hunter's entrails.

And rip the hunter's guts.

Wer.‍Ah!

Who.‍Ah!

Gab.‍I care not

I don't care.

If it be so, being much disposed to do10

If that's the case, being very inclined to do

The same myself. But will you shelter me?

The same goes for me. But will you take me in?

I am oppressed like you—and poor like you—

Disgraced——

Cancelled

Wer. (abruptly). Who told you that I was disgraced?

Who. (abruptly). Who said I was shamed?

Gab. No one; nor did I say you were so: with

Gab. No one; nor did I say you were like that: with

Your poverty my likeness ended; but

Your poverty ended my resemblance; but

I said I was so—and would add, with truth,

I said I was like that—and can honestly say,

As undeservedly as you.

As undeserved as you.

Wer.‍Again!

Who.‍Again!

As I?

Gab. Or any other honest man.

Gab. Or any other decent person.

What the devil would you have? You don't believe me

What the heck do you want? You don't believe me.

Guilty of this base theft?

Guilty of this petty theft?

Wer.‍No, no—I cannot.20

Who.‍No, no—I can't.20

Gab. Why that's my heart of honour! yon young gallant—

Gab. Why that's my heart of honor! That young guy—

Your miserly Intendant and dense noble—

Your stingy manager and dull noble—

All—all suspected me; and why? because

All—everyone suspected me; and why? because

I am the worst clothed, and least named amongst them;[396]

I am the worst dressed and least recognized among them;[396]

Although, were Momus'[186] lattice in your breasts,

Although, if Momus'[186] lattice were in your hearts,

My soul might brook to open it more widely

My soul might be willing to open it more widely.

Than theirs: but thus it is—you poor and helpless—

Than theirs: but that's how it is—you poor and helpless—

Both still more than myself.

Both still more than me.

Wer.‍How know you that?

Who. How do you know that?

Gab. You're right: I ask for shelter at the hand

Gab. You're right: I ask for shelter from you

Which I call helpless; if you now deny it,30

I were well paid. But you, who seem to have proved

I was well paid. But you, who seem to have proved

The wholesome bitterness of life, know well,

The genuine bitterness of life, understand well,

By sympathy, that all the outspread gold

By sympathy, that all the spread-out gold

Of the New World the Spaniard boasts about

Of the New World, the Spaniard brags about

Could never tempt the man who knows its worth,

Could never entice the man who understands its value,

Weighed at its proper value in the balance,

Weighed at its true value in the balance,

Save in such guise (and there I grant its power,

Save in such form (and I'll acknowledge its strength,

Because I feel it,) as may leave no nightmare

Upon his heart o' nights.

On his heart at night.

Wer.‍What do you mean?

Who.‍What do you mean?

Gab. Just what I say; I thought my speech was plain:40

Gab. Exactly what I’m saying; I thought my words were clear:40

You are no thief—nor I—and, as true men,

You’re not a thief—neither am I— and, as honest men,

Should aid each other.

Should help each other.

Wer.‍It is a damned world, sir.

Who. It’s a messed-up world, dude.

Gab. So is the nearest of the two next, as

Gab. So is the closest of the two next, as

The priests say (and no doubt they should know best),

The priests say (and they probably know best),

Therefore I'll stick by this—as being both

Therefore, I'll stand by this—as being both

To suffer martyrdom, at least with such

An epitaph as larceny upon my tomb.

An inscription on my tomb that feels like theft.

It is but a night's lodging which I crave;

It’s just a place to stay for the night that I’m asking for;

To-morrow I will try the waters, as

The dove did—trusting that they have abated.50

The dove did—trusting that they have calmed down.50

Wer. Abated? Is there hope of that?

Wer. Has it eased? Is there hope for that?

Gab.‍There was

Gab. There was

At noontide.

At noon.

Wer.‍Then we may be safe.

Who knows? Then we may be safe.

Gab.‍Are you[397]

Gab. Are you

In peril?

In danger?

Wer.‍Poverty is ever so.

Poverty always exists.

Gab. That I know by long practice. Will you not

Gab. I know that from a lot of experience. Will you not

Promise to make mine less?

Promise to make mine smaller?

Wer.‍Your poverty?

Who.‍Your financial struggles?

Gab. No—you don't look a leech for that disorder;

Gab. No—you don't look like a leech because of that issue;

I meant my peril only: you've a roof,

I was just talking about my own danger; you have a roof over your head,

And I have none; I merely seek a covert.

And I have none; I just want a hiding place.

Wer. Rightly; for how should such a wretch as I

Wer. Rightly; for how could someone as miserable as I

Have gold?

Got gold?

Gab.‍Scarce honestly, to say the truth on't,60

Gab.Sure! Please provide the short piece of text you'd like me to modernize.Honestly, to tell the truth about it,60

Although I almost wish you had the Baron's.

Wer. Dare you insinuate?

Who. How dare you imply that?

Gab.‍What?

Gab. What?

Wer.‍Are you aware

Who. Are you aware

To whom you speak?

Who are you talking to?

Gab.‍No; and I am not used

Gab. No; and I’m not used

Greatly to care. (A noise heard without.) But hark! they come!

Greatly to care. (A noise heard outside.) But listen! They’re coming!

Wer.‍Who come?

Who’s coming?

Gab. The Intendant and his man-hounds after me:

Gab. The Intendant and his henchmen are after me:

I'd face them—but it were in vain to expect

I'd confront them—but it would be pointless to hope

Justice at hands like theirs. Where shall I go?

Justice in their hands. Where should I go?

But show me any place. I do assure you,

But show me any place. I promise you,

If there be faith in man, I am most guiltless:

If there is faith in humanity, I am completely innocent:

Think if it were your own case!

Think about if it were your own situation!

Wer. (aside).‍Oh, just God!70

Oh, come on!

Thy hell is not hereafter! Am I dust still?

Your hell is not in the future! Am I still just dust?

Gab. I see you're moved; and it shows well in you:

Gab. I can see you're feeling emotional; it really suits you.

I may live to requite it.

I might live to repay it.

Wer.‍Are you not

Who. Are you not

A spy of Stralenheim's?

A spy from Stralenheim?

Gab.‍Not I! and if

Gab. Not me! and if

I were, what is there to espy in you?

I was, what is there to see in you?

Although, I recollect, his frequent question

Although, I remember, his frequent question

About you and your spouse might lead to some

Suspicion; but you best know—what—and why.

Suspicion; but you know best—what—and why.

I am his deadliest foe.

I am his fiercest enemy.

Wer.‍You?

Who? You?

Gab.‍After such

Gab. After such

A treatment for the service which in part80[398]

I rendered him, I am his enemy:

I betrayed him, now I'm his enemy:

If you are not his friend you will assist me.

If you're not his friend, you'll help me.

Wer. I will.

Who. I will.

Gab.‍But how?

Gab. But how?

Wer. (showing the panel). There is a secret spring:

Wer. (showing the panel). There’s a hidden latch:

Remember, I discovered it by chance,

Remember, I found it by accident,

And used it but for safety.

And only used it for safety.

Gab.‍Open it,

Open Gab.

And I will use it for the same.

And I will use it for the same purpose.

Wer.‍I found it,

Who.‍I found it,

As I have said: it leads through winding walls,

As I mentioned, it goes through winding walls,

(So thick as to bear paths within their ribs,

(So thick that paths could be traced within their ribs,

Yet lose no jot of strength or stateliness,)

Yet lose no bit of strength or dignity,

And hollow cells, and obscure niches, to90

And empty spaces, and hidden corners, to90

I know not whither; you must not advance:

I don't know where; you must not go forward:

Give me your word.

Gab.‍It is unecessary:

Gab. It is unnecessary:

How should I make my way in darkness through

How should I find my way in the dark through

A Gothic labyrinth of unknown windings?

A Gothic maze with unknown twists and turns?

Wer. Yes, but who knows to what place it may lead?

Wer. Yes, but who knows where it might lead?

I know not—(mark you!)—but who knows it might not

I don't know—(just so you know!)—but who knows, it might not

Lead even into the chamber of your foe?

Lead even into the enemy's chamber?

So strangely were contrived these galleries

So strangely were these galleries designed.

By our Teutonic fathers in old days,

By our German ancestors in ancient times,

When man built less against the elements100

When people built less against the elements100

Than his next neighbour. You must not advance

Than his next neighbor. You must not advance

Beyond the two first windings; if you do

Here is the paragraph: Beyond the two first windings; if you do

(Albeit I never passed them,) I'll not answer

For what you may be led to.

For where you might be taken.

Gab.‍But I will.

Gab. But I will.

A thousand thanks!

Thanks a million!

Wer.‍You'll find the spring more obvious

Who.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You'll notice the spring more clearly

On the other side; and, when you would return,

On the other side; and, when you want to come back,

It yields to the least touch.

It reacts to the slightest touch.

Gab.‍I'll in—farewell!

Gab. I'll be on my way—goodbye!

[Gabor goes in by the secret panel.

[Gabor enters through the secret panel.

Wer. (solus). What have I done? Alas! what had I done

Wer. (solus). What have I done? Oh no! What had I done?

Before to make this fearful? Let it be

Before making this fearful? Let it be

Still some atonement that I save the man,110[399]

Whose sacrifice had saved perhaps my own—

Whose sacrifice might have saved me—

They come! to seek elsewhere what is before them!

They’re coming! to look for what’s right in front of them!

Enter Idenstein and Others.

Enter Idenstein and Friends.

Iden. Is he not here? He must have vanished then

Iden. Is he not here? He must have disappeared then.

Through the dim Gothic glass by pious aid

Through the dim Gothic glass with devout help

Of pictured saints upon the red and yellow

Of illustrated saints on the red and yellow

Casements, through which the sunset streams like sunrise

Casements, through which the sunset pours in like the sunrise

On long pearl-coloured beards and crimson crosses.

On long pearl-colored beards and red crosses.

And gilded crosiers, and crossed arms, and cowls,

And golden staffs, and crossed arms, and hoods,

And helms, and twisted armour, and long swords,

And helmets, and twisted armor, and long swords,

All the fantastic furniture of windows120

All the amazing furniture of windows120

Dim with brave knights and holy hermits, whose

Likeness and fame alike rest in some panes

Likeness and fame both depend on some views.

Of crystal, which each rattling wind proclaims

Of crystal, which every gust of wind announces

As frail as any other life or glory.

As fragile as any other life or glory.

He's gone, however.

He's gone, though.

Wer.‍Whom do you seek?

Who are you looking for?

Iden.‍A villain.

Iden. A bad guy.

Wer. Why need you come so far, then?

Wer. Why did you come all this way, then?

Iden.‍In the search

Iden. In the search

Of him who robbed the Baron.

Of the person who took from the Baron.

Wer.‍Are you sure

Are you sure?

You have divined the man?

Have you figured out the man?

Iden.‍As sure as you

Iden. As sure as you

Stand there: but where's he gone?

Stand there: but where did he go?

Wer.‍Who?

Who?

Iden.‍He we sought.

Iden. We searched for him.

Wer. You see he is not here.

Who. You see he isn't here.

Iden.‍And yet we traced him130

Iden. And yet we found him.

Up to this hall. Are you accomplices?

Up to this hall. Are you in on this?

Or deal you in the black art?

Or are you involved in the dark arts?

Wer.‍I deal plainly,

I speak frankly,

To many men the blackest.

To many men, the darkest.

Iden.‍It may be

Iden. It might be

I have a question or two for yourself

I have a question or two for you.

Hereafter; but we must continue now

Hereafter; but we need to move on now

Our search for t'other.

Our search for the other.

Wer.‍You had best begin

You should get started.

Your inquisition now: I may not be[400]

Your question now: I might not be[400]

So patient always.

So patient all the time.

Iden.‍I should like to know,

Iden. I want to know,

In good sooth, if you really are the man

In truth, if you really are the man

That Stralenheim's in quest of.

That Stralenheim's on the hunt for.

Wer.‍Insolent!140

Insolent!

Said you not that he was not here?

Didn’t you say he wasn’t here?

Iden.‍Yes, one;

Iden. Yes, one;

But there's another whom he tracks more keenly,

But there's someone else he's following more closely,

And soon, it may be, with authority

And soon, it might be, with authority

Both paramount to his and mine. But come!

Both essential to him and me. But come on!

Bustle, my boys! we are at fault.

Hustle, everyone! We're to blame.

[Exit Idenstein and Attendants.

[Leave Idenstein and Team.

Wer.‍In what

Wer. In what

A maze hath my dim destiny involved me!

A maze has trapped me in my unclear fate!

And one base sin hath done me less ill than

And one basic sin has done me less harm than

The leaving undone one far greater. Down,

Thou busy devil, rising in my heart!

You busy devil, stirring in my heart!

Thou art too late! I'll nought to do with blood.150

You’re too late! I want nothing to do with blood.150

Enter Ulric.

Ulr. I sought you, father.

Ulr. I was looking for you, dad.

Wer.‍Is't not dangerous?

Who.‍Isn't it dangerous?

Ulr. No; Stralenheim is ignorant of all

Ulr. No; Stralenheim knows nothing about it.

Or any of the ties between us: more—

Or any of the connections between us: more—

He sends me here a spy upon your actions,

He sends me a spy to keep an eye on what you do,

Deeming me wholly his.

Considering me completely his.

Wer.‍I cannot think it:

I can't think it:

'Tis but a snare he winds about us both,

It's just a trap he's setting for both of us,

To swoop the sire and son at once.

To capture both the father and son at the same time.

Ulr.‍I cannot

I can't

Pause in each petty fear, and stumble at

Pause in every small fear, and trip at

The doubts that rise like briers in our path,

The doubts that pop up like thorns in our way,

But must break through them, as an unarmed carle160

But must break through them, like an unarmed guy160

Would, though with naked limbs, were the wolf rustling

Would, even with bare limbs, if the wolf were rustling

In the same thicket where he hewed for bread.

In the same thicket where he searched for food.

Nets are for thrushes, eagles are not caught so:

Nets are for thrushes; eagles aren't caught like that.

We'll overfly or rend them.

We'll fly over or tear them apart.

Wer.‍Show me how?

Who.‍Show me how?

Ulr. Can you not guess?

Ulr. Can you not figure it out?

Wer.‍I cannot.[401]

I can't.

Ulr.‍That is strange.

Ulr. That's weird.

Came the thought ne'er into your mind last night?

Did it ever cross your mind last night?

Wer. I understand you not.

I don’t understand you.

Ulr.‍Then we shall never

Ulr. Then we will never

More understand each other. But to change

The topic——

The subject——

Wer.‍You mean to pursue it, as

You mean to go for it, as

'Tis of our safety.

It's for our safety.

Ulr.‍Right; I stand corrected.170

Ulr. Right; I stand corrected.

I see the subject now more clearly, and

I see the topic more clearly now, and

Our general situation in its bearings.

Our overall situation and its implications.

The waters are abating; a few hours

The waters are receding; a few hours

Will bring his summoned myrmidons from Frankfort,

Will bring his summoned followers from Frankfort,

When you will be a prisoner, perhaps worse,

When you become a prisoner, maybe even worse,

And I an outcast, bastardised by practice

And I am an outcast, rejected by what I've experienced.

Of this same Baron to make way for him.

Of this same Baron to clear a path for him.

Wer. And now your remedy! I thought to escape

Who. And now your solution! I thought I could get away

By means of this accurséd gold; but now

By this cursed gold; but now

I dare not use it, show it, scarce look on it.180

I don't dare to use it, show it, or even look at it.180

Methinks it wears upon its face my guilt

I think it shows my guilt on its face.

For motto, not the mintage of the state;

For a motto, not the coinage of the state;

And, for the sovereign's head, my own begirt

And, for the ruler's head, my own surrounded

With hissing snakes, which curl around my temples,

With hissing snakes that wrap around my temples,

And cry to all beholders, Lo! a villain!

And shout to everyone watching, Look! A villain!

Ulr. You must not use it, at least now; but take

Ulr. You can't use it right now; but take

This ring.[He gives Werner a jewel.

This ring.

Wer.‍A gem! It was my father's!

Who.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.A gem! It belonged to my dad!

Ulr.‍And

As such is now your own. With this you must

As such is now yours. With this, you must

Bribe the Intendant for his old caleche

Bribe the manager for his old carriage.

And horses to pursue your route at sunrise,190

And horses to follow your path at sunrise,190

Together with my mother.

With my mom.

Wer.‍And leave you,

Who.‍And leave you,

So lately found, in peril too?

So recently discovered, in danger as well?

Ulr.‍Fear nothing!

Fear nothing!

The only fear were if we fled together,

The only fear was if we ran away together,

For that would make our ties beyond all doubt.

For that would make our connections completely clear.

The waters only lie in flood between

The waters only flood between

This burgh and Frankfort: so far's in our favour

This town and Frankfort: so far it's in our favor

The route on to Bohemia, though encumbered,

The path to Bohemia, although blocked,

Is not impassable; and when you gain[402]

A few hours' start, the difficulties will be

A few hours of a head start, the challenges will be

The same to your pursuers. Once beyond200

The same goes for your pursuers. Once past200

The frontier, and you're safe.

The border, and you're safe.

Wer.‍My noble boy!

My noble boy!

Ulr. Hush! hush! no transports: we'll indulge in them

Ulr. Shh! Shh! No excitement: we'll enjoy it later.

In Castle Siegendorf! Display no gold:

In Castle Siegendorf! Show no gold:

Show Idenstein the gem (I know the man,

Show Idenstein the gem (I know the guy,

And have looked through him): it will answer thus

And have looked through him): it will respond like this

A double purpose. Stralenheim lost gold—

A double purpose. Stralenheim lost gold—

No jewel: therefore it could not be his;

No jewel: so it couldn't be his;

And then the man who was possest of this

And then the man who had this

Can hardly be suspected of abstracting

Can hardly be suspected of taking for themselves

The Baron's coin, when he could thus convert210

The Baron's coin, when he could convert it this way210

This ring to more than Stralenheim has lost

This ring means more than Stralenheim has lost.

By his last night's slumber. Be not over timid

By his sleep last night. Don't be too timid.

In your address, nor yet too arrogant,

In your speech, neither too humble nor too boastful,

And Idenstein will serve you.

And Idenstein will support you.

Wer.‍I will follow

Who.‍I will follow

In all things your direction.

In all things, guide us.

Ulr.‍I would have

Spared you the trouble; but had I appeared

Spared you the trouble; but if I had shown up

To take an interest in you, and still more

To show interest in you, and even more

By dabbling with a jewel in your favour,

By playing around with a gem in your favor,

All had been known at once.

Everything was known at once.

Wer.‍My guardian angel!

Who.‍My guardian angel!

This overpays the past. But how wilt thou220

This overpays the past. But how will you220

Fare in our absence?

Fare during our absence?

Ulr.‍Stralenheim knows nothing

Ulr. Stralenheim knows nothing

Of me as aught of kindred with yourself.

Of me as anything related to you.

I will but wait a day or two with him

I’ll just wait a day or two with him.

To lull all doubts, and then rejoin my father.

To put all doubts to rest and then rejoin my father.

Wer. To part no more!

Who. To never part again!

Ulr.‍I know not that; but at

Ulr.Got it! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I don't know that; but at

The least we'll meet again once more.

The least we’ll meet again one more time.

Wer.‍My boy!

My dude!

My friend! my only child, and sole preserver!

My friend! my only child, and my only protector!

Oh, do not hate me!

Oh, please don't hate me!

Ulr.‍Hate my father!

Hate my dad!

Wer.‍Aye,

Who.‍Yeah,

My father hated me. Why not my son?

My father hated me. Why wouldn’t my son?

Ulr. Your father knew you not as I do.[403]

Ulr. Your father didn't know you like I do.[403]

Wer.‍Scorpions230

Wer. Scorpions

Are in thy words! Thou know me? in this guise

Are in your words! Do you know me? In this form

Thou canst not know me, I am not myself;

You can't know me; I am not myself;

Yet (hate me not) I will be soon.

Yet (don't hate me) I will be soon.

Ulr.‍I'll wait!

Ulr. I'll wait!

In the mean time be sure that all a son

In the meantime, make sure that all a son

Can do for parents shall be done for mine.

Can do for parents will be done for mine.

Wer. I see it, and I feel it; yet I feel

Further—that you despise me.

Further—that you hate me.

Ulr.‍Wherefore should I?

Ulr.‍Why should I?

Wer. Must I repeat my humiliation?

Wer. Do I really have to go over my embarrassment again?

Ulr.‍No!

Ulri.‍No!

I have fathomed it and you. But let us talk

I understand both it and you. But let's talk.

Of this no more. Or, if it must be ever,240

Of this no more. Or, if it has to be forever,240

Not now. Your error has redoubled all

Not now. Your mistake has multiplied everything.

The present difficulties of our house

The current challenges facing our home

At secret war with that of Stralenheim:

At a secret war with that of Stralenheim:

All we have now to think of is to baffle

All we need to focus on now is to confuse

Him. I have shown one way.

Wer.‍The only one,

The only one.

And I embrace it, as I did my son,

And I welcome it, just like I did with my son,

Who showed himself and father's safety in

Who showed himself and dad's safety in

One day.

Ulr.‍You shall be safe; let that suffice.

Ulr. You will be safe; let that suffice.

Would Stralenheim's appearance in Bohemia

Would Stralenheim show up in Bohemia

Disturb your right, or mine, if once we were250

Disturb your right, or mine, if we ever were

Admitted to our lands?

Allowed into our territory?

Wer.‍Assuredly,

Who.

Situate as we are now; although the first

Possessor might, as usual, prove the strongest—

Possessor might, as always, turn out to be the strongest—

Especially the next in blood.

Especially the next of kin.

Ulr.‍Blood! 'tis

Ulr.‍Blood! it's

A word of many meanings; in the veins,

A word with many meanings; in the veins,

And out of them, it is a different thing—

And out of them, it's something different—

And so it should be, when the same in blood

And so it should be when we're of the same blood.

(As it is called) are aliens to each other,

(As it is called) are strangers to each other,

Like Theban brethren:[187] when a part is bad,

Like Theban brothers:[187] when one part is bad,

A few spilt ounces purify the rest.260[404]

A few spilled ounces purify the rest.260[404]

Wer. I do not apprehend you.

Who. I don’t get you.

Ulr.‍That may be—

Ulr. That might be—

And should, perhaps—and yet—but get ye ready;

And maybe—but still—get ready;

You and my mother must away to-night.

You and my mom need to leave tonight.

Here comes the Intendant: sound him with the gem;

Here comes the Intendant: check him with the gem;

'Twill sink into his venal soul like lead

It will sink into his corrupt soul like lead.

Into the deep, and bring up slime and mud,

Into the depths, and bring up sludge and muck,

And ooze, too, from the bottom, as the lead doth

And ooze, too, from the bottom, like the lead does

With its greased understratum;[188] but no less

With its slick underlayer;[188] but no less

Will serve to warn our vessels through these shoals.

Will be used to alert our ships navigating through these shallow areas.

The freight is rich, so heave the line in time!270

The cargo is valuable, so pull the line quickly!270

Farewell! I scarce have time, but yet your hand,

Farewell! I hardly have time, but still your hand,

My father!——

My dad!——

Wer.‍Let me embrace thee!

Let me hug you!

Ulr.‍We may be

Ulr.‍We might be

Observed: subdue your nature to the hour!

Observed: control your instincts to match the moment!

Keep off from me as from your foe!

Stay away from me like you're avoiding an enemy!

Wer.‍Accursed

Cursed

Be he who is the stifling cause which smothers

Be the one who is the suffocating cause that smothers

The best and sweetest feeling of our hearts;

The best and sweetest feeling in our hearts;

At such an hour too!

At this hour too!

Ulr.‍Yes, curse—it will ease you!

Ulr.‍Yes, cursing—it will help you!

Here is the Intendant.

Here is the Manager.

Enter Idenstein.

Ulr.‍Master Idenstein,

How fare you in your purpose? Have you caught

How are you doing with your goal? Have you caught

The rogue?

The rebel?

Iden.‍No, faith!

Iden. No, belief!

Ulr.‍Well, there are plenty more:280

Ulr. Well, there are plenty more: 280

You may have better luck another chase.

You might have better luck on another attempt.

Where is the Baron?

Where's the Baron?

Iden.‍Gone back to his chamber:

Iden. Gone back to his room:

And now I think on't, asking after you

And now that I think about it, I’m asking about you.

With nobly-born impatience.

With noble impatience.

Ulr.‍Your great men[405]

Ulr. Your great leaders

Must be answered on the instant, as the bound

Must be answered immediately, as the bound

Of the stung steed replies unto the spur:

Of the stung horse responds to the spur:

'Tis well they have horses, too; for if they had not,

'Tis well they have horses, too; for if they didn't,

I fear that men must draw their chariots, as

I fear that men have to pull their chariots, as

They say kings did Sesostris [189].

They say kings did Sesostris __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Iden.‍Who was he?

Iden. Who was he?

Ulr. An old Bohemian—an imperial gipsy.290

Ulr. An old Bohemian—an imperial gypsy.290

Iden. A gipsy or Bohemian, 'tis the same,

Iden. A gypsy or Bohemian, it's the same,

For they pass by both names. And was he one?

For they go by both names. Was he one of them?

Ulr. I've heard so; but I must take leave. Intendant,

Ulr. I've heard that too; but I have to go now. Intendant,

Your servant!—Werner (to Werner slightly), if that be your name,

Your servant!—Werner (to Werner slightly), if that is your name,

Yours.[Exit Ulric.

Yours. [Exit Ulric.

Iden.‍A well-spoken, pretty-faced young man!

Iden. A charming, handsome young man!

And prettily behaved! He knows his station,

And behaves nicely! He knows his place,

You see, sir: how he gave to each his due

You see, sir: how he gave everyone what they deserved.

Precedence!

Priority!

Wer.‍I perceived it, and applaud

I noticed it and applaud.

His just discernment and your own.

His fair judgment and your own.

Iden.‍That's well—

Iden. That's cool—

That's very well. You also know your place, too;300

That's great. You also know your place, too;300

And yet I don't know that I know your place.

And yet I’m not sure that I know where you stand.

Wer. (showing the ring).

Who. (showing the ring).

Would this assist your knowledge?

Would this help your knowledge?

Iden.‍How!—What!—Eh!

Iden. How!—What!—Huh!

A jewel!

A gem!

Wer.‍'Tis your own on one condition.

Who. It’s yours, but only on one condition.

Iden. Mine!—Name it!

Mine!—Name it!

Wer.‍That hereafter you permit me

Who.‍That you allow me later

At thrice its value to redeem it: 'tis

At three times its value to redeem it: it is

A family ring.

A family heirloom ring.

Iden.‍A family!—yours!—a gem!

Iden.‍A family!—yours!—a treasure!

I'm breathless!

I'm out of breath!

Wer.‍You must also furnish me,

You also need to provide me,

An hour ere daybreak, with all means to quit

An hour before dawn, with all the ways to leave

This place.

This spot.

Iden.‍But is it real? Let me look on it:

Iden.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.But is it for real? Let me check it out:

Diamond, by all that's glorious![406]

Diamond, by all that's amazing![406]

Wer.‍Come, I'll trust you:310

Who.‍Come, I’ll trust you:310

You have guessed, no doubt, that I was born above

You probably figured it out by now, but I was born above

My present seeming.

My current appearance.

Iden.‍I can't say I did,

Iden. I can't say I did.

Though this looks like it: this is the true breeding

Though this may seem like it, this is the real breeding.

Of gentle blood!

Of noble birth!

Wer.‍I have important reasons

I have important reasons

For wishing to continue privily

To wish to stay private

My journey hence.

My journey from here.

Iden.‍So then you are the man

Iden.‍So you’re the man

Whom Stralenheim's in quest of?

Who is Stralenheim looking for?

Wer.‍I am not;

I am not;

But being taken for him might conduct

But being mistaken for him might lead to

So much embarrassment to me just now,

So much embarrassment for me just now,

And to the Baron's self hereafter—'tis320

And to the Baron's self from now on—'tis320

To spare both that I would avoid all bustle.

To avoid all the chaos, I would spare both.

Iden. Be you the man or no, 'tis not my business;

Iden. Whether you are the man or not, that’s not my concern;

Besides, I never could obtain the half

Besides, I could never get half

From this proud, niggardly noble, who would raise

From this proud, greedy noble, who would raise

The country for some missing bits of coin,

The country for a few missing coins,

And never offer a precise reward—[ct]

And never offer a specific reward—[ct]

But this!—another look!

But this!—another look!

Wer.‍Gaze on it freely;

Look at it freely;

At day-dawn it is yours.

At dawn, it’s yours.

Iden.‍Oh, thou sweet sparkler!

Iden. Oh, you sweet sparkler!

Thou more than stone of the philosopher!

You are more than the philosopher's stone!

Thou touch-stone of Philosophy herself!330

You touchstone of Philosophy itself!

Thou bright eye of the Mine! thou loadstar of

The soul! the true magnetic Pole to which

The soul! The real magnetic pole to which

All hearts point duly north, like trembling needles!

All hearts point north, like trembling needles!

Thou flaming Spirit of the Earth! which, sitting

High on the Monarch's Diadem, attractest

More worship than the majesty who sweats

More worship than the greatness who strains

Beneath the crown which makes his head ache, like

Beneath the crown that gives him a headache, like

Millions of hearts which bleed to lend it lustre!

Millions of hearts that ache to give it shine!

Shalt thou be mine? I am, methinks, already

Shall you be mine? I think I already am.

A little king, a lucky alchymist!—340

A tiny king, a fortunate alchemist!—340

A wise magician, who has bound the devil

A clever magician who has captured the devil

Without the forfeit of his soul. But come,

Without sacrificing his soul. But come,

Werner, or what else?[407]

Werner, or anything else?[407]

Wer.‍Call me Werner still;

Call me Werner still;

You may yet know me by a loftier title.

You might still recognize me by a more impressive title.

Iden. I do believe in thee! thou art the spirit

Iden. I really do believe in you! You are the spirit

Of whom I long have dreamed in a low garb.—

Of whom I have long dreamed in a humble outfit.

But come, I'll serve thee; thou shalt be as free

But come, I'll serve you; you will be as free

As air, despite the waters; let us hence:

As air, despite the water; let's go:

I'll show thee I am honest—(oh, thou jewel!)

I'll show you I'm honest—(oh, you gem!)

Thou shalt be furnished, Werner, with such means350

Thou shalt be provided, Werner, with such resources350

Of flight, that if thou wert a snail, not birds [cu]

Of flight, that if you were a snail, not birds [cu]

Should overtake thee.—Let me gaze again!

Should overtake you.—Let me look again!

I have a foster-brother in the mart

I have a foster brother at the market.

Of Hamburgh skilled in precious stones. How many

Of Hamburg skilled in precious stones. How many

Carats may it weigh?—Come, Werner, I will wing thee.

Carats may it weigh?—Come on, Werner, I will help you.

[Exeunt.

[Exit.

Scene II.—Stralenheim's Chamber.

Stralenheim and Fritz.

Fritz. All's ready, my good Lord!

Fritz. Everything's set, my lord!

Stral.‍I am not sleepy,

Stral. I’m not sleepy,

And yet I must to bed: I fain would say

And yet I have to go to bed: I really want to say

To rest, but something heavy on my spirit,

To take a break, but there's something weighing on my mind,

Too dull for wakefulness, too quick for slumber,

Too boring to stay awake, too fast to fall asleep,

Sits on me as a cloud along the sky,

Sits on me like a cloud in the sky,

Which will not let the sunbeams through, nor yet

Which will not let the sunlight through, nor yet

Descend in rain and end, but spreads itself

Descend in rain and finish, but spreads itself

'Twixt earth and heaven, like envy between man

And man, an everlasting mist:—I will

And man, a never-ending fog:—I will

Unto my pillow.

To my pillow.

Fritz.‍May you rest there well!10

Fritz.‍Rest in peace!10

Stral. I feel, and fear, I shall.

Stral. I feel, and fear, that I will.

Fritz.‍And wherefore fear?

Fritz. Why be afraid?

Stral. I know not why, and therefore do fear more,

Stral. I don't know why, and that's why I'm even more afraid,

Because an undescribable——but 'tis

Because it's indescribable—but it is

All folly. Were the locks as I desired

All nonsense. If only the locks were how I wanted them.

Changed, to-day, of this chamber? for last night's

Changed, today, in this room? because of last night's

Adventure makes it needful.

Adventure makes it necessary.

Fritz.‍Certainly,

Fritz. Sure,

According to your order, and beneath[408]

The inspection of myself and the young Saxon

The examination of myself and the young Saxon

Who saved your life. I think they call him "Ulric."

Who saved your life? I think they call him "Ulric."

Stral. You think! you supercilious slave! what right20

Stral. You think! you arrogant servant! What right20

Have you to tax your memory, which should be

Have you to stretch your memory, which should be

Quick, proud, and happy to retain the name

Quick, proud, and glad to keep the name

Of him who saved your master, as a litany

Of the one who saved your master, like a chant

Whose daily repetition marks your duty.—

Whose daily repetition defines your responsibility.—

Get hence; "You think" indeed! you, who stood still

Get out of here; "You think" really! you, who just stood there

Howling and dripping on the bank, whilst I

Howling and dripping on the bank, while I

Lay dying, and the stranger dashed aside

Lay dying, and the stranger rushed aside

The roaring torrent, and restored me to

Thank him—and despise you. "You think!" and scarce

Thank him—and hate yourself. "You think!" and barely

Can recollect his name! I will not waste30

Can remember his name! I won’t waste30

More words on you. Call me betimes.

More to say about you. Call me soon.

Fritz.‍Good night!

Fritz.‍Goodnight!

I trust to-morrow will restore your Lordship

I hope tomorrow will bring you back to good health, my Lord.

To renovated strength and temper.[The scene closes.

To renewed strength and calm.The scene ends.

Scene III.—The secret Passage.

Gab. (solus).‍Four—

Gab. (alone). Four—

Five—six hours have I counted, like the guard

Of outposts, on the never-merry clock,

Of outposts, on the never-happy clock,

That hollow tongue [190] of time, which, even when

That empty flow of time, which, even when

It sounds for joy, takes something from enjoyment

It sounds joyful, taking away something from the enjoyment.

With every clang. 'Tis a perpetual knell,

With every clang. It's a constant toll,

Though for a marriage-feast it rings: each stroke

Though it sounds for a wedding celebration: each strike

Peals for a hope the less; the funeral note

Peals for a hope that’s gone; the funeral sound

Of Love deep-buried, without resurrection,

Of love buried deep, unrecovered,

In the grave of Possession; while the knoll [191]10

Of long-lived parents finds a jovial echo

Of long-lived parents finds a cheerful response

To triple time in the son's ear.

To play at triple time in the son's ear.

I'm cold—

I'm freezing—

I'm dark;—I've blown my fingers—numbered o'er

I'm dark;—I've blown my fingers—counted over

And o'er my steps—and knocked my head against

And over my steps—and hit my head against

Some fifty buttresses—and roused the rats[409]

Some fifty supports—and stirred up the rats[409]

And bats in general insurrection, till

And bats in general uprising, until

Their curséd pattering feet and whirling wings

Their cursed pattering feet and spinning wings

Leave me scarce hearing for another sound.

Leave me hardly able to hear any other sound.

A light! It is at distance (if I can

A light! It's in the distance (if I can

Measure in darkness distance): but it blinks20

Measure in the dark to estimate distance: but it blinks20

As through a crevice or a key-hole, in

As through a crack or a keyhole, in

The inhibited direction: I must on,

The restricted path: I need to keep going,

Nevertheless, from curiosity.

Still out of curiosity.

A distant lamp-light is an incident

A distant lamp light is an event

In such a den as this. Pray Heaven it lead me

In a place like this. I hope it takes me where I need to go.

To nothing that may tempt me! Else—Heaven aid me

To nothing that might tempt me! Otherwise—Heaven help me!

To obtain or to escape it! Shining still!

To get it or to run away from it! Still shining!

Were it the star of Lucifer himself,

Or he himself girt with its beams, I could

Or he himself wrapped in its beams, I could

Contain no longer. Softly: mighty well!30

Contain no longer. Softly: very well!30

That corner's turned—so—ah! no;—right! it draws

That corner's turned—so—ah! no;—right! it pulls

Nearer. Here is a darksome angle—so,

Nearer. Here is a dark corner—so,

That's weathered.—Let me pause.—Suppose it leads

Into some greater danger than that which

I have escaped—no matter, 'tis a new one;

I’ve escaped—no matter, it’s a new one;

And novel perils, like fresh mistresses,

And new dangers, like new girlfriends,

Wear more magnetic aspects:—I will on,

And be it where it may—I have my dagger

And no matter where it is—I have my dagger

Which may protect me at a pinch.—Burn still,

Which might protect me in a tight spot.—Keep burning,

Thou little light! Thou art my ignis fatuus!40

Thou little light! You are my ignis fatuus!40

My stationary Will-o'-the-wisp![192]—So! so!

My stationary Will-o'-the-wisp!__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—So! So!

He hears my invocation, and fails not.[The scene closes.

He hears my call and does not fail.The scene ends.

Scene IV.—A Garden.

Enter Werner.

Log in Werner.

Wer. I could not sleep—and now the hour's at hand!

Wer. I couldn't sleep—and now the time has come!

All's ready. Idenstein has kept his word;

All's set. Idenstein has stayed true to his promise;

And stationed in the outskirts of the town,

And positioned on the outskirts of the town,

Upon the forest's edge, the vehicle

Upon the edge of the forest, the vehicle

Awaits us. Now the dwindling stars begin

Awaits us. Now the fading stars start

To pale in heaven; and for the last time I[410]

To fade in heaven; and for the last time I[410]

Look on these horrible walls. Oh! never, never

Look at these terrible walls. Oh! never, never

Shall I forget them. Here I came most poor,

Shall I forget them? I came here with almost nothing.

But not dishonoured: and I leave them with

But not dishonored: and I leave them with

A stain,—if not upon my name, yet in10

A stain—if not on my name, yet in10

My heart!—a never-dying canker-worm,

My heart!—a never-ending pain,

Which all the coming splendour of the lands,

Which all the future beauty of the lands,

And rights, and sovereignty of Siegendorf

And the rights and sovereignty of Siegendorf

Can scarcely lull a moment. I must find

Can hardly relax for a second. I need to find

Some means of restitution, which would ease

Some ways to make things right, which would help

My soul in part: but how, without discovery?—

My soul, partly: but how, without being found out?—

It must be done, however; and I'll pause

It has to be done, though; and I'll take a break.

Upon the method the first hour of safety.

The madness of my misery led to this

The craziness of my suffering brought me to this

Base infamy; repentance must retrieve it:20

Base infamy; repentance must restore it:20

I will have nought of Stralenheim's upon

I want nothing to do with Stralenheim's.

My spirit, though he would grasp all of mine;

My spirit, even though he would hold onto all of mine;

Lands, freedom, life,—and yet he sleeps as soundly

Lands, freedom, life—yet he sleeps just as soundly.

Perhaps, as infancy [193], with gorgeous curtains

Perhaps, as infancy [193], with beautiful curtains

Spread for his canopy, o'er silken pillows,

Spread for his canopy, over silk pillows,

Such as when——Hark! what noise is that? Again!

Such as when—Hey! What’s that noise? Again!

The branches shake; and some loose stones have fallen

The branches shake, and some loose stones have fallen.

From yonder terrace.

From that terrace.

[Ulric leaps down from the terrace.

[Ulric jumps down from the terrace.

Ulric! ever welcome!

Ulric! always welcome!

Thrice welcome now! this filial——

Welcome back! this family——

Ulr.‍Stop! before

Ulr. ‍Wait! Before

We approach, tell me——

We're coming, tell me—

Wer.‍Why look you so?

Why do you look like that?

Ulr.‍Do I30

Behold my father, or——

Check out my dad, or——

Wer.‍What?

Who? What?

Ulr.‍An assassin?

Ulr. An assassin?

Wer. Insane or insolent!

Who. Crazy or disrespectful!

Ulr.‍Reply, sir, as

Reply, sir, as

You prize your life, or mine!

You value your life, or mine!

Wer.‍To what must I

Who.‍What do I have to

Answer?

Ulr. Are you or are you not the assassin[411]

Ulr. Are you the assassin or not[411]?

Of Stralenheim?

Wer.‍I never was as yet

Who.‍I haven't been yet

The murderer of any man. What mean you?

The killer of any person. What do you mean?

Ulr. Did not you this night (as the night before)

Ulr. Didn't you this night (like the night before)

Retrace the secret passage? Did you not

Again revisit Stralenheim's chamber? and——

Revisit Stralenheim's chamber again? and——

[Ulric pauses.

[Ulric pauses.]

Wer. Proceed.

Who. Proceed.

Ulr.‍Died he not by your hand?

Ulr.‍Did he not die by your hand?

Wer.‍Great God!40

Great God!

Ulr. You are innocent, then! my father's innocent!

Ulr. So you're innocent, then! My dad's innocent!

Embrace me! Yes,—your tone—your look—yes, yes,—

Embrace me! Yes, your tone, your look—yes, yes—

Yet say so.

Wer.‍If I e'er, in heart or mind,

Wer.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.If I ever, in heart or mind,

Conceived deliberately such a thought,

Thought conceived intentionally,

But rather strove to trample back to hell

But instead tried to stomp back to hell

Such thoughts—if e'er they glared a moment through

Such thoughts—if they ever flashed for a moment through

The irritation of my oppressed spirit—

The annoyance of my troubled soul—

May Heaven be shut for ever from my hopes,

May heaven be closed off from my hopes forever,

As from mine eyes!

From my eyes!

Ulr.‍But Stralenheim is dead.

Ulr.‍But Stralenheim is gone.

Wer. 'Tis horrible! 'tis hideous, as 'tis hateful!—50

Who. It's awful! It's ugly, just as it is disgusting!—50

But what have I to do with this?

But what does this have to do with me?

Ulr.‍No bolt

No bolt

Is forced; no violence can be detected,

Is forced; no violence can be seen,

Save on his body. Part of his own household

Have been alarmed; but as the Intendant is

Have been alarmed; but since the Intendant is

Absent, I took upon myself the care

Absent, I took on the responsibility

Of mustering the police. His chamber has,

Past doubt, been entered secretly. Excuse me,

Past doubt, it has been entered secretly. Excuse me,

If nature——

If nature—

Wer.‍Oh, my boy! what unknown woes

Who.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Oh, my boy! what unknown troubles

Of dark fatality, like clouds, are gathering

Of dark fate, like clouds, is gathering

Above our house!

Above our place!

Ulr.‍My father! I acquit you!60

Ulr. My dad! I forgive you!

But will the world do so? will even the judge,

But will the world do that? Will even the judge,

If—but you must away this instant.

If—but you need to go right now.

Wer.‍No!

Who.‍No!

I'll face it. Who shall dare suspect me?

I'll own up to it. Who would even think to suspect me?

Ulr.‍Yet

Ulr. Yet

You had no guests—no visitors—no life[412]

You had no guests—no visitors—no life.

Breathing around you, save my mother's?

Breathing around you, except for my mom's?

Wer.‍Ah!

Who.‍Ah!

The Hungarian?

Ulr.‍He is gone! he disappeared

Ulr.‍He’s gone! He disappeared.

Ere sunset.

Before sunset.

Wer.‍No; I hid him in that very

Who.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.No; I hid him in that very

Concealed and fatal gallery.

Hidden and deadly gallery.

Ulr.‍There I'll find him.

Ulr.‍I’ll find him there.

[Ulric is going.

[Ulric is leaving.

Wer. It is too late: he had left the palace ere

Wer. It's too late: he had left the palace before

I quitted it. I found the secret panel70

I quit it. I found the hidden panel70

Open, and the doors which lead from that hall

Open, and the doors that lead from that hall

Which masks it: I but thought he had snatched the silent

Which masks it: I just thought he had taken the silent

And favourable moment to escape

A good time to escape

The myrmidons of Idenstein, who were

Dogging him yester-even.

Dogging him yesterday evening.

Ulr.‍You reclosed

Ulr.‍You closed again

The panel?

The discussion panel?

Wer.‍Yes; and not without reproach

Who? Yes; and not without blame

(And inner trembling for the avoided peril)

(And inner trembling for the danger that was avoided)

At his dull heedlessness, in leaving thus

At his boring lack of awareness, in leaving like this

His shelterer's asylum to the risk

His shelterer's refuge from the danger

Of a discovery.

About a discovery.

Ulr.‍You are sure you closed it?80

Ulr.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Are you sure you closed it?80

Wer. Certain.

Who. Sure.

Ulr.‍That's well; but had been better, if

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you want modernized.That's good; but it would have been even better if

You ne'er had turned it to a den for——[He pauses.

You never turned it into a den for——He takes a moment.

Wer.‍Thieves!

Who.‍Thieves!

Thou wouldst say: I must bear it, and deserve it;

You would say: I have to endure it, and I deserve it;

But not——

But not—

Ulr.‍No, father; do not speak of this:

Ulr.Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.No, Dad; don’t talk about this:

This is no hour to think of petty crimes,

This is no time to think about minor offenses,

But to prevent the consequence of great ones.

But to avoid the consequences of powerful people.

Why would you shelter this man?

Why would you protect this guy?

Wer.‍Could I shun it?

Who.‍Can I avoid it?

A man pursued by my chief foe; disgraced

A man chased by my main enemy; shamed.

For my own crime: a victim to my safety,

Imploring a few hours' concealment from90

Imploring a few hours of hiding from90

The very wretch who was the cause he needed

The miserable person who was the reason he needed

Such refuge. Had he been a wolf, I could not

Such refuge. If he had been a wolf, I couldn't

Have in such circumstances thrust him forth.[413]

Have in such situations pushed him out.[413]

Ulr. And like the wolf he hath repaid you. But

Ulr. And just like the wolf, he has paid you back. But

It is too late to ponder thus:—you must

It’s too late to think about it now:—you must

Set out ere dawn. I will remain here to

Set out before dawn. I will stay here to

Trace the murderer, if 'tis possible.

Trace the murderer, if it's possible.

Wer. But this my sudden flight will give the Moloch

Wer. But this sudden escape of mine will please the Moloch

Suspicion: two new victims in the lieu

Suspicion: two new victims in the area

Of one, if I remain. The fled Hungarian,100

Of one, if I stay. The escaped Hungarian,100

Who seems the culprit, and——

Who looks like the culprit, and——

Ulr.‍Who seems? Who else

Can be so?

Is that possible?

Wer.‍Not I, though just now you doubted—

Who.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Not me, even though you just questioned—

You, my son!—doubted——

You, my son!—doubted—

Ulr.‍And do you doubt of him

Ulr.‍And do you doubt him?

The fugitive?

The runaway?

Wer.‍Boy! since I fell into

Who. ‍Wow! since I fell into

The abyss of crime (though not of such crime), I,

Having seen the innocent oppressed for me,

Having seen the innocent mistreated for my sake,

May doubt even of the guilty's guilt. Your heart

Is free, and quick with virtuous wrath to accuse

Is free and quick to accuse with righteous anger.

Appearances; and views a criminal

Appearances; and views a felon

In Innocence's shadow, it may be,110

Because 'tis dusky.

Because it's dark.

Ulr.‍And if I do so,

Ulr. And if I do this,

What will mankind, who know you not, or knew

What will humanity, who do not know you, or did not

But to oppress? You must not stand the hazard.

But to oppress? You can't take that risk.

Away!—I'll make all easy. Idenstein

Go!—I'll make everything easy. Idenstein

Will for his own sake and his jewel's hold

Will for his own benefit and his jewel's grasp

His peace—he also is a partner in

His peace—he's also a partner in

Your flight—moreover——

Your flight—plus—

Wer.‍Fly! and leave my name

Who.‍Fly! and leave my name

Linked with the Hungarian's, or, preferred as poorest,

Linked with the Hungarians, or, preferred as the poorest,

To bear the brand of bloodshed?

To carry the mark of violence?

Ulr.‍Pshaw! leave any thing

Ulr. Pshaw! Leave anything

Except our fathers' sovereignty and castles,120

Except for our fathers' rule and castles,120

For which you have so long panted, and in vain!

For what you have longed for so long, and all for nothing!

What name? You have no name, since that you bear

Is feigned.

Is fake.

Wer.‍Most true: but still I would not have it

Who.Sure! Please provide the text you want me to modernize.Most true: but still, I wouldn't want it

Engraved in crimson in men's memories,

Engraved in red in men's memories,

Though in this most obscure abode of men——

Though in this most hidden place of people——

Besides, the search——[414]

Besides, the search—[414]

Ulr.‍I will provide against

Ulr. I will provide against

Aught that can touch you. No one knows you here

Aught that can touch you. No one knows you here.

As heir of Siegendorf: if Idenstein

As the heir of Siegendorf: if Idenstein

Suspects, 'tis but suspicion, and he is

Suspects, it's just suspicion, and he is

A fool: his folly shall have such employment,130

A fool: his foolishness will have such purpose,130

Too, that the unknown Werner shall give way

Too, that the unknown Werner will step aside

To nearer thoughts of self. The laws (if e'er

To closer ideas about oneself. The laws (if ever

Laws reached this village) are all in abeyance

Laws that reached this village are all on hold.

With the late general war of thirty years,

With the recent thirty-year-long general war,

Or crushed, or rising slowly from the dust,

Or crushed, or slowly rising from the dust,

To which the march of armies trampled them.

To which the advance of armies crushed them.

Stralenheim, although noble, is unheeded

Stralenheim, though noble, is ignored

Here, save as such—without lands, influence,

Here, save as such—without land, influence,

Save what hath perished with him. Few prolong

Save what has died with him. Few extend

A week beyond their funeral rites their sway140

A week after their funeral ceremonies, their control140

O'er men, unless by relatives, whose interest

Is roused: such is not here the case; he died

Is awakened: that's not what happened here; he died.

Alone, unknown,—a solitary grave,

Alone, unknown—a lonely grave,

Obscure as his deserts, without a scutcheon,

Obscure as his deserts, without a coat of arms,

Is all he'll have, or wants. If I discover

Is all he'll have or want. If I find out

The assassin, 'twill be well—if not, believe me,

The assassin, it will be fine—if not, trust me,

None else; though all the full-fed train of menials

None other; though all the well-fed group of servants

May howl above his ashes (as they did

Around him in his danger on the Oder),

Will no more stir a finger now than then.150

Will not lift a finger now any more than then.150

Hence! hence! I must not hear your answer.—Look!

Hence! hence! I can’t hear your answer.—Look!

The stars are almost faded, and the grey

The stars are almost gone, and the gray

Begins to grizzle the black hair of night.

Begins to gray the black hair of night.

You shall not answer:—Pardon me that I

You shall not answer:—Sorry that I

Am peremptory: 'tis your son that speaks,

Am peremptory: it's your son that speaks,

Your long-lost, late-found son.—Let's call my mother!

Your long-lost son, found after all this time.—Let's call my mom!

Softly and swiftly step, and leave the rest

Softly and quickly step, and leave the rest

To me: I'll answer for the event as far

To me: I'll take responsibility for the event as far

As regards you, and that is the chief point,

As for you, and that's the main point,

As my first duty, which shall be observed.160

As my first responsibility, which will be followed.160

We'll meet in Castle Siegendorf—once more

We'll meet in Castle Siegendorf—one more time.

Our banners shall be glorious! Think of that

Our banners will be amazing! Just think about that!

Alone, and leave all other thoughts to me,

Alone, and let me handle all other thoughts,

Whose youth may better battle with them—Hence!

Whose youth can handle them better—Get out of here!

And may your age be happy!—I will kiss

And may your age be joyful!—I will kiss

My mother once more, then Heaven's speed be with you![415]

My mom once again, may Heaven's speed be with you![415]

Wer. This counsel's safe—but is it honourable?

Wer. This advice is safe—but is it honorable?

Ulr. To save a father is a child's chief honour.

Ulr. Saving a father is a child's greatest honor.

[Exeunt.

[Exit.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—A Gothic Hall in the Castle of Siegendorf, near Prague.

Enter Eric and Henrick, Retainers of the Count.

Enter Eric and Henrick, Count's Retainers.

Eric. So, better times are come at last; to these

Eric. So, better times have finally arrived; to these

Old walls new masters and high wassail—both

Old walls, new masters, and high celebrations—both

A long desideratum.

A long wish list.

Hen.‍Yes, for masters,

Hen. Yes, for masters,

It might be unto those who long for novelty,

It might be for those who crave something new,

Though made by a new grave: but, as for wassail,

Though made by a new grave: but, as for partying,

Methinks the old Count Siegendorf maintained

His feudal hospitality as high

His noble hospitality as high

As e'er another Prince of the empire.

As any other Prince of the empire.

Eric.‍Why

Eric. Why

For the mere cup and trencher, we no doubt

For just a plate and a cup, we definitely

Fared passing well; but as for merriment10

Fared pretty well; but as for having fun

And sport, without which salt and sauces season

And sports, without which salt and sauces add flavor

The cheer but scantily, our sizings were

The cheer was there, but it was limited; our sizes were

Even of the narrowest.

Hen.‍The old count loved not

Hen. The old count didn't love

The roar of revel; are you sure that this does?

The sound of celebration; are you sure that this does?

Eric. As yet he hath been courteous as he's bounteous,

Eric. So far, he has been as polite as he is generous,

And we all love him.

We all love him.

Hen.‍His reign is as yet

His reign is not over yet.

Hardly a year o'erpast its honeymoon,

Hardly a year past its honeymoon,

And the first year of sovereigns is bridal:

And the first year of rulers is like a wedding:

Anon, we shall perceive his real sway

Soon, we will see his true power.

And moods of mind.

And mental states.

Eric.‍Pray Heaven he keep the present!20

Eric.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Let’s hope he holds on to what he has now!20

Then his brave son, Count Ulric—there's a knight!

Then his brave son, Count Ulric—now that's a knight!

Pity the wars are o'er!

Thank goodness the wars are over!

Hen.‍Why so?

Hen. Why's that?

Eric.‍Look on him![416]

Eric. Look at him![416]

And answer that yourself.

And answer it yourself.

Hen.‍He's very youthful,

He looks really young.

And strong and beautiful as a young tiger.

And strong and beautiful like a young tiger.

Eric. That's not a faithful vassal's likeness.

Eric. That's not a loyal servant's likeness.

Hen.‍But

Perhaps a true one.

Maybe a real one.

Eric.‍Pity, as I said,

Eric. Pity, as I said,

The wars are over: in the hall, who like

The wars are over: in the hall, who likes

Count Ulric for a well-supported pride,

Which awes, but yet offends not? in the field,

Which impresses, but doesn’t offend? in the field,

Who like him with his spear in hand, when gnashing30

Who, like him with his spear in hand, when gnashing

His tusks, and ripping up, from right to left,

His tusks, and tearing apart, from right to left,

The howling hounds, the boar makes for the thicket?

The howling hounds, does the boar run into the bushes?

Who backs a horse, or bears a hawk, or wears

Who bets on a horse, or keeps a hawk, or wears

A sword like him? Whose plume nods knightlier?

A sword like his? Whose plume swaggers more like a knight's?

Hen. No one's, I grant you. Do not fear, if war

Hen. No one's, I get that. Don’t worry, if war

Be long in coming, he is of that kind

Be slow to arrive; he’s that sort of person.

Will make it for himself, if he hath not

Will make it for himself, if he doesn't have it.

Already done as much.

Done.

Eric.‍What do you mean?

Eric. What do you mean?

Hen. You can't deny his train of followers

Hen. You can't ignore the crowd he has behind him.

(But few our native fellow-vassals born40

(But few of our fellow native vassals born40

On the domain) are such a sort of knaves

On the domain) are such a type of scoundrels

As——[Pauses.

Eric. What?

Eric. What’s up?

Hen.‍The war (you love so much) leaves living.

Hen.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.The war (which you cherish so much) spares the living.

Like other parents, she spoils her worst children.

Like other parents, she indulges her most difficult children.

Eric. Nonsense! they are all brave iron-visaged fellows,

Eric. Nonsense! They're all tough guys with steely faces,

Such as old Tilly loved.

Such as old Tilly adored.

Hen.‍And who loved Tilly?

Hen.‍And who had a crush on Tilly?

Ask that at Magdebourg [194]—or, for that matter,

Ask that at Magdeburg [194]—or, for that matter,

Wallenstein either;—they are gone to——

Wallenstein either; — they’re gone to —

Eric.‍Rest!

Eric. Rest!

But what beyond 'tis not ours to pronounce.[417]

But beyond that, we can't say.[417]

Hen. I wish they had left us something of their rest:

Hen. I wish they had left us something of their peace:

The country (nominally now at peace)50

The country (officially now at peace)50

Is over-run with—God knows who: they fly

Is overrun with—God knows who: they fly

By night, and disappear with sunrise; but

By night, and vanish with the sunrise; but

Leave us no less desolation, nay, even more,

Leave us no less desolation, no, even more,

Than the most open warfare.

Than the most obvious conflict.

Eric.‍But Count Ulric—

Eric. But Count Ulric—

What has all this to do with him?

What does any of this have to do with him?

Hen.‍With him!

Chick.‍With him!

He——might prevent it. As you say he's fond

He might be able to stop it. As you said, he's fond

Of war, why makes he it not on those marauders?

Of war, why doesn't he fight against those marauders?

Eric. You'd better ask himself.

Eric. You’d better ask him.

Hen.‍I would as soon

I would just as soon

Ask the lion why he laps not milk.

Ask the lion why he doesn't drink milk.

Eric. And here he comes!

Eric. And here he is!

Hen.‍The devil! you'll hold your tongue?60

Hen.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.What the hell! Are you really going to keep quiet?60

Eric. Why do you turn so pale?

Eric. Why do you look so pale?

Hen.‍'Tis nothing—but

Hen.‍It's nothing—but

Be silent.

Stay quiet.

Eric.‍I will, upon what you have said.

Eric.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I will, based on what you said.

Hen. I assure you I meant nothing,—a mere sport

Hen. I promise you I didn't mean anything by it — just a bit of fun.

Of words, no more; besides, had it been otherwise,

Of words, no more; besides, if it had been different,

He is to espouse the gentle Baroness

He is to marry the gentle Baroness.

Ida of Stralenheim, the late Baron's heiress;

Ida of Stralenheim, the late Baron's heir;

And she, no doubt, will soften whatsoever

And she will definitely soften whatever

Of fierceness the late long intestine wars

Of the fierce, prolonged civil wars

Have given all natures, and most unto those

Have given all natures, and mostly to those

Who were born in them, and bred up upon70

Who were born in them and raised in them70

The knees of Homicide; sprinkled, as it were,

With blood even at their baptism. Prithee, peace

With blood even at their baptism. Please, peace.

On all that I have said!

On everything I've mentioned!

Enter Ulric and Rodolph.

Join Ulric and Rodolph.

Good morrow, count.

Good morning, count.

Ulr. Good morrow, worthy Henrick. Eric, is

Ulr. Good morning, dear Henrick. Eric, is

All ready for the chase?

Ready for the chase?

Eric.‍The dogs are ordered

Eric.‍The dogs are booked

Down to the forest, and the vassals out

To beat the bushes, and the day looks promising.

To search thoroughly, and the day seems hopeful.

Shall I call forth your Excellency's suite?[418]

Shall I summon your Excellency's entourage?[418]

What courser will you please to mount?

Which horse would you like to ride?

Ulr.‍The dun,

Ulr. The dun,

Walstein.

Eric.‍I fear he scarcely has recovered80

Eric.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I worry he hasn't really recovered yet80

The toils of Monday: 'twas a noble chase:

The struggles of Monday: it was a worthy pursuit:

You speared four with your own hand.

You speared four yourself.

Ulr.‍True, good Eric;

Ulr.‍Definitely, good Eric;

I had forgotten—let it be the grey, then,

I had forgotten—so let's go with the gray, then,

Old Ziska: he has not been out this fortnight.

Old Ziska: he hasn't been out this past two weeks.

Eric. He shall be straight caparisoned. How many

Eric. He will be properly dressed. How many

Of your immediate retainers shall

Of your close associates shall

Escort you?

Take you?

Ulr.‍I leave that to Weilburgh, our

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I leave that to Weilburgh, our

Master of the horse.[Exit Eric.

Horse master.[Exit Eric.

Rodolph!

Rod.‍My Lord!

Rod! My Lord!

Ulr.‍The news

Ulr.‍The update

Is awkward from the——[Rodolph points to Henrick.

How now, Henrick? why

What's up, Henrick? Why

Loiter you here?

Hanging out here?

Hen.‍For your commands, my Lord.90

Hen.‍At your service, my Lord.90

Ulr. Go to my father, and present my duty,

Ulr. Go to my dad and give him my regards,

And learn if he would aught with me before

And see if he would have anything to discuss with me beforehand.

I mount.[Exit Henrick.

Rodolph, our friends have had a check

Rodolph, our friends have received a check.

Upon the frontiers of Franconia [195], and

Upon the borders of Franconia [195], and

'Tis rumoured that the column sent against them

'Tis rumored that the column sent against them

Is to be strengthened. I must join them soon.

Is to be strengthened. I need to join them soon.

Rod. Best wait for further and more sure advices.

Rod. It’s best to wait for more reliable advice.

Ulr. I mean it—and indeed it could not well

Ulr. I’m serious about this—and honestly, it couldn’t really

Have fallen out at a time more opposite

Have fallen out at a time that's more the opposite

To all my plans.

To all my goals.

Rod.‍It will be difficult100

Rod. It will be tough

To excuse your absence to the Count your father.

To explain your absence to the Count, your father.

Ulr. Yes, but the unsettled state of our domain

Ulr. Yes, but the unstable situation in our territory

In high Silesia will permit and cover

In high Silesia will allow and support

My journey. In the mean time, when we are

My journey. In the meantime, when we are

Engaged in the chase, draw off the eighty men

Engaged in the pursuit, bring away the eighty men.

Whom Wolffe leads—keep the forests on your route:[419]

Whom Wolffe leads—stay on the paths through the forests:[419]

You know it well?

Do you know it well?

Rod.‍As well as on that night

Rod. Just like that night

When we——

When we—

Ulr.‍We will not speak of that until

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.We won't talk about that until

We can repeat the same with like success:

We can do the same with equal success:

And when you have joined, give Rosenberg this letter.110

And when you’ve joined, give this letter to Rosenberg.110

[Gives a letter.

[Hands over a letter.

Add further, that I have sent this slight addition

Additionally, I have sent this small addition

To our force with you and Wolffe, as herald of

To our team along with you and Wolffe, as a messenger of

My coming, though I could but spare them ill

My arrival, even though I could only give them bad news

At this time, as my father loves to keep

At this point, since my dad loves to keep

Full numbers of retainers round the castle,

Full numbers of retainers surround the castle,

Until this marriage, and its feasts and fooleries,

Until this marriage, and its parties and antics,

Are rung out with its peal of nuptial nonsense.

Are rung out with its sound of wedding nonsense.

Rod. I thought you loved the lady Ida?

Rod. I thought you were in love with Lady Ida?

Ulr.‍Why,

Ulr. Why,

I do so—but it follows not from that

I do, but it doesn’t come from that.

I would bind in my youth and glorious years,120

I would tie myself down in my youthful and amazing years,120

So brief and burning, with a lady's zone,

So quick and intense, with a woman's touch,

Although 'twere that of Venus:—but I love her,

Although it were that of Venus:—but I love her,

As woman should be loved—fairly and solely.

As a woman should be loved—fairly and exclusively.

Rod. And constantly?

Rod. And always?

Ulr.‍I think so; for I love

Ulr.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I think so; because I love

Nought else.—But I have not the time to pause

Naught else.—But I don't have time to stop

Upon these gewgaws of the heart. Great things

Upon these trinkets of the heart. Great things

We have to do ere long. Speed! speed! good Rodolph!

We have to do this soon. Hurry! Hurry! Good Rodolph!

Rod. On my return, however, I shall find

Rod. However, when I come back, I will find

The Baroness Ida lost in Countess Siegendorf?

The Baroness Ida lost to Countess Siegendorf?

Ulr. Perhaps: my father wishes it, and, sooth,130

Ulr. Maybe: my dad wants it, and honestly,130

'Tis no bad policy: this union with

The last bud of the rival branch at once

The last bud of the rival branch right away

Unites the future and destroys the past.

Unites the future and eliminates the past.

Rod. Adieu.

Rod. Goodbye.

Ulr.‍Yet hold—we had better keep together

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Wait—it's better if we stick together.

Until the chase begins; then draw thou off,

Until the chase begins; then pull away,

And do as I have said.

And do what I said.

Rod.‍I will. But to

Rod. I will. But to

Return—'twas a most kind act in the count

Your father to send up to Konigsberg

Your dad is sending you to Königsberg.

For this fair orphan of the Baron, and

To hail her as his daughter.[420]

To welcome her as his daughter.[420]

Ulr.‍Wondrous kind!140

Ulr. Awesome kind!

Especially as little kindness till

Especially as small acts of kindness till

Then grew between them.

Rod.‍The late Baron died

Rod. The late Baron has died.

Of a fever, did he not?

Had a fever, didn't he?

Ulr.‍How should I know?

Ulr.‍How would I know?

Rod. I have heard it whispered there was something strange

Rod. I've heard rumors that something odd was going on.

About his death—and even the place of it

About his death—and even where it happened

Is scarcely known.

Is rarely known.

Ulr.‍Some obscure village on

Ulr.‍Some unknown village on

The Saxon or Silesian frontier.

The Saxon or Silesian border.

Rod.‍He

Rod.

Has left no testament—no farewell words?

Has left no message—no goodbye words?

Ulr. I am neither confessor nor notary,

Ulr. I'm neither a confessor nor a notary,

So cannot say.

Can’t say.

Rod.‍Ah! here's the lady Ida.150

Rod. Ah! here's Lady Ida.

Enter Ida Stralenheim.

Ulr. You are early, my sweet cousin!

Ulr. You're early, my dear cousin!

Ida.‍Not too early,

Dear Ulric, if I do not interrupt you.

Dear Ulric, if I may interject.

Why do you call me "Cousin?"

Ulr. (smiling).‍Are we not so?

Ulr. (smiling). Are we not?

Ida. Yes, but I do not like the name; methinks

Ida. Yes, but I don't like the name; I think

It sounds so cold, as if you thought upon

It sounds so cold, as if you were thinking about

Our pedigree, and only weighed our blood.

Our lineage, and nothing else mattered was our heritage.

Ulr. (starting).‍Blood!

Blood!

Ida. Why does yours start from your cheeks?

Ida. Why does yours begin at your cheeks?

Ulr.‍Aye! doth it?

Ulr.‍Yeah! Does it?

Ida. It doth—but no! it rushes like a torrent

Ida. It does—but no! it rushes like a flood.

Even to your brow again.

Even to your forehead again.

Ulr. (recovering himself). And if it fled,

Ulr. (gaining composure). And if it ran away,

It only was because your presence sent it160

It was only because your presence made it

Back to my heart, which beats for you, sweet Cousin!

Back to my heart, which beats for you, dear Cousin!

Ida. "Cousin" again.

Ulr.‍Nay, then, I'll call you sister.

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you want me to modernize.No, then, I’ll call you my sister.

Ida. I like that name still worse.—Would we had ne'er

Ida. I still don’t like that name at all. I wish we had never...

Been aught of kindred!

Been anything of family!

Ulr. (gloomily).‍Would we never had![421]

Ulr. (gloomily). Would we never have![421]

Ida. Oh, heavens! and can you wish that?

Ida. Oh my gosh! Can you actually want that?

Ulr.‍Dearest Ida!

Ulr.‍Dear Ida!

Did I not echo your own wish?

Did I not reflect your own desire?

Ida.‍Yes, Ulric,

Ida. Yes, Ulric,

But then I wished it not with such a glance,

But then I didn’t wish for it with that kind of look,

And scarce knew what I said; but let me be

And I barely knew what I was saying; but let me be

Sister, or cousin, what you will, so that

Sister, or cousin, whatever you prefer, so that

I still to you am something.

I still mean something to you.

Ulr.‍You shall be170

Ulr.‍You will be170

All—all——

All—all—

Ida.‍And you to me are so already;

Ida. And you are already mine;

But I can wait.

Ulr.‍Dear Ida!

Ulr.‍Hey Ida!

Ida.‍Call me Ida,

Call me Ida,

Your Ida, for I would be yours, none else's—

Your Ida, because I want to be yours and no one else's—

Indeed I have none else left, since my poor father—

Indeed, I have no one else left, since my poor father—

[She pauses.

She takes a moment.

Ulr. You have mine—you have me.

Ulr. You have my heart—you have me.

Ida.‍Dear Ulric, how I wish

Ida.‍Dear Ulric, I wish

My father could but view my happiness,

My father could only see my happiness,

Which wants but this!

What more could you want!

Ulr.‍Indeed!

Ulr. Absolutely!

Ida.‍You would have loved him,

Ida. You would have loved him,

He you; for the brave ever love each other:

He loves you; for the brave always love each other:

His manner was a little cold, his spirit

His demeanor was a bit distant, his attitude

Proud (as is birth's prerogative); but under180

Proud (like any right of birth); but under

This grave exterior——Would you had known each other!

This serious appearance—If only you had known each other!

Had such as you been near him on his journey,

Had someone like you been with him on his journey,

He had not died without a friend to soothe

He hadn't died without a friend to comfort.

His last and lonely moments.

His final and lonely moments.

Ulr.‍Who says that?

Ulr.‍Who says that?

Ida. What?

Ida. Huh?

Ulr.‍That he died alone.

Ulr. That he died alone.

Ida.‍The general rumour,

Ida. The general rumor,

And disappearance of his servants, who

And the disappearance of his servants, who

Have ne'er returned: that fever was most deadly

Have never returned: that fever was extremely deadly.

Which swept them all away.

Ulr.‍If they were near him,

Ulr.‍If they were close to him,

He could not die neglected or alone.

He couldn't die forgotten or by himself.

Ida. Alas! what is a menial to a death-bed,190

Ida. Alas! what does a servant mean at a deathbed,190

When the dim eye rolls vainly round for what[422]

When the dim eye searches aimlessly for what[422]

It loves?—They say he died of a fever.

It loves?—They say he died from a fever.

Ulr.‍Say!

Ulr.‍Speak!

It was so.

It is so.

Ida.‍I sometimes dream otherwise.

Ida. I sometimes dream differently.

Ulr. All dreams are false.

Ulr. All dreams are lies.

Ida.‍And yet I see him as

Ida.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And yet I see him as

I see you.

Ulr.‍Where?

Ulr.‍Where’s that?

Ida.‍In sleep—I see him lie

Ida.‍In my dreams—I see him lie

Pale, bleeding, and a man with a raised knife

Pale, bleeding, and a man holding a raised knife

Beside him.

Next to him.

Ulr.‍But you do not see his face?

Ulr. But you can’t see his face?

Ida (looking at him). No! Oh, my God! do you?

Ida (looking at him). No! Oh my God! Do you?

Ulr.‍Why do you ask?

Ulr. Why do you want to know?

Ida. Because you look as if you saw a murderer!

Ida. You look like you've just seen a killer!

Ulr. (agitatedly). Ida, this is mere childishness; your weakness200

Ulr. (anxiously). Ida, this is just childish behavior; your weakness200

Infects me, to my shame: but as all feelings

Of yours are common to me, it affects me.

Of yours is common to me; it affects me.

Prithee, sweet child, change——

Please, dear child, change——

Ida.‍Child, indeed! I have

Ida. Child, for sure! I have

Full fifteen summers![A bugle sounds.

Full fifteen summers!

Rod.‍Hark, my Lord, the bugle!

Rod.‍Hey, my Lord, the bugle!

Ida (peevishly to Rodolph).

Ida (annoyed with Rodolph).

Why need you tell him that? Can he not hear it

Why do you need to tell him that? Can’t he hear it?

Without your echo?

Without your feedback?

Rod.‍Pardon me, fair Baroness!

Rod. Pardon me, dear Baroness!

Ida. I will not pardon you, unless you earn it

Ida. I won’t forgive you unless you earn it.

By aiding me in my dissuasion of

By helping me persuade

Count Ulric from the chase to-day.

Count Ulric from the hunt today.

Rod.‍You will not,

Rod. You won't,

Lady, need aid of mine.

Lady, I need your help.

Ulr.‍I must not now210

Ulr. I must not now

Forgo it.

Skip it.

Ida.‍But you shall!

Ida.‍But you will!

Ulr.‍Shall!

Ulr.‍Yeah!

Ida.‍Yes, or be

Ida. Yes, or else

No true knight.—Come, dear Ulric! yield to me

No true knight.—Come on, dear Ulric! Give in to me

In this, for this one day: the day looks heavy,

In this, for this one day: the day feels heavy,

And you are turned so pale and ill.

And you look so pale and sick.

Ulr.‍You jest.[423]

Ulr.‍You're joking.[423]

Ida. Indeed I do not:—ask of Rodolph.

Ida. No, I really don’t:—ask Rodolph.

Rod.‍Truly,

Rod. Truly,

My Lord, within this quarter of an hour

My Lord, in the next fifteen minutes

You have changed more than e'er I saw you change

You have changed more than I’ve ever seen you change.

In years.

Ulr.‍'Tis nothing; but if 'twere, the air

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.It’s nothing; but if it were, the air

Would soon restore me. I'm the true cameleon,

Would soon restore me. I'm the real chameleon,

And live but on the atmosphere;[196] your feasts220

And live only on the atmosphere;[196] your feasts220

In castle halls, and social banquets, nurse not

In castle halls and social banquets, don't

My spirit—I'm a forester and breather

My spirit—I'm a forester and a person who takes deep breaths.

Of the steep mountain-tops,[197] where I love all

Of the steep mountain tops,[197] where I love all

The eagle loves.

Ida.‍Except his prey, I hope.

Ida.‍Unless it's his victim, I hope.

Ulr. Sweet Ida, wish me a fair chase, and I

Ulr. Sweet Ida, wish me a good hunt, and I

Will bring you six boars' heads for trophies home.

Will bring you home six boar heads for trophies.

Ida. And will you not stay, then? You shall not go!

Ida. Are you really not going to stay? You can't leave!

Come! I will sing to you.

Come! I'll sing for you.

Ulr.‍Ida, you scarcely

Ida, you barely

Will make a soldier's wife.

Will make a soldier's partner.

Ida.‍I do not wish

Ida. I don't wish

To be so; for I trust these wars are over,230

To be this way; because I believe these wars are over,230

And you will live in peace on your domains.

And you will live in peace in your territory.

Enter Werner as Count Siegendorf.

Ulr. My father, I salute you, and it grieves me

Ulr. Dad, I greet you, and it saddens me

With such brief greeting.—You have heard our bugle;

With such a short greeting. —You’ve heard our bugle;

The vassals wait.

The vassals are waiting.

Sieg.‍So let them.—You forget

Sieg. So let them. —You forget

To-morrow is the appointed festival

Tomorrow is the scheduled festival

In Prague [198] for peace restored. You are apt to follow

In Prague [198] for peace restored. You are likely to follow

The chase with such an ardour as will scarce

The chase with such passion that will hardly

Permit you to return to-day, or if

Returned, too much fatigued to join to-morrow[424]

Returned, too tired to join tomorrow[424]

The nobles in our marshalled ranks.

The nobles in our organized ranks.

Ulr.‍You, Count,240

Will well supply the place of both—I am not

A lover of these pageantries.

A fan of these pageantries.

Sieg.‍No, Ulric;

Victory.‍No, Ulric;

It were not well that you alone of all

It wouldn't be right for you to be the only one.

Our young nobility——

Our young aristocrats——

Ida.‍And far the noblest

Ida. ‍And by far the noblest

In aspect and demeanour.

In appearance and attitude.

Sieg. (to Ida).‍True, dear child,

Victory. (to Ida).‍True, dear child,

Though somewhat frankly said for a fair damsel.—

Though it’s said rather openly for a beautiful woman.—

But, Ulric, recollect too our position,

But, Ulric, remember our situation too,

So lately reinstated in our honours.

So recently reinstated in our honors.

Believe me, 'twould be marked in any house,

Believe me, it would be noticed in any house,

But most in ours, that One should be found wanting250

But most in ours, that One should be found lacking250

At such a time and place. Besides, the Heaven

At that time and place. Besides, the Heaven

Which gave us back our own, in the same moment

Which returned to us what was ours, in that same moment.

It spread its peace o'er all, hath double claims

It spread its peace over everything and has double claims.

On us for thanksgiving: first, for our country;

On us for Thanksgiving: first, for our country;

And next, that we are here to share its blessings.

And next, we’re here to share its blessings.

Ulr. (aside). Devout, too! Well, sir, I obey at once.

Ulr. (aside). Devout, huh! Alright, I’ll do what you ask right away.

(Then aloud to a servant.)

(Then said to a servant.)

Ludwig, dismiss the train without! [Exit Ludwig.

Ludwig, don't dismiss the train!

Ida.‍And so

You yield, at once, to him what I for hours

You give him what I begged for hours.

Might supplicate in vain.

Might plead in vain.

Sieg. (smiling).‍You are not jealous

Sieg. (smiling). You aren’t jealous

Of me, I trust, my pretty rebel! who260

Of me, I hope, my lovely rebel! who260

Would sanction disobedience against all

Would punish disobedience against all

Except thyself? But fear not; thou shalt rule him

Except for yourself? But don’t worry; you will control him.

Hereafter with a fonder sway and firmer.

Hereafter with a stronger influence and more certainty.

Ida. But I should like to govern now.

Ida. But I want to take charge now.

Sieg.‍You shall,

Victory.‍You will,

Your harp, which by the way awaits you with

Your harp, which by the way is waiting for you with

The Countess in her chamber. She complains

The Countess in her room. She complains

That you are a sad truant to your music:

That you are a sad skip from your music:

She attends you.

She's taking care of you.

Ida.‍Then good morrow, my kind kinsmen!

Ida.‍Good morning, family!

Ulric, you'll come and hear me?

Ulric, will you come and listen to me?

Ulr.‍By and by.

Eventually.

Ida. Be sure I'll sound it better than your bugles;270[425]

Ida. You can count on it; I'll make it sound better than your bugles;270[425]

Then pray you be as punctual to its notes:

Then please be just as prompt to its notes:

I'll play you King Gustavus' march.

Ulr.‍And why not

Ulr. And why not?

Old Tilly's?

Tilly's?

Ida.‍Not that monster's! I should think

Ida.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Not that monster's! I would assume

My harp-strings rang with groans, and not with music,

My harp strings echoed with groans, not with music,

Could aught of his sound on it:—but come quickly;

Could any of his sound on it:—but come quickly;

Your mother will be eager to receive you.[Exit Ida.

Your mom will be excited to see you.[Exit Ida.

Sieg. Ulric, I wish to speak with you alone.

Sieg. Ulric, I want to talk to you privately.

Ulr. My time's your vassal.—

Ulr. My time is yours.

(Aside toRodolph.)‍Rodolph, hence! and do

Rodolph, go away! and do

As I directed: and by his best speed

As I instructed: and at his fastest pace

And readiest means let Rosenberg reply.280

And the best option is to let Rosenberg respond.280

Rod. Count Siegendorf, command you aught? I am bound

Rod. Count Siegendorf, do you need anything? I'm here.

Upon a journey past the frontier.

Upon a journey beyond the border.

Sieg. (starts).‍Ah!—

Sieg. (starts).‍Wow!—

Where? on what frontier?

Where? on which frontier?

Rod.‍The Silesian, on

Rod. The Silesian, on

My way—(Aside to Ulric.)—Where shall I say?

My way—(Aside to Ulric.)—Where should I say?

Ulr. (aside to Rodolph).‍To Hamburgh.

Ulr. (aside to Rodolph).‍To Hamburg.

(Aside to himself).‍That

Aside to himself. That

Word will, I think, put a firm padlock on

Word will, I think, secure it with a strong lock.

His further inquisition.

His additional inquiry.

Rod.‍Count, to Hamburgh.

Rod.‍Count, to Hamburg.

Sieg. (agitated). Hamburgh! No, I have nought to do there, nor

Sieg. (agitated). Hamburg! No, I have nothing to do there, nor

Am aught connected with that city. Then

Am I connected with that city? Then

God speed you!

Godspeed!

Rod.‍Fare ye well, Count Siegendorf!

Rod.‍Goodbye, Count Siegendorf!

[Exit Rodolph.

[Leave Rodolph.

Sieg. Ulric, this man, who has just departed, is290

Sieg. Ulric, this man who just left, is290

One of those strange companions whom I fain

One of those weird companions whom I was eager

Would reason with you on.

Would discuss it with you.

Ulr.‍My Lord, he is

Ulr. My Lord, he is

Noble by birth, of one of the first houses

Noble by birth, from one of the oldest families.

In Saxony.

Sieg.‍I talk not of his birth,

Sieg. I’m not discussing his birth,

But of his bearing. Men speak lightly of him.

But about his demeanor. People talk about him casually.

Ulr. So they will do of most men. Even the monarch

Ulr. So they will do with most men. Even the king

Is not fenced from his chamberlain's slander, or[426]

Is not protected from his chamberlain's slander, or[426]

The sneer of the last courtier whom he has made

The sneer of the last courtier he created

Great and ungrateful.

Great and unappreciative.

Sieg.‍If I must be plain,

Sieg. If I must be straightforward,

The world speaks more than lightly of this Rodolph:300

The world talks a lot about this Rodolph:300

They say he is leagued with the "black bands" who still

They say he's allied with the "black bands" who still

Ravage the frontier.

Conquer the frontier.

Ulr.‍And will you believe

Ulr. And will you believe

The world?

The planet?

Sieg.‍In this case—yes.

Victory.‍In this case—yes.

Ulr.‍In any case,

In any case,

I thought you knew it better than to take

I thought you knew better than to take

An accusation for a sentence.

A charge for a conviction.

Sieg.‍Son!

Victory.‍ Dude!

I understand you: you refer to——but

I understand you: you mean to——but

My destiny has so involved about me

My destiny has been so intertwined with me.

Her spider web, that I can only flutter

Her spider web, which I can only flutter

Like the poor fly, but break it not. Take heed,

Like the poor fly, but don’t break it. Pay attention,

Ulric; you have seen to what the passions led me:310

Ulric, you have seen where my emotions have taken me:310

Twenty long years of misery and famine

Twenty long years of suffering and hunger

Quenched them not—twenty thousand more, perchance,

Quenched them not—twenty thousand more, maybe,

Hereafter (or even here in moments which

Hereafter (or even here in moments which

Might date for years, did Anguish make the dial),

May not obliterate or expiate

May not erase or atone

The madness and dishonour of an instant.

The craziness and shame of a moment.

Ulric, be warned by a father!—I was not

Ulric, heed the warning of a father!—I was not

By mine, and you behold me!

By mine, and you see me!

Ulr.‍I behold

Ulr. I see

The prosperous and belovéd Siegendorf,

The prosperous and beloved Siegendorf,

Lord of a Prince's appanage, and honoured320

Lord of a Prince's estate, and respected320

By those he rules and those he ranks with.

By those he governs and those he associates with.

Sieg.‍Ah!

Victory.‍Ah!

Why wilt thou call me prosperous, while I fear

Why do you call me successful when I’m worried?

For thee? Belovéd, when thou lovest me not!

For you? Beloved, when you do not love me!

All hearts but one may beat in kindness for me—

All hearts except one may beat kindly for me—

But if my son's is cold!——

Ulr.‍Who dare say that?

Ulr.‍Who would say that?

Sieg. None else but I, who see it—feel it—keener

Sieg. No one but me, who sees it—feels it—more intensely

Than would your adversary, who dared say so,

Than would your opponent, who dared to say that,

Your sabre in his heart! But mine survives

Your sword in his heart! But mine lives on.

The wound.

The injury.

Ulr.‍You err. My nature is not given[427]

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.You're mistaken. That's not my nature[427]

To outward fondling: how should it be so,330

To outward affection: how should it be so,330

After twelve years' divorcement from my parents?

After being separated from my parents for twelve years?

Sieg. And did not I too pass those twelve torn years

Sieg. And didn’t I also go through those twelve difficult years?

In a like absence? But 'tis vain to urge you—

In a similar absence? But it's pointless to persuade you—

Nature was never called back by remonstrance.

Nature was never swayed by complaints.

Let's change the theme. I wish you to consider

Let's change the theme. I want you to think about

That these young violent nobles of high name,

That these young, violent nobles with prestigious titles,

But dark deeds (aye, the darkest, if all Rumour

But dark deeds (yes, the darkest, if all Rumor

Reports be true), with whom thou consortest,

Reports are true), with whom you associate,

Will lead thee——

Will guide you——

Ulr. (impatiently). I'll be led by no man.

Ulr. (impatiently). I won't be led by anyone.

Sieg.‍Nor

Be leader of such, I would hope: at once340

Be a leader like that, I would hope: at once340

To wean thee from the perils of thy youth

To help you move away from the dangers of your youth

And haughty spirit, I have thought it well

And proud spirit, I’ve found it fitting

That thou shouldst wed the lady Ida—more

That you should marry Lady Ida—more

As thou appear'st to love her.

As you seem to love her.

Ulr.‍I have said

Ulr. I said

I will obey your orders, were they to

I will follow your orders, even if they were to

Unite with Hecate—can a son say more?

Unite with Hecate—can a son say anything more?

Sieg. He says too much in saying this. It is not

Sieg. He reveals too much by saying this. It is not

The nature of thine age, nor of thy blood,

The nature of your age, nor of your blood,

Nor of thy temperament, to talk so coolly,

Nor of your temperament, to speak so calmly,

Or act so carelessly, in that which is350

Or act so thoughtlessly, in that which is350

The bloom or blight of all men's happiness,

The source of all men's happiness or misery,

(For Glory's pillow is but restless, if

Love lay not down his cheek there): some strong bias,

Love didn’t just rest his cheek there; something deep inside was pulling him in a certain direction,

Some master fiend is in thy service, to

Some master villain is working for you, to

Misrule the mortal who believes him slave,

Mislead the person who thinks he is a slave,

And makes his every thought subservient; else

And makes every thought of his subordinate; otherwise

Thou'dst say at once—"I love young Ida, and

Will wed her;" or, "I love her not, and all

Will marry her;" or, "I don't love her, and all

The powers on earth shall never make me."—So

The powers on earth will never control me."—So

Would I have answered.

Would I have answered?

Ulr.‍Sir, you wed for love.360

Ulr.‍Sir, you married for love.360

Sieg. I did, and it has been my only refuge

Sieg. I did, and it has been my only safe space.

In many miseries.

In a lot of pain.

Ulr.‍Which miseries

Ulr.‍Which struggles

Had never been but for this love-match.

Had never happened if it weren't for this love story.

Sieg.‍Still

Against your age and nature! Who at twenty[428]

E'er answered thus till now?

Ever answered like this till now?

Ulr.‍Did you not warn me

Ulr. Did you not warn me?

Against your own example?

Against your own standard?

Sieg.‍Boyish sophist!

Sieg.‍Young smart aleck!

In a word, do you love, or love not, Ida?

In short, do you love Ida or not?

Ulr. What matters it, if I am ready to

Ulr. What does it matter if I'm ready to

Obey you in espousing her?

Follow you in supporting her?

Sieg.‍As far

Sieg. As far

As you feel, nothing—but all life for her.370

As you feel, nothing—but her entire life.370

She's young—all-beautiful—adores you—is

She’s young, beautiful, and adores you.

Endowed with qualities to give happiness,

Endowed with qualities to bring happiness,

Such as rounds common life into a dream

Such as turns ordinary life into a dream

Of something which your poets cannot paint,

Of something that your poets can't capture,

And (if it were not wisdom to love virtue),

And (if it weren't wise to love virtue),

For which Philosophy might barter Wisdom;

For what Philosophy might exchange Wisdom;

And giving so much happiness, deserves

And bringing so much happiness deserves

A little in return. I would not have her

A little in return. I wouldn't have her

Break her heart with a man who has none to break!

Break her heart with a guy who doesn't have one to break!

Or wither on her stalk like some pale rose380

Or fade on her stem like a pale rose380

Deserted by the bird she thought a nightingale,

Deserted by the bird she believed was a nightingale,

According to the Orient tale.[199] She is——

According to the Eastern story.[199] She is——

Ulr. The daughter of dead Stralenheim, your foe:

Ulr. The daughter of the late Stralenheim, your enemy:

I'll wed her, ne'ertheless; though, to say truth,

I'll marry her, nonetheless; although, to be honest,

Just now I am not violently transported

Just now, I am not overwhelmed.

In favour of such unions.

In support of such unions.

Sieg.‍But she loves you.

Ulr. And I love her, and therefore would think twice.

Ulr. And I love her, so I would think twice.

Sieg. Alas! Love never did so.

Sieg. Unfortunately, love never acted that way.

Ulr.‍Then 'tis time

Ulr.‍Then it's time

He should begin, and take the bandage from

He should start and remove the bandage from

His eyes, and look before he leaps; till now390

His eyes, and think before he acts; until now390

He hath ta'en a jump i' the dark.

He has taken a leap into the unknown.

Sieg.‍But you consent?

Sieg. But do you agree?

Ulr. I did, and do.

I did, and I do.

Sieg.‍Then fix the day.

Victory.‍Then set the date.

Ulr.‍Tis usual,

Ulr.‍It's usual,

And, certes, courteous, to leave that to the lady.

And, of course, it's polite to leave that to the lady.

Sieg. I will engage for her.

Sieg. I will fight for her.

Ulr.‍So will not I[429]

Ulr. So I won't.

For any woman: and as what I fix,

For any woman: and as what I focus on,

I fain would see unshaken, when she gives

I would love to see her steady when she gives

Her answer, I'll give mine.

Her answer, I'll share mine.

Sieg.‍But 'tis your office

Sieg.‍But it's your job

To woo.

To date.

Ulr. ‍Count, 'tis a marriage of your making,

Ulr. Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Count, this is a marriage you arranged,

So be it of your wooing; but to please you,

So be it with your courting; but to please you,

I will now pay my duty to my mother,400

I will now pay my respects to my mother,400

With whom, you know, the lady Ida is.—

With whom, you know, is the lady Ida?—

What would you have? You have forbid my stirring

What do you want? You’ve forbidden me from moving.

For manly sports beyond the castle walls,

For tough sports outside the castle walls,

And I obey; you bid me turn a chamberer,

And I obey; you tell me to act like a servant,

To pick up gloves, and fans, and knitting-needles,

To pick up gloves, fans, and knitting needles,

And list to songs and tunes, and watch for smiles,

And listen to songs and melodies, and look out for smiles,

And smile at pretty prattle, and look into

And smile at cute chatter, and look into

The eyes of feminine, as though they were

The eyes of women, as if they were

The stars receding early to our wish

The stars fading away early to our desire

Upon the dawn of a world-winning battle—410

Upon the beginning of a world-changing battle—410

What can a son or man do more?[Exit Ulric.

What else can a son or man do?[Leave Ulric.

Sieg. (solus).‍Too much!—

Sieg. (alone).‍Too much!—

Too much of duty, and too little love!

Too much responsibility, and not enough love!

He pays me in the coin he owes me not:

He pays me with the currency he doesn't owe me:

For such hath been my wayward fate, I could not

For such has been my unpredictable fate, I could not

Fulfil a parent's duties by his side

Fulfill a parent's responsibilities alongside them

Till now; but love he owes me, for my thoughts

Till now; but he owes me love for my thoughts.

Ne'er left him, nor my eyes longed without tears

Never left him, nor did my eyes long for him without crying.

To see my child again,—and now I have found him!

To see my child again—and now I've found him!

But how! obedient, but with coldness; duteous

But how! obedient, yet with a sense of coldness; dutiful

In my sight, but with carelessness; mysterious—420

In my view, but without paying attention; mysterious—420

Abstracted—distant—much given to long absence,

Detached—remote—often away for long periods,

And where—none know—in league with the most riotous

And where—nobody knows—linked with the wildest

Of our young nobles; though, to do him justice,

Of our young nobles; though, to give him credit,

He never stoops down to their vulgar pleasures;

He never lowers himself to their crude pleasures;

Yet there's some tie between them which I can not

Yet there's some connection between them that I can't

Unravel. They look up to him—consult him—

Unravel. They look up to him—ask for his advice—

Throng round him as a leader: but with me

Throng around him like a leader: but with me

He hath no confidence! Ah! can I hope it

He has no confidence! Ah! can I hope for it?

After—what! doth my father's curse descend

After—what! does my father's curse fall?

Even to my child? Or is the Hungarian near430

To shed more blood? or—Oh! if it should be!

To spill more blood? or—Oh! what if it does!

Spirit of Stralenheim, dost thou walk these walls[430]

Spirit of Stralenheim, do you walk these walls[430]

To wither him and his—who, though they slew not,

To weaken him and those with him—who, even though they didn't kill,

Unlatched the door of Death for thee? 'Twas not

Unlatched the door of death for you? It wasn’t

Our fault, nor is our sin: thou wert our foe,

Our fault isn’t our sin: you were our enemy,

And yet I spared thee when my own destruction

And yet I saved you even when it meant risking my own downfall.

Slept with thee, to awake with thine awakening!

Slept with you, to wake up with your waking!

And only took—Accurséd gold! thou liest

And only took—Cursed gold! you're lying.

Like poison in my hands; I dare not use thee,

Like poison in my hands; I can’t bring myself to use you,

Nor part from thee; thou camest in such a guise,440

Nor part from you; you came in such a way,440

Methinks thou wouldst contaminate all hands

I think you would dirty everyone’s hands.

Like mine. Yet I have done, to atone for thee,

Like mine. Yet I've done this to make up for you,

Thou villanous gold! and thy dead master's doom,

Thou villainous gold! And your dead master's fate,

Though he died not by me or mine, as much

Though he didn't die because of me or my actions, as much

As if he were my brother! I have ta'en

As if he were my brother! I have taken

His orphan Ida—cherished her as one

His orphan, Ida—he cherished her as one

Who will be mine.

Who will be my partner?

Enter an Attendant.

Join an Attendant.

Atten.‍The abbot, if it please

Attention. The abbot, if it please

Your Excellency, whom you sent for, waits

Your Excellency, the person you called for, is waiting.

Upon you.[Exit Attendant.

Enter the Prior Albert.

Visit the Prior Albert.

Prior.‍Peace be with these walls, and all

Prior.Understood. Please provide the text you would like modernized.May peace be with these walls, and all

Within them!

Inside them!

Sieg.‍Welcome, welcome, holy father!450

And may thy prayer be heard!—all men have need

And may your prayer be heard!—everyone has needs

Of such, and I——

Of that, and I——

Prior.‍Have the first claim to all

Prior.Understood. Please provide the text you would like to modernize.You have the first right to everything.

The prayers of our community. Our convent,

Erected by your ancestors, is still

Protected by their children.

Guarded by their kids.

Sieg.‍Yes, good father;

Sieg.‍Yes, nice dad;

Continue daily orisons for us

Continue daily prayers for us

In these dim days of heresies and blood,

In these dark times of false beliefs and violence,

Though the schismatic Swede, Gustavus, is

Though the divisive Swede, Gustavus, is

Gone home.

Home now.

Prior.‍To the endless home of unbelievers,

Prior.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.To the never-ending home of nonbelievers,

Where there is everlasting wail and woe,460

Where there is nonstop crying and misery,460

Gnashing of teeth, and tears of blood, and fire

Eternal and the worm which dieth not![431]

Eternal and the worm that doesn’t die![431]

Sieg. True, father: and to avert those pangs from one,

Sieg. You're right, Dad: and to prevent those feelings from hitting someone,

Who, though of our most faultless holy Church,

Who, although part of our most perfect holy Church,

Yet died without its last and dearest offices,

Yet died without its final and most cherished tasks,

Which smooth the soul through purgatorial pains,

Which ease the soul through purgatory's pains,

I have to offer humbly this donation

I would like to humbly make this donation.

In masses for his spirit.

In prayer for his spirit.

[Siegendorf offers the gold which he had taken from Stralenheim.

[Siegendorf gives back the gold he took from Stralenheim.

Prior.‍Count, if I

Prior. Count, if I

Receive it, 'tis because I know too well

Receive it, it's because I know all too well

Refusal would offend you. Be assured470

Refusing would upset you. Rest assured470

The largess shall be only dealt in alms,

The generosity will only be given in charity,

And every mass no less sung for the dead.

And every mass was still sung for the dead.

Our House needs no donations, thanks to yours,

Our house doesn't need any donations, thanks to yours,

Which has of old endowed it; but from you

Which has long provided it; but from you

And yours in all meet things 'tis fit we obey.

And yours in all appropriate matters, we should comply.

For whom shall mass be said?

For whom will the mass be said?

Sieg. (faltering).‍For—for—the dead.

Sieg. (faltering). For the fallen.

Prior. His name?

Earlier. His name?

Sieg.‍'Tis from a soul, and not a name,

Sieg.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.It's from a soul, not a name,

I would avert perdition.

I would avoid damnation.

Prior.‍I meant not

Before.‍I didn't mean to

To pry into your secret. We will pray

To dig into your secret. We will pray.

For one unknown, the same as for the proudest.480

For one unknown, just like for the proudest.480

Sieg. Secret! I have none: but, father, he who's gone

Sieg. It's a secret! I don't have one: but, Dad, the one who's gone

Might have one; or, in short, he did bequeath—

Might have one; or, in short, he did leave behind—

No, not bequeath—but I bestow this sum

No, not give away—but I grant this amount.

For pious purposes.

For religious reasons.

Prior.‍A proper deed

Before. A valid deed

In the behalf of our departed friends.

In memory of our departed friends.

Sieg. But he who's gone was not my friend, but foe,

Sieg. But the person who's gone wasn't my friend; they were my enemy,

The deadliest and the stanchest.

The deadliest and the strongest.

Prior.‍Better still!

Earlier. Even better!

To employ our means to obtain Heaven for the souls

To use our resources to gain Heaven for the souls

Of our dead enemies is worthy those

Who can forgive them living.

Who can forgive them alive.

Sieg.‍But I did not490

Victory.‍But I did not490

Forgive this man. I loathed him to the last,

Forgive this man. I hated him until the end,

As he did me. I do not love him now,

As he did to me. I don’t love him now,

But——

But—

Prior. Best of all! for this is pure religion![432]

Prior. This is the best part! Because this is true religion![432]

You fain would rescue him you hate from hell—

You’re eager to save him you hate from hell—

An evangelical compassion—with

Your own gold too!

Your own gold as well!

Sieg.‍Father, 'tis not my gold.

Sieg.‍Dad, it's not my gold.

Prior. Whose, then? You said it was no legacy.

Prior. Whose is it, then? You said it wasn't a legacy.

Sieg. No matter whose—of this be sure, that he

Sieg. No matter whose it is—just be certain that he

Who owned it never more will need it, save

Whoever owned it will no longer need it, except

In that which it may purchase from your altars:500

In what it can get from your altars:500

'Tis yours, or theirs.

It's yours, or theirs.

Prior.‍Is there no blood upon it?

Prior.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Is there no blood on it?

Sieg. No; but there's worse than blood—eternal shame!

Sieg. No; but there's something worse than blood—endless shame!

Prior. Did he who owned it die in his bed?

Prior. Did the person who owned it die in their bed?

Sieg.‍Alas!

Win.‍Oh no!

He did.

Prior. Son! you relapse into revenge,

Prior. Son! you're slipping back into revenge,

If you regret your enemy's bloodless death.

If you regret your enemy's peaceful death.

Sieg. His death was fathomlessly deep in blood.

Sieg. His death was incredibly bloody.

Prior. You said he died in his bed, not battle.

Prior. You said he passed away in his bed, not in combat.

Sieg.‍He

Died, I scarce know—but—he was stabbed i' the dark,

Died, I can hardly say—but—he was stabbed in the dark,

And now you have it—perished on his pillow

And now you have it—dead on his pillow.

By a cut-throat!—Aye!—you may look upon me!510

By a cut-throat!—Yeah!—you can look at me!510

I am not the man. I'll meet your eye on that point,

I am not the man. I'll make eye contact with you on that.

As I can one day God's.

Prior.‍Nor did he die

Prior. Nor did he die

By means, or men, or instrument of yours?

By your means, through your people, or by your instrument?

Sieg. No! by the God who sees and strikes!

Sieg. No! by the God who sees and acts!

Prior.‍Nor know you

Prior. Nor do you know.

Who slew him?

Who killed him?

Sieg.‍I could only guess at one,

Sieg. I could only guess at one,

And he to me a stranger, unconnected,

And he was a stranger to me, someone I didn’t know,

As unemployed. Except by one day's knowledge,

As unemployed. Except for knowledge gained in just one day,

I never saw the man who was suspected.

Prior. Then you are free from guilt.

Prior. Then you're free from guilt.

Sieg. (eagerly).‍Oh! am I?—say!

Victory. (excitedly).‍Oh! am I?—look!

Prior. You have said so, and know best.

Prior. You've said it, and you know better.

Sieg.‍Father! I have spoken520

Sieg.‍Dad! I have spoken520

The truth, and nought but truth, if not the whole;

The truth, and nothing but the truth, if not the whole;

Yet say I am not guilty! for the blood

Yet I say I am not guilty! for the blood

Of this man weighs on me, as if I shed it,[433]

Though, by the Power who abhorreth human blood,

Though, by the Power who hates human blood,

I did not!—nay, once spared it, when I might

I didn't!—no, I once held back, when I could have.

And could—aye, perhaps, should (if our self-safety

And could—yeah, maybe, should (if our self-safety

Be e'er excusable in such defences

Be always excusable in such defenses.

Against the attacks of over-potent foes):

Against the attacks of overly powerful enemies):

But pray for him, for me, and all my house;

But please pray for him, for me, and for everyone in my household;

For, as I said, though I be innocent,

For, as I said, even though I'm innocent,

I know not why, a like remorse is on me,

I don't know why, but I feel a similar regret.

As if he had fallen by me or mine. Pray for me,

As if he had collapsed near me or someone I care about. Please pray for me.

Father! I have prayed myself in vain.

Father! I have prayed in vain.

Prior.‍I will.

Before. I will.

Be comforted! You are innocent, and should

Be calm as innocence.

Stay calm like innocence.

Sieg.‍But calmness is not

Sieg. But staying calm is not

Always the attribute of innocence.

Always a sign of innocence.

I feel it is not.

I don't think so.

Prior.‍But it will be so,

Before. But it will be so,

When the mind gathers up its truth within it.

When the mind collects its truth inside.

Remember the great festival to-morrow,

Don't forget the big festival tomorrow,

In which you rank amidst our chiefest nobles,

In which you stand among our top nobles,

As well as your brave son; and smooth your aspect,

As well as your brave son; and soften your expression,

Nor in the general orison of thanks

Nor in the general prayer of thanks

For bloodshed stopt, let blood you shed not rise,

For the bloodshed to stop, don't let the blood you shed rise again,

A cloud, upon your thoughts. This were to be

A cloud over your thoughts. This is to be

Too sensitive. Take comfort, and forget

Too sensitive. Find comfort and let it go.

Such things, and leave remorse unto the guilty.[Exeunt.

Such things, and let the guilty feel remorse.[Exit.

ACT V.

Scene I.—A large and magnificent Gothic Hall in the Castle of Siegendorf, decorated with Trophies, Banners, and Arms of that Family.

Enter Arnheim and Meister, attendants of Count Siegendorf.

Enter Arnheim and Meister, servants of Count Siegendorf.

Arn. Be quick! the Count will soon return: the ladies

Arn. Hurry up! The Count will be back soon: the ladies

Already are at the portal. Have you sent

Already at the portal. Have you sent

The messengers in search of him he seeks for?[434]

The messengers he's searching for?

Meis. I have, in all directions, over Prague,

Meis. I have, in every direction, over Prague,

As far as the man's dress and figure could

As far as the man's clothing and appearance could

By your description track him. The devil take

By your description, track him down. The devil take

These revels and processions! All the pleasure

These parties and parades! All the fun

(If such there be) must fall to the spectators,—

I'm sure none doth to us who make the show.

I'm sure none of us who put on the show.

Arn. Go to! my Lady Countess comes.

Arn. Come on! My Lady Countess is here.

Meis.‍I'd rather10

Meis. I'd prefer.

Ride a day's hunting on an outworn jade,

Ride a day's hunting on an old jade,

Than follow in the train of a great man,

Than follow in the footsteps of a great man,

In these dull pageantries.

In these boring ceremonies.

Arn.‍Begone! and rail

Arn.‍Go away! and complain

Within.[Exeunt.

Enter the Countess Josephine Siegendorf and Ida Stralenheim.

Jos. Well, Heaven be praised! the show is over.

Jos. Thank goodness! The show is finally over.

Ida. How can you say so? Never have I dreamt

Ida. How can you say that? I have never even dreamed

Of aught so beautiful. The flowers, the boughs,

Of anything so beautiful. The flowers, the branches,

The banners, and the nobles, and the knights,

The banners, the nobles, and the knights,

The gems, the robes, the plumes, the happy faces,

The jewels, the garments, the feathers, the smiling faces,

The coursers, and the incense, and the sun

The horses, the incense, and the sun

Streaming through the stained windows, even the tombs,20

Which looked so calm, and the celestial hymns,

Which looked so peaceful, and the heavenly songs,

Which seemed as if they rather came from Heaven

Which seemed like they came straight from Heaven.

Than mounted there—the bursting organ's peal

Rolling on high like an harmonious thunder;

Rolling on high like harmonious thunder;

The white robes and the lifted eyes; the world

The white robes and the raised eyes; the world

At peace! and all at peace with one another!

At peace! And everyone is at peace with each other!

Oh, my sweet mother![Embracing Josephine.

Oh, my dear mom![Embracing Josephine.

Jos.‍My belovéd child!

Jos.‍My beloved child!

For such, I trust, thou shalt be shortly.

For that reason, I hope you will be soon.

Ida.‍Oh!

Ida.‍Wow!

I am so already. Feel how my heart beats!

I already am. Feel how my heart is beating!

Jos. It does, my love; and never may it throb30

Jos. It does, my love; and may it never stop throbbing30

With aught more bitter.

With anything more bitter.

Ida.‍Never shall it do so!

Ida.‍It will never do that!

How should it? What should make us grieve? I hate

How should it? What should make us sad? I hate

To hear of sorrow: how can we be sad,

To hear about sadness: how can we feel sad,

Who love each other so entirely? You,[435]

Who loves each other so completely? You,[435]

The Count, and Ulric, and your daughter Ida.

The Count, Ulric, and your daughter Ida.

Jos. Poor child!

Jos. Poor kid!

Ida.‍Do you pity me?

Ida. Do you feel sorry for me?

Jos.‍No: I but envy,

No: I just envy,

And that in sorrow, not in the world's sense

And that in sadness, not in the way the world sees it

Of the universal vice, if one vice be

Of the universal vice, if there is one vice that

More general than another.

More general than the other.

Ida.‍I'll not hear

Ida. I won't hear

A word against a world which still contains40

A word against a world that still includes40

You and my Ulric. Did you ever see

Aught like him? How he towered amongst them all!

Anything like him? How he stood above them all!

How all eyes followed him! The flowers fell faster—

How everyone watched him! The flowers dropped faster—

Rained from each lattice at his feet, methought,

Than before all the rest; and where he trod

Than before all the rest; and where he walked

I dare be sworn that they grow still, nor e'er

I bet they're still growing, and never

Will wither.

Will fade away.

Jos.‍You will spoil him, little flatterer,

Jos.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You’re going to spoil him, you little flatterer,

If he should hear you.

If he hears you.

Ida.‍But he never will.

Ida. But he never will.

I dare not say so much to him—I fear him.

I can't say that much to him—I’m afraid of him.

Jos. Why so? he loves you well.

Jos. Why not? He really cares about you.

Ida.‍But I can never50

Ida. But I can never

Shape my thoughts of him into words to him:

Put my thoughts about him into words for him:

Besides, he sometimes frightens me.

Besides, he sometimes scares me.

Jos.‍How so?

Jos. How's that?

Ida. A cloud comes o'er his blue eyes suddenly,

Ida. A cloud suddenly appears over his blue eyes,

Yet he says nothing.

Jos.‍It is nothing: all men,

Jos. It means nothing: all men,

Especially in these dark troublous times,

Especially in these challenging times,

Have much to think of.

Have a lot to think about.

Ida.‍But I cannot think

Ida.‍But I can't think

Of aught save him.

Of anything except him.

Jos.‍Yet there are other men,

Jos.‍But there are other men,

In the world's eye, as goodly. There's, for instance,

In the world's view, as good. There's, for example,

The young Count Waldorf, who scarce once withdrew

The young Count Waldorf, who rarely stepped away

His eyes from yours to-day.

His eyes are on you today.

Ida.‍I did not see him,60

Ida.‍I didn’t see him,60

But Ulric. Did you not see at the moment

But Ulric. Did you not see at that moment

When all knelt, and I wept? and yet, methought,

When everyone knelt, and I cried? And yet, I thought,

Through my fast tears, though they were thick and warm,

Through my quick tears, even though they were heavy and warm,

I saw him smiling on me.[436]

I saw him smiling at me.[436]

Jos.‍I could not

Jos. I couldn't

See aught save Heaven, to which my eyes were raised,

See anything except Heaven, to which my eyes were lifted,

Together with the people's.

Together with the people.

Ida.‍I thought too

Ida. I thought too

Of Heaven, although I looked on Ulric.

Of Heaven, even though I was looking at Ulric.

Jos.‍Come,

Jos. Come,

Let us retire! they will be here anon,

Let’s head out! They’ll be here soon,

Expectant of the banquet. We will lay

Expecting the banquet. We will set

Aside these nodding plumes and dragging trains.70

Aside from these nodding feathers and trailing trains.70

Ida. And, above all, these stiff and heavy jewels,

Ida. And, most importantly, these rigid and heavy jewels,

Which make my head and heart ache, as both throb

Which makes my head and heart ache, as both throb.

Beneath their glitter o'er my brow and zone.

Beneath their sparkle on my forehead and waist.

Dear mother, I am with you.

Dear Mom, I'm here for you.

Enter Count Siegendorf, in full dress, from the solemnity, and Ludwig.

Enter Count Siegendorf, in formal attire, from the ceremony, and Ludwig.

Sieg.‍Is he not found?

Sieg.‍Is he missing?

Lud. Strict search is making every where; and if

Lud. Strict searches are happening everywhere; and if

The man be in Prague, be sure he will be found.

The man is in Prague; you can be sure he will be found.

Sieg. Where's Ulric?

Sieg. Where's Ulric at?

Lud.‍He rode round the other way

Lud.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.He rode around the other way.

With some young nobles; but he left them soon;

With a few young nobles; but he left them quickly;

And, if I err not, not a minute since

And, if I'm not mistaken, not a minute ago

I heard his Excellency, with his train,80

I heard his Excellency, along with his entourage,80

Gallop o'er the west drawbridge.

Gallop over the west drawbridge.

Enter Ulric, splendidly dressed.

Enter Ulric, looking sharp.

Sieg. (to Ludwig).‍See they cease not

Sieg. (to Ludwig).‍See they don't stop

Their quest of him I have described. [Exit Ludwig.

Their search for him I have described. [Exit Ludwig.

Oh, Ulric!

How have I longed for thee!

How I've missed you!

Ulr.‍Your wish is granted—

Your wish is granted—

Behold me!

Check me out!

Sieg.‍I have seen the murderer.

Sieg. I've seen the murderer.

Ulr. Whom? Where?

Ulr. Who? Where?

Sieg.‍The Hungarian, who slew Stralenheim.

Sieg.‍The Hungarian who killed Stralenheim.

Ulr. You dream.

Ulr. You’re dreaming.

Sieg.‍I live! and as I live, I saw him—

Sieg.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I live! And as I live, I saw him—

Heard him! he dared to utter even my name.

Heard him! He even had the audacity to say my name.

Ulr. What name?[437]

Ulr. What name?

Sieg.‍Werner! 'twas mine.

Siege.‍Werner! It was mine.

Ulr.‍It must be so

Ulr.‍It must be like that

No more: forget it.

Forget it.

Sieg.‍Never! never! all

Sieg. Never! Never! All

My destinies were woven in that name:90

My fate was tied to that name:90

It will not be engraved upon my tomb,

It won’t be carved on my tomb,

But it may lead me there.

But it might take me there.

Ulr.‍To the point——the Hungarian?

Ulr.‍Straight to the point—the Hungarian?

Sieg. Listen!—The church was thronged: the hymn was raised;

Sieg. Listen!—The church was crowded: the hymn was sung;

"Te Deum" pealed from nations rather than

"Te Deum" rang out from countries rather than

From choirs, in one great cry of "God be praised"

From choirs, in one loud shout of "Thank God"

For one day's peace, after thrice ten dread years,

For one day of peace, after thirty terrifying years,

Each bloodier than the former: I arose,

Each one bloodier than the last: I got up,

With all the nobles, and as I looked down

Along the lines of lifted faces,—from

Our bannered and escutcheoned gallery, I100

Our decorated and shielded gallery, I100

Saw, like a flash of lightning (for I saw

A moment and no more), what struck me sightless

A moment and no more), what hit me blindsided

To all else—the Hungarian's face! I grew

To everyone else—the Hungarian's face! I grew

Sick; and when I recovered from the mist

Sick; and when I got back from the haze

Which curled about my senses, and again

Which wrapped around my senses, and again

Looked down, I saw him not. The thanksgiving

Was over, and we marched back in procession.

Was over, and we walked back in a line.

Ulr. Continue.

Ulr. Go ahead.

Sieg.‍When we reached the Muldau's bridge,

Sieg.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.When we got to the bridge over the Muldau,

The joyous crowd above, the numberless

The joyful crowd above, the countless

Barks manned with revellers in their best garbs,110

Barks filled with partygoers in their best outfits,110

Which shot along the glancing tide below,

Which shot along the slanting tide below,

The decorated street, the long array,

The festive street, the long line,

The clashing music, and the thundering

The clashing music and the booming

Of far artillery, which seemed to bid

Of distant artillery, which appeared to beckon

A long and loud farewell to its great doings,

A long and loud goodbye to its amazing events,

The standards o'er me, and the tramplings round,

The standards over me, and the stomping around,

The roar of rushing thousands,—all—all could not

The loud roar of thousands rushing—everyone—everyone could not

Chase this man from my mind, although my senses

Chase this guy from my thoughts, even though my senses

No longer held him palpable.

No longer felt real to him.

Ulr.‍You saw him

Ulr. You saw him.

No more, then?

No more, right?

Sieg.‍I looked, as a dying soldier120

Sieg.Understood, please provide the text for modernizing.I looked, like a soldier on the brink of death120

Looks at a draught of water, for this man;[438]

Looks at a glass of water, for this man;[438]

But still I saw him not; but in his stead——

But I still didn't see him; instead——

Ulr. What in his stead?

Ulr. What's next in his place?

Sieg.‍My eye for ever fell

Sieg. My gaze forever fell

Upon your dancing crest; the loftiest.

Upon your dancing crest; the highest.

As on the loftiest and the loveliest head,

As on the highest and most beautiful head,

It rose the highest of the stream of plumes,

It rose the highest above the stream of plumes,

Which overflowed the glittering streets of Prague.

Which spilled over the shiny streets of Prague.

Ulr. What's this to the Hungarian?

Ulr. What does this mean to the Hungarian?

Sieg.‍Much! for I

Sieg! So much for me.

Had almost then forgot him in my son;

Had almost forgotten him in my son;

When just as the artillery ceased, and paused130

When the artillery stopped, and there was a pause130

The music, and the crowd embraced in lieu

The music and the crowd connected in place

Of shouting, I heard in a deep, low voice,

Distinct and keener far upon my ear

Distinct and sharper in my ear

Than the late cannon's volume, this word—"Werner!"

Ulr. Uttered by——

Ulr. Said by——

Sieg.‍Him! I turned—and saw—and fell.

Sieg.‍Him! I turned around—and saw—and fell.

Ulr. And wherefore? Were you seen?

Ulr. And why? Were you noticed?

Sieg.‍The officious care

Victory.‍The overbearing care

Of those around me dragged me from the spot,

Of those around me, they pulled me away from the spot,

Seeing my faintness, ignorant of the cause:

Seeing my weakness, unaware of the reason:

You, too, were too remote in the procession

You were also too distant in the procession.

(The old nobles being divided from their children)140

To aid me.

To help me.

Ulr.‍But I'll aid you now.

Ulr.‍But I'll help you now.

Sieg.‍In what?

Ulr. In searching for this man, or——When he's found,

Ulr. In looking for this guy, or——When he's located,

What shall we do with him?

What should we do with him?

Sieg.‍I know not that.

Sieg. I don't know that.

Ulr. Then wherefore seek?

Ulr. Then why search?

Sieg.‍Because I cannot rest

Victory.‍Because I cannot rest

Till he is found. His fate, and Stralenheim's,

And ours, seem intertwisted! nor can be

And ours seem intertwined! nor can be

Unravelled, till——

Unraveled, until——

Enter an Attendant.

Join an Attendant.

Atten.‍A stranger to wait on

A stranger to wait for

Your Excellency.

Sieg.‍Who?

Sieg. Who's that?

Atten.‍He gave no name.[439]

Attention.‍He didn't give a name.[439]

Sieg. Admit him, ne'ertheless.

Victory. Let him in, though.

[The Attendant introduces Gabor, and afterwards exit.

[The Attendant introduces Gabor, and then exits.

Ah!

Gab.‍'Tis then Werner!

Gab.‍It's then Werner!

Sieg. (haughtily).

Victory. (arrogantly).

The same you knew, sir, by that name; and you!150

The same name you knew, sir; and you!150

Gab. (looking round).

Gab. (looking around).

I recognise you both: father and son,

I recognize you both: dad and son,

It seems. Count, I have heard that you, or yours,

It seems. Count, I’ve heard that you, or someone related to you,

Have lately been in search of me: I am here.

Have been looking for me lately: I'm here.

Sieg. I have sought you, and have found you: you are charged

Sieg. I’ve been looking for you, and I found you: you are tasked

(Your own heart may inform you why) with such

A crime as——[He pauses.

Gab.‍Give it utterance, and then

Gab. Speak it out, and then

I'll meet the consequences.

I'll face the consequences.

Sieg.‍You shall do so—

Sieg.‍You will do that—

Unless——

Unless—

Gab.‍First, who accuses me?

Gab.‍First, who's accusing me?

Sieg.‍All things,

Victory.‍All things,

If not all men: the universal rumour—

If not all men: the widespread rumor—

My own presence on the spot—the place—the time—160

My own presence at the location—the place—the time—160

And every speck of circumstance unite

And every little detail comes together

To fix the blot on you.

To clear the stain on you.

Gab.‍And on me only?

Gab. And on me only?

Pause ere you answer: is no other name,

Pause before you answer: is there no other name,

Save mine, stained in this business?

Save mine, stained in this mess?

Sieg.‍Trifling villain!

Sieg. Trivial villain!

Who play'st with thine own guilt! Of all that breathe

Who plays with their own guilt! Of all that breathe

Thou best dost know the innocence of him

You know his innocence best.

'Gainst whom thy breath would blow thy bloody slander.

'Against whom your words would spread your vicious lies.

But I will talk no further with a wretch,

But I won't say anything more to a miserable person,

Further than justice asks. Answer at once,

And without quibbling, to my charge.

And without arguing, to my responsibility.

Gab.‍'Tis false!170

Gab. It's false!

Sieg. Who says so?

Sieg. Who says that?

Gab.‍I.

Gab. I.

Sieg.‍And how disprove it?

Sieg.‍And how to disprove it?

Gab.‍By

Gab. By

The presence of the murderer.[440]

The murderer's presence.[440]

Sieg.‍Name him.

Sieg.‍What's his name?

Gab.‍He

Gab. He

May have more names than one. Your Lordship had so

May have more than one name. Your Lordship had so

Once on a time.

Once upon a time.

Sieg.‍If you mean me, I dare

Sieg.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.If you're talking about me, I'm brave enough

Your utmost.

Your best.

Gab.‍You may do so, and in safety;

Gab.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.You can do that, and safely;

I know the assassin.

I know the killer.

Sieg.‍Where is he?

Sieg. Where is he?

Gab. (pointing to Ulric).‍Beside you!

Gab. (pointing to Ulric).‍Right next to you!

[Ulric rushes forward to attack Gabor; Siegendorf interposes.

[Ulric charges to attack Gabor; Siegendorf blocks.

Sieg. Liar and fiend! but you shall not be slain;

Sieg. Liar and monster! But you will not be killed;

These walls are mine, and you are safe within them.

These walls belong to me, and you are safe inside them.

Ulric, repel this calumny, as I[He turns to Ulric.

Ulric, defend yourself against this slander, as IHe turns to Ulric.

Will do. I avow it is a growth so monstrous,180

Will do. I admit it's a growth so huge,180

I could not deem it earth-born: but be calm;

I couldn't see it as something from this world: but stay calm;

It will refute itself. But touch him not.

It will prove itself wrong. But don’t touch him.

[Ulric endeavours to compose himself.

[Ulric tries to calm down.

Gab. Look at him, Count, and then hear me.

Gab. Look at him, Count, and then listen to me.

Sieg. (first to Gabor, and then looking at Ulric).

I hear thee.

I hear you.

My God! you look——

OMG! you look——

Ulr.‍How?

Ulr. How?

Sieg.‍As on that dread night,

Victory.‍As on that dread night,

When we met in the garden.

Ulr. (composing himself).‍It is nothing.

Ulr. (collecting himself).‍It’s nothing.

Gab. Count, you are bound to hear me. I came hither

Gab. Count, you have to listen to me. I came here

Not seeking you, but sought. When I knelt down

Not looking for you, but found. When I knelt down

Amidst the people in the church, I dreamed not

Amidst the people in the church, I didn't dream

To find the beggared Werner in the seat

To find the broke Werner in the seat

Of Senators and Princes; but you have called me,190

And we have met.

And we've met.

Sieg.‍Go on, sir.

Sieg.‍Go ahead, sir.

Gab.‍Ere I do so,

Gab. Before I do so,

Allow me to inquire, who profited

Allow me to ask, who benefited

By Stralenheim's death? Was't I—as poor as ever;

By Stralenheim's death? Was I—as poor as ever;

And poorer by suspicion on my name!

And now I'm poorer because of the doubt surrounding my name!

The Baron lost in that last outrage neither

Jewels nor gold; his life alone was sought.[441]—

Jewels or gold; only his life was desired.[441]—

A life which stood between the claims of others

A life that balanced the needs of others

To honours and estates scarce less than princely.

To honors and estates hardly less than those of royalty.

Sieg. These hints, as vague as vain, attach no less

Sieg. These hints, as unclear as they are futile, carry no less

To me than to my son.

To me rather than to my son.

Gab.‍I can't help that.200

Gab. I can't help that.

But let the consequence alight on him

But let the consequences fall on him.

Who feels himself the guilty one amongst us.

Who feels guilty among us?

I speak to you, Count Siegendorf, because

I’m talking to you, Count Siegendorf, because

I know you innocent, and deem you just.

I see you as innocent and think you're fair.

But ere I can proceed—dare you protect me?

But before I can move forward—dare you stand up for me?

Dare you command me?

Do you dare to command me?

[Siegendorf first looks at the Hungarian, and then at Ulric, who has unbuckled his sabre, and is drawing lines with it on the floor—still in its sheath.

[Siegendorf first looks at the Hungarian, and then at Ulric, who has unbuckled his sword and is drawing lines with it on the floor—still in its sheath.

Ulr. (looks at his father, and says,) Let the man go on!

Ulr. (looks at his father, and says,) Let him go on!

Gab. I am unarmed, Count, bid your son lay down

Gab. I’m unarmed, Count, tell your son to put down

His sabre.

His sword.

Ulr. (offers it to him contemptuously). Take it.

Ulr. (offers it to him with disdain). Take it.

Gab.‍No, sir, 'tis enough

Gab.‍No, sir, that's enough

That we are both unarmed—I would not choose

That we're both unarmed—I wouldn't choose

To wear a steel which may be stained with more210

To wear a steel that might be stained with more210

Blood than came there in battle.

Blood then came there in battle.

Ulr. (casts the sabre from him in contempt). It—or some

Ulr. (throws the saber away in disdain). It—or some

Such other weapon in my hand—spared yours

Such another weapon in my hand—spared yours.

Once, when disarmed and at my mercy.

Once, when I had you unarmed and at my mercy.

Gab.‍True—

Gab. True—

I have not forgotten it: you spared me for

I haven't forgotten it: you saved me for

Your own especial purpose—to sustain

Your unique purpose—to sustain

An ignominy not my own.

A shame that isn’t mine.

Ulr.‍Proceed.

Ulr. Go ahead.

The tale is doubtless worthy the relater.

The story is definitely worth telling.

But is it of my father to hear further?[To Siegendorf.

But is it up to my father to listen more? To Siegendorf.

Sieg. (takes his son by the hand).

Sieg. (holds his son's hand).

My son, I know my own innocence, and doubt not

My son, I know I'm innocent, and I have no doubt.

Of yours—but I have promised this man patience;220

Of yours—but I have promised this guy patience;220

Let him continue.

Let him go on.

Gab.‍I will not detain you,

Got it. I won't hold you up.

By speaking of myself much: I began

By talking about myself a lot: I started

Life early—and am what the world has made me.

Life was different back then—and I am now what the world has shaped me into.

At Frankfort on the Oder, where I passed[442]

At Frankfort on the Oder, where I spent[442]

A winter in obscurity, it was

My chance at several places of resort

My opportunity at several vacation spots

(Which I frequented sometimes, but not often)

(Which I visited occasionally, but not frequently)

To hear related a strange circumstance

To hear about a strange situation

In February last. A martial force,

In February last, a military force,

Sent by the state, had, after strong resistance,230

Secured a band of desperate men, supposed

Secured a group of desperate men, thought

Marauders from the hostile camp.—They proved,

Marauders from the enemy camp.—They proved,

However, not to be so—but banditti,

However, not to be like that—but bandits,

Whom either accident or enterprise

Whom either accident or endeavor

Had carried from their usual haunt—the forests

Had carried from their usual spot—the forests

Which skirt Bohemia—even into Lusatia.

Many amongst them were reported of

Many of them were reported as

High rank—and martial law slept for a time.

High rank—and military rule took a break for a while.

At last they were escorted o'er the frontiers,

At last they were escorted across the borders,

And placed beneath the civil jurisdiction240

And placed under civil authority240

Of the free town of Frankfort. Of their fate

I know no more.

I don’t know anything else.

Sieg.‍And what is this to Ulric?

Sieg.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.And what does this mean to Ulric?

Gab. Amongst them there was said to be one man

Gab. Among them, there was said to be one man

Of wonderful endowments:—birth and fortune,

Of great gifts:—birth and fortune,

Youth, strength, and beauty, almost superhuman,

Youth, strength, and beauty, almost out of this world,

And courage as unrivalled, were proclaimed

Unmatched bravery was acknowledged.

His by the public rumour; and his sway,

His by the public rumor; and his influence,

Not only over his associates, but

Not only over his colleagues, but

His judges, was attributed to witchcraft,

His judges believed it was due to witchcraft,

Such was his influence:—I have no great faith250

In any magic save that of the mine—

In any magic except for that of the mine—

I therefore deemed him wealthy.—But my soul

I thought he was rich. But my soul

Was roused with various feelings to seek out

Was stirred with different feelings to seek out

This prodigy, if only to behold him.

This amazing person, just to see him.

Sieg. And did you so?

Sieg. Did you really?

Gab.‍You'll hear. Chance favoured me:

Gab. You'll hear. Luck was on my side:

A popular affray in the public square

A well-known brawl in the town square

Drew crowds together—it was one of those

Occasions where men's souls look out of them,

Occasions when men's souls shine through them,

And show them as they are—even in their faces:

And show them as they truly are—even in their faces:

The moment my eye met his, I exclaimed,260

The moment our eyes locked, I shouted,260

"This is the man!" though he was then, as since,

"This is the man!" even though he was then, as he is now,

With the nobles of the city. I felt sure

With the city's nobles. I was confident

I had not erred, and watched him long and nearly;[443]

I hadn't made a mistake, and I watched him for a long time and closely;[443]

I noted down his form—his gesture—features,

I took notes on his posture—his gestures—his features,

Stature, and bearing—and amidst them all,

Stature and posture—and among them all,

'Midst every natural and acquired distinction,

'In the midst of every natural and learned difference,

I could discern, methought, the assassin's eye

I could see, I thought, the assassin's eye

And gladiator's heart.

The heart of a gladiator.

Ulr. (smiling).‍The tale sounds well.

Ulr. (smiling). The story sounds good.

Gab. And may sound better.—He appeared to me

Gab. And it might sound better.—He showed up to me

One of those beings to whom Fortune bends,270

One of those people who have Fortune on their side,270

As she doth to the daring—and on whom

As she does to the daring—and on whom

The fates of others oft depend; besides,

The fates of others often depend; besides,

An indescribable sensation drew me

An indescribable feeling pulled me

Near to this man, as if my point of fortune

Near this man, like my lucky charm

Was to be fixed by him.—There I was wrong.

Was supposed to be settled by him.—That’s where I went wrong.

Sieg. And may not be right now.

Sieg. And maybe not at this moment.

Gab.‍I followed him,

Gab. I followed him.

Solicited his notice—and obtained it—

Asked for his notice—and got it—

Though not his friendship:—it was his intention

Though not his friendship; it was his intention.

To leave the city privately—we left it

To leave the city quietly—we left it.

Together—and together we arrived280

Together—we arrived together

In the poor town where Werner was concealed,

In the struggling town where Werner was hiding,

And Stralenheim was succoured——Now we are on

And Stralenheim was saved——Now we are on

The verge—dare you hear further?

The edge—dare you listen more?

Sieg.‍I must do so—

Sieg.‍I have to.

Or I have heard too much.

Or I've heard enough.

Gab.‍I saw in you

Chat.‍I saw in you

A man above his station—and if not

So high, as now I find you, in my then

So high, as I now see you, in my past

Conceptions, 'twas that I had rarely seen

I had rarely seen concepts.

Men such as you appeared in height of mind,

Men like you seemed to rise to great heights of intellect,

In the most high of worldly rank; you were

In the highest position in the world; you were

Poor, even to all save rags: I would have shared290

Poor, barely having anything but rags: I would have shared

My purse, though slender, with you—you refused it.

My purse, though slim, with you—you turned it down.

Sieg. Doth my refusal make a debt to you,

Sieg. Does my refusal create a debt to you,

That thus you urge it?

Are you really pushing for it?

Gab.‍Still you owe me something,

Gab. Still, you owe me something.

Though not for that; and I owed you my safety,

At least my seeming safety, when the slaves

At least I appeared safe when the slaves

Of Stralenheim pursued me on the grounds

Of Stralenheim chased me around the grounds.

That I had robbed him.

Sieg.‍I concealed you—I,

Sieg.‍I hid you—I,

Whom and whose house you arraign, reviving viper![444]

Whom and whose house you accuse, reviving viper![444]

Gab. I accuse no man—save in my defence.

Gab. I don’t blame anyone—except to defend myself.

You, Count, have made yourself accuser—judge:300

You, Count, have made yourself the accuser and the judge:300

Your hall's my court, your heart is my tribunal.

Your hall is my court, your heart is my judge.

Be just, and I'll be merciful!

Be fair, and I'll be kind!

Sieg.‍You merciful?—

Victory.‍You feel merciful?—

You! Base calumniator!

You! False accuser!

Gab.‍I. 'Twill rest

Gab. I. It will rest.

With me at last to be so. You concealed me—

With me finally being this way. You kept me hidden—

In secret passages known to yourself,

In hidden paths that you know,

You said, and to none else. At dead of night,

You said it, and to no one else. In the dead of night,

Weary with watching in the dark, and dubious

Weary from watching in the dark and uncertain

Of tracing back my way, I saw a glimmer,

Of retracing my path, I saw a glimmer,

Through distant crannies, of a twinkling light:

Through far-off corners, of a sparkling light:

I followed it, and reached a door—a secret310

I followed it and reached a door—a secret310

Portal—which opened to the chamber, where,

Portal—which opened to the room, where,

With cautious hand and slow, having first undone

With a careful hand and slowly, after first unfastening

As much as made a crevice of the fastening,

As much as created a gap in the fastening,

I looked through and beheld a purple bed,

I looked and saw a purple bed,

And on it Stralenheim!—

Sieg.‍Asleep! And yet

Sieg. Asleep! And yet

You slew him!—Wretch!

You killed him!—Wretch!

Gab.‍He was already slain,

Gab. He was already dead,

And bleeding like a sacrifice. My own

Blood became ice.

Blood turned to ice.

Sieg.‍But he was all alone!

Sieg. But he was all alone!

You saw none else? You did not see the——

You didn't see anyone else? You didn't see the——

[He pauses from agitation.

[He pauses from agitation].

Gab.‍No,

Gab. No,

He, whom you dare not name, nor even I320

He, whom you can’t name, nor can I320

Scarce dare to recollect, was not then in

The chamber.

The room.

Sieg. (to Ulric). Then, my boy! thou art guiltless still—

Sieg. (to Ulric). Then, my boy! you are still innocent—

Thou bad'st me say I was so once.—Oh! now

Thou asked me to say I was like that once.—Oh! now

Do thou as much.

Do the same.

Gab.‍Be patient! I can not

Gab. Be patient! I can't

Recede now, though it shake the very walls

Recede now, even if it shakes the walls.

Which frown above us. You remember,—or

If not, your son does,—that the locks were changed

If not, your son did—that the locks were changed.

Beneath his chief inspection on the morn

Under his chief inspection in the morning

Which led to this same night: how he had entered

He best knows—but within an antechamber,330[445]

He knows best—but in a waiting room,330[445]

The door of which was half ajar, I saw

The door was half open, and I saw

A man who washed his bloody hands, and oft

A man who washed his bloody hands, and often

With stern and anxious glance gazed back upon—

With a serious and worried look, stared back at—

The bleeding body—but it moved no more.

The bleeding body— but it didn't move anymore.

Sieg. Oh! God of fathers!

Sieg. Oh! God of ancestors!

Gab.‍I beheld his features

Gab.‍I saw his features

As I see yours—but yours they were not, though

As I see yours—but they weren't yours, though

Resembling them—behold them in Count Ulric's!

Resembling them—look at them in Count Ulric's!

Distinct as I beheld them, though the expression

Distinct as I saw them, though the expression

Is not now what it then was!—but it was so

Is not the same now as it used to be!—but it was.

When I first charged him with the crime—so lately.340

When I first accused him of the crime—just recently.340

Sieg. This is so—

Gab. (interrupting him). Nay—but hear me to the end!

Gab. (interrupting him). No—but listen to me until I'm done!

Now you must do so.—I conceived myself

Now you have to do it.—I thought I was

Betrayed by you and him (for now I saw

There was some tie between you) into this

There was some connection between you and this.

Pretended den of refuge, to become

Fake safe space, to turn into

The victim of your guilt; and my first thought

Was vengeance: but though armed with a short poniard

Was vengeance: but though armed with a short dagger

(Having left my sword without), I was no match

For him at any time, as had been proved

For him at any time, as had been proven

That morning—either in address or force.350

That morning—either in speech or strength.350

I turned and fled—i' the dark: chance rather than

I turned and ran—in the dark: by chance rather than

Skill made me gain the secret door of the hall,

Skill helped me discover the hidden door of the hall,

And thence the chamber where you slept: if I

And then the room where you slept: if I

Had found you waking, Heaven alone can tell

Had found you waking, only Heaven knows.

What vengeance and suspicion might have prompted;

What revenge and distrust might have caused;

But ne'er slept guilt as Werner slept that night.

But never did guilt sleep as soundly as Werner did that night.

Sieg. And yet I had horrid dreams! and such brief sleep,

Sieg. And yet I had terrible dreams! and so little sleep,

The stars had not gone down when I awoke.

The stars were still out when I woke up.

Why didst thou spare me? I dreamt of my father—

Why did you spare me? I dreamed of my father—

And now my dream is out!

Gab.‍'Tis not my fault,360

Gab. It's not my fault,

If I have read it.—Well! I fled and hid me—

If I’ve read it.—Well! I ran away and hid myself—

Chance led me here after so many moons—

Chance brought me here after so many months—

And showed me Werner in Count Siegendorf!

Werner, whom I had sought in huts in vain,

Werner, who I had searched for in huts without success,

Inhabited the palace of a sovereign!

Inhabited the palace of a ruler!

You sought me and have found me—now you know

You looked for me and found me—now you know.

My secret, and may weigh its worth.[446]

My secret, and I hope you appreciate its value.[446]

Sieg. (after a pause).‍Indeed!

Sieg. (after a pause).‍Definitely!

Gab. Is it revenge or justice which inspires

Gab. Is it revenge or justice that inspires

Your meditation?

Your mindfulness practice?

Sieg.‍Neither—I was weighing

Victory.‍Neither—I was considering

The value of your secret.

The worth of your secret.

Gab.‍You shall know it370

Gab. You shall know it

At once:—When you were poor, and I, though poor,

At once:—When you were broke, and I, even though broke,

Rich enough to relieve such poverty

Rich enough to alleviate such poverty

As might have envied mine, I offered you

As you might have envied mine, I offered you

My purse—you would not share it:—I'll be franker

My purse—you wouldn't share it:—I'll be more straightforward

With you: you are wealthy, noble, trusted by

With you: you are rich, noble, and trusted by

The imperial powers—you understand me?

The imperial powers—you get me?

Sieg.‍Yes.

Victory.‍Yes.

Gab. Not quite. You think me venal, and scarce true:

Gab. Not really. You think I'm selfish, but that's hardly true:

'Tis no less true, however, that my fortunes

Have made me both at present. You shall aid me:

Have made me both right now. You will help me:

I would have aided you—and also have380

I would have helped you—and also have380

Been somewhat damaged in my name to save

Yours and your son's. Weigh well what I have said.

Yours and your son's. Think carefully about what I have said.

Sieg. Dare you await the event of a few minutes'

Sieg. Do you dare to wait for the outcome of just a few minutes?

Deliberation?

Discussion?

Gab. (casts his eyes on Ulric, who is

Gab. (looks at Ulric, who is

leaning against a pillar). If I should do so?

leaning against a pillar). If I should go ahead and do that?

Sieg. I pledge my life for yours. Withdraw into

Sieg. I give my life for yours. Step back into

This tower.[Opens a turret-door.

This tower. [Opens a turret door.

Gab. (hesitatingly). This is the second safe asylum

Gab. (hesitantly). This is the second safe space.

You have offered me.

You offered me.

Sieg.‍And was not the first so?

Sieg.Understood. Please provide the text for modernization.And wasn't the first one like that?

Gab. I know not that even now—but will approve

Gab. I don’t know that even now—but will agree

The second. I have still a further shield.—

The second. I still have one more shield.

I did not enter Prague alone; and should I390

Be put to rest with Stralenheim, there are

Some tongues without will wag in my behalf.

Some tongues without will chatter in my favor.

Be brief in your decision![200]

Be brief in your response![200]

Sieg.‍I will be so.[447]—

Sieg. I will be so. —

My word is sacred and irrevocable

My word is sacred and unchangeable.

Within these walls, but it extends no further.

Within these walls, but it doesn't go beyond that.

Gab. I'll take it for so much.

Gab. I’ll accept it for that amount.

Sieg. (points to Ulric's sabre, still upon the ground).

Sieg. (points to Ulric's sword, still on the ground).

Take also that—

Take also that—

I saw you eye it eagerly, and him

I saw you looking at it eagerly, and him

Distrustfully.

Skeptically.

Gab. (takes up the sabre). I will; and so provide

Gab. (grabs the sword). I will; and so prepare

To sell my life—not cheaply.

To sell my life—not cheap.

[Gabor goes into the turret, which Siegendorf closes.

[Gabor enters the turret, which Siegendorf shuts.

Sieg. (advances to Ulric).‍Now, Count Ulric!

Sieg. (approaches Ulric).‍Now, Count Ulric!

For son I dare not call thee—What say'st thou?400

For son, I can’t call you that—What do you say?400

Ulr. His tale is true.

Ulr. His story is true.

Sieg.‍True, monster!

Sieg .‍For real, monster!

Ulr.‍Most true, father!

Ulr. Most definitely, dad!

And you did well to listen to it: what

And you were right to listen to it: what

We know, we can provide against. He must

We know we can prepare for it. He must

Be silenced.

Stay quiet.

Sieg.‍Aye, with half of my domains;

Sieg.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Yeah, with half of my lands;

And with the other half, could he and thou

And with the other half, could he and you

Unsay this villany.

Stop this nonsense.

Ulr.‍It is no time

Ulr. It’s not the time

For trifling or dissembling. I have said

For trivial matters or pretending. I've said

His story's true; and he too must be silenced.

His story is true, and he also needs to be silenced.

Sieg. How so?

Victory. How so?

Ulr.‍As Stralenheim is. Are you so dull

Ulr.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like modernized.As Stralenheim is. Are you really that boring?

As never to have hit on this before?410

As if I’ve never come across this before?410

When we met in the garden, what except

Discovery in the act could make me know

Discovery in the act could help me understand.

His death? Or had the Prince's household been

Then summoned, would the cry for the police

Then someone would call for the police.

Been left to such a stranger? Or should I

Have loitered on the way? Or could you, Werner,

Have you been hanging around? Or could you, Werner,

The object of the Baron's hate and fears,

The target of the Baron's hate and fears,

Have fled, unless by many an hour before

Have fled, unless by many hours before

Suspicion woke? I sought and fathomed you,

Suspicion stirred? I searched for you and understood you,

Doubting if you were false or feeble: I420

Doubting whether you were fake or weak: I420

Perceived you were the latter: and yet so

Confiding have I found you, that I doubted

Confiding, I have found you, which made me doubt.

At times your weakness.

Sometimes your weakness.

Sieg.‍Parricide! no less[448]

Victory.‍Parricide! no less[448]

Than common stabber! What deed of my life,

Or thought of mine, could make you deem me fit

Or my thoughts could make you think I'm worthy

For your accomplice?

For your partner in crime?

Ulr.‍Father, do not raise

Ulr. Dad, don't raise

The devil you cannot lay between us. This

The devil you can't set between us. This

Is time for union and for action, not

Is it time for unity and for taking action, not

For family disputes. While you were tortured,

For family conflicts. While you were tormented,

Could I be calm? Think you that I have heard430

Could I stay calm? Do you think I've heard430

This fellow's tale without some feeling?—You

This guy's story without any emotion?—You

Have taught me feeling for you and myself;

Have taught me to feel for you and for myself;

For whom or what else did you ever teach it?

Sieg. Oh! my dead father's curse! 'tis working now.

Sieg. Oh! My father's curse is happening now.

Ulr. Let it work on! the grave will keep it down!

Ulr. Let it do its thing! The grave will hold it back!

Ashes are feeble foes: it is more easy

Ashes are weak opponents: it's easier

To baffle such, than countermine a mole,

To confuse someone like that is harder than digging a tunnel.

Which winds its blind but living path beneath you.

Which winds its unseen but vibrant path beneath you.

Yet hear me still!—If you condemn me, yet,

Yet hear me out!—If you judge me, still,

Remember who hath taught me once too often440

Remember who has taught me one time too many440

To listen to him! Who proclaimed to me

To listen to him! Who declared to me

That there were crimes made venial by the occasion?

That there were crimes that were excusable because of the situation?

That passion was our nature? that the goods

That passion was part of who we are? That the things

Of Heaven waited on the goods of fortune?

Of Heaven relied on the gifts of luck?

Who showed me his humanity secured

Who showed me his humanity?

By his nerves only? Who deprived me of

By his nerves only? Who deprived me of

All power to vindicate myself and race

All the power to defend myself and my race.

In open day? By his disgrace which stamped

In broad daylight? By his shame that marked

(It might be) bastardy on me, and on

It might be illegitimate on my part, and on

Himself—a felon's brand! The man who is450

Himself—a felon’s brand! The man who is450

At once both warm and weak invites to deeds

At the same time, both warm and weak call to action.

He longs to do, but dare not. Is it strange

He wants to do it but is too afraid. Is it weird

That I should act what you could think? We have done

That I should act on what you could think? We have done

With right and wrong; and now must only ponder

With right and wrong; and now I can only think

Upon effects, not causes. Stralenheim,

Focus on effects, not causes. Stralenheim,

Whose life I saved from impulse, as unknown,

Whose life I saved on a whim, as unknown,

I would have saved a peasant's or a dog's, I slew

I would have saved a peasant's or a dog's; I killed.

Known as our foe—but not from vengeance. He

Known as our enemy—but not out of revenge. He

Was a rock in our way which I cut through,

Was a rock in our way that I cut through,

As doth the bolt, because it stood between us460

As the lightning bolt does, because it was in between us460

And our true destination—but not idly.

And our real destination—but not passively.

As stranger I preserved him, and he owed me

As a stranger, I kept him safe, and he owed me

His life: when due, I but resumed the debt.[449]

His life: when it was time, I simply took on the debt again.[449]

He, you, and I stood o'er a gulf wherein

He, you, and I stood over a gap where

I have plunged our enemy. You kindled first

I have attacked our enemy. You sparked it first.

The torch—you showed the path; now trace me that

The torch—you showed the way; now guide me that

Of safety—or let me!

Sieg.‍I have done with life!

Sieg. I'm done with life!

Ulr. Let us have done with that which cankers life—

Ulr. Let's put an end to what ruins life—

Familiar feuds and vain recriminations

Familiar disputes and pointless blame

Of things which cannot be undone. We have470

Of things that can't be changed. We have470

No more to learn or hide: I know no fear,

No more to learn or hide: I don't know fear,

And have within these very walls men who

(Although you know them not) dare venture all things.

(Although you don’t know them) dare to try anything.

You stand high with the state; what passes here

You stand strong with the government; what happens here

Will not excite her too great curiosity:

Will not spark her curiosity too much:

Keep your own secret, keep a steady eye,

Keep your secret, stay focused,

Stir not, and speak not;—leave the rest to me:

Stir or speak not; leave the rest to me:

We must have no third babblers thrust between us.

We can’t have any third parties interfering between us.

[Exit Ulric.

[Exit Ulric.]

Sieg. (solus). Am I awake? are these my father's halls?

Sieg. (solus). Am I awake? Are these my father's halls?

And you—my son? My son! mine! I who have ever480

And you—my kid? My kid! mine! I who have ever480

Abhorred both mystery and blood, and yet

Am plunged into the deepest hell of both!

I must be speedy, or more will be shed—

I have to hurry, or there will be more bloodshed—

The Hungarian's!—Ulric—he hath partisans,

The Hungarian's!—Ulric—he has allies,

It seems: I might have guessed as much. Oh fool!

It seems: I could have figured that out. Oh, what a fool!

Wolves prowl in company. He hath the key

Wolves roam in packs. He has the key.

(As I too) of the opposite door which leads

Into the turret. Now then! or once more

Into the turret. Alright then! or once again

To be the father of fresh crimes, no less

To be the source of new crimes, no less

Than of the criminal! Ho! Gabor! Gabor!490

Than of the criminal! Hey! Gabor! Gabor!490

[Exit into the turret, closing the door after him.

He walked out into the turret and closed the door behind him.

Scene II.—The Interior of the Turret.

Gabor and Siegendorf.

Gabor and Siegendorf.

Gab. Who calls?

Gab. Who's calling?

Sieg.‍I—Siegendorf! Take these and fly!

Sieg.‍I—Siegendorf! Take these and go!

Lose not a moment!

Don't waste a moment!

[Tears off a diamond star and other jewels, and thrusts them into Gabor's hand.

Tears off a diamond star and other jewels, and thrusts them into Gabor's hand.

Gab.‍What am I to do[450]

Gab. What should I do?

With these?

Sieg.‍Whate'er you will: sell them, or hoard,

Sieg.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Whatever you want: sell them or keep them,

And prosper; but delay not, or you are lost!

And thrive; but don’t wait, or you’re done for!

Gab. You pledged your honour for my safety!

Gab. You promised to protect me!

Sieg.‍And

Sieg. And

Must thus redeem it. Fly! I am not master,

Must thus redeem it. Fly! I am not in charge,

It seems, of my own castle—of my own

Retainers—nay, even of these very walls,

Retainers—not even these walls,

Or I would bid them fall and crush me! Fly!

Or I would tell them to fall and crush me! Fly!

Or you will be slain by——

Or you will be killed by——

Gab.‍Is it even so?10

Gab. Is it really so?

Farewell, then! Recollect, however, Count,

Goodbye, then! Remember, though, Count,

You sought this fatal interview!

You wanted this deadly meeting!

Sieg.‍I did:

Victory.‍I did:

Let it not be more fatal still!—Begone!

Let it not be even worse!—Go away!

Gab. By the same path I entered?

Gab. Is it the same way I came in?

Sieg.‍Yes; that's safe still;

Victory.‍Yes; that's still safe;

But loiter not in Prague;—you do not know

But don't hang around in Prague;—you don't know

With whom you have to deal.

Gab.‍I know too well—

Gab. I know too well—

And knew it ere yourself, unhappy Sire! [Exit Gabor.

And realized it before you did, unfortunate Sire! [Leave Gabor.

Farewell!

Goodbye!

Sieg. (solus and listening).

Sieg. (solo and listening).

He hath cleared the staircase. Ah! I hear

He has cleared the staircase. Ah! I hear

The door sound loud behind him! He is safe!

The door slammed loudly behind him! He’s safe!

Safe!—Oh, my father's spirit!—I am faint—20

Safe!—Oh, my father's spirit!—I feel weak—20

[He leans down upon a stone seat, near the wall of the tower, in a drooping posture.

He leans down on a stone bench, close to the wall of the tower, in a slumped position.

Enter Ulric with others armed, and with weapons drawn.

Enter Ulric with others armed and ready for battle.

Ulr. Despatch!—he's there!

Ulr. Dispatch!—he's here!

Lud.‍The Count, my Lord!

Lud. The Count, my Lord!

Ulr. (recognizing Siegendorf).‍You here, sir!

Ulr. (recognizing Siegendorf).‍You're here, sir!

Sieg. Yes: if you want another victim, strike!

Sieg. Yes: if you want another victim, go ahead!

Ulr. (seeing him stript of his jewels).

Ulr. (seeing him stripped of his jewels).

Where is the ruffian who hath plundered you?

Where is the thug who robbed you?

Vassals, despatch in search of him! You see

Vassals, go find him! You see

'Twas as I said—the wretch hath stript my father

'Twas as I said—the wretch has stripped my father

Of jewels which might form a Prince's heir-loom![451]

Of jewels that could be a Prince's heirloom![451]

Away! I'll follow you forthwith.

Go ahead! I'll follow you right away.

[Exeunt all but Siegendorf and Ulric.

[Everyone leaves except Siegendorf and Ulric.

What's this?

What's this about?

Where is the villain?

Where's the villain?

Sieg.‍There are two, sir: which

Are you in quest of?

Are you on a quest?

Ulr.‍Let us hear no more

Ulr. Let’s not discuss this further.

Of this: he must be found. You have not let him30

Escape?

Flee?

Sieg.‍He's gone.

Ulr.‍With your connivance?

Ulr. With your consent?

Sieg.‍With

Sieg.

My fullest, freest aid.

My complete, unrestricted support.

Ulr.‍Then fare you well!

Ulr.‍Then goodbye!

[Ulric is going.

[Ulric is leaving.

Sieg. Stop! I command—entreat—implore! Oh, Ulric!

Sieg. Stop! I'm commanding—begging—pleading! Oh, Ulric!

Will you then leave me?

Are you going to leave me?

Ulr.‍What! remain to be

Ulr.‍What! still to be

Denounced—dragged, it may be, in chains; and all

Denounced—pulled along, perhaps, in chains; and all

By your inherent weakness, half-humanity,

By your natural weakness, half-humanity,

Selfish remorse, and temporizing pity,

Selfish regret and uncertain sympathy,

That sacrifices your whole race to save

That sacrifices your entire race to save

A wretch to profit by our ruin! No, Count,

A miserable person taking advantage of our downfall! No, Count,

Henceforth you have no son!

From now on, you have no son!

Sieg.‍I never had one;40

Sieg. I never had one;

And would you ne'er had borne the useless name!

And wouldn't you have been better off without that pointless name!

Where will you go? I would not send you forth

Where will you go? I wouldn't send you out.

Without protection.

Unprotected.

Ulr.‍Leave that unto me.

Ulr.‍I’ll handle that.

I am not alone; nor merely the vain heir

I’m not alone, nor just the self-centered heir.

Of your domains; a thousand, aye, ten thousand

Of your domains; a thousand, yeah, ten thousand

Swords, hearts, and hands are mine.

Sieg.‍The foresters!

Sieg. The foresters!

With whom the Hungarian found you first at Frankfort!

With whom did the Hungarian first find you in Frankfurt!

Ulr. Yes—men—who are worthy of the name! Go tell

Ulr. Yes—men—who truly deserve the title! Go tell

Your Senators that they look well to Prague;

Your Senators should pay close attention to Prague;

Their Feast of Peace was early for the times;50

Their Feast of Peace was ahead of its time;50

There are more spirits abroad than have been laid

There are more spirits out there than have been put to rest.

With Wallenstein!

[452]

Enter Josephine and Ida.

Join Josephine and Ida.

Jos.‍What is't we hear? My Siegendorf!

Jos.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.What do we hear? My Siegendorf!

Thank Heaven, I see you safe!

Thank goodness, I see you’re safe!

Sieg.‍Safe!

Victory! Safe!

Ida.‍Yes, dear father!

Ida.‍Yes, dad!

Sieg. No, no; I have no children: never more

Sieg. No, I don’t have any kids: never again.

Call me by that worst name of parent.

Call me by that most terrible name a parent can have.

Jos.‍What

Jos. What

Means my good Lord?

Does that mean, my Lord?

Sieg.‍That you have given birth

Victory.‍Thank you for giving birth

To a demon!

Ida (taking Ulric's hand). Who shall dare say this of Ulric?

Ida (taking Ulric's hand). Who would be bold enough to say this about Ulric?

Sieg. Ida, beware! there's blood upon that hand.

Sieg. Ida, watch out! There's blood on that hand.

Ida (stooping to kiss it). I'd kiss it off, though it were mine.

Ida (bending down to kiss it). I'd kiss it away, even if it were mine.

Sieg.‍It is so!

Sieg.‍It’s true!

Ulr. Away! it is your father's![Exit Ulric.

Ulr. Go away! It's your father's![Leave Ulric.

Ida.‍Oh, great God!60

Ida.‍Oh my God!60

And I have loved this man!

And I have loved this guy!

[Ida falls senseless—Josephine stands speechless with horror.

Ida falls unconscious—Josephine stands frozen in horror.

Sieg.‍The wretch hath slain

Sieg.‍The wretch has slain

Them both!—My Josephine! we are now alone!

Them both!—My Josephine! We are now alone!

Would we had ever been so!—All is over

Would we have ever been like that!—Everything is over.

For me!—Now open wide, my sire, thy grave;

For me!—Now open up wide, my father, your grave;

Thy curse hath dug it deeper for thy son

Your curse has made it worse for your son.

In mine!—The race of Siegendorf is past.

In mine!—The Siegendorf lineage is gone.

The end of the fifth act and the Drama.

The end of the fifth act and the play.

B. P. Jy 20, 1822.

B. P. J. Y, 20 Feb 1822.

FOOTNOTES:

[159] {337}[This is not correct. The Young Lady's Tale, or the Two Emilys and The Clergyman's Tale, or Pembroke, were contributed by Sophia Lee. Kruitzner, or The Germans Tale, was written by Harriet Lee (1757-1851), the younger of the sisters. Miss Lee began her literary career as a dramatist. A comedy, The New Peerage; or, Our Eyes may deceive us, was played at Drury Lane, November 10, 1787. In 1798 she published The Mysterious Marriage; or, The Heirship of Rosalva. After the publication of Byron's Werner, she wrote a dramatic version of The German's Tale, under the title of The Three Strangers. It was brought out at Covent Garden, December 10, 1825, and acted four times.

[159] {337}[This is not correct. The Young Lady's Tale, or the Two Emilys and The Clergyman's Tale, or Pembroke were contributed by Sophia Lee. Kruitzner, or The Germans Tale was written by Harriet Lee (1757-1851), the younger of the sisters. Miss Lee started her literary career as a playwright. A comedy, The New Peerage; or, Our Eyes May Deceive Us, premiered at Drury Lane on November 10, 1787. In 1798, she published The Mysterious Marriage; or, The Heirship of Rosalva. After Byron's Werner was published, she created a dramatic version of The German's Tale called The Three Strangers. It was performed at Covent Garden on December 10, 1825, and ran for four performances.

The first volume of the Canterbury Tales, by Harriet Lee, was published in 1797; the second volume, by Sophia Lee, in 1798 (a second edition of these volumes was published in 1799); a third volume (second edition), by Sophia and Harriet Lee, appeared in 1800; the fourth volume, by Harriet Lee (which contains The German's Tale, pp. 3-368) was published in 1801; and the fifth volume, by Harriet Lee, in 1805.

The first volume of the Canterbury Tales, by Harriet Lee, came out in 1797; the second volume, by Sophia Lee, followed in 1798 (a second edition of these volumes was released in 1799); a third volume (second edition), by Sophia and Harriet Lee, was published in 1800; the fourth volume, by Harriet Lee (which includes The German's Tale, pp. 3-368), was released in 1801; and the fifth volume, by Harriet Lee, was published in 1805.

There can be little doubt that Byron's visit to Churchill's grave at Dover, which took place April 25, 1816 (see Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 45), was suggested by a passage in the Introduction, pp. vii.-ix., to the first volume (1797) of the Canterbury Tales. The author "wanders forth to note the memorabilia of Dover," is informed that "the greatest curiosity in the place is the tomb of a poet," and hastens "to a spot surrounded by ruined walls, in the midst of which stood the white marble tablet marked with Churchill's name," etc.]

There’s no doubt that Byron’s visit to Churchill’s grave in Dover on April 25, 1816 (see Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 45), was inspired by a passage in the Introduction, pp. vii.-ix., of the first volume (1797) of the Canterbury Tales. The author “goes out to see the memorabilia of Dover,” learns that “the most interesting thing there is the tomb of a poet,” and quickly makes his way “to a spot surrounded by ruined walls, in the middle of which stood the white marble tablet marked with Churchill’s name,” etc.

[cm] {338} [Of England or any other country. It may seem unnecessary to add this, but having seen a poem of mine never intended for representation, dragged in spite of my remonstrance upon the theatres of more than one nation, I trust it will not be deemed impertinent if I once more repeat my protest against [a gross] folly which may injure me—and [benefit] no one. If it be understood that all dramatic writing is generically intended for the stage, I deny it[*]. With the exception of Shakespeare (or Tate, Cibber, and Thompson under his name), not one in fifty plays of our dramatists is ever acted, however much they may be read. Only one of Massinger—none of Ford—none of Marlowe, one of Ben Jonson—none of Webster, none of Heywood: and, even in Comedy, Congreve is rarely acted, and that in only one of his plays. Neither is Joanna Baillie. I am far from attempting to raise myself to a level with the least of these names—I only wish to be [exempted] from a stage which is not theirs. Perhaps Mr. Lamb's essay upon the effects of dramatic representation on the intelligent auditor[**]—marks are just with regard to this—plays of Shakespeare himself—the hundredfold to those of others.—From a mutilated page of MS. M.]

[cm] {338} [Of England or any other country. It might seem unnecessary to mention this, but after seeing one of my poems, which was never meant for performance, showcased against my wishes on the stages of several nations, I hope it won't be seen as rude if I once again voice my protest against [a major] mistake that could hurt me—and [help] no one. If it's assumed that all dramatic writing is generally meant for the stage, I reject that[*]. Except for Shakespeare (or Tate, Cibber, and Thompson writing under his name), not one in fifty plays by our playwrights is ever performed, no matter how much they might be read. Only one of Massinger—none of Ford—none of Marlowe, one of Ben Jonson—none of Webster, none of Heywood: and, even in Comedy, Congreve is rarely performed, and only in one of his plays. Joanna Baillie is not even considered. I’m not trying to compare myself to the smallest of these names—I just want to be [excluded] from a stage that isn’t theirs. Perhaps Mr. Lamb's essay about the impacts of dramatic performances on the thoughtful audience[**]—is accurate in this regard—plays of Shakespeare himself—far more than those of others.—From a mutilated page of MS. M.]

[*] [Byron is replying to Jeffrey (Edinburgh Review, February, 1822, vol. 36, p. 422). "A drama is not merely a dialogue, but an action: and necessarily supposes that something is to pass before the eyes of assembled spectators.... If an author does not bear this continually in his mind, and does not write in the ideal presence of an eager and diversified assemblage, he may be a poet, perhaps, but assuredly he will never be a dramatist."]

[*] [Byron is replying to Jeffrey (Edinburgh Review, February, 1822, vol. 36, p. 422). "A drama isn’t just a conversation; it’s an action: it requires that something happens in front of an audience.... If a writer doesn’t keep this in mind and doesn’t write with the vivid presence of an engaged and varied crowd in mind, he might be a poet, but he will definitely never be a dramatist."]

[**] ["It may seem a paradox, but I cannot help being of opinion that the plays of Shakespeare are less calculated for performance on a stage than those of almost any other dramatist whatever."—"On the Tragedies of Shakespeare," Complete Works of Charles Lamb, 1875, p. 255. It was, too, something of a paradox that Byron should be eager to shelter himself under the aegis of Charles Lamb. But unpopularity, like poverty, brings together strange bedfellows.]

[**] ["It might seem contradictory, but I genuinely believe that Shakespeare's plays are less suited for performance on stage than those of nearly any other playwright."—"On the Tragedies of Shakespeare," Complete Works of Charles Lamb, 1875, p. 255. It was also somewhat ironic that Byron was keen to seek refuge under the protection of Charles Lamb. But unpopularity, much like poverty, creates unlikely alliances.]

[160] {340}[The Thirty Years' War dates from the capture of Pilsen by Mansfeld, November 21, 1618, and did not end till the Peace of Westphalia, October 24, 1648. The incident recorded in act v., a solemn commemoration of the Treaty of Prague, must have taken place in 1635. But in Werner there is little or no attempt "to follow history."]

[160] {340}[The Thirty Years' War started with the capture of Pilsen by Mansfeld on November 21, 1618, and it didn’t end until the Peace of Westphalia on October 24, 1648. The event mentioned in act v., a formal remembrance of the Treaty of Prague, likely occurred in 1635. However, in Werner, there is barely any effort to "follow history."]

[cn] {342} Yea—to a peasant.—[MS. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {342} Yeah—to a peasant.—[MS. erased.]

[161] {346}[Compare—"And still my passions wake and war." Lines "To——" [Lady Blessington], Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 564.]

[161] {346}[Compare—"And still my passions stir and struggle." Lines "To——" [Lady Blessington], Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 564.]

[162] {347}[It has been surmised that Byron had some knowledge of the early life and history of the dramatist Friedrich Ludwig Zacharias Werner (1768-1823), and that a similarity of character and incident suggested the renaming of Kruitzner. But the change of name was made in 1815, not in 1821, and it is far more probable that Byron called his hero "Werner," because "Kruitzner" is unrhythmical, or simply because "Werner," a common German surname, is not unlike "Werther," which was "familiar as a household word."]

[162] {347}[It’s believed that Byron knew something about the early life and history of the playwright Friedrich Ludwig Zacharias Werner (1768-1823), and that a resemblance in character and events led to the renaming of Kruitzner. However, the name change occurred in 1815, not in 1821, and it's much more likely that Byron chose the name "Werner" for his hero because "Kruitzner" doesn’t have a good rhythm, or simply because "Werner," a common German last name, is somewhat similar to "Werther," which was widely known at the time.]

[163] {348}["Lord Byron's establishment at Pisa was, like everything else about him, somewhat singular; it consisted of a monkey, a mastiff, a bull-dog, two cats, ... several servants in livery, and the trusty Fletcher as Major Domo, or superintendant of the Menagerie."—Life, Writings, Opinions, etc., 1825, ii. 203, 204. See, too, Medwin, Conversations, 1824, pp. 1, 2.]

[163] {348}["Lord Byron's place in Pisa was, like everything else about him, quite unique; it included a monkey, a mastiff, a bulldog, two cats, ... several servants in uniform, and the reliable Fletcher as Major Domo, or manager of the Menagerie."—Life, Writings, Opinions, etc., 1825, ii. 203, 204. See, too, Medwin, Conversations, 1824, pp. 1, 2.]

[164] [The Oder crosses and re-crosses the northern frontier of Silesia.]

[164] [The Oder river crosses back and forth over the northern border of Silesia.]

[165] {349}[In Miss Lee's Kruitzner Gabor is always spoken of as "The Hungarian." He is no doubt named after Bethlen Gabor, Prince of Transylvania, who was elected King of Hungary, August, 1620.]

[165] {349}[In Miss Lee's Kruitzner, Gabor is referred to as "The Hungarian." He is likely named after Bethlen Gabor, the Prince of Transylvania, who was elected King of Hungary in August 1620.]

[166] {351}[Compare—"And so—for God's sake—hock and soda-water." Fragment written on MS. of Canto I. of Don Juan.]

[166] {351}[Compare—"So, for God's sake, hock and soda water." Fragment written on MS. of Canto I. of Don Juan.]

[167] {352}[On the 18th of August, 1619, Bethlen Gabor threw in his lot with the Bohemians, and "wrote the Directors at Prague that he would march with his troops, and in September would, in their defence, enter Moravia."—History of the Thirty Years War, by A. Gindely, 1885, i. 166. Vide ibid., for portrait of "Gabriel Bethlem, D. G. Princeps Transsylvaniæ, etc., Ætatis suæ 40, Ao Christi, 1620."]

[167] {352}[On August 18, 1619, Bethlen Gabor aligned himself with the Bohemians and informed the Directors in Prague that he would march with his troops and enter Moravia in September to defend them.—History of the Thirty Years War, by A. Gindely, 1885, i. 166. See ibid. for a portrait of "Gabriel Bethlem, D. G. Princeps Transsylvaniæ, etc., Age 40, Ao Christi, 1620."]

[168] {354}[From super, and nagel, "a nail." To drink supernaculum is to empty the cup so thoroughly that the last drop or "pearl," drained on to the nail, retains its shape, and does not run. If "the pearl" broke and began to slide, the drinker was "sconced." Hence, good liquor. See Rabelais' Life of Gargantua, etc., Urquhart's Translation, 1863, lib. i, ch. 5.]

[168] {354}[From super, and nagel, "a nail." To drink supernaculum means to empty the cup so completely that the last drop or "pearl," when drained onto the nail, keeps its shape and doesn't spill. If "the pearl" broke and started to slide, the drinker was "sconced." Therefore, good liquor. See Rabelais' Life of Gargantua, etc., Urquhart's Translation, 1863, lib. i, ch. 5.]

[co] {355} Without means and he has not a stiver left.—[MS. erased.]

[co] {355} He's broke and doesn't have a dime to his name.—[MS. erased.]

[cp] {357} This is one of those to whom I owe aid.—[MS. erased.]

[cp] {357} This is one of the people I owe help to.—[MS. erased.]

[169] {364}[Compare Age of Bronze, line 130, vide post, p. 549.]

[169] {364}[See Age of Bronze, line 130, see later, p. 549.]

[170] {365}[For the "merchant dukes" of Florence, see Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza lx. line 4. See, too, ibid., stanza xlviii. line 8, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 375, and 365, note 1.]

[170] {365}[For the "merchant dukes" of Florence, see Childe Harold, Canto IV, stanza 60, line 4. See also ibid., stanza 48, line 8, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 375, and 365, note 1.]

[171] {367}["Your printer has made one odd mistake:—'poor as a Mouse' instead of 'poor as a Miser.' The expression may seem strange, but it is only a translation of 'Semper avarus eget!'" (Hor., Epist. I. ii. 56).—Letter to Murray, May 29, 1822, Letters, 1901, vi. 75.]

[171] {367}["Your printer made a peculiar mistake:—'poor as a Mouse' instead of 'poor as a Miser.' The phrase might sound odd, but it's just a translation of 'Semper avarus eget!'" (Hor., Epist. I. ii. 56).—Letter to Murray, May 29, 1822, Letters, 1901, vi. 75.]

[cq] {368} ——who furnish our good masters.—[MS. M.]

[cq] {368} ——who supply our good masters.—[MS. M.]

[172] {371}[The Swedish garrisons did not evacuate Bohemia till 1649, and then, as their occupation was gone, with considerable reluctance. "It need not, therefore, be a matter of wonder that from the discharged soldiers numerous bands of robbers ['bande nere,' or 'black bands:' see Deformed Transformed, Part II. sc. i. line 65] were formed; that these pursued on their own account the trade that they had formerly carried on under the cover of military law, and that commerce became again unsafe on the highways."—History of the Thirty Years' War, by A. Gindely, 1885, ii. 382, 383.]

[172] {371}[The Swedish troops didn't leave Bohemia until 1649, and even then, they did so with great reluctance after their occupation ended. "It's not surprising that many of the discharged soldiers formed groups of robbers ['bande nere,' or 'black bands:' see Deformed Transformed, Part II. sc. i. line 65]; they continued to engage in the same activities they once did under military protection, making trade once again dangerous on the roads."—History of the Thirty Years' War, by A. Gindely, 1885, ii. 382, 383.]

[173] [Albrecht Wenceslaus Eusebius, Count of Waldstein, Duke of Mecklenburg, quartermaster of the Imperial Army in the Thirty Years' War, was born in Bohemia, September 15, 1583, and assassinated at Egra, February 25, 1634.

[173] [Albrecht Wenceslaus Eusebius, Count of Waldstein, Duke of Mecklenburg, quartermaster of the Imperial Army during the Thirty Years' War, was born in Bohemia on September 15, 1583, and was assassinated in Egra on February 25, 1634.

Johann Tsercläs Count von Tilly, born 1559, defeated the Bohemians at the battle of Prague, November 8, 1620, died April 30, 1632.

Johann Tsercläs Count von Tilly, born in 1559, defeated the Bohemians at the Battle of Prague on November 8, 1620, and died on April 30, 1632.

Gustavus Adolphus, the "Lion of the North," born December 9, 1594, succeeded his father, Charles IX., King of Sweden, in 1611. As head of the Protestant League, he invaded Germany, defeated the armies of Conti and Schaumburg, June-December, 1630; defeated Tilly at Leipzig and Breitenfeld, September 7, 1631; defeated Wallenstein at Lutzen; but was killed in battle, November 16, 1632.

Gustavus Adolphus, the "Lion of the North," was born on December 9, 1594. He took over from his father, Charles IX, King of Sweden, in 1611. As the leader of the Protestant League, he invaded Germany, defeating the armies of Conti and Schaumburg from June to December 1630; he beat Tilly at Leipzig and Breitenfeld on September 7, 1631; he also defeated Wallenstein at Lutzen, but was killed in battle on November 16, 1632.

Johan Bannier, or Baner, Swedish general, born June 23, 1595, defeated the Saxons near Chemnitz, April 4, 1639, died December, 1649.

Johan Bannier, or Baner, was a Swedish general born on June 23, 1595. He defeated the Saxons near Chemnitz on April 4, 1639, and died in December 1649.

Lennart Torstenson, Swedish general, born 1603, fought at the battle of Leipzig, and was taken prisoner at Nürnburg. In 1641 he was appointed General-in-Chief of the Swedes in Germany, and died at Stockholm, April, 1651.

Lennart Torstenson, a Swedish general, was born in 1603. He fought in the battle of Leipzig and was captured at Nuremberg. In 1641, he was appointed General-in-Chief of the Swedes in Germany and died in Stockholm in April 1651.

Bernhard, Duke of Saxe-Weimar, born 1604, succeeded Gustavus Adolphus in command in Germany, November 16, 1632; defeated the Imperialists at Rheinfeld, 1638; died at Huningen, 1639.

Bernhard, Duke of Saxe-Weimar, born in 1604, took over command in Germany from Gustavus Adolphus on November 16, 1632; he defeated the Imperial forces at Rheinfeld in 1638; he died in Huningen in 1639.

Banier and Torstenson were living when the Peace of Westphalia was proclaimed, November 3, 1648.]

Banier and Torstenson were alive when the Peace of Westphalia was announced on November 3, 1648.

[174] {373}[George William, Elector of Brandenburgh (1595-1640), was in alliance with Gustavus Adolphus; John George, Elector of Saxony (1585-1656) (vide supra, line 179), was on the side of the Imperialists.]

[174] {373}[George William, Elector of Brandenburg (1595-1640), allied with Gustavus Adolphus; John George, Elector of Saxony (1585-1656) (see above, line 179), supported the Imperialists.]

[175] {377}[Compare The Antiquary, by Sir W. Scott, i. 366, chap. vii. ed. 1851: "'Good man,' said Sir Arthur, 'can you think of nothing?—of no help?—I'll make you rich—I'll give you a farm—I'll——' 'Our riches will soon be equal,' said the beggar, looking upon the strife of the waters. 'They are sae already; for I hae nae land, and you would give your fair bounds and barony for a square yard of rock that would be dry for twal hours.'"—The Antiquary was published in 1816, six years before the second version of Werner was written, and ten years after the death of the Duchess of Devonshire.]

[175] {377}[Compare The Antiquary, by Sir W. Scott, i. 366, chap. vii. ed. 1851: "'Good man,' said Sir Arthur, 'can you think of anything?—any help?—I'll make you rich—I'll give you a farm—I'll——' 'Our riches will soon be equal,' said the beggar, looking at the turbulent waters. 'They already are; because I have no land, and you would trade your beautiful boundaries and estate for a square yard of rock that would be dry for twelve hours.'"—The Antiquary was published in 1816, six years before the second version of Werner was written, and ten years after the death of the Duchess of Devonshire.]

[176] {381}[The following is the original passage in the novel:—"'Stralenheim,' said Conrad, 'does not appear to me altogether the man you take him for:—but were it even otherwise, he owes me gratitude not only for the past, but for what he supposes to be my present employment. I saved his life, and he therefore places confidence in me. He has been robbed last night—is sick—a stranger—and in no condition to discover the villain who has plundered him.... and the business on which I sought the Intendant was chiefly that.'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 203, 204.]

[176] {381}[The following is the original passage in the novel:—"'Stralenheim,' Conrad said, 'doesn't really seem like the person you think he is:—but even if he were, he should be grateful to me not only for what I did in the past but also for what he believes is my current role. I saved his life, so he trusts me. He was robbed last night, he's sick, he's a stranger, and he's not in any condition to track down the thief who stole from him.... and the reason I wanted to speak to the Intendant was mainly that.'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 203, 204.]

[177] ["'And who,' said he, 'has entitled you to brand thus with ignominious epithets a being you do not know? Who ... has taught you that it would be safe even for my son to insult me?'—'It is not necessary to know the person of a ruffian,' replied Conrad, indignantly, 'to give him the appellation he merits:—and what is there in common between my father and such a character?'—'Everything,' said Siegendorf, bitterly,—'for that ruffian was your father!'"—Ibid., p. 204.]

[177] ["'And who,' he said, 'gave you the right to label someone you don't even know with such shameful names? Who ... taught you that it would be safe for my son to disrespect me?'—'You don't need to know a thug personally,' Conrad replied angrily, 'to call him what he is:—and what could possibly connect my father with such a person?'—'Everything,' Siegendorf said bitterly,—'because that thug was your father!'"—Ibid., p. 204.]

[178] {382}["'Conrad ... before you thus presume to chastise me with your eye, learn to understand my actions! Young, and inexperienced in the world—reposing hitherto in the bosom of indulgence and luxury, is it for you to judge of the impulse of the passions, or the temptations of misery? Wait till, like me, you have blighted your fairest hopes—have endured humiliation and sorrow—poverty and insult—before you pretend to judge of their effect on you! Should that miserable day ever arrive—should you see the being at your mercy who stands between you and everything that is dear or noble in life!—who is ready to tear from you your name—your inheritance—your very life itself—congratulate your own heart, if, like me, you are content with petty plunder, and are not tempted to exterminate a serpent, who now lives, perhaps to sting us all.'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 204, 205.]

[178] {382}["'Conrad ... before you assume the right to judge me with just a glance, try to understand my actions! Young and naive, having been sheltered until now in comfort and luxury, how can you comprehend the pull of passions or the heavy weight of despair? Wait until you’ve seen your greatest hopes crushed—faced humiliation and sorrow—dealt with poverty and insults—before you dare to evaluate how that impacts you! If that unfortunate day ever comes—if you find yourself in a position of power over someone who stands in the way of everything dear and noble to you!—someone who is ready to take away your name, your inheritance, even your very life—be thankful if, like me, you are satisfied with small gains and not driven to eliminate a threat, who may still live on, potentially to harm us all.'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 204, 205.]

[179] {383}["'You do not know this man,' continued he; 'I do!—I believe him to be mean—sordid—deceitful! You will conceive yourself safe, because you are young and brave! Learn, however, ... none are so secure but desperation or subtilty may reach them! Stralenheim, in the palace of a prince, was in my power! My knife was held over him—a single moment would have swept him from the face of the earth, and with him all my future fears:—I forbore—and I am now in his.—Are you certain that you are not so too? Who assures you he does not know you?—who tells you that he has not lured you into his society, either to rid himself of you for ever, or to plunge you with your family into a dungeon?'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 205. It should be noted that this and other passages from Miss Lee's story, which have been selected for comparison with the text, are to be regarded as representative parallels—samples of a far more extended adaptation. Vide ante, "The Introduction to Werner," p. 326.]

[179] {383}["'You don't know this guy,' he continued; 'I do!—I think he’s petty—greedy—dishonest! You might feel safe because you're young and brave! But remember, ... no one is truly safe; desperation or cunning can reach anyone! Stralenheim, inside a prince’s palace, was in my hands! I had my knife poised over him—a single moment could have erased him from this world, along with all my future worries:—I held back—and now he holds my fate. Are you sure you’re not in a similar position? Who’s to say he doesn’t know you?—who tells you he hasn’t drawn you into his circle, either to get rid of you for good or to throw you and your family into a dungeon?'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 205. It should be noted that this and other passages from Miss Lee's story, which have been selected for comparison with the text, are to be regarded as representative parallels—samples of a far more extended adaptation. Vide ante, "The Introduction to Werner," p. 326.]

[180] ["'Me ... he has known invariably through every change of fortune or of name—and why not you?—Me he has entrapped—are you more discreet? He has wound the snares of Idenstein around me:—of a reptile, whom, a few years ago, I would have spurned from my presence, and whom, in spurning now, I have furnished with fresh venom:—will you be more patient?—Conrad, Conrad, there are crimes rendered venial by the occasion, and temptations too exquisite for human fortitude to master or endure.'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 205.]

[180] ["'Me ... he has known consistently through every change in fortune or name—and why not you?—Me he has trapped—are you more careful? He has wrapped the traps of Idenstein around me:—of a creature that, a few years ago, I would have pushed away from me, and whom, by pushing away now, I have given new poison:—will you be more tolerant?—Conrad, Conrad, there are sins made excusable by the circumstances, and temptations too delicate for human strength to resist or bear.'"—Canterbury Tales, by Sophia and Harriet Lee, 1838, ii. 205.]

[181] {384}["'These are only the systems of my father ... My mother thinks not with him?'"—Ibid., p. 206.]

[181] {384}["'These are just my father's ideas ... My mother doesn't think like him?'"—Ibid., p. 206.]

[182] {385} The Ravenstone, "Rabenstein," is the stone gibbet of Germany, and so called from the ravens perching on it. [Compare Manfred, act iii., First Version, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 122.]

[182] {385} The Ravenstone, "Rabenstein," is the stone gibbet of Germany, named for the ravens that sit on it. [Compare Manfred, act iii., First Version, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 122.]

[cr] {387} ——and a master.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {387} ——and a master.—[MS. M.]

[183] {388}[Compare—"Cozenage, mere cozenage." Merry Wives of Windsor, act iv. sc. 5, line 58.

[183] {388}[Compare—"Just trickery, pure trickery." Merry Wives of Windsor, act iv. sc. 5, line 58.

If further proof were needed, the repetition or echo of Shakespearian phrases, here and elsewhere in the play, would reveal Byron's handiwork.]

If more proof is needed, the repetition or echo of Shakespearian phrases, here and elsewhere in the play, would show Byron's influence.

[184] {389}[Compare Marino Faliero, act ii, sc. 2, line 115—"These swoln silkworms masters."

[184] {389}[Compare Marino Faliero, act ii, sc. 2, line 115—"These bloated silkworms are in charge."]

Silkworm ("mal bigatto") is an Italianism. See Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 386, note 4.]

Silkworm ("mal bigatto") is an Italian term. See Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 386, note 4.]

[cs] {391}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {391}

——and hollow

and empty

Sickness sits caverned in his yellow eye.—[MS. M.]

Sickness lurks deep in his yellow eye.—[MS. M.]

[185] {393}["Thou hast harped my fear aright." Macbeth, act iv. sc. 1, line 74.]

[185] {393}["You've hit my fear perfectly." Macbeth, act iv. sc. 1, line 74.]

[186] {396}["Momus is the god of cruel mockery. He is said to have found fault with the man formed by Hephæstus, because a little door had not been left in his breast, so as to enable his fellows to look into his secret thoughts." (See Lucian's Hermotimus, cap. xx.) There was a proverb, Τῷ Μώμῳ ἀρέσκειν Momo santisfacere; vide Adagia Variorum, 1643, p. 58. Byron describes Suwarrow as "Now Mars, now Momus" (Don Juan, Canto VII. stanza Iv. line 7).]

[186] {396}["Momus is the god of harsh mockery. It's said he criticized the man created by Hephaestus because there wasn't a small door left in his chest, allowing others to see his true thoughts." (See Lucian's Hermotimus, cap. xx.) There was a saying, Μώμος likes Momo santisfacere; vide Adagia Variorum, 1643, p. 58. Byron describes Suwarrow as "Now Mars, now Momus" (Don Juan, Canto VII. stanza Iv. line 7).]

[187] {403}[For the "Theban brethren," Eteocles and Polynices, see the Septem c. Thebas of Æschylus. Byron had read and liked the "Seven before Thebes."—Letters, 1900, iv. 174.]

[187] {403}[For the "Theban brothers," Eteocles and Polynices, see the Septem c. Thebas by Aeschylus. Byron had read and liked the "Seven before Thebes."—Letters, 1900, iv. 174.]

[188] {404}[A cavity at the lower end of the lead attached to a sounding-line is partially filled with an arming (tallow), to which the bottom, especially if it be sand, shells, or fine gravel, adheres.—Knights's American Mechanical Dictionary, 1877, art. "Sounding-Apparatus."]

[188] {404}[A cavity at the lower end of the lead connected to a sounding line is partially filled with an arming (tallow), which sticks to the bottom, especially if it’s sand, shells, or fine gravel.—Knights's American Mechanical Dictionary, 1877, art. "Sounding-Apparatus."]

[189] {405}[Compare The Age of Bronze, line 45, for the story of Sesostris being drawn by kings. (See Diodorus Siculus, Bibl. Hist., lib. i. p. 37, C., ed. 1604, p. 53.)]

[189] {405}[See The Age of Bronze, line 45, for the story of Sesostris being pulled by kings. (Refer to Diodorus Siculus, Bibl. Hist., lib. i. p. 37, C., ed. 1604, p. 53.)]

[ct] {406} And never offered aught as a reward.—[MS. M. erased.]

[ct] {406} And never offered anything as a reward.—[MS. M. erased.]

[cu] {407} ——that if thou wert a snail, none else.—[MS. M.]

[cu] {407} ——that if you were a snail, no one else.—[MS. M.]

[190] {408}[Compare—"The iron tongue of midnight." Midsummer Night's Dream, act v. sc. 1, line 352.]

[190] {408}[Compare—"The iron tongue of midnight." A Midsummer Night's Dream, act v. sc. 1, line 352.]

[191] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza xcvi. line 5, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 275, note I.]

[191] [See Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza xcvi. line 5, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 275, note I.]

[192] {409}[Compare—"With your leave, I will call a will-o'-the-wisp." Goethe's Faust.]

[192] {409}[Compare—"If you don't mind, I'll summon a will-o'-the-wisp." Goethe's Faust.]

[193] {410}[Compare—"Sleep she as sound as careless infancy." Merry Wives of Windsor, act v. sc. 5, line 50.]

[193] {410}[Compare—"She sleeps as soundly as a carefree baby." Merry Wives of Windsor, act v. sc. 5, line 50.]

[194] {416}[At the siege of Magdeburg, May 19, 1631, "soldiers and citizens, with their wives, boys and girls, old and young, were all mercilessly butchered." "The city was set fire to at more than twelve points, and, except the cathedral and about fifty houses, sank into soot and ashes. It was not Tilly and his men, but Magdeburg's own people, who kindled the city to a conflagration."—History of the Thirty Years' War, by Anton Gindely, 1885, ii. 65, 66.]

[194] {416}[During the siege of Magdeburg on May 19, 1631, "soldiers and civilians, along with their wives, children, and the elderly, were all brutally slaughtered." "The city was set on fire in over twelve places, and, apart from the cathedral and about fifty houses, it was reduced to soot and ashes. It wasn't Tilly and his troops, but the people of Magdeburg themselves who ignited the city in flames."—History of the Thirty Years' War, by Anton Gindely, 1885, ii. 65, 66.]

[195] {418}[In Miss Lee's Kruitzner, Conrad meets his death in a skirmish on the frontiers of Franconia.]

[195] {418}[In Miss Lee's Kruitzner, Conrad dies in a fight on the borders of Franconia.]

[196] {423}[Compare "Excellent, i' faith; of the chameleon's dish: I eat the air" (Hamlet, act iii. sc. 2, lines 88, 89).]

[196] {423}[Compare "Excellent, I swear; of the chameleon's dish: I eat the air" (Hamlet, act iii. sc. 2, lines 88, 89).]

[197] [Compare—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [See—

"Had his free breathing been denied

"Had he been denied the ability to breathe freely"

The range of the steep mountain's side."

The area along the steep mountain's side.

Prisoner of Chillon, lines 142, 143.]

[198] [The Treaty of Prague was signed May 30, 1635.]

[198] [The Treaty of Prague was signed on May 30, 1635.]

[199] {428}[For "the attachment of the nightingale to the rose," see Giaour lines 21-31, Poetical Works, 1900, in. 86, note 1.]

[199] {428}[For "the bond between the nightingale and the rose," see Giaour lines 21-31, Poetical Works, 1900, in. 86, note 1.]

[200] {446}["Gab. I have yet an additional security. I did not enter Prague a solitary individual; and there are tongues without that will speak for me, although I should even share the fate of Stralenheim! Let your deliberation be short.—Sieg. My promise is solemn—sacred—irrevocable: it extends not, however, beyond my own walls."—Canterbury Tales, 1838, ii. 268; see, too, pp. 269, 270.]

[200] {446}["Gab. I have another layer of protection. I didn't arrive in Prague alone, and there are people outside who will vouch for me, even if I end up sharing the same fate as Stralenheim! Please make your decision quickly.—Sieg. My promise is serious—sacred—irrevocable; however, it doesn’t extend beyond my own walls."—Canterbury Tales, 1838, ii. 268; see, too, pp. 269, 270.]

[453]

WERNER
Nov. 1815.
[First Draft.]

ACT I.

Scene I.—A ruinous chateau on the Silesian frontier of Bohemia.

Josepha. The storm is at it's height—how the wind howls,

Josepha. The storm is at its peak—how the wind howls,

Like an unearthly voice, through these lone chambers!

Like a supernatural voice, through these empty rooms!

And the rain patters on the flapping casement

And the rain taps on the flapping window.

Which quivers in it's frame—the night is starless—

Which trembles in its frame—the night is starless—

Yet cheerly Werner! still our hearts are warm:

Yet cheer up, Werner! Our hearts are still warm:

The tempest is without, or should be so—

The storm is outside, or at least it should be—

For we are sheltered here where Fortune's clouds

For we are safe here where Fortune's clouds

May roll all harmless o'er us as the wrath

May roll all harmless over us like the anger

Of these wild elements that menace now,

Of these wild elements that threaten now,

Yet do not reach us.

But don’t reach us.

Werner (without attending, and walking disturbedly,

Werner (not attending and pacing,

speaking to himself). No—'Tis past—'tis blighted,10

speaking to himself). No—It's over—it's ruined,10

The last faint hope to which my withered fortune

The last faint hope that my dwindling fortune

Clung with a feeble and a fluttering grasp,

Clung with a weak and shaky hold,

Yet clung convulsively—for twas the last—

Yet clung tightly—for it was the last—

Is broken with the rest: would that my heart were!

Is broken with the rest: I wish my heart was!

But there is pride, and passion's war within,

But there is pride, and a battle of passion within,

Which give my breast vitality to suffer,

Which give my heart the strength to endure,

As it hath suffered through long years till now.

As it has endured through many years until now.

My father's wrath extends beyond the grave,[454]

My father's anger goes beyond death,[454]

And haunts me in the shape of Stralenheim!

And it haunts me as Stralenheim!

He revels in my fathers palace—I—20

He enjoys my dad's palace—I—20

Exiled—disherited—a nameless outcast!

Exiled—disinherited—a nameless outcast!

[Werner pauses.

[Werner takes a break.

My boy, too, where and what is he?—my father

My son, where is he and what is he doing?—my dad

Might well have limited his curse to me.

Might as well have just cursed me.

If that my heritage had passed to Ulric,

If my inheritance had gone to Ulric,

I had not mourned my own less happy lot.

I hadn’t grieved over my own less fortunate situation.

No—No—all's past—all torn away.

No—No—all's done—all gone.

Josepha.‍Dear Werner,

Josepha. Dear Werner,

Oh banish these discomfortable thoughts

Oh banish these uncomfortable thoughts

That thus contend within you: we are poor,

That struggle is within you: we are poor,

So we have ever been—but I remember

So we always have been—but I remember

The time when thy Josepha's smile could turn30

The time when your Josepha's smile could turn

Thy heart to hers—despite of every ill.

Your heart to hers—despite everything wrong.

So let it now—alas! you hear me not.

So let it be now—unfortunately! you don't hear me.

Werner. What said you?—let it pass—no matter what—

Werner. What did you say?—let it go—doesn't matter what—

Think me not churlish, Sweet, I am not well.

Think I'm rude, darling, I'm just not feeling well.

My brain is hot and busy—long fatigue

My mind is racing and overwhelmed—exhausted for a long time.

And last night's watching have oppressed me much.

And last night's viewing has weighed heavily on me.

Josepha. Then get thee to thy couch. I do perceive

Josepha. Then go to your couch. I can see

In thy pale cheek and in thy bloodshot eye

In your pale cheek and in your bloodshot eye

A strange distemperature—nay, as a boon,

A strange imbalance—rather, as a gift,

I do entreat thee to thy rest.

I urge you to get some rest.

Werner.‍My rest!40

Werner.‍My break!40

Well—be it so—Good Night!

Well, it is what it is—Good Night!

Josepha.‍Thy hand is burning;

Josepha. Your hand is burning;

I will prepare a potion:—peace be with thee—

I will make a potion:—peace be with you—

Tomorrow's dawn I trust will find thee healthful;

Tomorrow's dawn, I hope, will find you in good health;

And, then, our Ulric may perchance—

And then, our Ulric might—

Werner. Our Ulric—thine and mine—our only boy—

Werner. Our Ulric—yours and mine—our only son—

Curse on his father and his father's Sire!

Curse his father and his grandfather!

(For, if it is so, I will render back

(For, if that's the case, I will give back

A curse that Heaven will hear as well as his),

A curse that Heaven will hear just like his,

Our Ulric by his father's fault or folly,

Our Ulric because of his father's mistake or foolishness,

And by my father's unrelenting pride,50

And by my father's stubborn pride,50

Is at this hour, perchance, undone. This night

Is it possible that at this hour, things are falling apart? This night

That shelters us may shower it's wrath on him—

That which protects us may unleash its wrath on him—

A homeless beggar for his parent's sin—

A homeless beggar because of his parent's mistake—

Thy sin and mine—Thy child and mine atones[455]—

Our Ulric—Woman!—I'll to no bed to-night—

Our Ulric—Woman!—I'm not going to bed tonight—

There is no pillow for my thoughts.

There’s no comfort for my thoughts.

Josepha.‍What words,

Josepha. What words,

What fearful words are these! what may they mean?

What scary words are these! What could they mean?

Werner. Look on me—thou hast known me, hitherto,

Werner. Look at me—you've known me until now,

As an oppressed, but yet a humble creature;

As an oppressed yet humble being;

By birth predestined to the yoke I've borne.60

By birth, I was destined to carry this burden.60

Till now I've borne it patiently, at least,

Till now I've dealt with it patiently, at least,

In bitter silence—but the hour is come,

In bitter silence—but the time has come,

That should and shall behold me as I was,

That should and will see me as I was,

And ought again to be—

And should be again—

Josepha.‍I know not what

Josepha. I don't know what

Thy mystery may tend to, but my fate—

Thy mystery may lead to, but my fate—

My heart—my will—my love are linked with thine,

My heart, my will, my love are connected with yours,

And I would share thy sorrow: lay it open.

And I would share your sorrow: reveal it.

Werner. Thou see'st the son of Count—but let it pass—

Werner. You see the son of the Count—but let's move on—

I forfeited the name in wedding thee:

I gave up my name when I married you:

That fault of many faults a father's pride70

That flaw among many flaws is a father's pride70

Proclaimed the last and worst—and, from that hour,

He disavowed, disherited, debased

He rejected, disowned, degraded

A wayward son——tis a long tale—too long—

A rebellious son—it's a long story—too long—

And I am heartsick of the heavy thought.

And I am heartbroken over the heavy thought.

Josepha. Oh, I could weep—but that were little solace:

Josepha. Oh, I could cry—but that wouldn't bring much comfort:

Yet tell the rest—or, if thou wilt not, say—

Yet tell the rest—or, if you don't want to, say—

Yet say—why, through long years, from me withheld,

Yet say—why, for so many years, have you kept it from me,

This fearful secret that hath gnawed thy soul?

This terrifying secret that's been eating away at your soul?

Werner. Why? had it not been base to call on thee

Werner. Why? Was it not wrong to call on you?

For patience and for pity—to awake80

For patience and for compassion—to wake

The thirst of grandeur in thy gentle spirit—

The desire for greatness in your kind spirit—

To tell thee what thou shouldst have been—the wife

To tell you what you should have been—the wife

Of one, in power—birth—wealth, preeminent—

Of one, in power—birth—wealth, dominant—

Then, sudden quailing in that lofty tone,

Then, suddenly trembling in that lofty tone,

To bid thee soothe thy husband—peasant Werner?

To ask you to calm your husband—peasant Werner?

Josepha. I would thou wert, indeed, the peasant Werner;

Josepha. I really wish you were the peasant Werner;

For then thy soul had been of calmer mould,

For then your soul would have been more peaceful,

And suited to thy lot——

And suited to your situation—

Werner.‍Was it not so?

Werner.‍Wasn't it?

Beneath a humble name and garb—the which

Beneath a simple name and attire—the which

My youthful riot and a father's frown,90[456]

My youthful rebellion and a father's disapproval,90[456]

Too justly fixed upon me, had compelled

My bowed down spirit to assume too well—

My lowered spirit to accept too easily—

Since it deceived the world, myself, and thee:

Since it deceived the world, me, and you:

I linked my lot irrevocably with thine—

I linked my fate permanently with yours—

And I have loved thee deeply—long and dearly—

And I have loved you deeply—long and dearly—

Even as I love thee still—but these late crosses,

Even though I still love you—but these recent troubles,

And most of all the last,—have maddened me;

And most of all the last—have driven me crazy;

And I am wild and wayward as in youth,

And I am wild and unpredictable like I was when I was younger,

Ere I beheld thee—

Before I saw you—

Josepha.‍Would thou never hadst!

Josepha. Would you never have!

Since I have been a blight upon thy hope,100

Since I have been a burden on your hopes,100

And marred alike the present and the future.

And ruined both the present and the future.

Werner. Yet say not so—for all that I have known

Werner. But don't say that—for everything I've experienced

Of true and calm content—of love—of peace—

Of genuine and peaceful contentment—of love—of tranquility—

Has been with thee and from thee: wert thou not,

Has been with you and from you: weren’t you not,

I were a lonely and self-loathing thing.

I was a lonely and self-hating thing.

Ulric has left us! all, save thou, have left me!

Ulric has left us! Everyone, except you, has left me!

Father and son—Fortune—Fame—Power—Ambition—

Dad and son—Wealth—Fame—Influence—Drive—

The ties of being—the high soul of man—

The connections of existence—the elevated spirit of humanity—

All save the long remorse—the consciousness,

All except the long regret—the awareness,

The curse of living on, regretting life110

The burden of continuing to live while regretting life110

Mispent in miserably gazing upward,

Wasted staring up miserably,

While others soared—Away, I'll think no more.

While others thrived—I'm done thinking about it.

Josepha. But Ulric—wherefore didst thou let him leave

Josepha. But Ulric—why did you let him leave?

His home and us? tis now three weary years.

His home and us? It's now been three long years.

Werner (interrupting her quickly).

Werner (interrupting her fast).

Since my hard father, half-relenting, sent

Since my tough father, somewhat softening, sent

The offer of a scanty stipend which

The offer of a small salary which

I needs must earn by rendering up my son—

I have to earn by giving up my son—

Fool that I was—I thought this quick compliance,

And never more assuming in myself

And never more confident in myself

The haught name of my house would soften him—120

The proud name of my family would calm him—120

And for our child secure the heritage

And for our child, protect the inheritance.

Forfeit in me forever. Since that hour,

Till the last year, the wretched pittance came—

Till last year, the pathetic amount came—

Then ceased with every tidings of my son

Then there was no news about my son.

And Sire—till late I heard the last had ceased

And Sir—until recently I heard that the last one had stopped

To live—and unforgiving died—Oh God!

To live—and unforgivingly died—Oh God!

Josepha. Was it for this our Ulric left us so?

Josepha. Did Ulric really leave us for this?

Thou dids't deceive me then—he went not forth[457]

You deceived me then—he did not go out[457]

To join the legions of Count Tilly's war?

To join Count Tilly's army?

Werner. I know not—he had left my father's castle,130

Werner. I don't know—he had left my father's castle,130

Some months before his death—but why?—but why?

Left it as I did ere his birth, perchance,

Left it as I did before his birth, perhaps,

Like me an outcast. Old age had not made

Like me, an outcast. Old age hadn't made

My father meeker—and my son, Alas!

My father was more humble—and my son, unfortunately!

Too much his Sire resembled——

Too much like his Sire——

Josepha.‍Yet there's comfort.

Josepha.‍But there's comfort.

Restrain thy wandering Spirit—Ulric cannot

Restrain your wandering spirit—Ulric can't

Have left his native land—thou dost not know,

Have left his home country—you don’t know,

Though it looks strangely, thy Sire and he

Though it looks strange, your father and he

In anger parted—Hope is left us still.

In anger, we parted—But we still have hope.

Werner. The best hope that I ever held in youth,140

Werner. The greatest hope I ever had in my youth,140

When every pulse was life, each thought a joy,

When every heartbeat was full of life, and every thought brought happiness,

(Yet not irrationally sanguine, since

(Yet not unreasonably optimistic, since

My birth bespoke high thoughts,) hath lured and left me.

My birth promised great things,) has drawn me in and then abandoned me.

I will not be a dreamer in mine age—

I won’t be a dreamer in my time—

The hunter of a shadow—let boys hope:

The pursuer of a shadow—let boys hope:

Of Hope I now know nothing but the name—

Of Hope, I now only know the name—

And that's a sound which jars upon my heart.

And that's a sound that hits hard in my heart.

I've wearied thee—Good night—my patient Love!

I've tired you out—Good night—my patient Love!

Josepha. I must not leave thee thus—my husband—friend—

Josepha. I can’t leave you like this—my husband—my friend—

My heart is rent in twain for thee—I scarce150

My heart is broken for you—I barely

Dare greet thee as I would, lest that my love

Dare I greet you as I wish, unless my love

Should seem officious and ill timed:—'tis early—

Should seem pushy and poorly timed:—it's early—

Yet rest were as a healing balm to thee—

Yet rest was like a healing balm to you—

Then once again—Good night!

So once again—Good night!

Voice Without.‍What Ho—lights ho!

Voice Without.‍Yo—lights on!

Scene II.

Josepha. What noise is that? 'tis nearer—hush! they knock.

Josepha. What’s that noise? It’s getting closer—shh! They’re knocking.

[A knocking heard at the gate—Werner starts.

A knock at the gate—Werner jumps.

Werner (aside). It may be that the bloodhounds of the villain,

Werner (aside). It could be that the villain's bloodhounds,

Who long has tracked me, have approached at last:

Who has been following me for a long time has finally come close:

I'll not be taken tamely.

I won't be taken lightly.

Josepha.‍'Twas the voice,[458]

Josepha. It was the voice,

The single voice of some lone traveller.

The solo voice of a lone traveler.

I'll to the door.

I'll go to the door.

Werner.‍No—stay thou here—again!

Werner. No—stay here again!

[Knocking repeated. Opens the door.

[Knocking again. Opens the door.

Well—Sir—your pleasure?

Well, Sir, what’s your pleasure?

Enter Carl the Bavarian.

Carl.‍Thanks most worthy Sir!

Carl.‍Thanks, very esteemed Sir!

My pleasure, for to-night, depends on yours—

My pleasure tonight depends on yours—

I'm weary, wet, and wayworn—without shelter,

I'm tired, soaked, and worn out—without any place to stay,

Unless you please to grant it.

Unless you want to grant it.

Josepha.‍You shall have it,10

Josepha. You will have it,

Such as this ruinous mansion may afford:

Such a decrepit mansion may provide:

Tis spacious, but too cold and crazy now

It's spacious, but now it's too cold and chaotic.

For Hospitality's more cordial welcome:

For Hospitality's warmer welcome:

But as it is 'tis yours.

But as it is, it's yours.

Werner (to his wife). Why say ye so?

Werner (to his wife). Why do you say that?

At once such hearty greeting to a stranger?

Such a warm welcome for a stranger?

At such a lonely hour, too—

Josepha (in reply to Werner). Nay—he's honest.

Josepha (in reply to Werner). No—he's genuine.

There is trust-worthiness in his blunt looks.

There is reliability in his straightforward appearance.

Werner (to Josepha). "Trustworthiness in looks!" I'll trust no looks!

Werner (to Josepha). "Looks are deceiving!" I won’t trust appearances!

I look into men's faces for their age,

I look at men's faces to guess how old they are,

Not for their actions—had he Adam's brow,20

Open and goodly as before the fall,

Open and generous as before the fall,

I've lived too long to trust the frankest aspect.

I've lived too long to trust the most honest part.

(To Carl) Whence come you Sir?

(To Carl) Where are you from, Sir?

Carl.‍From Frankfort, on my way

Carl.‍From Frankfort, heading out

To my own country—I've a companion too—

To my own country—I have a companion too—

He tarries now behind:—an hour ago,

He is waiting behind now:—an hour ago,

On reaching that same river on your frontier,

On arriving at that same river on your border,

We found it swoln by storms—a stranger's carriage,

We found it swollen by storms—a stranger's carriage,

Despite the current, drawn by sturdy mules,

Despite the current, pulled by strong mules,

Essayed to pass, and nearly reached the middle

Essayed to pass, and almost made it to the middle

Of that which was the ford in gentler weather,30

Of what was the ford in milder weather,30

When down came driver, carriage, mules, and all—

When the driver, carriage, mules, and everything else came down—

You may suppose the worthy Lord within

You might think the esteemed Lord inside

Fared ill enough:—worse still he might have suffered,[459]

Fared badly enough:—he could have suffered even more,[459]

But that my comrade and myself rushed in,

But my friend and I rushed in,

And with main strength and some good luck beside,

And with strong effort and a bit of luck on our side,

Dislodged and saved him: he'll be here anon.

Dislodged and saved him: he'll be here soon.

His equipage by this time is at Dresden—

His carriage is now in Dresden—

I left it floating that way.

I let it stay like that.

Werner.‍Where is he?

Werner. Where's he at?

Carl. Hitherward on his way, even like myself—

Carl. On his way here, just like me—

We saw the light and made for the nearest shelter:40

We saw the light and headed for the nearest shelter:40

You'll not deny us for a single night?

You won't deny us even for one night?

You've room enough, methinks—and this vast ruin

You've got enough space, I think—and this huge ruin

Will not be worse for three more guests.

Will not be any worse for three more guests.

Werner.‍Two more:

And thou?—well—be it so—(aside) (tonight will soon

And you?—fine—let it be—(aside) (tonight will soon

Be overpast: they shall not stay tomorrow)—

Be gone: they won’t be here tomorrow)—

Know you the name of him you saved?

Do you know the name of the person you saved?

Carl.‍Not I!

Carl. Not me!

I think I heard him called a Baron Something—

I think I heard them refer to him as Baron Something—

But was too chill to stay and hear his titles:

But was too relaxed to stick around and listen to his titles:

You know they are sometimes tedious in the reckoning,

You know they can be a bit boring when you count them up,

If counted over by the noble wearer.50

If counted by the noble wearer.50

Has't any wine? I'm wet, stung to the marrow—

Hasn't any wine? I'm soaked, stung to the bone—

My comrade waited to escort the Baron:

My friend waited to escort the Baron:

They will be here, anon—they, too, want cheering:

They'll be here soon—they also want some cheering up:

I'll taste for them, if it please you, courteous host!

I'll taste it for them, if that's okay with you, gracious host!

Josepha. Such as our vintage is shall give you welcome:

Josepha. Whatever our style is, we will welcome you:

I'll bring you some anon.[goes out.

I'll bring you some soon.goes out.

Carl (looking round).‍A goodly mansion!

Carl (looking around). A nice house!

And has been nobly tenanted, I doubt not.

And I'm sure it has been occupied by great people.

This worn magnificence some day has shone

This faded grandeur once shone brightly.

On light hearts and long revels—those torn banners

On light hearts and long celebrations—those torn banners

Have waved o'er courtly guests—and yon huge lamp60

Have waved over fancy guests—and that big lamp

High blazed through many a midnight—I could wish

My lot had led me here in those gay times!

My situation had brought me here during those happy days!

Your days, my host, must pass but heavily.

Your days, my host, must feel really long.

Are you the vassal of these antient chiefs,

Are you the servant of these ancient leaders,

Whose heir wastes elsewhere their fast melting hoards,

Whose heir spends their quickly diminishing wealth elsewhere,

And placed to keep their cobwebs company?

And put there to keep their cobwebs company?

Werner (who has been absorbed in thought till the latter

Werner (who has been lost in thought until the latter

part of his speech). A Vassal!—I a vassal!—who accosts me[460]

part of his speech). A vassal!—Me, a vassal!—who approaches me[460]

With such familiar question?—(checks himself and says

With such a familiar question?—(checks himself and says

aside)—Down startled pride!

aside)—Chill out, pride!

Have not long years of wretchedness yet quenched thee,

Have all those long years of misery not extinguished you,

And, suffering evil, wilt thou start at scorn?70

And, if you're going through tough times, will you really be bothered by mockery?70

(To Carl.) Sir! if I boast no birth—and, as you see,

(To Carl.) Sir! If I don't have an impressive background—and, as you can see,

My state bespeaks none—still, no being breathes

My state reveals nothing—yet still, no one breathes

Who calls me slave or servant.—Like yourself

Who calls me a slave or servant?—Like you.

I am a stranger here—a lonely guest—

I’m a stranger here—a lonely visitor—

But, for a time, on sufferance. On my way,

But, for a while, by allowance. On my way,

From—a far distant city—Sickness seized,

From a distant city, illness struck,

And long detained me in the neighbouring hamlet.

And kept me stuck in the nearby village for a long time.

The Intendant of the owner of this castle,

The manager of the owner of this castle,

Then uninhabited, with kind intent,

Then empty, with good intentions,

Permitted me to wait returning health80

Permitted me to wait for my health to return80

Within these walls—more sheltered than the cot

Within these walls—more protected than the bed

Of humble peasants.

Of humble farmers.

Carl.‍Worthy Sir, your mercy!

Carl.‍Kind Sir, please have mercy!

I meant not to offend you—plain of speech,

I didn’t mean to offend you—just being straightforward,

And blunt in apprehension, I do judge

And straightforward in understanding, I do judge

Men's station from their seeming—but themselves

Men's status based on appearances—but not who they really are.

From acts alone. You bid me share your shelter,

From just your actions. You ask me to share your shelter,

And I am bound to you; and had you been

And I’m tied to you; and if you had been

The lowliest vassal had not thanked you less,

The least important vassal didn't thank you any less,

Than I do now, believing you his better,

Than I do now, believing you are better than him,

Perhaps my own superior—

Maybe my own boss—

Werner.‍What imports it?90

Werner.‍What does it import?90

What—who I am—or whence—you are welcome—sit—

What—who I am—or where—you are welcome—sit—

You shall have cheer anon. (walks disturbedly aside)

You’ll feel better soon. (walks around restlessly)

Carl (to himself). Here's a strange fellow!

Carl (to himself). What a weird guy!

Wild, churlish, angry—why, I know not, seek not.

Wild, rude, and angry—I don't know why, and I don't want to find out.

Would that the wine were come! my doublet's wet,

Would that the wine were here! My shirt is wet,

But my throat dry as Summer's drought in desarts.

But my throat is as dry as a summer drought in the deserts.

Ah—here it sparkles!

Ah—here it shines!

Enter Josepha with wine in flask—and a cup. As she pours it out a Voice is heard without calling at a distance. Werner starts—Josepha listens tremulously.

Enter Josepha with a wine flask—and a cup. As she pours it out, a voice is heard from a distance calling. Werner jumps—Josepha listens nervously.

Werner.‍That voice—that voice—Hark!

Werner.‍That voice—that voice—Listen!

No—no—tis silent—Sir—I say—that voice—

No—no—it's silent—Sir—I say—that voice—

Whose is it—speak[461]—

Whose is it—speak

Carl (drinking unconcernedly).

Carl (drinking casually).

Whose is it? faith, I know not—

Whose is it? Honestly, I have no idea—

And, yet, 'tis my companion's: he's like you,

And yet, it's my friend's: he's like you,

And does not care to tell his name and station.100

And doesn’t care to share his name and position.100

[The voice again and nearer.

[The voice coming closer.

Josepha. 'Tis his—I knew it—Ulric!—Ulric!—Ulric!

Josepha. It’s his—I knew it—Ulric!—Ulric!—Ulric!

[She drops the wine and rushes out.

She spills the wine and rushes out.

Carl. The flask's unhurt—but every drop is spilt.

Carl. The flask is fine—but every drop is spilled.

Confound the voice! I say—would he were dumb!

Confound the voice! I say—if only he were silent!

And faith! to me, he has been nearly so—

And honestly, to me, he has been almost that way—

A silent and unsocial travelling mate.

A quiet and antisocial travel companion.

Werner (stands in agitation gazing towards the door).

Werner (stands anxiously staring at the door).

If it be he—I cannot move to meet him.

If it’s him—I can’t move to greet him.

Yes—it must be so—there is no such voice

Yes—it has to be true—there is no voice like that.

That so could sound and shake me: he is here,

That could sound and shake me: he's here,

And I am—

And I’m—

Enter Stralenheim.

Werner (turns and sees him). A curse upon thee, stranger!

Werner (turns and sees him). A curse on you, stranger!

Where dids't thou learn a tone so like my boy's?110

Where did you learn a tone so similar to my son's?110

Thou mock bird of my hopes—a curse upon thee!

You mocking bird of my hopes—a curse on you!

Out! Out! I say. Thou shalt not harbour here.

Out! Out! I say. You cannot stay here.

Stralenheim. What means the peasant? knows he unto whom

Stralenheim. What does the peasant mean? Does he know to whom

He dares address this language?

He dares to address this language?

Carl.‍Noble Sir!

Carl.‍Dear Sir!

Pray heed him not—he's Phrenzy's next door neighbour,

Pray don't listen to him—he's Phrenzy's next door neighbor,

And full of these strange starts and causeless jarrings.

And filled with these strange beginnings and random disruptions.

Werner. Oh, that long wished for voice!—I dreamed of it—

Werner. Oh, that long-awaited voice!—I dreamed of it—

And then it did elude me—then—and now.

And then it escaped me—then—and now.

Enter Ulric and Josepha. Werner falls on his neck.

Enter Ulric and Josepha. Werner collapses into his arms.

Oh God! forgive, for thou dids't not forget me.

Oh God! please forgive me, for you did not forget me.

Although I murmured—tis—it is my Son!120

Although I whispered—yes—it is my Son!120

Josepha. Aye, 'tis dear Ulric—yet, methinks, he's changed, too:

Josepha. Yes, it's dear Ulric—though I think he's changed, too:

His cheek is tanned, his frame more firmly knit![462]

His cheek is tanned, his body is more solidly built![462]

That scar, too, dearest Ulric—I do fear me—

That scar, too, dear Ulric—I really do worry—

Thou hast been battling with these heretics,

You have been fighting against these heretics,

And that's a Swedish token on thy brow.

And that's a Swedish token on your brow.

Ulric. My heart is glad with yours—we meet like those

Ulric. I'm happy with you—we come together like those

Who never would have parted:—of the past

Who would never want to let go:—of the past

You shall know more anon—but, here's a guest

You’ll find out more later—but here’s a guest.

That asks a gentle welcome. Noble Baron,

That asks for a warm welcome. Noble Baron,

My father's silence looks discourtesy:130

My dad's silence looks rude:130

Yet must I plead his pardon—'tis his love

Yet I must ask for his forgiveness—it's his love

Of a long truant that has rapt him, thus,

Of a long absence that has taken him away, thus,

From hospitable greeting—you'll be seated—

Warm welcome—you'll be seated—

And, Father, we will sup like famished hunters.

And, Dad, we’ll eat like starving hunters.

Josepha goes out here.

Josepha is heading out now.

Stralenheim. I have much need of rest: no more refreshment!

Stralenheim. I really need to rest: no more breaks!

Were all my people housed within the hamlet,

Were all my people living in the village,

Or can they follow?

Can they keep up?

Ulric.‍Not to night I fear.

Ulric. Not tonight, I fear.

They staid in hope the damaged Cabriole

They stayed hopeful about the damaged Cabriole.

Might, with the dawn of day, have such repairs,

Might, with the break of day, have such repairs,

As circumstance admits of.

As circumstances allow.

Carl.‍Nay—that's hopeless.140

Carl. Nah—that's hopeless.

They must not only mend but draw it too.

They must not only fix it but also pull it in.

The mules are drowned—a murrain on them both!

The mules are drowned—a plague on them both!

One kicked me as I would have helped him on.

One kicked me just as I was about to help him.

Stralenheim. It is most irksome to me—this delay.

Stralenheim. This delay is really frustrating for me.

I was for Prague on business of great moment.

I was headed to Prague for important business.

Werner. For Prague—Sir—Say you?—

Werner. For Prague—Sir—What do you say?—

Stralenheim.‍Yes, my host! for Prague.

And these vile floods and villainous cross roads

And these awful floods and treacherous crossroads

Steal my time from it's uses—but—my people?

Steal my time from its uses—but—my people?

Where do they shelter?

Where do they take shelter?

Ulric.‍In the boatman's shed,

Ulric. In the boat's shed,

Near to the ferry: you mistook the ford—150

Near the ferry: you got the crossing wrong—150

Tis higher to the right:—their entertainment

Will be but rough—but 'tis a single night,

Will be tough—but it's just one night,

And they had best be guardians of the baggage.

And they should be in charge of the luggage.

The shed will hold the weather from their sleep,

The shed will protect them from the weather while they sleep,

The woodfire warm them—and, for beds, a cloak[463]

The wood fire warms them—and they use a cloak for beds[463]

Is swansdown to a seasoned traveller:

Is swansdown to a seasoned traveler:

It has been mine for many a moon, and may

It has been mine for many months, and may

Tonight, for aught it recks me.

Tonight, I don't care.

Stralenheim.‍And tomorrow

Stralenheim. Tomorrow

I must be on my journey—and betimes.

I need to start my journey—and soon.

It is not more than three days travel, hence,160

It’s no more than three days of travel, so,160

To Mansfeldt Castle.

Werner and Ulric. Mansfeldt Castle!—

Stralenheim.‍Aye!

Stralenheim.‍Yeah!

For thither tends my progress—so, betimes,

For there goes my journey—so, early,

Mine host I would be stirring—think of that!

And let me find my couch of rest at present.

And let me find my comfy spot to relax right now.

Werner. You shall Sir—but—to Mansfeldt!—

Werner. You shall, sir—but—to Mansfeldt!—

[Ulric stops his father and says aside to him,

[Ulric interrupts his father and quietly tells him,

Silence—father—

Silence—dad—

Whate'er it be that shakes you thus—tread down—

Whichever thing is making you feel this way—step on—

(To Stralenheim) My father, Sir, was born not far from Prague,

And knows it's environs—and, when he hears,

And knows its surroundings—and, when he hears,

The name endeared to him by native thoughts,

The name that he cherished due to local ideas,

He would ask of it, and it's habitants—170

He would ask about it and its inhabitants—170

You will excuse his plain blunt mode of question.

You'll excuse his straightforward way of asking questions.

Stralenheim. Indeed, perchance, then, he may aid my search.

Stralenheim. Indeed, perhaps he can help me with my search.

Pray, know you aught of one named Werner? who

Pray, do you know anyone named Werner? who

(But he no doubt has passed through many names),

(But he no doubt has gone through many names),

Lived long in Hamburgh—and has thence been traced

Lived a long time in Hamburg—and has since been tracked

Into Silesia—and not far from hence—

Into Silesia—and not far from here—

But there we lost him; he who can disclose

But there we lost him; he who can reveal

Aught of him, or his hiding-place, will find

Aught of him, or where he's hiding, will be found

Advantage in revealing it.

Benefit in disclosing it.

Ulric.‍Why so—Sir?

Ulric. Why so, Sir?

Stralenheim. There are strong reasons to suspect this man180

Of crimes against the State—league with Swedes—

Of crimes against the State—collaboration with the Swedes—

And other evil acts of moment:—he

And other evil acts of significance:—he

Who shall deliver him, bound hand and foot,

Who will free him, tied hand and foot,

Will benefit his country and himself:

I will reward him doubly too.

I will reward him twice as much.

Ulric.‍You know him?

Ulric. You know him?

Stralenheim. He never met my eyes—but Circumstance[464]

Stralenheim. He never looked me in the eye—but Circumstance[464]

Has led me to near knowledge of the man.

Has brought me closer to understanding the man.

He is a villain—and an enemy

He’s a villain and an enemy.

To all men—most to me! If earth contain him,

To all men—especially to me! If the earth holds him,

He shall be found and fettered: I have hopes,190

He will be found and restrained: I am hopeful,190

By traces which tomorrow will unravel,

By clues that tomorrow will reveal,

A fresh clue to his lurking spot is nigh.

A new clue to his hiding place is near.

Carl. And, if I find it, I will break the thread.

Carl. And if I find it, I’ll cut the thread.

What, all the world against one luckless wight!

What, the whole world against one unlucky person!

And he a fugitive—I would I knew him!

And he’s a fugitive—I wish I knew him!

Ulric. You'd help him to escape—is it not so?

Ulric. You would help him escape, right?

Carl. I would, indeed!

Carl. Absolutely!

Ulric.‍The greater greenhorn you!

Ulric. You big rookie!

I would secure him—nay—I will do so.

I will make sure to secure him—no, I absolutely will.

Stralenheim. If it be so—my gratitude for aid,

Stralenheim. If that’s the case—thank you for your help,

And rescue of my life from the wild waters,200

And saving my life from the raging waters,200

Will double in it's strength and it's requital.

Will double in its strength and its repayment.

Your father, too, perhaps can help our search?

Your dad might be able to help us with our search, too?

Werner. I turn a spy—no—not for Mansfeldt Castle,

Werner. I become a spy—not for Mansfeldt Castle,

And all the broad domain it frowns upon.

And all the vast area it looks down on.

Stralenheim. Mansfeldt again!—you know it then? perchance,

Stralenheim. Mansfeldt again!—So, you know it? Maybe,

You also know the story of it's lords?

You also know the story of its lords?

Werner. Whate'er I know, there is no bribe of thine

Werner. Whatever I know, there’s no bribe from you

Can swerve me to the crooked path thou pointest.

Can you steer me away from the crooked path you're indicating?

The chamber's ready, which your rest demands.

The room is ready, just as you need for your rest.

Stralenheim (aside).

Stralenheim (by the way).

'Tis strange—this peasant's tone is wondrous high,210

'Tis strange—this peasant's tone is remarkably high,210

His air imperious—and his eye shines out

His demeanor is commanding—and his eyes stand out

As wont to look command with a quick glance—

As is often the case, looking with a quick glance—

His garb befits him not—why, he may be

His outfit doesn't suit him—why, he might be

The man I look for! now, I look again,

The man I'm searching for! Now, I look again,

There is the very lip—short curling lip—

There is the very lip—short, curled lip—

And the oerjutting eye-brow dark and large,

And the thick, dark eyebrow was large,

And the peculiar wild variety

And the unusual wild variety

Of feature, even unto the Viper's eye,

Of beauty, even to the Viper's eye,

Of that detested race, and it's descendant

Of that hated race, and its descendant

Who stands alone between me and a power,220

Which Princes gaze at with unquiet eyes!

Which princes look at with restless eyes!

This is no peasant—but, whate'er he be,

This is no commoner—but whatever he is,

Tomorrow shall secure him and unfold.

Tomorrow will reveal and secure him.

Ulric. It will not please you, Sir, then to remain[465]

Ulric. It won't make you happy, Sir, to stay[465]

With us beyond tomorrow?

With us after tomorrow?

Stralenheim. Nay—I do not say so—there is no haste.

Stralenheim. No—I’m not saying that—there’s no rush.

And now I think again—I'll tarry here—

And now I think again—I'll stay here—

Perhaps until the floods abate—we'll see—

Perhaps until the floods go down—we'll see—

In the mean time—to my chamber—so—Good Night!

In the meantime—I'm going to my room—so—Goodnight!

[Exit with Werner.

[Leave with Werner.

Werner. This way, Sir.

Werner. This way, sir.

Carl. And I to mine: pray, where are we to rest?230

Carl. And I to mine: hey, where are we going to rest?230

We'll sup within—

We'll eat inside—

Ulric.‍What matter where—there's room.

Ulric.‍It doesn't matter where—there's space.

Carl. I would fain see my way through this vast ruin;

Carl. I would really like to find my way through this huge mess;

Come take the lamp, and we'll explore together.

Come grab the lamp, and we'll explore together.

Josepha (meeting them). And I will with my son.

Ulric.‍Nay—stay—dear mother!

Ulric.‍No—stay—dear mom!

These chilly damps and the cold rush of winds

These damp chills and the cold gusts of wind

Fling a rough paleness o'er thy delicate cheek—

Fling a harsh paleness over your delicate cheek—

And thou seem'st lovely in thy sickliness

And you seem beautiful even in your illness.

Of most transparent beauty:—but it grieves me.

Of the clearest beauty:—but it makes me sad.

Nay! tarry here by the blaze of the bright hearth:—

Nay! stay here by the warm glow of the fire:—

I will return anon—and we have much240

I will be back soon—and we have a lot

To listen and impart. Come, Carl, we'll find

To listen and share. Come on, Carl, let's go.

Some gorgeous canopy, and, thence, unroost

Some beautiful canopy, and, from there, unroost

It's present bedfellows the bats—and thou

It's current companions the bats—and you

Shalt slumber underneath a velvet cloud

Shall sleep under a soft velvet cloud

That mantles o'er the couch of some dead Countess.

That covers the couch of a deceased Countess.

[Exit Carl and Ulric.

[Leave Carl and Ulric.

Josepha (sola). It was my joy to see him—nothing more

Josepha (alone). It was my pleasure to see him—nothing else.

I should have said—which sent my gush of blood

I should have said—which made my blood rush

Back on my full heart with a dancing tide:

Back on my whole heart with a dancing tide:

It was my weary hope's unthought fulfilment,

It was the unexpected fulfillment of my tired hope,

My agony of mother-feelings curdled250

My agony of motherly feelings curdled

At once in gathered rapture—which did change

At once in gathered delight—which did change

My cheek into the hue of fainting Nature.

My cheek against the soft colors of fading nature.

I should have answered thus—and yet I could not:

I should have replied like this—but I just couldn't:

For though 'twas true—it was not all the truth.

For even though it was true, it wasn't the whole truth.

I have much suffered in the thought of Werner's

I have suffered a lot thinking about Werner's

Late deep distemperature of mind and fortunes,

Late deep distress of mind and circumstances,

Which since have almost driven him into phrenzy:—

Which has nearly driven him into madness:—

And though that I would soothe, not share, such passions,[466]

And even though I would calm, not share, those feelings,[466]

And show not how they shake me:—when alone,

And don’t show how they shake me:—when I’m alone,

I feel them prey upon me by reflection,260

I feel them watching me like I’m the prey,260

And want the very solace I bestowed;

And I want the same comfort I gave.

And which, it seems, I cannot give and have.

And it seems that I can't give what I have.

Ulric must be my comforter—his father's

Ulric has to be my comforter—his father's

Hath long been the most melancholy soul

Has long been the saddest soul

That ever hovered o'er the verge of Madness:

That always lingered on the edge of madness:

And, better, had he leapt into it's gulph:

And, even better, if he had jumped into its abyss:

Though to the Mad thoughts are realities,

Though to the crazy, thoughts are real,

Yet they can play with sorrow—and live on.

Yet they can cope with sorrow—and carry on.

But with the mind of consciousness and care

But with a conscious and caring mindset

The body wears to ruin, and the struggle,270

The body deteriorates over time, and the struggle,270

However long, is deadly——He is lost,

However long, is deadly—He is lost,

And all around him tasteless:—in his mirth

And all around him dull:—in his happiness

His very laughter moves me oft to tears,

His laughter often brings me to tears,

And I have turned to hide them—for, in him,

And I've turned to hide them—because, in him,

As Sunshine glittering o'er unburied bones——

As sunshine sparkles over unburied bones——

Soft—he is here.——

Soft—he's here.——

Werner.‍Josepha—where is Ulric?

Werner.‍Josepha—where's Ulric?

Josepha. Gone with the other stranger to gaze o'er

Josepha. Left with the other stranger to look over

These shattered corridors, and spread themselves

These broken hallways, and expanded themselves

A pillow with their mantles, in the least ruinous:

A pillow with their covers, in the least damaging:

I must replenish the diminished hearth280

I need to restock the low fire280

In the inner chamber—the repast is ready,

In the inner room—the meal is ready,

And Ulric will be here again.—

And Ulric will be here again.

[467]

THE
DEFORMED TRANSFORMED:
A DRAMA.

[468]

[469]

INTRODUCTION TO
THE DEFORMED TRANSFORMED.

The date of the original MS. of The Deformed Transformed is "Pisa, 1822." There is nothing to show in what month it was written, but it may be conjectured that it was begun and finished within the period which elapsed between the death of Allegra, April 20, and the death of Shelley, July 8, 1822. According to Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 227), an unfavourable criticism of Shelley's ("It is a bad imitation of Faust"), together with a discovery that "two entire lines" of Southey's—

The date of the original manuscript of The Deformed Transformed is "Pisa, 1822." There's no indication of the specific month it was written, but it can be speculated that it was started and completed during the time between Allegra's death on April 20 and Shelley's death on July 8, 1822. According to Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 227), a negative review of Shelley's work ("It's a poor imitation of Faust"), along with a discovery that "two entire lines" of Southey's—

"And water shall see thee,

"And water will see you,

And fear thee, and flee thee"—

And I fear you, and run from you"—

were imbedded in one of his "Songs," touched Byron so deeply that he "threw the poem into the fire," and concealed the existence of a second copy for more than two years. It is a fact that Byron's correspondence does not contain the remotest allusion to The Deformed Transformed; but, with regard to the plagiarism from Southey, in the play as written in 1822 there is neither Song nor Incantation which could have contained two lines from The Curse of Kehama.

were embedded in one of his "Songs," affected Byron so deeply that he "threw the poem into the fire," and hid the existence of a second copy for more than two years. It's a fact that Byron's correspondence doesn’t make any mention of The Deformed Transformed; however, concerning the plagiarism from Southey, in the version of the play written in 1822, there is neither Song nor Incantation that could have included two lines from The Curse of Kehama.

As a dramatist, Byron's function, or métier, was twofold. In Manfred, in Cain, in Heaven and Earth, he is concerned with the analysis and evolution of metaphysical or ethical notions; in Marino Faliero, in Sardanapalus, and The Two Foscari, he set himself "to dramatize striking passages of history;" in The Deformed Transformed he sought to combine the solution of a metaphysical puzzle or problem, the relation of personality to individuality, with the scenic rendering of a striking historical episode, the Sack of Rome in 1527.

As a playwright, Byron had a dual role. In Manfred, Cain, and Heaven and Earth, he focused on exploring and developing metaphysical and ethical concepts. In Marino Faliero, Sardanapalus, and The Two Foscari, he aimed to "dramaticize powerful moments from history." In The Deformed Transformed, he tried to merge the resolution of a metaphysical dilemma, the relationship between personality and individuality, with a dramatic portrayal of a significant historical event, the Sack of Rome in 1527.

In the note or advertisement prefixed to the drama, Byron acknowledges that "the production" is founded partly on the story of a forgotten novel, The Three Brothers, and partly on "the Faust of the great Goethe."[470]

In the note or ad at the beginning of the play, Byron admits that "the production" is based partly on the story of a forgotten novel, The Three Brothers, and partly on "the Faust by the great Goethe."[470]

Arnaud, or Julian, the hero of The Three Brothers (by Joshua Pickersgill, jun., 4 vols., 1803), "sells his soul to the Devil, and becomes an arch-fiend in order to avenge himself for the taunts of strangers on the deformity of his person" (see Gent. Mag., November, 1804, vol. 74, p. 1047; and post, pp. 473-479). The idea of an escape from natural bonds or disabilities by supernatural means and at the price of the soul or will, the un-Christlike surrender to the tempter, which is the grund-stoff of the Faust-legend, was brought home to Byron, in the first instance, not by Goethe, or Calderon, or Marlowe, but by Joshua Pickersgill. A fellow-feeling lent an intimate and peculiar interest to the theme. He had suffered all his life from a painful and inconvenient defect, which his proud and sensitive spirit had magnified into a deformity. He had been stung to the quick by his mother's taunts and his sweetheart's ridicule, by the jeers of the base and thoughtless, by slanderous and brutal paragraphs in newspapers. He could not forget that he was lame. If his enemies had but possessed the wit, they might have given him "the sobriquet of Le Diable Boiteux" (letter to Moore, April 2, 1823, Letters, 1901, vi. 179). It was no wonder that so poignant, so persistent a calamity should be "reproduced in his poetry" (Life, p. 13), or that his passionate impatience of such a "thorn in the flesh" should picture to itself a mysterious and unhallowed miracle of healing. It is true, as Moore says (Life, pp. 45, 306), that "the trifling deformity of his foot" was the embittering circumstance of his life, that it "haunted him like a curse;" but it by no means follows that he seriously regarded his physical peculiarity as a stamp of the Divine reprobation, that "he was possessed by an idée fixe that every blessing would be 'turned into a curse' to him" (letter of Lady Byron to H. C. Robinson, Diary, etc., 1869, in. 435, 436). No doubt he indulged himself in morbid fancies, played with the extravagances of a restless imagination, and wedded them to verse; but his intellect, "brooding like the day, a master o'er a slave," kept guard. He would never have pleaded on his own behalf that the tyranny of an idée fixe, a delusion that he was predestined to evil, was an excuse for his short-comings or his sins.

Arnaud, or Julian, the hero of The Three Brothers (by Joshua Pickersgill, jun., 4 vols., 1803), "sells his soul to the Devil and becomes an arch-fiend to get revenge for the mockery he faces from strangers about his physical deformity" (see Gent. Mag., November, 1804, vol. 74, p. 1047; and post, pp. 473-479). The concept of escaping natural limitations or disabilities through supernatural means, at the cost of the soul or will, the un-Christlike surrender to temptation, which forms the foundation of the Faust legend, resonated with Byron, not through Goethe, Calderon, or Marlowe, but through Joshua Pickersgill. He felt a personal connection to the theme as he had endured a painful and troublesome defect his entire life, which his proud and sensitive nature had turned into a deformity in his mind. He had been deeply hurt by his mother's taunts and his girlfriend's ridicule, as well as the sneers of the cruel and careless, and the slanderous and harsh remarks in newspapers. He could never forget that he was lame. If his enemies had been clever enough, they might have called him "Le Diable Boiteux" (letter to Moore, April 2, 1823, Letters, 1901, vi. 179). It is no surprise that such a painful and lingering affliction would be "reproduced in his poetry" (Life, p. 13), or that his intense frustration with this "thorn in the flesh" would lead him to envision a mysterious and unholy miracle of healing. It is true, as Moore states (Life, pp. 45, 306), that "the minor deformity of his foot" was a source of bitterness in his life, that it "haunted him like a curse;" but it does not necessarily mean that he seriously believed his physical flaw was a sign of Divine disfavor, or that "he was burdened with an idée fixe that every blessing would be 'turned into a curse' for him" (letter from Lady Byron to H. C. Robinson, Diary, etc., 1869, in. 435, 436). He likely entertained morbid thoughts, played with the whims of an uneasy imagination, and entwined them with his poetry; however, his intellect, "brooding like the day, a master o'er a slave," remained vigilant. He would never have argued that the tyranny of an idée fixe, a delusion of being destined for evil, was an excuse for his shortcomings or his sins.

Byron's very considerable obligations to The Three Brothers might have escaped notice, but the resemblance between his "Stranger," or "Cæsar," and the Mephistopheles of "the great Goethe" was open and palpable.

Byron's significant debts to The Three Brothers might have gone unnoticed, but the similarity between his "Stranger," or "Cæsar," and the Mephistopheles from "the great Goethe" was clear and obvious.

If Medwin may be trusted (Conversations, 1824, p. 210), Byron had read "Faust in a sorry French translation," and it is probable that Shelley's inspired rendering of "May-day[471] Night," which was published in The Liberal (No. i., October 14, 1822, pp. 123-137), had been read to him, and had attracted his attention. The Deformed Transformed is "a Faustish kind of drama;" and Goethe, who maintained that Byron's play as a whole was "no imitation," but "new and original, close, genuine, and spirited," could not fail to perceive that "his devil was suggested by my Mephistopheles" (Conversations, 1874, p. 174). The tempter who cannot resist the temptation of sneering at his own wiles, who mocks for mocking's sake, is not Byron's creation, but Goethe's. Lucifer talked at the clergy, if he did not "talk like a clergyman;" but the "bitter hunchback," even when he is solus, sneers as the river wanders, "at his own sweet will." He is not a doctor, but a spirit of unbelief!

If we can believe Medwin (Conversations, 1824, p. 210), Byron read "Faust in a terrible French translation," and it's likely that Shelley's inspired version of "May-day[471] Night," published in The Liberal (No. i., October 14, 1822, pp. 123-137), was read to him and caught his interest. The Deformed Transformed is "a Faustish kind of drama;" and Goethe, who insisted that Byron's play as a whole was "no imitation," but "new and original, close, genuine, and spirited," certainly noticed that "his devil was inspired by my Mephistopheles" (Conversations, 1874, p. 174). The tempter who can't resist mocking his own tricks, who sneers for the sake of sneering, is not a creation of Byron, but of Goethe. Lucifer spoke at the clergy, even if he didn't "talk like a clergyman;" but the "bitter hunchback," even when he's solus, mocks as the river meanders, "at his own sweet will." He is not a doctor, but a spirit of disbelief!

The second part of The Deformed Transformed represents, in three scenes, the Siege and Sack of Rome in 1527. Byron had read Robertson's Charles the Fifth (ed. 1798, ii. 313-329) in his boyhood (Life, p. 47), but it is on record that he had studied, more or less closely, the narratives of contemporary authorities. A note to The Prophecy of Dante (Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 258) refers to the Sacco di Roma, descritto da Luigi Guicciardini, and the Ragguaglio Storico ... sacco di Roma dell' anno MDXXVII. of Jacopo Buonaparte; and it is evident that he was familiar with Cellini's story of the marvellous gests and exploits quorum maxima pars fuit, which were wrought at "the walls by the Campo Santo," or on the ramparts of the Castle of San Angelo.

The second part of The Deformed Transformed depicts, in three scenes, the Siege and Sack of Rome in 1527. Byron had read Robertson's Charles the Fifth (ed. 1798, ii. 313-329) in his youth (Life, p. 47), but it's noted that he studied the accounts of contemporary authors quite thoroughly. A note in The Prophecy of Dante (Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 258) mentions the Sacco di Roma, described by Luigi Guicciardini, and the Ragguaglio Storico ... sacco di Roma dell' anno MDXXVII. by Jacopo Buonaparte; it's clear that he was acquainted with Cellini's tale of the incredible deeds and exploits quorum maxima pars fuit, which took place "at the walls by the Campo Santo," or on the ramparts of the Castle of San Angelo.

The Sack of Rome was a great national calamity, and it was something more: it was a profanation and a sacrilege. The literature which it evoked was a cry of anguish, a prophetic burden of despair. "Chants populaires," writes M. Emile Gebhart (De l'Italie, "Le Sac de Rome en 1527," 1876, pp. 267, sq.), "Nouvelles de Giraldi Cintio, en forme de Décaméron ... récits historiques ... de César Grollier, Dialogues anonymes ... poésies de Pasquin, toute une littérature se developpa sur ce thème douloureux.... Le Lamento di Roma, œuvre étrange, d'inspiration gibeline, rappelle les espérances politiques exprimées jadis par Dante ... 'Bien que César m'ait dépouille'e de liberté, nous avons toujours été d'accord dans une même volonté. Je ne me lamenterais pas si lui régnait; mais je crois qu'il est ressuscité, ou qu'il ressuscitera véritablement, car souvent un Ange m'a annoncé qu'un César viendrait me délivrer.'... Enfin, voici une chanson française que répétaient en repassant les monts les soldats du Marquis de Saluces:—

The Sack of Rome was a huge national disaster, but it was also something more: it was a violation and a desecration. The literature that emerged from it was filled with cries of anguish, a prophetic burden of despair. "Chants populaires," writes M. Emile Gebhart (De l'Italie, "Le Sac de Rome en 1527," 1876, pp. 267, sq.), "Nouvelles by Giraldi Cintio, in the style of a Decameron ... historical narratives ... by César Grollier, anonymous Dialogues ... poems by Pasquin, a whole body of literature developed around this painful theme.... The Lamento di Roma, a strange work inspired by the Ghibellines, recalls the political hopes once expressed by Dante ... 'Although Caesar has stripped me of freedom, we have always agreed in a common will. I would not lament if he ruled; but I believe he has risen, or will truly rise, for often an angel has announced to me that a Caesar will come to rescue me.'... Finally, here is a French song that the soldiers of the Marquis of Saluces repeated as they crossed the mountains:—

"Parlons de la déffaiete

"Let's talk about the defeat"

De ces pouvres Rommains,[472]

De ces pauvres Romains,

Aussi de la complainete

Also from the complainant

De notre père saint.

From our holy father.

"'O noble roy de France,

"O noble king of France,

Regarde en pitié

Look with pity

L'Eglise en ballance ...

L'Église en balance ...

Pour Dieu! ne tarde plus,

For God! Don’t delay anymore,

C'est ta mère, ta substance;

It's your mom, your essence;

O fils, n'en faictz reffus.'"

O son, don’t refuse.”

"Le dernier monument," adds M. Gebhart, in a footnote, "de cette littérature, est le singulier drame de Byron, The Deformed Transformed, dont Jules César est le héros, et le Sac de Rome le cadre."

"According to M. Gebhart in a footnote, the final monument of this literature is Byron's unusual play, The Deformed Transformed, in which Julius Caesar is the protagonist and the Sack of Rome serves as the backdrop."

It is unlikely that Byron, who read everything he could lay his hands upon, and spared no trouble to master his "period," had not, either at first or second hand, acquainted himself with specimens of this popular literature. (For La Presa e Lamento di Roma, Romæ Lamentatio, etc., see Lamenti Storici dei Secoli xiv., xv. (Medin e Fratri), Scelta di Curiosità, etc., 235, 236, 237, Bologna, 1890, vol. iii. See, too, for "Chanson sur la Mort du Connétable de Bourbon," Recueil de Chants historiques français, par A. J. V. Le Roux de Lincy, 1842, ii. 99.)

It's unlikely that Byron, who read everything he could get his hands on and made every effort to understand his time, wasn't familiar with examples of this popular literature, whether directly or indirectly. (For La Presa e Lamento di Roma, Romæ Lamentatio, etc., see Lamenti Storici dei Secoli xiv., xv. (Medin e Fratri), Scelta di Curiosità, etc., 235, 236, 237, Bologna, 1890, vol. iii. See also for "Chanson sur la Mort du Connétable de Bourbon," Recueil de Chants historiques français, par A. J. V. Le Roux de Lincy, 1842, ii. 99.)

The Deformed Transformed was published by John Hunt, February 20, 1824. A third edition appeared February 23, 1824.

The Deformed Transformed was published by John Hunt on February 20, 1824. A third edition was released on February 23, 1824.

It was reviewed, unfavourably, in the London Magazine, March, 1824, vol. 9, pp. 315-321; the Scots Magazine, March, 1824, N.S. vol. xiv. pp. 353-356; and in the Monthly Review, March, 1824, Enlarged Series, 103, pp. 321, 324. One reviewer, however (London Magazine), had the candour to admit that "Lord Byron may write below himself, but he can never write below us!"

It was reviewed negatively in the London Magazine, March 1824, vol. 9, pp. 315-321; the Scots Magazine, March 1824, N.S. vol. xiv, pp. 353-356; and in the Monthly Review, March 1824, Enlarged Series, 103, pp. 321, 324. One reviewer, however (London Magazine), had the honesty to admit that "Lord Byron may write beneath his standards, but he can never write beneath ours!"

For the unfinished third part, vide post, pp. 532-534.

For the incomplete third part, see later, pp. 532-534.

[473]

This production is founded partly on the story of a novel called "The Three Brothers,"[201] published many [474] years ago, from which M. G. Lewis's "Wood Demon"[202] was also taken; and partly on the "Faust" of the great Goethe. The present publication [203] contains the two first Parts only, and the opening chorus of the third. The rest may perhaps appear hereafter.

This production is partly based on a novel called "The Three Brothers,"[201] published many [474] years ago, which also inspired M. G. Lewis's "Wood Demon"[202]. It is also influenced by the "Faust" of the great Goethe. The current publication [203] includes only the first two parts and the opening chorus of the third. The rest may be published later.

[475]

[476]

DRAMATIS PERSONÆ

Unknown person, afterwards Caesar

Arnold.

Bourbon whiskey.

Philibert.

Cellini.

Bertha.

Olimpia.

Spirits, Soldiers, Citizens of Rome, Priests, Peasants, etc.

[477]

THE DEFORMED TRANSFORMED:[cv]

PART I.

Scene I.—A Forest.

Enter Arnold and his mother Bertha.

Enter Arnold and his mom Bertha.

Bert. Out, Hunchback!

Bert. Get out, Hunchback!

Arn.‍I was born so, Mother![204]

Arn.‍I was born this way, Mom![204]

Bert.‍Out,

Bert. Out,

Thou incubus! Thou nightmare! Of seven sons,[478]

The sole abortion!

The only abortion!

Arn.‍Would that I had been so,

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I wish I had been like that,

And never seen the light!

And never saw the light!

Bert.‍I would so, too!

Bert.‍Same here!

But as thou hast—hence, hence—and do thy best!

But since you have—go away, go away—and do your best!

That back of thine may bear its burthen; 'tis

That back of yours may carry its load; it's

More high, if not so broad as that of others.

More high, if not as wide as that of others.

Arn. It bears its burthen;—but, my heart! Will it

Arn. It carries its load;—but, my heart! Will it

Sustain that which you lay upon it, Mother?

Sustain what you put on it, Mom?

I love, or, at the least, I loved you: nothing10

I love you, or at least I loved you: nothing10

Save You, in nature, can love aught like me.

Save You, by nature, can love anything like I do.

You nursed me—do not kill me!

You cared for me—please don’t kill me!

Bert.‍Yes—I nursed thee,

Bert.‍Yes—I cared for you,

Because thou wert my first-born, and I knew not

Because you were my firstborn, and I didn't know

If there would be another unlike thee,

If there were another like you,

That monstrous sport of Nature. But get hence,

That monstrous thing of nature. But get out of here,

And gather wood![205]

And collect firewood![205]

Arn.‍I will: but when I bring it,

Arn.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I will: but when I bring it,

Speak to me kindly. Though my brothers are

Speak to me kindly. Even though my brothers are

So beautiful and lusty, and as free

So beautiful and lively, and as free

As the free chase they follow, do not spurn me:

As the free pursuit they follow, don’t reject me:

Our milk has been the same.

Our milk has remained the same.

Bert.‍As is the hedgehog's,20

Bert. As is the hedgehog's,

Which sucks at midnight from the wholesome dam

Of the young bull, until the milkmaid finds

The nipple, next day, sore, and udder dry.

The nipple was sore the next day, and the udder was dry.

Call not thy brothers brethren! Call me not

Call not your brothers "brethren"! Don't call me

Mother; for if I brought thee forth, it was

Mother; for if I gave you life, it was

As foolish hens at times hatch vipers, by

As foolish hens sometimes hatch snakes, by

Sitting upon strange eggs. Out, urchin, out!

Sitting on weird eggs. Out, little one, out!

[Exit Bertha.

Arn. (solus). Oh, mother!——She is gone, and I must do

Arn. (solus). Oh, mom!——She’s gone, and I have to do

Her bidding;—wearily but willingly

Her request;—tired but willing

I would fulfil it, could I only hope30

I would fulfill it if I could just hope30

A kind word in return. What shall I do?

A kind word in return. What should I do?

[Arnold begins to cut wood: in doing this he wounds one of his hands.

Arnold starts chopping wood: while doing this, he injures one of his hands.

My labour for the day is over now.

My work for the day is done now.

Accursed be this blood that flows so fast;[479]

For double curses will be my meed now

For double curses will be my reward now

At home—What home? I have no home, no kin,

At home—What home? I don’t have a home, no family,

No kind—not made like other creatures, or

To share their sports or pleasures. Must I bleed, too,

To share their sports or pleasures. Do I have to bleed, too,

Like them? Oh, that each drop which falls to earth

Like them? Oh, that every drop that falls to the ground

Would rise a snake to sting them, as they have stung me!

Would a snake rise up to sting them, just like they have stung me!

Or that the Devil, to whom they liken me,40

Or that the Devil, to whom they compare me,40

Would aid his likeness! If I must partake [206]

Would help his image! If I have to join in [206]

His form, why not his power? Is it because

His shape, why not his strength? Is it because

I have not his will too? For one kind word

I don't have his will either? Just for one nice word?

From her who bore me would still reconcile me

From the one who gave me life would still make peace with me.

Even to this hateful aspect. Let me wash

Even to this hateful side. Let me wash

The wound.

The injury.

[Arnold goes to a spring, and stoops to wash his hand: he starts back.

[Arnold goes to a spring and bends down to wash his hand: he pulls back.

They are right; and Nature's mirror shows me,

They are right; and Nature's reflection reveals to me,

What she hath made me. I will not look on it

What she has made me. I will not look at it.

Again, and scarce dare think on't. Hideous wretch

Again, and I can hardly bear to think about it. Horrible creature.

That I am! The very waters mock me with50

My horrid shadow—like a demon placed

My terrible shadow—like a demon set

Deep in the fountain to scare back the cattle

Deep in the fountain to frighten off the cattle

From drinking therein.[He pauses.

From drinking there.[He pauses.

And shall I live on,

And will I keep living,

A burden to the earth, myself, and shame

A burden to the planet, to myself, and to shame

Unto what brought me into life? Thou blood,

Unto what brought me into life? You blood,

Which flowest so freely from a scratch, let me

Which flows so freely from a scratch, let me

Try if thou wilt not, in a fuller stream,

Try if you want not, in a fuller stream,

Pour forth my woes for ever with thyself

Pour out my troubles forever with you.

On earth, to which I will restore, at once,

On Earth, which I will restore right away,

This hateful compound of her atoms, and60

This hateful mix of her atoms, and60

Resolve back to her elements, and take

The shape of any reptile save myself,

The shape of any reptile except me,

And make a world for myriads of new worms!

And create a world for countless new worms!

This knife! now let me prove if it will sever

This knife! Now let me see if it will cut.

This withered slip of Nature's nightshade—my

This dried-up piece of Nature's nightshade—my

Vile form—from the creation, as it hath[480]

Vile form—from the creation, as it has[480]

The green bough from the forest.

The green branch from the forest.

[Arnold places the knife in the ground, with the point upwards.

[Arnold sticks the knife into the ground, with the tip pointing up.

Now 'tis set,

Now it's set,

And I can fall upon it. Yet one glance

And I can fall onto it. But just one look

On the fair day, which sees no foul thing like

On the fair day, which sees no bad thing like

Myself, and the sweet sun which warmed me, but70

Myself and the warm sun that was shining on me, but70

In vain. The birds—how joyously they sing!

In vain. The birds—how happily they sing!

So let them, for I would not be lamented:

So let them, because I don’t want anyone to mourn for me:

But let their merriest notes be Arnold's knell;

But let their happiest tunes be Arnold's funeral bell;

The fallen leaves my monument; the murmur

The fallen leaves are my monument; the murmur

Of the near fountain my sole elegy.

Of the nearby fountain, my only elegy.

Now, knife, stand firmly, as I fain would fall!

Now, knife, hold steady, as I would gladly fall!

[As he rushes to throw himself upon the knife, his eye is suddenly caught by the fountain, which seems in motion.

As he hurries to throw himself onto the knife, his eye is suddenly drawn to the fountain, which appears to be moving.

The fountain moves without a wind: but shall

The fountain moves without any wind: but shall

The ripple of a spring change my resolve?

The ripple of a spring changed my resolve?

No. Yet it moves again! The waters stir,

No. But it moves again! The waters are stirring,

Not as with air, but by some subterrane80

Not like with air, but through some underground particles.

And rocking Power of the internal world.

And rocking power of the inner world.

What's here? A mist! No more?—

What's going on? A fog! Is that it?—

[A cloud comes from the fountain. He stands gazing upon it: it is dispelled, and a tall black man comes towards him.[207]

A cloud rises from the fountain. He watches it intently: it disappears, and a tall Black man approaches him.[207]

Arn.‍What would you? Speak!

Arn. What do you want? Speak!

Spirit or man?

Soul or human?

Stran.‍As man is both, why not

Stran.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.As man is both, why not

Say both in one?

Say both in one go?

Arn.‍Your form is man's, and yet

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Your shape is human, and yet

You may be devil.

You might be the devil.

Stran.‍So many men are that

Strange. So many men are that

Which is so called or thought, that you may add me

Which is what people say or believe, so you can include me

To which you please, without much wrong to either.

To whichever you prefer, without causing much trouble to either.

But come: you wish to kill yourself;—pursue

But come on: you want to end your life;—go after

Your purpose.

Your mission.

Arn.‍You have interrupted me.

Arn. You just interrupted me.

Stran. What is that resolution which can e'er90[481]

Stran. What is that decision that can ever span90[481]

Be interrupted? If I be the devil

Be interrupted? If I am the devil

You deem, a single moment would have made you

You think, a single moment could have changed you

Mine, and for ever, by your suicide;

Mine, and forever, by your suicide;

And yet my coming saves you.

And yet my arrival saves you.

Arn.‍I said not

I said no.

You were the Demon, but that your approach

You were the Demon, but your method

Was like one.

Stran.‍Unless you keep company

Stranger. Unless you hang out

With him (and you seem scarce used to such high

With him (and you don’t seem very used to such high

Society) you can't tell how he approaches;

Society) you can't tell how he gets there;

And for his aspect, look upon the fountain,

And for his appearance, look at the fountain,

And then on me, and judge which of us twain100

And then on me, and judge which of us two100

Looks likest what the boors believe to be

Looks like what the fools believe to be

Their cloven-footed terror.

Their hooved monster.

Arn.‍Do you—dare you

Do you dare?

To taunt me with my born deformity?

To mock me for my natural deformity?

Stran. Were I to taunt a buffalo with this

Stran. If I were to tease a buffalo with this

Cloven foot of thine, or the swift dromedary

Cloven foot of yours, or the swift dromedary

With thy Sublime of Humps, the animals

With your Sublime of Humps, the animals

Would revel in the compliment. And yet

Would enjoy the compliment. And yet

Both beings are more swift, more strong, more mighty

Both beings are faster, stronger, and more powerful.

In action and endurance than thyself,

In action and endurance than yourself,

And all the fierce and fair of the same kind110

And all the fierce and beautiful of the same kind110

With thee. Thy form is natural: 'twas only

With you. Your shape is natural: it was only

Nature's mistaken largess to bestow

Nature's misguided generosity to give

The gifts which are of others upon man.

The gifts that others give to man.

Arn. Give me the strength then of the buffalo's foot,[cw]

Arn. So give me the strength of a buffalo's foot, [cw]

When he spurns high the dust, beholding his

When he turns up the dust, looking at his

Near enemy; or let me have the long

And patient swiftness of the desert-ship,

And the patient speed of the desert ship,

The helmless dromedary!—and I'll bear [cx]

The helmless dromedary!—and I'll manage [cx]

Thy fiendish sarcasm with a saintly patience.

Your cruel sarcasm with a saintly patience.

Stran. I will.

Stran. I’ll do it.

Arn. (with surprise). Thou canst?

Arn. (with surprise). You can?

Stran.‍Perhaps. Would you aught else?120

Stran.‍Maybe. Do you need anything else?120

Arn. Thou mockest me.

Arn. You're mocking me.

Stran.‍Not I. Why should I mock

Stran.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Not me. Why would I make fun of

What all are mocking? That's poor sport, methinks.[482]

What are you all mocking? That's not cool, I think.[482]

To talk to thee in human language (for

To talk to you in human language (for

Thou canst not yet speak mine), the forester

Hunts not the wretched coney, but the boar,

Hunts not the miserable rabbit, but the boar,

Or wolf, or lion—leaving paltry game

Or wolf, or lion—leaving small prey

To petty burghers, who leave once a year

To small-town folks, who leave once a year

Their walls, to fill their household cauldrons with

Their walls, to fill their home pots with

Such scullion prey. The meanest gibe at thee,—

Such scullion prey. The nastiest insult aimed at you,—

Now I can mock the mightiest.[cy]

Now I can mock the mighty.__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Arn.‍Then waste not130

Arn. Then don’t waste time

Thy time on me: I seek thee not.

Your time on me: I don't seek you.

Stran.‍Your thoughts

Stran. Your thoughts

Are not far from me. Do not send me back:

Are not far from me. Please don't send me back:

I'm not so easily recalled to do

I'm not easily reminded to do

Good service.

Great service.

Arn.‍What wilt thou do for me?

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.What will you do for me?

Stran.‍Change

Strain. Change

Shapes with you, if you will, since yours so irks you;

Shapes with you, if you want, since yours annoys you;

Or form you to your wish in any shape.

Or shape you into whatever form you desire.

Arn. Oh! then you are indeed the Demon, for

Arn. Oh! then you really are the Demon, because

Nought else would wittingly wear mine.

Nothing else would knowingly wear mine.

Stran.‍I'll show thee

I'll show you

The brightest which the world e'er bore, and give thee

The brightest that the world ever had, and give you

Thy choice.

Your choice.

Arn.‍On what condition?

On what condition?

Stran.‍There's a question!140

Stran. There's a question!

An hour ago you would have given your soul

An hour ago, you would have sold your soul.

To look like other men, and now you pause

To look like other guys, and now you stop

To wear the form of heroes.

To take on the roles of heroes.

Arn.‍No; I will not.

Arn. No; I won't.

I must not compromise my soul.

I can't compromise my spirit.

Stran.‍What soul,

Stran. What soul,

Worth naming so, would dwell in such a carcase?

Worth naming so, would live in such a body?

Arn. 'Tis an aspiring one, whate'er the tenement

Arn. It's an aspiring one, whatever the place

In which it is mislodged. But name your compact:

In which it is misplaced. But name your agreement:

Must it be signed in blood?

Stran.‍Not in your own.

Stran. Not alone.

Arn. Whose blood then?

Arn. Whose blood is that?

Stran.‍We will talk of that hereafter.

Stran. We'll talk about that later.

But I'll be moderate with you, for I see150

But I'll be reasonable with you, because I see150

Great things within you. You shall have no bond[483]

Great things are inside you. You shall have no bond[483]

But your own will, no contract save your deeds.

But your own will, no agreement other than your actions.

Are you content?

Are you happy?

Arn.‍I take thee at thy word.

I trust you.

Stran. Now then!—

[The Stranger approaches the fountain, and turns to Arnold.

[The Stranger walks up to the fountain and turns to Arnold.

A little of your blood.[208]

A bit of your blood.[208]

Arn.‍For what?

For what?

Stran. To mingle with the magic of the waters,

Stran. To connect with the enchantment of the waters,

And make the charm effective.

And make the charm work.

Arn. (holding out his wounded arm). Take it all.

Arn. (holding out his injured arm). Take it all.

Stran. Not now. A few drops will suffice for this.

Stran. Not right now. A few drops will do for this.

[The Stranger takes some of Arnold's blood in his hand, and casts it into the fountain.

The Stranger takes some of Arnold's blood in his hand, and casts it into the fountain.

Shadows of Beauty!

Shades of Beauty!

Shadows of Power!

Rise to your duty—160

Step up to your duty—160

This is the hour!

This is the moment!

Walk lovely and pliant [cz]

Walk gracefully and flexibly [cz]

From the depth of this fountain,

From the depths of this fountain,

As the cloud-shapen giant

As the cloud-shaped giant

Bestrides the Hartz Mountain.[209]

Bestrides the Harz Mountains.[209]

Come as ye were,

Come as you are,

That our eyes may behold

That we may see

The model in air

The air model

Of the form I will mould,

Of the shape I will create,

Bright as the Iris170

Bright as the Iris

When ether is spanned;—

When ether is spread;—

Such his desire is,[Pointing to Arnold.

Such his desire is, [Pointing to Arnold.

Such my command![da]

Demons heroic—

Heroic demons—

Demons who wore

Demons in disguise

The form of the Stoic

The Stoic mindset

Or sophist of yore[484]—

Or ancient sophist

Or the shape of each victor—

Or the shape of each winner—

From Macedon's boy,

From Macedon's kid,

To each high Roman's picture,180

To each high Roman's image,180

Who breathed to destroy—

Shadows of Beauty!

Shadows of Power!

Up to your duty—

Step up to your duty—

This is the hour!

This is the moment!

[Various phantoms arise from the waters, and pass in succession before the Stranger and Arnold.

[i]Various phantoms rise from the waters and move in turn before the Stranger and[/i] Arnold.

Arn. What do I see?

Arn. What am I seeing?

Stran.‍The black-eyed Roman,[210] with

Stran. The black-eyed Roman, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ with

The eagle's beak between those eyes which ne'er

The eagle's beak between those eyes which never

Beheld a conqueror, or looked along

The land he made not Rome's, while Rome became

The land he created wasn't Rome's, even as Rome transformed.

His, and all theirs who heired his very name.190

His, and all those who inherited his name.190

Arn. The phantom's bald; my quest is beauty. Could I

Arn. The ghost is bald; my quest is beauty. Could I

Inherit but his fame with his defects!

Inherit only his fame along with his flaws!

Stran. His brow was girt with laurels more than hairs.[211]

Stran. His forehead was crowned with more laurels than hair.[211]

You see his aspect—choose it, or reject.

You can see how he looks—accept it or turn it down.

I can but promise you his form; his fame

I can only promise you his shape; his reputation.

Must be long sought and fought for.

Must be long sought after and fought for.

Arn.‍I will fight, too,

Arn. I’ll fight, too,

But not as a mock Cæsar. Let him pass:

But not as a fake Caesar. Let him go:

His aspect may be fair, but suits me not.

His appearance might be nice, but it doesn't suit me.

Stran. Then you are far more difficult to please

Stran. Then you are much harder to please.

Than Cato's sister, or than Brutus's mother,200

Or Cleopatra at sixteen [212]—an age

Or Cleopatra at sixteen__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—an age

When love is not less in the eye than heart.

When love is just as strong in the eyes as it is in the heart.

But be it so! Shadow, pass on!

But that's how it is! Shadow, move on!

[The phantom of Julius Cæsar disappears.

The ghost of Julius Caesar fades away.

Arn.‍And can it

Arn. And can it

Be, that the man who shook the earth is gone,[db][485]

Be aware that the man who shook the earth is gone,[db][485]

And left no footstep?

And left no trace?

Stran.‍There you err. His substance

Stran.‍You are mistaken. His essence

Left graves enough, and woes enough, and fame

More than enough to track his memory;

More than enough to keep track of his memory;

But for his shadow—'tis no more than yours,

But for his shadow—it's no different than yours,

Except a little longer and less crooked

I' the sun. Behold another![A second phantom passes.

I’m the sun. Look, there’s another one!A second ghost passes.

Arn.‍Who is he?210

Who is he?

Stran. He was the fairest and the bravest of

Stran. He was the most beautiful and the most courageous of

Athenians.[213] Look upon him well.

Athenians. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Look at him closely.

Arn.‍He is

Arn.‍He's

More lovely than the last. How beautiful!

More beautiful than the last. How gorgeous!

Stran. Such was the curled son of Clinias;—wouldst thou

Stran. That was the curly-haired son of Clinias;—would you

Invest thee with his form?

Grant you his appearance?

Arn.‍Would that I had

Arn.‍I wish I had

Been born with it! But since I may choose further,

Been born with it! But since I can choose more,

I will look further.[The shade of Alcibiades disappears.

I will look further.The ghost of Alcibiades vanishes.

Stran.‍Lo! behold again!

Stran.‍Look! Check this out again!

Arn. What! that low, swarthy, short-nosed, round-eyed satyr,

Arn. What! that short, dark-skinned, flat-nosed, round-eyed satyr,

With the wide nostrils and Silenus' aspect,

With large nostrils and the look of Silenus,

The splay feet and low stature![214] I had better220

The splayed feet and short height![214] I had better220

Remain that which I am.

Stay true to who I am.

Stran.‍And yet he was

Stran. And yet he was

The earth's perfection of all mental beauty,

The earth's ideal manifestation of all intellectual beauty,

And personification of all virtue.

And embodiment of all virtue.

But you reject him?

But you turned him down?

Arn.‍If his form could bring me

Arn.Sure, please provide the text you would like me to modernize.If his shape could bring me

That which redeemed it—no.

That which saved it—no.

Stran.‍I have no power

Stran. I have no power.

To promise that; but you may try, and find it

To promise that; but you can try and see if it's true.

Easier in such a form—or in your own.[486]

Easier in this form—or in your own.[486]

Arn. No. I was not born for philosophy,

Arn. No. I wasn’t meant for philosophy,

Though I have that about me which has need on't.

Though I have qualities that are necessary for it.

Let him fleet on.

Let him go.

Stran.‍Be air, thou Hemlock-drinker!230

Stran.‍Be gone, you Hemlock-drinker!230

[The shadow of Socrates disappears: another rises.

The influence of Socrates diminishes: another one rises.

Arn. What's here? whose broad brow and whose curly beard

Arn. What's going on here? Whose wide forehead and curly beard is this?

And manly aspect look like Hercules,[215]

And manly appearance looks like Hercules,[215]

Save that his jocund eye hath more of Bacchus

Save that his cheerful eye has more of Bacchus

Than the sad purger of the infernal world,

Than the sorrowful cleaner of the underworld,

Leaning dejected on his club of conquest,[216]

Leaning sadly on his weapon of victory,[216]

As if he knew the worthlessness of those

As if he realized how worthless those

For whom he had fought.

For whom he fought.

Stran.‍It was the man who lost

Stran.Understood! Please provide the text for me to modernize.It was the man who lost

The ancient world for love.

The ancient world of love.

Arn.‍I cannot blame him,

I can't blame him,

Since I have risked my soul because I find not

That which he exchanged the earth for.

That which he traded the earth for.

Stran.‍Since so far240

Stran. Since so far

You seem congenial, will you wear his features?

You seem friendly, will you take on his features?

Arn. No. As you leave me choice, I am difficult.

Arn. No. Since you're not leaving me much choice, I'm being difficult.

If but to see the heroes I should ne'er

If just to see the heroes I should never

Have seen else, on this side of the dim shore,

Have seen elsewhere, on this side of the dark shore,

Whence they float back before us.

Stran.‍Hence, Triumvir,

Stran. Hence, Triumvir,

Thy Cleopatra's waiting.

Your Cleopatra's waiting.

[The shade of Antony disappears: another rises.

The shadow of Antony disappears: another one appears.

Arn.‍Who is this?

Who’s this?

Who truly looketh like a demigod,

Who really looks like a demigod,

Blooming and bright, with golden hair, and stature,

Blooming and bright, with golden hair and a tall figure,

If not more high than mortal, yet immortal

If not higher than mortals, yet still immortal

In all that nameless bearing of his limbs,250

In all that unrecognized way he carried himself, 250

Which he wears as the Sun his rays—a something

Which he wears like the Sun wears its rays—something

Which shines from him, and yet is but the flashing

Which shines from him, and yet is just the flashing

Emanation of a thing more glorious still.

Emanation of something even more glorious.

Was he e'er human only?[217][487]

Was he ever just human?__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__[487]

Stran.‍Let the earth speak,

Let the earth speak,

If there be atoms of him left, or even

If there are any atoms of him left, or even

Of the more solid gold that formed his urn.

Of the purer gold that made his urn.

Arn. Who was this glory of mankind?

Arn. Who was this great person?

Stran.‍The shame

The shame

Of Greece in peace, her thunderbolt in war—

Demetrius the Macedonian, and

Taker of cities.

City conqueror.

Arn.‍Yet one shadow more.260

Yet one more shadow.

Stran. (addressing the shadow). Get thee to Lamia's lap!

Stran. (talking to the shadow). Go to Lamia's lap!

[The shade of Demetrius Poliorcetes vanishes: another rises.

The shadow of Demetrius Poliorcetes fades away: another one emerges.

I'll fit you still,

I'll make it work for you,

Fear not, my Hunchback: if the shadows of

That which existed please not your nice taste,

That which existed doesn’t please your refined taste,

I'll animate the ideal marble, till

I'll bring the perfect marble to life until

Your soul be reconciled to her new garment

Your soul should be at peace with its new form.

Arn. Content! I will fix here.

Arn. Sounds good! I'll take care of it here.

Stran.‍I must commend

Stran. I must commend

Your choice. The godlike son of the sea-goddess,

Your choice. The godlike son of the sea goddess,

The unshorn boy of Peleus, with his locks

As beautiful and clear as the amber waves

As beautiful and clear as the golden waves

Of rich Pactolus, rolled o'er sands of gold,270

Of the wealthy Pactolus, flowing over golden sands,270

Softened by intervening crystal, and

Rippled like flowing waters by the wind,[488]

Rippled like flowing water in the breeze,[488]

All vowed to Sperchius [218] as they were—behold them!

All pledged to Sperchius [218] just as they were—look at them!

And him—as he stood by Polixena,

And him—as he stood with Polixena,

With sanctioned and with softened love, before

With approved and gentle love, before

The altar, gazing on his Trojan bride,

The altar, looking at his Trojan bride,

With some remorse within for Hector slain

With some regret inside for Hector being killed

And Priam weeping, mingled with deep passion

And Priam, crying, was filled with deep emotion.

For the sweet downcast virgin, whose young hand

For the sweet, downcast young woman, whose delicate hand

Trembled in his who slew her brother. So280

Trembled in his who killed her brother. So280

He stood i' the temple! Look upon him as

He stood in the temple! Look at him as

Greece looked her last upon her best, the instant

Greece saw her best for the last time, the moment

Ere Paris' arrow flew.

Before Paris' arrow flew.

Arn.‍I gaze upon him

I look at him

As if I were his soul, whose form shall soon

As if I were his soul, whose form will soon

Envelope mine.

My envelope.

Stran.‍You have done well. The greatest

Stran. You’ve done amazing. The best

Deformity should only barter with

Deformity should only deal with

The extremest beauty—if the proverb's true

The utmost beauty—if the saying holds true

Of mortals, that Extremes meet.

Of mortals, where extremes meet.

Arn.‍Come! Be quick!

Arn.‍Come on! Hurry up!

I am impatient.

I'm impatient.

Stran.‍As a youthful beauty

Stran.‍As a young beauty

Before her glass. You both see what is not,290

But dream it is what must be.

But it is what must be dreamed.

Arn.‍Must I wait?

Must I wait?

Stran. No; that were a pity. But a word or two:

Stran. No; that would be unfortunate. But just a word or two:

His stature is twelve cubits; would you so far

His height is twelve feet; would you go that far

Outstep these times, and be a Titan? Or

Outshine these times and be a Titan? Or

(To talk canonically) wax a son

Of Anak?

Arn.‍Why not?

Arn. Why not?

Stran.‍Glorious ambition!

Stran. Glorious ambition!

I love thee most in dwarfs! A mortal of

I love you the most in dwarfs! A mortal of

Philistine stature would have gladly pared

His own Goliath down to a slight David:

His own Goliath turned into a slight David:

But thou, my manikin, wouldst soar a show300

But you, my little man, would soar a show300

Rather than hero. Thou shalt be indulged,[489]

Rather than a hero. You will be indulged,[489]

If such be thy desire; and, yet, by being

If that's what you want; and, still, by being

A little less removed from present men

A little less distant from today's people

In figure, thou canst sway them more; for all

In the image, you can influence them more; for all

Would rise against thee now, as if to hunt

Would rise against you now, as if to hunt

A new-found Mammoth; and their curséd engines,

A newly discovered Mammoth; and their cursed machines,

Their culverins, and so forth, would find way

Their cannons and so on would find a way

Through our friend's armour there, with greater ease

Through our friend's armor there, with greater ease

Than the Adulterer's arrow through his heel

Which Thetis had forgotten to baptize310

In Styx.

In the underworld.

Arn.‍Then let it be as thou deem'st best.

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Then let it be as you think is best.

Stran. Thou shalt be beauteous as the thing thou seest,

Stran. You will be as beautiful as what you see,

And strong as what it was, and——

And as strong as it was, and——

Arn.‍I ask not

I don’t ask

For Valour, since Deformity is daring.[219]

For courage, since imperfection is bold.[219]

It is its essence to o'ertake mankind

It is its very nature to surpass humanity.

By heart and soul, and make itself the equal—

By heart and soul, and make itself equal—

Aye, the superior of the rest. There is

Aye, the best of the bunch. There is

A spur in its halt movements, to become

A sudden stop in its movements, to become

All that the others cannot, in such things

All that the others can't do in these situations

As still are free to both, to compensate320

For stepdame Nature's avarice at first.

For stepmother Nature's greed at first.

They woo with fearless deeds the smiles of fortune,

They win the favor of fortune with bold actions,

And oft, like Timour the lame Tartar,[220] win them.

And often, like Timur the lame Tartar,[220] win them.

Stran. Well spoken! And thou doubtless wilt remain

Stran. Well said! And you will surely stay

Formed as thou art. I may dismiss the mould

Formed as you are. I can let go of the mold.

Of shadow, which must turn to flesh, to incase

Of shadow, which must turn to flesh, to encase

This daring soul, which could achieve no less

This bold person, who could accomplish nothing less

Without it.[490]

Arn.‍Had no power presented me

Arn.‍Had no power offered to me

The possibility of change, I would

Have done the best which spirit may to make330

Have done the best that the spirit can do to make

Its way with all Deformity's dull, deadly,

Its approach to all deformity is dull and lifeless,

Discouraging weight upon me, like a mountain,

Discouraging weight on me, like a mountain,

In feeling, on my heart as on my shoulders—

A hateful and unsightly molehill to

A hateful and ugly molehill to

The eyes of happier men. I would have looked

On Beauty in that sex which is the type

On Beauty in that sex which represents the ideal

Of all we know or dream of beautiful,

Of all we know or dream of that's beautiful,

Beyond the world they brighten, with a sigh—

Beyond the world they illuminate, with a sigh—

Not of love, but despair; nor sought to win,

Not of love, but of despair; nor tried to win,

Though to a heart all love, what could not love me340

Though to a heart full of love, what could not love me340

In turn, because of this vile crookéd clog,

In turn, because of this despicable, distorted obstacle,

Which makes me lonely. Nay, I could have borne

Which makes me feel lonely. No, I could have handled

It all, had not my mother spurned me from her.

It all happened because my mother rejected me.

The she-bear licks her cubs into a sort

Of shape;—my Dam beheld my shape was hopeless.

Of shape;—my mom saw that my shape was hopeless.

Had she exposed me, like the Spartan, ere

Had she exposed me, like the Spartan, before

I knew the passionate part of life, I had

I knew the exciting part of life; I had

Been a clod of the valley,—happier nothing

Been a clod of the valley—nothing could be happier.

Than what I am. But even thus—the lowest,

Than what I am. But even so—the lowest,

Ugliest, and meanest of mankind—what courage350

Ugliest and meanest of humanity—what courage350

And perseverance could have done, perchance

And maybe perseverance could have accomplished it.

Had made me something—as it has made heroes

Of the same mould as mine. You lately saw me

Of the same type as me. You saw me recently.

Master of my own life, and quick to quit it;

Master of my own life, and quick to end it;

And he who is so is the master of

And he who is like that is the master of

Whatever dreads to die.

Whatever fears to die.

Stran.‍Decide between

Stran. Decide between

What you have been, or will be.

What you’ve been or what you will be.

Arn.‍I have done so.

Arn. I’ve done that.

You have opened brighter prospects to my eyes,

You have opened up new possibilities to my view,

And sweeter to my heart. As I am now,

I might be feared—admired—respected—loved360

I might be feared, admired, respected, loved360

Of all save those next to me, of whom I

Of all except for those next to me, whom I

Would be belovéd. As thou showest me

Would be loved. As you show me

A choice of forms, I take the one I view.

A choice of forms, I take the one I see.

Haste! haste!

Hurry! Hurry!

Stran.‍And what shall I wear?

And what should I wear?

Arn.‍Surely, he[491]

Arn.‍Of course, he[491]

Who can command all forms will choose the highest,

Whoever can master all forms will choose the best.

Something superior even to that which was

Something even better than what was

Pelides now before us. Perhaps his

Pelides is now before us. Perhaps his

Who slew him, that of Paris: or—still higher—

Who killed him, that of Paris: or—still more importantly—

The Poet's God, clothed in such limbs as are

The Poet's God, dressed in limbs that are

Themselves a poetry.

Their own poetry.

Stran.‍Less will content me;370

Stran. Less will satisfy me;

For I, too, love a change.

For I, too, enjoy a change.

Arn.‍Your aspect is

Arn.‍Your look is

Dusky, but not uncomely.[221]

Dusky, but still attractive.[221]

Stran.‍If I chose,

Stran. If I choose,

I might be whiter; but I have a penchant

I might be whiter, but I have a penchant

For black—it is so honest, and, besides,

For black—it's so genuine, and, besides,

Can neither blush with shame nor pale with fear;

Can’t blush with shame or go pale with fear;

But I have worn it long enough of late,

But I've been wearing it for quite a while now,

And now I'll take your figure.

And now I'll take your measurements.

Arn.‍Mine!

Arn.‍My stuff!

Stran.‍Yes. You

Stran. Yes. You

Shall change with Thetis' son, and I with Bertha,

Your mother's offspring. People have their tastes;

Your mother's kids. People have their preferences;

You have yours—I mine.

You have yours—I have mine.

Arn.‍Despatch! despatch!

Arn. Send it out!

Stran.‍Even so.380

Stran.‍Still. 380

[The Stranger takes some earth and moulds it along the turf, and then addresses the phantom of Achilles.

[The Stranger grabs some dirt and shapes it into the grass, then speaks to the ghost of Achilles.]

Beautiful shadow

Stunning shadow

Of Thetis's boy!

Of Thetis's son!

Who sleeps in the meadow

Who sleeps in the field

Whose grass grows o'er Troy:

Whose grass grows over Troy:

From the red earth, like Adam,[222]

Thy likeness I shape,

I create your likeness,

As the Being who made him,

As the Being who created him,

Whose actions I ape.

Whose actions I imitate.

Thou Clay, be all glowing,

You Clay, be all glowing,

Till the Rose in his cheek390

Till the rose in his cheek390

Be as fair as, when blowing,

Be as fair as when you blow,

It wears its first streak![492]

It's showing its first streak![492]

Ye Violets, I scatter,

You Violets, I scatter,

Now turn into eyes!

And thou, sunshiny Water,

And you, sunny Water,

Of blood take the guise!

Take the form of blood!

Let these Hyacinth boughs

Let these Hyacinth branches

Be his long flowing hair,

Be his long hair,

And wave o'er his brows,

And wave over his brows,

As thou wavest in air!400

As you wave in the air!400

Let his heart be this marble

I tear from the rock!

But his voice as the warble

But his voice was like a warble

Of birds on yon oak!

Of birds on that oak!

Let his flesh be the purest

Of mould, in which grew

Of mold, in which grew

The Lily-root surest,

The best lily root,

And drank the best dew!

And enjoyed the best dew!

Let his limbs be the lightest

Which clay can compound,410

Which clay can mix,

And his aspect the brightest

And his appearance the brightest

On earth to be found!

Found on Earth!

Elements, near me,

Elements, nearby,

Be mingled and stirred,

Be mixed and shaken,

Know me, and hear me,

Know me and listen to me,

And leap to my word!

And stick to my word!

Sunbeams, awaken

Sunbeams, rise up

This earth's animation![dc]

This Earth's animation![dc]

'Tis done! He hath taken

It's done! He has taken

His stand in creation!420

His contribution to creation!420

[Arnold falls senseless; his soul passes into the shape of Achilles, which rises from the ground; while the phantom has disappeared, part by part, as the figure was formed from the earth.

[Arnold collapses; his spirit transforms into the figure of Achilles, which rises from the ground; as the ghost fades away, piece by piece, the figure was created from the earth.

Arn. (in his new form). I love, and I shall be beloved! Oh, life!

Arn. (in his new form). I love, and I'll be loved! Oh, life!

At last I feel thee! Glorious Spirit!

At last, I can feel you! Amazing Spirit!

Stran.‍Stop!

Stran. Stop!

What shall become of your abandoned garment,

What will happen to your discarded clothing,

Yon hump, and lump, and clod of ugliness,

Which late you wore, or were?

Arn.‍Who cares? Let wolves[493]

Who cares? Let wolves

And vultures take it, if they will.

And vultures will take it if they want.

Stran.‍And if

They do, and are not scared by it, you'll say

They do, and they're not afraid of it, you'll say.

It must be peace-time, and no better fare

It must be peacetime, and there's no better food.

Abroad i' the fields.

Out in the fields.

Arn.‍Let us but leave it there;

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like modernized.Let's just leave it at that;

No matter what becomes on't.

No matter what happens.

Stran.‍That's ungracious;430

Stran. That's ungracious;

If not ungrateful. Whatsoe'er it be,

If not ungrateful. Whatever it is,

It hath sustained your soul full many a day.

It has supported your soul for many days.

Arn. Aye, as the dunghill may conceal a gem

Arn. Yeah, just like a pile of dung can hide a treasure.

Which is now set in gold, as jewels should be.

Which is now set in gold, like jewels should be.

Stran. But if I give another form, it must be

Stran. But if I use a different form, it has to be

By fair exchange, not robbery. For they [223]

By fair exchange, not theft. For they [223]

Who make men without women's aid have long

Who makes men without the help of women has long

Had patents for the same, and do not love

Your Interlopers. The Devil may take men,[dd]

Not make them,—though he reap the benefit440

Not make them,—even if he gets the benefit440

Of the original workmanship:—and therefore

Of the original craftsmanship:—and therefore

Some one must be found to assume the shape

Somebody needs to be found to take on the role.

You have quitted.

You have quit.

Arn.‍Who would do so?

Arn.‍Who would do that?

Stran.‍That I know not,

Stran.‍I don't know that,

And therefore I must.

So I have to.

Arn.‍You!

Arn.‍Hey you!

Stran.‍I said it ere

Stran. I said it here.

You inhabited your present dome of beauty.

You lived in your current space of beauty.

Arn. True. I forget all things in the new joy

Arn. True. I forget everything in this new happiness.

Of this immortal change.

Of this eternal change.

Stran.‍In a few moments

Stran. In a moment

I will be as you were, and you shall see[494]

I will be like you were, and you will see[494]

Yourself for ever by you, as your shadow.

Yourself forever with you, like your shadow.

Arn. I would be spared this.

Arn. I would be saved from this.

Stran.‍But it cannot be.450

Stran.‍But it can't be.450

What! shrink already, being what you are,

What! You're already shrinking, being who you are,

From seeing what you were?

From seeing who you were?

Arn.‍Do as thou wilt.

Do what you want.

Stran. (to the late form of Arnold, extended on the earth).

Stran. (to the modern version of Arnold, spread out on the ground).

Clay! not dead, but soul-less!

Clay! not dead, but soulless!

Though no man would choose thee,

Though no man would choose you,

An Immortal no less

An Immortal, no less

Deigns not to refuse thee.

Doesn't refuse you.

Clay thou art; and unto spirit

Clay you are; and to spirit

All clay is of equal merit.

All clay is equally valuable.

Fire! without which nought can live;

Fire! without which nothing can live;

Fire! but in which nought can live,460

Fire! but in which nothing can live,460

Save the fabled salamander,

Save the legendary salamander,

Or immortal souls, which wander,

Or immortal souls that wander,

Praying what doth not forgive,

Praying that doesn't forgive,

Howling for a drop of water,

Burning in a quenchless lot:

Burning in an endless lot:

Fire! the only element

Where nor fish, beast, bird, nor worm,

Where neither fish, beast, bird, nor worm,

Save the Worm which dieth not,

Save the Worm that never dies,

Can preserve a moment's form,

Can capture a moment’s shape,

But must with thyself be blent:470

But must be mixed with yourself:470

Fire! man's safeguard and his slaughter:

Fire! man's protector and his destroyer:

Fire! Creation's first-born Daughter,

Fire! Creation's firstborn Daughter,

And Destruction's threatened Son,

And the threatened Son of Destruction,

When Heaven with the world hath done:

When Heaven has finished with the world:

Fire! assist me to renew

Help me renew this fire!

Life in what lies in my view

Life in what I can see

Stiff and cold!

Rigid and chilly!

His resurrection rests with me and you!

His resurrection depends on you and me!

One little, marshy spark of flame—[224]

One small, wet flicker of fire—[224]

And he again shall seem the same;480

And he will once again appear the same;480

But I his Spirit's place shall hold!

But I will take the place of his spirit!

[495]

[An ignis-fatuus flits through the wood and rests on the brow of the body. The Stranger disappears: the body rises.

A will-o'-the-wisp floats through the woods and lands on the forehead of the body. The Stranger vanishes: the body rises.

Arn. (in his new form). Oh! horrible!

Arn. (in his new form). Oh! that's so terrible!

Stran. (in Arnold's late shape). What! tremblest thou?

Stran. (in Arnold's late shape). What! Are you trembling?

Arn.‍Not so—

Arn.‍No way—

I merely shudder. Where is fled the shape

I just shudder. Where has the figure gone?

Thou lately worest?

You wore recently?

Stran.‍To the world of shadows.

Stran.‍Into the world of shadows.

But let us thread the present. Whither wilt thou?

But let's focus on the present. Where are you headed?

Arn. Must thou be my companion?

Arn. Do you have to be my companion?

Stran.‍Wherefore not?

Stran. Why not?

Your betters keep worse company.

Your superiors hang out with worse people.

Arn.‍My betters!

My betters!

Stran. Oh! you wax proud, I see, of your new form:

Stran. Oh! I can see you're getting full of yourself about your new look:

I'm glad of that. Ungrateful too! That's well;

I'm glad about that. Also ungrateful! That's good;

You improve apace;—two changes in an instant,490

You’re improving quickly;—two changes in a moment,490

And you are old in the World's ways already.

And you are already old in the ways of the world.

But bear with me: indeed you'll find me useful

But hang in there: you'll definitely find me helpful.

Upon your pilgrimage. But come, pronounce

Upon your journey. But come, speak

Where shall we now be errant?

Where should we head now?

Arn.‍Where the World

Arn.‍Where the World Is

Is thickest, that I may behold it in

Is thickest, so that I can see it in

Its workings.

How it works.

Stran.‍That's to say, where there is War

Stran.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.In other words, where there is War

And Woman in activity. Let's see!

And woman in action. Let's see!

Spain—Italy—the new Atlantic world [225]—

Spain—Italy—the new Atlantic world__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—

Afric with all its Moors. In very truth,

There is small choice: the whole race are just now500

There’s limited choice: the whole race is currently500

Tugging as usual at each other's hearts.

Tugging at each other's hearts as always.

Arn. I have heard great things of Rome.

Arn. I've heard amazing things about Rome.

Stran.‍A goodly choice—

Stran.‍A great choice—

And scarce a better to be found on earth,

And hardly a better one can be found on earth,

Since Sodom was put out. The field is wide too;

Since Sodom was destroyed. The field is also vast;

For now the Frank, and Hun, and Spanish scion

For now, the Frank, the Hun, and the Spanish descendant

Of the old Vandals, are at play along[496]

The sunny shores of the World's garden.

The sunny shores of the world's garden.

Arn.‍How

Arn. How

Shall we proceed?

Shall we go ahead?

Stran.‍Like gallants, on good coursers.

Stran. Like gentlemen, on good horses.

What, ho! my chargers! Never yet were better,

What’s up, my steeds! There have never been better ones,

Since Phaeton was upset into the Po [226].510

Our pages too!

Our pages as well!

Enter two Pages, with four coal-black horses.

Two pages enter, driving four coal-black horses.

Arn.‍A noble sight!

A majestic view!

Stran.‍And of

Stran. And of

A nobler breed. Match me in Barbary,

A nobler breed. Compare me in Barbary,

Or your Kochlini race of Araby [de][227],

With these!

Arn.‍The mighty steam, which volumes high

The powerful steam, rising high

From their proud nostrils, burns the very air;

From their proud nostrils, the air burns;

And sparks of flame, like dancing fire-flies wheel

And sparks of flame, like dancing fireflies, swirl

Around their manes, as common insects swarm

Around their manes, as common bugs swarm

Round common steeds towards sunset.

Gather common horses at sunset.

Stran.‍Mount, my lord:

Stran. Mount, my dude:

They and I are your servitors.

They and I are here to serve you.

Arn.‍And these

Arn. And these

Our dark-eyed pages—what may be their names?520

Our dark-eyed pages—what could their names be?520

Stran. You shall baptize them.

Stran. You will baptize them.

Arn.‍What! in holy water?

What! in holy water?

Stran. Why not? The deeper sinner, better saint.

Stran. Why not? The worse the sinner, the better the saint.

Arn. They are beautiful, and cannot, sure, be demons.

Arn. They are beautiful and can’t possibly be demons.

Stran. True; the devil's always ugly: and your beauty

Stran. It's true; the devil is always ugly: and your beauty

Is never diabolical.

Is never evil.

Arn.‍I'll call him

I'll give him a call.

Who bears the golden horn, and wears such bright

Who holds the golden horn and wears such bright

And blooming aspect, Huon;[228] for he looks[497]

And blooming aspect, Huon; __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ for he looks[497]

Like to the lovely boy lost in the forest,

Like the beautiful boy lost in the woods,

And never found till now. And for the other

And hasn't been found until now. And for the other

And darker, and more thoughtful, who smiles not,530

And gloomier, and more reflective, who doesn’t smile, 530

But looks as serious though serene as night,

But looks as serious yet calm as night,

He shall be Memnon[229], from the Ethiop king

He will be Memnon[229], from the Ethiopian king

Whose statue turns a harper once a day.

Whose statue transforms into a harp player once a day.

And you?

Stran.‍I have ten thousand names, and twice

Stran.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I have ten thousand names, and twice

As many attributes; but as I wear

As I have many qualities; but as I wear

A human shape, will take a human name.

A human figure will take on a human name.

Arn. More human than the shape (though it was mine once)

Arn. More human than the form (even though it was mine once)

I trust.

I believe.

Stran. Then call me Cæsar.

Stran. Then call me Caesar.

Arn.‍Why, that name

Arn. Why that name

Belongs to Empire, and has been but borne

Belongs to the Empire and has just been born

By the World's lords.

By the world's leaders.

Stran.‍And therefore fittest for540

Stran. And therefore best for

The Devil in disguise—since so you deem me,

The Devil in disguise—since you see me that way,

Unless you call me Pope instead.

Arn.‍Well, then,

Arn. Well, then,

Cæsar thou shalt be. For myself, my name

César, you will be. As for me, my name

Shall be plain Arnold still.

Will still be plain Arnold.

Cæs.‍We'll add a title [df]—

Cæs. We'll add a title __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—

"Count Arnold:" it hath no ungracious sound,

"Count Arnold:" it doesn't have an unpleasant sound,

And will look well upon a billet-doux.

And will look good on a love note.

Arn. Or in an order for a battle-field.

Arn. Or in a command for a battlefield.

Cæs. (sings).

Cæs. (singing).

To horse! to horse! my coal-black steed

To horse! To horse! my coal-black horse

Paws the ground and snuffs the air!

Paw the ground and sniff the air!

There's not a foal of Arab's breed550

There's not a foal of Arabian breed550

More knows whom he must bear;[498]

More knows who he must carry; [498]

On the hill he will not tire,

On the hill, he won't get tired,

Swifter as it waxes higher;

Faster as it rises higher;

In the marsh he will not slacken,

In the marsh, he won't slow down,

On the plain be overtaken;

On the plain, be surprised;

In the wave he will not sink,

In the wave, he won't drown,

Nor pause at the brook's side to drink;

Nor stop by the stream to drink;

In the race he will not pant,

In the race, he won’t be out of breath,

In the combat he'll not faint;

In the fight, he won't lose his nerve;

On the stones he will not stumble,560

On the stones, he won’t trip,560

Time nor toil shall make him humble;

Time or hard work won't bring him down;

In the stall he will not stiffen,

In the stall, he won't tense up,

But be wingèd as a Griffin,

But be as swift as a Griffin,

Only flying with his feet:

And will not such a voyage be sweet?

And won't such a journey be delightful?

Shall our bonny black horses skim over the ground!

Shall our beautiful black horses glide over the ground!

From the Alps to the Caucasus, ride we, or fly!

From the Alps to the Caucasus, let's ride or fly!

For we'll leave them behind in the glance of an eye.

For we'll leave them behind in the blink of an eye.

[They mount their horses, and disappear.

They hop on their horses and ride off.

Scene II.—A Camp before the walls of Rome.

Arnold and Cæsar.

Cæs. You are well entered now.

Cæs. You're doing awesome now.

Arn.‍Aye; but my path

Arn.‍Yeah; but my path

Has been o'er carcasses: mine eyes are full [dg]

Has been over dead bodies: my eyes are full [dg]

Of blood.

Cæs.‍Then wipe them, and see clearly. Why!

Ceas.Sure, please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Then clean them, and look clearly. Why!

Thou art a conqueror; the chosen knight

You are a conqueror; the chosen knight.

And free companion of the gallant Bourbon,

And free companion of the brave Bourbon,

Late constable of France [230]; and now to be[499]

Lord of the city which hath been Earth's Lord

Lord of the city that has been Earth's Lord

Under its emperors, and—changing sex,

Under its emperors, and—switching genders,

Not sceptre, an Hermaphrodite of Empire—

Not a scepter, an hermaphrodite of empire—

Lady of the old world [231].

Woman of the old world__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

Arn.‍How old? What! are there10

New worlds?

Cæs.‍To you. You'll find there are such shortly,

Cæs. To you. You'll see them soon,

By its rich harvests, new disease, and gold;

By its abundant crops, new illnesses, and gold;

From one half of the world named a whole new one,

From one half of the world called a whole new one,

Because you know no better than the dull

Because you know no better than the boring

And dubious notice of your eyes and ears.

And questionable attention from your eyes and ears.

Arn. I'll trust them.

Arn. I trust them.

Cæs.‍Do! They will deceive you sweetly,

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Do! They will trick you charmingly,

And that is better than the bitter truth.

And that's better than the harsh reality.

Arn. Dog!

Cæs.‍Man!

Caes.‍ Dude!

Arn.‍Devil![500]

Cæs.‍Your obedient humble servant.

Cæs.‍Your humble servant.

Arn. Say master rather. Thou hast lured me on,

Arn. Say master instead. You’ve drawn me in,

Through scenes of blood and lust, till I am here.20

Through scenes of violence and desire, until I am here.20

Cæs. And where wouldst thou be?

Cæs. And where would you be?

Arn.‍Oh, at peace—in peace!

Oh, at peace—in peace!

Cæs. And where is that which is so? From the star

Cæs. And where is that true? From the star

To the winding worm, all life is motion; and

To the twisting worm, everything in life is movement; and

In life commotion is the extremest point

In life, chaos is the extreme point.

Of life. The planet wheels till it becomes

Of life. The planet spins until it becomes

A comet, and destroying as it sweeps

A comet, destroying everything in its path as it moves.

The stars, goes out. The poor worm winds its way,

The stars fade away. The poor worm makes its way,

Living upon the death of other things,

Living off the death of other things,

But still, like them, must live and die, the subject

Of something which has made it live and die.30

Of something that has caused it to exist and cease to be.30

You must obey what all obey, the rule

You have to follow the same rules that everyone else does.

Of fixed Necessity: against her edict

Of fixed Necessity: against her orders

Rebellion prospers not.

Rebellion doesn't thrive.

Arn.‍And when it prospers——

Arn.‍And when it succeeds—

Cæs. 'Tis no rebellion.

Cæs. It's not a rebellion.

Arn.‍Will it prosper now?

Will it succeed now?

Cæs. The Bourbon hath given orders for the assault,

Cæs. The Bourbon has given orders for the attack,

And by the dawn there will be work.

And by morning, there will be work.

Arn.‍Alas!

Arn.‍Unfortunately!

And shall the city yield? I see the giant

And will the city give in? I see the giant

Abode of the true God, and his true saint,

Abode of the true God and his true saint,

Saint Peter, rear its dome and cross into

Saint Peter, raise its dome and cross into

That sky whence Christ ascended from the cross,40

That sky where Christ rose up from the cross,40

Which his blood made a badge of glory and

Which his blood made a symbol of honor and

Of joy (as once of torture unto him),—

Of joy (as once of torture to him),—

God and God's Son, man's sole and only refuge!

God and His Son, the only true refuge for humanity!

Cæs. 'Tis there, and shall be.

Cæs. It's there, and it will be.

Arn.‍What?

Arn.‍What is it?

Cæs.‍The Crucifix

Caes.‍The Crucifix

Above, and many altar shrines below.

Also some culverins upon the walls,

Also some cannons on the walls,

And harquebusses, and what not; besides

And harquebusses, and so on; besides

The men who are to kindle them to death

The men who will set them ablaze to die

Of other men.

Of other people.

Arn.‍And those scarce mortal arches,[232][501]

Arn. And those rare human arches, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [501]

Pile above pile of everlasting wall,50

Pile after pile of endless wall,50

The theatre where Emperors and their subjects

The theater where Emperors and their subjects

(Those subjects Romans) stood at gaze upon

(Romans) stood and watched

The battles of the monarchs of the wild

The battles of the kings of the wild

And wood—the lion and his tusky rebels

Of the then untamed desert, brought to joust

Of the untamed desert at that time, brought to compete

In the arena—as right well they might,

In the arena—as they certainly could,

When they had left no human foe unconquered—

When they had left no human enemy undefeated—

Made even the forest pay its tribute of

Made even the forest pay its share of

Life to their amphitheatre, as well

Life to their amphitheater, as well

As Dacia men to die the eternal death60

As Dacia men face eternal death60

For a sole instant's pastime, and "Pass on

For a quick moment of fun, and "Move on

To a new gladiator!"—Must it fall?

To a new gladiator!"—Does it have to end?

Cæs. The city, or the amphitheatre?

Cæs. The city or the amphitheater?

The church, or one, or all? for you confound

The church, or one, or all? Because you're mixing them up.

Both them and me.

Arn.‍To-morrow sounds the assault

Arn.‍Tomorrow marks the attack

With the first cock-crow.

At the first light of dawn.

Cæs.‍Which, if it end with

Cæs. Which, if it ends with

The evening's first nightingale, will be

The evening's first nightingale will be

Something new in the annals of great sieges;

Something new in the history of major sieges;

For men must have their prey after long toil.

For men need to get their catch after a long struggle.

Arn. The sun goes down as calmly, and perhaps70

Arn. The sun sets calmly, and maybe

More beautifully, than he did on Rome

More beautifully than he did in Rome

On the day Remus leapt her wall.

On the day Remus jumped over her wall.

Cæs.‍I saw him.

Cæs. I saw him.

Arn. You!

Arn. Hey you!

Cæs.‍Yes, Sir! You forget I am or was

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Yes, Sir! You forget I am or was

Spirit, till I took up with your cast shape,

Spirit, until I got involved with your unique form,

And a worse name. I'm Cæsar and a hunch-back

And a worse name. I'm Caesar and a hunchback.

Now. Well! the first of Cæsars was a bald-head,

Now. Well! the first of Caesars was bald,

And loved his laurels better as a wig

And liked his achievements more as a hairstyle.

(So history says) than as a glory.[233] Thus

The world runs on, but we'll be merry still.

The world keeps moving, but we'll still have our fun.

I saw your Romulus (simple as I am)80

I saw your Romulus (as simple as I am) 80

Slay his own twin, quick-born of the same womb,

Slay his own twin, born from the same womb.

Because he leapt a ditch ('twas then no wall,[502]

Because he jumped over a ditch (there was no wall then,[502]

Whate'er it now be); and Rome's earliest cement

Was brother's blood; and if its native blood

Be spilt till the choked Tiber be as red

Be spilled until the choked Tiber runs as red.

As e'er 'twas yellow, it will never wear

As it was ever yellow, it will never fade.

The deep hue of the Ocean and the Earth,

The deep color of the Ocean and the Earth,

Which the great robber sons of fratricide

Which the great thief sons of brother murder

Have made their never-ceasing scene of slaughter,

Have created their endless scene of violence,

For ages.

For a long time.

Arn.‍But what have these done, their far90

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.But what have these done, their far90

Remote descendants, who have lived in peace,

Remote descendants, who have lived peacefully,

The peace of Heaven, and in her sunshine of

Piety?

Faith?

Cæs. And what had they done, whom the old

Romans o'erswept?—Hark!

Romans overwhelmed?—Listen!

Arn.‍They are soldiers singing

They are soldiers singing

A reckless roundelay, upon the eve

A reckless roundelay, on the night before

Of many deaths, it may be of their own.

Of many deaths, it could be their own.

Cæs. And why should they not sing as well as swans?

Cæs. And why shouldn’t they sing just as beautifully as swans?

They are black ones, to be sure.

They are definitely black ones.

Arn.‍So, you are learned,

Arn. So, you are knowledgeable,

I see, too?

I see that too?

Cæs.‍In my grammar, certes. I

Cæs. In my grammar, of course. I

Was educated for a monk of all times,100

Was educated to be a monk for all time,100

And once I was well versed in the forgotten

And once I was skilled in the forgotten

Etruscan letters, and—were I so minded—

Etruscan letters, and—if I were in the mood—

Could make their hieroglyphics plainer than

Could make their hieroglyphics clearer than

Your alphabet.

Arn.‍And wherefore do you not?

Arn. And why don't you?

Cæs. It answers better to resolve the alphabet

Cæs. It's better to figure out the alphabet.

Back into hieroglyphics. Like your statesman,

Back to hieroglyphics. Just like your politician,

And prophet, pontiff, doctor, alchymist,

And prophet, pope, doctor, alchemist,

Philosopher, and what not, they have built

Philosopher, and so on, they have built

More Babels, without new dispersion, than

More Babels, without new dispersal, than

The stammering young ones of the flood's dull ooze,110

The stammering kids of the flood's thick sludge,110

Who failed and fled each other. Why? why, marry,

Who failed and ran away from each other. Why? Well,

Because no man could understand his neighbour.

Because no one could understand their neighbor.

They are wiser now, and will not separate

They are smarter now and won't separate.

For nonsense. Nay, it is their brotherhood,

For nonsense. No, it’s their bond,

Their Shibboleth—their Koran—Talmud—their

Their identity—their Koran—Talmud—their

Cabala—their best brick-work, wherewithal

Cabala—their best construction materials

They build more——[503]

They build more.

Arn. (interrupting him). Oh, thou everlasting sneerer!

Arn. (interrupting him). Oh, you eternal cynic!

Be silent! How the soldier's rough strain seems

Be quiet! The soldier's tough strain seems

Softened by distance to a hymn-like cadence!

Softened by distance to a song-like rhythm!

Listen!

Pay attention!

Cæs.‍Yes. I have heard the angels sing.120

Caesar.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Yes. I've heard the angels sing.120

Arn. And demons howl.

Arn. And demons scream.

Cæs.‍And man, too. Let us listen:

Caes.‍And man, too. Let's hear:

I love all music.

I love all kinds of music.

Song of the Soldiers within.

Soldiers' Anthem.

The black bands came over

The black bands arrived

The Alps and their snow;

The Alps and their snow.

With Bourbon, the rover,

With Bourbon, the robot,

They passed the broad Po.

They crossed the wide Po.

We have beaten all foemen,

We have defeated all foes,

We have captured a King [234],

We have captured a King __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,

We have turned back on no men,

We haven't turned our backs on anyone,

And so let us sing!130

So let's sing!130

Here's the Bourbon for ever!

Here's the Bourbon forever!

Though penniless all,

Though broke,

We'll have one more endeavour

We'll have one more try.

At yonder old wall.

At that old wall.

With the Bourbon we'll gather

Let's gather with the Bourbon

At day-dawn before

At dawn before

The gates, and together

Or break or climb o'er

Or break or climb over

The wall: on the ladder,

As mounts each firm foot [dh],140

As each firm foot steps __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__,140

Our shout shall grow gladder,

Our shout will grow happier,

And Death only be mute [235].

And Death only stays silent__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__.

With the Bourbon we'll mount o'er

With the Bourbon we'll ride over

The walls of old Rome,

The walls of ancient Rome,

And who then shall count o'er [di]

And who will count over __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

The spoils of each dome?[504]

The rewards of each dome?

Up! up with the Lily!

Go! Go with the Lily!

And down with the Keys!

In old Rome, the seven-hilly,

In ancient Rome, the seven-hilled,

We'll revel at ease.150

We'll enjoy ourselves.

Her streets shall be gory,

Her streets will be bloody,

Her Tiber all red,

And her temples so hoary

And her temples so gray

Shall clang with our tread.

Shall clatter with our steps.

Oh, the Bourbon! the Bourbon [236]!

Oh, the Bourbon! the Bourbon __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__!

The Bourbon for aye!

The Bourbon forever!

Of our song bear the burden!

Of our song, carry the weight!

And fire, fire away!

And fire away!

With Spain for the vanguard,

With Spain leading the way,

Our varied host comes;160

Our diverse host arrives;

And next to the Spaniard

And next to the Spanish person

Beat Germany's drums;

And Italy's lances

And Italy's spears

Are couched at their mother;

Are cuddled with their mother;

But our leader from France is,

Who warred with his brother.

Who fought with his brother.

Oh, the Bourbon! the Bourbon!

Oh, the bourbon! The bourbon!

Sans country or home,

No country or home,

We'll follow the Bourbon,

We'll follow the Bourbon.

To plunder old Rome.170

To loot ancient Rome.170

Cæs.‍An indifferent song

Cæs.‍A boring song

For those within the walls, methinks, to hear.

For those inside the walls, I think, to hear.

Arn. Yes, if they keep to their chorus. But here comes

Arn. Yeah, as long as they stick to their chorus. But here comes

The general with his chiefs and men of trust [dj].

The general with his trusted officers and men.

A goodly rebel.

A great rebel.

Enter the Constable Bourbon "cum suis," etc., etc.

Enter the Constable Bourbon whiskey "with his people," etc., etc.

Phil.‍How now, noble Prince,

Phil. How's it going, noble Prince?

You are not cheerful?

You're not happy?

Bourb.‍Why should I be so?

Bourb.‍Why should I feel that way?

Phil. Upon the eve of conquest, such as ours,

Phil. On the night before our victory,

Most men would be so.[505]

Most men would be like that.[505]

Bourb.‍If I were secure!

Bourb.‍If only I felt secure!

Phil. Doubt not our soldiers. Were the walls of adamant,

Phil. Don't doubt our soldiers. If the walls were made of solid rock,

They'd crack them. Hunger is a sharp artillery.180

They’d break them open. Hunger is a powerful force.180

Bourb. That they will falter is my least of fears.

Bourb. I'm not worried that they will stumble.

That they will be repulsed, with Bourbon for

That they will be repelled, with Bourbon for

Their chief, and all their kindled appetites

Their leader, and all their awakened desires

To marshal them on—were those hoary walls

To rally them on—were those ancient walls

Mountains, and those who guard them like the gods

Mountains, and those who protect them like deities

Of the old fables, I would trust my Titans;—

Of the old stories, I would trust my Titans;—

But now——

But now—

Phil.‍They are but men who war with mortals.

Phil.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.They're just people fighting against other people.

Bourb. True: but those walls have girded in great ages,

Bourb. True: but those walls have surrounded many great eras,

And sent forth mighty spirits. The past earth

And sent out powerful spirits. The past earth

And present phantom of imperious Rome [dk]190

And the haunting image of authoritative Rome [dk]190

Is peopled with those warriors; and methinks

Is filled with those warriors; and I think

They flit along the eternal City's rampart,

They flutter along the walls of the eternal city,

And stretch their glorious, gory, shadowy hands,

And stretch their glorious, bloody, shadowy hands,

And beckon me away!

And call me away!

Phil.‍So let them! Wilt thou

Let them! Will you

Turn back from shadowy menaces of shadows?

Turn away from the dark threats of shadows?

Bourb. They do not menace me. I could have faced,

Bourb. They don’t threaten me. I could have faced,

Methinks, a Sylla's menace; but they clasp,

Methinks, a Sylla's threat; but they hold on tight,

And raise, and wring their dim and deathlike hands,

And lift, and twist their pale and lifeless hands,

And with their thin aspen faces and fixed eyes

And with their thin aspen-like faces and unblinking eyes

Fascinate mine. Look there!

Check this out!

Phil.‍I look upon200

Phil.‍I see200

A lofty battlement.

A tall fortress wall.

Bourb.‍And there!

Bourb. And there!

Phil.‍Not even

Phil. Not even

A guard in sight; they wisely keep below,

A guard in sight; they smartly stay low,

Sheltered by the grey parapet from some

Sheltered by the gray wall from some

Stray bullet of our lansquenets, who might

Stray bullet of our mercenaries, who might

Practise in the cool twilight.

Practice in the cool twilight.

Bourb.‍You are blind.

Bourb.‍You're blind.

Phil. If seeing nothing more than may be seen

Phil. If seeing nothing more than what can be seen

Be so.

Be it so.

Bourb. A thousand years have manned the walls[506]

Bourb. A thousand years have filled the walls[506]

With all their heroes,—the last Cato [237] stands

With all their heroes, the last Cato [237] stands

And tears his bowels, rather than survive

And tears his insides apart, rather than live

The liberty of that I would enslave.210

The freedom that I would make myself a slave to.210

And the first Cassar with his triumphs flits

And the first Cassar with his victories moves on

From battlement to battlement.

From parapet to parapet.

Phil.‍Then conquer

Phil. Then conquer.

The walls for which he conquered and be greater!

The walls he fought for will make him greater!

Bourb. True: so I will, or perish.

Bourb. True: I will do that, or die trying.

Phil.‍You can not.

Phil. You can't.

In such an enterprise to die is rather

In such an endeavor, dying is somewhat

The dawn of an eternal day, than death.

The start of an endless day, rather than death.

[Count Arnold and Cæsar advance.

[Count Arnold and Cæsar advance.]

Cæs. And the mere men—do they, too, sweat beneath

Cæs. And do regular guys also sweat under

The noon of this same ever-scorching glory?

The noon of this same unrelenting brightness?

Bourb.‍Ah!

Bourb.‍Wow!

Welcome the bitter Hunchback! and his master,

Welcome the bitter Hunchback! And his master,

The beauty of our host, and brave as beauteous,220

The beauty of our host, and as brave as beautiful, 220

And generous as lovely. We shall find

And generous as lovely. We will find

Work for you both ere morning.

Work for you both before morning.

Cæs.‍You will find,

So please your Highness, no less for yourself.

So please your Highness, not just for yourself.

Bourb. And if I do, there will not be a labourer

Bourb. And if I do, there won't be a worker.

More forward, Hunchback!

Move forward, Hunchback!

Cæs.‍You may well say so,

Cæs.‍You could say that,

For you have seen that back—as general,

For you have seen that before—as general,

Placed in the rear in action—but your foes

Placed in the back during the fight—but your enemies

Have never seen it.

Have never seen that.

Bourb.‍That's a fair retort,

Bourb. That's a fair comeback,

For I provoked it:—but the Bourbon's breast

For I provoked it:—but the Bourbon's heart

Has been, and ever shall be, far advanced230

Has been, and always will be, far ahead230

In danger's face as yours, were you the devil.

In a situation as dangerous as yours, you would be the devil.

Cæs. And if I were, I might have saved myself

Cæs. And if I were, I could have saved myself

The toil of coming here.

The struggle of getting here.

Phil.‍Why so?

Phil. Why?

Cæs.‍One half[507]

Cæs. One half

Of your brave bands of their own bold accord

Of your courageous groups choosing to act on their own

Will go to him, the other half be sent,

Will go to him, the other half will be sent,

More swiftly, not less surely.

Faster, not less sure.

Bourb.‍Arnold, your

Slight crooked friend's as snake-like in his words

Slightly crooked friend's words are like a snake.

As his deeds.

As his actions.

Cæs.‍Your Highness much mistakes me.

Caes.‍You misunderstand me, Your Highness.

The first snake was a flatterer—I am none;

The first snake was a smooth talker—I’m not like that;

And for my deeds, I only sting when stung.240

And for my actions, I only retaliate when provoked.240

Bourb. You are brave, and that's enough for me; and quick

Bourb. You’re brave, and that’s all I need; and fast.

In speech as sharp in action—and that's more.

In speech as sharp as action—and that's even more.

I am not alone the soldier, but the soldiers'

I am not just the soldier, but the soldiers'

Comrade.

Friend.

Cæs.‍They are but bad company, your Highness;

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.They are just bad company, Your Highness;

And worse even for their friends than foes, as being

And it's even worse for their friends than for their enemies, since being

More permanent acquaintance.

Long-term relationship.

Phil.‍How now, fellow!

Hey, what's up, friend!

Thou waxest insolent, beyond the privilege

Of a buffoon.

Of a fool.

Cæs.‍You mean I speak the truth.

Caes.Sure, please provide the text you would like me to modernize.You mean I'm telling the truth.

I'll lie—it is as easy: then you'll praise me

I'll admit it—it really is that easy: then you'll praise me.

For calling you a hero.

Bourb.‍Philibert!250

Let him alone; he's brave, and ever has

Let him be; he's brave, and always has been.

Been first, with that swart face and mountain shoulder,

Been first, with that dark face and broad shoulder,

In field or storm, and patient in starvation;

In the field or during a storm, and enduring hunger with patience;

And for his tongue, the camp is full of licence,

And for his speech, the camp is full of freedom,

And the sharp stinging of a lively rogue

And the sharp sting of a lively troublemaker

Is, to my mind, far preferable to

Is, in my opinion, much better than

The gross, dull, heavy, gloomy execration

The disgusting, boring, heavy, dark curse

Of a mere famished sullen grumbling slave,[dl]

Of a miserable, hungry, grumpy slave,[dl]

Whom nothing can convince save a full meal,

Whom nothing can convince except a full meal,

And wine, and sleep, and a few Maravedis,260

And wine, sleep, and a few coins,260

With which he deems him rich.

With which he considers himself rich.

Cæs.‍It would be well

Cæs. It would be good

If the earth's princes asked no more.

If the world's leaders asked for no more.

Bourb.‍Be silent!

Bourb. Be quiet!

Cæs. Aye, but not idle. Work yourself with words![dm][508]

Caes. Yes, but not doing nothing. Get busy with your words![dm][508]

You have few to speak.

You have little to say.

Phil.‍What means the audacious prater?

Phil. What does the bold talker mean?

Cæs. To prate, like other prophets.

Cæs. To babble, like other prophets.

Bourb.‍Philibert!

Why will you vex him? Have we not enough

Why are you trying to irritate him? Don't we have enough

To think on? Arnold! I will lead the attack

To think about? Arnold! I'll take charge of the attack.

To-morrow.

Tomorrow.

Arn.‍I have heard as much, my Lord.

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I have heard the same, my Lord.

Bourb. And you will follow?

Bourb. Will you follow?

Arn.‍Since I must not lead.

Arn. Since I can't lead.

Bourb. 'Tis necessary for the further daring

Bourb. It is essential for the next bold step

Of our too needy army, that their chief

Of our overly needy army, that their leader

Plant the first foot upon the foremost ladder's

Plant the first foot on the front rung of the ladder.

First step.

Cæs.‍Upon its topmost, let us hope:

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Let's hope for the best at the very top:

So shall he have his full deserts.

So he will get what he truly deserves.

Bourb.‍The world's

Bourb. The world's

Great capital perchance is ours to-morrow.[dn]

Great wealth might be ours tomorrow.[dn]

Through every change the seven-hilled city hath

Through every change, the city with seven hills has

Retained her sway o'er nations, and the Cæsars

Retained her influence over nations and the Caesars.

But yielded to the Alarics, the Alarics

But surrendered to the Alarics, the Alarics

Unto the pontiffs. Roman, Goth, or priest.

Unto the priests. Roman, Goth, or clergy.

Still the world's masters! Civilised, barbarian,

Still the world's masters! Civilized, barbaric,

Or saintly, still the walls of Romulus

Have been the circus of an Empire. Well!

'Twas their turn—now 'tis ours; and let us hope

'Twas their turn—now it’s ours; and let us hope

That we will fight as well, and rule much better.

That we will fight too, and govern much better.

Cæs. No doubt, the camp's the school of civic rights.

Cæs. No doubt, the camp is the place to learn about civic rights.

What would you make of Rome?

What do you think about Rome?

Bourb.‍That which it was.

Bourb.‍What it used to be.

Cæs. In Alaric's time?

Caes. In Alaric's era?

Bourb.‍No, slave! in the first Cæsar's,

Bourb.Understood! Please provide the short piece of text you would like me to modernize.No, slave! in the first Cæsar's,

Whose name you bear like other curs——

Whose name you carry like other dogs—

Cæs.‍And kings!

Cæs.‍And rulers!

'Tis a great name for blood-hounds.

'Tis a great name for bloodhounds.

Bourb.‍There's a demon

In that fierce rattlesnake thy tongue. Wilt never

In that fierce rattlesnake your tongue. Will never

Be serious?

Are you serious?

Cæs.‍On the eve of battle, no;—

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text for modernization.On the night before the battle, no;—

That were not soldier-like. 'Tis for the general[509]

That weren’t soldier-like. It’s for the general[509]

To be more pensive: we adventurers

To be more thoughtful: we adventurers

Must be more cheerful. Wherefore should we think?

Must be more cheerful. Why should we think?

Our tutelar Deity, in a leader's shape,

Our guardian Deity, in the form of a leader,

Takes care of us. Keep thought aloof from hosts!

Takes care of us. Stay thoughtful and detached from the hosts!

If the knaves take to thinking, you will have

If the scoundrels start to think, you'll have

To crack those walls alone.

To break down those walls alone.

Bourb.‍You may sneer, since

Bourb. You may sneer, since

'Tis lucky for you that you fight no worse for 't.

It's lucky for you that you don't fight any worse because of it.

Cæs. I thank you for the freedom; 'tis the only300

Cæs. I thank you for the freedom; it’s the only300

Pay I have taken in your Highness' service.

Pay I have received in your Highness' service.

Bourb. Well, sir, to-morrow you shall pay yourself.

Bourb. Well, sir, tomorrow you will get your payment.

Look on those towers; they hold my treasury:

Look at those towers; they hold my treasure:

But, Philibert, we'll in to council. Arnold,

But, Philibert, we'll go to the council. Arnold,

We would request your presence.

We would like you to join us.

Arn.‍Prince! my service

Arn.‍Prince! I'm here to help

Is yours, as in the field.

Bourb.‍In both we prize it,

Bourb.‍We value it in both,

And yours will be a post of trust at daybreak.

And yours will be a trusted position at dawn.

Cæs. And mine?

Cæs. And what about mine?

Bourb.‍To follow glory with the Bourbon.

Bourb.Understood, please provide the text for modernizing.To pursue success with the Bourbon.

Good night!

Arn. (to Cæsar). Prepare our armour for the assault,

Arn. (to Caesar). Get our armor ready for the attack,

And wait within my tent.

And wait inside my tent.

[Exeunt Bourbon, Arnold, Philibert, etc.

[Exit Bourbon, Arnold, Philibert, etc.

Cæs. (solus).‍Within thy tent!310

Caes. (alone).‍Inside your tent!310

Think'st thou that I pass from thee with my presence?

Do you think I'm leaving you even though I'm still here?

Or that this crooked coffer, which contained

Or that this crooked box, which contained

Thy principle of life, is aught to me

Your principle of life means something to me

Except a mask? And these are men, forsooth!

Except for a mask? And these are men, really!

Heroes and chiefs, the flower of Adam's bastards!

Heroes and leaders, the best of Adam's descendants!

This is the consequence of giving matter

This is the result of giving matter

The power of thought. It is a stubborn substance,

The power of thought. It's a stubborn thing,

And thinks chaotically, as it acts,

And thinks in a chaotic way, just like it acts,

Ever relapsing into its first elements.

Ever falling back into its original components.

Well! I must play with these poor puppets: 'tis320

Well! I have to play with these poor puppets: 'tis320

The Spirit's pastime in his idler hours.

The Spirit's hobby during his free time.

When I grow weary of it, I have business

When I get tired of it, I have things to do

Amongst the stars, which these poor creatures deem

Among the stars, which these poor beings think

Were made for them to look at. 'Twere a jest now

Were made for them to look at. It would be a joke now

To bring one down amongst them, and set fire

To bring someone down among them and ignite a fire

Unto their anthill: how the pismires then[510]

Unto their anthill: how the ants then[510]

Would scamper o'er the scalding soil, and, ceasing

Would run across the hot ground, and, stopping

From tearing down each other's nests, pipe forth

One universal orison! ha! ha![Exit Caesar.

One universal prayer! ha! ha![Exit Caesar.

PART II.

Scene I.—Before the walls of Rome.—The Assault: the Army in motion, with ladders to scale the walls;[238] Bourbon whiskey with a white scarf over his armour, foremost.

Chorus of Spirits in the air.

I.

'Tis the morn, but dim and dark.[do]

'Tis the morning, but it's dim and dark.[do]

Whither flies the silent lark?

Where does the silent lark fly?

Whither shrinks the clouded sun?

Where does the cloudy sun go?

Is the day indeed begun?

Has the day really started?

Nature's eye is melancholy

Nature's gaze is melancholic

O'er the city high and holy:

But without there is a din

But without there is a noise

Should arouse the saints within,

Should inspire the saints within,

And revive the heroic ashes

And revive the heroic spirit

Round which yellow Tiber dashes.10

Round where the yellow Tiber dashes.10

Oh, ye seven hills! awaken,

Oh, seven hills! awaken,

Ere your very base be shaken!

Ere your very foundation be shaken!

II.

Hearken to the steady stamp!

Listen to the steady stamp!

Mars is in their every tramp![511]

Mars is in their every step![511]

Not a step is out of tune,

Not a step is out of sync,

As the tides obey the moon!

As the tides follow the moon!

On they march, though to self-slaughter,

On they march, even if it's to their own destruction,

Regular as rolling water,

Consistent as flowing water,

Whose high-waves o'ersweep the border

Whose high waves sweep over the border

Of huge moles, but keep their order,20

Breaking only rank by rank.

Hearken to the armour's clank!

Listen to the armor clank!

Look down o'er each frowning warrior,

Look down on every scowling warrior,

How he glares upon the barrier:

How he stares at the barrier:

Look on each step of each ladder,

Look at every step of every ladder,

As the stripes that streak an adder.

As the stripes that run along a snake.

III.

Look upon the bristling wall,

Look at the bristling wall,

Manned without an interval!

Manned continuously!

Round and round, and tier on tier,

Round and round, and layer upon layer,

Cannon's black mouth, shining spear,30

Cannon's dark mouth, shining spear,30

Lit match, bell-mouthed Musquetoon,

Lit match, bell-mouthed musket.

Gaping to be murderous soon;

About to be deadly soon;

All the warlike gear of old,

All the old military gear,

Mixed with what we now behold,

Mixed with what we see now,

In this strife 'twixt old and new,

In this struggle between old and new,

Gather like a locusts' crew.

Gather like a swarm of locusts.

Shade of Remus! 'tis a time

Awful as thy brother's crime!

Awful is your brother's crime!

Christians war against Christ's shrine:—

Christians fight over Christ's shrine:—

Must its lot be like to thine?40

Must its fate be like yours?40

IV.

Near—and near—and nearer still,

Nearer and nearer still,

As the Earthquake saps the hill,

As the earthquake erodes the hill,

First with trembling, hollow motion,

First with shaky, empty movement,

Like a scarce awakened ocean,

Like a rare awakened ocean,

Then with stronger shock and louder,

Then with a greater impact and louder,

Till the rocks are crushed to powder,—

Till the rocks are ground to dust,—

Onward sweeps the rolling host!

Onward moves the rolling group!

Heroes of the immortal boast!

Heroes of the eternal brag!

Mighty Chiefs! eternal shadows!

First flowers of the bloody meadows50[512]

Which encompass Rome, the mother

Which includes Rome, the mother

Of a people without brother!

Of a people without kin!

Will you sleep when nations' quarrels

Will you sleep while nations are fighting?

Plough the root up of your laurels?

Pluck up the roots of your achievements?

Ye who weep o'er Carthage burning,

You who weep over Carthage burning,

Weep not—strike! for Rome is mourning![239]

Weep not—strike! for Rome is grieving![239]

V.

Onward sweep the varied nations!

Onward go the diverse nations!

Famine long hath dealt their rations.

Famine has long dealt out their rations.

To the wall, with hate and hunger,

To the wall, with anger and desire,

Numerous as wolves, and stronger,60

Numerous as wolves, and stronger,

On they sweep. Oh, glorious City!

On they move. Oh, magnificent City!

Must thou be a theme for pity?

Must you be an object of pity?

Fight, like your first sire, each Roman!

Fight, like your first father, every Roman!

Alaric was a gentle foeman,

Alaric was a kind enemy,

Matched with Bourbon's black banditti!

Matched with Bourbon's black bandits!

Rouse thee, thou eternal City;

Awaken, you eternal City;

Rouse thee! Rather give the torch

Rouse yourself! Just hand me the torch.

With thine own hand to thy porch,[dp]

With your own hand to your porch,[dp]

Than behold such hosts pollute

Look, such crowds are polluting.

Your worst dwelling with their foot.70

Your worst place to live with their foot.70

VI.

Ah! behold yon bleeding spectre!

Ah! look at that bleeding ghost!

Ilion's children find no Hector;

Ilion's children can't find Hector;

Priam's offspring loved their brother;

Priam's kids loved their brother;

Rome's great sire forgot his mother,

Rome's great father forgot his mother,

When he slew his gallant twin,

When he killed his brave twin,

With inexpiable sin.

With unforgivable sin.

See the giant shadow stride

See the giant shadow walk

O'er the ramparts high and wide!

When the first o'erleapt thy wall,

When the first one jumped over your wall,

Its foundation mourned thy fall.80

Its foundation grieved your fall.80

Now, though towering like a Babel,

Now, even though it looms like a tower of Babel,

Who to stop his steps are able?[513]

Who can stop him?

Stalking o'er thy highest dome,

Roaming over your highest dome,

Remus claims his vengeance, Rome!

Remus seeks his revenge, Rome!

VII.

Now they reach thee in their anger:

Now they come to you in their anger:

Fire and smoke and hellish clangour

Fire and smoke and hellish noise

Are around thee, thou world's wonder!

Are you around me, you wonder of the world!

Death is in thy walls and under.

Death is in your walls and below.

Now the meeting steel first clashes,

Downward then the ladder crashes,90

Down the ladder crashes,

With its iron load all gleaming,

With its shiny metal load,

Lying at its foot blaspheming!

Lying at its base, cursing!

Up again! for every warrior

Up again! for every fighter

Slain, another climbs the barrier.

Slain, another scales the barrier.

Thicker grows the strife: thy ditches

Thicker grows the conflict: your ditches

Europe's mingling gore enriches.

Europe's diverse culture enriches.

Rome! although thy wall may perish,

Rome! even if your walls may fall,

Such manure thy fields will cherish,

Such manure will nourish your fields,

Making gay the harvest-home;

Celebrating the harvest festival;

But thy hearths, alas! oh, Rome!—100

But your homes, unfortunately! oh, Rome!—100

Yet be Rome amidst thine anguish,

Yet be Rome in your anguish,

Fight as thou wast wont to vanquish!

Fight like you used to win!

VIII.

Yet once more, ye old Penates!

Yet once more, you old guardians of the home!

Let not your quenched hearts be Atés!

Let not your extinguished hearts be Atés!

Yet again, ye shadowy Heroes,

Once again, you shadowy Heroes,

Yield not to these stranger Neros!

Though the son who slew his mother

Though the son who killed his mother

Shed Rome's blood, he was your brother:

Shed Rome’s blood, he was your brother:

'Twas the Roman curbed the Roman;—

'Twas the Roman who held back the Roman;—

Brennus was a baffled foeman.110

Brennus was a confused enemy.110

Yet again, ye saints and martyrs,

Yet again, you saints and martyrs,

Rise! for yours are holier charters!

Rise! for your charters are more sacred!

Mighty Gods of temples falling,

Fallen mighty gods of temples,

Yet in ruin still appalling!

Still appalling in ruins!

Mightier Founders of those altars,

Mightier Founders of those shrines,

True and Christian,—strike the assaulters!

True and Christian—fight the attackers!

Tiber! Tiber! let thy torrent

Tiber! Tiber! let your flow

Show even Nature's self abhorrent.[514]

Show even Nature's self disgusting.[514]

Let each breathing heart dilated

Let each breathing heart expand

Turn, as doth the lion baited!120

Turn, like a trapped lion!120

Rome be crashed to one wide tomb,

Rome has become a vast graveyard,

But be still the Roman's Rome![240]

[Bourbon, Arnold, Cæsar, and others, arrive at the foot of the wall. Arnold is about to plant his ladder.

[Bourbon whiskey, Arnold, Caesar, and others, arrive at the base of the wall. Arnold is ready to set up his ladder.

Bourb. Hold, Arnold! I am first.

Bourb. Hold on, Arnold! I'm first.

Arn.‍Not so, my Lord.

Arn. Not true, my Lord.

Bourb. Hold, sir, I charge you! Follow! I am proud

Bourb. Wait, sir, I insist! Follow me! I am proud

Of such a follower, but will brook no leader.

Of such a follower, but will tolerate no leader.

[Bourbon plants his ladder, and begins to mount.

[Bourbon positions his ladder and begins to climb.

Now, boys! On! on!

Now, guys! Go! Go!

[A shot strikes him, and Bourbon falls.

[A shot hits him, and Bourbon falls.

Cæs.‍And off!

Caes.‍And we're off!

Arn.‍Eternal powers!

Arn.‍Forever powers!

The host will be appalled,—but vengeance! vengeance!

The host will be shocked—but revenge! Revenge!

Bourb. 'Tis nothing—lend me your hand.

Bourb. It's nothing—give me your hand.

[Bourbon takes Arnold by the hand, and rises; but as he puts his foot on the step, falls again.

[Bourbon whiskey takes Arnold by the hand and stands up; but as he steps onto the step, he falls again.

Arnold! I am sped.

Arnold! I'm done.

Conceal my fall [241]—all will go well—conceal it!

Conceal my downfall [241]—everything will be fine—just hide it!

Fling my cloak o'er what will be dust anon;130

Fling my cloak over what will soon be dust;130

Let not the soldiers see it.

Let the soldiers not see it.

Arn.‍You must be

Arn.‍You have to be

Removed; the aid of——

Removed; the help of——

Bourb.‍No, my gallant boy!

Bourb.‍No, my brave boy!

Death is upon me. But what is one life?

Death is here. But what is one life?

The Bourbon's spirit shall command them still.

The Bourbon's spirit will still lead them.

Keep them yet ignorant that I am but clay,

Keep them unaware that I am just clay,

Till they are conquerors—then do as you may.[515]

Until they are victors—then do as you wish.[515]

Cæs. Would not your Highness choose to kiss the cross?

Cæs. Wouldn't Your Highness like to kiss the cross?

We have no priest here, but the hilt of sword

We don't have a priest here, just the hilt of a sword.

May serve instead:—it did the same for Bayard [242].

Bourb. Thou bitter slave! to name him at this time!140

Bourb. You bitter slave! Why mention him right now!140

But I deserve it.

But I deserve this.

Arn. (to Cæsar). Villain, hold your peace!

Arn. (to Caesar). You villain, be quiet!

Cæs. What, when a Christian dies? Shall I not offer

Cæs. What, when a Christian passes away? Shouldn't I offer

A Christian "Vade in pace?"[243]

A Christian "Go in peace?"[243]

Arn.‍Silence! Oh!

Arn.‍Shh! Oh!

Those eyes are glazing which o'erlooked the world,

Those eyes are glazing that once looked over the world,

And saw no equal.

And found no equal.

Bourb.‍Arnold, shouldst thou see

Bourb. Arnold, if you see

France——But hark! hark! the assault grows warmer—Oh!

France——But wait! wait! the attack is getting hotter—Oh!

For but an hour, a minute more of life,

For just an hour, one more minute of life,

To die within the wall! Hence, Arnold, hence!

To die inside the wall! Get out, Arnold, get out!

You lose time—they will conquer Rome without thee.

You’re wasting time—they’ll take over Rome without you.

Arn. And without thee.

Arn. And without you.

Bourb.‍Not so; I'll lead them still150

Bourb.Understood! Please provide the text you would like modernized.Not a chance; I'll still guide them150

In spirit. Cover up my dust, and breathe not

In spirit. Cover my tracks, and do not breathe.

That I have ceased to breathe. Away! and be

That I have stopped breathing. Go away! and be

Victorious.

Winning.

Arn.‍But I must not leave thee thus.

Arn.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.But I can’t leave you like this.

Bourb. You must—farewell—Up! up! the world is winning.

Bourb. You have to—goodbye—Come on! The world is moving forward.

[Bourbon dies.

Bourbon dies.

Cæs. (to Arnold). Come, Count, to business.

Cæs. (to Arnold). Let's get down to business, Count.

Arn.‍True. I'll weep hereafter.

Arn.‍True. I'll cry later.

[Arnold covers Bourbon's body with a mantle, mounts the ladder, crying

[Arnold covers Bourbon’s body with a cloak, climbs the ladder, shouting

The Bourbon! Bourbon! On, boys! Rome is ours!

The Bourbon! Bourbon! Let’s go, guys! Rome is ours!

Cæs. Good night, Lord Constable! thou wert a Man.

Caesar. Good night, Lord Constable! You were a man.

[Cæsar follows Arnold; they reach the battlement; Arnold and Cæsar are struck down.[516]

[Caesar follows Arnold; they reach the battlement; Arnold and Caesar are struck down.[516]

Cæs. A precious somerset! Is your countship injured?

Cæs. What a priceless tumble! Are you hurt, my lord?

Arn. No.[Remounts the ladder.

Arn. No.[Moves the ladder back.

Cæs.‍A rare blood-hound, when his own is heated!

Caes.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.A rare bloodhound when he gets fired up!

And 'tis no boy's play. Now he strikes them down!160

And it's no child's play. Now he takes them down!160

His hand is on the battlement—he grasps it

His hand is on the wall—he holds it tightly.

As though it were an altar; now his foot

As if it were an altar; now his foot

Is on it, and——What have we here?—a Roman?

Is on it, and——What do we have here?—a Roman?

The first bird of the covey! he has fallen[A man falls.

The first bird of the group! He has fallenA guy falls.

On the outside of the nest. Why, how now, fellow?

On the outside of the nest. Hey, what's up, friend?

Wounded Man. A drop of water!

Cæs.‍Blood's the only liquid

Blood is the only liquid

Nearer than Tiber.

Closer than Tiber.

Wounded Man.‍I have died for Rome.[Dies.

Wounded Man.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I have died for Rome.[Dies.

Cæs. And so did Bourbon, in another sense.

Cæs. And so did Bourbon, in a different way.

Oh, these immortal men! and their great motives!

Oh, these immortal men! And their grand motives!

But I must after my young charge. He is170

But I have to go after my young charge. He is170

By this time i' the Forum. Charge! charge!

By this time in the Forum. Charge! Charge!

[Cæsar mounts the ladder; the scene closes.

[Caesar climbs the ladder; the scene ends.

Scene II.—The City.—Combats between the Besiegers and Besieged in the streets. Inhabitants flying in confusion.

Enter Cæsar.

Enter Caesar.

Cæs. I cannot find my hero; he is mixed

Cæs. I can't find my hero; he is mixed

With the heroic crowd that now pursue

With the brave group that is now chasing

The fugitives, or battle with the desperate.

The fugitives, or struggle with the desperate.

What have we here? A Cardinal or two

What do we have here? A Cardinal or two.

That do not seem in love with martyrdom.

That don’t seem to be in love with martyrdom.

How the old red-shanks scamper! Could they doff

How the old red-shanks run around! Could they take off

Their hose as they have doffed their hats, 'twould be

Their hose as they have taken off their hats, it would be

A blessing, as a mark [244] the less for plunder.

A blessing, as a sign [244] the less for looting.

But let them fly; the crimson kennels now

But let them go; the red kennels now

Will not much stain their stockings, since the mire10

Will not much stain their stockings, since the mud10

Is of the self-same purple hue.

Is the same purple shade.

[517]

Enter a Party fighting—Arnold at the head of the Besiegers.

He comes,

He's coming,

Hand in hand with the mild twins—Gore and Glory.[dq]

Hand in hand with the gentle twins—Gore and Glory.[dq]

Holla! hold, Count!

Hey! Wait, Count!

Arn.‍Away! they must not rally.

Arn. ‍Go away! They can't gather.

Cæs. I tell thee, be not rash; a golden bridge

Cæs. I'm telling you, don't be hasty; a golden bridge

Is for a flying enemy. I gave thee

Is for a flying enemy. I gave you

A form of beauty, and an

Exemption from some maladies of body,

Exemption from certain physical issues,

But not of mind, which is not mine to give.

But not of mind, which I can’t give.

But though I gave the form of Thetis' son,

But even though I took on the shape of Thetis' son,

I dipped thee not in Styx; and 'gainst a foe20

I didn't dip you in the Styx; and against an enemy

I would not warrant thy chivalric heart

I wouldn't guarantee your knightly heart.

More than Pelides' heel; why, then, be cautious,

More than Achilles' heel; so, why be careful,

And know thyself a mortal still.

And remember, you’re still just human.

Arn.‍And who

With aught of soul would combat if he were

With anything of soul, he would fight if he were

Invulnerable? That were pretty sport.

Invulnerable? That was pretty fun.

Think'st thou I beat for hares when lions roar?

Do you really think I hunt for rabbits when lions are roaring?

[Arnold rushes into the combat.

[Arnold charges into battle.

Cæs. A precious sample of humanity!

Cæs. A valuable example of what it means to be human!

Well, his blood's up; and, if a little's shed,

Well, he's riled up; and if a little gets spilled,

'Twill serve to curb his fever.

It will help to reduce his fever.

[Arnold engages with a Roman, who retires towards a portico.

[Arnold talks to a Roman, who walks away toward a porch.

Arn.‍Yield thee, slave!

Arn.‍Yield, servant!

I promise quarter.

I promise a quarter.

Rom.‍That's soon said.

Rom.‍Easy to say.

Arn.‍And done——30

Arn. And done—

My word is known.

My word is my bond.

Rom.‍So shall be my deeds.

Rom. So will my actions be.

[They re-engage. Cæsar comes forward.

[They reconnect. Cæsar steps forward.

Cæs. Why, Arnold! hold thine own: thou hast in hand

Cæs. Why, Arnold! Stand your ground: you have in hand

A famous artisan, a cunning sculptor;

A well-known craftsman, a clever sculptor;

Also a dealer in the sword and dagger.

Also a seller of swords and daggers.

Not so, my musqueteer; 'twas he who slew

Not so, my musketeer; it was him who killed

The Bourbon from the wall.[245][518]

The bourbon from the wall.

Arn.‍Aye, did he so?

Arn.‍Did he really?

Then he hath carved his monument.

Then he has carved his monument.

Rom.‍I yet

Rom.‍I'm not there yet

May live to carve your better's.

May you live to outdo your betters.

Cæs. Well said, my man of marble! Benvenuto,

Cæs. Well said, my marble man! Welcome,

Thou hast some practice in both ways; and he40

Who slays Cellini will have worked as hard

Whoever kills Cellini will have worked as hard

As e'er thou didst upon Carrara's blocks.

As you always did on Carrara's blocks.

[Arnold disarms and wounds Cellini, hit slightly: the latter draws a pistol, and fires; then retires, and disappears through the portico.

[Arnold disarms and injures Cellini, who is hit slightly: he pulls out a pistol, fires, then retreats and vanishes through the portico.

Cæs. How farest thou? Thou hast a taste, methinks,

Cæs. How are you doing? You seem to have a flavor, I think,

Of red Bellona's banquet.

Of Red Bellona's feast.

Arn. (staggers).‍'Tis a scratch.

Arn. (staggers).‍It's just a scratch.

Lend me thy scarf. He shall not 'scape me thus.

Lend me your scarf. He will not escape me like this.

Cæs. Where is it?

Cæs. Where's it at?

Arn.‍In the shoulder, not the sword arm—

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text for me to modernize.In the shoulder, not the sword arm—

And that's enough. I am thirsty: would I had

And that's enough. I'm thirsty: I wish I had

A helm of water!

A bucket of water!

Cæs.‍That's a liquid now

That's a liquid now

In requisition, but by no means easiest

In request, but definitely not the easiest

To come at.

To approach.

Arn.‍And my thirst increases;—but50

And my thirst grows;—but

I'll find a way to quench it.

I'll find a way to satisfy it.

Cæs.‍Or be quenched

Cæs. Or be extinguished

Thyself.

Yourself.

Arn.‍The chance is even; we will throw

Arn.Understood. Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.The odds are even; we will toss.

The dice thereon. But I lose time in prating;

The dice are there. But I’m wasting time talking;

Prithee be quick.[Cæsar binds on the scarf.

Please be quick.Cæsar puts on the scarf.

And what dost thou so idly?

And what are you doing so idly?

Why dost not strike?[519]

Why don’t you strike?

Cæs.‍Your old philosophers

Cæs.‍Your ancient philosophers

Beheld mankind, as mere spectators of

The Olympic games. When I behold a prize

The Olympic Games. When I see a prize

Worth wrestling for, I may be found a Milo.[246]

Worth wrestling for, I might be seen as a Milo.[246]

Arn. Aye, 'gainst an oak.

Arn. Yeah, against an oak.

Cæs.‍A forest, when it suits me:

Cæs.‍A forest, whenever I need:

I combat with a mass, or not at all.60

I fight with a crowd, or not at all.60

Meantime, pursue thy sport as I do mine;

In the meantime, enjoy your activity just like I enjoy mine;

Which is just now to gaze, since all these labourers

Which is just now to look, since all these workers

Will reap my harvest gratis.

Will reap my harvest for free.

Arn.‍Thou art still

Arn.‍You are still

A fiend!

A monster!

Cæs.‍And thou—a man.

Cæs. And you—a man.

Arn. Why, such I fain would show me.[dr]

Arn. Well, I would really like to show that to myself.[dr]

Cæs.‍True—as men are.

Cæs.‍True—as people are.

Arn. And what is that?

Arn. What's that?

Cæs.‍Thou feelest and thou see'st.

You feel and you see.

[Exit Arnold, joining in the combat which still continues between detached parties. The scene closes.

Exit Arnold, joining in the ongoing fight between separate groups. The scene ends.

Scene III.—St. Peter's—The interior of the Church—The Pope at the Altar—Priests, etc., crowding in confusion, and Citizens flying for refuge, pursued by Soldiery.

Enter Cæsar.

Enter Caesar.

A Spanish Soldier. Down with them, comrades, seize upon those lamps!

A Spanish Soldier. Let's take them down, comrades, grab those lamps!

Cleave yon bald-pated shaveling to the chine!

Cleave that bald-headed monk in half!

His rosary's of gold!

His rosary is gold!

Lutheran Soldier.‍Revenge! revenge!

Lutheran Soldier.‍Payback! payback!

Plunder hereafter, but for vengeance now—

Plunder later, but seek revenge now—

Yonder stands Anti-Christ!

Over there stands the Anti-Christ!

Cæs. (interposing).‍How now, schismatic?

Cæs. (interposing).‍What's up, rebel?

What wouldst thou?[520]

What do you want?

Luth. Sold.‍In the holy name of Christ,

Luth. Sold.Understood, please provide the text to modernize.In the holy name of Christ,

Destroy proud Anti-Christ.[247] I am a Christian.

Cæs. Yea, a disciple that would make the founder

Cæs. Yeah, a disciple who would create the founder.

Of your belief renounce it, could he see

Of your belief, renounce it, if he could see.

Such proselytes. Best stint thyself to plunder.10

Such converts. You better limit yourself to stealing.10

Luth. Sold. I say he is the Devil.

Luth. Sold. I say he's the Devil.

Cæs.‍Hush! keep that secret,[ds]

Cæs. Hush! Keep that secret, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Lest he should recognise you for his own.

Lest he should recognize you as his own.

Luth. Sold. Why would you save him? I repeat he is

Luth. Sold. Why would you save him? I'm saying it again, he is

The Devil, or the Devil's vicar upon earth.

The Devil, or the Devil's representative on earth.

Cæs. And that's the reason: would you make a quarrel

Cæs. And that's why: would you start a fight

With your best friends? You had far best be quiet;

With your best friends? You’d better keep it down;

His hour is not yet come.

His time isn't here yet.

Luth. Sold.‍That shall be seen!

Luth. Sold.‍We'll see about that!

[The Lutheran Soldier rushes forward: a shot strikes him from one of the Pope's Guards, and he falls at the foot of the Altar.

The Lutheran Soldier charges ahead: a bullet hits him from one of the Pope's Guards, and he collapses at the base of the Altar.

Cæs. (to the Lutheran). I told you so.

Cæs. (to the Lutheran). I said that would happen.

Luth. Sold.‍And will you not avenge me?[521]

Luth. Sold.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.And won't you take revenge on my behalf?[521]

Cæs. Not I! You know that "Vengeance is the Lord's:"

Cæs. Not me! You know that "Vengeance is the Lord's:"

You see he loves no interlopers.

You see he doesn’t like any outsiders.

Luth. Sold. (dying).‍Oh!20

Had I but slain him, I had gone on high,

Had I just killed him, I would have risen to greatness,

Crowned with eternal glory! Heaven, forgive

My feebleness of arm that reached him not,

My weak arms couldn't reach him.

And take thy servant to thy mercy. 'Tis

And take your servant into your mercy. It's

A glorious triumph still; proud Babylon's

No more; the Harlot of the Seven Hills

Hath changed her scarlet raiment for sackcloth

Has changed her red clothes for rough cloth.

And ashes![The Lutheran dies.

And ashes![The Lutheran passes away.

Cæs.‍Yes, thine own amidst the rest.

Cæs.‍Yes, yours with the rest.

Well done, old Babel!

Good job, old Babel!

[The Guards defend themselves desperately, while the Pontiff escapes, by a private passage, to the Vatican and the Castle of St. Angelo.[248]

Cæs.‍Ha! right nobly battled!

Caes.‍Ha! well fought!

Now, priest! now, soldier! the two great professions,30

Now, priest! now, soldier! the two great jobs,30

Together by the ears and hearts! I have not

Seen a more comic pantomime since Titus

Seen a funnier theatrical performance since Titus

Took Jewry. But the Romans had the best then;

Took Jewry. But the Romans had the best back then;

Now they must take their turn.

Now it’s their turn.

Soldiers.‍He hath escaped!

Soldiers.‍He has escaped!

Follow!

Another Sold. They have barred the narrow passage up,

Another Sold. They have blocked the narrow passage up,

And it is clogged with dead even to the door.

And it's blocked with dead bodies all the way to the door.

Cæs. I am glad he hath escaped: he may thank me for't

Caesar. I'm glad he got away; he can thank me for that.

In part. I would not have his bulls abolished—

In part, I wouldn't want his bulls to be abolished—

'Twere worth one half our empire: his indulgences

'Twas worth half of our empire: his indulgences

Demand some in return; no, no, he must not40

Fall;—and besides, his now escape may furnish

Fall;—and besides, his current escape might provide

A future miracle, in future proof[522]

Of his infallibility.[To the Spanish Soldiery.

Of his infallibility.To the Spanish Soldiers.

Well, cut-throats!

Well, ruthless people!

What do you pause for? If you make not haste,

What do you stop for? If you don't hurry,

There will not be a link of pious gold left.

There won't be a single link of sacred gold remaining.

And you, too, Catholics! Would ye return

And you, too, Catholics! Would you return

From such a pilgrimage without a relic?

The very Lutherans have more true devotion:

The Lutherans have a deeper sense of devotion:

See how they strip the shrines!

See how they take apart the shrines!

Soldiers.‍By holy Peter!

Soldiers.‍By God!

He speaks the truth; the heretics will bear50

He speaks the truth; the heretics will face50

The best away.

The best away trip.

Cæs.‍And that were shame! Go to!

Caes.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.And that would be a disgrace! Come on!

Assist in their conversion.

[The Soldiers disperse; many quit the Church, others enter.

The soldiers break up; many leave the church, while others come in.

Cæs.‍They are gone,

They are gone,

And others come: so flows the wave on wave

And others come: so flows the wave after wave

Of what these creatures call Eternity,

Of what these beings refer to as Eternity,

Deeming themselves the breakers of the Ocean,

Deeming themselves the conquerors of the Ocean,

While they are but its bubbles, ignorant

While they are just its bubbles, unaware

That foam is their foundation. So, another!

That foam is their base. So, another!

Enter Olimpia, flying from the pursuit—She springs upon the Altar.

Enter Olimpia, escaping from the chase—She leaps onto the Altar.

Sold. She's mine!

Sold. She's yours!

Another Sold. (opposing the former).

Another Sold. (contrary to the former).

You lie, I tracked her first: and were she

You’re lying; I followed her first, and if she

The Pope's niece, I'll not yield her.[They fight.

The Pope's niece, I won't give her up.They’re fighting.

3d Sold. (advancing towards Olimpia). You may settle

3d Sold. (moving towards Olimpia). You can settle

Your claims; I'll make mine good.

Your claims; I'll back up mine.

Olimp.‍Infernal slave!60

Olimp.‍Infernal servant!60

You touch me not alive.

You don't touch me alive.

3d Sold.‍Alive or dead!

3D Sold.‍Alive or dead!

Olimp. (embracing a massive crucifix). Respect your God!

Olimp. (holding a large cross). Honor your God!

3d Sold. Yes, when he shines in gold.

3d Sold. Yes, when he sparkles in gold.

Girl, you but grasp your dowry.

Girl, you just need to understand your dowry.

[As he advances, Olimpia, with a strong and sudden effort, casts down the crucifix; it strikes the Soldier, who falls.[523]

As he moves forward, Olimpia, with a powerful and abrupt effort, throws down the crucifix; it hits the Soldier, who collapses.[523]

3d Sold.‍Oh, great God!

3D Sold.‍Oh, my God!

Olimp. Ah! now you recognise him.

Olimp. Ah! now you know who he is.

3d Sold.‍My brain's crushed!

3D Sold.‍I'm overwhelmed!

Comrades, help, ho! All's darkness![He dies.

Comrades, help! It’s total darkness![He passes away.

Other Soldiers (coming up).

Other Soldiers (arriving).

Slay her, although she had a thousand lives:

Slay her, even if she had a thousand lives:

She hath killed our comrade.

She has killed our comrade.

Olimp.‍Welcome such a death!

Olimp.‍Embrace such a death!

You have no life to give, which the worst slave

You have no life to offer, which makes you the worst kind of slave.

Would take. Great God! through thy redeeming Son,

Would take. Great God! through your redeeming Son,

And thy Son's Mother, now receive me as70

And your Son's Mother, please accept me as70

I would approach thee, worthy her, and him, and thee!

I would approach you, worthy her, and him, and you!

Enter Arnold.

Join Arnold.

Arn. What do I see? Accurséd jackals! Forbear!

Arn. What do I see? Cursed jackals! Hold on!

Cæs. (aside and laughing). Ha! ha! here's equity! The dogs

Cæs. (aside and laughing). Ha! ha! here’s fairness! The dogs

Have as much right as he. But to the issue!

Have just as much right as he does. But let's get to the point!

Soldiers. Count, she hath slain our comrade.

Soldiers. Look, she has killed our friend.

Arn.‍With what weapon?

With what weapon?

Sold. The cross, beneath which he is crushed; behold him

Sold. The cross, under which he is crushed; look at him

Lie there, more like a worm than man; she cast it

Lie there, more like a worm than a man; she cast it

Upon his head.

On his head.

Arn.‍Even so: there is a woman

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.Even so: there is a woman

Worthy a brave man's liking. Were ye such,

Worthy of a brave man's approval. If you were that kind,

Ye would have honoured her. But get ye hence,80

You would have honored her. But get out of here, 80

And thank your meanness, other God you have none,

And thank your nastiness, you have no other God.

For your existence. Had you touched a hair

Of those dishevelled locks, I would have thinned

Of those messy locks, I would have trimmed

Your ranks more than the enemy. Away!

Your numbers are greater than the enemy's. Go!

Ye jackals! gnaw the bones the lion leaves,

You jackals! gnaw the bones that the lion leaves,

But not even these till he permits.

But not even these until he allows it.

A Sold. (murmuring).‍The lion

A Sold. (whispering).‍The lion

Might conquer for himself then.

Might conquer for himself later.

Arn. (cuts him down).‍Mutineer!

Arn. (takes him down).‍Rebel!

Rebel in hell—you shall obey on earth!

Rebel in hell—you will obey on earth!

[The Soldiers assault Arnold.

[The Soldiers attack Arnold.

Arn. Come on! I'm glad on't! I will show you, slaves,[524]

Arn. Come on! I'm glad about that! I'll show you, slaves,[524]

How you should be commanded, and who led you90

How you should be guided, and who directed you90

First o'er the wall you were so shy to scale,

First over the wall you were so shy to climb,

Until I waved my banners from its height,

Until I waved my flags from its peak,

As you are bold within it.

As you are confident in it.

[Arnold mows down the foremost; the rest throw down their arms.

[Arnold takes out the front line; the others drop their weapons.

Soldiers.‍Mercy! mercy!

Soldiers.‍Help! Help!

Arn. Then learn to grant it. Have I taught you who

Arn. Then learn to give it. Have I taught you who

Led you o'er Rome's eternal battlements?

Led you over Rome's eternal walls?

Soldiers. We saw it, and we know it; yet forgive

Soldiers. We witnessed it, and we understand it; yet forgive

A moment's error in the heat of conquest—

A brief mistake in the heat of victory—

The conquest which you led to.

The conquest that you led to.

Arn.‍Get you hence!

Arn.‍Get out of here!

Hence to your quarters! you will find them fixed

Hence to your quarters! You will find them set up.

In the Colonna palace.

At the Colonna palace.

Olimp. (aside).‍In my father's100

Olimp. (aside).‍In my dad's100

House!

Home!

Arn. (to the Soldiers). Leave your arms; ye have no further need

Arn. (to the Soldiers). Put down your weapons; you don’t need them anymore.

Of such: the city's rendered. And mark well

Of such: the city's made. And pay attention

You keep your hands clean, or I'll find out a stream

You keep your hands clean, or I'll find out a way.

As red as Tiber now runs, for your baptism.

As red as the Tiber is now flowing, for your baptism.

Soldiers (deposing their arms and departing). We obey!

Soldiers (putting down their weapons and leaving). We obey!

Arn. (to Olimpia). Lady, you are safe.

Arn. (to Olimpia). My lady, you’re safe.

Olimp.‍I should be so,

Olimp. I should be like that,

Had I a knife even; but it matters not—

Had I a knife, even; but it doesn't matter—

Death hath a thousand gates; and on the marble,

Death has a thousand gates; and on the marble,

Even at the altar foot, whence I look down

Even at the foot of the altar, where I look down

Upon destruction, shall my head be dashed,

Upon destruction, my head will be broken,

Ere thou ascend it. God forgive thee, man!110

Ere you climb it. God forgive you, man!110

Arn. I wish to merit his forgiveness, and

Arn. I want to earn his forgiveness, and

Thine own, although I have not injured thee.

Yours, even though I haven't harmed you.

Olimp. No! Thou hast only sacked my native land,—

Olimp. No! You've only ravaged my homeland,—

No injury!—and made my father's house

No injury!—and went to my dad's house

A den of thieves! No injury!—this temple—

A hideout for criminals! No harm!—this place of worship—

Slippery with Roman and with holy gore!

Slippery with Roman and holy blood!

No injury! And now thou wouldst preserve me,

No injury! And now you want to save me,

To be——but that shall never be!

To be— but that will never happen!

[She raises her eyes to Heaven, folds her robe round her, and prepares to dash herself down on the side of the Altar opposite to that where Arnold stands.[525]

She looks up to Heaven, wraps her robe around her, and gets ready to throw herself down on the side of the Altar that's opposite to where Arnold is standing.[525]

Arn.‍Hold! hold!

Arn. Stop! Stop!

I swear.

I promise.

Olimp.‍Spare thine already forfeit soul

Olimp. Spare your already lost soul

A perjury for which even Hell would loathe thee.120

A lie so terrible that even Hell would hate you.120

I know thee.

I know you.

Arn.‍No, thou know'st me not; I am not

Arn.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.No, you don't know me; I am not

Of these men, though——

Of these guys, though——

Olimp.‍I judge thee by thy mates;

Olimp.Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.I judge you by your friends;

It is for God to judge thee as thou art.

It is for God to judge you as you are.

I see thee purple with the blood of Rome;

I see you stained purple with the blood of Rome;

Take mine, 'tis all thou e'er shalt have of me,

Take mine, it’s all you will ever have from me,

And here, upon the marble of this temple,

And here, on the marble of this temple,

Where the baptismal font baptized me God's,

I offer him a blood less holy

I offer him a bloodless holy.

But not less pure (pure as it left me then,

A redeeméd infant) than the holy water130

A redeemed infant is better than holy water.

The saints have sanctified!

The saints are sanctified!

[Olimpia waves her hand to Arnold with disdain, and dashes herself on the pavement from the Altar.

[Olimpia waves her hand to Arnold with contempt, then throws herself onto the pavement from the Altar.

Arn.‍Eternal God!

Eternal God!

I feel thee now! Help! help! she's gone.

I can feel you now! Help! Help! She's gone.

Cæs. (approaches).‍I am here.

Cæs. (approaches).‍I'm here.

Arn. Thou! but oh, save her!

Arn. You! But please, save her!

Cæs. (assisting him to raise Olimpia). She hath done it well!

Cæs. (helping him lift Olimpia). She did a great job!

The leap was serious.

The jump was serious.

Arn.‍Oh! she is lifeless!

Arn.‍Oh! She's unresponsive!

Cæs.‍If

Cæs. If

She be so, I have nought to do with that:

She is like that, I have nothing to do with it:

The resurrection is beyond me.

The resurrection is beyond my understanding.

Arn.‍Slave!

Arn. Slave!

Cæs. Aye, slave or master, 'tis all one: methinks

Cæs. Yeah, whether you're a slave or a master, it's all the same: I think

Good words, however, are as well at times.

Good words can be just as effective at times.

Arn. Words!—Canst thou aid her?

Arn. Words!—Can you help her?

Cæs.‍I will try. A sprinkling

I'll try. A sprinkle

Of that same holy water may be useful.140

[He brings some in his helmet from the font.

He brings some in his helmet from the fountain.

Arn. 'Tis mixed with blood.

Arn. It's mixed with blood.

Cæs.‍There is no cleaner now

Cæs. There’s no cleaner now.

In Rome.[526]

In Rome.

Arn. How pale! how beautiful! how lifeless!

Arn. How pale! How beautiful! How lifeless!

Alive or dead, thou Essence of all Beauty,

Alive or dead, you Essence of all Beauty,

I love but thee!

I love you!

Cæs.‍Even so Achilles loved

Cease.‍Even so, Achilles loved

Penthesilea;[249] with his form it seems

Penthesilea; __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ with his shape it seems

You have his heart, and yet it was no soft one.

You have his heart, and yet it wasn't a gentle one.

Arn. She breathes! But no, 'twas nothing, or the last

Arn. She breathes! But no, it was nothing, or the last

Faint flutter Life disputes with Death.

Faint flutter Life argues with Death.

Cæs.‍She breathes.

Cæs.‍She exhales.

Arn. Thou say'st it? Then 'tis truth.

Arn. You say that? Then it’s true.

Cæs.‍You do me right—

Caes. You got this right—

The Devil speaks truth much oftener than he's deemed:150

The Devil speaks the truth a lot more often than people think:150

He hath an ignorant audience.

He has an ignorant audience.

Arn. (without attending to him). Yes! her heart beats.

Arn. (ignoring him). Yes! her heart is racing.

Alas! that the first beat of the only heart

I ever wished to beat with mine should vibrate

I always wanted to beat with my heart.

To an assassin's pulse.

To an assassin's heartbeat.

Cæs.‍A sage reflection,

Caes.‍A wise thought,

But somewhat late i' the day. Where shall we bear her?

But a bit late in the day. Where should we take her?

I say she lives.

I say she's alive.

Arn.‍And will she live?

Arn.‍Will she survive?

Cas.‍As much

Cas. As much

As dust can.

As dust can do.

Arn.‍Then she is dead!

Then she's dead!

Cæs.‍Bah! bah! You are so,

Cæs. Bah! Bah! You're so,

And do not know it. She will come to life—

And don’t realize it. She will come to life—

Such as you think so, such as you now are;

As you think, so you are now;

But we must work by human means.

But we have to do things through human effort.

Arn.‍We will160

Arn. We will

Convey her unto the Colonna palace,

Convey her to the Colonna palace,

Where I have pitched my banner.

Where I've set up my banner.

Cæs.‍Come then! raise her up!

Cæs.‍Come on! Lift her up!

Arn. Softly!

Arn. Quiet down!

Cæs.‍As softly as they bear the dead,

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.As gently as they carry the dead,

Perhaps because they cannot feel the jolting.

Perhaps because they can't feel the jolting.

Arn. But doth she live indeed?

Arn. But does she really live?

Cæs.‍Nay, never fear!

Cæs. Don't worry!

But, if you rue it after, blame not me.[527]

But if you regret it later, don’t blame me.[527]

Arn. Let her but live!

Arn. Just let her live!

Cæs.‍The Spirit of her life

Cæs.‍The essence of her life

Is yet within her breast, and may revive.

Is still within her heart, and may come back to life.

Count! count! I am your servant in all things,

Count! Count! I'm here to serve you in every way.

And this is a new office:—'tis not oft170

And this is a new office:—it's not often

I am employed in such; but you perceive

I am working in that field; but you see

How staunch a friend is what you call a fiend.

How firm a friend is what you would call an enemy.

On earth you have often only fiends for friends;

On earth, you often only have enemies for friends;

Now I desert not mine. Soft! bear her hence,

Now I do not abandon mine. Hold on! Take her away,

The beautiful half-clay, and nearly spirit!

The beautiful half-clay, and almost spirit!

I am almost enamoured of her, as

I am almost in love with her, as

Of old the Angels of her earliest sex.[250]

Of old, the Angels of her earliest womanhood.[250]

Arn. Thou!

Arn. You!

Cæs.‍I! But fear not. I'll not be your rival.

Cæs.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.Don’t worry. I won’t compete with you.

Arn. Rival!

Arn. Competitor!

Cæs.‍I could be one right formidable;

Cæs.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.I could be quite a force.

But since I slew the seven husbands of180

But since I killed the seven husbands of180

Tobias' future bride (and after all

Was smoked out by some incense),[251] I have laid

Aside intrigue: 'tis rarely worth the trouble

Aside from the intrigue: it's rarely worth the hassle.

Of gaining, or—what is more difficult—

Of gaining, or—what's even tougher—

Getting rid of your prize again; for there's

Getting rid of your prize again; because there's

The rub! at least to mortals.

The catch! at least for humans.

Arn.‍Prithee, peace!

Arn.‍Please, be quiet!

Softly! methinks her lips move, her eyes open!

Softly! I think her lips are moving, her eyes are opening!

Cæs. Like stars, no doubt; for that's a metaphor

Cæs. Definitely like stars; that's a metaphor

For Lucifer and Venus.

Arn.‍To the palace

To the palace

Colonna, as I told you!

Colonna, as I mentioned!

Cæs.‍Oh! I know190

Cæs. Oh! I know

My way through Rome.

My path through Rome.

Arn.‍Now onward, onward! Gently!

Now, let's move forward! Gently!

[Exeunt, bearing Olimpia. The scene closes.

[They exit, taking Olimpia. The scene ends.

[528]

PART III.

Scene I.—A Castle in the Apennines, surrounded by a wild but smiling Country. Chorus of Peasants singing before the Gates.

Chorus.

I.

The wars are over,

The wars are done,

The spring is come;

Spring has arrived;

The bride and her lover

The bride and her partner

Have sought their home:

Have searched for their home:

They are happy, we rejoice;

They’re happy, we rejoice;

Let their hearts have an echo in every voice!

Let their hearts be reflected in every voice!

II.

The spring is come; the violet's gone,

The spring has arrived; the violet's gone,

The first-born child of the early sun:[dt]

With us she is but a winter's flower,

With us, she's just a winter flower,

The snow on the hills cannot blast her bower,10

The snow on the hills can't ruin her shelter,10

And she lifts up her dewy eye of blue

And she lifts her bright blue eye, glistening with moisture

To the youngest sky of the self-same hue.

To the youngest sky of the same color.

III.

And when the spring comes with her host

And when spring arrives with her entourage

Of flowers, that flower beloved the most

Of flowers, that flower is loved the most

Shrinks from the crowd that may confuse

Shrinks from the crowd that might confuse

Her heavenly odour and virgin hues.

Her divine fragrance and pure colors.

IV.

Pluck the others, but still remember

Their herald out of dim December—

Their messenger from dark December—

The morning star of all the flowers,

The pledge of daylight's lengthened hours;20

The promise of longer daylight hours;20

Nor, midst the roses, e'er forget

Nor, amidst the roses, ever forget

The virgin—virgin Violet.

The untouched—untouched Violet.

[529]

Enter Cæsar.

Enter Caesar.

Cæs. (singing).

Caes. (singing).

The wars are all over,

The wars are done,

Our swords are all idle,

Our swords are all unused,

The steed bites the bridle,

The horse bites the bridle,

The casque's on the wall.

The helmet's on the wall.

There's rest for the rover;

There's rest for the traveler;

But his armour is rusty,

But his armor is rusty,

And the veteran grows crusty,

And the veteran becomes grumpy,

As he yawns in the hall.30

As he yawns in the hallway.30

He drinks—but what's drinking?

He drinks—but what is drinking?

A mere pause from thinking!

A brief break from thinking!

No bugle awakes him with life-and-death call.

No bugle wakes him with a life-or-death call.

Chorus.

Chorus.

But the hound bayeth loudly,

But the hound bays loudly,

The boar's in the wood,

The wild boar's in the woods,

And the falcon longs proudly

And the falcon proudly longs

To spring from her hood:

To jump from her hoodie:

On the wrist of the noble

She sits like a crest,

She sits like a queen,

And the air is in trouble40

With birds from their nest.

Cæs.

Cæsar.

Oh! shadow of Glory!

Dim image of War!

But the chase hath no story,

But the chase has no story,

Her hero no star,

Her hero, not a star,

Since Nimrod, the founder

Of empire and chase,

Of empire and pursuit,

Who made the woods wonder

Who inspired the woods' magic

And quake for their race.

And tremble for their race.

When the lion was young,50

When the lion was a cub,

In the pride of his might,

In the pride of his strength,

Then 'twas sport for the strong

Then it was fun for the strong

To embrace him in fight;

To embrace him in battle;

To go forth, with a pine

To move forward, with a pine

For a spear, 'gainst the mammoth,

For a spear against the mammoth,

Or strike through the ravine [du]

Or cross through the ravine [du]

At the foaming behemoth;[530]

At the raging giant;[530]

While man was in stature

While man was tall

As towers in our time,

As towers in our era,

The first born of Nature,60

The firstborn of Nature,

And, like her, sublime!

And, like her, amazing!

Chorus.

But the wars are over,

But the wars are finished,

The spring is come;

Spring has arrived;

The bride and her lover

The bride and her partner

Have sought their home:

Have searched for their home:

They are happy, and we rejoice;

They're happy, and we celebrate;

Let their hearts have an echo from every voice!

Let their hearts resonate with every voice!

[Exeunt the Peasantry, singing.

[Exit the Peasants, singing.

[531]

FRAGMENT OF THE THIRD PART OF THE DEFORMED TRANSFORMED.

Chorus.

Chorus.

When the merry bells are ringing,

When the cheerful bells are ringing,

And the peasant girls are singing,

And the farmer girls are singing,

And the early flowers are flinging

And the early flowers are throwing

Their odours in the air;

Their scents in the air;

And the honey bee is clinging

And the honey bee is hanging on

To the buds; and birds are winging

To the buds; and birds are flying

Their way, pair by pair:

Their method, couple by couple:

Then the earth looks free from trouble

Then the earth seems free of troubles.

With the brightness of a bubble:

Though I did not make it,10

Though I didn’t reach it,10

I could breathe on and break it;

I could breathe on it and break it;

But too much I scorn it,

But I scorn it too much,

Or else I would mourn it,

Or else I would grieve over it,

To see despots and slaves

To see tyrants and subjects

Playing o'er their own graves.

Playing over their own graves.

Enter Count Arnold.

Join Count Arnold.

Mem. Jealous—Arnold of Cæsar.

Mem. Jealous—Arnold of Caesar.

Olympia at first not liking Cæsar

Olympia not liking Caesar at first

—then?—Arnold jealous of himself

—then?—Arnold envious of himself

under his former figure, owing to

under his previous appearance, due to

the power of intellect, etc., etc., etc.

Arnold. You are merry, Sir—what? singing too?

Arnold. You're in a good mood, sir—are you singing as well?

Cæsar.‍It is

César. It is

The land of Song—and Canticles you know

Were once my avocation.

Used to be my hobby.

Arn.‍Nothing moves you;

Arn.‍Nothing affects you;

You scoff even at your own calamity[532]—

You laugh at your own misfortune[532]—

And such calamity! how wert thou fallen20

And what a disaster! How have you fallen? 20

Son of the Morning! and yet Lucifer

Can smile.

Cæs.‍His shape can—would you have me weep,

Caes.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.His form can—do you want me to cry,

In the fair form I wear, to please you?

In the attractive appearance I have, to make you happy?

Arn.‍Ah!

Arn.‍Wow!

Cæs. You are grave—what have you on your spirit!

Cæs. You seem serious—what's on your mind?

Arn.‍Nothing.

Nothing.

Cæs. How mortals lie by instinct! If you ask

Cæs. How instinctively humans lie! If you ask

A disappointed courtier—What's the matter?

A disappointed courtier—What’s wrong?

"Nothing"—an outshone Beauty what has made

"Nothing"—a beauty that's outshone what has been made

Her smooth brow crisp—"Oh, Nothing!"—a young heir

Her smooth forehead furrowed—"Oh, nothing!"—a young heir

When his Sire has recovered from the Gout,

When his Lord has recovered from the gout,

What ails him? "Nothing!" or a Monarch who30

What’s wrong with him? “Nothing!” or a King who

Has heard the truth, and looks imperial on it—

Has heard the truth and stands majestically before it—

What clouds his royal aspect? "Nothing," "Nothing!"

What's bothering him? "Nothing," "Nothing!"

Nothing—eternal nothing—of these nothings

Nothing—eternal nothing—of these emptinesses

All are a lie—for all to them are much!

All are a lie—because all of it matters a lot to them!

And they themselves alone the real "Nothings."

And they themselves are the real "Nothings."

Your present Nothing, too, is something to you—

Your current Nothing is also something to you—

What is it?

What's that?

Arn.‍Know you not?

Arn. Don't you know?

Cæs.‍I only know

Cæs. I only know

What I desire to know! and will not waste

What I want to know! and will not waste

Omniscience upon phantoms. Out with it!

Know everything about ghosts. Spill it!

If you seek aid from me—or else be silent.40

If you want help from me—or just stay quiet.40

And eat your thoughts—till they breed snakes within you.

And consume your thoughts—until they give rise to snakes inside you.

Arn. Olimpia!

Cæs.‍I thought as much—go on.

Yeah.‍I figured as much—continue.

Arn. I thought she had loved me.

Arn. I thought she loved me.

Cæs.‍Blessings on your Creed!

Cæs.‍Blessings on your beliefs!

What a good Christian you were found to be!

What a great Christian you turned out to be!

But what cold Sceptic hath appalled your faith

But what cold skeptic has challenged your faith

And transubstantiated to crumbs again

And turned back into crumbs again

The body of your Credence?

The body of your Credence?

Arn.‍No one—but—

No one—but—

Each day—each hour—each minute shows me more

Each day—each hour—each minute reveals more to me.

And more she loves me not—

And she loves me no more—

Cæs.‍Doth she rebel?

Cæs.‍Is she rebelling?

Arn. No, she is calm, and meek, and silent with me,50

Arn. No, she is calm, gentle, and quiet around me,50

And coldly dutiful, and proudly patient—[533]

And coldly responsible, and proudly tolerant—[533]

Endures my Love—not meets it.

Endures my love—not just meets it.

Cæs.‍That seems strange.

Cæs. That seems odd.

You are beautiful and brave! the first is much

You are beautiful and strong! The first is much

For passion—and the rest for Vanity.

For passion—and everything else for vanity.

Arn. I saved her life, too; and her Father's life,

Arn. I saved her life as well, along with her father's life,

And Father's house from ashes.

Cæs.‍These are nothing.

These are nothing.

You seek for Gratitude—the Philosopher's stone.

You are searching for Gratitude—the Philosopher's stone.

Arn. And find it not.

Arn. And don't find it.

Cæs.‍You cannot find what is not.

Ces.Understood! Please provide the text you'd like me to modernize.You can’t find what doesn’t exist.

But found would it content you? would you owe

But found would it satisfy you? Would you owe

To thankfulness what you desire from Passion?60

To be grateful for what you want from Passion?60

No! No! you would be loved—what you call loved—

Self-loved—loved for yourself—for neither health,

Self-love—loving yourself—for neither health,

Nor wealth, nor youth, nor power, nor rank, nor beauty—

Nor wealth, nor youth, nor power, nor status, nor looks—

For these you may be stript of—but beloved

For these you might be stripped of—but loved

As an abstraction—for—you know not what!

As a concept—for—you don't even know what!

These are the wishes of a moderate lover—

These are the wishes of a reasonable lover—

And so you love.

Arn.‍Ah! could I be beloved,

Arn.‍Ah! if only I were loved,

Would I ask wherefore?

Would I ask why?

Cæs.‍Yes! and not believe

Cæs. Yes! And don't believe

The answer—You are jealous.

You're jealous.

Arn.‍And of whom?

And about whom?

Cæs. It may be of yourself,[252] for Jealousy70

Caesar. It could be about you,[252] for Jealousy70

Is as a shadow of the Sun. The Orb

Is like a shadow of the Sun. The Orb

Is mighty—as you mortals deem—and to

Is mighty—as you humans think—and to

Your little Universe seems universal;

Your little universe feels universal;

But, great as He appears, and is to you,

But, as amazing as He seems, and is to you,

The smallest cloud—the slightest vapour of

The smallest cloud—the slightest vapor of

Your humid earth enables you to look

Your damp soil allows you to see

Upon a Sky which you revile as dull;

Upon a sky that you see as boring;

Though your eyes dare not gaze on it when cloudless.

Though your eyes won't look at it when there's no cloud.

Nothing can blind a mortal like to light.

Nothing can blind a person like too much light.

Now Love in you is as the Sun—a thing80

Now, love in you is like the sun—a thing80

Beyond you—and your Jealousy's of Earth[534]—

Beyond you—and your jealousy of Earth[534]—

A cloud of your own raising.

A cloud that you made.

Arn.‍Not so always!

Arn.‍Not always!

There is a cause at times.

There's a reason sometimes.

Cæs.‍Oh, yes! when atoms jostle,

Caes. Oh, yes! when atoms bump,

The System is in peril. But I speak

The System is in danger. But I speak

Of things you know not. Well, to earth again!

Of things you don't know. Well, back to earth!

This precious thing of dust—this bright Olimpia—

This marvellous Virgin, is a marble maid—

This amazing Virgin is a marble girl—

An Idol, but a cold one to your heat

An idol, but a cold one to your warmth.

Promethean, and unkindled by your torch.

Promethean, and not ignited by your torch.

Arn. Slave!

Arn. Servant!

Cæs.‍In the victor's Chariot, when Rome triumphed,90

Cæs.Understood. Please provide the text you would like me to modernize.In the victor's chariot, when Rome celebrated its triumph,90

There was a Slave of yore to tell him truth!

There was a slave from the past to tell him the truth!

You are a Conqueror—command your Slave.

You are a conqueror—take control of your servant.

Arn. Teach me the way to win the woman's love.

Arn. Show me how to win a woman's love.

Cæs. Leave her.

Caes. Let her go.

Arn.‍Where that the path—I'd not pursue it.

Arn.Understood. Please provide the short text you would like me to modernize.If that’s the way, I wouldn’t follow it.

Cæs. No doubt! for if you did, the remedy

Cæs. No doubt! Because if you did, the solution

Would be for a disease already cured.

Would be for a disease that's already been cured.

Arn. All wretched as I am, I would not quit

Arn. No matter how miserable I feel, I wouldn’t leave

My unrequited love, for all that's happy.

My one-sided love, despite everything that's good.

Cæs. You have possessed the woman—still possess.

Cæs. You have had the woman—you still have her.

What need you more?

What more do you need?

Arn.‍To be myself possessed—100

To be true to myself—

To be her heart as she is mine.

To be her heart just like she is mine.

FOOTNOTES:

[201] {473}[The Three Brothers, by Joshua Pickersgill, junior, was published in 1803. There is no copy of The Three Brothers in the British Museum. The following extracts are taken from a copy in the Bodleian Library at Oxford (vol. 4, cap. xi. pp. 229-350):—

[201] {473}[The Three Brothers, by Joshua Pickersgill, junior, was published in 1803. There isn’t a copy of The Three Brothers in the British Museum. The following excerpts are taken from a copy in the Bodleian Library at Oxford (vol. 4, ch. xi, pp. 229-350):—

"Arnaud, the natural son of the Marquis de Souvricour, was a child 'extraordinary in Beauty and Intellect.' When travelling with his parents to Languedoc, Arnaud being 8 years old, he was shot at by banditti, and forsaken by his parents. The Captain of the band nursed him. 'But those perfections to which Arnaud owed his existence, ceased to adorn it. The ball had gored his shoulder, and the fall had dislocated it; by the latter misadventure his spine likewise was so fatally injured as to be irrecoverable to its pristine uprightness. Injuries so compound confounded the Captain, who sorrowed to see a creature so charming, at once deformed by a crooked back and an excrescent shoulder.' Arnaud was found and taken back to his parents. 'The bitterest consciousness of his deformity was derived from their indelicate, though, perhaps, insensible alteration of conduct.... Of his person he continued to speak as of an abhorrent enemy.... "Were a blessing submitted to my choice, I would say, [said Arnaud] be it my immediate dissolution." "I think," said his mother, ... "that you could wish better." "Yes," adjoined Arnaud, "for that wish should be that I ever had remained unborn."' He polishes the broken blade of a sword, and views himself therein; the sight so horrifies him that he determines to throw himself over a precipice, but draws back at the last moment. He goes to a cavern, and conjures up the prince of hell. "Arnaud knew himself to be interrogated. What he required.... What was that answer the effects explain.... There passed in liveliest portraiture the various men distinguished for that beauty and grace which Arnaud so much desired, that he was ambitious to purchase them with his soul. He felt that it was his part to chuse whom he would resemble, yet he remained unresolved, though the spectator of an hundred shades of renown, among which glided by Alexander, Alcibiades, and Hephestion: at length appeared the supernatural effigy of a man, whose perfections human artist never could depict or insculp—Demetrius, the son of Antigonus. Arnaud's heart heaved quick with preference, and strait he found within his hand the resemblance of a poniard, its point inverted towards his breast. A mere automaton in the hands of the Demon, he thrust the point through his heart, and underwent a painless death. During his trance, his spirit metempsychosed from the body of his detestation to that of his admiration ... Arnaud awoke a Julian!'"]

"Arnaud, the illegitimate son of the Marquis de Souvricour, was a child 'extraordinary in beauty and intellect.' While traveling with his parents to Languedoc at the age of 8, he was shot at by bandits and abandoned by his parents. The captain of the gang took care of him. 'But those qualities that made Arnaud special no longer adorned him. The bullet had pierced his shoulder, and the fall had dislocated it; as a result of this, his spine was also so badly injured that it could never return to its original straightness. Such complex injuries confused the captain, who was sorrowful to see such a charming being deformed by a crooked back and a protruding shoulder.' Arnaud was found and brought back to his parents. 'The most painful realization of his deformity came from their awkward, though perhaps unintentional change in behavior... He continued to speak of his body as if it were a dreadful enemy... "If I could choose a blessing, I would say," Arnaud said, "let it be my immediate death." "I think," his mother replied, "that you could wish for something better." "Yes," Arnaud added, "what I would wish for is that I had never been born." He polished the broken blade of a sword and looked at himself in it; the sight horrified him so much that he decided to throw himself off a cliff but hesitated at the last moment. He went to a cave and summoned the prince of hell. "Arnaud knew he was being questioned. What did he want... What was that answer that the effects explained... Various men distinguished for the beauty and grace that Arnaud so desired appeared vividly before him, and he yearned to attain those qualities at the cost of his soul. He felt it was his choice who he would resemble, yet he remained undecided, even as he witnessed hundreds of renowned figures, including Alexander, Alcibiades, and Hephestion: finally, the supernatural image of a man appeared, whose perfections no human artist could ever capture—Demetrius, the son of Antigonus. Arnaud's heart raced with preference, and he suddenly found in his hand the likeness of a dagger, its point facing his chest. Like a mere puppet in the hands of the Demon, he thrust the point through his heart and experienced a painless death. During his trance, his spirit transformed from the body he loathed to the one he admired... Arnaud awakened as a Julian!'"]

[202] {474}[For a résumé of M. G. Lewis's Wood Demon (afterwards re-cast as One O'clock; or, The Knight and the Wood-Demon, 1811), see "First Visit to the Theatre in London," Poems, by Hartley Coleridge, 1851, i., Appendix C, pp. cxcix.-cciii. The Wood Demon in its original form was never published.]

[202] {474}[For a summary of M. G. Lewis's Wood Demon (later rewritten as One O'clock; or, The Knight and the Wood-Demon, 1811), see "First Visit to the Theatre in London," Poems, by Hartley Coleridge, 1851, i., Appendix C, pp. cxcix.-cciii. The Wood Demon in its original version was never published.]

[203] [Mrs. Shelley inscribed the following note on the fly-leaf of her copy of The Deformed Transformed:—

[203] [Mrs. Shelley wrote this note on the inside cover of her copy of The Deformed Transformed:—

"This had long been a favourite subject with Lord Byron. I think that he mentioned it also in Switzerland. I copied it—he sending a portion of it at a time, as it was finished, to me. At this time he had a great horror of its being said that he plagiarised, or that he studied for ideas, and wrote with difficulty. Thus he gave Shelley Aikins' edition of the British poets, that it might not be found in his house by some English lounger, and reported home; thus, too, he always dated when he began and when he ended a poem, to prove hereafter how quickly it was done. I do not think that he altered a line in this drama after he had once written it down. He composed and corrected in his mind. I do not know how he meant to finish it; but he said himself that the whole conduct of the story was already conceived. It was at this time that a brutal paragraph[*] alluding to his lameness appeared, which he repeated to me lest I should hear it from some one else. No action of Lord Byron's life—scarce a line he has written—but was influenced by his personal defect."]

"This had long been a favorite topic for Lord Byron. I think he also mentioned it in Switzerland. I copied it—he sent a part of it at a time, as it was finished, to me. At that time, he had a strong fear of being accused of plagiarism, or that he was searching for ideas and writing with difficulty. So, he gave Shelley Aikins' edition of the British poets to ensure it wouldn't be found in his house by some English bystander and reported back home; similarly, he always dated when he started and finished a poem to prove later how quickly it was completed. I don't think he changed a single line in this play after he wrote it down. He composed and corrected it in his mind. I don’t know how he intended to finish it, but he said himself that the entire arc of the story was already planned out. During this time, a cruel paragraph[*] referring to his lameness came out, which he told me about so I wouldn't hear it from someone else. No action in Lord Byron's life—barely a line he wrote—wasn't influenced by his personal flaw."

[[*] It is possible that Mrs. Shelley alludes to a sentence in the Memoirs, etc., of Lord Byron. (by Dr. John Watkin), 1822, p. 46: "A malformation of one of his feet, and other indications of a rickety constitution, served as a plea for suffering him to range the hills and to wander about at his pleasure on the seashore, that his frame might be invigorated by air and exercise."]

[[*] It’s possible that Mrs. Shelley is referencing a sentence in the Memoirs, etc., of Lord Byron. (by Dr. John Watkin), 1822, p. 46: "A deformity in one of his feet, along with other signs of a weak constitution, provided a reason for allowing him to roam the hills and stroll along the seashore, so that his body could be strengthened by fresh air and exercise."]

[cv] {477} The Deformed—a drama.—B. Pisa, 1822.

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {477} The Deformed—a drama.—B. Pisa, 1822.

[204] [Moore (Life, p. 13) quotes these lines in connection with a passage in Byron's "Memoranda," where, in speaking of his own sensitiveness on the subject of his deformed foot, he described the feeling of horror and humiliation that came over him, when his mother, in one of her fits of passion, called him "a lame brat!"... "It may be questioned," he adds, "whether that whole drama [The Deformed Transformed] was not indebted for its origin to that single recollection."

[204] [Moore (Life, p. 13) quotes these lines in relation to a section in Byron's "Memoranda," where he talks about his sensitivity regarding his deformed foot. He describes the intense horror and humiliation he felt when his mother, during one of her angry outbursts, called him "a lame brat!"... "It can be questioned," he adds, "whether that entire drama [The Deformed Transformed] was inspired by that single memory."

Byron's early letters (e.g. November 2, 11, 17, 1804, Letters, 1898, i. 41, 45, 48) are full of complaints of his mother's "eccentric behaviour," her "fits of phrenzy," her "caprices," "passions," and so forth; and there is convincing proof—see Life, pp. 28, 306; Letters, 1898, ii. 122 (incident at Bellingham's execution); Letters, 1901, vi. 179 (Le Diable Boiteux)—that he regarded the contraction of the muscles of his legs as a more or less repulsive deformity. And yet, to quote one of a hundred testimonies,—"with regard to Lord Byron's features, Mr. Mathews observed, that he was the only man he ever contemplated, to whom he felt disposed to apply the word beautiful" (Memoirs of Charles Matthews, 1838, ii. 380). The looker-on or the consoler computes the magnitude and the liberality of the compensation. The sufferer thinks only of his sufferings.]

Byron's early letters (e.g., November 2, 11, 17, 1804, Letters, 1898, i. 41, 45, 48) are full of complaints about his mother's "eccentric behavior," her "fits of frenzy," her "mood swings," "passions," and so on; and there is convincing proof—see Life, pp. 28, 306; Letters, 1898, ii. 122 (incident at Bellingham's execution); Letters, 1901, vi. 179 (Le Diable Boiteux)—that he viewed the contractions in his leg muscles as a somewhat repulsive deformity. And yet, to quote one of many testimonies, "with regard to Lord Byron's features, Mr. Mathews observed that he was the only man he ever saw whom he felt inclined to describe as 'beautiful'" (Memoirs of Charles Matthews, 1838, ii. 380). The observer or the comforter calculates the extent and generosity of the compensation. The person who suffers thinks only of their pain.

[205] {478}[So, too, Prospero to Caliban, Tempest, act i. sc. 2, line 309, etc.]

[205] {478}[Similarly, Prospero to Caliban, Tempest, act i. sc. 2, line 309, etc.]

[206] {479}[Compare—"Have not partook oppression." Marino Faliero, act i. sc. 2, line 468, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 362, note 1.]

[206] {479}[Compare—"Have not experienced oppression." Marino Faliero, act i. sc. 2, line 468, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 362, note 1.]

[207] {480}[Compare the story of the philosopher Jamblichus and the raising of Eros and Anteros from their "fountain-dwellings."—Manfred, act ii. sc. 2, line 93, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 105, note 2.]

[207] {480}[Check out the story of the philosopher Jamblichus and the revival of Eros and Anteros from their "fountain homes."—Manfred, act ii. sc. 2, line 93, Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 105, note 2.]

[cw] {481} Give me the strength of the buffalo's foot (which marks me).—[MS.]

[cw] {481} Grant me the power of the buffalo's foot (which identifies me).—[MS.]

[cx] The sailless dromedary——.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The sailless dromedary——.—[MS.]

[cy] {482} Now I can gibe the mightiest.—[MS.]

[cy] {482} Now I can mock the strongest.—[MS.]

[208] {483}[So, too, in The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus (Marlowe's Works, 1858, p. 112), Faustus stabs his arm, "and with his proper blood Assures his soul to be great Lucifer's."]

[208] {483}[Similarly, in The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus (Marlowe's Works, 1858, p. 112), Faustus stabs his arm, "and with his own blood pledges his soul to be great Lucifer's."]

[cz]

Walk lively and pliant.

Walk lively and flexible.

You shall rise up as pliant.—[MS, erased.]

You will rise up as flexible.—[MS, erased.]

[209] This is a well-known German superstition—a gigantic shadow produced by reflection on the Brocken. [See Brewster's Letters on Natural Magic, 1831, p. 128.]

[209] This is a well-known German superstition—a huge shadow created by reflection on the Brocken. [See Brewster's Letters on Natural Magic, 1831, p. 128.]

[da] And such my command.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ And that's my command.—[MS.]

[210] {484}["Nigris vegetisque oculis."—Suetonius, Vitæ C. Julius Cæsar, cap. xiv., Opera Omnia, 1826, i. 105.]

[210] {484}["With black eyes and lively gaze."—Suetonius, Life of C. Julius Caesar, chapter xiv., Complete Works, 1826, i. 105.]

[211] [Vide post, p. 501, note 1.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [See below, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__.]

[212] ["Sed ante alias [Julius Cæsar] dilexit M. Bruti matrem Serviliam ... dilexit et reginas ... sed maxime Cleopatram" (ibid., i. 113, 115). Cleopatra, born B.C. 69, was twenty-one years old when she met Cæsar, B.C. 48.]

[212] ["But before all others, [Julius Caesar] loved the mother of Marcus Brutus, Servilia ... he also loved queens ... but most of all, Cleopatra" (ibid., i. 113, 115). Cleopatra, born in 69 B.C., was twenty-one years old when she met Caesar in 48 B.C.]

[db]

And can

And can

It be? the man who shook the earth is gone.—[MS.]

Is it true? The man who shook the earth is gone.—[MS.]

[213] {485}["Upon the whole, it may be doubted whether there be a name of Antiquity which comes down with such a general charm as that of Alcibiades. Why? I cannot answer: who can?"—Detached Thoughts (1821), No. 108, Letters, 1901, v. 461. For Sir Walter Scott's note on this passage, see Letters, 1900, iv. 77, 78, note 2.]

[213] {485}["Overall, it's questionable whether any name from ancient times has a broader appeal than that of Alcibiades. Why? I can't say—who can?"—Detached Thoughts (1821), No. 108, Letters, 1901, v. 461. For Sir Walter Scott's note on this passage, see Letters, 1900, iv. 77, 78, note 2.]

[214] [The outside of Socrates was that of a satyr and buffoon, but his soul was all virtue, and from within him came such divine and pathetic things, as pierced the heart, and drew tears from the hearers.—Plato, Symp., p. 216, D.]

[214] [Socrates appeared like a satyr and a fool on the outside, but his inner self was filled with virtue, and from within him came profound and moving thoughts that touched people's hearts and brought tears to their eyes.—Plato, Symp., p. 216, D.]

[215] {486}["Anthony had a noble dignity of countenance, a graceful length of beard, a large forehead, an aquiline nose: and, upon the whole, the same manly aspect that we see in the pictures and statues of Hercules."—Plutarch's Lives, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 634.]

[215] {486}["Anthony had a noble dignity in his face, a graceful long beard, a broad forehead, a prominent nose, and overall, the strong appearance we recognize in pictures and statues of Hercules."—Plutarch's Lives, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 634.]

[216] [As in the "Farnese" Hercules.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [Like the "Farnese" Hercules.]

[217] [The beauty and mien [of Demetrius Poliorcetes] were so inimitable that no statuary or painter could hit off a likeness. His countenance had a mixture of grace and dignity; and was at once amiable and awful; and the unsubdued and eager air of youth was blended with the majesty of the hero and the king.—Plutarch's Lives, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 616.

[217] [The beauty and appearance of Demetrius Poliorcetes were so unique that no sculptor or painter could capture his likeness. His face combined grace and dignity; it was both charming and intimidating. The untamed eagerness of youth merged with the majesty of a hero and a king.—Plutarch's Lives, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, p. 616.

Demetrius the Besieger rescued Greece from the sway of Ptolemy and Cassander, B.C. 307. He passed the following winter at Athens, where divine honours were paid to him under the title of "the Preserver" (ὁ Σωτήρ). He was "the shame of Greece in peace," by reason of his profligacy—"the citadel was so polluted with his debaucheries, that it appeared to be kept sacred in some degree when he indulged himself only with such Hetæræ as Chrysis, Lamia, Demo, and Anticyra." He was the unspiritual ancestor of Charles the Second. Once when his father, Antigonus, had been told that he was indisposed, "he went to see him; and when he came to the door, he met one of his favourites going out. He went in, however, and, sitting down by him, took hold of his hand. 'My fever,' said Demetrius, 'has left me.' 'I knew it,' said Antigonus, 'for I met it this moment at the door.'"—Plutarch's Lives, ibid., pp. 621-623.]

Demetrius the Besieger saved Greece from the control of Ptolemy and Cassander in 307 B.C. He spent the following winter in Athens, where he was honored with divine status under the title "the Preserver" (the Savior). He was considered "the shame of Greece in peace" because of his extravagant lifestyle—"the citadel was so tainted by his excesses that it seemed somewhat sanctified when he entertained himself only with such Hetæræ as Chrysis, Lamia, Demo, and Anticyra." He was the morally questionable predecessor of Charles the Second. Once, when his father, Antigonus, heard he was feeling unwell, "he went to check on him; and when he arrived at the door, he encountered one of his favorites coming out. He went in anyway, and after sitting down next to him, he took his hand. 'My fever,' said Demetrius, 'has left me.' 'I knew it,' replied Antigonus, 'for I just met it at the door.'"—Plutarch's Lives, ibid., pp. 621-623.

[218] {488}[Spercheus was a river-god, the husband of Polydora, the daughter of Peleus. Peleus casts into the river the hair of his son Achilles, in the pious hope that his son-in-law would accept the votive offering, and grant the youth a safe return from the Trojan war. See Iliad, xxiii. 140, sqq.]

[218] {488}[Spercheus was a river god and the husband of Polydora, the daughter of Peleus. Peleus threw his son Achilles' hair into the river, hoping that his son-in-law would accept the offering and ensure the young man's safe return from the Trojan war. See Iliad, xxiii. 140, sqq.]

[219] {489}["Whosoever," says Bacon, "hath anything fixed in his person that doth induce contempt, hath also a perpetual spur in himself to rescue and deliver himself from scorn; therefore, all deformed persons are extreme bold; first, as in their own defence, as being exposed to scorn, but in process of time by a general habit; also it stirreth in them industry, and especially of this kind, to watch and observe the weakness of others, that they may have somewhat to repay." (Essay xliv.). Byron's "chief incentive, when a boy, to distinction was that mark of deformity on his person, by an acute sense of which he was first stung into the ambition of being great."—Life, p. 306.]

[219] {489}["Whoever," says Bacon, "has something about them that invites contempt, has a constant motivation within themselves to escape and prove themselves worthy of respect; thus, all people with deformities tend to be extremely bold; initially, it's a defense mechanism against ridicule, but over time it becomes a habit. It also drives them to be industrious, especially in watching and noticing the weaknesses of others, so they can retaliate." (Essay xliv.). Byron's "main motivation, as a boy, to stand out was that mark of deformity on his body, which made him acutely aware and stung into the ambition of wanting to be great."—Life, p. 306.]

[220] [Timúr Bey, or Timúr Lang, i.e. "the lame Timúr" (A.D. 1336-1405), was the founder of the Mogul dynasty. He was the Tamerlane of history and of legend. Byron had certainly read the selections from Marlowe's Tamburlaine the Great, in Lamb's Specimens of English Dramatic Poets.]

[220] [Timúr Bey, or Timúr Lang, i.e. "the lame Timúr" (A.D. 1336-1405), was the founder of the Mughal dynasty. He was the Tamerlane of both history and legend. Byron had definitely read the excerpts from Marlowe's Tamburlaine the Great, in Lamb's Specimens of English Dramatic Poets.]

[221] {491}["I am black, but comely."—Song of Solomon i. 5.]

[221] {491}["I am black, but beautiful."—Song of Solomon i. 5.]

[222] Adam means "red earth," from which the first man was formed. [The word adām is said to be analogous to the Assyrian admu, "child"—i.e. "one made" by God.—Encycl. Bibl., art. "Adam."]

[222] Adam means "red earth," from which the first man was created. [The word adām is said to be similar to the Assyrian admu, "child"—i.e. "one made" by God.—Encycl. Bibl., art. "Adam."]

[dc] {492} This shape into Life.—[MS.]

This shape into Life.

[223] {493}[The reference is to the homunculi of the alchymists. See Retzsch's illustrations to Goethe's Faust, 1834, plates 3, 4, 5. Compare, too, The Second Part of Faust, act ii.—

[223] {493}[The reference is to the homunculi of the alchemists. See Retzsch's illustrations to Goethe's Faust, 1834, plates 3, 4, 5. Also, see The Second Part of Faust, act ii.—

"The glass rings low, the charming power that lives

"The glass rings softly, the delightful energy that exists"

Within it makes the music that it gives.

Within it makes the music that it creates.

It dims! it brightens! it will shape itself.

It dims! It brightens! It will form itself.

And see! a graceful dazzling little elf.

And look! a charming, sparkling little elf.

He lives! he moves! spruce mannikin of fire,

He lives! He moves! Stylish little man of fire,

What more can we? what more can earth desire?"

What more can we want? What else can the earth desire?

Anster's Translation, 1886, p. 91.]

Anster's Translation, 1886, p. 91.

[dd] Your Interloper——.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Your Interloper——.—[MS.]

[224] {494}[Compare Prisoner of Chillon, stanza ii. line 35, Poetical Works, 1091, iv. 15, note i. Compare, too, the dialogue between Mephistopheles and the Will-o'-the Wisp, in the scene on the Hartz Mountains, in Faust, Part I. (see Anster's Translation, 1886, p. 271).]

[224] {494}[See Prisoner of Chillon, stanza ii. line 35, Poetical Works, 1091, iv. 15, note i. Also check out the conversation between Mephistopheles and the Will-o'-the Wisp in the scene on the Hartz Mountains in Faust, Part I. (refer to Anster's Translation, 1886, p. 271).]

[225] {495}[The immediate reference is to the composite forces, German, French, and Spanish, of the Imperial Army under the command of Charles de Bourbon: but there is in lines 498-507 a manifest allusion to the revolutionary movements in South America, Italy, and Spain, which were at their height in 1822. (See the Age of Bronze, section vi. lines 260, sq., post, pp. 555-557.)]

[225] {495}[This is immediately referring to the combined forces of the German, French, and Spanish armies under the command of Charles de Bourbon. However, in lines 498-507, there’s a clear reference to the revolutionary movements occurring in South America, Italy, and Spain, which were at their peak in 1822. (See the Age of Bronze, section vi. lines 260, sq., post, pp. 555-557.)]

[226] {496}[See Euripides, Hippolytus, line 733.]

[226]

[de] Kochlani——.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Kochlani——.—[MS.]

[227] [Kochlani horses were bred in a central province of Arabia.]

[227] [Kochlani horses were raised in a central region of Arabia.]

[228] [Byron's knowledge of Huon of Bordeaux was, most probably, derived from Sotheby's Oberon; or, Huon de Bourdeux: A Mask, published in 1802. For The Boke of Duke Huon of Burdeux, done into English by Sir John Bourchier, Lord Berners, see the reprint issued by the Early English Text Society (E.S., No. xliii. 1884); and for Analyse de Huon de Bordeaux, etc., see Les Epopées Françaises, by Léon Gautier, 1880, ii. 719-773.]

[228] [Byron likely learned about Huon of Bordeaux from Sotheby's Oberon; or, Huon de Bourdeux: A Mask, published in 1802. For The Boke of Duke Huon of Burdeux, translated into English by Sir John Bourchier, Lord Berners, check the reprint released by the Early English Text Society (E.S., No. xliii. 1884); and for Analyse de Huon de Bordeaux, etc., refer to Les Epopées Françaises, by Léon Gautier, 1880, ii. 719-773.]

[229] {497}[The so-called statue of Memnon, the beautiful son of Tithonus and Eos (Dawn), is now known to be that of Amenhotep III., who reigned in the eighteenth dynasty, about 1430 B.C. Strabo, ed. 1807. p. 1155, was the first to record the musical note which sounded from the statue when it was touched by the rays of the rising sun. It used to be argued (see Gifford's note to Don Juan, Canto XIII. stanza lxiv. line 3, ed. 1837, p. 731) that the sounds were produced by a trick, but of late years it has been maintained that the Memnon's wail was due to natural causes, the pressure of suddenly-warmed currents of air through the pores and crevices of the stone. After the statue was restored, the phenomenon ceased. (See La statue vocale de Memnon, par J. A. Letronne, Paris, 1833, pp. 55, 56.)]

[229] {497}[The so-called statue of Memnon, the handsome son of Tithonus and Eos (Dawn), is now recognized as that of Amenhotep III, who ruled during the eighteenth dynasty, around 1430 B.C. Strabo, ed. 1807, p. 1155, was the first to note the musical sound that came from the statue when it was hit by the rays of the rising sun. It was once debated (see Gifford's note to Don Juan, Canto XIII, stanza lxiv, line 3, ed. 1837, p. 731) that the sounds were created through trickery, but in recent years it has been argued that Memnon's wail was caused by natural factors, specifically the pressure of suddenly warmed air moving through the stone's pores and cracks. After the statue was restored, the phenomenon stopped. (See La statue vocale de Memnon, by J. A. Letronne, Paris, 1833, pp. 55, 56.)]

[df] We'll add a "Count" to it.—[MS.]

[df] We’ll include a "Count" for it.—[MS.]

[dg] {498} ——my eyes are full.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {498} ——my eyes are filled.—[MS.]

[230] [Charles de Bourbon, Comte de Montpensier et de la Marche, Dauphin d'Auvergne, was born February 17, 1490. He served in Italy with Bayard, and helped to decide the victory of Agnadello (A.D. 1510). He was appointed Constable of France by Francis I., January, 1515, and fought at the battle of Marignano, September 13, 1515. Not long afterwards he lost the king's favour, who was set against him by his mother, Louise de Savoie; was recalled from his command in Italy, and superseded by Odet de Foix, brother of the king's mistress. It was not, however, till he became a widower (Susanne, Duchesse de Bourbon, died April 28, 1521) that he finally broke with Francis and attached himself to the Emperor Charles V. Madame, the king's mother, not only coveted the vast estates of the house of Bourbon, but was enamoured of the Constable's person, and, so to speak, gave him his choice between marriage and a suit for his fiefs. Charles would have nothing to say to the lady's proposals or to her son's entreaties, and seeing that rejection meant ruin, he "entered into a correspondence with the Emperor and the King [Henry VIII.] of England ... and, finding this discovered, went into the Emperor's service."

[230] [Charles de Bourbon, Count of Montpensier and the Marche, Dauphin of Auvergne, was born on February 17, 1490. He served in Italy with Bayard and played a key role in securing the victory at Agnadello (A.D. 1510). He was appointed Constable of France by Francis I in January 1515 and fought at the Battle of Marignano on September 13, 1515. Soon after, he lost the king's favor, influenced by his mother, Louise de Savoie; he was recalled from his command in Italy and replaced by Odet de Foix, brother of the king's mistress. It wasn't until he became a widower (Susanne, Duchess of Bourbon, died on April 28, 1521) that he completely distanced himself from Francis and aligned with Emperor Charles V. Madame, the king's mother, not only wanted the vast estates of the Bourbon family but was also infatuated with the Constable, effectively giving him an ultimatum between marriage and a claim to his lands. Charles rejected the lady's proposals and her son's pleas, realizing that refusal would lead to his downfall. Consequently, he started communicating with the Emperor and King Henry VIII of England... and when this became known, he entered the Emperor's service.]

After various and varying successes, both in the South of France and in Lombardy, he found himself, in the spring of 1527, not so much the commander-in-chief as the popular capo of a mixed body of German, Spanish, and Italian condottieri, unpaid and ill-disciplined, who had mutinied more than once, who could only be kept together by the prospect of unlimited booty, and a timely concession to their demands. "To Rome! to Rome!" cried the hungry and tumultuous landsknechts, and on May 5, 1527, the "late Constable of France," at the head of an army of 30,000 troops, appeared before the walls of the sacred city. On the morning of the 6th of May, he was killed by a shot from an arquebuse. His epitaph recounts his honours: "Aucto Imperio, Gallo victo, Superatâ Italiâ, Pontifice obsesso, Româ captâ, Borbonius, Hic Jacet;" but in Paris they painted the sill of his gate-way yellow, because he was a renegade and a traitor. He could not have said, with the dying Bayard, "Ne me plaignez pas-je meurs sans avoir servi contre ma patrie, mon roy, et mon serment." (See Modern Universal History, 1760, xxiv. 150-152, Note C; Nouvelle Biographie Universelle, art. "Bourbon.")]

After various successes in the South of France and in Lombardy, he found himself in the spring of 1527, not so much the commander-in-chief as the popular capo of a mixed group of German, Spanish, and Italian condottieri, who were unpaid and poorly disciplined, having mutinied more than once. They could only be kept together by the promise of unlimited loot and a timely concession to their demands. "To Rome! to Rome!" shouted the hungry and restless landsknechts, and on May 5, 1527, the "late Constable of France," leading an army of 30,000 troops, appeared before the walls of the holy city. On the morning of May 6, he was killed by a shot from a arquebus. His epitaph lists his honors: "Aucto Imperio, Gallo victo, Superatâ Italiâ, Pontifice obsesso, Româ captâ, Borbonius, Hic Jacet;" but in Paris, they painted the sill of his gateway yellow because he was seen as a renegade and a traitor. He could not have said, like the dying Bayard, "Ne me plaignez pas-je meurs sans avoir servi contre ma patrie, mon roy, et mon serment." (See Modern Universal History, 1760, xxiv. 150-152, Note C; Nouvelle Biographie Universelle, art. "Bourbon.")

[231] {499}[The contrast is between imperial Rome, the Lord of the world, and papal Rome, "the great harlot which hath corrupted the earth with her fornications" (Rev. ii. 19). Compare Part II. sc. iii. line 26, vide post, p. 521.]

[231] {499}[The contrast is between imperial Rome, the ruler of the world, and papal Rome, "the great harlot that has corrupted the earth with her immoralities" (Rev. ii. 19). See Part II. sc. iii. line 26, see later, p. 521.]

[232] {500}[Compare Manfred, act iii. sc. 4, line 10; and Childe Harold, Canto IV. stanza cxxviii. line 1; Poetical Works, 1901, iv. 131, 1899, ii. 423, note 2.]

[232] {500}[See Manfred, act iii, scene 4, line 10; and Childe Harold, Canto IV, stanza 128, line 1; Poetical Works, 1901, vol. iv, p. 131, 1899, vol. ii, p. 423, note 2.]

[233] {501}["Calvitii vero deformitatem iniquissime ferret, sæpe obtrectatorum jocis obnoxiam expertus. Ideoque et deficientem capillum revocare a vertice assuerat, et ex omnibus decretis sibi a Senatu populoque honoribus non aliud aut recepit aut usurpavit libentius, quam jus laureæ coronæ perpetuo gestandæ."—Suetonius, Opera Omnia, 1826, pp. 105, 106.]

[233] {501}["Calvitii truly couldn’t handle the embarrassment of baldness and often found himself the target of mean jokes. That’s why he became used to covering up his receding hairline and took more pride in the right to wear a laurel crown permanently than in any other honor that the Senate and the people granted him."—Suetonius, Opera Omnia, 1826, pp. 105, 106.]

[234] {503}[Francis the First was taken prisoner at the Battle of Pavia, February 24, 1525.]

[234] {503}[Francis the First was captured at the Battle of Pavia on February 24, 1525.]

[dh] With a soldier's firm foot.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ With a soldier's strong step.—[MS.]

[235] [Compare The Siege of Corinth, line 752, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 483. There is a note of tragic irony in the soldiers' vain-glorious prophecy.]

[235] [Compare The Siege of Corinth, line 752, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 483. There's a note of tragic irony in the soldiers' boastful prophecy.]

[di] With the Bourbon will count o'er.—[MS.]

[di] With the Bourbon will count over.—[MS.]

[236] {504}[Brantôme (Memoires, etc., 1722, i. 215) quotes a "chanson" of "Les soldats Espagnols" as they marched Romewards. "Calla calla Julio Cesar, Hannibal, y Scipion! Viva la fama de Bourbon."]

[236] {504}[Brantôme (Memoirs, etc., 1722, i. 215) quotes a song of "The Spanish Soldiers" as they marched towards Rome. "Hush, hush Julius Caesar, Hannibal, and Scipio! Long live the fame of Bourbon."]

[dj] The General with his men of confidence.—[MS.]

DJ The General with his trusted men.—[MS.]

[dk] {505} And present phantom of that deathless world.—[MS.]

[dk] {505} And the lingering ghost of that eternal world.—[MS.]

[237] {506}[When the Uticans decided not to stand a siege, but to send deputies to Cæsar, Cato determined to put an end to his life rather than fall into the hands of the conqueror. Accordingly, after he had retired to rest he stabbed himself under the breast, and when the physician sewed up the wound, he thrust him away, and plucked out his own bowels.—Plutarch's Lives, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, P. 553.]

[237] {506}[When the people of Utica chose not to hold out during a siege and instead sent representatives to Caesar, Cato decided to end his life rather than be captured by the conqueror. So, after going to bed, he stabbed himself in the chest, and when the doctor attempted to dress the wound, he pushed him away and pulled out his own intestines.—Plutarch's Lives, Langhorne's Translation, 1838, P. 553.]

[dl] {507} Of a mere starving——.—[MS.]

Of a starving person——.—[MS.]

[dm]——Work away with words.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__——Keep writing.—[MS.]

[dn] {508} First City rests upon to-morrow's action.—[MS.]

[dn] {508} The First City depends on what we do tomorrow.—[MS.]

[238] {510}["Dès l'aube du lundi 6 mai 1527, le connétable, à cheval, la cuirasse couverte d'un manteau blanc, marcha vers le Borgo, dont les murailles, à la hauteur de San-Spirito, étaient d'accès facile.... Bourbon mit pied à terre, et, prenant lui-même une échelle l'appliqua tout près de la porte Torrione."—De l'Italie, par Émile Gebhart, 1876, p. 255. Cæsar Grolierius (Historia expugnatæ ... Urbis, 1637), who claims to speak as an eye-witness (p. 2), describes "Borbonius" as "insignemque veste et armis" (p. 62).]

[238] {510}["At dawn on Monday, May 6, 1527, the constable, on horseback with his armor covered by a white cloak, marched toward the Borgo, where the walls were easily accessible at the height of San Spirito.... Bourbon got down from his horse, and personally set up a ladder close to the Torrione gate."—De l'Italie, by Émile Gebhart, 1876, p. 255. Cæsar Grolierius (Historia expugnatæ ... Urbis, 1637), who claims to speak as a witness (p. 2), describes "Borbonius" as "distinguished in attire and arms" (p. 62).]

[do] 'Tis the morning—Hark! Hark! Hark!—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ It's morning—Listen! Listen! Listen!—[MS.]

[239] {512} Scipio, the second Africanus, is said to have repeated a verse of Homer [Iliad, vi. 448], and wept over the burning of Carthage [B.C. 146]. He had better have granted it a capitulation.

[239] {512} Scipio, the second Africanus, is said to have recited a line from Homer [Iliad, vi. 448] and wept over the destruction of Carthage [B.C. 146]. He would have been better off allowing it to surrender.

[dp] Than such victors should pollute.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Than these victors should taint.—[MS.]

[240] {514}[Byron retains or adopts the old-fashioned pronunciation of the word "Rome" metri gratiâ. Compare The Island, Canto II. line 199.]

[240] {514}[Byron keeps or uses the traditional pronunciation of the word "Rome" metri gratiâ. Compare The Island, Canto II. line 199.]

[241] ["Le bouillant Bourbon, à la tête des plus intrepides assaillans tenoit, de la main gauche une échelle appuyée centre le mur, et de la droite faisoit signe à ses soldats de monter pour suivre leurs camarades; en ce moment il reçut dans le flanc une balle d'arquebuse qui le traversa de part en part; il tomba à terre, mortellement blessé. On rapporte qu'avant d'expirer il prononca ces mots: 'Officiers et soldats, cacher ma mort à l'ennemi et marchez toujours en avant; la victoire est à vous, mon trépas ne peut vous la ravir.'"—Sac de Rome en 1527, par Jacques Buonaparte, 1836, p. 201.]

[241] ["The fiery Bourbon, leading the bravest attackers, held an escalade with his left hand against the wall, while signaling to his soldiers with his right to climb and join their comrades; at that moment, he was struck in the side by a gunshot that pierced him completely; he fell to the ground, mortally wounded. It is said that before he died, he uttered these words: 'Officers and soldiers, hide my death from the enemy and keep moving forward; victory is yours, my death cannot take it away from you.'"—Sac de Rome en 1527, par Jacques Buonaparte, 1836, p. 201.]

[242] {515}["Quand il sentit le coup, se print à cryer: 'Jésus!' et puis il dist 'Hélas! mon Dieu, je suis mort!' Si prit son espée par la poignée en signe de croix en disant tout hault, 'Miserere mei, Deus, secundùm magnam misericordiam tuam.'"—Chronique de Bayart, 1836, cap. lxiv., p. 119. For his rebuke of Charles de Bourbon, "Ne me plaignez pas," etc., vide ante, p. 499.]

[242] {515}["When he felt the blow, he began to cry out: 'Jesus!' and then he said, 'Alas! My God, I am dead!' He took his sword by the hilt as a sign of the cross while loudly saying, 'Have mercy on me, God, according to your great mercy.'"—Chronique de Bayart, 1836, cap. lxiv., p. 119. For his rebuke of Charles de Bourbon, "Don't pity me," etc., vide ante, p. 499.]

[243] ["'M. de Bourbon,' dit un contemporain, 'termina de vie par mort, mais avant fist le devoir de bon, Chrestien; car il se confessa et reçut son Créateur."'—De l'Italie, par Émile Gebhart, 1876, p. 256.]

[243] ["'M. de Bourbon,' as a contemporary said, 'ended his life in death, but first fulfilled the duty of a good Christian; for he confessed and received his Creator.'”—De l'Italie, by Émile Gebhart, 1876, p. 256.]

[244] {516}["While I was at work upon that diabolical task of mine, there came, from time to time, to watch me, some of the Cardinals who were invested in the castle; and most frequently the Cardinal of Ravenna and the Cardinal de' Gaddi. I often told them not to show themselves, since their nasty red caps gave a fair mark for the enemy." —Life of Benvenuto Cellini, translated by J. A. Symonds, 1888, i. 112. See, too, for the flight of the Cardinals, Sac de Rome, par Jacques Buonaparte, Paris, 1836, p. 203.]

[244] {516}["While I was working on that wicked task of mine, some of the Cardinals who were stationed in the castle came to watch me from time to time; most often, it was the Cardinal of Ravenna and Cardinal de' Gaddi. I frequently advised them to hide, as their ugly red hats made them easy targets for the enemy." —Life of Benvenuto Cellini, translated by J. A. Symonds, 1888, i. 112. See, too, for the flight of the Cardinals, Sac de Rome, par Jacques Buonaparte, Paris, 1836, p. 203.]

[dq] {517} Covered with gore and glory—those good times.—[MS.]

[dq] {517} Covered in blood and glory—those were the good times.—[MS.]

[245] ["Directing my arquebuse where I saw the thickest and most serried troop of fighting men, I aimed exactly at one whom I remarked to be higher than the rest; the fog prevented me from being certain whether he was on horseback or on foot. Then I turned to Alessandro and Cecchino, and bade them discharge their arquebuses, showing them how to avoid being hit by the besiegers. When we had fired two rounds apiece, I crept cautiously up to the walls, and observing a most extraordinary confusion, I discovered afterwards that one of our shots had killed the Constable of Bourbon; and from what I subsequently learned he was the man whom I had first noticed above the heads of the rest." It is a fact "that Bourbon was shot dead near the spot Cellini mentions. But the honour of flying the arquebuse ... cannot be assigned to any one in particular."—Life of Benvenuto Cellini, 1888, i. 114, and note.]

[245] ["I directed my arquebus toward the largest and most dense group of soldiers, aiming at one who stood out as taller than the others; the fog made it hard to tell if he was on horseback or on foot. Then I turned to Alessandro and Cecchino and told them to fire their arquebuses, showing them how to avoid getting hit by the attackers. After we fired two rounds each, I cautiously approached the walls and, noticing a remarkable chaos, later found out that one of our shots had killed the Constable of Bourbon; from what I learned afterwards, he was the one I first spotted above the crowd." It's a fact "that Bourbon was shot dead near the place Cellini mentions. But the credit for firing the arquebus ... can't be assigned to anyone in particular."—Life of Benvenuto Cellini, 1888, i. 114, and note.]

[246] {519}[Compare Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte, stanza vi. line 2, Poetical Works, 1900, in. 307, note 3.]

[246] {519}[See Ode to Napoleon Buonaparte, stanza vi. line 2, Poetical Works, 1900, in. 307, note 3.]

[dr]

'Tis the moment

It's the moment

When such I fain would show me.—[MS.]

When I would gladly show myself.—[MS.]

[247] {520}[Among the Imperial troops which Charles de Bourbon led against Rome were at least six thousand Landsknechts, ardent converts to the Reformed religion, and eager to prove their zeal by the slaughter of Catholics and the destruction of altars and crucifixes. Their leader, George Frundsberg, had set out for Rome with the pious intention of hanging the Pope (see The Popes of Rome, by Leopold Ranke, translated by Sarah Austen, 1866, i. 72). Brantôme (Memoirs de Messire Pierre de Bourdeille.... Leyde, 1722, i. 230) gives a vivid picture of their fanatical savagery: "Leur cruauté ne s'estendit pas seulement sur les personnes, mais sur les marbres et les anciennes statuës. Les Lansquenets, qui nouvellement estoient imbus de la nouvelle Religion, et les Espagnols encore aussi bien que les autres, s'habilloient en Cardinaux et evesques en leur habits Pontificaux et se pourmenoient ainsi parray la Ville."

[247] {520}[Among the Imperial troops that Charles de Bourbon led against Rome were at least six thousand Landsknechts, passionate converts to the Reformed religion, eagerly looking to demonstrate their zeal through the slaughter of Catholics and the destruction of altars and crucifixes. Their leader, George Frundsberg, had set off for Rome with the sincere intention of hanging the Pope (see The Popes of Rome, by Leopold Ranke, translated by Sarah Austen, 1866, i. 72). Brantôme (Memoirs de Messire Pierre de Bourdeille.... Leyde, 1722, i. 230) provides a striking depiction of their fanatical brutality: "Their cruelty extended not only to individuals but also to marble and ancient statues. The Landsknechts, who had recently embraced the new Religion, along with the Spaniards and others, dressed as Cardinals and bishops in their Pontifical robes and paraded around the City."

In the Schmalkald articles, 1530, the pious belief that the Pope was Antichrist became an article of the Lutheran creed. Compare the following extracts, quoted by Hans Schultz in Der Sacco di Roma, 1894, p. 63, from the Historia von der Romischen Bischoff, etc., 1527:

In the Schmalkald Articles of 1530, the belief that the Pope was the Antichrist became a fundamental part of the Lutheran faith. Compare the following excerpts quoted by Hans Schultz in Der Sacco di Roma, 1894, p. 63, from Historia von der Romischen Bischoff, etc., 1527:

"Der Papst ist für den Verfasser der Antichrist, der durch Lug und Trug seine Herrschaft in der Welt behauptet."

"To the author, the Pope is the Antichrist who maintains his rule in the world through deception and trickery."

"Quant à l'armée impériale, on n'en vit jamais de plus étonnante.... Allemands et Espagnols, luthériens iconoclastes qui brûlaient les églises, ou furieux mystiques qui brûlaient Juils et Maures, barbares plus raffinés que leur vieux ancêtres les Visigoths, les Vandales et les Huns, ils frappaient l'Italie d'une terreur sans exemple."—De I'italie, by E. Gebliart, chap. vii., "Le Sac de Rome en 1527," p. 245.]

"Regarding the imperial army, none was ever more astonishing…. Germans and Spaniards, Lutheran iconoclasts who burned churches, or furious mystics who burned Jews and Moors, were more refined barbarians than their old ancestors the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns, striking Italy with unprecedented terror."—De I'italie, by E. Gebliart, chap. vii., "Le Sac de Rome en 1527," p. 245.]

[ds]

Hush! don't let him hear you

Shh! Don't let him hear you.

Or he might take you off before your time.—[MS.]

Or he might take you away before your time.—[MS.]

[248] {521}["We got with the greatest difficulty to the gate of the castle.... I ascended to the keep, and, at the same instant, Pope Clement came in through the corridors into the castle; he had refused to leave the palace of St. Peter earlier, being unable to believe that his enemies would effect their entrance into Rome."—Life of Benvenuto Cellini, translated by J. A. Symonds, 1888, i. 114, 115.

[248] {521}["We struggled to reach the castle gate with great difficulty.... I climbed up to the keep, and at that very moment, Pope Clement entered the castle through the corridors; he had refused to leave the Vatican earlier, unable to believe that his enemies would manage to get into Rome."—Life of Benvenuto Cellini, translated by J. A. Symonds, 1888, i. 114, 115.

So, too, Jacques Buonaparte (Le Sac de Rome, 1836, p. 202): "Le Pape Clement, avoit entendu les cris des soldats; il se sauvoit précipitamment par un long corridor pratiqué dans un mur double et se laissoit emporter de son palais an château Saint-Ange."]

So, too, Jacques Buonaparte (Le Sac de Rome, 1836, p. 202): "Pope Clement had heard the soldiers' shouts; he was hurriedly escaping through a long corridor made in a double wall and was being carried away from his palace to Castel Sant'Angelo."

[249] {526}[Penthesilea, Queen of the Amazons, was slain by Achilles, who wept over her as she lay a-dying, bewailing her beauty and her daring. For the picture, see Pausanias, Descriptio Græciæ, lib, v. cap. 11, 2.]

[249] {526}[Penthesilea, the Queen of the Amazons, was killed by Achilles, who cried over her as she was dying, mourning her beauty and bravery. For the picture, see Pausanias, Descriptio Græciæ, book v, chapter 11, section 2.]

[250] {527}[See Gen. vi. 2, the motto of Heaven and Earth, ante, p, 277.]

[251] ["It came to pass the same day, that in Echatane a city of Media, Sara the daughter of Raguel was also reproached by her father's maids; because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed before they had lain with her.... And as he went, he remembered the words of Raphael, and took the ashes of the perfumes, and put the heart and the liver of the fish thereupon, and made smoke therewith. The which smell when the evil spirit had smelled, he fled into the utmost parts of Egypt."—Tobit iii. 7, 8; viii. 2, 3.]

[251] ["That same day, in Echatane, a city in Media, Sara, the daughter of Raguel, was ridiculed by her father's servants because she had been married to seven husbands, all of whom the evil spirit Asmodeus had killed before they could consummate the marriage.... As he walked, he recalled the words of Raphael, took the ashes from the incense, and placed the heart and liver of the fish on it, creating smoke. When the evil spirit smelled it, he fled to the farthest parts of Egypt."—Tobit iii. 7, 8; viii. 2, 3.]

[dt] {528} The first born who burst the winter sun.—[MS.]

[dt] {528} The firstborn who broke through the winter sun.—[MS.]

[du] ——through the brine.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ——through the brine.—[MS.]

[252] {533}[Lucifer or Mephistopheles, renamed Cæsar, wears the shape of the Deformed Arnold. It may be that Byron intended to make Olimpia bestow her affections, not on the glorious Achilles, but the witty and interesting Hunchback.]

[252] {533}[Lucifer or Mephistopheles, now called Cæsar, takes on the form of the Deformed Arnold. Byron might have meant for Olimpia to fall for the charming and clever Hunchback instead of the heroic Achilles.]

[535]

Bronze Age
or,
Carmen Seculare et Annus Haud
Mirabilis.[dv]

"Impar Congressus Achilli."[253]

[536]

[537]

INTRODUCTION TO THE AGE OF BRONZE.

The Age of Bronze was begun in December, 1822, and finished on January 10, 1823. "I have sent," he writes (letter to Leigh Hunt, Letters, 1901, vi. 160), "to Mrs. S[helley], for the benefit of being copied, a poem of about seven hundred and fifty lines length—The Age of Bronze,—or Carmen Seculare et Annus haud Mirabilis, with this Epigraph—'Impar Congressus Achilli.' It is calculated for the reading part of the million, being all on politics, etc., etc., etc., and a review of the day in general,—in my early English Bards style, but a little more stilted, and somewhat too full of 'epithets of war' and classical and historical allusions. If notes are necessary, they can be added."

The Age of Bronze began in December 1822 and was completed on January 10, 1823. "I have sent," he writes (letter to Leigh Hunt, Letters, 1901, vi. 160), "to Mrs. S[helley], for the purpose of copying, a poem of about seven hundred fifty lines—The Age of Bronze—or Carmen Seculare et Annus haud Mirabilis, with this epigraph—'Impar Congressus Achilli.' It is meant for the reading public, focusing entirely on politics and a general review of the times—written in my early English Bards style, but a bit more pretentious and overly filled with 'epithets of war' and classical and historical references. If notes are needed, they can be added."

On March 5th he forwarded the "Proof in Slips" ("and certainly the Slips are the most conspicuous part of it") to his new publisher, John Hunt; and, on April 1, 1823, The Age of Bronze was published, but not with the author's name.

On March 5th, he sent the "Proof in Slips" ("and definitely the Slips are the most noticeable part of it") to his new publisher, John Hunt; and on April 1, 1823, The Age of Bronze was released, but without the author's name.

Ten years had gone by since he had published, only to disclaim, the latest of his boyish satires, The Waltz, and more than six years since he had written, "at the request of Douglas Kinnaird," the stilted and laboured Monody on the Death of ... Sheridan. In the interval (1816-1822) he had essayed any and every measure but the heroic, and, at length, as a tardy recognition of his allegiance to "the great moral poet of all times, of all climes, of all feelings, and of all stages of existence" (Observations upon "Observations," Letters, 1901, v. 590), he reverts, as he believes, to his "early English Bards style," the style of Pope.

Ten years had passed since he published, only to backtrack, his latest youthful satire, The Waltz, and more than six years since he wrote, "at the request of Douglas Kinnaird," the clunky and forced Monody on the Death of ... Sheridan. During that time (1816-1822) he had tried every approach except the heroic, and finally, as a late acknowledgment of his loyalty to "the great moral poet of all times, of all climes, of all feelings, and of all stages of existence" (Observations upon "Observations," Letters, 1901, v. 590), he returns, as he believes, to his "early English Bards style," the style of Pope.

The brazen age, the "Annus Haud Mirabilis," which the satirist would hold up to scorn, was 1822, the year after Napoleon's death, which witnessed a revolution in Spain, and the Congress of Allied Sovereigns at Verona. Earlier in the year, the publication of Las Cases' Memorial de Ste Hélène, and of O'Meara's Napoleon in Exile, or a Voice from St. Helena, had created a sensation on both sides of[538] the Channel. Public opinion had differed as to the system on which Napoleon should be treated—and, since his death, there had been a conflict of evidence as to the manner in which he had been treated, at St. Helena. Tories believed that an almost excessive lenience and indulgence had been wasted on a graceless and thankless intriguer, while the "Opposition," Liberals or Radicals, were moved to indignation at the hardships and restrictions which were ruthlessly and needlessly imposed on a fallen and powerless foe. It was, and is, a very pretty quarrel; and Byron, whose lifelong admiration for his "Héros de Roman" was tempered by reason, approached the Longwood controversy somewhat in the spirit of a partisan.

The bold age, the "Annus Haud Mirabilis," which the satirist would mock, was 1822, the year after Napoleon's death. This year saw a revolution in Spain and the Congress of Allied Sovereigns in Verona. Earlier that year, the release of Las Cases' Memorial de St. Hélène and O'Meara's Napoleon in Exile, or a Voice from St. Helena caused a stir on both sides of[538] the Channel. Public opinion was divided on how Napoleon should be treated, and since his death, there had been a dispute over how he had been treated at St. Helena. Tories felt that too much leniency and indulgence had been wasted on a shameless and ungrateful schemer, while the "Opposition," composed of Liberals and Radicals, felt outraged by the harsh and unnecessary punishments inflicted on a defeated and helpless adversary. It was, and still is, quite a conflict; and Byron, whose lifelong admiration for his "Hero of Romance" was tempered by reason, approached the Longwood controversy somewhat as a partisan.

In The Age of Bronze (sects, iii.-v.) he touches on certain incidents of the "Last Phase" of Napoleon's career, and proceeds to recapitulate, in a sort of Memoria Technica, the chief events of his history, from the dawn at Marengo to the sunset at "bloody and most bootless Waterloo," and draws the unimpeachable moral that "Honesty is the best policy," even when the "game is Empire" and "the stakes are thrones"!

In The Age of Bronze (sects, iii.-v.), he discusses some events from the "Last Phase" of Napoleon's life and summarizes, in a kind of Memoria Technica, the key moments of his history, from the beginning at Marengo to the end at "bloody and most futile Waterloo," and concludes with the undeniable lesson that "Honesty is the best policy," even when "the game is Empire" and "the stakes are thrones"!

From the rise and fall, the tyranny and captivity of Napoleon, he passes on to the Congress of Allied Powers, which met at Verona in November, 1822.

From the rise and fall, the tyranny and captivity of Napoleon, he moves on to the Congress of Allied Powers, which met in Verona in November 1822.

The "Congress" is the object of his satire. It had assembled with a parade of power and magnificence, and had dispersed with little or nothing accomplished. It was "impar Achilli" (vide ante, p. 535, note 1), an empty menace, ill-matched with the revolutionary spirit, and in pitiful contrast to the Sic volo, sic jubeo of the dead Napoleon.

The "Congress" is the target of his satire. It came together with a show of power and grandeur, but disbanded having done little to nothing. It was "impar Achilli" (vide ante, p. 535, note 1), a hollow threat, poorly aligned with the revolutionary spirit, and sadly contrasted with the Sic volo, sic jubeo of the late Napoleon.

The immediate and efficient cause of the Congress of Verona was the success of the revolution in Spain. The point at issue between Spanish Liberals and Royalists, or serviles, was the adherence to, or the evasion of, the democratic Constitution of 1812. At the moment the Liberals were in the ascendant, and, as Chateaubriand puts it, had driven King Ferdinand into captivity, at Urgel, in Catalonia, to the tune of the Spanish Marseillaise, "Tragala, Tragala" "swallow it, swallow it," that is, "accept the Constitution." On July 7, 1822, a government was established under the name of the "Supreme Regency of Spain during the Captivity of the King," and, hence, the consternation of the partners of the Holy Alliance, especially France, who conceived, or feigned to conceive, that revolution next door was a source of danger to constitutional government at home. To meet the emergency, a Congress was summoned in the first instance at Vienna, and afterwards at Verona.[539] Thither came the sovereigns of Europe, great and small, accompanied by their chancellors and ministers. The Czar Alexander was attended by Count Nesselrode and Count Pozzo di Borgo; the Emperor Francis of Austria, by Metternich and Prince Esterhazy; the King of Prussia (Frederic William III.), by Count Bernstorff and Baron Humboldt. George IV. of Great Britain, and Louis XVIII. of France, being elderly and gouty, sent as their plenipotentiaries the Duke of Wellington and the Vicomte de Montmorenci, accompanied, and, finally, superseded by, the French ambassador, M. de Chateaubriand. Thither, too, came the smaller fry, Kings of the Two Sicilies and of Sardinia; and last, but not least, Marie Louise of Austria, Archduchess of Parma, ci-devant widow of Napoleon, and wife sub rosâ of her one-eyed chamberlain, Count de Neipperg. They met, they debated, they went to the theatre in state, and finally decided to send monitory despatches to Spain, and to leave to France a free hand to look after her own interests, and to go to war or not, as she was pleased to determine. There was one dissentient, the Duke of Wellington, who refused to sign the procès verbaux. His Britannic Majesty had been advised to let the Spaniards alone, and not to meddle with their internal affairs. The final outcome of the Congress, the French invasion of Spain, could not be foreseen; and, apparently, all that the Congress had accomplished was to refuse to prohibit the exportation of negroes from Africa to America, and to decline to receive the Greek deputies.

The immediate and main reason for the Congress of Verona was the success of the revolution in Spain. The issue between Spanish Liberals and Royalists, or serviles, was whether to support or avoid the democratic Constitution of 1812. At that time, the Liberals were gaining power and, as Chateaubriand describes, had forced King Ferdinand into captivity in Urgel, Catalonia, to the tune of the Spanish Marseillaise, "Tragala, Tragala" meaning "swallow it, swallow it," that is, "accept the Constitution." On July 7, 1822, a government was formed called the "Supreme Regency of Spain during the Captivity of the King," which caused alarm among the members of the Holy Alliance, especially in France, who believed—or pretended to believe—that a nearby revolution posed a threat to constitutional government at home. To address the crisis, a Congress was initially called in Vienna and later in Verona.[539] There arrived the sovereigns of Europe, big and small, along with their chancellors and ministers. The Czar Alexander was accompanied by Count Nesselrode and Count Pozzo di Borgo; Emperor Francis of Austria was with Metternich and Prince Esterhazy; and the King of Prussia (Frederic William III.) had Count Bernstorff and Baron Humboldt by his side. George IV. of Great Britain and Louis XVIII. of France, both elderly and suffering from gout, sent the Duke of Wellington and the Vicomte de Montmorenci as their representatives, who were later joined and eventually replaced by the French ambassador, M. de Chateaubriand. Also present were the smaller monarchs, Kings of the Two Sicilies and Sardinia; and last, but not least, Marie Louise of Austria, Archduchess of Parma, former widow of Napoleon, and secretly married to her one-eyed chamberlain, Count de Neipperg. They convened, debated, attended the theater ceremoniously, and ultimately decided to send warning messages to Spain, allowing France the freedom to manage its own interests and choose whether to go to war. There was one dissenting voice, the Duke of Wellington, who refused to sign the procès verbaux. His Britannic Majesty had been advised to stay out of Spanish affairs and not interfere. The eventual outcome of the Congress, the French invasion of Spain, was unforeseen, and seemingly the only thing the Congress achieved was to decline to stop the exportation of slaves from Africa to America and to reject the Greek deputies.

As the Morning Chronicle (November 7, 1822) was pleased to put it, "the Royal vultures have been deprived of their anticipated meal."

As the Morning Chronicle (November 7, 1822) happily stated, "the Royal vultures have been denied their expected feast."

From the Holy Alliance and its antagonist, "the revolutionary stork," Byron turns to the landed and agricultural "interest" of Great Britain. With the cessation of war and the resumption of cash payments in 1819, prices had fallen some 50 per cent., and rents were beginning to fall. Wheat, which in 1818 had fetched 80s. a quarter, in December, 1822, was quoted at 39s. 11d.; consols were at 80. Poor rates had risen from £2,000,000 in 1792 to £8,000,000 in 1822. How was the distress which these changes involved to be met? By retrenchment and reform, by the repeal of taxes, the reduction of salaries, by the landlords and farmers, who had profited by war prices, submitting to the inevitable reaction; or by sliding scales, by a return to an inflated currency, perhaps by a repudiation of a portion of the funded debt?

From the Holy Alliance and its opponent, "the revolutionary stork," Byron shifts focus to the agricultural interests of Great Britain. After the end of the war and the restart of cash payments in 1819, prices had dropped about 50%, and rents were starting to go down. Wheat, which in 1818 had sold for 80s. a quarter, was priced at 39s. 11d. in December 1822; consols were at 80. Poor rates increased from £2,000,000 in 1792 to £8,000,000 in 1822. How were they supposed to deal with the distress caused by these changes? By cutting back and reforming, by repealing taxes, lowering salaries, and having landlords and farmers, who benefited from war prices, accept the unavoidable downturn; or by implementing sliding scales, returning to inflated currency, or maybe by ignoring part of the funded debt?

The point of Byron's diatribe is that Squire Dives had enjoyed good things during the war, and, now that the war was over, he had no intention to let Lazarus have his turn;[540] that, whoever suffered, it should not be Dives; that patriotism had brought grist to his mill; and that he proposed to suck no small advantage out of peace.

The point of Byron's criticism is that Squire Dives had benefited from the war, and now that it was over, he had no plans to let Lazarus have his chance; [540] that no matter who suffered, it wouldn't be Dives; that patriotism had filled his pockets; and that he intended to gain no small benefit from peace.

"Year after year they voted cent. per cent.,

"Year after year, they voted 100 percent,"

Blood, sweat, and tear-wrung millions—why? for rent?

Blood, sweat, and tears from millions—why? For rent?

They roared, they dined, they drank, they swore they meant

They yelled, they ate, they drank, they insisted they meant

To die for England—why then live?—for rent!"

To die for England—then why live?—for rent!"

It is easier to divine the "Sources" and the inspiration of The Age of Bronze than to place the reader au courant with the literary and political causerie of the day. Byron wrote with O'Meara's book at his elbow, and with batches of Galignani's Messenger, the Morning Chronicle, and Cobbett's Weekly Register within his reach. He was under the impression that his lines would appear as an anonymous contribution to The Liberal, and, in any case, he felt that he could speak out, unchecked and uncriticized by friend or publisher. He was, so to speak, unmuzzled.

It's easier to understand the "Sources" and inspiration of The Age of Bronze than to update the reader on the current literary and political discussions of the time. Byron wrote with O'Meara's book beside him, along with copies of Galignani's Messenger, the Morning Chronicle, and Cobbett's Weekly Register close at hand. He believed his lines would be published as anonymous contributions to The Liberal, and regardless, he felt free to express himself without fear of critique from friends or publishers. He was, in a sense, unrestricted.

With regard to the style and quality of his new satire, Byron was under an amiable delusion. His couplets, he imagined, were in his "early English Bards style," but "more stilted." He did not realize that, whatever the intervening years had taken away, they had "left behind" experience and passion, and that he had learned to think and to feel. The fault of the poem is that too much matter is packed into too small a compass, and that, in parts, every line implies a minute acquaintance with contemporary events, and requires an explanatory note. But, even so, in The Age of Bronze Byron has wedded "a striking passage of history" to striking and imperishable verse.

Regarding the style and quality of his new satire, Byron was living in a charming illusion. He thought his couplets were in his "early English Bards style," but "more formal." He didn't realize that despite the years that had passed, they had "left behind" experience and passion, and that he had learned to think and feel deeply. The problem with the poem is that too much content is packed into too small a space, and in parts, each line shows a detailed knowledge of current events and needs an explanatory note. Still, in The Age of Bronze, Byron has combined "a striking passage of history" with impressive and timeless verse.

The Age of Bronze was reviewed in the Scots Magazine, April, 1823, N.S., vol. xii. pp. 483-488; the Monthly Review, April, 1823, E.S., vol. 100, pp. 430-433; the Monthly Magazine, May, 1823, vol. 55, pp. 322-325; the Examiner, March 30, 1823; the Literary Chronicle, April 5, 1823; and the Literary Gazette, April 5, 1823.

The Age of Bronze was reviewed in the Scots Magazine, April 1823, N.S., vol. xii. pp. 483-488; the Monthly Review, April 1823, E.S., vol. 100, pp. 430-433; the Monthly Magazine, May 1823, vol. 55, pp. 322-325; the Examiner, March 30, 1823; the Literary Chronicle, April 5, 1823; and the Literary Gazette, April 5, 1823.

[541]

THE AGE OF BRONZE.

I.

The "good old times"—all times when old are good—

The "good old days"—all times when the past seems better—

Are gone; the present might be if they would;

Are gone; the present might be if they wanted;

Great things have been, and are, and greater still

Great things have happened, are happening, and even greater things are on the way.

Want little of mere mortals but their will:[dw]

Want nothing from mere mortals except their will:[dw]

A wider space, a greener field, is given

A larger area, a greener field, is provided

To those who play their "tricks before high heaven."[254]

To those who show off their "tricks before high heaven."[254]

I know not if the angels weep, but men

I don't know if the angels cry, but people

Have wept enough—for what?—to weep again!

Have I cried enough—for what?—to cry again!

II.

All is exploded—be it good or bad.

All is revealed—whether it’s good or bad.

Reader! remember when thou wert a lad,10

Reader! remember when you were a kid,10

Then Pitt was all; or, if not all, so much,

Then Pitt was everything; or, if not everything, so much,

His very rival almost deemed him such.[255]

His rival almost considered him one.[255]

We—we have seen the intellectual race

We— we have seen the intellectual competition

Of giants stand, like Titans, face to face—

Of giants stand, like Titans, standing face to face—

Athos and Ida, with a dashing sea

Athos and Ida, with a stylish sea

Of eloquence between, which flowed all free,

As the deep billows of the Ægean roar

As the deep waves of the Aegean roar

Betwixt the Hellenic and the Phrygian shore.

Between the Greek and the Phrygian shore.

But where are they—the rivals! a few feet

But where are they—the rivals! A few feet

Of sullen earth divide each winding sheet.[256]20[542]

Of gloomy earth, separate each winding sheet.[256]20[542]

How peaceful and how powerful is the grave,

Which hushes all! a calm, unstormy wave,

Which quiets everything! a calm, placid wave,

Which oversweeps the World. The theme is old

Which overwhelms the world. The theme is old.

Of "Dust to Dust," but half its tale untold:

Of "Dust to Dust," but only half of its story is told:

Time tempers not its terrors—still the worm

Time doesn't lessen its fears—still the worm

Winds its cold folds, the tomb preserves its form,

Winds its cold folds, the tomb keeps its shape,

Varied above, but still alike below;

Varied above, but still similar below;

The urn may shine—the ashes will not glow—

The urn might sparkle—the ashes won’t radiate—

Though Cleopatra's mummy cross the sea [257]

Though Cleopatra's mummy crosses the sea [257]

O'er which from empire she lured Anthony;30

O'er which she seduced Anthony from the empire;30

Though Alexander's urn [258] a show be grown[543]

On shores he wept to conquer, though unknown—[259]

On the shores he cried to dominate, even though it was unfamiliar—[259]

How vain, how worse than vain, at length appear

How pointless, how even worse than pointless, eventually seem

The madman's wish, the Macedonian's tear!

The crazy person's wish, the Macedonian's tear!

He wept for worlds to conquer—half the earth

He cried for worlds to conquer—half the earth

Knows not his name, or but his death, and birth,

Knows neither his name nor just his death and birth,

And desolation; while his native Greece

And desolation; while his home country of Greece

Hath all of desolation, save its peace.

Has all of desolation, except for its peace.

He "wept for worlds to conquer!" he who ne'er

He "cried for worlds to conquer!" he who never

Conceived the Globe, he panted not to spare!40

Conceived the Globe, he didn't hold back!40

With even the busy Northern Isle unknown,

With even the bustling Northern Isle unfamiliar,

Which holds his urn—and never knew his throne.

III.

But where is he, the modern, mightier far,

But where is he, the modern, much stronger,

Who, born no king, made monarchs draw his car;

Who, born without royal blood, had kings pull his chariot;

The new Sesostris, whose unharnessed kings,[260]

The new Sesostris, whose unrestrained kings,[260]

Freed from the bit, believe themselves with wings,

Freed from the reins, they believe they can fly,

And spurn the dust o'er which they crawled of late,

And kick away the dust they just crawled through,

Chained to the chariot of the Chieftain's state?[544]

Chained to the chariot of the Chief's state?[544]

Yes! where is he, "the champion and the child"[261]

Yes! Where is he, "the champion and the child"?[261]

Of all that's great or little—wise or wild;50

Of everything that's big or small—smart or crazy;50

Whose game was Empire, and whose stakes were thrones;

Whose table Earth—whose dice were human bones?

Whose table is Earth—whose dice are made of human bones?

Behold the grand result in yon lone Isle,

Behold the great outcome in that solitary island,

And, as thy nature urges—weep or smile.

And, as your nature drives you—cry or smile.

Sigh to behold the Eagle's lofty rage

Sigh to see the Eagle's fierce anger

Reduced to nibble at his narrow cage;

Reduced to nibbling at his narrow cage;

Smile to survey the queller of the nations

Smile to see the conqueror of the nations.

Now daily squabbling o'er disputed rations;[dx][262][545]

Now daily arguing over disputed rations;[dx][262][545]

Weep to perceive him mourning, as he dines,

Weep to see him grieving while he eats,

O'er curtailed dishes and o'er stinted wines;60

O'er limited dishes and o'er small servings of wine;60

O'er petty quarrels upon petty things.

Over trivial arguments about trivial matters.

Is this the Man who scourged or feasted kings?

Is this the man who whipped or entertained kings?

Behold the scales in which his fortune hangs,

A surgeon's [263] statement, and an earl's [264] harangues!

A surgeon's __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ statement, and an earl's __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__ speeches!

A bust delayed,[265]—a book [266] refused, can shake

The sleep of Him who kept the world awake.

The sleep of the one who kept the world awake.

Is this indeed the tamer of the Great,[dy]

Is this really the tamer of the Great,[dy]

Now slave of all could tease or irritate—

Now anyone could tease or annoy—

The paltry gaoler [267] and the prying spy,[546]

The pathetic jailer [267] and the nosy spy,[546]

The staring stranger with his note-book nigh?[268]70

The stranger staring at us with his notebook nearby?[268]70

Plunged in a dungeon, he had still been great;

How low, how little was this middle state,

How low, how insignificant was this average state,

Between a prison and a palace, where

How few could feel for what he had to bear!

How few could understand what he had to endure!

Vain his complaint,—My Lord presents his bill,

Vain is his complaint,—My Lord submits his bill,

His food and wine were doled out duly still;

His food and wine were served in portions as usual;

Vain was his sickness, never was a clime

Vain was his illness; there was never a place

So free from homicide—to doubt's crime;

So free from murder—to the crime of doubt;

And the stiff surgeon,[269] who maintained his cause,[547]

And the rigid surgeon,[269] who upheld his argument,[547]

Hath lost his place, and gained the world's applause.80

Has lost his position and earned the world's praise.80

But smile—though all the pangs of brain and heart

But smile—even with all the pain in your mind and heart

Disdain, defy, the tardy aid of art;

Disregard, challenge, the late help of art;

Though, save the few fond friends and imaged face

Though, except for the few close friends and imagined face

Of that fair boy his Sire shall ne'er embrace,

Of that handsome boy, his father will never hold him close,

None stand by his low bed—though even the mind

Be wavering, which long awed and awes mankind:

Be uncertain, which has long amazed and continues to amaze humanity:

Smile—for the fettered Eagle breaks his chain,

Smile—for the trapped Eagle breaks free from his chain,

And higher Worlds than this are his again.[270]

And higher worlds than this belong to him again.[270]

IV.

How, if that soaring Spirit still retain

How, if that soaring Spirit still holds

A conscious twilight of his blazing reign,90

A thoughtful ending to his fiery rule,90

How must he smile, on looking down, to see

How does he have to smile when he looks down to see

The little that he was and sought to be!

The little that he was and wanted to be!

What though his Name a wider empire found

What if his name created a larger empire?

Than his Ambition, though with scarce a bound;

Than his ambition, though barely limited;

Though first in glory, deepest in reverse,

He tasted Empire's blessings and its curse;

He experienced the blessings and the curse of the Empire;

Though kings, rejoicing in their late escape

Though kings, celebrating their recent narrow escape

From chains, would gladly be their Tyrant's ape;

From chains, would gladly be their Tyrant's puppet;

How must he smile, and turn to yon lone grave,

How should he smile and turn to that lonely grave,

The proudest Sea-mark that o'ertops the wave!100

The most impressive sea marker that rises above the waves!100

What though his gaoler, duteous to the last,

What if his jailer, loyal to the end,

Scarce deemed the coffin's lead could keep him fast,

Scarce believed the coffin's weight could hold him down,

Refusing one poor line [271] along the lid,[548]

Refusing one weak line [271] along the edge,[548]

To date the birth and death of all it hid;

To record the birth and death of everything it concealed;

That name shall hallow the ignoble shore,

That name will honor the dishonorable shore,

A talisman to all save him who bore:

A charm for everyone except the one who carried it:

The fleets that sweep before the eastern blast

The fleets that move ahead of the east wind

Shall hear their sea-boys [272] hail it from the mast;

Shall hear their sea-boys [272] calling it from the mast;

When Victory's Gallic column [273] shall but rise,

When Victory's Gallic column __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ rises,

Like Pompey's pillar [274], in a desert's skies,110

Like Pompey's pillar [274], in the skies of a desert,110

The rocky Isle that holds or held his dust,

The rocky island that contains or once contained his remains,

Shall crown the Atlantic like the Hero's bust,

Shall crown the Atlantic like the Hero's statue,

And mighty Nature o'er his obsequies

And powerful Nature over his memorial

Do more than niggard Envy still denies.

Do more than just stingy envy still denies.

But what are these to him? Can Glory's lust

But what do these mean to him? Can Glory's desire

Touch the freed spirit or the fettered dust?

Touch the free spirit or the bound dust?

Small care hath he of what his tomb consists;

He doesn’t really care about what his tomb is made of;

Nought if he sleeps—nor more if he exists:

Nothing if he sleeps—nor any more if he exists:

Alike the better-seeing Shade will smile

On the rude cavern [275] of the rocky isle,120

On the harsh cave [275] of the rocky island,120

As if his ashes found their latest home

As if his ashes had just found their new resting place.

In Rome's Pantheon or Gaul's mimic dome [276].[549]

In Rome's Pantheon or Gaul's imitation dome [276].[549]

He wants not this; but France shall feel the want

He doesn't want this; but France will feel the lack.

Of this last consolation, though so scant:

Of this final comfort, even though it's so little:

Her Honour—Fame—and Faith demand his bones,

Her Honor—Fame—and Faith want his bones,

To rear above a Pyramid of thrones;

To rise above a pyramid of thrones;

Or carried onward in the battle's van,

Or pushed forward in the front lines of battle,

To form, like Guesclin's dust, her Talisman [277].

To create, like Guesclin's dust, her Talisman [277].

But be it as it is—the time may come

But it is what it is—the time may come

His name shall beat the alarm, like Ziska's drum [278].130

His name will sound the alarm, like Ziska's drum [278].130

V.

Oh Heaven! of which he was in power a feature;

Oh Heaven! in which he had a prominent role;

Oh Earth! of which he was a noble creature;

Oh Earth! of which he was a noble being;

Thou Isle! to be remembered long and well,

That saw'st the unfledged eaglet chip his shell!

That saw the young eaglet break out of its shell!

Ye Alps which viewed him in his dawning flights

The Alps that watched him as he took to the skies

Hover, the Victor of a hundred fights![550]

Hover, the winner of a hundred battles![550]

Thou Rome, who saw'st thy Cæsar's deeds outdone!

Thou Rome, who witnessed your Cæsar's deeds surpassed!

Alas! why passed he too the Rubicon—

Alas! why did he also cross the Rubicon—

The Rubicon of Man's awakened rights,

The turning point of humanity's recognized rights,

To herd with vulgar kings and parasites?140

To hang out with shallow kings and freeloaders?140

Egypt! from whose all dateless tombs arose

Egypt! From whose timeless tombs rose

Forgotten Pharaohs from their long repose,

Forgotten Pharaohs from their long rest,

And shook within their pyramids to hear

And trembled inside their pyramids to listen

A new Cambyses thundering in their ear;

A new Cambyses roaring in their ear;

While the dark shades of Forty Ages stood

Like startled giants by Nile's famous flood [279];

Like frightened giants by the Nile's famous flood [279];

Or from the Pyramid's tall pinnacle

Or from the tall peak of the Pyramid

Beheld the desert peopled, as from hell,

Beheld the desert filled with people, as if from hell,

With clashing hosts, who strewed the barren sand,

With fighting armies, who scattered the bare sand,

To re-manure the uncultivated land!150

To fertilize the uncultivated land!150

Spain! which, a moment mindless of the Cid,

Spain! which, for a moment forgetting the Cid,

Beheld his banner flouting thy Madrid [280]!

Behold his banner waving over your Madrid [280]!

Austria! which saw thy twice-ta'en capital [281]

Austria! which saw your capital taken twice.

Twice spared to be the traitress of his fall!

Twice saved to be the betrayer of his downfall!

Ye race of Frederic!—Frederics but in name

Ye race of Frederic!—Frederics only in name.

And falsehood—heirs to all except his fame:

And dishonesty—heirs to everything but his fame:

Who, crushed at Jena, crouched at Berlin [282], fell

Who, defeated at Jena, huddled in Berlin [282], fell

First, and but rose to follow! Ye who dwell

First, and then rose to follow! You who live

Where Kosciusko dwelt, remembering yet

Where Kosciusko lived, still reflecting

The unpaid amount of Catherine's bloody debt [283]!160[551]

Poland! o'er which the avenging Angel past,

Poland! over which the avenging Angel passed,

But left thee as he found thee,[284] still a waste,

But left you as he found you,[284] still a waste,

Forgetting all thy still enduring claim,

Forget all your lingering claims,

Thy lotted people and extinguished name,

Thy chosen people and erased name,

Thy sigh for freedom, thy long-flowing tear,

That sound that crashes in the tyrant's ear—

That sound that blasts in the tyrant's ear—

Kosciusko![285] On—on—on—the thirst of War

Kosciusko!__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ On—on—on—the thirst for battle

Gasps for the gore of serfs and of their Czar.

Gasps for the blood of peasants and their Czar.

The half barbaric Moscow's minarets

The semi-barbaric minarets of Moscow

Gleam in the sun, but 'tis a sun that sets!170

Gleam in the sun, but it’s a sun that sets!170

Moscow! thou limit of his long career,

Moscow! you are the end of his long journey,

For which rude Charles had wept his frozen tear [286]

For which rude Charles had cried his frozen tear [286]

To see in vain—he saw thee—how? with spire

To see in vain—he saw you—how? with spire

And palace fuel to one common fire.

To this the soldier lent his kindling match,

To this, the soldier offered his match.

To this the peasant gave his cottage thatch,[552]

To this, the peasant gave his cottage thatch,[552]

To this the merchant flung his hoarded store,

To this, the merchant threw his saved treasure,

The prince his hall—and Moscow was no more!

The prince in his hall—and Moscow was gone!

Sublimest of volcanoes! Etna's flame

Most magnificent volcano! Etna's flame

Pales before thine, and quenchless Hecla's tame;180

Pales before yours, and unquenchable Hecla’s tame;180

Vesuvius shows his blaze,[287] an usual sight

Vesuvius shows his flames,[287] an unusual sight

For gaping tourists, from his hackneyed height:[dz]

For wide-eyed tourists, from his worn-out height:[dz]

Thou stand'st alone unrivalled, till the Fire

To come, in which all empires shall expire!

To come, when all empires will come to an end!

Thou other Element! as strong and stern,

To teach a lesson conquerors will not learn!—

To teach a lesson that conquerors will never learn!—

Whose icy wing flapped o'er the faltering foe,

Whose icy wing hovered over the struggling enemy,

Till fell a hero with each flake of snow;

Till fell a hero with each snowflake;

How did thy numbing beak and silent fang,

How did your numbing beak and silent fang,

Pierce, till hosts perished with a single pang!190

Pierce, until the hosts died with a single pain!190

In vain shall Seine look up along his banks

In vain will the Seine look up along its banks.

For the gay thousands of his dashing ranks!

For the many thousands in his striking ranks!

In vain shall France recall beneath her vines

In vain will France remember under her vines

Her Youth—their blood flows faster than her wines;

Her youth—their blood runs faster than her wines;

Or stagnant in their human ice remains

Or stuck in their frozen human state

In frozen mummies on the Polar plains.

In frozen mummies on the polar plains.

In vain will Italy's broad sun awaken

In vain will Italy's wide sun rise.

Her offspring chilled; its beams are now forsaken.

Her child is cold; its light is now gone.

Of all the trophies gathered from the war,

Of all the trophies collected from the war,

What shall return? the Conqueror's broken car![288]200

What will come back? the Conqueror's shattered chariot![288]200

The Conqueror's yet unbroken heart! Again[553]

The Conqueror's heart remains unbroken! Again[553]

The horn of Roland [289] sounds, and not in vain.

The horn of Roland [289] blows, and it's not for nothing.

Lutzen, where fell the Swede of victory,[290]

Lutzen, where the Swedish hero faced defeat,[290]

Beholds him conquer, but, alas! not die:

Behold him conquer, but, unfortunately, not die:

Dresden [291] surveys three despots fly once more

Dresden [291] examines three dictators as they take to the skies again.

Before their sovereign,—sovereign as before;[ea]

Before their ruler,—ruler as before;__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

But there exhausted Fortune quits the field,

But there, exhausted, Fate leaves the battlefield,

And Leipsic's [292] treason bids the unvanquished yield;

And Leipsic's [292] betrayal urges the undefeated to surrender;

The Saxon jackal leaves the lion's side

The Saxon jackal leaves the lion's side.

To turn the bear's, and wolf's, and fox's guide;210

To follow the guide of the bear, wolf, and fox;210

And backward to the den of his despair

And back to the place of his despair

The forest monarch shrinks, but finds no lair!

The forest king diminishes, but can't find a hiding place!

Oh ye! and each, and all! Oh France! who found

Oh you! and each, and all! Oh France! who found

Thy long fair fields ploughed up as hostile ground,

Your extensive, beautiful fields turned into battlegrounds,

Disputed foot by foot, till Treason, still

Disputed inch by inch, until Treason, still

His only victor, from Montmartre's hill [293]

Looked down o'er trampled Paris! and thou Isle,

Looked down over trampled Paris! and you Isle,

Which seest Etruria from thy ramparts smile,

Which do you see Etruria smiling from your ramparts,

Thou momentary shelter of his pride,

You fleeting shelter of his pride,

Till wooed by danger, his yet weeping bride!220

Till wooed by danger, his still crying bride!220

Oh, France! retaken by a single march,[554]

Oh, France! reclaimed by a single march,[554]

Whose path was through one long triumphal arch!

Whose path was through one long victory arch!

Oh bloody and most bootless Waterloo!

Oh bloody and completely pointless Waterloo!

Which proves how fools may have their fortune too,

Which shows that even fools can have their luck, too,

Won half by blunder, half by treachery:

Won half by mistake, half by betrayal:

Oh dull Saint Helen! with thy gaoler nigh—

Oh boring Saint Helen! with your jailer nearby—

Hear! hear Prometheus [294] from his rock appeal

Hear! hear! Prometheus [294] calls out from his rock.

To Earth,—Air,—Ocean,—all that felt or feel

To Earth, —Air, —Ocean, —everything that has felt or feels

His power and glory, all who yet shall hear

His power and glory, everyone who will hear

A name eternal as the rolling year;230

A name that lasts forever, like the passing year; 230

He teaches them the lesson taught so long,

He teaches them the lesson that's been taught for so long,

So oft, so vainly—learn to do no wrong!

So often, so pointlessly—learn to do no harm!

A single step into the right had made

This man the Washington of worlds betrayed:

This man, the Washington of worlds, betrayed:

A single step into the wrong has given

His name a doubt to all the winds of heaven;

His name a question to all the winds of heaven;

The reed of Fortune, and of thrones the rod,

The reed of Fortune, and the rod of thrones,

Of Fame the Moloch or the demigod;

His country's Cæsar, Europe's Hannibal,

His country's Caesar, Europe's Hannibal,

Without their decent dignity of fall.240

Without their proper dignity of fall.240

Yet Vanity herself had better taught

A surer path even to the fame he sought,

A more certain way to achieve the fame he wanted,

By pointing out on History's fruitless page

By highlighting the useless entries in History's record

Ten thousand conquerors for a single sage.

Ten thousand conquerors for one wise person.

While Franklin's quiet memory climbs to Heaven,

While Franklin's peaceful memory ascends to Heaven,

Calming the lightning which he thence hath riven,

Calming the lightning that he has split,

Or drawing from the no less kindled earth

Or drawing from the equally vibrant earth

Freedom and peace to that which boasts his birth;[295]

Freedom and peace to whoever takes pride in their origins;[295]

While Washington's a watchword, such as ne'er[555]

While Washington is a term that’s always relevant[555]

Shall sink while there's an echo left to air:[296]250

Shall sink while there's still an echo to hear:[296]250

While even the Spaniard's thirst of gold and war

While even the Spaniard's desire for gold and war

Forgets Pizarro to shout Bolivar![297]

Forgets Pizarro to shout Bolívar![297]

Alas! why must the same Atlantic wave

Alas! Why must the same Atlantic wave

Which wafted freedom gird a tyrant's grave—

Which carried freedom around a tyrant's grave—

The king of kings, and yet of slaves the slave,

The king of kings, yet also the servant of slaves,

Who burst the chains of millions to renew

Who broke the chains of millions to renew

The very fetters which his arm broke through,

The very chains that his arm broke free from,

And crushed the rights of Europe and his own,

And violated the rights of Europe and his own,

To flit between a dungeon and a throne?

To switch between a dungeon and a throne?

VI.

But 'twill not be—the spark's awakened—lo!260

But it won't be—the spark's been ignited—look!260

The swarthy Spaniard feels his former glow;

The dark-skinned Spaniard feels his old radiance;

The same high spirit which beat back the Moor

The same strong spirit that pushed back the Moors

Through eight long ages of alternate gore

Through eight long ages of alternating bloodshed

Revives—and where? in that avenging clime

Revives—and where? In that vengeful place

Where Spain was once synonymous with crime,

Where Spain used to be known for crime,

Where Cortes' and Pizarro's banner flew,

Where Cortes' and Pizarro's flag flew,

The infant world redeems her name of "New."

The young world lives up to her name of "New."

'Tis the old aspiration breathed afresh,

It's the old aspiration revived,

To kindle souls within degraded flesh,

To ignite spirits within worn-out bodies,

Such as repulsed the Persian from the shore270

Where Greece was—No! she still is Greece once more.

Where Greece was—No! she still is Greece again.

One common cause makes myriads of one breast,

One common cause brings countless people together.

Slaves of the East, or helots of the West:

Slaves of the East, or serfs of the West:

On Andes'[298] and on Athos' peaks unfurled,[556]

The self-same standard streams o'er either world:

The same standard flows over both worlds:

The Athenian [299] wears again Harmodius' sword;

The Athenian [299] is once more wielding Harmodius' sword;

The Chili chief [300] abjures his foreign lord;

The Chili chief [300] rejects his foreign lord;

The Spartan knows himself once more a Greek,[301]

The Spartan recognizes that he is once again a Greek,[301]

Young Freedom plumes the crest of each cacique;

Young Freedom rises to the top of each chief;

Debating despots, hemmed on either shore,280

Debating tyrants, surrounded on both sides, 280

Shrink vainly from the roused Atlantic's roar;[557]

Shrink vainly from the awakened roar of the Atlantic; [557]

Through Calpe's strait the rolling tides advance,

Through Calpe's strait, the waves roll in.

Sweep slightly by the half-tamed land of France,

Sweep gently across the partly wild terrain of France,

Dash o'er the old Spaniard's cradle, and would fain

Unite Ausonia to the mighty main:

Unite Ausonia with the mighty ocean:

But driven from thence awhile, yet not for aye,

But pushed away from there for a while, but not forever,

Break o'er th' Ægean, mindful of the day

Break over the Aegean, remembering the day

Of Salamis!—there, there the waves arise,

Of Salamis!—there, there the waves rise,

Not to be lulled by tyrant victories.

Not to be deceived by the victories of tyrants.

Lone, lost, abandoned in their utmost need290

Lone, lost, abandoned in their greatest need290

By Christians, unto whom they gave their creed,

By Christians, to whom they gave their beliefs,

The desolated lands, the ravaged isle,

The barren lands, the devastated island,

The fostered feud encouraged to beguile,

The fostered feud encouraged dishonesty,

The aid evaded, and the cold delay,

The help slipped away, and the chilling wait,

Prolonged but in the hope to make a prey [302];—

Prolonged but in the hope of catching a prey [302];—

These, these shall tell the tale, and Greece can show

These will tell the story, and Greece can demonstrate

The false friend worse than the infuriate foe.

The fake friend is worse than an angry enemy.

But this is well: Greeks only should free Greece,

But this is true: only the Greeks should free Greece,

Not the barbarian, with his masque of peace.

Not the barbarian, wearing his mask of peace.

How should the Autocrat of bondage be300

The king of serfs, and set the nations free?

The king of the serfs, and liberated the nations?

Better still serve the haughty Mussulman,

Better yet, serve the arrogant Muslim,

Than swell the Cossaque's prowling caravan;

Than swell the Cossack's roaming caravan;

Better still toil for masters, than await,

Better to work for bosses than to wait,

The slave of slaves, before a Russian gate,—

The slave of slaves, standing before a Russian gate,—

Numbered by hordes, a human capital,

Numbered by crowds, a team,

A live estate, existing but for thrall,

A live estate, existing but for serfs,

Lotted by thousands, as a meet reward

Lotted by thousands, as a fitting reward

For the first courtier in the Czar's regard;

For the top courtier in the Czar's favor;

While their immediate owner never tastes310

His sleep, sans dreaming of Siberia's wastes:

His sleep, without dreaming of Siberia's wastes:

Better succumb even to their own despair,

Better to give in even to their own despair,

And drive the Camel—than purvey the Bear.

And drive the Camel—rather than provide for the Bear.

VII.

But not alone within the hoariest clime

But not alone in the oldest time

Where Freedom dates her birth with that of Time,

Where Freedom marks her birth as the same time as Time,

And not alone where, plunged in night, a crowd[558]

And not just where, surrounded by darkness, a crowd[558]

Of Incas darken to a dubious cloud [eb],

The dawn revives: renowned, romantic Spain

The dawn comes alive: famous, romantic Spain

Holds back the invader from her soil again.

Holds back the invader from her land again.

Not now the Roman tribe nor Punic horde [ec]320

Demands her fields as lists to prove the sword;

Demands her fields as proof of the sword;

Not now the Vandal or the Visigoth

Not right now the Vandal or the Visigoth

Pollute the plains, alike abhorring both [ed];

Pollute the plains, equally hating both [ed];

Nor old Pelayo [303] on his mountain rears

Nor old Pelayo [303] on his mountain rises

The warlike fathers of a thousand years.

The battle-ready fathers of a thousand years.

That seed is sown and reaped, as oft the Moor

That seed is planted and harvested, just like the Moor

Sighs to remember on his dusky shore.

Sighs to remember on his dark shore.

Long in the peasant's song or poet's page

Has dwelt the memory of Abencerrage;

Has remembered the Abencerrages;

The Zegri [304], and the captive victors, flung330

The Zegri [304], and the captured victors, threw330

Back to the barbarous realm from whence they sprung.

Back to the savage land they came from.

But these are gone—their faith, their swords, their sway,

But those days are over—their faith, their swords, their influence,

Yet left more anti-christian foes than they [ee];

Yet they left behind more anti-Christian opponents than they had before.

The bigot monarch, and the butcher priest [305],

The intolerant king and the cruel priest [305],

The Inquisition, with her burning feast,

The Inquisition, with her burning spectacle,

The Faith's red "Auto," fed with human fuel,

The Faith's red "Auto," powered by human energy,

While sate the catholic Moloch, calmly cruel,

While the Catholic Moloch is satisfied, coldly cruel,

Enjoying, with inexorable eye,[ef][559]

Enjoying, with unyielding gaze,[ef][559]

That fiery festival of Agony!

That intense festival of pain!

The stern or feeble sovereign, one or both340

The strict or weak ruler, one or both340

By turns; the haughtiness whose pride was sloth;

By turns; the arrogance whose pride was laziness;

The long degenerate noble; the debased

The long fallen noble; the corrupted

Hidalgo, and the peasant less disgraced,

Hidalgo, and the peasant who was less ashamed,

But more degraded; the unpeopled realm;

But even more degraded; the empty realm;

The once proud navy which forgot the helm;

The once proud navy that lost its way;

The once impervious phalanx disarrayed;

The previously strong group fell apart;

The idle forge that formed Toledo's blade;

The inactive forge that created Toledo's sword;

The foreign wealth that flowed on every shore,

The foreign wealth that came in from every shore

Save hers who earned it with the native's gore;

Save hers who earned it with the native's blood;

The very language which might vie with Rome's,350

The very language that could compete with Rome's,350

And once was known to nations like their homes,

And once was known to nations like their own homes,

Neglected or forgotten:—such was Spain;

Neglected or forgotten:—such was Spain;

But such she is not, nor shall be again.

But that's not who she is, and she won't be that way again.

These worst, these home invaders, felt and feel

The new Numantine soul of old Castile [eg],

The new Numantine spirit of old Castile [eg],

Up! up again! undaunted Tauridor!

Up! Up again! Unstoppable Tauridor!

The bull of Phalaris renews his roar [eh];

The bull of Phalaris is roaring again [eh];

Mount, chivalrous Hidalgo! not in vain

Mount, noble Hidalgo! Not in vain

Revive the cry—"Iago! and close Spain!"[306]

Revive the shout—"Iago! and shut down Spain!"[306]

Yes, close her with your arméd bosoms round,360

Yes, hold her close with your strong arms around, 360°

And form the barrier which Napoleon found,—

And create the barrier that Napoleon discovered,—

The exterminating war, the desert plain,

The streets without a tenant, save the slain;

The streets without a resident, except for the dead;

The wild Sierra, with its wilder troop [ei]

The wild Sierra, with its even wilder crew [ei]

Of vulture-plumed Guerrillas, on the stoop [ej]

Of vulture-plumed guerrillas, on the stoop [ej]

For their incessant prey; the desperate wall

For their constant prey; the desperate wall

Of Saragossa, mightiest in her fall;

Of Saragossa, powerful even in her downfall;

The Man nerved to a spirit, and the Maid

The Man gathered his courage, and the Maid

Waving her more than Amazonian blade [307];

Waving her impressive sword __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__;

The knife of Arragon, Toledo's steel;370[560]

The knife from Arragon, made of Toledo steel; 370[560]

The famous lance of chivalrous Castile [308];

The famous lance of noble Castile [308];

The unerring rifle of the Catalan;

The accurate rifle of the Catalan;

The Andalusian courser in the van;

The Andalusian horse at the front;

The torch to make a Moscow of Madrid;

The torch to create a Moscow in Madrid;

And in each heart the spirit of the Cid:—

And in every heart, the spirit of the Cid:—

Such have been, such shall be, such are. Advance,

Such have been, such shall be, such are. Move forward,

And win—not Spain! but thine own freedom, France!

And win—not Spain! but your own freedom, France!

VIII.

But lo! a Congress [309]! What! that hallowed name

But look! a Congress [309]! What! that sacred name

Which freed the Atlantic! May we hope the same

Which freed the Atlantic! May we hope for the same.

For outworn Europe? With the sound arise,380

For outdated Europe? With the sound rise,380

Like Samuel's shade to Saul's monarchic eyes,

Like Samuel's ghost to Saul's royal eyes,

The prophets of young Freedom, summoned far

The prophets of young Freedom, called from afar

From climes of Washington and Bolivar;

From the regions of Washington and Bolivar;

Henry, the forest-born Demosthenes,

Henry, the forest-bred Demosthenes,

Whose thunder shook the Philip of the seas [310];

And stoic Franklin's energetic shade,[561]

And stoic Franklin's lively spirit,[561]

Robed in the lightnings which his hand allayed;

Robed in the light that his hand calmed;

And Washington, the tyrant-tamer, wake,

And Washington, the tyrant-tamer, awakens,

To bid us blush for these old chains, or break.

To make us feel embarrassed about these old chains, or to break free from them.

But who compose this Senate of the few390

But who makes up this Senate of the few390

That should redeem the many? Who renew

That should redeem the many? Who updates

This consecrated name, till now assigned

This sacred name, until now assigned

To councils held to benefit mankind?

To meetings organized to help humanity?

Who now assemble at the holy call?

Who is gathering now at the sacred call?

The blest Alliance, which says three are all!

The blessed Alliance, which claims three are everything!

An earthly Trinity! which wears the shape

An earthly Trinity! which takes the form

Of Heaven's, as man is mimicked by the ape.

Of Heaven's, as man is imitated by the ape.

A pious Unity! in purpose one—

A devoted Unity! with a single purpose—

To melt three fools to a Napoleon [ek].

To turn three fools into a Napoleon [ek].

Why, Egypt's Gods were rational to these;400

Why, Egypt's gods made sense to these; 400

Their dogs and oxen knew their own degrees,

Their dogs and oxen knew their place,

And, quiet in their kennel or their shed,

And, quiet in their doghouse or their shed,

Cared little, so that they were duly fed;

Cared little, as long as they were properly fed;

But these, more hungry, must have something more—

But these, being more hungry, need something more—

The power to bark and bite, to toss and gore.

The ability to bark and bite, to throw and wound.

Ah, how much happier were good Æsop's frogs

Ah, how much happier were good Aesop's frogs

Than we! for ours are animated logs,

With ponderous malice swaying to and fro,

With heavy malice swinging back and forth,

And crushing nations with a stupid blow;

And defeating nations with a senseless strike;

All dully anxious to leave little work410

All eagerly wanting to leave little work410

Unto the revolutionary stork.

To the revolutionary stork.

IX.

Thrice blest Verona! since the holy three

Thrice blessed Verona! Since the holy three

With their imperial presence shine on thee!

With their royal presence shining down on you!

Honoured by them, thy treacherous site forgets [el]

Honored by them, your treacherous site forgets [el]

The vaunted tomb of "all the Capulets!"[311][562]

The legendary tomb of "all the Capulets!"[311][562]

Thy Scaligers—for what was "Dog the Great,"

"Can Grande,"[312] (which I venture to translate,)

"Can Grande,"[312] (which I dare to translate,)

To these sublimer pugs? Thy poet too,

To these more refined pugs? Your poet too,

Catullus, whose old laurels yield to new;[313]

Catullus, whose old achievements give way to new; [313]

Thine amphitheatre, where Romans sate;420

Your amphitheater, where Romans sat;

And Dante's exile sheltered by thy gate;

And Dante's exile protected by your gate;

Thy good old man, whose world was all within

Thy wall, nor knew the country held him in;[314]

Thy wall didn't know the country held him in;[314]

Would that the royal guests it girds about

Would that the royal guests it surrounds

Were so far like, as never to get out!

Were so much alike, we'll never escape!

Aye, shout! inscribe![315] rear monuments of shame,

Aye, shout! write![315] back monuments of shame,

To tell Oppression that the world is tame![563]

To show Oppression that the world is under control![563]

Crowd to the theatre with loyal rage,

Crowd to the theater with fierce loyalty,

The comedy is not upon the stage;

The comedy isn't on the stage;

The show is rich in ribandry and stars,430

The show is full of decorations and famous people,430

Then gaze upon it through thy dungeon bars;

Then look at it through your prison bars;

Clap thy permitted palms, kind Italy,

Clap your allowed hands, kind Italy,

For thus much still thy fettered hands are free!

For even now, your bound hands are still free!

X.

Resplendent sight! Behold the coxcomb Czar,[316]

Resplendent sight! Check out the flashy Czar,[316]

The Autocrat of waltzes [317] and of war!

The ruler of waltzes [317] and of battle!

As eager for a plaudit as a realm,

As eager for praise as a kingdom,

And just as fit for flirting as the helm;

And just as good for flirting as the steering wheel;

A Calmuck beauty with a Cossack wit,

A Calmuck beauty with a Cossack sense of humor,

And generous spirit, when 'tis not frost-bit;

And a generous spirit, when it's not frozen;

Now half dissolving to a liberal thaw,[em]440[564]

Now partially melting into a warm thaw,[em]440[564]

But hardened back whene'er the morning's raw;

But hardened back whenever the morning’s cold;

With no objection to true Liberty,

With no objection to real freedom,

Except that it would make the nations free.

How well the imperial dandy prates of peace!

How well the imperial dandy talks about peace!

How fain, if Greeks would be his slaves, free Greece!

How gladly would free Greece accept if the Greeks would become his slaves!

How nobly gave he back the Poles their Diet,

How nobly he returned the Poles their Diet,

Then told pugnacious Poland to be quiet!

Then told aggressive Poland to be quiet!

How kindly would he send the mild Ukraine,

How kindly would he send the gentle Ukraine,

With all her pleasant Pulks,[318] to lecture Spain!

With all her nice Pulks,[318] to lecture Spain!

How royally show off in proud Madrid450

How grandly display yourself in proud Madrid450

His goodly person, from the South long hid!

His handsome figure, hidden away in the South for a long time!

A blessing cheaply purchased, the world knows,

A blessing bought at a low price, the world knows,

By having Muscovites for friends or foes.

By having Moscow residents as friends or enemies.

Proceed, thou namesake of great Philip's son!

Proceed, you who's named after the great son of Philip!

La Harpe, thine Aristotle, beckons on;[319]

La Harpe, your Aristotle, calls you; [319]

And that which Scythia was to him of yore

And what Scythia meant to him in the past

Find with thy Scythians on Iberia's shore.

Find your Scythians on the shores of Iberia.

Yet think upon, thou somewhat agéd youth,

Yet think about it, you somewhat older young person,

Thy predecessor on the banks of Pruth;

Your predecessor on the banks of Pruth;

Thou hast to aid thee, should his lot be thine,460

Thou hast to help you, if his fate is yours,460

Many an old woman,[320] but not Catherine.[321]

Many old women, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ but not Catherine.__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__

Spain, too, hath rocks, and rivers, and defiles[565]—

Spain also has mountains, rivers, and gorges[565]—

The Bear may rush into the Lion's toils.

The bear might run into the lion's traps.

Fatal to Goths are Xeres' sunny fields;[322]

Think'st thou to thee Napoleon's victor yields?

Do you think that Napoleon's conqueror gives in to you?

Better reclaim thy deserts, turn thy swords

Better reclaim your deserts, turn your swords

To ploughshares, shave and wash thy Bashkir [323] hordes,

To turn swords into plowshares, shave and clean your Bashkir [323] groups,

Redeem thy realms from slavery and the knout,

Redeem your lands from slavery and punishment,

Than follow headlong in the fatal route,

Than rush blindly down the doomed path,

To infest the clime whose skies and laws are pure470

To invade the land where the skies and laws are clear470

With thy foul legions. Spain wants no manure:

With your disgusting armies. Spain doesn't want any manure:

Her soil is fertile, but she feeds no foe:

Her land is rich, but it doesn’t nourish any enemy:

Her vultures, too, were gorged not long ago;

Her vultures, too, had just recently eaten their fill;

And wouldst thou furnish them with fresher prey?

And would you provide them with fresher prey?

Alas! thou wilt not conquer, but purvey.

Alas! You will not conquer, but provide.

I am Diogenes, though Russ and Hun [324]

Stand between mine and many a myriad's sun;

Stand between my light and countless others;

But were I not Diogenes, I'd wander

But if I weren't Diogenes, I'd roam

Rather a worm than such an Alexander!

Better a worm than such an Alexander!

Be slaves who will, the cynic shall be free;480

Be slaves if you want, the cynic will be free;480

His tub hath tougher walls than Sinopè:[en]

His tub has tougher walls than Sinopè:[en]

Still will he hold his lantern up to scan

The face of monarchs for an "honest man."[325]

The face of kings for a "good person."[325]

XI.

And what doth Gaul, the all-prolific land

And what does Gaul, the endlessly productive land

Of ne plus ultra ultras and their band

Of ne plus ultra ultras and their group

Of mercenaries? and her noisy chambers

Of mercenaries? and her loud rooms

And tribune, which each orator first clambers[566]

And the tribune, which each speaker first climbs to

Before he finds a voice, and when 'tis found,

Before he finds his voice, and when it’s found,

Hears "the lie" echo for his answer round?

Hears "the lie" echo for his answer around?

Our British Commons sometimes deign to "hear!"490

Our British Commons sometimes agree to "hear!"490

A Gallic senate hath more tongue than ear;

A Gallic senate talks more than it listens;

Even Constant,[326] their sole master of debate,

Even Constant,[326] their only master of debate,

Must fight next day his speech to vindicate.

Must fight the next day to defend his speech.

But this costs little to true Franks, who'd rather

Combat than listen, were it to their father.

What is the simple standing of a shot,

What is the basic position of a shot,

To listening long, and interrupting not?

To listen for a long time without interrupting?

Though this was not the method of old Rome,

Though this wasn't how they did things in ancient Rome,

When Tully fulmined o'er each vocal dome,

When Tully raged over every speaking space,

Demosthenes has sanctioned the transaction,500

Demosthenes has approved the transaction,500

In saying eloquence meant "Action, action!"

XII.

But where's the monarch?[327] hath he dined? or yet

But where's the king?[327] has he eaten? or yet

Groans beneath indigestion's heavy debt?[567]

Groans from indigestion's heavy burden?[567]

Have revolutionary patés risen,

Have revolutionary spreads risen,

And turned the royal entrails to a prison?

And turned the royal insides into a prison?

Have discontented movements stirred the troops?

Have unhappy movements stirred the troops?

Or have no movements followed traitorous soups?

Have Carbonaro [328] cooks not carbonadoed

Have Carbonaro__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ cooks not carbonized

Each course enough? or doctors dire dissuaded

Each course enough? Or doctors strongly discouraged?

Repletion? Ah! in thy dejected looks510

Repletion? Oh! in your downcast expression510

I read all France's treason in her cooks!

I read all of France's betrayal in her chefs!

Good classic Louis! is it, canst thou say,

Good classic Louis! Is it, can you say,

Desirable to be the "Desiré?"

Want to be the "Desiré?"

Why wouldst thou leave calm Hartwell's green abode,

Why would you leave peaceful Hartwell's green home,

Apician table, and Horatian ode,

Gourmet dining, and Horatian poem,

To rule a people who will not be ruled,

To govern a people who refuse to be governed,

And love much rather to be scourged than schooled?

And would you rather be punished than taught?

Ah! thine was not the temper or the taste

Ah! yours was neither the temperament nor the taste

For thrones; the table sees thee better placed:

For thrones, the table sees you better positioned:

A mild Epicurean, formed, at best,520

A casual Epicurean, at best,520

To be a kind host and as good a guest,

To be a gracious host and an equally considerate guest,

To talk of Letters, and to know by heart

To discuss letters and to memorize

One half the Poet's, all the Gourmand's art;

One half the Poet's, all the Chef's art;

A scholar always, now and then a wit,

A scholar always, sometimes a jokester,

And gentle when Digestion may permit;[568]—

And gentle when digestion permits;[568]—

But not to govern lands enslaved or free;

But not to rule over enslaved or free lands;

The gout was martyrdom enough for thee.

The gout was suffering enough for you.

XIII.

Shall noble Albion pass without a phrase

Shall noble Albion go by without a word

From a bold Briton in her wonted praise?

From a confident Brit who usually gives compliments?

"Arts—arms—and George—and glory—and the Isles,530

"Arts, arms, George, glory, and the Isles,530

And happy Britain, wealth, and Freedom's smiles,

And happy Britain, wealth, and the smiles of freedom,

White cliffs, that held invasion far aloof,

White cliffs that kept invasions far away,

Contented subjects, all alike tax-proof,

Tax-exempt subjects, all content.

Proud Wellington, with eagle beak so curled,[eo]

Proud Wellington, with an eagle's beak so curved,[eo]

That nose, the hook where he suspends the world![329]

That nose, the hook where he hangs the world![329]

And Waterloo, and trade, and——(hush! not yet

And Waterloo, and trade, and——(shh! not yet

A syllable of imposts or of debt)——

A syllable of taxes or of debt)——

And ne'er (enough) lamented Castlereagh,[330]

And never (enough) lamented Castlereagh,[330]

Whose penknife slit a goose-quill t'other day—[ep]

Whose penknife cut a goose feather the other day—[ep]

And, 'pilots who have weathered every storm'—[331]540

And, 'pilots who have faced every storm'—[331]540

(But, no, not even for rhyme's sake, name Reform)."

(But, no, not even for the sake of rhyme, call it Reform).

These are the themes thus sung so oft before,

These are the themes that have been sung so many times before,

Methinks we need not sing them any more;

I don't think we need to sing them anymore;

Found in so many volumes far and near,[569]

Found in so many books everywhere,[569]

There's no occasion you should find them here.

There's no reason you should find them here.

Yet something may remain perchance to chime

Yet something might still remain to resonate.

With reason, and, what's stranger still, with rhyme.[eq]

With good reason, and, even more surprisingly, with rhyme.[eq]

Even this thy genius, Canning![332] may permit,

Even this your talent, Canning![332] may allow,

Who, bred a statesman, still wast born a wit,

Who, raised to be a statesman, was still born a smart aleck,

And never, even in that dull House, couldst tame550

And never, even in that boring House, could you tame550

To unleavened prose thine own poetic flame;

To ignite your own poetic flame with simple prose;

Our last, our best, our only orator,

Our last, our best, our only speaker,

Even I can praise thee—Tories do no more:

Even I can praise you—Tories don't do any more:

Nay, not so much;—they hate thee, man, because

Nay, not so much;—they hate you, man, because

Thy Spirit less upholds them than it awes.

Your spirit supports them less than it inspires awe.

The hounds will gather to their huntsman's hollo,

The hounds will come together at their hunter's call,

And where he leads the duteous pack will follow;

And where he goes, the loyal followers will go;

But not for love mistake their yelling cry;

But don’t mistake their yelling cry for love;

Their yelp for game is not an eulogy;

Their call for adventure is not a tribute;

Less faithful far than the four-footed pack,560

Less loyal than the four-legged pack,560

A dubious scent would lure the bipeds back.

A questionable smell would draw the humans back.

Thy saddle-girths are not yet quite secure,

Your saddle straps aren't quite secure yet,

Nor royal stallion's feet extremely sure;

The unwieldy old white horse is apt at last

The cumbersome old white horse is finally ready.

To stumble, kick—and now and then stick fast

To trip, kick—and sometimes get stuck

With his great Self and Rider in the mud;

But what of that? the animal shows blood.

But so what? The animal shows blood.

XIV.

Alas, the Country! how shall tongue or pen

Alas, the Country! How can words or writing

Bewail her now uncountry gentlemen?

Mourn her now, uncaring gentlemen?

The last to bid the cry of warfare cease,570

The last to call for the end of battle, 570

The first to make a malady of peace.[570]

The first to turn peace into a problem.[570]

For what were all these country patriots born?

To hunt—and vote—and raise the price of corn?

To hunt—and vote—and increase the price of corn?

But corn, like every mortal thing, must fall,

But corn, like everything else in life, must fall,

Kings—Conquerors—and markets most of all.

Kings, conquerors, and markets, especially.

And must ye fall with every ear of grain?

And do you have to fall with every ear of grain?

Why would you trouble Buonaparté's reign?

Why would you disrupt Buonaparté's rule?

He was your great Triptolemus;[333] his vices

He was your great Triptolemus;[333] his flaws

Destroyed but realms, and still maintained your prices;

Destroyed both kingdoms, yet still kept your prices;

He amplified to every lord's content580

He expanded to everyone's satisfaction.

The grand agrarian alchymy, high rent.[er]

The grand farming alchemy, high rent. __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__

Why did the tyrant stumble on the Tartars,

Why did the tyrant trip over the Tartars,

And lower wheat to such desponding quarters?

And lower wheat to such depressing levels?

Why did you chain him on yon Isle so lone?

Why did you chain him on that lonely island?

The man was worth much more upon his throne.

The man was worth a lot more when he was on his throne.

True, blood and treasure boundlessly were spilt,

True, blood and treasure were spilled without limit,

But what of that? the Gaul may bear the guilt;

But what does it matter? The Gaul can carry the blame;

But bread was high, the farmer paid his way,

But bread was expensive, the farmer made ends meet,

And acres told upon the appointed day.[es]

And acres reported on the scheduled day.[es]

But where is now the goodly audit ale?590

But where is the fine ale for the audit now? 590

The purse-proud tenant, never known to fail?

The proud tenant, known for never letting others down?

The farm which never yet was left on hand?

The farm that has never been left unattended?

The marsh reclaimed to most improving land?

The marsh has been turned back into useful land.

The impatient hope of the expiring lease?

The impatient hope of the ending lease?

The doubling rental? What an evil's peace!

The doubling rental? What an evil peace!

In vain the prize excites the ploughman's skill,

In vain the prize motivates the farmer's skill,

In vain the Commons pass their patriot bill;[334]

The Landed Interest—(you may understand

The Landed Interest—(you might get it

The phrase much better leaving out the land)—

The phrase is much better without the land—

The land self-interest groans from shore to shore,600[571]

The land's self-interest cries out from coast to coast,600[571]

For fear that plenty should attain the poor.[et]

For fear that the rich should become poor.[et]

Up, up again, ye rents, exalt your notes,

Up, up again, you rents, lift your notes,

Or else the Ministry will lose their votes,

And patriotism, so delicately nice,

And patriotism, so beautifully nice,

Her loaves will lower to the market price;[eu]

Her loaves will drop to the market price;[eu]

For ah! "the loaves and fishes," once so high,

For oh! "the loaves and fishes," once so great,

Are gone—their oven closed, their ocean dry,[ev]

And nought remains of all the millions spent,

And nothing is left of all the millions spent,

Excepting to grow moderate and content.

Except to grow moderate and content.

They who are not so, had their turn—and turn610

They who are not like that had their chance—and turn610

About still flows from Fortune's equal urn;

Now let their virtue be its own reward,

Now let their goodness be its own reward,

And share the blessings which themselves prepared.

And share the blessings that they prepared themselves.

See these inglorious Cincinnati swarm,

Check out these Cincinnati swarm,

Farmers of war, dictators of the farm;

Farmers of conflict, rulers of the land;

Their ploughshare was the sword in hireling hands,

Their plowshare was the sword in hired hands,

Their fields manured by gore of other lands;

Their fields fertilized by the blood of other lands;

Safe in their barns, these Sabine tillers sent

Safe in their barns, these Sabine farmers sent

Their brethren out to battle—why? for rent!

Their brothers out to fight—why? for money!

Year after year they voted cent. per cent.620

Year after year, they voted 100%.620

Blood, sweat, and tear-wrung millions—why?—for rent!

Blood, sweat, and countless tears—why?—for rent!

They roared, they dined, they drank, they swore they meant

They cheered, they ate, they drank, they claimed they meant

To die for England—why then live?—for rent!

To die for England—so why live?—for a paycheck!

The peace has made one general malcontent

The peace has turned everyone into a general malcontent.

Of these high-market patriots; war was rent!

Of these proud patriots, war was tearing everything apart!

Their love of country, millions all mis-spent,

Their love for the country, millions all wasted,

How reconcile? by reconciling rent!

How to reconcile? By reconciling rent!

And will they not repay the treasures lent?

And won't they return the treasures borrowed?

No: down with everything, and up with rent!

Their good, ill, health, wealth, joy, or discontent,630

Their well-being, misfortune, health, wealth, happiness, or dissatisfaction,630

Being, end, aim, religion—rent—rent—rent!

Thou sold'st thy birthright, Esau! for a mess;

You sold your birthright, Esau! for a bowl of stew;

Thou shouldst have gotten more, or eaten less;

You should have gotten more or eaten less;

Now thou hast swilled thy pottage, thy demands

Now you've finished your meal, your demands

Are idle; Israel says the bargain stands.

Are idle; Israel says the deal is still on.

Such, landlords! was your appetite for war,[572]

And gorged with blood, you grumble at a scar!

And stuffed with blood, you complain about a scar!

What! would they spread their earthquake even o'er cash?

What! Would they spread their chaos even over money?

And when land crumbles, bid firm paper crash?[335]

And when the land falls apart, will the stock market crash? [335]

So rent may rise, bid Bank and Nation fall,640

So rent might increase, while the Bank and Nation decline,640

And found on 'Change a Fundling Hospital?

And found on 'Change a Fundling Hospital?

Lo, Mother Church, while all religion writhes,

Lo, Mother Church, while all religion struggles,

Like Niobe, weeps o'er her offspring—Tithes;[336]

Like Niobe, weeps over her children—Tithes;[336]

The Prelates go to—where the Saints have gone,

The leaders go to—where the Saints have gone,

And proud pluralities subside to one;

And proud groups come together as one;

Church, state, and faction wrestle in the dark,

Church, state, and factions struggle in the shadows,

Tossed by the deluge in their common ark.

Tossed by the flood in their shared boat.

Shorn of her bishops, banks, and dividends,

Another Babel soars—but Britain ends.

Another Babel rises—but Britain falls.

And why? to pamper the self-seeking wants,650

And why? To indulge the self-serving desires,650

And prop the hill of these agrarian ants.

And support the hill of these farming ants.

"Go to these ants, thou sluggard, and be wise;"

"Go to these ants, you slacker, and be smart;"

Admire their patience through each sacrifice,

Admire their patience through every sacrifice,

Till taught to feel the lesson of their pride,

Till they learned to feel the lesson of their pride,

The price of taxes and of homicide;

The cost of taxes and murder;

Admire their justice, which would fain deny

Admire their sense of justice, which would like to deny

The debt of nations:—pray who made it high?[337]

The debt of nations:—please who made it so high?[337]

[573]

XV.

Or turn to sail between those shifting rocks,

Or steer to navigate between those moving rocks,

The new Symplegades [338]—the crushing Stocks,

The new Symplegades__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—the crushing rocks,

Where Midas might again his wish behold660

Where Midas might see his wish again.

In real paper or imagined gold.

In real paper or imagined money.

That magic palace of Alcina [339] shows

That magical palace of Alcina__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ shows

More wealth than Britain ever had to lose,

More wealth than Britain has ever had to lose,

Were all her atoms of unleavened ore,

Were all her atoms of plain metal,

And all her pebbles from Pactolus' shore.

And all her pebbles from Pactolus' beach.

There Fortune plays, while Rumour holds the stake

There, Fortune plays, while Rumor holds the stakes.

And the World trembles to bid brokers break.

And the world shakes as brokers fall apart.

How rich is Britain! not indeed in mines,

How wealthy is Britain! Not really in mines,

Or peace or plenty, corn or oil, or wines;

No land of Canaan, full of milk and honey,670

No land of Canaan, overflowing with milk and honey,670

Nor (save in paper shekels) ready money:

Nor (except in paper money) cash:

But let us not to own the truth refuse,

But let's not deny the truth,

Was ever Christian land so rich in Jews?

Was there ever a Christian country so rich in Jews?

Those parted with their teeth to good King John,

Those who lost their teeth to good King John,

And now, ye kings, they kindly draw your own;

And now, you kings, please draw your own;

All states, all things, all sovereigns they control,

All states, everything, all the powers they manage,

And waft a loan "from Indus to the pole."

And send a loan "from the Indus to the North Pole."

The banker—broker—baron [340]—brethren, speed[574]

The banker-broker-baron __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__—brothers, hurry

To aid these bankrupt tyrants in their need.

To help these broke tyrants in their time of need.

Nor these alone; Columbia feels no less680

Fresh speculations follow each success;

New speculations follow each success;

And philanthropic Israel deigns to drain

And charitable Israel chooses to drain

Her mild per-centage from exhausted Spain.

Her small percentage from exhausted Spain.

Not without Abraham's seed can Russia march;

Not without Abraham's descendants can Russia move forward;

Tis gold, not steel, that rears the conqueror's arch.

It's gold, not steel, that builds the conqueror's arch.

Two Jews, a chosen people, can command

In every realm their Scripture-promised land:—

In every area, their promised land from Scripture:—

Two Jews, keep down the Romans,[341] and uphold

Two Jews, hold off the Romans,[341] and support

The accurséd Hun, more brutal than of old:

The cursed Hun, more ruthless than before:

Two Jews,—but not Samaritans—direct690

Two Jews, but not Samaritans

The world, with all the spirit of their sect.

The world, embracing the essence of their beliefs.

What is the happiness of earth to them?

What does the happiness of the earth mean to them?

A congress forms their "New Jerusalem,"

A congress creates their "New Jerusalem,"

Where baronies and orders both invite—

Where baronies and orders both welcome—

Oh, holy Abraham! dost thou see the sight?

Oh, holy Abraham! Do you see the sight?

Thy followers mingling with these royal swine,

Your followers mingling with these royal pigs,

Who spit not "on their Jewish gaberdine,"

Who did not "spit on their Jewish cloak,"

But honour them as portion of the show—

But honor them as part of the show—

(Where now, oh Pope! is thy forsaken toe?

(Where now, oh Pope! is your forsaken toe?

Could it not favour Judah with some kicks?700

Could it not give Judah a few kicks?700

Or has it ceased to "kick against the pricks?")

Or has it stopped "kicking against the pricks?"

On Shylock's shore behold them stand afresh,

On Shylock's shore, look at them standing again,

To cut from Nation's hearts their "pound of flesh."

To take from the people's hearts their "pound of flesh."

XVI.

Strange sight this Congress! destined to unite

All that's incongruous, all that's opposite.

All that’s out of place, all that’s contrary.

I speak not of the Sovereigns—they're alike,

I’m not talking about the rulers—they're all the same,

A common coin as ever mint could strike;

A coin as ordinary as any that could be produced by a mint;

But those who sway the puppets, pull the strings,

But those who control the puppets, pull the strings,

Have more of motley than their heavy kings.[575]

Have a greater variety than their heavy kings.[575]

Jews, authors, generals, charlatans, combine,710

Jews, authors, generals, frauds, combine,710

While Europe wonders at the vast design:

While Europe marvels at the grand design:

There Metternich, power's foremost parasite,

There Metternich, the ultimate parasite of power,

Cajoles; there Wellington forgets to fight;

There Chateaubriand [342] forms new books of martyrs;

There Chateaubriand [342] creates new accounts of martyrs;

And subtle Greeks [343] intrigue for stupid Tartars;

And clever Greeks [343] plot against foolish Tartars;

There Montmorenci, the sworn foe to charters,[344]

There Montmorenci, the sworn enemy of charters,[344]

Turns a diplomatist of great éclat,

Turns a diplomat of great distinction,

To furnish articles for the "Débats;"

To provide items for the "Débats;"

Of war so certain—yet not quite so sure

Of war so certain—yet not entirely sure

As his dismissal in the "Moniteur."720

As his firing in the "Moniteur."720

Alas! how could his cabinet thus err!

Alas! How could his cabinet make such a mistake!

Can Peace be worth an ultra-minister?[576]

Can peace be worth an ultra-minister?[576]

He falls indeed, perhaps to rise again,

He does fall, but maybe he’ll rise again,

"Almost as quickly as he conquered Spain.[345]"

"Almost as quickly as he took control of Spain.[345]"

XVII.

Enough of this—a sight more mournful woos

Enough of this—a much more sorrowful allure

The averted eye of the reluctant Muse.

The reluctant Muse looks away.

The Imperial daughter, the Imperial bride,[346]

The imperial Victim—sacrifice to pride;

The mother of the Hero's hope, the boy,

The young Astyanax of Modern Troy;[347]730

The still pale shadow of the loftiest Queen

The faint pale shadow of the highest Queen

That Earth has yet to see, or e'er hath seen;

That Earth has yet to see, or ever has seen;

She flits amidst the phantoms of the hour,

She moves quickly among the shadows of time,

The theme of pity, and the wreck of power.

The theme of compassion and the collapse of authority.

Oh, cruel mockery! Could not Austria spare

Oh, cruel mockery! Could Austria not spare

A daughter? What did France's widow there?

A daughter? What is France's widow doing there?

Her fitter place was by St. Helen's wave,

Her better spot was by St. Helen's wave,

Her only throne is in Napoleon's grave.

But, no,—she still must hold a petty reign,

But no, she still has to maintain a minor rule,

Flanked by her formidable chamberlain;740

Flanked by her powerful chamberlain;

The martial Argus, whose not hundred eyes [348]

Must watch her through these paltry pageantries.[577]

Must watch her through these trivial displays.[577]

What though she share no more, and shared in vain,

What if she doesn't share anymore, and it was all for nothing,

A sway surpassing that of Charlemagne,

A power greater than Charlemagne,

Which swept from Moscow to the southern seas!

Which spread from Moscow to the southern seas!

Yet still she rules the pastoral realm of cheese,

Yet she still governs the rural world of cheese,

Where Parma views the traveller resort,

Where Parma overlooks the traveler's haven,

To note the trappings of her mimic court.

To point out the details of her pretend court.

But she appears! Verona sees her shorn

But she shows up! Verona sees her with her hair cut short.

Of all her beams—while nations gaze and mourn—750

Of all her light—while countries watch and grieve—750

Ere yet her husband's ashes have had time

To chill in their inhospitable clime;

To relax in their unfriendly environment;

(If e'er those awful ashes can grow cold;—

(If ever those awful ashes can grow cold;—

But no,—their embers soon will burst the mould;)

But no—their embers will soon break free from the mold;)

She comes!—the Andromache (but not Racine's,

She’s coming! — the Andromache (but not Racine’s,

Nor Homer's,)—Lo! on Pyrrhus' arm [349] she leans![ew]

Nor Homer's,)—Look! on Pyrrhus' arm [349] she leans![ew]

Yes! the right arm, yet red from Waterloo,

Yes! the right arm, still red from Waterloo,

Which cut her lord's half-shattered sceptre through,

Which cut through her lord's half-broken scepter,

Is offered and accepted? Could a slave

Is it offered and accepted? Could a slave

Do more? or less?—and he in his new grave!760

Do more? Or less?—and he in his new grave!760

Her eye—her cheek—betray no inward strife,

Her eye—her cheek—show no inner turmoil,

And the Ex-Empress grows as Ex a wife!

And the former Empress grows as an ex-wife!

So much for human ties in royal breasts!

So much for human connections in royal hearts!

Why spare men's feelings, when their own are jests?

Why protect men's feelings when they joke about their own?

XVIII.

But, tired of foreign follies, I turn home,

But, tired of foreign nonsense, I head back home,

And sketch the group—the picture's yet to come.[578]

And outline the group—the image will follow.[578]

My Muse 'gan weep, but, ere a tear was spilt,

My Muse started to cry, but before a tear was shed,

She caught Sir William Curtis in a kilt![350]

She caught Sir William Curtis wearing a kilt![350]

While thronged the chiefs of every Highland clan

While the leaders of every Highland clan gathered

To hail their brother, Vich Ian Alderman!770

To shout out to their brother, Vich Ian Alderman!770

Guildhall grows Gael, and echoes with Erse roar,

Guildhall nurtures Gael and resonates with the roar of Erse,

While all the Common Council cry "Claymore!"[351]

While all the Common Council shout "Claymore!"[351]

To see proud Albyn's tartans as a belt

Gird the gross sirloin of a city Celt,

Gird the hefty sirloin of a city Celt,

She burst into a laughter so extreme,

She broke into such uncontrollable laughter,

That I awoke—and lo! it was no dream!

That I woke up—and wow! it was not a dream!

Here, reader, will we pause:—if there's no harm in

Here, reader, let's pause:—if there's no harm in

This first—you'll have, perhaps, a second "Carmen."

This first—you might have a second "Carmen."

B. Jn 10th 1823.

FOOTNOTES:

[dv] {535} Annus Mirabilis.—MS.

Annus Mirabilis.—MS.

[253] [It has been suggested by Dr. Garnett (late keeper of the Printed Books in the British Museum) that the motto to The Age of Bronze may, possibly, contain a reference to the statue of Achilles, "inscribed by the women of England to Arthur, Duke of Wellington, and his brave companions in arms," which was erected in Hyde Park, June 18, 1822.]

[253] [Dr. Garnett, former keeper of the Printed Books at the British Museum, suggested that the motto for The Age of Bronze might reference the statue of Achilles, "inscribed by the women of England to Arthur, Duke of Wellington, and his brave companions in arms," which was unveiled in Hyde Park on June 18, 1822.]

[dw] {541} Want nothing of the little, but their will.—[MS.]

[dw] {541} Desire nothing from the small, other than their will.—[MS.]

[254] [Measure for Measure, act ii. sc. 2, line 121.]

[255] [Fox used to say, "I never want a word, but Pitt never wants the word."]

[256] [The grave of Fox, in Westminster Abbey is within eighteen inches of that of Pitt. Compare—

[256] [The grave of Fox in Westminster Abbey is just eighteen inches away from that of Pitt. Compare—

"Nor yet suppress the generous sigh.

"Don't hold back the generous sigh."

Because his rival slumbers nigh;

Because his rival sleeps nearby;

Nor be thy requiescat dumb,

Nor be your rest silent,

Lest it be said o'er Fox's tomb.

Lest it be said over Fox's grave.

Where,—taming thought to human pride!—

Where, —taming thoughts to human pride!—

The mighty chiefs sleep side by side.

The powerful leaders lie next to each other.

Drop upon Fox's grave the tear,

Drop a tear on Fox's grave,

'Twill trickle to his rival's bier," etc.

'Twill trickle to his rival's coffin," etc.

Marmion, by Sir Walter Scott,
Introduction to Canto I. lines 125-128, 184-188.

Compare, too, Macaulay on Warren Hastings: "In that temple of silence and reconciliation, where the enmities of twenty generations lie buried, in the Great Abbey ... the dust of the illustrious accused should have mingled with the dust of the illustrious accusers. This was not to be."—Critical and Historical Essays, 1843, iii. 465.]

Compare, too, Macaulay on Warren Hastings: "In that place of peace and reflection, where the conflicts of twenty generations are laid to rest, in the Great Abbey ... the remains of the esteemed accused should have blended with the remains of the esteemed accusers. This wasn't meant to happen."—Critical and Historical Essays, 1843, iii. 465.]

[257] {542}[The Cleopatra whose mummy is preserved in the British Museum was a member of the Theban Archon family. Her date was circ. A.D. 100.]

[257] {542}[The Cleopatra whose mummy is kept in the British Museum was part of the Theban Archon family. She lived around A.D. 100.]

[258] [According to Strabo (Rerum Geog., xvii. ed. 1807, ii. 1127), Ptolemæus Soter brought Alexander's body back from Babylon, and buried it in Alexandria, in the spot afterwards known as the Soma. There it lay, in Strabo's time, not in its original body-mask of golden chase-work, which Ptolemæus Cocces had stolen, but in a casket of glass. Great men "turned to pilgrims" to visit Alexander's grave. Augustus crowned the still life-like body with a golden laurel-wreath, and scattered flowers over the tomb: Caligula stole the breastplate, and wore it during his pantomimic triumphs; Septimius Severus buried in the sarcophagus the writings of the priests, and a clue to the hieroglyphics. Finally, the sarcophagus and its sacred remains disappear, and Alexander himself passes into the land of fable and romance. In 1801 a sarcophagus came into the possession of the English Army, and was presented by George III. to the British Museum. Hieroglyphics were as yet undeciphered, and, in 1805, the traveller Edward Daniel Clarke published a quarto monograph (The Tomb of Alexander, etc.), in which he proves, to his own satisfaction, that "this surprising sarcophagus in one entire block of green Egyptian breccia," had once contained the ashes of Alexander the Great. Byron knew Clarke, and, no doubt, respected his authority (see letter December 15, 1813, Letters, 1898, ii. 308); and, hence, the description of "Alexander's urn" as "a show." The sarcophagus which has, since 1844, been assigned to its rightful occupant, Nectanebus II. (Nekht-neb-f), is a conspicuous object in the Egyptian Gallery of the British Museum. It is a curious coincidence that in the Ethiopic version of the Pseudo-Callisthenes, Alexander is said to have been the son of Nectanebus II., who threw a spell over Olympias, the wife of Philip of Macedon, and won her love by the exercise of nefarious magic. (See the Life and Exploits of Alexander the Great, by E. A. Wallis Budge, Litt.D., F.S.A., Keeper of the Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities in the British Museum, 1896, i, ix.)]

[258] [According to Strabo (Rerum Geog., xvii. ed. 1807, ii. 1127), Ptolemy Soter brought Alexander's body back from Babylon and buried it in Alexandria, in the place later known as the Soma. During Strabo's time, it was not in its original gold body-mask, which Ptolemy Cocces had stolen, but in a glass casket. Important figures "turned into pilgrims" to visit Alexander's grave. Augustus crowned the still life-like body with a golden laurel wreath and scattered flowers over the tomb; Caligula stole the breastplate and wore it during his theatrical victories; Septimius Severus buried the writings of the priests and a clue to the hieroglyphics in the sarcophagus. Eventually, the sarcophagus and its sacred remains vanished, and Alexander faded into legend and myth. In 1801, a sarcophagus was acquired by the English Army and presented by George III to the British Museum. The hieroglyphics were still undeciphered, and in 1805, the traveler Edward Daniel Clarke published a quarto monograph (The Tomb of Alexander, etc.), where he argued, to his own satisfaction, that "this remarkable sarcophagus made from a single block of green Egyptian breccia," once held the ashes of Alexander the Great. Byron knew Clarke and likely respected his opinion (see letter December 15, 1813, Letters, 1898, ii. 308); hence, he described "Alexander's urn" as "a show." The sarcophagus, which has been assigned to its actual owner, Nectanebus II. (Nekht-neb-f), since 1844, is a prominent exhibit in the Egyptian Gallery of the British Museum. It's a curious coincidence that in the Ethiopic version of the Pseudo-Callisthenes, Alexander is said to be the son of Nectanebus II., who used a spell on Olympias, the wife of Philip of Macedon, to win her love through malicious magic. (See The Life and Exploits of Alexander the Great, by E. A. Wallis Budge, Litt.D., F.S.A., Keeper of the Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities in the British Museum, 1896, i, ix.)]

[259] {543}[Arrian (Alexand. Anabasis, vii. i, 4, ed. 1849, p. 165) says that Alexander would never have rested content with what he had acquired; "that if he had annexed Europe to Asia, and the British Isles to Europe, he would have sought out some no-man's-land to conquer." So insatiable was his ambition, that when the courtly philosopher Anaxarchus explained to him the theory of the plurality of worlds he bemoaned himself because as yet he was not master of one. "Heu me, inquit, miserum, quod ne uno quidem adhuc potitus sum."—Valerius Maximus, De Dictis, etc., lib. viii. cap. xiv. ex. 2. See, too, Juvenal, x. 168, 169. Burton (Anatomy of Melancholy, 1893, i. 64) denies that this was spoken like a prince, but, as wise Seneca censures him [on another occasion, however], 'twas vox iniquissima et stultissima, "'twas spoken like a bedlam fool."]

[259] {543}[Arrian (Alexander's Campaigns, vii. i, 4, ed. 1849, p. 165) says that Alexander would never have been satisfied with what he had gained; "that if he had united Europe with Asia and the British Isles with Europe, he would have searched for some unclaimed territory to conquer." His ambition was so limitless that when the court philosopher Anaxarchus explained to him the theory of multiple worlds, he lamented that he was still not the master of even one. "Oh me, he said, how miserable I am, that I have not yet even gained one."—Valerius Maximus, On Remarkable Sayings, etc., lib. viii. cap. xiv. ex. 2. See also, Juvenal, x. 168, 169. Burton (Anatomy of Melancholy, 1893, i. 64) argues that this wasn’t said like a prince, but, as wise Seneca criticized him [on another occasion], it was the most unjust and foolish statement, "it was spoken like a madman."]

[260] [Compare Werner, act iii. sc. 1, lines 288, 289, "When he [Sesostris] went into the temple or the city, his custom was to cause the horses to be unharnessed out of his chariot, and to yoke four kings and four princes to the chariot-pole."—Diodori Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. i. p. 37, C, ed. 1604, p. 53.]

[260] [Compare Werner, act iii. sc. 1, lines 288, 289, "When he [Sesostris] entered the temple or the city, he would have the horses removed from his chariot and instead harness four kings and four princes to the chariot-pole."—Diodori Siculi Bibl. Hist., lib. i. p. 37, C, ed. 1604, p. 53.]

[261] {544}[In a speech delivered in the House of Commons, February 17, 1800, "On the continuance of the War with France," Pitt described Napoleon as the "child and champion of Jacobinism." Coleridge, who was reporting for the Morning Post, took down Pitt's words as "nursling and champion" (unpublished MS. note-book)—a finer and more original phrase, but substituted "child" for "nursling" in his "copy." (See Letters of S. T. Coleridge, 1895, i. 327, note i.) The phrase was much in vogue, e.g. "All that survives of Jacobinism in Europe looks up to him as its 'child and champion.'"-Quarterly Review, xvi. 48.]

[261] {544}[In a speech delivered in the House of Commons on February 17, 1800, "On the Continuation of the War with France," Pitt described Napoleon as the "child and champion of Jacobinism." Coleridge, who was reporting for the Morning Post, wrote down Pitt's words as "nursling and champion" (unpublished MS. notebook)—a nicer and more original phrase, but he changed "nursling" to "child" in his "copy." (See Letters of S. T. Coleridge, 1895, i. 327, note i.) The phrase became very popular, e.g. "All that remains of Jacobinism in Europe looks up to him as its 'child and champion.'"-Quarterly Review, xvi. 48.]

[dx] Lines 55-58 not in MS.

[dx] Lines 55-58 are not in the manuscript.

[262] [O'Meara, under the dates August 19, September 5, September 7, 13, etc. (see Napoleon in Exile, 1888, i. 95, 96, 114, 121, etc.), reports complaints on the part of Napoleon with regard to the reduction of expenses suggested or enforced by Sir Hudson Lowe, and gives specimens of the nature and detail of these reductions. For a refutation of O'Meara's facts and figures (as given in Napoleon in Exile, 1822, ii. Appendix V.), see the History of the Captivity of Napoleon, by William Forsyth, Q.C., 1853, iii. 121, sq.; see, too, Sir Hudson Lowe and Napoleon, by R. C. Seaton, 1898. It is a fact that Sir Hudson Lowe, on his own responsibility, increased the allowance for the household expenses of Napoleon and his staff from £8000 to £12,000 a year, and it is also perfectly true that opportunities for complaint were welcomed by the ex-Emperor and his mimic court. It was la politique de Longwood to make the worst of everything, on the off-chance that England would get to hear, and that Radical indignation and Radical sympathy would gild, perhaps unbar, the eagle's cage. It is true, too, that a large sum of money was spent on behalf of a prisoner of war whom the stalwarts of the Tory party would have executed in cold blood. But it is also true that Napoleon had no need to manufacture complaints, that he was exposed to unnecessary discomforts, that useless and irritating precautions were taken to prevent his escape, that the bottles of champagne and madeira, the fowls and the bundles of wood were counted with an irritating preciseness, inconsistent with the general scale of expenditure, which saved a little waste, and covered both principals and agents with ridicule. It is said that O'Meara, in his published volumes, manipulated his evidence, and that his own letters give him the lie; but there is a mass of correspondence, published and unpublished, between him and Sir Thomas Reade, Sir Hudson Lowe, and Major Gorrequer (see Addit. MSS. Brit. Mus. 20,145), which remains as it was written, and which testifies to facts which might have been and were not refuted on the spot and at the moment. With regard to "disputed rations," the Governor should have been armed with a crushing answer to any and every complaint. As it was, he was able to show that champagne was allowed to "Napoleon Buonaparte," and that he did not exceed his allowance.]

[262] [O'Meara, under the dates August 19, September 5, September 7, 13, etc. (see Napoleon in Exile, 1888, i. 95, 96, 114, 121, etc.) reports complaints from Napoleon about the cuts in expenses suggested or enforced by Sir Hudson Lowe, providing examples of the nature and details of these reductions. For a rebuttal of O'Meara's facts and figures (as outlined in Napoleon in Exile, 1822, ii. Appendix V.), see the History of the Captivity of Napoleon, by William Forsyth, Q.C., 1853, iii. 121, sq.; also check Sir Hudson Lowe and Napoleon, by R. C. Seaton, 1898. It is a fact that Sir Hudson Lowe voluntarily raised Napoleon and his staff's household expense allowance from £8000 to £12,000 a year, and it's also true that Napoleon and his mock court welcomed complaints. The strategy at Longwood was to emphasize the negatives, hoping that news would reach England, stirring Radical outrage and sympathy that might, perhaps, open the eagle's cage. It is also true that a significant amount of money was spent on behalf of a prisoner of war whom the hardliners of the Tory party would have executed without hesitation. However, it remains true that Napoleon had no need to fabricate complaints; he faced unnecessary discomforts, experienced pointless and annoying precautions against his escape, and that items like champagne, madeira, fowl, and firewood were counted with a maddening precision that was inconsistent with the general spending scale, which saved a little waste and brought ridicule upon both principals and agents. It is said that O'Meara manipulated his evidence in his published volumes and that his own letters contradict him; nevertheless, there exists a considerable amount of correspondence, both published and unpublished, between him and Sir Thomas Reade, Sir Hudson Lowe, and Major Gorrequer (see Addit. MSS. Brit. Mus. 20,145), which remains unchanged and confirms facts that might have been disputed but were not challenged on-site at the time. Regarding "disputed rations," the Governor should have been prepared with a solid response to any complaint. As it stood, he could demonstrate that champagne was permitted for "Napoleon Buonaparte," and that he did not exceed his allowance.]

[263] {545}[In his correspondence with Lord Bathurst, Sir Hudson Lowe more than once quotes "statements" made by Dr. O'Meara (vide post, p. 546). But the surgeon may be William Warden (1777-1849), whose Letters written on board His Majesty's Ship the Northumberland, and at St, Helena, were published in 1816.]

[263] {545}[In his letters to Lord Bathurst, Sir Hudson Lowe often refers to "statements" made by Dr. O'Meara (see post, p. 546). However, the surgeon might be William Warden (1777-1849), whose Letters written on board His Majesty's Ship the Northumberland, and at St. Helena, were published in 1816.]

[264] [Henry, Earl of Bathurst (1762-1834), Secretary for War and the Colonies, replied to Lord Holland's motion "for papers connected with the personal treatment of Napoleon Buonaparte at St. Helena," March 18, 1817. Parl. Deb., vol. 35, pp. 1137-1166.]

[264] [Henry, Earl of Bathurst (1762-1834), Secretary for War and the Colonies, responded to Lord Holland's request "for documents related to the personal treatment of Napoleon Bonaparte at St. Helena," on March 18, 1817. Parl. Deb., vol. 35, pp. 1137-1166.]

[265] [A bust of Napoleon's son, the Duke of Reichstadt, had been forwarded to St. Helena. O'Meara (Napoleon in Exile, etc., 1822, i. p. 100) says "that it had been in the island fourteen days, during several of which it was at Plantation House," before it was transferred to Longwood. Forsyth (History of Napoleon in Captivity, 1853, ii. 146) denies this statement. It was, no doubt, detained on board ship for inspection, but not at Plantation House.]

[265] [A bust of Napoleon's son, the Duke of Reichstadt, was sent to St. Helena. O'Meara (Napoleon in Exile, etc., 1822, i. p. 100) claims "that it was on the island for fourteen days, several of which it was at Plantation House," before it was moved to Longwood. Forsyth (History of Napoleon in Captivity, 1853, ii. 146) disagrees with this claim. It was certainly held on the ship for inspection, but not at Plantation House.]

[266] [The book in question was The Substance of some Letters written by an Englishman in Paris, 1816 (by J. C. Hobhouse). It was inscribed "To the Emperor Napoleon." Lowe's excuse was that Hobhouse had submitted the work to his inspection, and suggested that if the Governor did not think fit to give it to Napoleon, he might place it in his own library. (See Napoleon in Exile, 1822, i. 85-87; and Forsyth, 1853, i. 193.)]

[266] [The book in question was The Substance of some Letters written by an Englishman in Paris, 1816 (by J. C. Hobhouse). It was inscribed "To the Emperor Napoleon." Lowe justified his actions by claiming that Hobhouse had presented the work for his review and suggested that if the Governor didn’t feel it was appropriate to give it to Napoleon, he could keep it in his own library. (See Napoleon in Exile, 1822, i. 85-87; and Forsyth, 1853, i. 193.)]

[dy] Weep to survey the Tamer of the Great.—[MS.]

[dy] Cry to witness the tamer of the Great.—[MS.]

[267] [Lieutenant-General Sir Hudson Lowe, K.C.B. (1769-1844), was the son of an army surgeon, John Hudson Lowe. His mother was Irish. He was appointed Governor of St. Helena, August 23, 1815, and landed in the island April 14, 1816. Byron met him at Lord Holland's, before he sailed for St. Helena, and was not impressed by his remarks on Napoleon and Waterloo (Letters, 1901, v. 429). He was well-intentioned, honourable, and, in essentials, humane, but he was arrogant and tactless. The following sentence, from a letter written by Lowe to O'Meara, October 3, 1816 (Forsyth, i. 318, 319), is characteristic: "With respect to the instructions I have received, and my manner of making them known, never having regarded General Bonaparte's opinions in any point whatever as to matter or manner, as an oracle or criterion by which to regulate my own judgment, I am not disposed to think the less favourably of the instructions, or my mode of executing them." It must, however, be borne in mind that this was written some time after Lowe's fifth and last interview with his captive (Aug. 18, 1816); that Napoleon had abused him to his face and behind his back, and was not above resorting to paltry subterfuges in order to defy and exasperate his "paltry gaoler."]

[267] [Lieutenant-General Sir Hudson Lowe, K.C.B. (1769-1844), was the son of an army surgeon, John Hudson Lowe. His mother was Irish. He was appointed Governor of St. Helena on August 23, 1815, and arrived on the island on April 14, 1816. Byron met him at Lord Holland's before he left for St. Helena and wasn't impressed by his comments on Napoleon and Waterloo (Letters, 1901, v. 429). He had good intentions, was honorable, and fundamentally humane, but he was arrogant and tactless. A notable line from a letter Lowe wrote to O'Meara on October 3, 1816 (Forsyth, i. 318, 319) captures this: "Regarding the instructions I have received and how I have communicated them, having never considered General Bonaparte's opinions at all as an oracle or standard to guide my own judgment, I am not inclined to think any less favorably of the instructions or my way of carrying them out." However, it's important to remember that this was written some time after Lowe's fifth and final meeting with his prisoner (Aug. 18, 1816); Napoleon had insulted him both in person and behind his back and wasn't above using petty tricks to challenge and annoy his "petty jailer."]

[268] {546}[There is reason to think that "the staring stranger" was the traveller Captain Basil Hall (1788-1844), who called upon Byron at Venice (see Letters, 1900, iv. 252), but did not see him. His account of his interview with Napoleon is attached to his narrative of a Voyage to Java, 1840. It is not included in the earlier editions of Hall's Voyage to the Corea and the Loochoo Islands, but is quoted by Scott, in his Life of Napoleon, 1827.]

[268] {546}[There’s reason to believe that "the staring stranger" was the traveler Captain Basil Hall (1788-1844), who visited Byron in Venice (see Letters, 1900, iv. 252), although they didn’t meet. His account of his meeting with Napoleon is included in his narrative of a Voyage to Java, 1840. This account isn’t found in the earlier editions of Hall's Voyage to the Corea and the Loochoo Islands, but it is referenced by Scott in his Life of Napoleon, 1827.]

[269] [Barry Edward O'Meara (1786-1836) began life as assistant-surgeon to the 62nd Regiment, then stationed in Sicily and Calabria. In 1815 he was surgeon on board the Bellerophon, under Captain F. L. Maitland. Napoleon took a fancy to him because he could speak Italian, and, as his own surgeon Mengeaud would not follow him into exile, requested that O'Meara might accompany him, in the Northumberland, to St. Helena. His position was an ambiguous one. He was to act as Napoleon's medical and, quoad hoc, confidential attendant, but he was not to be subservient to him or dependent on him. At St. Helena Lowe expected him to be something between an intermediary and a spy, and, for a time, O'Meara discharged both functions to the Governor's satisfaction (statements by Dr. O'Meara are quoted by Lowe in his letter to Lord Bathurst [Life of Napoleon, etc., by Sir W. Scott, 1828, p. 763]). As time went on, the surgeon yielded to the glamour of Napoleon's influence, and more and more disliked and resented the necessity of communicating private conversations to Lowe. He "withheld his confidence," with the result that the Governor became suspicious, and treated O'Meara with reprobation and contempt. At length, on July 18, 1818, on a renewed accusation of "irregularities," Lord Bathurst dismissed him from his post, and ordered him to quit St. Helena. He returned to England, and, October 28, 1818, addressed a letter (see Forsyth's Napoleon, etc., iii. 432, 433) to J. W. Croker, the Secretary to the Admiralty, in which he argued against the justice of his dismissal. One sentence which asserted that Lowe had dwelt upon the "benefit which would result to Europe from the death of Napoleon," was seized upon by Croker as calumnious, and in answer to his remonstrance, O'Meara's name was struck off the list of naval surgeons. He published, in 1819, a work entitled Exposition of some of the Transactions that have taken place at St. Helena since the appointment of Sir Hudson Lowe as Governor, which was afterwards expanded into Napoleon in Exile, or a Voice from St. Helena (2 vols., 1822). The latter work made a great sensation, and passed through five editions. It was republished in 1888. O'Meara was able, and generously disposed, but he was not "stiff" (vide infra, 489). "He was," says Lord Rosebery (Napoleon, The Last Phase, 1900, p. 31), "the confidential servant of Napoleon: unknown to Napoleon, he was the confidential agent of Lowe; and behind both their backs he was the confidential informant of the British Government.... Testimony from such a source is ... tainted." Neither men nor angels will disentangle the wheat from the tares.]

[269] [Barry Edward O'Meara (1786-1836) started his career as an assistant surgeon in the 62nd Regiment, which was stationed in Sicily and Calabria. In 1815, he served as surgeon on the Bellerophon, under Captain F. L. Maitland. Napoleon took a liking to him because he spoke Italian, and since his own surgeon, Mengeaud, wouldn't follow him into exile, he asked for O'Meara to accompany him on the Northumberland to St. Helena. His role was unclear. He was supposed to be Napoleon's medical and, quoad hoc, confidential attendant, but he wasn't meant to be submissive or reliant on him. At St. Helena, Lowe anticipated that he would act as a mix of intermediary and spy, and for a while, O'Meara successfully managed both roles to the Governor's satisfaction (statements by Dr. O'Meara are quoted by Lowe in his letter to Lord Bathurst [Life of Napoleon, etc., by Sir W. Scott, 1828, p. 763]). Over time, the surgeon succumbed to the allure of Napoleon's charm and increasingly disliked and resented the need to report private conversations to Lowe. He "withheld his confidence," which led the Governor to grow suspicious and treat O'Meara with disapproval and disdain. Eventually, on July 18, 1818, amid renewed accusations of "irregularities," Lord Bathurst dismissed him from his position and ordered him to leave St. Helena. He returned to England and, on October 28, 1818, wrote a letter (see Forsyth's Napoleon, etc., iii. 432, 433) to J. W. Croker, the Secretary to the Admiralty, where he argued against the fairness of his dismissal. One line that claimed Lowe had emphasized the "benefit that would come to Europe from Napoleon's death" was deemed slanderous by Croker, and in response to his protest, O'Meara's name was removed from the list of naval surgeons. In 1819, he published a work titled Exposition of some of the Transactions that have taken place at St. Helena since the appointment of Sir Hudson Lowe as Governor, which was later expanded into Napoleon in Exile, or a Voice from St. Helena (2 vols., 1822). This later work created quite a stir and went through five editions, with a reprint in 1888. O'Meara was capable and generous, but he wasn't "stiff" (vide infra, 489). "He was," Lord Rosebery states (Napoleon, The Last Phase, 1900, p. 31), "the confidential servant of Napoleon: unknown to Napoleon, he was the confidential agent of Lowe; and behind both their backs he was the confidential informant of the British Government.... Testimony from such a source is ... adulterated." Neither men nor angels will separate the good from the bad.]

[270] {547}[Buonaparte died the 5th of May, 1821.]

[270] {547}[Buonaparte passed away on May 5, 1821.]

[271] [At the end of vol. ii. of O'Meara's Voice, etc. (ed. 5), there is a statement, signed by Count Montholon, to the effect that he wished the following inscription to be placed on Napoleon's coffin—

[271] [At the end of vol. ii. of O'Meara's Voice, etc. (ed. 5), there is a statement, signed by Count Montholon, expressing his desire for the following inscription to be placed on Napoleon's coffin—

"Napoléon.

Napoleon.

Né à Ajaccio le 15 Août, 1769,

Né à Ajaccio le 15 août 1769,

Mort à Ste. Hélène le 5 Mai, 1821;"

Mort à Ste. Hélène le 5 Mai, 1821;

but that the Governor said, "that his instructions would not allow him to sanction any other name being placed on the coffin than that of 'General Bonaparte.'" Lowe would have sanctioned "Napoléon Bonaparte," but, on his own admission, did refuse the inscription of the one word "Napoléon."—Forsyth, iii. 295, 296, note 3.]

but the Governor said, "his instructions wouldn’t let him approve any name on the coffin other than 'General Bonaparte.'" Lowe would have approved "Napoléon Bonaparte," but, as he admitted himself, did refuse the inscription of the single word "Napoléon."—Forsyth, iii. 295, 296, note 3.]

[272] {548}[Hall, in his interview with Napoleon at St. Helena, Narrative of a Voyage to Java, 1840, p. 77, testifies that, weeks before the vessel anchored at St. Helena, August 11, 1817, "the probability of seeing him [Napoleon] had engrossed the thoughts of every one on board.... Even those of our number who, from their situation, could have no chance of seeing him, caught the fever of the moment, and the most cold and indifferent person on board was roused on the occasion into unexpected excitement."]

[272] {548}[Hall, in his interview with Napoleon at St. Helena, Narrative of a Voyage to Java, 1840, p. 77, states that, weeks before the ship arrived at St. Helena on August 11, 1817, "the thought of seeing him [Napoleon] captured everyone's attention on board.... Even those among us who, due to their position, had no chance of seeing him, caught the excitement of the moment, and the most reserved and indifferent person on board was stirred into unexpected enthusiasm."]

[273] [The Colonne Vendôme, erected to commemorate the Battle of Austerlitz, was inaugurated in 1810.]

[273] [The Vendôme Column, built to honor the Battle of Austerlitz, was unveiled in 1810.]

[274] [Pompey's, i.e. Diocletian's Pillar stands on a mound near the Arabian cemetery, about three quarters of a mile from Alexandria, between the city and Lake Mareotis.]

[274] [Pompey's, which is Diocletian's Pillar, stands on a hill near the Arabian cemetery, roughly three-quarters of a mile from Alexandria, situated between the city and Lake Mareotis.]

[275] [Napoleon was buried, May 9, 1821, in a garden in the middle of a deep ravine, under the shade of two willow trees.]

[275] [Napoleon was buried on May 9, 1821, in a garden located in the middle of a deep ravine, under the shade of two willow trees.]

[276] [Byron took for granted that Napoleon's remains would one day rest under the dome of the Pantheon, where Mirabeau is buried, and where cenotaphs have been erected to Voltaire and Rousseau. As it is (since December 15, 1840) he sleeps under the Dôme des Invalides. Above the entrance are these words, which are taken from his will: "Je désire que mes cendres reposent sur les bords de la Seine, au milieu de ce peuple Français que j'ai tant aimé."]

[276] [Byron assumed that Napoleon's remains would eventually rest under the dome of the Pantheon, where Mirabeau is buried, and where monuments have been set up for Voltaire and Rousseau. Currently (since December 15, 1840), he lies under the Dôme des Invalides. Above the entrance are these words from his will: "I wish for my ashes to rest on the banks of the Seine, amidst the French people that I loved so dearly."]

[277] {549} Guesclin died during the siege of a city; it surrendered, and the keys were brought and laid upon his bier, so that the place might appear rendered to his ashes. [Bertrand du Guesclin, born 1320, first distinguished himself in the service of King John II. of France, in defending Rennes against Henry Duke of Lancaster, 1356-57. He was made Constable of France in 1370, and died before the walls of Châteauneuf-de-Randon (Lozère). July 13, 1380. He was buried by the order of Charles V. in Saint-Denis, hard by the tomb which the king had built for himself. In La Vie vaillant Bertran du Guesclin [Chronique, etc. (par E. Charrière), 1839, tom. ii. p. 321, lines 22716, sq.], the English do not place the keys of the castle on Du Guesclin's bier, but present them to him as he lies tossing on his death-bed ("à son lit agité"). So, too, Histoire de Messire Bertrand du Guesclin, par Claude Menard, 1618, 540: "Et Engloiz se accorderent à ce faire. Lors issirent dudit Chastel, et vindrent à Bertran, et lui presenterent les clefs. Et ne demora guères, qu'il getta le souppir de la mort."]

[277] {549} Guesclin died during the siege of a city; it surrendered, and the keys were brought and placed on his coffin, so that the place might seem surrendered to his remains. [Bertrand du Guesclin, born 1320, first gained recognition serving King John II of France, defending Rennes against Henry Duke of Lancaster, 1356-57. He became Constable of France in 1370 and died outside the walls of Châteauneuf-de-Randon (Lozère) on July 13, 1380. He was buried by order of Charles V in Saint-Denis, near the tomb that the king had built for himself. In La Vie vaillant Bertran du Guesclin [Chronique, etc. (by E. Charrière), 1839, vol. ii, p. 321, lines 22716, sq.], the English do not place the keys of the castle on Du Guesclin's coffin but present them to him as he lies struggling on his deathbed ("à son lit agité"). Similarly, Histoire de Messire Bertrand du Guesclin, by Claude Menard, 1618, 540: "And the English agreed to do this. Then they left the said Castle and came to Bertran and presented him with the keys. And it wasn't long before he breathed his last sigh."]

[278] [John of Trocnow, surnamed Zižka, or the "One-eyed," was born circ. 1360, and died while he was besieging a town on the Moravian border, October 11, 1424. He was the hero of the Hussite or Taborite crusade (1419-1422), the malleus Catholicorum. The story is that on his death-bed he was asked where he wished to be buried, and replied, "that it mattered not, that his flesh might be thrown to the vulture and eagles; but his skin was to be carefully preserved and made into a drum, to be carried in the front of the battle, that the very sound might disperse their enemies." Voltaire, in his Essai sur Les Mœurs et L'Esprit des Nations (cap. lxxiii. s.f. Œuvres Complètes, etc., 1836, iii. 256), mentions the legend as a fact, "Il ordonna qu' après sa mort on fit un tambour de sa peau." Compare Werner, act i. sc. I, lines 693, 694.]

[278] [John of Trocnow, nicknamed Zižka or the "One-eyed," was born around 1360 and died while besieging a town on the Moravian border on October 11, 1424. He was the hero of the Hussite or Taborite crusade (1419-1422), the malleus Catholicorum. The story goes that on his deathbed, he was asked where he wanted to be buried and replied, "It doesn’t matter; my flesh can be fed to the vultures and eagles. But my skin should be carefully preserved and made into a drum to be carried at the front of the battle, so that the very sound might scare away our enemies." Voltaire, in his Essai sur Les Mœurs et L'Esprit des Nations (cap. lxxiii. s.f. Œuvres Complètes, etc., 1836, iii. 256), mentions the legend as a fact, "Il ordonna qu'après sa mort on fit un tambour de sa peau." Compare Werner, act i. sc. I, lines 693, 694.]

[279] {550}["Au moment de la bataille Napoléon avait dit à ses troupes, en leur montrant les Pyramides: 'Soldats, quarante siècles vous regardent.'"—Campagnes d'Égypte et de Syrie, 1798-9, par le Général Bertrand, 1847, i. 160.]

[279] {550}["During the battle, Napoleon told his troops, pointing to the Pyramids: 'Soldiers, forty centuries are watching you.'"—Campaigns in Egypt and Syria, 1798-9, by General Bertrand, 1847, i. 160.]

[280] [Madrid was taken by the French, first in March, 1808, and again December 2, 1808.]

[280] [The French captured Madrid for the first time in March 1808, and then again on December 2, 1808.]

[281] [Vienna was taken by the French under Murat, November 14, 1805, evacuated January 12, 1806, captured by Napoleon, May, 1809, and restored at the conclusion of peace, October 14, 1809. Her treachery consisted in her hospitality to the sovereigns at the Congress of Vienna, November, 1814, and her share in the Treaty of Vienna, March 25, 1815, which ratified the Treaties of Chaumont, March 1, and of Paris, April 11, 1814.]

[281] [Vienna was taken by the French under Murat on November 14, 1805, evacuated on January 12, 1806, captured by Napoleon in May 1809, and returned after the peace settlement on October 14, 1809. Its betrayal lay in its hospitality to the sovereigns during the Congress of Vienna in November 1814 and its involvement in the Treaty of Vienna on March 25, 1815, which confirmed the Treaties of Chaumont from March 1 and Paris from April 11, 1814.]

[282] [At Jena Napoleon defeated Prince Hohenlohe, and at Auerstadt General Davoust defeated the King of Prussia, October 14, 1806. Napoleon then advanced to Berlin, October 27, from which he issued his famous decree against British commerce, November 20, 1806.]

[282] [At Jena, Napoleon defeated Prince Hohenlohe, and at Auerstadt, General Davoust defeated the King of Prussia on October 14, 1806. Napoleon then moved on to Berlin on October 27, from where he issued his famous decree against British trade on November 20, 1806.]

[283] [The partition of Poland. "Henry [of Prussia] arrived at St. Petersburg, December 9, 1770; and it seems now to be certain that the first open proposal of a dismemberment of Poland arose in his conversations with the Empress.... Catherine said to the Prince, 'I will frighten Turkey and flatter England. It is your business to gain Austria, that she may lull France to sleep;' and she became at length so eager, that ... she dipt her finger into ink, and drew with it the lines of partition on a map of Poland which lay before them."—Edinburgh Review, November, 1822 (art. x. on Histoire des Trois Démembremens de la Pologne, par M. Ferrand, 1820, etc., vol. 37, pp. 479, 480.)]

[283] [The partition of Poland. "Henry [of Prussia] arrived in St. Petersburg on December 9, 1770; and it now seems certain that the first open suggestion for splitting up Poland came from his discussions with the Empress.... Catherine said to the Prince, 'I will scare Turkey and sweet-talk England. It's your job to win over Austria so she can keep France distracted;' and she became so enthusiastic that ... she dipped her finger in ink and drew the lines of partition on a map of Poland in front of them."—Edinburgh Review, November 1822 (art. x. on Histoire des Trois Démembremens de la Pologne, by M. Ferrand, 1820, etc., vol. 37, pp. 479, 480.)]

[284] {551} [Napoleon promised much, but did little for the Poles. "In speaking of the business of Poland he ... said it was a whim (c'était un caprice)."—Narrative of an Embassy to Warsaw, by M. Dufour de Pradt, 1816, p. 51. "The Polish question," says Lord Wolseley (Decline and Fall of Napoleon, 1893, p. 19), "thrust itself most inconveniently before him. In early life all his sympathies ... were with the Poles, and he had regarded the partition of their country as a crime.... As a very young man liberty was his only religion; but he had now learned to hate and to fear that term.... He had no desire ... to be the Don Quixote of Poland by reconstituting it as a kingdom. To fight Russia by the re-establishment of Polish independence was not, therefore, to be thought of."]

[284] {551} [Napoleon made a lot of promises, but he didn't do much for the Poles. "When discussing the issue of Poland he ... called it a whim (c'était un caprice)."—Narrative of an Embassy to Warsaw, by M. Dufour de Pradt, 1816, p. 51. "The Polish question," says Lord Wolseley (Decline and Fall of Napoleon, 1893, p. 19), "came up at the most inconvenient times for him. In his early years, he was very sympathetic towards the Poles, and he viewed the partition of their country as a crime.... When he was young, liberty was his only faith; but he had since come to dislike and fear that idea.... He had no intention ... of playing the Don Quixote of Poland by trying to restore it as a kingdom. Therefore, fighting Russia to restore Polish independence was not something he considered."]

[285] [The final partition of Poland took place after the Battle of Maciejowice, October 12, 1794, when "Freedom shrieked when Kosciusko fell." Tyrants, e.g. Napoleon in 1806, and Alexander in 1814 and again in 1815, approached Kosciusko with respect, and loaded him with flattery and promises, and then "passed by on the other side."]

[285] [The final division of Poland happened after the Battle of Maciejowice on October 12, 1794, when "Freedom cried out as Kosciusko fell." Tyrants, like Napoleon in 1806 and Alexander in 1814 and again in 1815, approached Kosciusko with respect, showered him with flattery and promises, and then "turned away."]

[286] [The reference is to Charles's chagrin when the Grand Vizier allowed the Russians to retire in safety from the banks of the Pruth, and assented to the Treaty of Jassy, July 21, 1711. Charles, "impatient for the fight, and to behold the enemy in his power," had ridden above fifty leagues from Bender to Jassy, swam the Pruth at the risk of his life, and found that the Czar had marched off in triumph. He contrived to rip up the Vizier's robe with his spur, "remonta à cheval, et retourna a Bender le desespoir dans le cœur" (Histoire de Charles XII., Livre v. s.f.).]

[286] [This refers to Charles's disappointment when the Grand Vizier let the Russians safely retreat from the banks of the Pruth and agreed to the Treaty of Jassy on July 21, 1711. Charles, "eager for battle and to see the enemy at his mercy," had ridden over fifty leagues from Bender to Jassy, swam the Pruth at great personal risk, only to find that the Czar had marched away in triumph. He managed to slash the Vizier's robe with his spur, "got back on his horse, and returned to Bender with despair in his heart" (Histoire de Charles XII., Livre v. s.f.).]

[287] {552}["Naples, October 29, 1822. Le Vésuve continue à lancer des pierres et des cendres."—From Le Moniteur Universel, November 21, 1822.]

[287] {552}["Naples, October 29, 1822. Vesuvius continues to throw stones and ash."—From Le Moniteur Universel, November 21, 1822.]

[dz] For staring tourists——.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ For gazing tourists——.—[MS.]

[288] [The material for this description of Napoleon on his return from Moscow is drawn from De Pradt's Narrative of an Embassy to Warsaw and Wilna, published in 1816, pp. 133-141. "I hurried out, and arrived at the Hôtel d'Angleterre.... [Warsaw, December 10, 1812]. I saw a small carriage body placed on a sledge made of four pieces of fir: it had stood some crashes, and was much damaged.... The ministers joined me in addressing to him ... wishes for the preservation of his health and the prosperity of his journey. He replied, 'I never was better; if I carried the devil with me, I should be all the better for that (Quand j'aurai le diable je ne m'en porterai que mieux).' These were his last words. He then mounted the humble sledge, which bore Cæsar and his fortune, and disappeared." The passage is quoted in the Quarterly Review, October, 1815, vol. xiv. pp. 64-68.]

[288] [The information for this description of Napoleon on his return from Moscow comes from De Pradt's Narrative of an Embassy to Warsaw and Wilna, published in 1816, pp. 133-141. "I rushed out and got to the Hôtel d'Angleterre.... [Warsaw, December 10, 1812]. I saw a small carriage body on a sledge made of four fir pieces: it had taken some hits and was pretty damaged.... The ministers joined me in sending him ... our wishes for his health and a safe journey. He replied, 'I’ve never felt better; if I had the devil with me, it would only make me stronger (Quand j'aurai le diable je ne m'en porterai que mieux).' Those were his last words. He then climbed onto the simple sledge, which carried Cæsar and his fortune, and vanished." This passage is quoted in the Quarterly Review, October, 1815, vol. xiv. pp. 64-68.]

[289] {553}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {553}

["Soldats Français! Serrez vos rangs!

French soldiers! Tighten your ranks!

Intendez Roland qui vous crie!

Listen to Roland calling you!

Armez vous contre vos tyrans!

Arm yourselves against your tyrants!

Brisez les fers de la patrie."

Brisez les fers de la patrie.

"L'Ombre de Roland," Morning Chronicle, October 10, 1822.]

[290] [Gustavus Adolphus fell at the great battle of Lutzen, in November, 1632. Napoleon defeated the allied Russian and Prussian armies at Lutzen, May 2, 1813.]

[290] [Gustavus Adolphus died in the significant battle of Lutzen in November 1632. Napoleon defeated the combined Russian and Prussian forces at Lutzen on May 2, 1813.]

[291] [On June 26, 1813, Napoleon re-entered Dresden, and on the 27th repulsed the allied sovereigns, the Emperors of Russia and Prussia, with tremendous loss. Thousands of prisoners and a great quantity of cannon were taken.]

[291] [On June 26, 1813, Napoleon returned to Dresden, and on the 27th, he drove back the allied leaders, the Emperors of Russia and Prussia, inflicting massive losses. Thousands of prisoners and a large number of cannons were captured.]

[ea]

Dresden beholds three nations fly once more

Dresden watches three nations soar once again

Before the lash they oft had felt before.—[MS. erased.]

Before the whip they had often felt before.—[MS. erased.]

[292] [At the battle of Leipzig, October 18, 1813, on the appearance of Bernadotte, the Saxon soldiers under Regnier deserted and went over to the Allies. Napoleon, whose army was already weakened, lost 30,000 men at Leipzig.]

[292] [During the Battle of Leipzig on October 18, 1813, when Bernadotte showed up, the Saxon soldiers under Regnier deserted and joined the Allies. Napoleon, whose army was already diminished, lost 30,000 men at Leipzig.]

[293] [Joseph Buonaparte, who had been stationed on the heights of Montmartre, March 30, 1814, to witness if not direct the defence of Paris against the Allies under Blücher, authorized Marmont to capitulate. His action was, unjustly, regarded as a betrayal of his brother's capital.]

[293] [Joseph Buonaparte, who was positioned on the heights of Montmartre on March 30, 1814, to observe, if not lead, the defense of Paris against the Allies under Blücher, gave permission to Marmont to surrender. His decision was unfairly seen as a betrayal of his brother's capital.]

[294] {554} I refer the reader to the first address of Prometheus in Æschylus, when he is left alone by his attendants, and before the arrival of the chorus of Sea-nymphs.—Prometheus Vinctus, line 88, sq.

[294] {554} I direct the reader to the first speech of Prometheus in Æschylus when he is left alone by his attendants, before the Sea-nymphs arrive.—Prometheus Vinctus, line 88, sq.

[295] [Franklin published his Opinions and Conjectures concerning the Properties and Effects of the Electrical Matter and the Means of preserving Buildings, Ships, etc., from Lightning, in 1751, and in June, 1752, "the immortal kite was flown." It was in 1781, when he was minister plenipotentiary at the Court of France, that the Latin hexameter, "Eripuit cœlo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis," first applied to him by Turgot, was affixed to his portrait by Fragonard. The line, said to be an adaptation of a line in the Astronomicon of Manilius (lib. i. 104), descriptive of the Reason, "Eripuitque Jovi fulmen viresque tonandi," was turned into French by Nogaret, d'Alembert, and other wits and scholars. It appears on the reverse of a medal by F. Dupré, dated 1786. (See Works of Benjamin Franklin, edited by Jared Sparks, 1840, viii. 537-539; Life and Times, etc., by James Parton, 1864, i. 285-291.)]

[295] [Franklin published his Opinions and Conjectures concerning the Properties and Effects of Electrical Matter and How to Protect Buildings, Ships, etc., from Lightning in 1751, and in June 1752, "the famous kite was flown." In 1781, while he was the ambassador to France, the Latin hexameter "Eripuit cœlo fulmen sceptrumque tyrannis," first used to describe him by Turgot, was added to his portrait by Fragonard. This line, said to be adapted from the Astronomicon of Manilius (lib. i. 104), describing Reason, "Eripuitque Jovi fulmen viresque tonandi," was translated into French by Nogaret, d'Alembert, and other clever thinkers. It appears on the back of a medal by F. Dupré, dated 1786. (See Works of Benjamin Franklin, edited by Jared Sparks, 1840, viii. 537-539; Life and Times, etc., by James Parton, 1864, i. 285-291.)]

[296] {555}["To be the first man—not the Dictator, not the Sylla, but the Washington, or the Aristides, the leader in talent and truth—is next to the Divinity."—Journal, November 24, 1813, Letters, 1898, ii. 340.]

[296] {555}["To be the first man—not the Dictator, not Sylla, but Washington or Aristides, the leader in skill and honesty—is almost divine."—Journal, November 24, 1813, Letters, 1898, ii. 340.]

[297] [Simon Bolivar (El Libertador), 1783-1830, was at the height of his power and fame at the beginning of 1823. In 1821 he had united New Grenada to Venezuela under the name of the Republic of Columbia, and on the 1st of September he made a solemn entry into Lima. He was greeted with acclaim, but in accepting the honours which his fellow-citizens showered upon him, he warned them against the dangers of tyranny. "Beware," he said, "of a Napoleon or an Iturbide." Byron, at one time, had a mind to settle in "Bolivar's country" (letter to Ellice, June 12, 1821, Letters, 1901, vi. 89); and he christened his yacht The Bolivar.]

[297] [Simon Bolivar (El Libertador), 1783-1830, was at the peak of his power and fame in early 1823. In 1821, he united New Grenada and Venezuela under the name of the Republic of Columbia, and on September 1st, he made a grand entry into Lima. He was welcomed with enthusiasm, but as he accepted the honors from his fellow citizens, he cautioned them about the dangers of tyranny. "Beware," he warned, "of a Napoleon or an Iturbide." Byron once considered settling in "Bolivar's country" (letter to Ellice, June 12, 1821, Letters, 1901, vi. 89); and he named his yacht The Bolivar.]

[298] [A proclamation of Bolivar's, dated June 8, 1822, runs thus: "Columbians, now all your delightful country is free.... From the banks of the Orinoco to the Andes of Peru, the ... army marching in triumph has covered with its protecting arms the entire extent of Columbia."—"Jamaica Papers," Morning Chronicle, September 28, 1822.]

[298] [A declaration from Bolivar, dated June 8, 1822, states: "Colombians, now your beautiful country is free.... From the banks of the Orinoco to the Andes of Peru, the ... army marching in victory has embraced the entire region of Colombia."—"Jamaica Papers," Morning Chronicle, September 28, 1822.]

[299] {556}[The capitulation of Athens was signed June 21, 1822. "Three days after the Greeks had sworn to observe the capitulation, they commenced murdering their helpless prisoners.... The streets of Athens were stained with the blood of four hundred men, women, and children."—History of Greece, by George Finlay, 1877, vi. 283. The sword was hid in the myrtle bough. Hence the allusion. (Compare Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza xx. line 9, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 228, and 291, note 2.)]

[299] {556}[The surrender of Athens was signed on June 21, 1822. "Three days after the Greeks promised to uphold the surrender, they started killing their defenseless prisoners... The streets of Athens were covered with the blood of four hundred men, women, and children."—History of Greece, by George Finlay, 1877, vi. 283. The sword was hidden in the myrtle branch. That's the reference. (See Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza xx. line 9, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 228, and 291, note 2.)]

[300] [The independence of Chili dated from April 5, 1818, when General José de San Martin routed the Spanish army on the plains of Maypo. On the 28th of July, 1821, the Independence of Peru was proclaimed. General San Martin assumed the title of Protector, and, August 3, 4, 1821, issued proclamations, in which he announced the independence of Peru, and bade the Spaniards tremble if they "abused his indulgence." Extracts from a Journal written on the Coast of Chili, etc., by Captain Basil Hall, 1824, i. 266-272.]

[300] [Chile's independence began on April 5, 1818, when General José de San Martin defeated the Spanish army on the plains of Maipú. On July 28, 1821, Peru declared its independence. General San Martin took on the title of Protector and on August 3 and 4, 1821, issued proclamations announcing Peru's independence, warning the Spaniards to be cautious if they "misused his leniency." Extracts from a Journal written on the Coast of Chili, etc., by Captain Basil Hall, 1824, i. 266-272.]

[301] [On the 8th of August, 1822, Niketas and Hypsilantes defeated the Turks under Dramali, near Lerna. The Moreotes attributed their good fortune to the generalship of Kolokotrones, a Messenian. Compare with the whole of section vi. the following quotations from an article on the "Numbers of the Greeks," which appeared in the Morning Chronicle, September 13, 1822—

[301] [On August 8, 1822, Niketas and Hypsilantes defeated the Turks led by Dramali near Lerna. The people of Moria credited their victory to the leadership of Kolokotrones, a Messenian. For comparison, see section vi and the following quotes from an article titled "Numbers of the Greeks," published in the Morning Chronicle on September 13, 1822—

"'Trust not for freedom to the Franks,

"'Don't trust the Franks for freedom,

They have a king who buys and sells;

They have a king who trades.

In native swords and native ranks

In local swords and local ranks

The only hope of courage dwells.'

The only hope for courage resides.

Byron.

"As Russia has now removed her warlike projects, and the Greeks are engaged single-handed with the whole force of the Ottoman Empire, etc.... Byron's Grecian bard can no longer exclaim—

"As Russia has now abandoned her military plans, and the Greeks are fighting alone against the entire Ottoman Empire, etc.... Byron's Greek bard can no longer exclaim—

'My country! on thy voiceless shore

'My country! on your silent shore

The heroic lay is tuneless now—

The heroic song is now without melody—

The heroic bosom beats no more.'

The heroic heart no longer beats.

"Greece is no longer a 'nation's sepulchre,' the foul abode of slaves, but the living theatre of the patriot's toils and the hero's achievements. Her banners once more float on the mountains, and the battles she has already won show that in every glen and valley, as well as on

"Greece is no longer a 'nation's tomb,' the wretched place of slaves, but the vibrant stage of the patriot's struggles and the hero's accomplishments. Her flags once again wave on the mountains, and the battles she has already won prove that in every glen and valley, as well as on

'Suli's rock and Parga's shore

'Suli's rock and Parga's beach

Exists the remnant of a line

Such as the Doric mothers bore.'"]

Such as the Doric mothers gave birth to.'"]

[302] {557}[An account of these Russian intrigues in Greece is contained in Thomas Gordon's History of the Greek Revolution, 1832, i. 194-204.]

[302] {557}[You can find a detailed account of these Russian intrigues in Greece in Thomas Gordon's History of the Greek Revolution, 1832, i. 194-204.]

[eb] {558} Of Incas known but as a cloud.—[MS. erased.]

[eb] {558} Of Incas known just as a cloud.—[MS. erased.]

[ec] Not now the Roman or the Punic horde.—[MS.]

[ec] Not the Romans or the Punic army right now.—[MS.]

[ed] ——abhorrent of them both.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ——disgusting behavior from both.—[MS.]

[303] [Pelayo, said to be the son of Favila, Duke of Cantabria, was elected king by the Christians of the Asturias in 718, and defeated the Arab generals Suleyman and Manurza. He died A.D. 737.]

[303] [Pelayo, believed to be the son of Favila, Duke of Cantabria, was chosen as king by the Christians of Asturias in 718 and defeated the Arab generals Suleyman and Manurza. He died in 737 A.D.]

[304] [For the "fabulous sketches" of the Zegri and Abencerrages, rival Moorish tribes, whose quarrels, at the close of the fifteenth century, deluged Granada with blood, see the Civil Wars of Granada, a prose fiction, interspersed with ballads, by Ginés Perez de Hita, published in 1595. An opera, Les Abencerages, by Cherubini, was performed in Paris in 1813. Chateaubriand's Les Aventures du dernier Abencerrage was not published till 1826.]

[304] [For the "amazing stories" of the Zegri and Abencerrages, rival Moorish tribes, whose conflicts at the end of the fifteenth century filled Granada with bloodshed, see the Civil Wars of Granada, a prose work mixed with ballads, by Ginés Perez de Hita, published in 1595. An opera, Les Abencerages, by Cherubini, was performed in Paris in 1813. Chateaubriand's Les Aventures du dernier Abencerrage wasn't published until 1826.]

[ee] And yet have left worse enemies than they.—[MS. erased.]

[ee] And yet, they have left behind enemies that are even worse.—[MS. erased.]

[305] [Ferdinand VII. returned to Madrid in March, 1814. "No sooner was he established on his throne ... than he set himself to restore the old absolutism with its worst abuses. The nobles recovered their privileges ... the Inquisition resumed its activity; and the Jesuits returned to Spain.... A camarilla of worthless courtiers and priests conducted the government, and urged the king to fresh acts of revolutionary violence. For six years Spain groaned under a royalist 'reign of terror.'"—Encycl. Brit., art. "Spain," vol. 22, p. 345.]

[305] [Ferdinand VII returned to Madrid in March 1814. "As soon as he was back on the throne ... he began reinstating the old absolutism with all its worst abuses. The nobles regained their privileges ... the Inquisition resumed its activities, and the Jesuits returned to Spain.... A group of incompetent courtiers and priests ran the government and pushed the king towards new acts of revolutionary violence. For six years, Spain suffered under a royalist 'reign of terror.'"—Encycl. Brit., art. "Spain," vol. 22, p. 345.]

[ef] As rose on his remorseless ear the cry.—[MS. erased.]

[ef] As the cry rose to his unyielding ear.—[MS. erased.]

[eg] {559} The re-awakened virtue——.—[MS. erased.]

The reawakened virtue

[eh] ——is on the shore.—[MS. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ——is by the shore.—[MS. erased.]

[306] "'St. Jago and close Spain!' the old Spanish war-cry." ["Santiago y serra España."]

[306] "'St. Jago and Spain!' the old Spanish battle cry." ["Santiago y serra España."]

[ei] The wild Guerilla on Morena——.—[MS. erased]

[ei] The wild Guerrilla on Morena——.—[MS. erased]

[ej] Of eagle-eyed——.—[MS. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Of sharp eyes——.—[MS. erased.]

[307] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto I. stanzas liv.-lvi., Poetical Works, i. 57, 58, 91, 92 (note II). The "man" was Tio Jorge (Jorge Ibort), vide ibid., p. 94.]

[307] [See Childe Harold, Canto I, stanzas liv.-lvi., Poetical Works, i. 57, 58, 91, 92 (note II). The "man" referred to was Tio Jorge (Jorge Ibort), see ibid., p. 94.]

[308] {560} The Arragonians are peculiarly dexterous in the use of this weapon, and displayed it particularly in former French wars.

[308] {560} The Aragonese are especially skilled in using this weapon, and they really showed it in past wars against the French.

[309] [Vide ante, the Introduction to the Age of Bronze, pp, 537-540.]

[309] [See earlier, the Introduction to the Age of Bronze, pp, 537-540.]

[310] [Patrick Henry, born May 29, 1736, died June 6, 1799, was one of the leading spirits of the American Revolution. His father, John Henry, a Scotchman, a cousin of the historian, William Robertson, had acquired a small property in Virginia. Patrick was not exactly "forest born," but, as a child, loved to play truant "in the forest with his gun or over his angle-rod." He first came into notice as an orator in the "Parson's Cause," a suit brought by a minister of the Established Church to recover his salary, which had been fixed at 16,000 lbs. of tobacco. In his speech he is said to have struck the key-note of the Revolution by arguing that "a king, by disallowing acts of a salutary nature, from being the father of his people, degenerates into a tyrant, and forfeits all right to his subjects' obedience." His famous speech against the "Stamps Act" was delivered in the House of Burgesses of Virginia, May 29, 1765. One passage, with which, no doubt, Byron was familiar, has passed into history. "Cæsar had his Brutus—Charles the First had his Cromwell—and George the Third—" Henry was interrupted with a shout of "Treason! treason!!" but finished the sentence with, and "George the Third may profit by their example. If this be treason, make the most of it."

[310] [Patrick Henry, born May 29, 1736, died June 6, 1799, was one of the key figures of the American Revolution. His father, John Henry, a Scotsman and cousin of the historian William Robertson, had acquired a small piece of land in Virginia. Patrick wasn’t exactly "forest born," but as a child, he loved to skip school and play in the woods with his gun or fishing rod. He first gained recognition as a speaker during the "Parson's Cause," a lawsuit brought by a minister of the Established Church to get his salary, which was set at 16,000 lbs. of tobacco. In his speech, he reportedly struck the key note of the Revolution by arguing that "a king, by rejecting beneficial laws, ceases to be the father of his people and turns into a tyrant, losing all rights to his subjects' obedience." His famous speech against the "Stamp Act" was delivered in the House of Burgesses of Virginia on May 29, 1765. One passage, which Byron was likely familiar with, has become historic: "Cæsar had his Brutus—Charles the First had his Cromwell—and George the Third—" Henry was interrupted by cries of "Treason! treason!!" but he completed the sentence with, and "George the Third may profit by their example. If this is treason, make the most of it."]

Henry was delegate to the first Continental Congress, five times Governor of Virginia, and was appointed U.S. Senator in 1794.

Henry was a delegate to the first Continental Congress, served as Governor of Virginia five times, and was appointed U.S. Senator in 1794.

His contemporaries said that he was "the greatest orator that ever lived." He seems to have exercised a kind of magical influence over his hearers, which they could not explain, which charmed and overwhelmed them, and "has left behind a tradition of bewitching persuasiveness and almost prophetic sublimity."—See Life of Patrick Henry, by William Wirt, 1845, passim.]

His peers claimed he was "the greatest speaker who ever lived." He seemed to have a kind of magical effect on his audience that they couldn't explain, captivating and overwhelming them, and "has created a legacy of enchanting persuasiveness and almost prophetic greatness."—See Life of Patrick Henry, by William Wirt, 1845, passim.]

[ek] {561} ——to one Napoleon.—[MS. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ ——to one Napoleon.—[MS. erased.]

[el] ——thy poor old wall forgets.—[MS. erased.]

[el] ——your poor old wall forgets.—[MS. erased.]

[311] ["I have been over Verona. The amphitheatre is wonderful—beats even Greece. Of the truth of Juliet's story they seem tenacious to a degree, insisting on the fact, giving a date1303, and showing a tomb. It is a plain, open, and partly decayed sarcophagus, with withered leaves in it, in a wild and desolate conventual garden, once a cemetery, now ruined to the very graves. The situation struck me as very appropriate to the legend, being blighted as their love.... The Gothic monuments of the Scaliger princes pleased me, but 'a poor virtuoso am I.'"—Letter to Moore, November 7, 1816, Letters, 1899, iii. 386, 387. The tombs of the Scaligers are close to the Church of Santa Maria l'Antica. Juliet's tomb, "of red Verona marble," is in the garden of the Orfanotrofio, between the Via Cappucini and the Adige. It is not "that ancient vault where all the kindred of the Capulets lie," which has long since been destroyed. Since 1814 Verona had been under Austria's sway, and had "treacherously" forgotten her republican traditions.]

[311] ["I have explored Verona. The amphitheater is amazing—better than even Greece. They seem very committed to the truth of Juliet's story, insisting on its authenticity, providing a date1303, and displaying a tomb. It's a simple, open, and somewhat crumbling sarcophagus, filled with dried leaves, set in a wild and desolate convent garden, which was once a cemetery and is now in ruins, right down to the graves. The setting felt very fitting for the legend, being as tragic as their love.... The Gothic monuments of the Scaliger princes impressed me, but 'I’m just a poor virtuoso.'"—Letter to Moore, November 7, 1816, Letters, 1899, iii. 386, 387. The Scaliger tombs are near the Church of Santa Maria l'Antica. Juliet's tomb, "made of red Verona marble," is located in the garden of the Orfanotrofio, between Via Cappucini and the Adige. It is not "that ancient vault where all the Capulet relatives are buried," which has long been destroyed. Since 1814, Verona had been under Austrian rule and had "treacherously" forgotten her republican traditions.]

[312] {562}[Francesco Can Grande della Scala died in 1329. It was under his roof that Dante learned

[312] {562}[Francesco Can Grande della Scala passed away in 1329. It was at his home that Dante learned

"... how salt his food who fares

"... how salty his food who eats"

Upon another's bread—how steep his path

Upon someone else's bread—how difficult his journey

Who treadeth up and down another's stairs."

Who walks up and down someone else's stairs.

For anecdotes of Can Grande, see Commedia, etc., by E. H. Plumptre, D.D., 1886, I. cxx., cxxi.; and compare Dante at Verona, by D. G. Rossetti, Works, 1886, i. 1-17.]

For stories about Can Grande, check out Commedia, etc. by E. H. Plumptre, D.D., 1886, I. cxx., cxxi.; and also see Dante at Verona by D. G. Rossetti, Works, 1886, i. 1-17.

[313] [Ippolito Pindemonte, the modern Tibullus (1753-1828). (See Letters, 1900, iv. 127, note 4.)]

[314] [Claudian's famous old man of Verona, "qui suburbium numquam egressus est."

[314] [Claudian's famous old man of Verona, "who never left the suburb."

"Indocilis rerum, vicinæ nescius urbis,

"Unfamiliar with things, unaware of the city,"

Adspectu fruitur liberiore poli."

"Enjoying a broader view of the sky."

C. Claudiani Opera, lii., Epigrammata, ii. lines 9, 10 (ed. 1821, iii. 427).]

[315] ["In the amphitheatre ... crowds collected after the sittings of the Congress, to witness dramatic representations.... But for the costumes, a spectator might have imagined he was witnessing a resurrection of the ancient Romans."—Congress, etc., by M. de Chateaubriand, 1838, i. 76. This was on the 24th of November. Catalani sang. Rossini's cantata was performed with tremendous applause. On the next day the august visitors witnessed an illumination of the city. "Leur attention s'est principalement arrête sur le superbe portail de l'église Sainte-Agnés, qui brillait de mille feux, au milieu desquels se lisait l'inscription suivante en lettres de grandeur colossale:

[315] ["In the amphitheater ... crowds gathered after the sessions of the Congress to watch dramatic performances.... Without the costumes, a spectator might have thought he was witnessing a revival of ancient Rome."—Congress, etc., by M. de Chateaubriand, 1838, i. 76. This happened on November 24th. Catalani performed. Rossini's cantata was presented to tremendous applause. The following day, the distinguished visitors enjoyed a city illumination. "Their attention was mainly drawn to the magnificent entrance of the Church of Saint Agnes, which shone brightly amidst a thousand lights, where the following inscription was displayed in colossal letters:

'A Cesare Augusta Verona esultante.'"

"Celebrating in Verona, Cesare Augusta."

—Le Moniteur, December 14, 1822.]

—Le Moniteur, December 14, 1822.

[316] {563}[Alexander I. (Paulowitsch), 1777-1825, succeeded his father in 1801. He began his reign well. Taxation was diminished, judicial penalties were remitted, universities were founded and reorganized, personal servitude was abolished or restricted throughout the empire. At the height of his power and influence, when he was regarded as the Liberator of Europe, he granted a Constitution to Poland, based on liberal if not democratic principles (June 21, 1815). But after a time he reverted to absolutism. Autocracy at home, a mystical and sentimental alliance with autocrats abroad, were incompatible with the indulgence of liberal proclivities. "After the Congresses of Aix-la-Chapelle and Troppau," writes M. Rambaud (History of Russia, 1888, ii. 384), "he was no longer the same man.... From that time he considered himself the dupe of his generous ideas ... at Carlsbad, at Laybach, and at Verona, Alexander was already the leader of the European reaction." But even to the last he believed that he could run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. "They may say of me," he exclaimed, "what they will; but I have lived and shall die republican" (ibid., p. 398).

[316] {563}[Alexander I. (Paulowitsch), 1777-1825, took over from his father in 1801. He started his reign positively. Taxes were reduced, punishments were lessened, universities were established and restructured, and personal servitude was either abolished or limited across the empire. At the peak of his power and influence, when he was seen as the Liberator of Europe, he granted a Constitution to Poland based on liberal, if not democratic, principles (June 21, 1815). However, over time, he returned to absolutism. Autocracy at home and a mystical, sentimental alliance with autocrats abroad were incompatible with indulging any liberal tendencies. "After the Congresses of Aix-la-Chapelle and Troppau," M. Rambaud writes (History of Russia, 1888, ii. 384), "he was no longer the same man.... From that time he saw himself as the victim of his noble ideas... at Carlsbad, at Laybach, and at Verona, Alexander was already leading the European reaction." But even until the end, he believed he could balance opposing sides. "They may say whatever they want about me," he declared, "but I have lived and will die a republican" (ibid., p. 398).

Alexander was a man of ideas, a sentimentalist, and a poseur, but he had an eye to the main chance. Whatever cause or dynasty suffered, the Emperor Alexander was still triumphant. Byron's special grudge against him at this time was due to his vacillation with regard to the cause of Greek Independence. But he is too contemptuous. There were points in common between the "Coxcomb Czar" and his satirist; and it is far from certain that if the twain had changed places Byron might not have proved just "such an Alexander." In one respect their destiny was alike. The greatest sorrow of their lives was the death of a natural daughter.]

Alexander was a guy full of ideas, a sentimental person, and a bit of a show-off, but he also knew how to seize opportunities. No matter what cause or dynasty was struggling, Emperor Alexander was still winning. Byron's personal grudge against him at this time stemmed from his indecisiveness about Greek Independence. But he is overly dismissive. There were similarities between the "Coxcomb Czar" and his satirist; and it’s quite plausible that if they had swapped places, Byron could have turned out to be just “such an Alexander.” In one way, their fates were the same. The biggest sorrow in their lives was the death of a legitimate daughter.

[317] [For Alexander's waltzing, see Personal Reminiscences, by Cornelia Knight and Thomas Raikes, 1875, p. 286. See, too, Moore's Fables for the Holy Alliance, Fable I., "A Dream."]

[317] [For Alexander's dancing, see Personal Reminiscences, by Cornelia Knight and Thomas Raikes, 1875, p. 286. Also, check out Moore's Fables for the Holy Alliance, Fable I., "A Dream."]

[em] Now half inclining——.—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Now partially leaning——.—[MS.]

[318] {564}["Pulk" is Polish for "regiment." The allusion must be to the military colonies planted by "the corporal of Gatchina," Araktchèef, in the governments of Novgorod, Kharkof, and elsewhere.]

[318] {564}["Pulk" means "regiment" in Polish. This is likely referring to the military colonies established by "the corporal of Gatchina," Araktchèef, in the regions of Novgorod, Kharkof, and other places.]

[319] [Frédéric César La Harpe (1754-1838) was appointed by Catherine II. Governor to the Grand-Dukes Alexander and Constantine. It was from La Harpe's teaching that Alexander imbibed his liberal ideas. In 1816, when Byron passed the summer in Switzerland, La Harpe was domiciled at Lausanne, and it is possible that a meeting took place.]

[319] [Frédéric César La Harpe (1754-1838) was appointed by Catherine II as Governor to Grand-Dukes Alexander and Constantine. Alexander absorbed his liberal ideas through La Harpe's teaching. In 1816, when Byron spent the summer in Switzerland, La Harpe lived in Lausanne, and it's possible they met.]

[320] [Alexander's platonic attachment to the Baronne de Krüdener (Barbe Julie de Wietenhoff), beauty, novelist, illuminée, was the source of amusement rather than scandal. The Baronne, then in her fiftieth year, was the channel through which Franz Bader's theory or doctrine of the "Holy Alliance" was conveyed to the enthusiastic and receptive Czar. It was only a passing whim. Alexander's mysticism was for ornament, not for use, and, before very long, Egeria and her Muscovite Numa parted company.]

[320] [Alexander's platonic infatuation with the Baronne de Krüdener (Barbe Julie de Wietenhoff), a beautiful novelist and enlightened thinker, was more amusing than scandalous. The Baronne, then in her fifties, was the means by which Franz Bader's ideas about the "Holy Alliance" reached the eager and open-minded Czar. It was just a fleeting fancy. Alexander's mysticism was decorative, not practical, and before long, Egeria and her Muscovite Numa went their separate ways.]

[321] The dexterity of Catherine extricated Peter (called the Great by courtesy), when surrounded by the Mussulmans on the banks of the river Pruth. [Catherine, who had long been Peter's mistress, had at length been acknowledged as his wife. Her "dexterity" took the form of a bribe of money and jewels, conveyed to the Turkish grand-vizier Baltazhi-Mahomet, who was induced to accede to the Treaty of Pruth, July 20, 1711.]

[321] Catherine cleverly helped Peter (often referred to as the Great) when he was surrounded by Muslims on the banks of the Pruth River. [Catherine, who had been Peter's mistress for a long time, was finally recognized as his wife. Her "cleverness" involved a bribe of money and jewels given to the Turkish grand vizier Baltazhi-Mahomet, who was persuaded to agree to the Treaty of Pruth on July 20, 1711.]

[322] {565}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {565}

["Eight thousand men had to Asturias march'd

Eight thousand men had to Asturias marched

Beneath Count Julian's banner.... To revenge

Beneath Count Julian's banner.... To take vengeance

His quarrel, twice that number left their bones,

His argument, twice that number left their bones,

Slain in unnatural battle, on the field

Slain in an unnatural battle, on the field

Of Xeres, where the sceptre from the Goths

Of Xeres, where the scepter from the Goths

By righteous Heaven was reft."

"By righteous Heaven was taken."

Southey's Roderick, Canto XXV. lines 1, 2, 7-11.]

Southey's Roderick, Canto XXV. lines 1, 2, 7-11.

[323] [The Bashkirs are a Turco-Mongolian tribe inhabiting the slopes of the Ural Mountains. They supply a body of irregular cavalry to the Russian army.]

[323] [The Bashkirs are a Turkic-Mongolian ethnic group living on the slopes of the Ural Mountains. They provide an irregular cavalry unit to the Russian army.]

[324] [The Austrian and Russian armies stood between the Greeks and other peoples, and their independence, as Alexander the Great stood between Diogenes and the sunshine.]

[324] [The Austrian and Russian armies were blocking the Greeks and other nations from their freedom, just like Alexander the Great stood between Diogenes and the sun.]

[en]

Still will I roll my tub at Sinope

I'll still go about my business in Sinope.

Be slaves who may——.—[MS.]

Be willing servants who can——.—[MS.]

[325] [Lines 482, 483, are not in the MS.]

[326] {566} [Constant (Henri Benjamin de Rebecque, 1767-1830) was the "stormy petrel" of debate in the French Chamber. For instance, in a discussion on secret service money for the police (July 27, 1822), he exclaimed, "Vous les répresentez-vous payant d'une main le salaire du vol, et tenant peut-être un crucifix de l'autre?" No wonder that there were "violens murmures, cris d'indignation à droite." The duel, however, did not arise out of a speech in the Chamber, but from a letter of June 5, 1822, in La Quotidienne, in which the Marquis de Forbin des Issarts replied to some letters of Constant, which had appeared in the Courrier and Constitutionnel. Constant was lame, and accordingly both combatants "out été places à dix petits pas sur des chaises." Both fired twice, but neither "was a penny the worse." (See La Grande Encyclopédie, art. "Constant;" and, for details, La Quotidienne, June 8, 1822. See, too, for "session de 1822," Opinions el Discours de M. Casimir Perrier, 1838, ii. 5-47.)]

[326] {566} [Constant (Henri Benjamin de Rebecque, 1767-1830) was the contentious figure in debates in the French Chamber. For example, during a discussion about secret funds for the police (July 27, 1822), he shouted, "Can you imagine them paying the salary of crime with one hand, and maybe holding a crucifix with the other?" It's no surprise there were "loud murmurs and cries of outrage from the right." However, the duel didn't stem from a speech in the Chamber, but from a letter dated June 5, 1822, in La Quotidienne, where the Marquis de Forbin des Issarts responded to some of Constant's letters published in the Courrier and Constitutionnel. Constant had a limp, so both dueling parties "were placed ten small paces apart on chairs." They both fired twice, but neither "was any worse for wear." (See La Grande Encyclopédie, article "Constant;" and for details, La Quotidienne, June 8, 1822. Also, for "session of 1822," see Opinions el Discours de M. Casimir Perrier, 1838, ii. 5-47.)]

[327] [Louis XVIII. (Louis Stanislas Xavier, 1755-1824) passed several years of exile in England, at Goswell, Wanstead, and latterly at Hartwell, near Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire. When he entered Paris as king, in May, 1814, he was in his fifty-ninth year, inordinately bulky and unwieldy—a king pour rire. "C'est ce gros goutteux," explained an ouvrier to a bystander, who had asked, "Which is the king?" Fifteen mutton cutlets, "sautées au jus," for breakfast; fifteen mutton cutlets served with a "sauce à la champagne," for dinner; to say nothing of strawberries, and sweet apple-puffs between meals, made digestion and locomotion difficult. It was no wonder that he was a martyr to the gout. But he cared for nature and for books as well as for eating. His Lettres d'Artwell (Paris, 1830), which profess to be selections from his correspondence with a friend, give a pleasant picture of the roi en exil. His wife, Louise de Savoie, died November, 1810, and in the following April he writes (Lettres, pp. 70, 71), "Mars a maintenu le bien d'un hiver fort doux; point encore de goutte; à brebis tondue, Dieu measure le vent. Hélas! je l'éprouve bien qu'elle est tondue cette pauvre brebis!... je me promène dans le jardin, je vois mes rosiers qui poussent bien; a qui offrirai-je les roses?... Eh bien! je ne voudrais pas que cette goutte d'absinthe cessât, car pour cela il faudrait l'oublier. L'oublier! Ah Dieu! Je suis comme les enfans d'Israël qui disaient: Super flumina Babylonis ... Sion. Mais ajoutons tout de suite: Si oblitus fuero hit, Jerusalem, oblivioni detur dextera mea." In another letter, June 8, 1811, he criticizes some translations of Horace, and laments that the good Père Sanadon has confined himself to the Opera Expurgata. Not, he adds, that he would not have excluded one or two odes, "mais on a impitoyablement sabré des choses délicieuses" (Lettres, p. 98).

[327] [Louis XVIII. (Louis Stanislas Xavier, 1755-1824) spent several years in exile in England, initially in Goswell, Wanstead, and later in Hartwell, near Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire. When he returned to Paris as king in May 1814, he was fifty-nine years old, extremely overweight, and quite clumsy—essentially a king for laughs. "It’s that big gouty guy," explained a worker to a passerby who asked, "Which one is the king?" His breakfast consisted of fifteen mutton cutlets "sautéed in juice," and for dinner, he had fifteen more mutton cutlets with "champagne sauce," not to mention strawberries and sweet apple puffs in between meals, which made both digestion and movement quite difficult. It’s no wonder he suffered from gout. However, he enjoyed nature and books just as much as he enjoyed eating. His Lettres d'Artwell (Paris, 1830), which claim to be selections from his letters to a friend, paint a pleasant picture of the roi en exile. His wife, Louise de Savoie, passed away in November 1810, and the following April he wrote (Lettres, pp. 70, 71), "March has maintained the benefits of a very mild winter; no gout yet; when the sheep is shorn, God measures the wind. Alas! I can certainly feel that this poor sheep has been shorn!... I stroll through the garden and see my rose bushes thriving; who will I offer the roses to?... Well! I wouldn’t want this gout of absinthe to stop, because that would mean I’d have to forget it. Forget it! Oh God! I am like the children of Israel who said: By the rivers of Babylon... Sion. But let us add immediately: If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill." In another letter dated June 8, 1811, he criticizes some translations of Horace and laments that the good Père Sanadon has restricted himself to the Opera Expurgata. Not that he wouldn’t have left out one or two odes, he adds, "but they have ruthlessly cut out some delightful things" (Lettres, p. 98).

To his wit, Chateaubriand testifies (The Congress, etc., 1838, i. 262). At the council, when affairs of state were being discussed, the king "would say in his clear shrill voice, 'I am going to make you laugh, M. de Chateaubriand.' The other ministers fumed with impatience, but Chateaubriand laughed, not as a courtier, but as a human being."]

To his credit, Chateaubriand notes (The Congress, etc., 1838, i. 262). During the council, when state matters were being talked about, the king would announce in his sharp, clear voice, 'I'm going to make you laugh, M. de Chateaubriand.' The other ministers seethed with impatience, but Chateaubriand laughed, not like a courtier, but as a real person.

[328] {567}[Louvel, who assassinated the Due de Berri, and who was executed June 7, 1820, was supposed to have been an agent of the carbonari. La Fayette, Constant, Lafitte, and others were also suspected of being connected with secret societies.—The Court of the Tuileries, 1815-1848, by Lady Jackson, 1883, ii. 19.]

[328] {567}[Louvel, who killed the Duke of Berry and was executed on June 7, 1820, was thought to be a member of the carbonari. La Fayette, Constant, Lafitte, and others were also believed to be linked to secret societies.—The Court of the Tuileries, 1815-1848, by Lady Jackson, 1883, ii. 19.]

[eo] {568}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {568}

Immortal Wellington with beak so curled.

Immortal Wellington with a beak so curved.

That foremost Corporal of all the World—

That top Corporal of the entire world—

Immortal Wellington—and flags unfurled.—[MS. erased.]

Immortal Wellington—and flags raised.—[MS. erased.]

[329] "Naso suspendis adunco."—Horace [Sat. i. 6, 5]. The Roman applies it to one who merely was imperious to his acquaintance.

[329] "You hang your nose in a crooked way."—Horace [Sat. i. 6, 5]. The Roman uses it to refer to someone who was just bossy toward their friends.

[330] [Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, afterwards Marquis of Londonderry (1769-1822), who had been labouring under a "mental delirium" (Letter of Duke of Wellington, August 9, 1822), committed suicide by cutting his throat with a penknife (August 12, 1822). He was the uncompromising and successful opponent of popular causes in Ireland, Italy, and elsewhere, and, as such, Byron assailed him, alive and dead, with the bitterest invective. (See, for instance, the "Dedication" to Don Juan, stanzas xi.-xvi., sundry epigrams, and an "Epitaph.") In the Preface to Cantos VI., VII., VIII., of Don Juan, he justifies the inclusion of a stanza or two on Castlereagh, which had been written "before his decease," and, again, alludes to his suicide. (For an estimate of his career and character, see Letters, 1900, iv. 108, 109, note 1; and for a full report of the inquest, The Annual Biography, 1823, pp. 56-62.)]

[330] [Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh, later Marquis of Londonderry (1769-1822), who was suffering from "mental delirium" (Letter of Duke of Wellington, August 9, 1822), took his own life by cutting his throat with a penknife (August 12, 1822). He was a staunch and successful opponent of popular movements in Ireland, Italy, and elsewhere, and because of this, Byron targeted him with fierce criticism, both during his life and after his death. (See, for instance, the "Dedication" to Don Juan, stanzas xi.-xvi., various epigrams, and an "Epitaph.") In the Preface to Cantos VI., VII., VIII., of Don Juan, he explains why he included a stanza or two about Castlereagh, which had been written "before his death," and mentions his suicide again. (For an assessment of his career and character, see Letters, 1900, iv. 108, 109, note 1; and for a complete report of the inquest, see The Annual Biography, 1823, pp. 56-62.)]

[ep]

Whose penknife saved some nations t'other day.

Whose penknife saved some nations the other day.

Who shaved his throat by chance the other day.—[MS. erased.]

Who accidentally shaved his throat the other day.—[MS. erased.]

[331] ["The Pilot that weathered the Storm" was written by Canning, to be recited at a dinner given on Pitt's birthday, May 28, 1802.]

[331] ["The Pilot that weathered the Storm" was written by Canning to be read at a dinner held in honor of Pitt's birthday on May 28, 1802.]

[eq] {569} With reason—whate'er it may with rhyme.—[MS. erased.]

[eq] {569} For good reason—no matter what it sounds like in poetry.—[MS. erased.]

[332] [George Canning (1770-1827) succeeded Lord Londonderry as Foreign Secretary, September 8, 1822. He was not a persona grata to George IV., who had been offended by Canning's neutral attitude, as a minister, on the question of the Queen's message (June 7, 1820), and by his avowal "of an unaltered regard and affection" for that "illustrious personage" herself. There was, too, the prospect of Catholic Emancipation. In 1821 he had spoken in favour of Plunket's bills, and, the next year (April 30, 1822), he had brought in a bill to remove the disabilities of Roman Catholic peers from sitting in the House of Lords. If Canning persisted in his advocacy of Catholic claims, the king's conscience might turn restive, and urge him to effectual resistance. Hence the warning in lines 563-567.]

[332] [George Canning (1770-1827) took over from Lord Londonderry as Foreign Secretary on September 8, 1822. He wasn't in George IV's good graces, as the king was upset by Canning's neutral stance as a minister regarding the Queen's message (June 7, 1820) and by his declaration of "an unaltered regard and affection" for that "illustrious personage" herself. There was also the potential for Catholic Emancipation. In 1821, he had supported Plunket's bills, and the following year (April 30, 1822), he introduced a bill to lift the restrictions preventing Roman Catholic peers from sitting in the House of Lords. If Canning continued to push for Catholic rights, it might provoke the king's conscience and push him to take strong action against it. This led to the caution expressed in lines 563-567.]

[333] {570} [Demeter gave Triptolemus a chariot drawn by serpents, and bade him scatter wheat throughout the world. (See Ovid, Met., lib. v. lines 642-661.)]

[333] {570} [Demeter gave Triptolemus a chariot pulled by snakes and told him to spread wheat all over the world. (See Ovid, Met., book v, lines 642-661.)]

[er] The mighty monosyllable high Rent!—[MS.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ The powerful one-syllable high Rent!—[MS.]

[es] ——upon the audit day.—[MS. M.]

[es] ——on the day of the audit.—[MS. M.]

[334] ["Lord Londonderry proposed (April 29, 1822) that whenever wheat should be under 60 shillings a quarter, Government should be authorized to issue £1,000,000 in Exchequer bills to landed proprietors on the security of their crops; that importation of foreign corn should be permitted whenever the price of wheat should be at or above 70 shillings a quarter ... that a sliding-scale should be fixed, that for wheat being under 80s. a quarter at 12 shillings; above 80s. and below 85s., at 5 shillings; and above 85s., only one shilling."—Allison's History of Europe, 1815-1852, and 1854, ii. 506. The first clause was thrown out, but the rest of the bill passed May 13, 1822.]

[334] ["Lord Londonderry suggested (April 29, 1822) that whenever the price of wheat fell below 60 shillings a quarter, the government should be allowed to issue £1,000,000 in Exchequer bills to landowners based on the security of their crops; that importing foreign grain should be allowed whenever the price of wheat was at or above 70 shillings a quarter ... that a sliding scale should be established, where wheat priced under 80 shillings a quarter would have a rate of 12 shillings; between 80 and 85 shillings, a rate of 5 shillings; and above 85 shillings, only 1 shilling."—Allison's History of Europe, 1815-1852, and 1854, ii. 506. The first part was rejected, but the remainder of the bill was approved on May 13, 1822.]

[et] {571} For fear that riches——.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {571} Out of fear of wealth——.—[MS. M.]

[eu] Will sell the harvest at a market price.—[MS. M.]

[eu] Will sell the harvest at the market price.—[MS. M.]

[ev] Are gone—their fields untilled.—[MS. M.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Are gone—their fields untilled.—[MS. M.]

[335] {572}[Peel's bill for the resumption of cash payments (Act 59 Geo. III. cap. 49) was passed June 14, 1819. The "landed interest" attributed the fall of prices and the consequent fall of rent to this measure, and hinted more or less plainly that the fund-holders should share the loss. They had lent their money when the currency was inflated, and should not now be paid off in gold.

[335] {572}[Peel's bill to resume cash payments (Act 59 Geo. III. cap. 49) was passed on June 14, 1819. The "landed interest" blamed the drop in prices and the resulting decline in rent on this measure, suggesting, more or less openly, that the fund-holders should bear some of the loss. They had lent their money when the currency was inflated and shouldn’t now be repaid in gold.]

"But you," exclaims Cobbett [Letter to Mr. Western (Weekly Register, November 23, 1822)], "what can induce you to stickle for the Pitt system [i.e. paper-money]? I will tell you what it is: you loved the high prices, and the domination that they gave you.... Besides this, you think that the boroughs can be preserved by a return to paper-money, and along with them the hare-and-pheasant law and justice. You loved the glorious times of paper-money, and you want them back again. You think that they could go on for ever.... The bill of 1819 was really a great relaxation of the Pitt system, and when you are crying out spoliation and confiscation, when you are bawling out so lustily about the robbery committed on you by the fund-holders and the placemen, and are praising the infernal Pitt system at the same time, ... you say they are receiving, the fund-vagabonds in particular, more than they ought." It is evident that Byron's verse is a reverberation of Cobbett's prose.]

"But you," exclaims Cobbett [Letter to Mr. Western (Weekly Register, November 23, 1822)], "what makes you so insistent on the Pitt system [i.e. paper money]? I'll tell you: you loved the high prices it brought and the power that came with them.... On top of that, you believe that the boroughs can be maintained by going back to paper money, along with the hare-and-pheasant law and justice. You adored the glorious times of paper money, and you want them back. You think they could last forever.... The bill of 1819 was actually a significant easing of the Pitt system, and when you're shouting spoliation and confiscation, and angrily complaining about the theft committed against you by the fund-holders and the government officials, while at the same time praising the dreadful Pitt system, ... you claim they are getting, particularly the fund-vagabonds, more than they deserve." It's clear that Byron's verse echoes Cobbett's prose.]

[336] [Petitions were presented by the inhabitants of St. Andrew, Holborn; St. Botolf, Bishopsgate; and St. Gregory by St. Paul, to the Court of Common Council, against a tithe-charge of 2s, 9d. in the pound on their annual rents.—Morning Chronicle, November 1, 1822.]

[336] [Residents of St. Andrew, Holborn; St. Botolph, Bishopsgate; and St. Gregory by St. Paul submitted petitions to the Court of Common Council, opposing a tithe charge of 2s, 9d. per pound on their annual rents.—Morning Chronicle, November 1, 1822.]

[337] Lines 614-657 are not in the MS.

[337] Lines 614-657 are missing from the manuscript.

[338] {573}[The Symplegades, or "justling rocks," Ovid's instabiles Cyaneæ, were supposed to crush the ships which sailed between them.]

[338] {573}[The Symplegades, or "clashing rocks," Ovid's instabiles Cyaneæ, were believed to crush ships that sailed between them.]

[339] [Alcina, the personification of carnal pleasure in the Orlando Furioso, is the counterpart of Homer's Circe. "She enjoyed her lovers for a time, and then changed them into trees, stones, fountains, or beasts, as her fancy dictated." (See Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, vi. 35, seq.)]

[339] [Alcina, who represents physical pleasure in the Orlando Furioso, is the equivalent of Homer's Circe. "She had her lovers for a while, and then transformed them into trees, stones, fountains, or animals, depending on her whims." (See Ariosto, Orlando Furioso, vi. 35, seq.)]

[340] [There were five brothers Rothschild: Anselm, of Frankfort, 1773-1855; Salomon, of Vienna, 1774-1855; Nathan Mayer, of London, 1777-1836; Charles, of Naples, 1788-1855; and James, of Paris, 1792-1868. In 1821 Austria raised 37½ million guldens through the firm, and, as an acknowledgment of their services, the Emperor raised the brothers to the rank of baron, and appointed Baron Nathan Mayer Consul-General in London, and Baron James to the same post in Paris. In 1822 both Russia (see line 684) and England raised 3½ millions sterling through the Rothschilds. The "two Jews" (line 686, etc.) are, probably, the two Consuls-General. In 1822 their honours were new, and some mocked. There is the story that Talleyrand once presented the Parisian brother to Montmorenci as M. le premier Juif to M. le premier Baron Chrétien; while another tale, parent or offspring of the preceding, which appeared in La Quotidienne, December 21, 1822, testifies to the fact, not recorded, that a Rothschild was at Verona during the Congress: "M. de Rotschild, baron et banquier général des gouvernemens absolus, s'est, dit-on, rendu an congres, il a été présenté a l'empereur d'Autriche, et S.M., en lui remettant une decoration, a daigné lui dire: 'Vous pouvez être assuré, Monsieur, que la maison d'Autriche sera toujours disposée à reconnaître vos services et à vous accorder ce qui pourra vous être agréable,'—'Votre Majesté,' a répondu le baron financier, 'pourra toujours également compter sur la maison Rotschild.'"—See The Rothschilds, by John Reeves, 1886.]

[340] [There were five Rothschild brothers: Anselm from Frankfort, 1773-1855; Salomon from Vienna, 1774-1855; Nathan Mayer from London, 1777-1836; Charles from Naples, 1788-1855; and James from Paris, 1792-1868. In 1821, Austria raised 37½ million guldens through the firm, and as a recognition of their contributions, the Emperor elevated the brothers to the title of baron, appointing Baron Nathan Mayer as Consul-General in London and Baron James to the same position in Paris. In 1822, both Russia (see line 684) and England raised 3½ million sterling through the Rothschilds. The "two Jews" (line 686, etc.) are probably referring to the two Consuls-General. In 1822, their titles were fresh, and some mocked them. There's a story that Talleyrand once introduced the Parisian brother to Montmorenci as M. le premier Juif to M. le premier Baron Chrétien; another tale, derived from the previous one, which appeared in La Quotidienne on December 21, 1822, confirms, though it's not officially recorded, that a Rothschild was present at Verona during the Congress: "M. de Rotschild, baron and general banker for the absolute governments, reportedly attended the congress and was introduced to the Emperor of Austria, who, while presenting him with a decoration, allegedly said: 'You can be assured, Sir, that the House of Austria will always be willing to recognize your services and grant whatever may be pleasing to you,'—'Your Majesty,' replied the financial baron, 'can always likewise count on the House of Rothschild.'"—See The Rothschilds, by John Reeves, 1886.]

[341] {574}[In 1822 the Neapolitan Government raised 22,000,000 ducats through the Rothschilds.]

[341] {574}[In 1822, the Neapolitan Government secured 22,000,000 ducats with the help of the Rothschilds.]

[342] {575} Monsieur Chateaubriand, who has not forgotten the author in the minister, received a handsome compliment at Verona from a literary sovereign: "Ah! Monsieur C., are you related to that Chateaubriand who—who—who has written something?" (écrit quelque chose!) It is said that the author of Atala repented him for a moment of his legitimacy. [Francçois René Vicomte de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) published Les Martyrs ou le Triomphe de la religion chrétienne in 1809.]

[342] {575} Monsieur Chateaubriand, who hasn’t forgotten the author in the role of minister, received a nice compliment at Verona from a literary figure: "Ah! Monsieur C., are you related to that Chateaubriand who—who—who has written something?" (écrit quelque chose!) It is said that the author of Atala briefly regretted his legitimacy. [Francçois René Vicomte de Chateaubriand (1768-1848) published Les Martyrs ou le Triomphe de la religion chrétienne in 1809.]

[343] [Count Capo d'Istria (b. 1776)—afterwards President of Greece. The count was murdered, in September, 1831, by the brother and son of a Mainote chief whom he had imprisoned (note to ed. 1832). Byron may have believed that Capo d'Istria was still in the service of the Czar, but, according to Allison, his advocacy of his compatriots the Greeks had led to his withdrawal from the Russian Foreign Office, and prevented his taking part in the Congress. It was, however, stated in the papers that he had been summoned, and was on his way to Verona.]

[343] [Count Capo d'Istria (b. 1776)—later President of Greece. The count was assassinated in September 1831 by the brother and son of a Mainote chief he had imprisoned (note to ed. 1832). Byron might have thought that Capo d'Istria was still working for the Czar, but according to Allison, his support for his fellow Greeks caused him to leave the Russian Foreign Office and prevented him from attending the Congress. However, reports stated that he had been called and was on his way to Verona.]

[344] [Jean Mathieu Félicité, Duc de Montmorenci (1766-1826), was, in his youth, a Jacobin. He proposed, August 4, 1789, to abrogate feudal rights, and June 15, 1790, to abolish the nobility. He was superseded as plenipotentiary by Chateaubriand, and on his return to Paris created a duke. Before the end of the year he was called upon to resign his portfolio as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The king disliked him, and there were personal disagreements between him and the Prime Minister, M. de Villêle.

[344] [Jean Mathieu Félicité, Duke of Montmorenci (1766-1826), was a Jacobin in his younger days. On August 4, 1789, he proposed eliminating feudal rights, and on June 15, 1790, he suggested abolishing the nobility. He was replaced as plenipotentiary by Chateaubriand, and upon his return to Paris, he was made a duke. By the end of the year, he had to resign as Minister of Foreign Affairs. The king didn't like him, and there were personal conflicts between him and Prime Minister M. de Villêle.]

The following "gazette" appeared in the Moniteur:—

"Ordonnance du Roi. Signé Louis. Art 1er Le Vicomte de Chateaubriand, pair de France, est nomme ministre secrétaire d'état au département des affaires étrangères. Louis par la grace de Dieu Roi de France et de Navarre.

"Royal Decree. Signed Louis. Art 1er The Viscount of Chateaubriand, peer of France, is appointed minister secretary of state for the department of foreign affairs. Louis, by the grace of God, King of France and Navarre."

"Art. 1er Le Duc Mathieu de Montmorenci, pair de France, est nommé ministre d'Etat, et membre de notre Conseil privé.

"Art. 1er Le Duc Mathieu de Montmorenci, peer of France, is appointed Minister of State and member of our Privy Council."

"Dimanche, 29 Décembre, 1822."

"Sunday, December 29, 1822."

"On Tuesday, January 1, 1823," writes Chateaubriand, Congress, 1838, i. 258, "we crossed the bridges, and went to sleep in that minister's bed, which was not made for us,—a bed in which one sleeps but little, and in which one remains only for a short time."]

"On Tuesday, January 1, 1823," writes Chateaubriand, Congress, 1838, i. 258, "we crossed the bridges and slept in that minister's bed, which was not meant for us—a bed where you barely sleep and only stay for a short time."

[345] {576}[From Pope's line on Lord Peterborough, Imitations of Horace, Sat. i. 132.]

[346] [Marie Louise, daughter of Francis I. of Austria, was born December 12, 1791, and died December 18, 1849. She was married to Napoleon, April 2, 1810, and gave birth to a son, March 29, 1811. In accordance with the Treaty of Paris, she left France April 26, 1814, renounced the title of Empress, and was created Duchess of Parma, Placentia, and Guastalla. After Napoleon's death (May 5, 1821). "Proud Austria's mournful flower" did not long remain a widow, but speedily and secretly married her chamberlain and gentleman of honour, Count Adam de Neipperg (ce polisson Neipperg, as Napoleon called him), to whom she had long been attached. It was supposed that she attended the Congress of Verona in the interest of her son, the ex-King of Rome, to whom Napoleon had bequeathed money and heirlooms. She was a solemn stately personage, tant soit peu declassée, and the other potentates whispered and joked at her expense. Chateaubriand says that when the Duke of Wellington was bored with the meetings of the Congress, he would while away the time in the company of the Orsini, who scribbled on the margin of intercepted French despatches, "Pas pour Mariée." Not for Madame de Neipperg.]

[346] [Marie Louise, daughter of Francis I of Austria, was born on December 12, 1791, and died on December 18, 1849. She married Napoleon on April 2, 1810, and gave birth to a son on March 29, 1811. Following the Treaty of Paris, she left France on April 26, 1814, renounced the title of Empress, and was made Duchess of Parma, Placentia, and Guastalla. After Napoleon's death (May 5, 1821), "Proud Austria's mournful flower" didn't stay a widow for long, as she quickly and secretly married her chamberlain and gentleman of honor, Count Adam de Neipperg (referred to as ce polisson Neipperg by Napoleon), to whom she had long been close. It was thought that she attended the Congress of Verona for the sake of her son, the ex-King of Rome, to whom Napoleon had left money and heirlooms. She was a serious and dignified figure, tant soit peu declassée, and the other leaders whispered and joked at her expense. Chateaubriand mentions that when the Duke of Wellington got bored during the Congress meetings, he would pass the time with the Orsini, who wrote on the margins of intercepted French dispatches, "Pas pour Mariée." Not for Madame de Neipperg.]

[347] [Napoleon Francçois Charles Joseph, Duke of Reichstadt, died at the palace of Schönbrunn, July 22, 1832, having just attained his twenty-first year.]

[347] [Napoleon François Charles Joseph, Duke of Reichstadt, died at the Schönbrunn Palace on July 22, 1832, just after turning twenty-one.]

[348] [Count Adam Albrecht de Neipperg had lost an eye from a wound in battle.]

[349] {577}[La Quotidienne of December 4, 1822, has a satirical reference to a passage in the Courrier, which attached a diplomatic importance to the "galanterie respectueuse que le duc de Wellington aurait faite à cette jeune Princesse." We read, too, of another victorious foe, the King of Prussia, giving "la main à l'archduchesse Marie-Louise jusqu'à son carrosse" (Le Constitutionnel, November 19, 1822). "All the world wondered" what Andromache did, and how she would fare—dans ce galère. It is difficult to explain the allusion to Pyrrhus. Andromache was the unwilling bride of Pyrrhus or Neoptolemus, whose father had slain her husband, Hector; Marie Louise the willing bride of Neipperg, who had certainly fought at Leipsic, but who could not be said to have given the final blow to Napoleon at Waterloo. Pyrrhus must stand for the victorious foe, and the right arm on which the too-forgiving Andromache leant, must have been offered by "the respectful gallantry" of the Duke of Wellington.]

[349] {577}[La Quotidienne from December 4, 1822, has a satirical nod to a section in the Courrier, which attributed diplomatic significance to the "respectful gallantry that the Duke of Wellington supposedly showed to that young Princess." There's also mention of another victorious opponent, the King of Prussia, offering "his hand to Archduchess Marie-Louise as she got into her carriage" (Le Constitutionnel, November 19, 1822). "Everyone was curious" about what Andromache would do and how she would manage—dans ce galère. It's tricky to clarify the reference to Pyrrhus. Andromache was the unwilling wife of Pyrrhus or Neoptolemus, the son of the man who killed her husband, Hector; Marie Louise was the willing bride of Neipperg, who definitely fought at Leipzig but couldn't really be said to have dealt the final blow to Napoleon at Waterloo. Pyrrhus likely represents the victorious enemy, and the supportive arm on which the too-forgiving Andromache leaned must have been extended by "the respectful gallantry" of the Duke of Wellington.]

[ew]

She comes the Andromache of Europe's Queens,

She is the Andromache of Europe's Queens,

And led by Pyrrhus arm on which she leans.—[MS. M.]

And led by Pyrrhus, the arm on which she leans.—[MS. M.]

[350] {578}[Sir William Curtis (1752-1805), maker of sea-biscuits at Wapping, was M.P. for the City of London 1790-1818, Lord Mayor 1795-6. George IV. affected his society, visited him at Ramsgate, and sailed with him in his gorgeously appointed yacht. When the king visited Scotland in August, 1822, Curtis followed in his train. On first landing at Leith, "Sir William Curtis, who had celtified himself on the occasion, marched joyously in his scanty longitude of kilt." At the Levee, August 17, "Sir William Curtis again appeared in the Royal tartan, but he had forsaken the philabeg and addicted himself to the trews" (Morning Chronicle, August 19, 20, 1822). "The Fat Knight" was seventy years of age, and there was much joking at his expense. See, for instance, some lines in "Hudibrastic measure," Gentleman's Magazine, vol. 92, Part II. p. 606—

[350] {578}[Sir William Curtis (1752-1805), who made sea biscuits in Wapping, was a Member of Parliament for the City of London from 1790 to 1818 and served as Lord Mayor from 1795 to 1796. George IV enjoyed his company, visited him at Ramsgate, and sailed with him on his lavishly decorated yacht. When the king traveled to Scotland in August 1822, Curtis went along with him. Upon first arriving in Leith, "Sir William Curtis, who had dressed up for the occasion, marched joyfully in his short kilt." At the Levee on August 17, "Sir William Curtis appeared again in the Royal tartan, but he had traded the kilt for trousers" (Morning Chronicle, August 19, 20, 1822). "The Fat Knight" was seventy years old, and there was much joking at his expense. For example, see some lines written in a humorous style in Gentleman's Magazine, vol. 92, Part II. p. 606—

"And who is he, that sleek and smart one

"And who is he, that slick and clever one"

Pot-bellied pyramid of Tartan?

Tartan pot-bellied pyramid?

So mountainous in pinguitude,

So rich in mountains,

Ponderibus librata Suis,

He stands like pig of lead, so true is,

He stands like a lead weight, so true it is,

That his abdomen throws alone

That his abdomen stands out alone

A Body-guard around the Throne!"]

A bodyguard around the throne!

[351] [Lines 771, 772 are not in the MS.]

[579]

THE ISLAND;
OR,
CHRISTIAN AND HIS FRIENDS.

[580]
[581]

INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLAND

The first canto of The Island was finished January 10, 1823. We know that Byron was still at work on "the poeshie," January 25 (Letters, 1901, vi. 164), and may reasonably conjecture that a somewhat illegible date affixed to the fourth canto, stands for February 14, 1823. The MS. had been received in London before April 9 (ibid., p. 192); and on June 26, 1823, The Island; or, The Adventures of Christian and his Comrades, was published by John Hunt.

The first canto of The Island was completed on January 10, 1823. We know that Byron was still working on "the poeshie" on January 25 (Letters, 1901, vi. 164), and we can reasonably assume that a somewhat hard-to-read date on the fourth canto indicates February 14, 1823. The manuscript had reached London before April 9 (ibid., p. 192); and on June 26, 1823, The Island; or, The Adventures of Christian and his Comrades was published by John Hunt.

Byron's "Advertisement," or note, prefixed to The Island contains all that need be said with regard to the "sources" of the poem.

Byron's "Advertisement," or note, added to The Island includes everything that needs to be mentioned about the "sources" of the poem.

Two separate works were consulted: (1) A Narrative of the Mutiny on board His Majesty's Ship Bounty, and the subsequent Voyage of ... the Ship's Boat from Tafoa, one of the Friendly Islands, to Timor, a Dutch Settlement in the East Indies, written by Lieutenant William Bligh, 1790; and (2) An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands, Compiled and Arranged from the Extensive Communications of Mr. William Mariner, by John Martin, M.D., 1817.

Two separate works were referenced: (1) A Narrative of the Mutiny on board His Majesty's Ship Bounty, and the subsequent Voyage of ... the Ship's Boat from Tafoa, one of the Friendly Islands, to Timor, a Dutch Settlement in the East Indies, written by Lieutenant William Bligh, 1790; and (2) An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands, compiled and arranged from the extensive communications of Mr. William Mariner, by John Martin, M.D., 1817.

According to George Clinton (Life and Writings of Lord Byron, 1824, p. 656), Byron was profoundly impressed by Mariner's report of the scenery and folklore of the Friendly Islands, was "never tired of talking of it to his friends," and, in order to turn this poetic material to account, finally bethought him that Bligh's Narrative of the mutiny of the Bounty would serve as a framework or structure "for an embroidery of rare device"—the figures and foliage of a tropical pattern. That, at least, is the substance of Clinton's analysis of the "sources" of The Island, and whether he spoke, or only feigned to speak, with authority, his criticism is sound and to the point. The story of the mutiny of the Bounty, which is faithfully related in the first canto, is not, as the second title implies, a prelude to the "Adventures of Christian and his Comrades," but to a description of "The Island," an Ogygia of the South Seas.

According to George Clinton (Life and Writings of Lord Byron, 1824, p. 656), Byron was deeply moved by Mariner's account of the scenery and folklore of the Friendly Islands, and he was "never tired of talking about it to his friends." To make use of this poetic inspiration, he finally realized that Bligh's Narrative of the mutiny on the Bounty could serve as a framework or structure "for an embroidery of rare device"—the figures and foliage of a tropical design. That, at least, is the gist of Clinton's analysis of the "sources" of The Island, and whether he spoke with genuine authority or just pretended, his critique is accurate and relevant. The account of the mutiny of the Bounty, which is accurately described in the first canto, is not, as the second title suggests, a prelude to the "Adventures of Christian and his Comrades," but rather to a depiction of "The Island," an Ogygia in the South Seas.

It must be borne in mind that Byron's acquaintance with[582] the details of the mutiny of the Bounty was derived exclusively from Bligh's Narrative; that he does not seem to have studied the minutes of the court-martial on Peter Heywood and the other prisoners (September, 1792), or to have possessed the information that in 1809, and, again, in 1815, the Admiralty received authentic information with regard to the final settlement of Christian and his comrades on Pitcairn Island. Articles, however, had appeared in the Quarterly Review, February, 1810, vol. iii. pp. 23, 24, and July, 1815, vol. xiii. pp. 376-378, which contained an extract from the log-book of Captain Mayhew Folger, of the American ship Topaz, dated September 29, 1808, and letters from Folger (March 1, 1813), and Sir Thomas Staines, October 18, 1814, which solved the mystery. Moreover, the article of February, 1810, is quoted in the notes (pp. 313-318) affixed to Miss Mitford's Christina, the Maid of the South Seas, 1811, a poem founded on Bligh's Narrative, of which neither Byron or his reviewers seem to have heard.

It's important to note that Byron's knowledge of the details of the mutiny on the Bounty came solely from Bligh's Narrative; he doesn't appear to have examined the court-martial records of Peter Heywood and the other prisoners (from September 1792), nor did he have the information that, in 1809 and again in 1815, the Admiralty received reliable updates about the final settlement of Christian and his comrades on Pitcairn Island. However, there were articles published in the Quarterly Review in February 1810 (vol. iii, pp. 23, 24) and July 1815 (vol. xiii, pp. 376-378) that included extracts from the logbook of Captain Mayhew Folger of the American ship Topaz, dated September 29, 1808, along with letters from Folger (March 1, 1813) and Sir Thomas Staines (October 18, 1814), which clarified the situation. Additionally, the February 1810 article is referenced in the notes (pp. 313-318) attached to Miss Mitford's Christina, the Maid of the South Seas, 1811, a poem based on Bligh's Narrative, which neither Byron nor his reviewers seemed to have noticed.

But whatever may have been his opportunities of ascertaining the facts of the case, it is certain (see his note to Canto IV. section vi. line 122) that he did not know what became of Christian, and that whereas in the first canto he follows the text of Bligh's Narrative, in the three last cantos he draws upon his imagination, turning Tahiti into Toobonai (Tubuai), and transporting Toobonai from one archipelago to another—from the Society to the Friendly Islands.

But no matter what chances he had to find out the details of the case, it's clear (see his note to Canto IV. section vi. line 122) that he didn’t know what happened to Christian. While in the first canto he follows Bligh's Narrative, in the last three cantos he relies on his imagination, changing Tahiti to Toobonai (Tubuai), and moving Toobonai from one island group to another—from the Society Islands to the Friendly Islands.

Another and still more surprising feature of The Island is that Byron accepts, without qualification or reserve, the guilt of the mutineers and the innocence and worth of Lieutenant Bligh. It is true that by inheritance he was imbued with the traditions of the service, and from personal experience understood the necessity of discipline on board ship; but it may be taken for granted that if he had known that the sympathy, if not the esteem, of the public had been transferred from Bligh to Christian, that in the opinion of grave and competent writers, the guilt of mutiny on the high seas had been almost condoned by the violence and brutality of the commanding officer, he would have sided with the oppressed rather than the oppressor. As it is, he takes Bligh at his own valuation, and carefully abstains from "eulogizing mutiny." (Letter to L. Hunt, January 25, 1823.)

Another surprising aspect of The Island is that Byron wholeheartedly accepts the guilt of the mutineers and recognizes the innocence and worth of Lieutenant Bligh. Although he was raised with the traditions of the service and understood the importance of discipline on a ship from personal experience, it's likely that if he had realized that public sympathy, if not admiration, had shifted from Bligh to Christian, and that respected writers were nearly condoning the mutiny due to the violence and brutality of the commanding officer, he would have sided with those who were oppressed rather than the oppressor. As it stands, he values Bligh's perspective and deliberately avoids "eulogizing mutiny." (Letter to L. Hunt, January 25, 1823.)

The story of the "mutiny of the Bounty" happened in this wise. In 1787 it occurred to certain West India planters and merchants, resident in London, that it would benefit the natives, and perhaps themselves, if the bread-fruit tree, which flourished in Tahiti (the Otaheite of Captain Cook and Sir Joseph Banks, see Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 7, note 2) and[583] other islands of the South Seas, could be acclimatized in the West Indies. A petition was addressed to the king, with the result that a vessel, with a burden of 215 tons, which Banks christened the Bounty, sailed from Spithead December 23, 1787. Lieutenant William Bligh, who had sailed with Cook in the Resolution, acted as commanding officer, and under him were five midshipmen, a master, two master's mates, etc.—forty-four persons all told. The Bounty arrived at Tahiti October 26, 1788, and there for six delightful months the ship's company tarried, "fleeting the time carelessly, as in the elder world." But "Scripture saith an ending to all fine things must be," and on April 4, 1789, the Bounty, with a cargo of over a thousand bread-fruit trees, planted in pots, tubs, and boxes (see for plate of the pots, etc., A Voyage, etc., 1792, p. 1), sailed away westward for the Cape of Good Hope, and the West Indies. All went well at first, but "just before sun-rising" on Tuesday, April 28, 1789, "the north-westernmost of the Friendly Islands, called Tofoa, bearing north-east," Fletcher Christian, who was mate of the watch, assisted by Charles Churchill, master-at-arms, Alexander Smith (the John Adams of Pitcairn Island), and Thomas Burkitt, able seamen, seized the captain, tied his hands behind his back, hauled him out of his berth, and forced him on deck. The boatswain, William Cole, was ordered to hoist out the ship's launch, which measured twenty-three feet from stem to stern, and into this open boat Bligh, together with eighteen of the crew, who were or were supposed to be on his side, were thrust, on pain of instant death. When they were in the boat they were "veered round with a rope, and finally cast adrift." Bligh and his eighteen innocent companions sailed westward, and, after a voyage of "twelve hundred leagues," during which they were preserved from death and destruction by the wise ordering and patient heroism of the commander, safely anchored in Kœpang Bay, on the north-west coast of the Isle of Timor, June 14, 1789. (See Bligh's Narrative, etc., 1790, pp. 11-88; and The Island, Canto I. section ix. lines 169-201.)

The story of the "mutiny of the Bounty" unfolded like this. In 1787, some West India planters and merchants living in London realized that it could benefit both the natives and themselves if the breadfruit tree, which thrived in Tahiti (the Otaheite of Captain Cook and Sir Joseph Banks, see Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 7, note 2) and[583] other South Sea islands, could be grown in the West Indies. They sent a petition to the king, leading to a ship, weighing 215 tons and named the Bounty by Banks, setting sail from Spithead on December 23, 1787. Lieutenant William Bligh, who had sailed with Cook on the Resolution, was the commanding officer, supported by five midshipmen, a master, two master's mates, and others—a total of forty-four crew members. The Bounty reached Tahiti on October 26, 1788, and for six wonderful months, the crew enjoyed their time, "passing the time carelessly, as if in the ancient world." But as the saying goes, "all good things must come to an end," and on April 4, 1789, the Bounty, loaded with over a thousand breadfruit trees planted in pots, tubs, and boxes (see for plate of the pots, etc., A Voyage, etc., 1792, p. 1), headed westward for the Cape of Good Hope and the West Indies. Everything seemed fine at first, but "just before sunrise" on Tuesday, April 28, 1789, "the north-westernmost of the Friendly Islands, called Tofoa, bearing north-east," Fletcher Christian, who was the officer on watch, along with Charles Churchill, the master-at-arms, Alexander Smith (the John Adams of Pitcairn Island), and Thomas Burkitt, able seamen, captured the captain, tied his hands behind his back, dragged him out of his cabin, and forced him on deck. The boatswain, William Cole, was instructed to launch the ship's boat, which was twenty-three feet long, and into this open boat, Bligh, along with eighteen crew members who were either on his side or believed to be, were thrown, under the threat of instant death. Once in the boat, they were "tied with a rope and ultimately cast adrift." Bligh and his eighteen innocent companions sailed westward, and after a journey of "twelve hundred leagues," during which they survived thanks to the wise leadership and patience of their commander, they safely anchored in Kœpang Bay, on the north-west coast of Timor, on June 14, 1789. (See Bligh's Narrative, etc., 1790, pp. 11-88; and The Island, Canto I. section ix. lines 169-201.)

The Bounty, with the remainder of the crew, twenty-five in number, "the most able of the ship's company," sailed eastward, first to Toobooai, or Tubuai, an island to the south of the Society Islands, thence to Tahiti (June 6), back to Tubuai (June 26), and yet again, to Tahiti (September 20), where sixteen of the mutineers, including the midshipman George Stewart (the "Torquil" of The Island), were put on shore. Finally, September 21, 1789, Fletcher Christian, with the Bounty and eight of her crew, six Tahitian men, and twelve women, sailed away still further east to unknown[584] shores, and, so it was believed, disappeared for good and all. Long afterwards it was known that they had landed on Pitcairn Island, broken up the Bounty, and founded a permanent settlement.

The Bounty, along with the remaining crew of twenty-five, "the most capable of the ship's company," sailed eastward, first to Toobooai, or Tubuai, an island south of the Society Islands, then to Tahiti (June 6), back to Tubuai (June 26), and once more to Tahiti (September 20), where sixteen of the mutineers, including midshipman George Stewart (the "Torquil" of The Island), were put ashore. Finally, on September 21, 1789, Fletcher Christian, with the Bounty and eight of her crew, six Tahitian men, and twelve women, sailed away even further east to unknown[584] shores, where it was believed they disappeared for good. Much later, it was discovered that they had landed on Pitcairn Island, dismantled the Bounty, and established a permanent settlement.

When Bligh returned to England (March 14, 1790), and acquainted the Government "with the atrocious act of piracy and mutiny" which had been committed on the high seas, the Pandora frigate, with Captain Edwards, was despatched to apprehend the mutineers, and bring them back to England for trial and punishment. The Pandora reached Tahiti March 23, 1791, set sail, with fourteen prisoners, May 8, and was wrecked on the "Great Barrier Reef" north-east of Queensland, August 29, 1791. Four of the prisoners, including George Stewart, who had been manacled, and were confined in "Pandora's box," perished in the wreck, and the remaining ten were brought back to England, and tried by court-martial. (See The Eventful History of the Mutiny, etc. (by Sir John Barrow), 1831, pp. 205-244.)

When Bligh returned to England on March 14, 1790, and informed the government about the "atrocious act of piracy and mutiny" that had taken place on the high seas, the frigate Pandora, commanded by Captain Edwards, was sent to capture the mutineers and bring them back to England for trial and punishment. The Pandora arrived in Tahiti on March 23, 1791, set sail with fourteen prisoners on May 8, and was wrecked on the "Great Barrier Reef" northeast of Queensland on August 29, 1791. Four of the prisoners, including George Stewart, who had been shackled and confined in "Pandora's box," died in the wreck, while the remaining ten were brought back to England and tried by court-martial. (See The Eventful History of the Mutiny, etc. (by Sir John Barrow), 1831, pp. 205-244.)

The story, which runs through the second, third, and fourth cantos, may possibly owe some of its details to a vague recollection of incidents which happened, or were supposed to happen, at Tahiti, in the interval between the final departure of the Bounty, September 21, 1789, and the arrival of the Pandora, March 23, 1791; but, as a whole, it is a work of fiction.

The story that spans the second, third, and fourth cantos might draw some of its details from a faint memory of events that took place, or were thought to take place, in Tahiti, between the final departure of the Bounty on September 21, 1789, and the arrival of the Pandora on March 23, 1791; however, overall, it is a work of fiction.

With the exception of the fifteenth and sixteenth cantos of Don Juan, The Island was the last poem of any importance which Byron lived to write, and the question naturally suggests itself—Is the new song as good as the old? Byron answers the question himself. He tells Leigh Hunt (January 25, 1823) that he hopes the "poem will be a little above the ordinary run of periodical poesy," and that, though portions of the Toobonai (sic) islanders are "pamby," he intends "to scatter some uncommon places here and there nevertheless." On the whole, in point of conception and execution, The Island is weaker and less coherent than the Corsair; but it contains lines and passages (e.g. Canto I. lines 107-124, 133-140; Canto II. lines 272-297; Canto IV. lines 94-188) which display a finer feeling and a more "exalted wit" than the "purple patches" of The Turkish Tales.

Aside from the fifteenth and sixteenth cantos of Don Juan, The Island was the last significant poem that Byron wrote before his death, raising the obvious question—Is this new poem as good as the old ones? Byron himself addresses this. He tells Leigh Hunt (January 25, 1823) that he hopes the "poem will be a bit better than the usual periodical poetry," and that while some parts from the Toobonai (sic) islanders might be "pamby," he plans to include some "uncommon places" here and there. Overall, in terms of idea and execution, The Island is weaker and less cohesive than The Corsair; however, it features lines and passages (e.g. Canto I. lines 107-124, 133-140; Canto II. lines 272-297; Canto IV. lines 94-188) that show a deeper emotion and a more "exalted wit" than the "purple patches" found in The Turkish Tales.

The poetic faculty is somewhat exhausted, but the poetic vision has been purged and heightened by suffering and self-knowledge.

The ability to create poetry is somewhat worn out, but the perspective of the poet has been refined and sharpened through pain and self-awareness.

The Island was reviewed in the Monthly Review, July, 1823, E.S., vol. 101, pp. 316-319; the New Monthly Magazine, N.S., 1823, vol. 8, pp. 136-141; the Atlantic Magazine, April, 1826, vol. 2, pp. 333-337; in the Literary Chronicle, June 21, 1823; and the Literary Gazette, June 21, 1823.

[585]

ADVERTISEMENT.

The foundation of the following story will be found partly in Lieutenant Bligh's "Narrative of the Mutiny and Seizure of the Bounty, in the South Seas (in 1789);" and partly in "Mariner's Account of the Tonga Islands."

Genoa, 1823.

[586]
[587]

THE ISLAND

CANTO THE FIRST.

I.

The morning watch was come; the vessel lay

The morning watch had arrived; the ship was

Her course, and gently made her liquid way;[ex]

Her path, and slowly flowed her smooth way; [ex]

The cloven billow flashed from off her prow

The split wave surged from her bow.

In furrows formed by that majestic plough;

In the rows created by that impressive plow;

The waters with their world were all before;

The waters and everything in them were all ahead;

Behind, the South Sea's many an islet shore.

Behind, many island shores of the South Sea.

The quiet night, now dappling, 'gan to wane,

The quiet night, now fading, began to wane,

Dividing darkness from the dawning main;

Dividing the darkness from the rising tide;

The dolphins, not unconscious of the day,

The dolphins, aware of the day,

Swam high, as eager of the coming ray;

Swam high, excited for the upcoming light;

The stars from broader beams began to creep,

The stars from wider beams started to move,

And lift their shining eyelids from the deep;[ey]

The sail resumed its lately shadowed white,

The sail regained its recently muted white,

And the wind fluttered with a freshening flight;

And the wind blew with a refreshing breeze;

The purpling Ocean owns the coming Sun,

The purple ocean has the rising sun,

But ere he break—a deed is to be done.

But before he breaks—something needs to be done.

II.

The gallant Chief [352] within his cabin slept,

The brave Chief [352] slept in his cabin,

Secure in those by whom the watch was kept:[588]

Secure with those who were on watch:[588]

His dreams were of Old England's welcome shore,

His dreams were of the welcoming shores of Old England,

Of toils rewarded, and of dangers o'er;20[589]

Of hard work that has been rewarded, and of dangers overcome; 20[589]

His name was added to the glorious roll

His name was added to the prestigious list.

Of those who search the storm-surrounded Pole.

Of those who search the stormy, isolated Pole.

The worst was over, and the rest seemed sure,[353]

The worst was over, and the rest seemed certain,[353]

And why should not his slumber be secure?

And why shouldn't he sleep soundly?

Alas! his deck was trod by unwilling feet,

Alas! his deck was walked on by unwilling feet,

And wilder hands would hold the vessel's sheet;

And stronger hands would grip the sail of the boat;

Young hearts, which languished for some sunny isle,

Young hearts, longing for a sunny paradise,

Where summer years and summer women smile;

Where summer days and summer people smile;

Men without country, who, too long estranged,

Men without a country, who have been estranged for too long,

Had found no native home, or found it changed,30

And, half uncivilised, preferred the cave

And, somewhat uncivilized, preferred the cave.

Of some soft savage to the uncertain wave—

Of a gentle wild person to the unpredictable wave—

The gushing fruits that nature gave unfilled;

The overflowing fruits that nature provided were not enough;

The wood without a path—but where they willed;

The woods without a path—but where they wanted;

The field o'er which promiscuous Plenty poured

The field where abundance flowed freely

Her horn; the equal land without a lord;

Her horn; the equal land without a master;

The wish—which ages have not yet subdued

The wish—which time has not yet diminished

In man—to have no master save his mood;[354]

In a person—having no master except their mood;[354]

The earth, whose mine was on its face, unsold,

The earth, with its resources visible on the surface, unsold,

The glowing sun and produce all its gold;40

The shining sun gives off all its gold; 40

The Freedom which can call each grot a home;

The freedom that can make every grotto feel like home;

The general garden, where all steps may roam,

The public garden, where everyone is free to wander,

Where Nature owns a nation as her child,

Where Nature claims a nation as her own,

Exulting in the enjoyment of the wild;[ez][590]

Exulting in the joy of the wild;[ez][590]

Their shells, their fruits, the only wealth they know,

Their shells, their fruits, the only wealth they understand,

Their unexploring navy, the canoe;[fa]

Their uncharted navy, the canoe; [fa]

Their sport, the dashing breakers and the chase;

Their sport, the thrilling waves and the pursuit;

Their strangest sight, an European face:—

Their oddest sight, a European face:—

Such was the country which these strangers yearned

Such was the country that these strangers longed for.

To see again—a sight they dearly earned.50

To see again—a view they truly deserved.50

III.

Awake, bold Bligh! the foe is at the gate!

Awake, brave Bligh! The enemy is at the gate!

Awake! awake!——Alas! it is too late!

Awake! Wake up!——Oh no! It's too late!

Fiercely beside thy cot the mutineer

Fiercely next to your bed, the rebel

Stands, and proclaims the reign of rage and fear.

Stands, and declares the rule of anger and fear.

Thy limbs are bound, the bayonet at thy breast;

Your limbs are tied, the bayonet at your chest;

The hands, which trembled at thy voice, arrest;

The hands that shook at your voice stop;

Dragged o'er the deck, no more at thy command

Dragged over the deck, no longer at your command.

The obedient helm shall veer, the sail expand;

The steering wheel will turn, the sail will open up;

That savage Spirit, which would lull by wrath

That wild spirit, which would calm through anger

Its desperate escape from Duty's path,60

Glares round thee, in the scarce believing eyes

Glares around you, in the hardly believing eyes

Of those who fear the Chief they sacrifice:

Of those who fear the Chief, they make sacrifices:

For ne'er can Man his conscience all assuage,

For never can a person completely ease their conscience,

Unless he drain the wine of Passion—Rage.

Unless he drains the wine of Passion—Rage.

IV.

In vain, not silenced by the eye of Death,

In vain, not silenced by the gaze of Death,

Thou call'st the loyal with thy menaced breath:—

You summon the loyal with your threatening breath:—

They come not; they are few, and, overawed,

They don’t come; there are only a few, and, feeling overwhelmed,

Must acquiesce, while sterner hearts applaud.

Must comply, while tougher hearts cheer.

In vain thou dost demand the cause: a curse

In vain you ask for the reason: a curse

Is all the answer, with the threat of worse.70

Is that all there is to the answer, along with the risk of something worse? 70

Full in thine eyes is waved the glittering blade,

Full in your eyes is waved the glittering blade,

Close to thy throat the pointed bayonet laid.

Close to your throat, the pointed bayonet was pressed.

The levelled muskets circle round thy breast

The leveled muskets circle around your chest.

In hands as steeled to do the deadly rest.

In hands ready to take deadly action.

Thou dar'st them to their worst, exclaiming—"Fire!"

You dare them to their worst, shouting—"Fire!"

But they who pitied not could yet admire;

But those who didn't feel pity could still admire;

Some lurking remnant of their former awe

Some lingering trace of their past amazement

Restrained them longer than their broken law;[591]

They would not dip their souls at once in blood,

They wouldn't immediately immerse their souls in blood,

But left thee to the mercies of the flood.[355]80

But left you to the mercy of the flood.[355]80

V.

"Hoist out the boat!" was now the leader's cry;

"Get the boat out!" was now the leader's shout;

And who dare answer "No!" to Mutiny,

And who would dare say "No!" to Mutiny,

In the first dawning of the drunken hour,

In the early moments of the drunk hour,

The Saturnalia of unhoped-for power?

The unexpected power of Saturnalia?

The boat is lowered with all the haste of hate,

The boat is lowered with all the urgency of anger,

With its slight plank between thee and thy fate;

With its thin plank between you and your fate;

Her only cargo such a scant supply

Her only cargo was such a meager supply

As promises the death their hands deny;

As promises, death slips through their hands;

And just enough of water and of bread

And just enough water and bread

To keep, some days, the dying from the dead:90

Some cordage, canvass, sails, and lines, and twine,

Some rope, canvas, sails, and strings, and twine,

But treasures all to hermits of the brine,

But treasures for all the hermits of the sea,

Were added after, to the earnest prayer

Were added later, to the sincere prayer

Of those who saw no hope, save sea and air;

Of those who saw no hope, except for the sea and sky;

And last, that trembling vassal of the Pole—

And lastly, that trembling servant of the Pole—

The feeling compass—Navigation's soul.[356]

The feeling compass—Navigation's essence.[356]

VI.

And now the self-elected Chief finds time

And now the self-appointed Chief finds time

To stun the first sensation of his crime,[592]

To shock the initial feeling of his crime,[592]

And raise it in his followers—"Ho! the bowl!"[357]

And lift it up among his followers—"Hey! the drink!"[357]

Lest passion should return to reason's shoal.[fb]100

Lest passion should go back to reason's shallow.[fb]100

"Brandy for heroes!"[358] Burke could once exclaim—

"Brandy for heroes!"[358] Burke could once shout—

No doubt a liquid path to Epic fame;

No doubt a smooth way to achieve Epic fame;

And such the new-born heroes found it here,

And this is how the new heroes found it here,

And drained the draught with an applauding cheer.

And drank the drink with an encouraging cheer.

"Huzza! for Otaheite!"[359] was the cry.

"Cheers for Tahiti!"__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ was the shout.

How strange such shouts from sons of Mutiny!

How strange to hear such shouts from the sons of Mutiny!

The gentle island, and the genial soil,

The gentle island and the friendly soil,

The friendly hearts, the feasts without a toil,

The kind-hearted friends, the celebrations without any hard work,

The courteous manners but from nature caught,

The polite manners, though naturally acquired,

The wealth unhoarded, and the love unbought;110

The wealth that isn't hoarded and the love that can't be bought;110

Could these have charms for rudest sea-boys, driven

Could these have charms for the roughest sea kids, driven

Before the mast by every wind of heaven?

And now, even now prepared with others' woes

And now, even now ready with others' troubles

To earn mild Virtue's vain desire, repose?

To fulfill the trivial wish of mild virtue, rest?

Alas! such is our nature! all but aim

At the same end by pathways not the same;

At the same end but through different paths;

Our means—our birth—our nation, and our name,

Our resources—our origins—our country, and our identity,

Our fortune—temper—even our outward frame,

Our fortune, mood, and appearance,

Are far more potent o'er our yielding clay

Are much more powerful over our pliable nature

Than aught we know beyond our little day.120

Than anything we know beyond our short lives.120

Yet still there whispers the small voice within,[593]

Yet still the small voice within whispers,[593]

Heard through Gain's silence, and o'er Glory's din:

Heard through Gain's silence, and over Glory's noise:

Whatever creed be taught, or land be trod,

Whatever beliefs are taught, or wherever we walk,

Man's conscience is the Oracle of God.[360]

Man's conscience is the voice of God.[360]

VII.

The launch is crowded with the faithful few

The launch is packed with the loyal few.

Who wait their Chief, a melancholy crew:

Who wait for their leader, a sorrowful group:

But some remained reluctant on the deck

But some stayed hesitant on the deck.

Of that proud vessel—now a moral wreck—

Of that proud ship—now a moral disaster—

And viewed their Captain's fate with piteous eyes;

And looked at their Captain's fate with sympathetic eyes;

While others scoffed his augured miseries,130

While others laughed at his predicted troubles,130

Sneered at the prospect of his pigmy sail,

Sneered at the idea of his tiny sail,

And the slight bark so laden and so frail.

And the thin bark, so heavy and so fragile.

The tender nautilus, who steers his prow,

The gentle nautilus, who guides his path,

The sea-born sailor of his shell canoe,

The sea-born sailor in his shell canoe,

The ocean Mab, the fairy of the sea,

Seems far less fragile, and, alas! more free.

Seems much less fragile, and, unfortunately, more free.

He, when the lightning-winged Tornados sweep

He, when the lightning-fast tornadoes sweep

The surge, is safe—his port is in the deep—

The surge is safe—his harbor is in the deep—

And triumphs o'er the armadas of Mankind,

And conquers the fleets of Humanity,

Which shake the World, yet crumble in the wind.140

Which shake the world, yet fall apart in the wind.140

VIII.

When all was now prepared, the vessel clear

When everything was ready, the ship was clear

Which hailed her master in the mutineer,

Which greeted her master in the rebel,

A seaman, less obdurate than his mates,

A sailor, less stubborn than his companions,

Showed the vain pity which but irritates;

Showed the useless pity that only annoys;

Watched his late Chieftain with exploring eye,

Watched his late Chief with a curious gaze,

And told, in signs, repentant sympathy;

And expressed, through gestures, a heartfelt regret;

Held the moist shaddock to his parched mouth,

Held the moist shaddock to his dry mouth,

Which felt Exhaustion's deep and bitter drouth.

Which felt the deep and bitter exhaustion.

But soon observed, this guardian was withdrawn,

But soon it was noticed that this guardian had pulled back,

Nor further Mercy clouds Rebellion's dawn.[361]150[594]

Nor does Mercy cloud the dawn of Rebellion.[361]150[594]

Then forward stepped the bold and froward boy

Then the bold and impudent boy stepped forward.

His Chief had cherished only to destroy,

His Chief had only wanted to destroy,

And, pointing to the helpless prow beneath,

And, pointing to the powerless front below,

Exclaimed, "Depart at once! delay is death!"

Exclaimed, "Leave right now! Just wasting time could be fatal!"

Yet then, even then, his feelings ceased not all:

Yet even then, his feelings didn't fade away:

In that last moment could a word recall

In that last moment, could a word bring back

Remorse for the black deed as yet half done,

Remorse for the dark deed that was only half completed,

And what he hid from many showed to one:

And what he kept secret from many was revealed to one:

When Bligh in stern reproach demanded where

When Bligh, in stern reproach, demanded where

Was now his grateful sense of former care?160

Was he now thankful for the care he had previously received?160

Where all his hopes to see his name aspire,

Where all his hopes to see his name rise,

And blazon Britain's thousand glories higher?

And showcase Britain's thousand glories even more?

His feverish lips thus broke their gloomy spell,

His feverish lips then broke their gloomy spell,

"Tis that! 'tis that! I am in hell! in hell!"[362]

"That's it! That's it! I’m in hell! In hell!"[362]

No more he said; but urging to the bark

No more he said; but pushing towards the boat.

His Chief, commits him to his fragile ark;

His boss puts him in his fragile ark;

These the sole accents from his tongue that fell,

These were the only words that came from his mouth,

But volumes lurked below his fierce farewell.

But there was a lot more going on beneath his intense goodbye.

[595]

IX.

The arctic [363] Sun rose broad above the wave;

The arctic [363] sun rose wide above the waves;

The breeze now sank, now whispered from his cave;170

The breeze now faded, now whispered from his cave;170

As on the Æolian harp, his fitful wings

As on the Aeolian harp, his restless wings

Now swelled, now fluttered o'er his Ocean strings.[fc]

Now swelled, now fluttered over his ocean strings.[fc]

With slow, despairing oar, the abandoned skiff

With a slow, hopeless stroke of the oar, the deserted small boat

Ploughs its drear progress to the scarce seen cliff,

Plows its bleak path to the barely visible cliff,

Which lifts its peak a cloud above the main:

Which lifts its peak a cloud above the sea:

That boat and ship shall never meet again!

That boat and ship will never meet again!

But 'tis not mine to tell their tale of grief,

But it's not my place to tell their story of sadness,

Their constant peril, and their scant relief;

Their constant danger, and their little relief;

Their days of danger, and their nights of pain;

Their days filled with danger and their nights filled with pain;

Their manly courage even when deemed in vain;180

Their brave courage, even when thought to be useless; 180

The sapping famine, rendering scarce a son

The draining famine, making a son hard to come by

Known to his mother in the skeleton;[364]

The ills that lessened still their little store,

The problems that continued to diminish their small amount,

And starved even Hunger till he wrung no more;

And even Hunger was so starved that he couldn't get anything more out of it;

The varying frowns and favours of the deep,

The changing moods and expressions of the sea,

That now almost ingulfs, then leaves to creep

That now almost swallows up, then allows to crawl

With crazy oar and shattered strength along

With wild strokes and broken strength along

The tide that yields reluctant to the strong;

The tide that gives in slowly to the strong;

The incessant fever of that arid thirst [365]

The constant fever of that dry thirst [365]

Which welcomes, as a well, the clouds that burst190

Which also welcomes the clouds that burst190

Above their naked bones, and feels delight

Above their bare bones, it feels enjoyable.

In the cold drenching of the stormy night,

In the freezing downpour of the stormy night,

And from the outspread canvass gladly wrings

And from the stretched canvas happily wrings

A drop to moisten Life's all-gasping springs;

A drop to wet Life's desperate springs;

The savage foe escaped, to seek again

The savage enemy escaped, to seek again

More hospitable shelter from the main;

More welcoming protection from the sea;

The ghastly Spectres which were doomed at last[596]

The terrifying Spectres that were finally doomed[596]

To tell as true a tale of dangers past,

To tell an accurate story of dangers from the past,

As ever the dark annals of the deep

As always, the dark records of the deep

Disclosed for man to dread or woman weep.200

Disclosed for men to fear or women to cry.200

X.

We leave them to their fate, but not unknown

We leave them to their fate, but not unnoticed.

Nor unredressed. Revenge may have her own:[fd]

Nor unaddressed. Revenge might have its own:[fd]

Roused Discipline aloud proclaims their cause,

Roused Discipline loudly declares their purpose,

And injured Navies urge their broken laws.

And injured Navies push for their broken laws.

Pursue we on his track the mutineer,

Whom distant vengeance had not taught to fear.

Whom distant revenge had not taught to fear.

Wide o'er the wave—away! away! away!

Wide over the waves—let's go! Let's go! Let's go!

Once more his eyes shall hail the welcome bay;

Once again, his eyes will greet the welcoming bay;

Once more the happy shores without a law

Once again, the joyful shores without any rules

Receive the outlaws whom they lately saw;210

Receive the outlaws they just saw; 210

Nature, and Nature's goddess—Woman—woos

Nature, and Nature's goddess—Woman—courts

To lands where, save their conscience, none accuse;

To places where, aside from their conscience, no one blames anyone;

Where all partake the earth without dispute,[fe]

Where everyone shares the earth without conflict,[fe]

And bread itself is gathered as a fruit;[366]

And bread itself is collected as a fruit;[366]

Where none contest the fields, the woods, the streams:—

Where no one disputes the fields, the woods, the streams:—

The goldless Age, where Gold disturbs no dreams,

The age without gold, where gold doesn't disrupt any dreams,

Inhabits or inhabited the shore,

Lives on or lived on the shore,

Till Europe taught them better than before;

Until Europe taught them a better way;

Bestowed her customs, and amended theirs,

Bestowed her traditions and changed theirs,

But left her vices also to their heirs.[367]220

But also passed her bad habits on to her kids.[367]220

Away with this! behold them as they were,

Away with this! Look at them as they were,

Do good with Nature, or with Nature err.

Do good by Nature, or go against Nature.

"Huzza! for Otaheite!" was the cry,

"Hooray for Tahiti!" was the shout,

As stately swept the gallant vessel by.

As the impressive ship sailed by majestically.

The breeze springs up; the lately flapping sail

The breeze picks up; the recently fluttering sail

Extends its arch before the growing gale;[597]

Extends its arch before the increasing wind;[597]

In swifter ripples stream aside the seas,

In quicker waves, the seas flow away,

Which her bold bow flings off with dashing ease.

Which her bold bow flings off with effortless flair.

Thus Argo ploughed the Euxine's virgin foam,[ff]

Thus Argo sailed through the untouched waves of the Black Sea,[ff]

But those she wafted still looked back to home;230

But those she sent away still looked back to home;230

These spurn their country with their rebel bark,

These reject their country with their rebellious talk,

And fly her as the raven fled the Ark;

And let her fly away like the raven escaped the Ark;

And yet they seek to nestle with the dove,

And yet they want to cuddle with the dove,

And tame their fiery spirits down to Love.

And calm their intense passions down to Love.

End of Canto 1st, Jn 14.[598]

End of Canto 1, Jan 14.

CANTO THE SECOND.

I.

How pleasant were the songs of Toobonai,[368]

How to pleasant were the songs of Toobonai,[368]

When Summer's Sun went down the coral bay!

When summer's sun went down over the coral bay!

Come, let us to the islet's softest shade,

Come on, let’s go to the softest shade of the island,

And hear the warbling birds! the damsels said:[599]

And listen to the singing birds! the young women said:[599]

The wood-dove from the forest depth shall coo,

The wood dove from the depths of the forest will coo,

Like voices of the Gods from Bolotoo;[369]

Like the voices of the Gods from Bolotoo;[369]

We'll cull the flowers that grow above the dead,

We'll cut the flowers that grow above the dead,

For these most bloom where rests the warrior's head;

For these, the best thrive where the warrior's head rests;

And we will sit in Twilight's face, and see

And we will sit in Twilight's presence, and see

The sweet Moon glancing through the Tooa [370] tree,10

The sweet Moon peeking through the Tooa [370] tree,10

The lofty accents of whose sighing bough

The high sounds of its sighing branches

Shall sadly please us as we lean below;

Shall sadly please us as we lean down;

Or climb the steep, and view the surf in vain

Or climb the steep and look at the waves in vain

Wrestle with rocky giants o'er the main,

Wrestle with rocky giants over the sea,

Which spurn in columns back the baffled spray.

Which reject in rows the confused spray.

How beautiful are these! how happy they,

How beautiful are these! How happy they are,

Who, from the toil and tumult of their lives,

Who, from the struggles and chaos of their lives,

Steal to look down where nought but Ocean strives!

Steal a glance down at the endless Ocean below!

Even He too loves at times the blue lagoon,

Even He loves the blue lagoon at times,

And smooths his ruffled mane beneath the Moon.20

And smooths his messy hair under the Moon.20

II.

Yes—from the sepulchre we'll gather flowers,

Yes—from the tomb we'll gather flowers,

Then feast like spirits in their promised bowers,

Then enjoy like spirits in their promised gardens,

Then plunge and revel in the rolling surf,

Then dive in and enjoy the crashing waves,

Then lay our limbs along the tender turf,

Then we lay our limbs on the soft grass,

And, wet and shining from the sportive toil,[600]

And, wet and shining from the playful effort,[600]

Anoint our bodies with the fragrant oil,

Anoint our bodies with the scented oil,

And plait our garlands gathered from the grave,

And braid our wreaths collected from the grave,

And wear the wreaths that sprung from out the brave.

And wear the wreaths that came from the brave.

But lo! night comes, the Mooa [371] woos us back,

But look! Night arrives, the Mooa [371] invites us back,

The sound of mats [372] are heard along our track;30

The sound of mats [372] can be heard along our path;30

Anon the torchlight dance shall fling its sheen

Anon the torchlight dance will throw its glow

In flashing mazes o'er the Marly's [373] green;

In flashing mazes over the Marly's [373] green;

And we too will be there; we too recall

And we will be there too; we remember as well.

The memory bright with many a festival,

The memory shines with many celebrations,

Ere Fiji blew the shell of war, when foes

For the first time were wafted in canoes.[fg]

For the first time, they were carried in canoes.[fg]

Alas! for them the flower of manhood bleeds;

Alas! the bloom of manhood suffers;

Alas! for them our fields are rank with weeds:

Alas! Our fields are overgrown with weeds for them:

Forgotten is the rapture, or unknown,[fh]

Forgotten is the joy, or unknown,[fh]

Of wandering with the Moon and Love alone.40

But be it so:—they taught us how to wield

But that's how it is:—they showed us how to use

The club, and rain our arrows o'er the field:

The club, and rain our arrows over the field:

Now let them reap the harvest of their art!

Now let them enjoy the fruits of their labor!

But feast to-night! to-morrow we depart.

But let's celebrate tonight! Tomorrow we leave.

Strike up the dance! the Cava bowl [374] fill high![601]

Strike up the dance! Fill the Cava bowl high!

Drain every drop!—to-morrow we may die.

Drain every drop!—tomorrow we might die.

In summer garments be our limbs arrayed;

In summer clothes, let our bodies be dressed;

Around our waists the Tappa's white displayed;

Around our waists the Tappa's white was shown;

Thick wreaths shall form our coronal,[375] like Spring's,

Thick wreaths will make our crown,[375] like Spring's,

And round our necks shall glance the Hooni strings;50

And around our necks will shine the Hooni strings;50

So shall their brighter hues contrast the glow

So will their brighter colors stand out against the glow

Of the dusk bosoms that beat high below.

Of the dusk shadows that rise high below.

III.

But now the dance is o'er—yet stay awhile;

But now the dance is over—yet hang on for a moment;

Ah, pause! nor yet put out the social smile.

Ah, hold on! And don't lose that friendly smile just yet.

To-morrow for the Mooa we depart,

But not to-night—to-night is for the heart.

But not tonight—tonight is for the heart.

Again bestow the wreaths we gently woo,

Again, give the wreaths we softly request,

Ye young Enchantresses of gay Licoo![376]

Ye young Enchantresses of joyful Licoo![376]

How lovely are your forms! how every sense

How beautiful are your shapes! How every sense

Bows to your beauties, softened, but intense,[fi]60

Like to the flowers on Mataloco's steep,

Like the flowers on Mataloco's steep,

Which fling their fragrance far athwart the deep![602]—

Which spread their scent far across the deep![602]—

We too will see Licoo; but—oh! my heart!—

We will also see Licoo; but—oh! my heart!—

What do I say?—to-morrow we depart!

What should I say?—Tomorrow we leave!

IV.

Thus rose a song—the harmony of times

Thus rose a song—the harmony of time.

Before the winds blew Europe o'er these climes.

Before the winds blew across Europe to these lands.

True, they had vices—such are Nature's growth—

True, they had flaws—such is the way of nature—

But only the barbarian's—we have both;

The sordor of civilisation, mixed

The grime of civilization, mixed

With all the savage which Man's fall hath fixed.70

With all the brutality that man's downfall has caused.70

Who hath not seen Dissimulation's reign,

Who hasn't seen the rule of Deception,

The prayers of Abel linked to deeds of Cain?

The prayers of Abel connected to the actions of Cain?

Who such would see may from his lattice view

Whoever wants to see can look through his window.

The Old World more degraded than the New,—

The Old World is more degraded than the New,—

Now new no more, save where Columbia rears

Now new no more, except where Columbia rises

Twin giants, born by Freedom to her spheres,

Twin giants, born from Freedom in her realms,

Where Chimborazo, over air,—earth,—wave,—

Where Chimborazo, above air,—earth,—wave,—

Glares with his Titan eye, and sees no slave.[fj][377]

Glares with his Titan eye and sees no slave.[fj][377]

V.

Such was this ditty of Tradition's days,

Such was this song from the days of Tradition,

Which to the dead a lingering fame conveys80

Which gives the dead a lasting reputation.

In song, where Fame as yet hath left no sign

In song, where Fame hasn't made her mark yet

Beyond the sound whose charm is half divine;

Beyond the sound that is partly divine;

Which leaves no record to the sceptic eye,

Which leaves no evidence for the skeptical eye,

But yields young History all to Harmony;

But young History gives everything to Harmony;

A boy Achilles, with the Centaur's lyre

In hand, to teach him to surpass his sire.

In hand, to teach him to outdo his father.

For one long-cherished ballad's [378] simple stave,

For one beloved ballad's__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ simple verse,

Rung from the rock, or mingled with the wave,[603]

Rung from the rock, or mixed with the wave,[603]

Or from the bubbling streamlet's grassy side,

Or from the grassy side of the bubbling stream,

Or gathering mountain echoes as they glide,90

Or collecting mountain echoes as they move, 90

Hath greater power o'er each true heart and ear,

Has greater power over every true heart and ear,

Than all the columns Conquest's minions rear;[fk]

Than all the columns Conquest's followers raise;[fk]

Invites, when Hieroglyphics [379] are a theme

Invitations, when Hieroglyphics __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ are a theme

For sages' labours, or the student's dream;

For the hard work of wise people, or the aspirations of a student;

Attracts, when History's volumes are a toil,—

Attracts, when History's volumes are a struggle,—

The first, the freshest bud of Feeling's soil.

The first, the newest bud from the soil of Emotion.

Such was this rude rhyme—rhyme is of the rude—

Such was this crude rhyme—rhyme is typically rough—

But such inspired the Norseman's solitude,

But such inspired the Norseman's loneliness,

Who came and conquered; such, wherever rise

Whoever comes and conquers; such, wherever they rise

Lands which no foes destroy or civilise,100

Lands that neither enemies ruin nor tame,100

Exist: and what can our accomplished art

Exist: and what can our skilled craft

Of verse do more than reach the awakened heart?[380]

Of poetry, what more can touch the awakened heart?[380]

VI.

And sweetly now those untaught melodies

And sweetly now those untrained melodies

Broke the luxurious silence of the skies,

Broke the peaceful silence of the skies,

The sweet siesta of a summer day,

The sweet nap of a summer day,

The tropic afternoon of Toobonai,

The tropical afternoon of Toobonai,

When every flower was bloom, and air was balm,

When every flower was in bloom, and the air was refreshing,

And the first breath began to stir the palm,

And the first breath started to move the palm,

The first yet voiceless wind to urge the wave

The first silent wind that pushes the wave

All gently to refresh the thirsty cave,110

Where sat the Songstress with the stranger boy,

Where the Songstress sat with the strange boy,

Who taught her Passion's desolating joy,

Who taught her the overwhelming joy of passion,

Too powerful over every heart, but most

O'er those who know not how it may be lost;

Over those who don’t know how it could be lost;

O'er those who, burning in the new-born fire,

Like martyrs revel in their funeral pyre,

Like martyrs celebrate on their funeral pyre,

With such devotion to their ecstacy,

With such dedication to their joy,

That Life knows no such rapture as to die:

That life knows no joy quite like dying:

And die they do; for earthly life has nought

And they do die; because life on Earth has nothing

Matched with that burst of Nature, even in thought;120

Matched with that burst of nature, even in thought; 120

And all our dreams of better life above[604]

And all our dreams of a better life above[604]

But close in one eternal gush of Love.

But close in one continuous flow of Love.

VII.

There sat the gentle savage of the wild,

There sat the gentle wild person,

In growth a woman, though in years a child,

In growth, a woman, even though she’s still a child in years,

As childhood dates within our colder clime,

As childhood fades away in our colder climate,

Where nought is ripened rapidly save crime;

Where nothing matures quickly except for crime;

The infant of an infant world, as pure

The baby of a baby world, as innocent

From Nature—lovely, warm, and premature;

From Nature—beautiful, cozy, and early;

Dusky like night, but night with all her stars;

Dusky like night, but night filled with all her stars;

Or cavern sparkling with its native spars;130

Or cave shining with its natural crystals;130

With eyes that were a language and a spell,

With eyes that spoke a language and cast a spell,

A form like Aphrodite's in her shell,

A shape like Aphrodite's in her shell,

With all her loves around her on the deep,

With all her loved ones around her in the depths,

Voluptuous as the first approach of sleep;

Voluptuous like the first touch of sleep;

Yet full of life—for through her tropic cheek

Yet full of life—for through her tropical cheek

The blush would make its way, and all but speak;

The blush would show up, practically speaking for itself;

The sun-born blood suffused her neck, and threw

The blood, warmed by the sun, filled her neck, and threw

O'er her clear nut-brown skin a lucid hue,

Like coral reddening through the darkened wave,

Like coral turning red through the dark wave,

Which draws the diver to the crimson cave.140

Which attracts the diver to the red cave.140

Such was this daughter of the southern seas,

Herself a billow in her energies,[fl]

Herself a wave in her energies,[fl]

To bear the bark of others' happiness,

To handle the weight of other people's happiness,

Nor feel a sorrow till their joy grew less:

Nor feel sad until their happiness faded:

Her wild and warm yet faithful bosom knew

Her passionate and warm yet loyal heart knew

No joy like what it gave; her hopes ne'er drew

No joy like what it gave; her hopes never drew

Aught from Experience, that chill touchstone, whose

Aught from Experience, that cold touchstone, whose

Sad proof reduces all things from their hues:

Sad proof takes away all color from everything:

She feared no ill, because she knew it not,

She feared no harm, because she didn’t know it.

Or what she knew was soon—too soon—forgot:150

Or what she knew was quickly—way too quickly—forgotten:150

Her smiles and tears had passed, as light winds pass

Her smiles and tears had come and gone, like gentle breezes.

O'er lakes to ruffle, not destroy, their glass,

Over lakes to stir, not break, their surface,

Whose depths unsearched, and fountains from the hill,

Whose depths are unexplored, and springs from the hill,

Restore their surface, in itself so still,

Restore their surface, which is so calm in itself,

Until the Earthquake tear the Naiad's cave,

Until the earthquake tore apart the Naiad's cave,

Root up the spring, and trample on the wave,[605]

Root up the spring and stomp on the wave,[605]

And crush the living waters to a mass,

And press the flowing waters into a solid mass,

The amphibious desert of the dank morass!

The swampy desert of the wet bog!

And must their fate be hers? The eternal change

And must their fate be hers? The endless change

But grasps Humanity with quicker range;160

But understands Humanity with greater speed;

And they who fall but fall as worlds will fall,

And those who fall do so like worlds falling,

To rise, if just, a Spirit o'er them all.

To elevate, if only, a Spirit above them all.

VIII.

And who is he? the blue-eyed northern child [381]

And who is he? the blue-eyed kid from the north [381]

Of isles more known to man, but scarce less wild;

Of islands better known to people, but still quite untamed;

The fair-haired offspring of the Hebrides,

The fair-haired child of the Hebrides,

Where roars the Pentland with its whirling seas;[606]

Where the Pentland roars with its swirling seas;[606]

Rocked in his cradle by the roaring wind,

Rocked in his crib by the howling wind,

The tempest-born in body and in mind,

The storm-born in body and mind,

His young eyes opening on the ocean-foam,

His young eyes opening to the ocean foam,

Had from that moment deemed the deep his home,170

Had from that moment considered the deep his home,170

The giant comrade of his pensive moods,

The huge friend of his thoughtful moments,

The sharer of his craggy solitudes,

The person who shares his rocky solitude,

The only Mentor of his youth, where'er

The only mentor of his youth, wherever

His bark was borne; the sport of wave and air;

His bark was carried along, a plaything of the waves and wind;

A careless thing, who placed his choice in chance,

A reckless person, who left their fate up to chance,

Nursed by the legends of his land's romance;

Nurtured by the tales of his homeland's love stories;

Eager to hope, but not less firm to bear,

Eager to hope, but equally strong to endure,

Acquainted with all feelings save despair.

Acquainted with every feeling except despair.

Placed in the Arab's clime he would have been

Placed in the Arab's climate, he would have been

As bold a rover as the sands have seen,180

As daring a traveler as the sands have witnessed,180

And braved their thirst with as enduring lip

And faced their thirst with strong resolve

As Ishmael, wafted on his Desert-Ship;[382]

As Ishmael floated on his desert ship;[382]

Fixed upon Chili's shore, a proud cacique:

Fixed upon Chili's shore, a proud chief:

On Hellas' mountains, a rebellious Greek;[383]

On the mountains of Greece, a rebellious Greek;[383]

Born in a tent, perhaps a Tamerlane;

Born in a tent, maybe a Tamerlane;

Bred to a throne, perhaps unfit to reign.

Bred for a throne, maybe not suited to rule.

For the same soul that rends its path to sway,

For the same soul that tears its way to influence,

If reared to such, can find no further prey

If raised to that point, can find no other prey

Beyond itself, and must retrace its way,[384]

Beyond itself, and must find its way back,[384]

Plunging for pleasure into pain: the same190

Spirit which made a Nero, Rome's worst shame,

Spirit that created a Nero, Rome's greatest disgrace,

A humbler state and discipline of heart,

A more modest state and mindset,

Had formed his glorious namesake's counterpart;[385][607]

But grant his vices, grant them all his own,

But acknowledge his flaws, accept them all as his own,

How small their theatre without a throne!

How small their theater without a throne!

IX.

Thou smilest:—these comparisons seem high

You smile:—these comparisons seem lofty

To those who scan all things with dazzled eye;

To those who look at everything with amazement;

Linked with the unknown name of one whose doom

Linked with the unknown name of someone whose fate

Has nought to do with glory or with Rome,

Has nothing to do with glory or with Rome,

With Chili, Hellas, or with Araby;—200

With Chile, Greece, or with Arabia;—200

Thou smilest?—Smile; 'tis better thus than sigh;

You’re smiling?—Smile; it’s better this way than to sigh;

Yet such he might have been; he was a man,

Yet he could have been that way; he was a man,

A soaring spirit, ever in the van,

A soaring spirit, always at the forefront,

A patriot hero or despotic chief,[fm]

A patriotic hero or a tyrannical leader,[fm]

To form a nation's glory or its grief,

To create a nation's pride or its sorrow,

Born under auspices which make us more

Born under conditions that make us more

Or less than we delight to ponder o'er.

Or less than we enjoy thinking about.

But these are visions; say, what was he here?

But these are just visions; so, what was he doing here?

A blooming boy, a truant mutineer.

A rebellious boy who skips school.

The fair-haired Torquil, free as Ocean's spray,210

The fair-haired Torquil, free like the spray of the ocean,210

The husband of the bride of Toobonai.

Toobonai's bridegroom.

X.

By Neuha's side he sate, and watched the waters,—

By Neuha's side he sat and watched the waters,—

Neuha, the sun-flower of the island daughters,

Neuha, the vibrant flower of the island girls,

Highborn, (a birth at which the herald smiles,

Highborn, (a birth that makes the herald smile,

Without a scutcheon for these secret isles,)

Without a coat of arms for these hidden islands,)

Of a long race, the valiant and the free,

Of a long journey, the brave and the free,

The naked knights of savage chivalry,

The unclothed knights of brutal honor,

Whose grassy cairns ascend along the shore;

Whose grassy mounds rise along the shore;

And thine—I've seen—Achilles! do no more.[386]

And yours—I've seen—Achilles! stop it now.[386]

She, when the thunder-bearing strangers came,220

She, when the thunderous outsiders arrived,220

In vast canoes, begirt with bolts of flame,

In large canoes, surrounded by flames,

Topped with tall trees, which, loftier than the palm,

Topped with tall trees that are taller than the palm,

Seemed rooted in the deep amidst its calm:

Seemed grounded in the depths, surrounded by its tranquility:

But when the winds awakened, shot forth wings[608]

But when the winds stirred, they spread their wings[608]

Broad as the cloud along the horizon flings,

Broad as the cloud spreads across the horizon,

And swayed the waves, like cities of the sea,

And the waves swayed, like cities of the ocean,

Making the very billows look less free;—

Making the waves seem less free;—

She, with her paddling oar and dancing prow,

She, with her paddle and graceful bow,

Shot through the surf, like reindeer through the snow,

Shot through the waves, like reindeer through the snow,

Swift-gliding o'er the breaker's whitening edge,230

Swiftly gliding over the white foam of the waves,230

Light as a Nereid in her ocean sledge,

Light as a Nereid in her ocean chariot,

And gazed and wondered at the giant hulk,

And stared in awe at the massive figure,

Which heaved from wave to wave its trampling bulk.

Which surged from wave to wave with its massive weight.

The anchor dropped; it lay along the deep,

The anchor dropped; it rested along the deep,

Like a huge lion in the sun asleep,

Like a giant lion asleep in the sun,

While round it swarmed the Proas' flitting chain,

While around it swarmed the Proas' flitting chain,

Like summer bees that hum around his mane.

Like summer bees buzzing around his hair.

XI.

The white man landed!—need the rest be told?

The white man has arrived!—is there more to say?

The New World stretched its dusk hand to the Old;

The New World reached out its hand at dusk to the Old;

Each was to each a marvel, and the tie240

Each person was a wonder to the other, and the tie240

Of wonder warmed to better sympathy.

Of wonder warmed to better understanding.

Kind was the welcome of the sun-born sires,

Kind was the welcome of the sun-born fathers,

And kinder still their daughters' gentler fires.

And even kinder are the softer passions of their daughters.

Their union grew: the children of the storm

Their bond strengthened: the children of the storm

Found beauty linked with many a dusky form;

Found beauty connected with many dark shapes;

While these in turn admired the paler glow,

While these, in turn, admired the lighter glow,

Which seemed so white in climes that knew no snow.

Which looked so white in places that had never seen snow.

The chace, the race, the liberty to roam,

The chase, the race, the freedom to wander,

The soil where every cottage showed a home;

The soil where every cottage represented a home;

The sea-spread net, the lightly launched canoe,250

The wide net stretched across the sea, the canoe gently set afloat,250

Which stemmed the studded archipelago,

Which halted the studded archipelago,

O'er whose blue bosom rose the starry isles;

O'er whose blue surface rose the starry islands;

The healthy slumber, earned by sportive toils;

The restful sleep that comes from active efforts;

The palm, the loftiest Dryad of the woods,

The palm, the tallest Dryad of the woods,

Within whose bosom infant Bacchus broods,

Within whose embrace baby Bacchus rests,

While eagles scarce build higher than the crest

While eagles rarely build their nests higher than the peak

Which shadows o'er the vineyard in her breast;

Which shadows over the vineyard in her heart;

The Cava feast, the Yam, the Cocoa's root,

The Cava feast, the Yam, the Cocoa root,

Which bears at once the cup, and milk, and fruit;

Which holds at the same time the cup, milk, and fruit;

The Bread-tree, which, without the ploughshare, yields260

The Bread-tree, which, without the plow, produces260

The unreaped harvest of unfurrowed fields,

The unharvested crops of untouched fields,

And bakes its unadulterated loaves[609]

And bakes its pure loaves[609]

Without a furnace in unpurchased groves,

Without a furnace in unowned groves,

And flings off famine from its fertile breast,

And casts off hunger from its productive land,

A priceless market for the gathering guest;—

A priceless opportunity for the invited guest;—

These, with the luxuries of seas and woods,

These, along with the luxuries of the sea and the forest,

The airy joys of social solitudes,

The light joys of being alone together,

Tamed each rude wanderer to the sympathies

Tamed every rude traveler to the feelings

Of those who were more happy, if less wise,

Of those who were happier, though not as wise,

Did more than Europe's discipline had done,270

And civilised Civilisation's son!

And civilized Civilization's son!

XII.

Of these, and there was many a willing pair,

Of these, there were many eager couples,

Neuha [387] and Torquil were not the least fair:

Neuha [387] and Torquil were not at all fair:

Both children of the isles, though distant far;

Both children of the islands, though far apart;

Both born beneath a sea-presiding star;

Both born under a star that rules the sea;

Both nourished amidst Nature's native scenes,

Both grew up surrounded by Nature's beautiful landscapes,

Loved to the last, whatever intervenes

Loved to the end, no matter what gets in the way

Between us and our Childhood's sympathy,

Between us and our childhood's understanding,

Which still reverts to what first caught the eye.

Which still goes back to what first caught the eye.

He who first met the Highlands' swelling blue280

He who first encountered the rising blue of the Highlands280

Will love each peak that shows a kindred hue,

Will love every peak that shares a similar color,

Hail in each crag a friend's familiar face,

Hail in every cliff a friend's familiar face,

And clasp the mountain in his Mind's embrace.

And hold the mountain in his mind's embrace.

Long have I roamed through lands which are not mine,

Long have I wandered through lands that aren't mine,

Adored the Alp, and loved the Apennine,

Adored the Alps, and loved the Apennines,

Revered Parnassus, and beheld the steep

Revered Parnassus, and saw the steep

Jove's Ida and Olympus crown the deep:

Jove's Ida and Olympus tower over the sea:

But 'twas not all long ages' lore, nor all

But it wasn't just the stories of long ages, nor all

Their nature held me in their thrilling thrall;

Their nature captivated me in a thrilling way;

The infant rapture still survived the boy,290

The child's delight still lingered in the boy,290

And Loch-na-gar with Ida looked o'er Troy,[388][610]

And Loch-na-gar with Ida looked over Troy,[388][610]

Mixed Celtic memories with the Phrygian mount,

Mixed Celtic memories with the Phrygian mountain,

And Highland linns with Castalie's clear fount.

And Highland streams with Castalie's clear spring.

Forgive me, Homer's universal shade!

Forgive me, Homer’s universal spirit!

Forgive me, Phœbus! that my fancy strayed;

Forgive me, Phœbus! that my thoughts wandered;

The North and Nature taught me to adore

The North and Nature taught me to love

Your scenes sublime, from those beloved before.

Your amazing scenes, from those cherished before.

XIII.

The love which maketh all things fond and fair,

The love that makes everything dear and beautiful,

The youth which makes one rainbow of the air,

The youth that turns the sky into a rainbow,

The dangers past, that make even Man enjoy300

The dangers are gone, which makes even a person enjoy.

The pause in which he ceases to destroy,

The break when he stops destroying,

The mutual beauty, which the sternest feel

The shared beauty that even the toughest can appreciate

Strike to their hearts like lightning to the steel,

Strike their hearts like lightning to steel,

United the half savage and the whole,

United the half-wild and the whole,

The maid and boy, in one absorbing soul.

The maid and the boy, as one captivating being.

No more the thundering memory of the fight

No longer the thunderous memory of the battle

Wrapped his weaned bosom in its dark delight;

Wrapped his weaned chest in its dark pleasure;

No more the irksome restlessness of Rest

No more the annoying restlessness of Rest

Disturbed him like the eagle in her nest,

Disturbed him like an eagle in her nest,

Whose whetted beak [389] and far-pervading eye310

Whose sharp beak__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ and wide-ranging gaze310

Darts for a victim over all the sky:

Darts aimed at a target across the entire sky:

His heart was tamed to that voluptuous state,

His heart was softened to that indulgent state,

At once Elysian and effeminate,

Both heavenly and delicate,

Which leaves no laurels o'er the Hero's urn;—

Which leaves no laurels over the hero's urn;—

These wither when for aught save blood they burn;

These fade away when they burn for anything other than blood;

Yet when their ashes in their nook are laid,

Yet when their ashes are placed in their spot,

Doth not the myrtle leave as sweet a shade?

Doesn't the myrtle leave a sweet shade too?

Had Cæsar known but Cleopatra's kiss,

Had Caesar known just Cleopatra's kiss,

Rome had been free, the world had not been his.

Rome was free, but the world wasn't his.

And what have Cæsar's deeds and Cæsar's fame320

And what are Cæsar's actions and Cæsar's reputation320

Done for the earth? We feel them in our shame.

Done for the earth? We sense them in our shame.

The gory sanction of his Glory stains

The brutal punishment of his glory leaves a mark

The rust which tyrants cherish on our chains.

The rust that tyrants value on our chains.

Though Glory—Nature—Reason—Freedom, bid[611]

Though Glory—Nature—Reason—Freedom, bid

Roused millions do what single Brutus did—

Roused millions do what one Brutus did—

Sweep these mere mock-birds of the Despot's song

Sweep these mere mock-birds of the tyrant's song

From the tall bough where they have perched so long,—

From the high branch where they have settled for so long,—

Still are we hawked at by such mousing owls,[390]

And take for falcons those ignoble fowls,

And consider those dishonorable birds as falcons,

When but a word of freedom would dispel330

When just a word of freedom would clear away330

These bugbears, as their terrors show too well.

These fears, as their horrors clearly demonstrate.

XIV.

Rapt in the fond forgetfulness of life,

Raptured in the pleasant forgetfulness of life,

Neuha, the South Sea girl, was all a wife,

Neuha, the South Sea girl, was everything a wife should be,

With no distracting world to call her off

With no distracting world to pull her away

From Love; with no Society to scoff

From Love; with no Society to mock

At the new transient flame; no babbling crowd

At the new temporary fire; no chatter from the crowd

Of coxcombry in admiration loud,

Of flashy admiration,

Or with adulterous whisper to alloy

Or with cheating whispers to mix

Her duty, and her glory, and her joy:

Her responsibility, her pride, and her happiness:

With faith and feelings naked as her form,340

With her faith and feelings completely exposed,

She stood as stands a rainbow in a storm,

She stood like a rainbow in a storm,

Changing its hues with bright variety,

Changing its colors with vibrant variety,

But still expanding lovelier o'er the sky,

But still spreading more beautifully across the sky,

Howe'er its arch may swell, its colours move,

However its arch may swell, its colors shift,

The cloud-compelling harbinger of Love.

The cloud-creating sign of Love.

XV.

Here, in this grotto of the wave-worn shore,

Here, in this cave by the worn shoreline,

They passed the Tropic's red meridian o'er;

They crossed the red line of the Tropic;

Nor long the hours—they never paused o'er time,

Nor long the hours—they never paused over time,

Unbroken by the clock's funereal chime,[391]

Unbroken by the clock's mournful toll,[391]

Which deals the daily pittance of our span,350

Which handles the daily small allowance of our time,350

And points and mocks with iron laugh at man.[fn]

And points and mocks with a harsh laugh at humanity.[fn]

What deemed they of the future or the past?

What did they think of the future or the past?

The present, like a tyrant, held them fast:

The present, like a dictator, trapped them:

Their hour-glass was the sea-sand, and the tide,

Their hourglass was the sea sand, and the tide,

Like her smooth billow, saw their moments glide[612]

Like her smooth wave, watched their moments pass[612]

Their clock the Sun, in his unbounded tower

Their clock is the Sun, in his limitless tower.

They reckoned not, whose day was but an hour;

They didn't consider that their day was just an hour long;

The nightingale, their only vesper-bell,

The nightingale, their only evening bell,

Sung sweetly to the rose the day's farewell;[392]

Sung sweetly to the rose, the day's goodbye; [392]

The broad Sun set, but not with lingering sweep,360

The wide Sun set, but not with a slow goodbye,360

As in the North he mellows o'er the deep;

As he softens over the deep in the North;

But fiery, full, and fierce, as if he left

The World for ever, earth of light bereft,

The world forever, earth without light,

Plunged with red forehead down along the wave,

Plunged forehead first into the wave, red with intensity,

As dives a hero headlong to his grave.

As a hero plunges headfirst into his grave.

Then rose they, looking first along the skies,

Then they rose, first looking up at the sky,

And then for light into each other's eyes,

And then for light in each other's eyes,

Wondering that Summer showed so brief a sun,

Wondering why Summer had such a short amount of sunshine,

And asking if indeed the day were done.

And asking if the day was really over.

XVI.

And let not this seem strange: the devotee370

And don't let this seem weird: the devotee370

Lives not in earth, but in his ecstasy;

Lives not on earth, but in his bliss;

Around him days and worlds are heedless driven,

Around him, days and worlds rush by without care,

His Soul is gone before his dust to Heaven.

His soul has left for heaven before his body turns to dust.

Is Love less potent? No—his path is trod,

Is love less powerful? No—his journey is walked,

Alike uplifted gloriously to God;

Raised gloriously to God;

Or linked to all we know of Heaven below,

Or connected to everything we know about Heaven down here,

The other better self, whose joy or woe

The other better self, whose joy or sorrow

Is more than ours; the all-absorbing flame

Is more than ours; the all-consuming fire

Which, kindled by another, grows the same,[fo]

Which, ignited by another, becomes the same,[fo]

Wrapt in one blaze; the pure, yet funeral pile,380

Where gentle hearts, like Bramins, sit and smile.

Where kind hearts, like Brahmins, sit and smile.

How often we forget all time, when lone,

How often we forget the time when we're alone,

Admiring Nature's universal throne,

Admiring Nature's grand throne,

Her woods—her wilds—her waters—the intense

Her forests—her wilderness—her waters—the intense

Reply of hers to our intelligence!

Reply of hers to our intel!

Live not the Stars and Mountains? Are the Waves

Without a spirit? Are the dropping caves

Without a spirit? Are the falling caves

Without a feeling in their silent tears?[393][613]

No, no;—they woo and clasp us to their spheres,

No, no;—they attract and hold us close to their worlds,

Dissolve this clog and clod of clay before390

Dissolve this clog and lump of clay before390

Its hour, and merge our soul in the great shore.

Its hour, and bring our souls together on the vast shore.

Strip off this fond and false identity!—

Strip away this loving but false identity!—

Who thinks of self when gazing on the sky?

Who thinks about themselves when looking at the sky?

And who, though gazing lower, ever thought,

And who, while looking down, ever thought,

In the young moments ere the heart is taught

In the early moments before the heart learns

Time's lesson, of Man's baseness or his own?

Time's lesson, about humanity's flaws or his own?

All Nature is his realm, and Love his throne.

All of nature is his kingdom, and love is his throne.

XVII.

Neuha arose, and Torquil: Twilight's hour

Neuha stood up, as did Torquil: Twilight's hour

Came sad and softly to their rocky bower,

Came sadly and quietly to their rocky shelter,

Which, kindling by degrees its dewy spars,400

Which, gradually igniting its moist masts,400

Echoed their dim light to the mustering stars.

Echoed their soft light to the gathering stars.

Slowly the pair, partaking Nature's calm,

Slowly, the two of them enjoyed Nature's tranquility,

Sought out their cottage, built beneath the palm;

Sought out their cottage, built under the palm tree;

Now smiling and now silent, as the scene;

Now smiling and now silent, just like the scene;

Lovely as Love—the Spirit!—when serene.

Lovely as Love—the Spirit!—when calm.

The Ocean scarce spoke louder with his swell,

The Ocean barely spoke louder with his waves,

Than breathes his mimic murmurer in the shell,[394][614]

Than breathes his copycat whisperer in the shell,[394][614]

As, far divided from his parent deep,

As he was far away from his parent deep,

The sea-born infant cries, and will not sleep,

The baby from the sea cries and won’t sleep,

Raising his little plaint in vain, to rave410

Raising his little complaint in vain, to rant

For the broad bosom of his nursing wave:

For the wide expanse of his caring wave:

The woods drooped darkly, as inclined to rest,

The woods hung low and dark, seeming to take a break,

The tropic bird wheeled rockward to his nest,

The tropic bird flew in circles toward his nest,

And the blue sky spread round them like a lake

And the blue sky surrounded them like a lake

Of peace, where Piety her thirst might slake.

Of peace, where Piety could quench her thirst.

XVIII.

But through the palm and plantain, hark, a Voice!

But through the palm and banana trees, listen, a Voice!

Not such as would have been a lover's choice,

Not something a lover would have chosen,

In such an hour, to break the air so still;

In that moment, to disrupt the perfectly still air;

No dying night-breeze, harping o'er the hill,

No dying night breeze, playing a tune over the hill,

Striking the strings of nature, rock and tree,420

Those best and earliest lyres of Harmony,

With Echo for their chorus; nor the alarm

With Echo as their chorus; nor the alarm

Of the loud war-whoop to dispel the charm;

Of the loud battle cry to break the spell;

Nor the soliloquy of the hermit owl,

Exhaling all his solitary soul,

Releasing all his lonely spirit,

The dim though large-eyed wingéd anchorite,

The dim but large-eyed winged hermit,

Who peals his dreary Pæan o'er the night;

Who sings his gloomy song throughout the night;

But a loud, long, and naval whistle, shrill

But a loud, long, and sharp whistle, shrill

As ever started through a sea-bird's bill;

As ever began through a sea-bird's beak;

And then a pause, and then a hoarse "Hillo!430

And then a pause, and then a rough "Hey!430

Torquil, my boy! what cheer? Ho! brother, ho!"

Torquil, my boy! How's it going? Hey! Brother, hey!

"Who hails?" cried Torquil, following with his eye

"Who goes there?" yelled Torquil, tracking with his gaze

The sound. "Here's one," was all the brief reply.

The sound. "Here's one," was the only short response.

[615]

XIX.

But here the herald of the self-same mouth [395]

But here the messenger of the same mouth [395]

Came breathing o'er the aromatic south,

Came breathing over the fragrant south,

Not like a "bed of violets" on the gale,

Not like a "bed of violets" in the breeze,

But such as wafts its cloud o'er grog or ale,

But like a mist that drifts over beer or ale,

Borne from a short frail pipe, which yet had blown

Borne from a short, fragile pipe, which had still blown

Its gentle odours over either zone,

Its gentle scents over both areas,

And, puffed where'er winds rise or waters roll,440

And, puffed wherever winds blow or waters flow,440

Had wafted smoke from Portsmouth to the Pole,

Had smoke drifted from Portsmouth to the North Pole,

Opposed its vapour as the lightning flashed,

Opposed its vapor as the lightning struck,

And reeked, 'midst mountain-billows, unabashed,

And stank, amidst giant waves, unapologetic,

To Æolus a constant sacrifice,

To Aeolus a regular offering,

Through every change of all the varying skies.

Through every shift of all the changing skies.

And what was he who bore it?—I may err,

And who was the one who carried it?—I could be wrong,

But deem him sailor or philosopher.[396]

But consider him a sailor or a philosopher.[396]

Sublime Tobacco! which from East to West

Cheers the tar's labour or the Turkman's rest;

Cheers to the sailor's hard work or the Turkman's break;

Which on the Moslem's ottoman divides450

Which on the Muslim's ottoman divides450

His hours, and rivals opium and his brides;

His hours, along with competing opium and his wives;

Magnificent in Stamboul, but less grand,

Magnificent in Istanbul, but less grand,

Though not less loved, in Wapping or the Strand;

Though still loved, in Wapping or the Strand;

Divine in hookas, glorious in a pipe,

Divine in hookahs, glorious in a pipe,

When tipped with amber, mellow, rich, and ripe:

When touched with amber, soft, rich, and ripe:

Like other charmers, wooing the caress,

Like other charmers, looking for love,

More dazzlingly when daring in full dress;

More impressively when bold in full attire;

Yet thy true lovers more admire by far [fp]

Yet your true lovers admire you much more.

Thy naked beauties—Give me a cigar![397]

Your naked beauty—Give me a cigar![397]

[616]

XX.

Through the approaching darkness of the wood460

Through the coming darkness of the woods460

A human figure broke the solitude,

Someone broke the solitude,

Fantastically, it may be, arrayed,

It may be fantastically arranged,

A seaman in a savage masquerade;

A sailor in a wild costume;

Such as appears to rise out from the deep,

Such as seems to rise out of the deep,

When o'er the line the merry vessels sweep,

When the cheerful boats glide over the line,

And the rough Saturnalia of the tar

And the wild Saturnalia of the tar

Flock o'er the deck, in Neptune's borrowed car;[398]

Flock over the deck, in Neptune's borrowed chariot;[398]

And, pleased, the God of Ocean sees his name

And, satisfied, the God of the Ocean sees his name

Revive once more, though but in mimic game

Revive once more, even if just in a playful way.

Of his true sons, who riot in the breeze470

Of his true sons, who revel in the breeze470

Undreamt of in his native Cyclades.

Undreamed of in his home in the Cyclades.

Still the old God delights, from out the main,

Still the old God enjoys, from out the ocean,

To snatch some glimpses of his ancient reign.

To catch a glimpse of his old reign.

Our sailor's jacket, though in ragged trim,

Our sailor's jacket, even though it's in rough shape,

His constant pipe, which never yet burned dim,

His constant pipe, which has never burned low,

His foremast air, and somewhat rolling gait,

His tall stature and slightly unsteady walk,

Like his dear vessel, spoke his former state;

Like his beloved ship, he referred to his past self;

But then a sort of kerchief round his head,

But then a kind of scarf around his head,

Not over tightly bound, nor nicely spread;

Not too tightly bound, nor evenly spread;

And, 'stead of trowsers (ah! too early torn!480

And, instead of trousers (ah! too early torn!480

For even the mildest woods will have their thorn)

For even the gentlest woods will have their thorns.

A curious sort of somewhat scanty mat

A rather thin and strange-looking mat

Now served for inexpressibles and hat;

Now served for underwear and hat;

His naked feet and neck, and sunburnt face,

His bare feet and neck, along with his sunburned face,

Perchance might suit alike with either race.

Perhaps it would be suitable for both races.

His arms were all his own, our Europe's growth,

His arms were completely his own, our Europe’s growth,

Which two worlds bless for civilising both;

Which two worlds are grateful for civilizing both;

The musket swung behind his shoulders broad,

The musket swung across his broad shoulders,

And somewhat stooped by his marine abode,

And slightly hunched in his seaside home,

But brawny as the boar's; and hung beneath,490

But strong like the boar's; and hung below,490

His cutlass drooped, unconscious of a sheath,

His cutlass hung down, not aware of a sheath,

Or lost or worn away; his pistols were

Linked to his belt, a matrimonial pair—

Linked to his belt, a married couple—

(Let not this metaphor appear a scoff,

(Let not this metaphor seem like a joke,

Though one missed fire, the other would go off);

Though one misfired, the other would go off);

These, with a bayonet, not so free from rust[617]

As when the arm-chest held its brighter trust,

As when the arm-chest had its brighter faith,

Completed his accoutrements, as Night

Finished his gear, as Night

Surveyed him in his garb heteroclite.

Surveyed him in his unusual outfit.

XXI.

"What cheer, Ben Bunting?" cried (when in full view500

"What’s up, Ben Bunting?" shouted (when in full view500

Our new acquaintance) Torquil. "Aught of new?"

Our new acquaintance, Torquil. "Anything new?"

"Ey, ey!" quoth Ben, "not new, but news enow;

"Hey, hey!" Ben said, "not new, but plenty of news;

A strange sail in the offing."—"Sail! and how?

A strange sail on the horizon."—"Sail! And how?

What! could you make her out? It cannot be;

What! Could you actually figure her out? It can't be;

I've seen no rag of canvass on the sea."

I've seen no piece of canvas on the sea.

"Belike," said Ben, "you might not from the bay,

"Maybe," said Ben, "you might not from the bay,

But from the bluff-head, where I watched to-day,

But from the cliff, where I watched today,

I saw her in the doldrums; for the wind

I saw her feeling down; because the wind

Was light and baffling."—"When the Sun declined

Was light and puzzling."—"When the Sun set

Where lay she? had she anchored?"—"No, but still510

Where is she? Has she anchored?"—"No, but still510

She bore down on us, till the wind grew still."

She focused on us until the wind stopped.

"Her flag?"—"I had no glass: but fore and aft,

"Her flag?"—"I didn't have any binoculars, but from the front to the back,

Egad! she seemed a wicked-looking craft."

Egad! She looked like a wicked vessel.

"Armed?"—"I expect so;—sent on the look-out:

"Armed?"—"I assume so;—sent out to keep watch:

'Tis time, belike, to put our helm about."

'It's time, I guess, to change our direction.'

"About?—Whate'er may have us now in chase,

"About?—Whatever may be pursuing us now,

We'll make no running fight, for that were base;

We'll have no running fight, because that would be cowardly;

We will die at our quarters, like true men."

We will die at our posts, like real men."

"Ey, ey! for that 'tis all the same to Ben."

"Hey, hey! Because that's all the same to Ben."

"Does Christian know this?"—"Aye; he has piped all hands520

"Does Christian know this?"—"Yes; he has called everyone together520

To quarters. They are furbishing the stands

To quarters. They are cleaning up the stands.

Of arms; and we have got some guns to bear,

Of arms; and we’ve got some guns to carry,

And scaled them. You are wanted."—"That's but fair;

And scaled them. You’re wanted."—"That’s only fair;

And if it were not, mine is not the soul

And if it weren’t, mine isn’t the soul

To leave my comrades helpless on the shoal.

To abandon my friends stranded on the sandbank.

My Neuha! ah! and must my fate pursue

My Neuha! Ah! Must I chase my fate?

Not me alone, but one so sweet and true?

Not just me, but someone so sweet and genuine?

But whatsoe'er betide, ah, Neuha! now

But whatever happens, ah, Neuha! now

Unman me not: the hour will not allow

Unman me not: the time won't allow

A tear; I am thine whatever intervenes!"530

A tear; I am yours no matter what gets in the way!"530

"Right," quoth Ben; "that will do for the marines."[399]

"Right," said Ben; "that will work for the marines."[399]

[618]

CANTO THE THIRD.

I.

The fight was o'er; the flashing through the gloom,

The fight was over; the flashing through the darkness,

Which robes the cannon as he wings a tomb,

Which robes the cannon as he flies to a tomb,

Had ceased; and sulphury vapours upward driven

Had stopped; and sulfurous vapors rose up

Had left the Earth, and but polluted Heaven:

Had left Earth, and only polluted Heaven:

The rattling roar which rung in every volley

The loud noise that echoed with every shot

Had left the echoes to their melancholy;

Had left the echoes to their sadness;

No more they shrieked their horror, boom for boom;

No longer did they scream in terror, explosion after explosion;

The strife was done, the vanquished had their doom;

The conflict was over, the defeated faced their fate;

The mutineers were crushed, dispersed, or ta'en,

The mutineers were defeated, scattered, or captured,

Or lived to deem the happiest were the slain.10

Or lived to think that the happiest were the ones who had died.10

Few, few escaped, and these were hunted o'er

Few, very few got away, and those who did were hunted down

The isle they loved beyond their native shore.

The island they cherished even more than their homeland.

No further home was theirs, it seemed, on earth,

No other home seemed to belong to them on earth,

Once renegades to that which gave them birth;

Once rebels against what gave them life;

Tracked like wild beasts, like them they sought the wild,

Tracked like wild animals, they too searched for the wilderness,

As to a Mother's bosom flies the child;

As the child flies to a mother's embrace;

But vainly wolves and lions seek their den,

But in vain, wolves and lions search for their den,

And still more vainly men escape from men.

And still, men foolishly try to get away from each other.

II.

Beneath a rock whose jutting base protrudes

Beneath a rock whose sticking-out base juts

Far over Ocean in its fiercest moods,20

Far over the ocean in its wildest tempests, 20

When scaling his enormous crag the wave

When climbing his massive cliff, the wave

Is hurled down headlong, like the foremost brave,

Is thrown down headfirst, just like the bravest of them all,

And falls back on the foaming crowd behind,

And falls back into the frothy crowd behind,

Which fight beneath the banners of the wind,

Which fight under the banners of the wind,

But now at rest, a little remnant drew[619]

But now at rest, a small group gathered[619]

Together, bleeding, thirsty, faint, and few;

Together, bleeding, thirsty, weak, and few;

But still their weapons in their hands, and still

But still with their weapons in hand, and still

With something of the pride of former will,

With a bit of the pride of past determination,

As men not all unused to meditate,

As men are not all unfamiliar with meditation,

And strive much more than wonder at their fate.30

And work harder instead of just being amazed by their fate.30

Their present lot was what they had foreseen,

Their current situation was what they had anticipated,

And dared as what was likely to have been;

Yet still the lingering hope, which deemed their lot

Yet still the lingering hope, which considered their situation

Not pardoned, but unsought for or forgot,

Not pardoned, but unasked for or overlooked,

Or trusted that, if sought, their distant caves

Or trusted that, if searched for, their distant caves

Might still be missed amidst the world of waves,

Might still be overlooked in the world of waves,

Had weaned their thoughts in part from what they saw

Had turned their thoughts partly away from what they saw

And felt, the vengeance of their country's law.

And felt the wrath of their country's law.

Their sea-green isle, their guilt-won Paradise,

Their sea-green island, their guilt-won Paradise,

No more could shield their Virtue or their Vice:40

No longer could they hide their goodness or their badness:40

Their better feelings, if such were, were thrown

Their better feelings, if there were any, were ignored.

Back on themselves,—their sins remained alone.

Back on themselves—their sins stayed with them.

Proscribed even in their second country, they

Prohibited even in their second country, they

Were lost; in vain the World before them lay;

Were lost; the world stretched out before them in vain;

All outlets seemed secured. Their new allies

Had fought and bled in mutual sacrifice;

Had fought and bled in shared sacrifice;

But what availed the club and spear, and arm

But what was the use of the club and spear, and arm

Of Hercules, against the sulphury charm,

Of Hercules, against the fiery charm,

The magic of the thunder, which destroyed

The warrior ere his strength could be employed?50

The warrior before his strength could be used? 50

Dug, like a spreading pestilence, the grave

Dug, like an spreading disease, the grave

No less of human bravery than the brave![400]

No less than human bravery itself than the brave![400]

Their own scant numbers acted all the few

Their small numbers had an impact on everyone.

Against the many oft will dare and do;

Against the many, often will dare and do;

But though the choice seems native to die free,

But even though the choice feels like a natural way to die free,

Even Greece can boast but one Thermopylæ,

Even Greece can only claim one Thermopylæ,

Till now, when she has forged her broken chain

Till now, when she has put together her broken chain

Back to a sword, and dies and lives again!

Back to a sword, and dies and comes back to life again!

[620]

III.

Beside the jutting rock the few appeared,

Beside the jutting rock, the few showed up,

Like the last remnant of the red-deer's herd;60

Their eyes were feverish, and their aspect worn,

Their eyes were filled with fever, and they looked worn out,

But still the hunter's blood was on their horn.

But the hunter's blood was still on their horn.

A little stream came tumbling from the height,

A small stream flowed down from the top,

And straggling into ocean as it might,

And wandering into the ocean as it could,

Its bounding crystal frolicked in the ray,

Its sparkling crystal danced in the light,

And gushed from cliff to crag with saltless spray;

And flowed from cliff to rock with fresh spray;

Close on the wild, wide ocean, yet as pure

Close on the wild, vast ocean, yet as pure

And fresh as Innocence, and more secure,

And fresh as Innocence, and even more secure,

Its silver torrent glittered o'er the deep,

Its silver stream sparkled over the deep,

As the shy chamois' eye o'erlooks the steep,70

As the shy chamois looks over the steep, 70

While far below the vast and sullen swell

While far below the large and gloomy waves

Of Ocean's alpine azure rose and fell.

Of the ocean's deep blue, it rose and fell.

To this young spring they rushed,—all feelings first

To this young spring, they rushed—all their feelings first.

Absorbed in Passion's and in Nature's thirst,—

Absorbed in the desires of passion and the hunger of nature, —

Drank as they do who drink their last, and threw

Drank like those who are having their last drink, and threw

Their arms aside to revel in its dew;

Their arms outstretched to enjoy the dew;

Cooled their scorched throats, and washed the gory stains

Cooled their burned throats, and washed away the bloody stains

From wounds whose only bandage might be chains;

From injuries that can only be covered by chains;

Then, when their drought was quenched, looked sadly round,

Then, when their thirst was satisfied, they looked around sadly,

As wondering how so many still were found80

As I wondered how so many were still found80

Alive and fetterless:—but silent all,

Alive and free—yet silent all,

Each sought his fellow's eyes, as if to call

Each looked into the eyes of the other, as if to summon

On him for language which his lips denied,

On him for words that his lips refused to speak,

As though their voices with their cause had died.

As if their voices and their cause had vanished.

IV.

Stern, and aloof a little from the rest,

Stern and a bit distant from everyone else,

Stood Christian, with his arms across his chest.

Stood Christian, with his arms crossed.

The ruddy, reckless, dauntless hue once spread

The reddish, bold, fearless color once spread

Along his cheek was livid now as lead;

Along his cheek was a pale, livid mark now, like lead;

His light-brown locks, so graceful in their flow,

His light brown hair, so graceful in its flow,

Now rose like startled vipers o'er his brow.90

Now rose like startled snakes over his brow.90

Still as a statue, with his lips comprest

Still as a statue, with his lips pressed together

To stifle even the breath within his breast,

To silence even the breath in his chest,

Fast by the rock, all menacing, but mute,

Fast by the rock, all intimidating, but silent,

He stood; and, save a slight beat of his foot,[621]

He stood, and except for a slight tap of his foot,[621]

Which deepened now and then the sandy dint

Which occasionally deepened the sandy indentation

Beneath his heel, his form seemed turned to flint.

Beneath his heel, his shape felt like stone.

Some paces further Torquil leaned his head

Some steps further, Torquil leaned his head

Against a bank, and spoke not, but he bled,—

Against a bank, and said nothing, but he bled,—

Not mortally:—his worst wound was within;

Not fatally:—his worst wound was inside;

His brow was pale, his blue eyes sunken in,100

His forehead was pale, his blue eyes hollow, 100

And blood-drops, sprinkled o'er his yellow hair,

And blood droplets, scattered over his yellow hair,

Showed that his faintness came not from despair,

Showed that his weakness didn’t come from hopelessness,

But Nature's ebb. Beside him was another,

But nature's decline. Next to him was another,

Rough as a bear, but willing as a brother,—

Rough around the edges, but eager like a brother,—

Ben Bunting, who essayed to wash, and wipe,

Ben Bunting, who tried to wash and wipe,

And bind his wound—then calmly lit his pipe,

And dressed his wound—then calmly lit his pipe,

A trophy which survived a hundred fights,

A trophy that withstood a hundred battles,

A beacon which had cheered ten thousand nights.

A light that had brightened ten thousand nights.

The fourth and last of this deserted group

The fourth and final member of this deserted group

Walked up and down—at times would stand, then stoop110

Walked back and forth—sometimes would stand, then bend down110

To pick a pebble up—then let it drop—

To pick up a pebble—then let it drop—

Then hurry as in haste—then quickly stop—

Then rush as if in a hurry—then suddenly stop—

Then cast his eyes on his companions—then

Then he looked at his friends—then

Half whistle half a tune, and pause again—

Half whistle, half tune, and pause again—

And then his former movements would redouble,

And then his past actions would intensify,

With something between carelessness and trouble.

With a feeling somewhere between indifference and concern.

This is a long description, but applies

To scarce five minutes passed before the eyes;

To barely five minutes passed before the eyes;

But yet what minutes! Moments like to these

But still, what a moment!

Rend men's lives into immortalities.120

Transform men's lives into legacies.120

V.

At length Jack Skyscrape, a mercurial man,

At last, Jack Skyscrape, a quick-changing man,

Who fluttered over all things like a fan,

Who flitted over everything like a fan,

More brave than firm, and more disposed to dare

More courageous than steady, and more willing to take risks

And die at once than wrestle with despair,

And die at once rather than struggle with despair,

Exclaimed, "G—d damn!"—those syllables intense,—

Exclaimed, "Damn it!"—those syllables intense,—

Nucleus of England's native eloquence,

Core of England's native eloquence,

As the Turk's "Allah!" or the Roman's more

As the Turk's "God!" or the Roman's more

Pagan "Proh Jupiter!" was wont of yore

Pagan "Proh Jupiter!" was often used in the past

To give their first impressions such a vent,

To express their first impressions so freely,

By way of echo to embarrassment.[fq]130

By way of sharing embarrassment.[fq]130

Jack was embarrassed,—never hero more,[622]

Jack was embarrassed—never a hero more, [622]

And as he knew not what to say, he swore:

And since he didn't know what to say, he swore:

Nor swore in vain; the long congenial sound

Nor swore in vain; the long pleasant sound

Revived Ben Bunting from his pipe profound;

Revived Ben Bunting from his deep thoughts;

He drew it from his mouth, and looked full wise,

He took it out of his mouth and looked very wise,

But merely added to the oath his eyes;

But he just added his eyes to the oath;

Thus rendering the imperfect phrase complete,

Thus making the imperfect phrase complete,

A peroration I need not repeat.

A conclusion I don't need to repeat.

VI.

But Christian,[401] of a higher order, stood

But Christian,[401] of a higher level, stood

Like an extinct volcano in his mood;140[623]

Like a dormant volcano in his mood;140[623]

Silent, and sad, and savage,—with the trace

Silent, sad, and brutal—with the trace

Of passion reeking from his clouded face;

Of passion pouring from his clouded face;

Till lifting up again his sombre eye,

Till lifting up again his dark eye,

It glanced on Torquil, who leaned faintly by.

It glanced at Torquil, who was leaning nearby.

"And is it thus?" he cried, "unhappy boy!

"And is it really like this?" he shouted, "poor kid!

And thee, too, thee—my madness must destroy!"

And you, too, you—my madness will ruin!

He said, and strode to where young Torquil stood,

He said and walked over to where young Torquil was standing,

Yet dabbled with his lately flowing blood;

Yet played with his freshly flowing blood;

Seized his hand wistfully, but did not press,

Seized his hand with a longing look, but didn’t hold on tight,

And shrunk as fearful of his own caress;150

And he shrank back, scared of his own touch;150

Enquired into his state: and when he heard

The wound was slighter than he deemed or feared,

The wound was less severe than he thought or feared,

A moment's brightness passed along his brow,

A moment of brightness flashed across his forehead,

As much as such a moment would allow.

As much as that moment would permit.

"Yes," he exclaimed, "we are taken in the toil,

"Yes," he exclaimed, "we are caught up in the grind,

But not a coward or a common spoil;

But not a coward or an ordinary prize;

Dearly they have bought us—dearly still may buy,—

Dearly they have paid for us—dearly still may pay,—

And I must fall; but have you strength to fly?

And I have to fall; but do you have the strength to fly?

'Twould be some comfort still, could you survive;

It would be some comfort still, if you could survive;

Our dwindled band is now too few to strive.160

Our reduced group is now too small to fight.160

Oh! for a sole canoe! though but a shell,

Oh! for a single canoe! even if it’s just a shell,

To bear you hence to where a hope may dwell!

To take you away to a place where hope can live!

For me, my lot is what I sought; to be,

For me, my destiny is what I wanted; to be,

In life or death, the fearless and the free."

In life or death, those who are brave and independent.

VII.

Even as he spoke, around the promontory,

Even as he spoke, around the point,

Which nodded o'er the billows high and hoary,

Which nodded over the waves, high and gray,

A dark speck dotted Ocean: on it flew

A dark spot appeared on the ocean: on it flew

Like to the shadow of a roused sea-mew;

Like the shadow of an awakened seagull;

Onward it came—and, lo! a second followed—

Onward it came—and, look! a second followed—

Now seen—now hid—where Ocean's vale was hollowed;170

Now seen—now hidden—where the ocean's valley was hollowed; 170

And near, and nearer, till the dusky crew

And closer, and closer, until the dark group

Presented well-known aspects to the view,[624]

Till on the surf their skimming paddles play,

Till on the waves their gliding paddles dance,

Buoyant as wings, and flitting through the spray;—

Buoyant like wings, flitting through the spray;—

Now perching on the wave's high curl, and now

Now sitting on the wave's high curl, and now

Dashed downward in the thundering foam below,

Dashed downward in the crashing foam below,

Which flings it broad and boiling sheet on sheet,

Which launches it wide and steaming, layer after layer,

And slings its high flakes, shivered into sleet:

And shoots its high flakes, turned into sleet:

But floating still through surf and swell, drew nigh

But floating still through waves and currents, came close

The barks, like small birds through a lowering sky.180

The barks, like little birds flying through a gray sky.180

Their art seemed nature—such the skill to sweep

Their art felt like nature—such was the skill to create.

The wave of these born playmates of the deep.

The wave of these natural companions of the ocean.

VIII.

And who the first that, springing on the strand,

And who was the first that, jumping onto the shore,

Leaped like a Nereid from her shell to land,

Leaped like a Nereid from her shell to the ground,

With dark but brilliant skin, and dewy eye

With dark yet radiant skin and glistening eyes

Shining with love, and hope, and constancy?

Shining with love, hope, and loyalty?

Neuha—the fond, the faithful, the adored—

Neuha—the beloved, the loyal, the cherished—

Her heart on Torquil's like a torrent poured;

Her heart was like a rushing stream, flowing over Torquil.

And smiled, and wept, and near, and nearer clasped,

And smiled, and cried, and held on tighter and tighter,

As if to be assured 'twas him she grasped;190

As if to be sure it was him she held on to;190

Shuddered to see his yet warm wound, and then,

Shuddered to see his still warm wound, and then,

To find it trivial, smiled and wept again.

To find it trivial, smiled and cried again.

She was a warrior's daughter, and could bear

She was the daughter of a warrior and could endure

Such sights, and feel, and mourn, but not despair.

Such sights bring sadness, and we feel and mourn, but we do not lose hope.

Her lover lived,—nor foes nor fears could blight

Her lover lived—neither enemies nor fears could ruin.

That full-blown moment in its all delight:

That moment in all its glory:

Joy trickled in her tears, joy filled the sob

Joy flowed through her tears, joy filled the sob.

That rocked her heart till almost heard to throb;

That shook her heart until it felt like it would almost burst;

And Paradise was breathing in the sigh

And Paradise was inhaling the sigh

Of Nature's child in Nature's ecstasy.200

Of Nature's child in Nature's joy.200

IX.

The sterner spirits who beheld that meeting

The stricter individuals who witnessed that meeting

Were not unmoved; who are, when hearts are greeting?

Were not untouched; who is, when hearts are connecting?

Even Christian gazed upon the maid and boy

Even Christian looked at the maid and the boy.

With tearless eye, but yet a gloomy joy

With dry eyes, but still a sad happiness

Mixed with those bitter thoughts the soul arrays

Mixed with those bitter thoughts, the soul prepares.

In hopeless visions of our better days,

In hopeless dreams of our better days,

When all's gone—to the rainbow's latest ray.

When everything's gone—to the last ray of the rainbow.

"And but for me!" he said, and turned away;[625]

"And except for me!" he said, and turned away;[625]

Then gazed upon the pair, as in his den

Then looked at the couple, as in his lair

A lion looks upon his cubs again;210

A lion looks at his cubs again;210

And then relapsed into his sullen guise,

And then fell back into his gloomy demeanor,

As heedless of his further destinies.

As unaware of his future fate.

X.

But brief their time for good or evil thought;

But their time for good or bad thoughts is short;

The billows round the promontory brought

The waves around the cliff brought

The plash of hostile oars.—Alas! who made

The sound of aggressive oars. —Oh no! Who created

That sound a dread? All around them seemed arrayed

That sound a dread? All around them seemed arranged.

Against them, save the bride of Toobonai:

Against them, except for the bride of Toobonai:

She, as she caught the first glimpse o'er the bay

She, as she caught the first glimpse over the bay

Of the armed boats, which hurried to complete

Of the armed boats that rushed to finish

The remnant's ruin with their flying feet,[fr]220

The remnant's destruction with their swift feet,[fr]220

Beckoned the natives round her to their prows,

Beckoned the locals to gather around their boats,

Embarked their guests and launched their light canoes;

Embarked their guests and set off in their small canoes;

In one placed Christian and his comrades twain—

In one place, Christian and his two companions—

But she and Torquil must not part again.

But she and Torquil can’t separate again.

She fixed him in her own.—Away! away!

She held his gaze intensely. —Go away!

They cleared the breakers, dart along the bay,

They passed the waves, speeding through the bay,

And towards a group of islets, such as bear

And towards a group of small islands, like those that bear

The sea-bird's nest and seal's surf-hollowed lair,

The seabird's nest and the seal's surf-carved den,

They skim the blue tops of the billows; fast

They glide over the blue tops of the waves; quickly

They flew, and fast their fierce pursuers chased.230

They flew, and their fierce pursuers chased them quickly.230

They gain upon them—now they lose again,—

They gain on them—then they lose again,—

Again make way and menace o'er the main;

Again, clear the path and threaten over the sea;

And now the two canoes in chase divide,

And now the two canoes chasing each other go their separate ways,

And follow different courses o'er the tide,

And take various paths across the water,

To baffle the pursuit.—Away! away!

To confuse the chase.—Go! Go!

As Life is on each paddle's flight to-day,

As life is on each paddle's journey today,

And more than Life or lives to Neuha: Love

And more than life or lives to Neuha: love.

Freights the frail bark and urges to the cove;

Freights the fragile boat and pushes towards the cove;

And now the refuge and the foe are nigh—

And now the shelter and the enemy are near—

Yet, yet a moment! Fly, thou light ark, fly!240

Yet, just a moment! Fly, you light ark, fly!240

[626]

CANTO THE FOURTH.

I.

White as a white sail on a dusky sea,

White like a white sail on a dark sea,

When half the horizon's clouded and half free,

When half of the horizon is cloudy and half is clear,

Fluttering between the dun wave and the sky,

Fluttering between the gray wave and the sky,

Is Hope's last gleam in Man's extremity.

Is hope's last light in man's darkest hour.

Her anchor parts; but still her snowy sail

Her anchor parts; but still her white sail

Attracts our eye amidst the rudest gale:

Attracts our attention in the strongest storm:

Though every wave she climbs divides us more,

Though every wave she climbs pulls us further apart,

The heart still follows from the loneliest shore.

The heart still reaches out from the loneliest shore.

II.

Not distant from the isle of Toobonai,

Not far from the island of Toobonai,

A black rock rears its bosom o'er the spray,10

A black rock stands tall above the spray,10

The haunt of birds, a desert to mankind,

The place of birds, a wasteland for humans,

Where the rough seal reposes from the wind,

Where the rough seal rests from the wind,

And sleeps unwieldy in his cavern dun,

And sleeps awkwardly in his dark cave,

Or gambols with huge frolic in the sun:

Or plays around joyfully in the sun:

There shrilly to the passing oar is heard

There is a sharp sound from the passing oar

The startled echo of the Ocean bird,

The startled echo of the ocean bird,

Who rears on its bare breast her callow brood,

Who raises her young ones on her bare chest,

The feathered fishers of the solitude.

The birdlike fishermen of the wilderness.

A narrow segment of the yellow sand

A narrow strip of yellow sand

On one side forms the outline of a strand;[402]20

On one side, you can see the shape of a beach; [402]20

Here the young turtle, crawling from his shell,

Here the young turtle, crawling out of his shell,

Steals to the deep wherein his parents dwell;

Steals to the depths where his parents live;

Chipped by the beam, a nursling of the day,

Chipped by the beam, a little one of the day,

But hatched for ocean by the fostering ray;[627]

But born for the ocean by the nurturing light;[627]

The rest was one bleak precipice, as e'er

The rest was one bleak cliff, as ever.

Gave mariners a shelter and despair;

Gave sailors both shelter and despair;

A spot to make the saved regret the deck

A place to turn saved regrets into opportunities

Which late went down, and envy the lost wreck.

Which later went down, envying the lost wreck.

Such was the stern asylum Neuha chose

Such was the strict shelter Neuha chose.

To shield her lover from his following foes;30

To protect her partner from the enemies that were coming after him;30

But all its secret was not told; she knew

But not all its secrets were revealed; she knew

In this a treasure hidden from the view.

In this, a treasure is hidden from sight.

III.

Ere the canoes divided, near the spot,

The men that manned what held her Torquil's lot,

The men that operated what belonged to Torquil,

By her command removed, to strengthen more

The skiff which wafted Christian from the shore.

The small boat that carried Christian away from the shore.

This he would have opposed; but with a smile

This is what he would have opposed; but with a smile

She pointed calmly to the craggy isle,

She calmly pointed to the rocky island,

And bade him "speed and prosper." She would take

And told him to "go and succeed." She would take

The rest upon herself for Torquil's sake.40

The rest on herself for Torquil's sake.40

They parted with this added aid; afar,

They separated with this extra support; in the distance,

The Proa darted like a shooting star,

The Proa zipped by like a shooting star,

And gained on the pursuers, who now steered

And caught up to the pursuers, who were now steering

Right on the rock which she and Torquil neared.

Right on the rock that she and Torquil approached.

They pulled; her arm, though delicate, was free

They pulled; her arm, though slim, was free.

And firm as ever grappled with the sea,

And solid as ever struggled with the sea,

And yielded scarce to Torquil's manlier strength.

And hardly submitted to Torquil's stronger presence.

The prow now almost lay within its length

The bow now almost lay within its length.

Of the crag's steep inexorable face,

Of the cliff's steep, unyielding surface,

With nought but soundless waters for its base;50

With nothing but quiet waters below; 50

Within a hundred boats' length was the foe,

Within a hundred boat lengths was the enemy,

And now what refuge but their frail canoe?

And now, what shelter do they have but their fragile canoe?

This Torquil asked with half upbraiding eye,

This Torquil asked with a slightly reproachful look,

Which said—"Has Neuha brought me here to die?

Is this a place of safety, or a grave,

Is this a safe place, or a grave,

And yon huge rock the tombstone of the wave?"

And that big rock there is the tombstone of the wave?

IV.

They rested on their paddles, and uprose

They rested on their paddles and got up.

Neuha, and pointing to the approaching foes,

Neuha, pointing to the approaching enemies,

Cried, "Torquil, follow me, and fearless follow!"

Cried, "Torquil, come with me, and do so boldly!"

Then plunged at once into the Ocean's hollow.60[628]

Then dove straight into the Ocean's emptiness.60[628]

There was no time to pause—the foes were near—

There was no time to stop—the enemies were close—

Chains in his eye, and menace in his ear;

Chains in his eye, and threat in his ear;

With vigour they pulled on, and as they came,

With energy they moved forward, and as they approached,

Hailed him to yield, and by his forfeit name.

Hailed him to give in, and by his lost name.

Headlong he leapt—to him the swimmer's skill

Headfirst he jumped—swimming came naturally to him.

Was native, and now all his hope from ill:

But how, or where? He dived, and rose no more;

But how, or where? He dove, and didn't come up again;

The boat's crew looked amazed o'er sea and shore.

The boat's crew looked amazed at the sea and shore.

There was no landing on that precipice,

There was no landing on that ledge,

Steep, harsh, and slippery as a berg of ice.70

Steep, rough, and slippery like a piece of ice.70

They watched awhile to see him float again,

They watched for a while to see him float again,

But not a trace rebubbled from the main:

But not a trace bubbled up from the sea:

The wave rolled on, no ripple on its face,

The wave kept rolling, completely smooth on the surface,

Since their first plunge recalled a single trace;

Since their first dive brought back a single memory;

The little whirl which eddied, and slight foam,

The small whirlpool that swirled and the light foam,

That whitened o'er what seemed their latest home,

That whitened over what looked like their final home,

White as a sepulchre above the pair

White as a tomb above the pair

Who left no marble (mournful as an heir)

Who left no marble (sad like an heir)

The quiet Proa wavering o'er the tide

The calm Proa swaying on the tide

Was all that told of Torquil and his bride;80

Was everything said about Torquil and his bride; 80

And but for this alone the whole might seem

And if it weren't for this alone, the whole thing might seem

The vanished phantom of a seaman's dream.

The disappeared ghost of a sailor's dream.

They paused and searched in vain, then pulled away;

They stopped and looked around but found nothing, then moved on;

Even Superstition now forbade their stay.

Even superstition now prohibited them from staying.

Some said he had not plunged into the wave,

Some said he hadn't dived into the wave,

But vanished like a corpse-light from a grave;

But disappeared like a ghost light from a grave;

Others, that something supernatural

Others, that supernatural thing

Glared in his figure, more than mortal tall;

Glared in his figure, taller than any human;

While all agreed that in his cheek and eye

While everyone agreed that in his cheek and eye

There was a dead hue of Eternity.90

There was a dull shade of Eternity.90

Still as their oars receded from the crag,

Still as their oars moved away from the cliff,

Round every weed a moment would they lag,

Round every weed a moment they would linger,

Expectant of some token of their prey;

Expecting some sign of their target;

But no—he had melted from them like the spray.

But no—he had faded away from them like the mist.

V.

And where was he the Pilgrim of the Deep,

And where was he, the Traveler of the Deep,

Following the Nereid? Had they ceased to weep

Following the Nereid? Had they stopped crying?

For ever? or, received in coral caves,

For eternity? or, found in coral caves,

Wrung life and pity from the softening waves?[629]

Wrung life and pity from the gentle waves?[629]

Did they with Ocean's hidden sovereigns dwell,

Did they live with the secret rulers of the ocean,

And sound with Mermen the fantastic shell?100

And sound the fantastic shell with Mermen?

Did Neuha with the mermaids comb her hair

Did Neuha comb her hair with the mermaids?

Flowing o'er ocean as it streamed in air?

Flowing over the ocean as it moved through the air?

Or had they perished, and in silence slept

Or had they died, and quietly slept

Beneath the gulf wherein they boldly leapt?

Beneath the gulf where they boldly jumped?

VI.

Young Neuha plunged into the deep, and he

Young Neuha dove into the deep, and he

Followed: her track beneath her native sea

Followed: her path beneath her home sea

Was as a native's of the element,

So smoothly—bravely—brilliantly she went,

So smoothly, bravely, and brilliantly she went,

Leaving a streak of light behind her heel,

Leaving a trail of light behind her heel,

Which struck and flashed like an amphibious steel,110

Which struck and flashed like a steel creature from the water,110

Closely, and scarcely less expert to trace

Closely, and hardly less skilled to track

The depths where divers hold the pearl in chase,

The depths where divers go after the pearl,

Torquil, the nursling of the northern seas,

Torquil, the child of the northern seas,

Pursued her liquid steps with heart and ease.

Pursued her flowing steps with heart and ease.

Deep—deeper for an instant Neuha led

Deep—deeper for a moment Neuha led

The way—then upward soared—and as she spread

The path—then rose high—and as she opened

Her arms, and flung the foam from off her locks,

Her arms, and threw the foam from her hair,

Laughed, and the sound was answered by the rocks.

Laughed, and the sound echoed back from the rocks.

They had gained a central realm of earth again,

They had regained control over a central area of land again,

But looked for tree, and field, and sky, in vain.120

But searched for trees, fields, and the sky, without success.120

Around she pointed to a spacious cave,

Around, she pointed to a large cave,

Whose only portal was the keyless wave,[403][630]

Whose only entrance was the keyless wave,[403][630]

(A hollow archway by the sun unseen,

Save through the billows' glassy veil of green,

Save through the waves' shiny green curtain,

In some transparent ocean holiday,

On a clear ocean getaway,

When all the finny people are at play,)

When all the fish are at play,

Wiped with her hair the brine from Torquil's eyes,

Wiped the saltwater from Torquil's eyes with her hair,

And clapped her hands with joy at his surprise;

And clapped her hands with excitement at his surprise;

Led him to where the rock appeared to jut,

Led him to where the rock seemed to stick out,

And form a something like a Triton's hut;130

And create something like a Triton's hut;130

For all was darkness for a space, till day,

For there was darkness for a while, until day,

Through clefts above let in a sobered ray;

Through openings above, let in a clear beam;

As in some old cathedral's glimmering aisle

As in the shining aisle of an old cathedral

The dusty monuments from light recoil,

The dusty monuments flinch from the light,

Thus sadly in their refuge submarine

The vault drew half her shadow from the scene.

The vault pulled half her shadow away from the scene.

[631]

VII.

Forth from her bosom the young savage drew

Forth from her chest the young savage pulled

A pine torch, strongly girded with gnatoo;

A pine torch, tightly wrapped with gnatoo;

A plantain-leaf o'er all, the more to keep

A plantain leaf on top, to keep it all together

Its latent sparkle from the sapping deep.140

Its hidden sparkle from the draining depths.140

This mantle kept it dry; then from a nook

This cloak kept it dry; then from a corner

Of the same plantain-leaf a flint she took,

Of the same plantain leaf, she picked up a flint,

A few shrunk withered twigs, and from the blade

A few shriveled, withered twigs, and from the blade

Of Torquil's knife struck fire, and thus arrayed

Of Torquil's knife sparked fire, and thus prepared

The grot with torchlight. Wide it was and high,

The cave with torchlight. It was wide and tall,

And showed a self-born Gothic canopy;

And displayed a self-made Gothic canopy;

The arch upreared by Nature's architect,

The arch raised by Nature's builder,

The architrave some Earthquake might erect;

The architrave some Earthquake might create;

The buttress from some mountain's bosom hurled,

The support from some mountain's peak was thrown,

When the Poles crashed, and water was the world;150

When the Poles crashed, and water was everything; 150

Or hardened from some earth-absorbing fire,

Or toughened by some fire that absorbed the earth,

While yet the globe reeked from its funeral pyre;

While the world still stank from its funeral pyre;

The fretted pinnacle, the aisle, the nave,[404]

Were there, all scooped by Darkness from her cave.

Were there, all taken by Darkness from her cave.

There, with a little tinge of phantasy,

There, with a slight touch of imagination,

Fantastic faces moped and mowed on high,

Fantastic faces frowned and waved above,

And then a mitre or a shrine would fix

And then a mitre or a shrine would secure

The eye upon its seeming crucifix.

The eye on its apparent crucifix.

Thus Nature played with the stalactites,[405]

And built herself a Chapel of the Seas.160

And created her own Chapel of the Seas.160

[632]

VIII.

And Neuha took her Torquil by the hand,

And waved along the vault her kindled brand,

And waved her lit torch along the arch,

And led him into each recess, and showed

And took him into every nook and cranny and showed

The secret places of their new abode.

The hidden spots of their new home.

Nor these alone, for all had been prepared

Nor these alone, for everything had been prepared

Before, to soothe the lover's lot she shared:

Before, to comfort the lover's situation she experienced:

The mat for rest; for dress the fresh gnatoo,

The mat for resting; for clothing, the fresh gnatoo,

And sandal oil to fence against the dew;

And sandalwood oil to protect against the dew;

For food the cocoa-nut, the yam, the bread

For food, there are coconuts, yams, and bread.

Born of the fruit; for board the plantain spread170

Born of the fruit; for the banana spread

With its broad leaf, or turtle-shell which bore

With its wide leaf, or turtle shell that carried

A banquet in the flesh it covered o'er;

A feast in person it covered over;

The gourd with water recent from the rill,

The gourd filled with fresh water from the stream,

The ripe banana from the mellow hill;

The ripe banana from the gentle hill;

A pine-torch pile to keep undying light,

A pile of pine torches to keep the light alive,

And she herself, as beautiful as night,

And she herself, as beautiful as the night,

To fling her shadowy spirit o'er the scene,

To cast her dark presence over the scene,

And make their subterranean world serene.

And make their underground world calm.

She had foreseen, since first the stranger's sail

She had predicted, since the moment the stranger's sail

Drew to their isle, that force or flight might fail,180

Drew to their island, in case escape or strength might fail,180

And formed a refuge of the rocky den

And created a shelter in the rocky cave.

For Torquil's safety from his countrymen.[fs]

For Torquil's safety from his fellow countrymen.[fs]

Each dawn had wafted there her light canoe,

Each morning had brought her light canoe there,

Laden with all the golden fruits that grew;

Laden with all the golden fruit that grew;

Each eve had seen her gliding through the hour

Each evening had seen her gliding through the hour

With all could cheer or deck their sparry bower;

With everything that could bring joy or decorate their sparkling shelter;

And now she spread her little store with smiles,

And now she shared her little collection with smiles,

The happiest daughter of the loving isles.

The happiest daughter of the loving islands.

IX.

She, as he gazed with grateful wonder, pressed

She, as he looked on with grateful amazement, pressed

Her sheltered love to her impassioned breast;190

Her protected love to her passionate heart; 190

And suited to her soft caresses, told

And matched her gentle touches, said

An olden tale of Love,—for Love is old,

An ancient story of Love—because Love has been around for a long time,

Old as eternity, but not outworn[633]

Old as eternity, but still fresh[633]

With each new being born or to be born:[406]

With each new person coming into the world or about to come into the world:[406]

How a young Chief, a thousand moons ago,

Diving for turtle in the depths below,

Diving for turtles in the depths below,

Had risen, in tracking fast his ocean prey,

Had risen, quickly pursuing his ocean prey,

Into the cave which round and o'er them lay;

Into the cave that surrounded them;

How, in some desperate feud of after-time,

How, in some desperate argument in the future,

He sheltered there a daughter of the clime,200

He sheltered there a daughter of the land,200

A foe beloved, and offspring of a foe,

A beloved enemy, and the child of an enemy,

Saved by his tribe but for a captive's woe;

Saved by his tribe but at the cost of a captive's sorrow;

How, when the storm of war was stilled, he led

How, when the storm of war had settled down, he led

His island clan to where the waters spread

His island clan where the waters stretch

Their deep-green shadow o'er the rocky door,

Their dark green shadow over the rocky door,

Then dived—it seemed as if to rise no more:

Then dove—it seemed like it wouldn't rise again:

His wondering mates, amazed within their bark,

His curious friends, astonished in their boat,

Or deemed him mad, or prey to the blue shark;

Or thought he was crazy, or a target for the blue shark;

Rowed round in sorrow the sea-girded rock,

Rowed around in sadness the sea-surrounded rock,

Then paused upon their paddles from the shock;210

Then stopped on their paddles in shock;210

When, fresh and springing from the deep, they saw

When they came up, fresh and rising from the depths, they saw

A Goddess rise—so deemed they in their awe;

A goddess rises—so they thought in their awe;

And their companion, glorious by her side,

And their companion, radiant beside her,

Proud and exulting in his Mermaid bride;

Proud and celebrating his Mermaid bride;

And how, when undeceived, the pair they bore

And how, when they realized the truth, the couple they had

With sounding conchs and joyous shouts to shore;

With the sound of conch shells and cheerful shouts to the shore;

How they had gladly lived and calmly died,—

How they had happily lived and peacefully died,—

And why not also Torquil and his bride?

And why not include Torquil and his bride as well?

Not mine to tell the rapturous caress

Not mine to share the ecstatic embrace.

Which followed wildly in that wild recess220

This tale; enough that all within that cave

This story; enough that everyone inside that cave

Was love, though buried strong as in the grave,

Was love, though buried deep like in the grave,

Where Abelard, through twenty years of death,[634]

When Eloïsa's form was lowered beneath

When Eloïsa's body was lowered beneath

Their nuptial vault, his arms outstretched, and pressed

Their wedding arch, his arms wide open, and pressed

The kindling ashes to his kindled breast.[407]

The ashes of the kindling to his ignited heart.[407]

The waves without sang round their couch, their roar

The waves sang around their couch, roaring

As much unheeded as if life were o'er;

As ignored as if life were over;

Within, their hearts made all their harmony,

Within, their hearts created all their harmony,

Love's broken murmur and more broken sigh.230

Love's shattered whispers and deeper sighs.230

X.

And they, the cause and sharers of the shock

And they, the reason for and participants in the shock

Which left them exiles of the hollow rock,

Which left them exiles from the empty rock,

Where were they? O'er the sea for life they plied,

Where were they? Across the sea for their lives they traveled,

To seek from Heaven the shelter men denied.

To look to Heaven for the protection that people refused.

Another course had been their choice—but where?

Another option had been their choice—but where?

The wave which bore them still their foes would bear,

The wave that carried them would still carry their enemies,

Who, disappointed of their former chase,

Who, let down by their earlier pursuit,

In search of Christian now renewed their race.

In search of Christian, they renewed their journey.

Eager with anger, their strong arms made way,

Eager with anger, their strong arms pushed through,

Like vultures baffled of their previous prey.240

Like confused vultures with no idea where their last meal went.240

They gained upon them, all whose safety lay

They caught up to those whose safety depended on it.

In some bleak crag or deeply-hidden bay:

In a gloomy cliff or a secluded bay:

No further chance or choice remained; and right

No more options or choices were left; and right

For the first further rock which met their sight

For the first additional rock that came into view

They steered, to take their latest view of land,

They navigated to catch their most recent glimpse of land,

And yield as victims, or die sword in hand;

And surrender as victims, or die fighting.

Dismissed the natives and their shallop, who

Dismissed the locals and their small boat, who

Would still have battled for that scanty crew;

Would still have fought for that small group;

But Christian bade them seek their shore again,

But Christian told them to look for their shore again,

Nor add a sacrifice which were in vain;250

Nor add a sacrifice that is meaningless;250

For what were simple bow and savage spear

For what were simple bows and brutal spears

Against the arms which must be wielded here?

Against the weapons that need to be used here?

[635]

XI.

They landed on a wild but narrow scene,

They arrived at a wild but narrow landscape,

Where few but Nature's footsteps yet had been;

Where few but nature's footprints had been;

Prepared their arms, and with that gloomy eye,

Prepared their arms, and with that dark gaze,

Stern and sustained, of man's extremity,

Stern and unyielding, of man's limits,

When Hope is gone, nor Glory's self remains

When hope is gone, neither does glory stay.

To cheer resistance against death or chains.—

To boost resistance against death or imprisonment.—

They stood, the three, as the three hundred stood

They stood, the three, just like the three hundred stood.

Who dyed Thermopylæ with holy blood.260

Who stained Thermopylæ with sacred blood.260

But, ah! how different! 'tis the cause makes all,

But, oh! how different! It’s the cause that matters most,

Degrades or hallows courage in its fall.

Degrades or honors courage in its downfall.

O'er them no fame, eternal and intense,

Blazed through the clouds of Death and beckoned hence;

Blasted through the clouds of Death and called to come here;

No grateful country, smiling through her tears,

No thankful country, smiling through her tears,

Begun the praises of a thousand years;

No nation's eyes would on their tomb be bent,

No one's eyes would be focused on their tomb,

No heroes envy them their monument;

However boldly their warm blood was spilt,

However boldly their warm blood was spilled,

Their Life was shame, their Epitaph was guilt.270

Their life was filled with shame, and their epitaph was one of guilt.270

And this they knew and felt, at least the one,

And this is what they knew and felt, at least the one,

The leader of the band he had undone;

The leader of the band he had messed up;

Who, born perchance for better things, had set

Who, perhaps born for greater things, had set

His life upon a cast which lingered yet:

His life on a role that still lasted:

But now the die was to be thrown, and all

But now it was time to make the decision, and all

The chances were in favour of his fall:

The odds were stacked against him:

And such a fall! But still he faced the shock,

And what a fall! But he still faced the impact,

Obdurate as a portion of the rock

Obstinate as a piece of stone

Whereon he stood, and fixed his levelled gun,

Where he stood, aiming his gun,

Dark as a sullen cloud before the sun.280

Dark like a gloomy cloud blocking the sun.280

XII.

The boat drew nigh, well armed, and firm the crew

The boat approached, well-armed, and the crew was steady.

To act whatever Duty bade them do;

To do whatever duty called them to do;

Careless of danger, as the onward wind

Careless of danger, as the forward wind

Is of the leaves it strews, nor looks behind.

Is of the leaves it scatters, nor looks back.

And, yet, perhaps, they rather wished to go

And yet, maybe they actually wanted to leave.

Against a nation's than a native foe,

And felt that this poor victim of self-will,

And felt that this unfortunate victim of stubbornness,

Briton no more, had once been Britain's still.[636]

They hailed him to surrender—no reply;

They called on him to give up—no response;

Their arms were poised, and glittered in the sky.290

Their arms were ready and sparkled in the sky.290

They hailed again—no answer; yet once more

They called out again—no response; but once more

They offered quarter louder than before.

They offered a quarter louder than before.

The echoes only, from the rock's rebound,

The echoes alone, from the rock's bounce,

Took their last farewell of the dying sound.

Took their last goodbye to the fading sound.

Then flashed the flint, and blazed the volleying flame,

Then the flint sparked, and the flames shot up in bursts,

And the smoke rose between them and their aim,

And the smoke rose up between them and their goal,

While the rock rattled with the bullets' knell,

While the rock shook with the sound of gunfire,

Which pealed in vain, and flattened as they fell;

Which rang in vain, and flattened as they fell;

Then flew the only answer to be given

Then came the only answer that could be given.

By those who had lost all hope in earth or heaven.300

By those who had lost all hope in the world or beyond.300

After the first fierce peal as they pulled nigher,

After the first loud blast as they got closer,

They heard the voice of Christian shout, "Now, fire!"

They heard Christian shout, "Now, fire!"

And ere the word upon the echo died,

And before the word faded into silence,

Two fell; the rest assailed the rock's rough side,

Two fell; the others attacked the rough side of the rock,

And, furious at the madness of their foes,

And, angry at the craziness of their enemies,

Disdained all further efforts, save to close.

Disregarded any more attempts, except to wrap things up.

But steep the crag, and all without a path,

But the cliff is steep, and there’s no path at all,

Each step opposed a bastion to their wrath,

Each step stood as a barrier to their anger,

While, placed 'midst clefts the least accessible,

While placed among the hardest-to-reach gaps,

Which Christian's eye was trained to mark full well,310

Which Christian's eye was trained to see clearly, 310

The three maintained a strife which must not yield,

The three kept up a conflict that couldn't give in,

In spots where eagles might have chosen to build.

In places where eagles might have decided to nest.

Their every shot told; while the assailant fell,

Their every shot hit the mark; as the attacker fell,

Dashed on the shingles like the limpet shell;

Dashed on the roof shingles like a limpet shell;

But still enough survived, and mounted still,

But still enough survived, and kept on climbing,

Scattering their numbers here and there, until

Spreading their numbers around, until

Surrounded and commanded, though not nigh

Surrounded and commanded, though not close

Enough for seizure, near enough to die,

Enough to be seized, close enough to die,

The desperate trio held aloof their fate

The desperate trio distanced themselves from their fate.

But by a thread, like sharks who have gorged the bait;320

But by a thread, like sharks that have devoured the bait;320

Yet to the very last they battled well,

Yet until the very end, they fought bravely,

And not a groan informed their foes who fell.

And not a single groan gave away their position to the enemies who fell.

Christian died last—twice wounded; and once more

Mercy was offered when they saw his gore;

Mercy was given when they saw his blood;

Too late for life, but not too late to die,[ft]

Too late to live, but not too late to die,[ft]

With, though a hostile hand, to close his eye.

With, though an unfriendly hand, to close his eye.

A limb was broken, and he drooped along[637]

A limb was broken, and he slumped along[637]

The crag, as doth a falcon reft of young.[fu]

The cliff, like a falcon deprived of its young.[fu]

The sound revived him, or appeared to wake

The sound brought him back to life, or seemed to wake him up.

Some passion which a weakly gesture spake:330

Some passion that a weak gesture expressed:330

He beckoned to the foremost, who drew nigh,

He waved to the one in front, who came closer,

But, as they neared, he reared his weapon high—

But as they got closer, he raised his weapon high—

His last ball had been aimed, but from his breast

His last shot had been deliberate, but from his heart

He tore the topmost button from his vest,[408][fv]

He ripped the top button off his vest,[408][fv]

Down the tube dashed it—levelled—fired, and smiled

Down the tube it sped—leveled—fired, and smiled

As his foe fell; then, like a serpent, coiled

As his enemy fell, he coiled up like a serpent.

His wounded, weary form, to where the steep

His injured, tired body, to where the steep

Looked desperate as himself along the deep;

Looked desperate as he himself stood by the deep;

Cast one glance back, and clenched his hand, and shook

Cast one glance back, clenched his hand, and shook.

His last rage 'gainst the earth which he forsook;340

His final anger against the land he abandoned;340

Then plunged: the rock below received like glass

Then plunged: the rock below felt like glass.

His body crushed into one gory mass,

His body crushed into one bloody mess,

With scarce a shred to tell of human form,

With barely a hint of human shape,

Or fragment for the sea-bird or the worm;

Or piece for the seabird or the worm;

A fair-haired scalp, besmeared with blood and weeds,

A light-haired head, covered in blood and weeds,

Yet reeked, the remnant of himself and deeds;

Yet he stank of the remnants of himself and his actions;

Some splinters of his weapons (to the last,

As long as hand could hold, he held them fast)

As long as he could hold on, he held them tightly.

Yet glittered, but at distance—hurled away

Yet it sparkled, but from afar—cast aside

To rust beneath the dew and dashing spray.350

To corrode under the dew and splashing water.350

The rest was nothing—save a life mis-spent,

The rest was nothing—except for a life wasted,

And soul—but who shall answer where it went?

And soul—but who can say where it went?

'Tis ours to bear, not judge the dead; and they

Who doom to Hell, themselves are on the way,

Who are doomed to Hell, are on the path themselves,

Unless these bullies of eternal pains

Unless these bullies of eternal pain

Are pardoned their bad hearts for their worse brains.

Are forgiven for their bad intentions because of their even worse thinking.

[638]

XIII.

The deed was over! All were gone or ta'en,

The deed was done! Everyone was gone or taken,

The fugitive, the captive, or the slain.

The runaway, the prisoner, or the dead.

Chained on the deck, where once, a gallant crew,

Chained on the deck, where once, a brave crew,

They stood with honour, were the wretched few360

They stood with pride, were the unfortunate few360°

Survivors of the skirmish on the isle;

Survivors of the fight on the island;

But the last rock left no surviving spoil.

But the last rock left no remaining remnants.

Cold lay they where they fell, and weltering,

While o'er them flapped the sea-birds' dewy wing,

While the sea birds flapped their wet wings over them,

Now wheeling nearer from the neighbouring surge,

Now coming closer from the nearby wave,

And screaming high their harsh and hungry dirge:

And screaming loudly their cruel and desperate song:

But calm and careless heaved the wave below,

But the wave below rolled smoothly and without a care,

Eternal with unsympathetic flow;

Eternal with indifferent flow;

Far o'er its face the Dolphins sported on,

Far over its surface, the dolphins played on,

And sprung the flying fish against the sun,370

And the flying fish leaped into the sunlight, 370

Till its dried wing relapsed from its brief height,

Till its dried wing fell back down from its brief height,

To gather moisture for another flight.

To collect moisture for another flight.

XIV.

'Twas morn; and Neuha, who by dawn of day

'Twas morning; and Neuha, who by dawn of day

Swam smoothly forth to catch the rising ray,

Swam smoothly forward to catch the rising light,

And watch if aught approached the amphibious lair

And keep an eye out if anything comes close to the swampy den.

Where lay her lover, saw a sail in air:

Where her lover lay, she saw a sail in the sky:

It flapped, it filled, and to the growing gale

It flapped, it filled, and to the increasing wind

Bent its broad arch: her breath began to fail

Bent its wide arch: her breath started to fade.

With fluttering fear, her heart beat thick and high,

With fluttering fear, her heart raced heavily and loudly,

While yet a doubt sprung where its course might lie.380

While there was still doubt about where its path might lead.380

But no! it came not; fast and far away

But no! It didn’t come; it was fast and far away.

The shadow lessened as it cleared the bay.

The shadow faded as it left the bay.

She gazed, and flung the sea-foam from her eyes,

She looked and wiped the sea foam from her eyes,

To watch as for a rainbow in the skies.

To look for a rainbow in the sky.

On the horizon verged the distant deck,

On the horizon, the distant deck appeared,

Diminished, dwindled to a very speck—

Diminished, reduced to a tiny speck—

Then vanished. All was Ocean, all was Joy!

Then it disappeared. Everything was Ocean, everything was Joy!

Down plunged she through the cave to rouse her boy;

Down she plunged through the cave to wake her boy;

Told all she had seen, and all she hoped, and all

Told everything she had seen, everything she hoped, and everything

That happy love could augur or recall;390

That happy love could predict or bring back; 390

Sprung forth again, with Torquil following free

Sprung forth again, with Torquil following freely.

His bounding Nereid over the broad sea;[639]

His leaping Nereid across the vast ocean;[639]

Swam round the rock, to where a shallow cleft

Swam around the rock, to where a shallow crack

Hid the canoe that Neuha there had left

Hid the canoe that Neuha had left there.

Drifting along the tide, without an oar,

Drifting with the current, without a paddle,

That eve the strangers chased them from the shore;

That evening, the strangers drove them away from the shore;

But when these vanished, she pursued her prow,

But when these disappeared, she chased her bow,

Regained, and urged to where they found it now:

Regained, and pushed to where they found it now:

Nor ever did more love and joy embark,

Nor did more love and joy ever set sail,

Than now were wafted in that slender ark.400

XV.

Again their own shore rises on the view,

Again, their own shore appears in sight,

No more polluted with a hostile hue;

No longer stained with a harsh color;

No sullen ship lay bristling o'er the foam,

No gloomy ship sat bristling over the foam,

A floating dungeon:—all was Hope and Home!

A floating dungeon:—everything was Hope and Home!

A thousand Proas darted o'er the bay,

A thousand proas zipped across the bay,

With sounding shells, and heralded their way;

With echoing shells, they announced their arrival;

The chiefs came down, around the people poured,

The chiefs came down, and the people gathered around.

And welcomed Torquil as a son restored;

And welcomed Torquil back like a son who had returned.

The women thronged, embracing and embraced

The women crowded together, hugging and being hugged.

By Neuha, asking where they had been chased,410

And how escaped? The tale was told; and then

And how did they escape? The story was shared; and then

One acclamation rent the sky again;

One cheer tore through the sky once more;

And from that hour a new tradition gave

And from that moment, a new tradition was established.

Their sanctuary the name of "Neuha's Cave."

Their sanctuary was called "Neuha's Cave."

A hundred fires, far flickering from the height,[fw]

A hundred fires, faintly glowing from above,[fw]

Blazed o'er the general revel of the night,

Blazed over the general celebration of the night,

The feast in honour of the guest, returned

The feast in honor of the guest, returned

To Peace and Pleasure, perilously earned;

To Peace and Pleasure, earned;

A night succeeded by such happy days

A night followed by such joyful days

As only the yet infant world displays.[fx]420

As the still young world shows. [fx]420

J. 10th 1823.

FOOTNOTES:

[ex] {587} ——and made before the breeze her way.—[MS. D. erased.]

Understood! Please provide the text you would like me to modernize. {587} ——and made her way through the breeze.—[MS. D. erased.]

[ey] ——their doubtful shimmer from the deep.—[MS. D. erased]

[ey] ——their uncertain glow from the depths.—[MS. D. erased]

[352] [William Bligh, the son of Cornish parents, was born September 9 1754 (? 1753). He served under Cook in his second voyage in the Resolution, 1772-75, as sailing-master; and, in 1782, fought under Lord Howe at Gibraltar. He married a daughter of William Betham, first collector of customs in the Isle of Man, and hence his connection with Fletcher Christian, who belonged to a Manx family, and the midshipman Peter Hayward, who was the son of a Deemster. He was appointed to the Bounty in December, 1787, and in 1791 to the Providence, which was despatched to the Society Islands to obtain a fresh cargo of bread-fruit trees in place of those which were thrown overboard by the mutineers. He commanded the Glatton at Copenhagen, May 21, 1801, and on that and other occasions served with distinction. He was made Governor of New South Wales in 1805, but was forcibly deposed in an insurrection headed by Major Johnston, January, 1808. He was kept in prison till 1810, but on his return to England his administration of his office was approved, and Johnston was cashiered. He was advanced to the rank of Vice-Admiral of the Blue in 1814, and died, December 7, 1817.

[352] [William Bligh, the son of Cornish parents, was born on September 9, 1754 (or possibly 1753). He served as sailing-master under Cook during his second voyage on the Resolution from 1772 to 1775, and in 1782, he fought under Lord Howe at Gibraltar. He married a daughter of William Betham, the first collector of customs in the Isle of Man, which connected him to Fletcher Christian, who came from a Manx family, and the midshipman Peter Hayward, who was the son of a Deemster. He was appointed to the Bounty in December 1787, and in 1791 he took command of the Providence, which was sent to the Society Islands to get a new load of breadfruit trees to replace those that were thrown overboard by the mutineers. He commanded the Glatton at Copenhagen on May 21, 1801, and served with distinction on that and other occasions. He was made Governor of New South Wales in 1805 but was forcibly removed during an uprising led by Major Johnston in January 1808. He was imprisoned until 1810, but when he returned to England, his management of the office was approved, and Johnston was dismissed. He was promoted to Vice-Admiral of the Blue in 1814, and he died on December 7, 1817.]

In his Narrative Bligh describes the mutiny as "a close-planned act of villainy," and attributes the conspiracy not to his own harshness, or to disloyalty provoked by "real or imaginary grievances," but to the contrast of life on board ship, "in ever climbing up the climbing wave," with the unearned luxuries of Tahiti, "the allurements of dissipation ... the female connections," which the sailors had left behind. Besides his own apology, there are the sworn statements of the two midshipmen, Hayward and Hallet, and others, which Bligh published in answer to a pamphlet which Edward Christian, afterwards Chief Justice of Ely, wrote in defence of his brother Fletcher. The evidence against Bligh is contained in the MS. journal of the boatswain's mate, James Morrison, which was saved, as by a miracle, from the wreck of the Pandora, and is quoted by Sir John Barrow, Lady Belcher, and other authorities. There is, too, the testimony of John Adams (Alexander Smith), as recorded by Captain Beachey, and, as additional proof of indifference and tyrannical behaviour, there are Bligh's own letters to Peter Hayward's mother and uncle (March 26, April 2, 1790), and W. C. Wentworth's account of his administration as Governor of New South Wales (see A Statistical Description, etc., 1819, p. 166). It cannot be gainsaid that Bligh was a man of integrity and worth, and that he was upheld and esteemed by the Admiralty. Morrison's Journal, though in parts corroborated by Bligh's MS. Journal, is not altogether convincing, and the testimony of John Adams in his old age counts for little. But according to his own supporters he "damned" his men though not the officers, and his own Narrative, as well as Morrison's Journal, proves that he was suspicious, and that he underrated and misunderstood the character and worth of his subordinates. He was responsible for the prolonged sojourn at Tahiti, and he should have remembered that time and distance are powerful solvents, and that between Portsmouth Hard and the untracked waters of the Pacific, "all Arcadia" had intervened. He was a man of imperfect sympathies, wanting in tact and fineness, but in the hour of need he behaved like a hero, and saved himself and others by submission to duty and strenuous self-control. Moreover, he "helped England" not once or twice, "in the brave days of old." (See A Narrative, etc., 1790; The Naval History of Great Britain, by E. P. Brenton, 1823, i. 96, sq.; Royal Naval Biography, by John Marshall, 1823-35, ii. pp. 747, sq.; Mutineers of the Bounty, by Lady Belcher, 1870, p. 8; Dictionary of National Biography, art. "Bligh.")]

In his Narrative, Bligh describes the mutiny as "a carefully planned act of villainy," blaming the conspiracy not on his own harshness or on disloyalty stemming from "real or imaginary grievances," but rather on the difference between life on the ship, "constantly battling the waves," and the unearned comforts of Tahiti, "the temptations of excess ... the female companionship," that the sailors had left behind. Along with his own defense, there are sworn statements from the two midshipmen, Hayward and Hallet, and others, which Bligh published in response to a pamphlet written by Edward Christian, who later became Chief Justice of Ely, in defense of his brother Fletcher. The evidence against Bligh is found in the manuscript journal of the boatswain's mate, James Morrison, which was miraculously saved from the wreck of the Pandora, and is referenced by Sir John Barrow, Lady Belcher, and other experts. Additionally, there is the testimony of John Adams (Alexander Smith), as recorded by Captain Beachey, and as further evidence of indifference and tyrannical behavior, there are Bligh's own letters to Peter Hayward's mother and uncle (March 26, April 2, 1790), and W. C. Wentworth's account of his governance in New South Wales (see A Statistical Description, etc., 1819, p. 166). It cannot be denied that Bligh was a man of integrity and value, and that he was supported and respected by the Admiralty. Morrison's Journal, although partially corroborated by Bligh's own manuscript journal, is not entirely convincing, and the testimony of John Adams in his later years carries little weight. However, according to his supporters, he "damned" his men but not the officers, and both his Narrative and Morrison's Journal demonstrate that he was suspicious, underestimating and misunderstanding the character and worth of his subordinates. He was responsible for the extended stay in Tahiti, and he should have remembered that time and distance can significantly alter perspectives, and that between Portsmouth Hard and the uncharted waters of the Pacific, "all Arcadia" lay in between. He was a man with limited empathy, lacking tact and sensitivity, but in moments of crisis, he behaved heroically, saving himself and others through commitment to duty and intense self-control. Furthermore, he "helped England" more than once, "in the brave days of old." (See A Narrative, etc., 1790; The Naval History of Great Britain, by E. P. Brenton, 1823, i. 96, sq.; Royal Naval Biography, by John Marshall, 1823-35, ii. pp. 747, sq.; Mutineers of the Bounty, by Lady Belcher, 1870, p. 8; Dictionary of National Biography, article "Bligh.")]

[353] {589}["A few hours before, my situation had been peculiarly flattering. I had a ship in the most perfect order, and well stored with every necessary, both for service and health; ... the voyage was two thirds completed, and the remaining part in a very promising way."—A Narrative of the Mutiny, etc., by Lieut. W. Bligh, 1790, p. 9.]

[353] {589}["A few hours earlier, I felt incredibly confident. I had a ship in perfect condition, fully stocked with everything needed for both operation and health; ... the journey was two-thirds done, and the rest was looking very promising."—A Narrative of the Mutiny, etc., by Lieut. W. Bligh, 1790, p. 9.]

[354] ["The women at Otaheite are handsome, mild, and cheerful in their manners and conversation, possessed of great sensibility, and have sufficient delicacy to make them admired and beloved. The chiefs were so much attached to our people, that they rather encouraged their stay among them than otherwise, and even made them promises of large possessions. Under these and many other attendant circumstances equally desirable, it is now, perhaps, not so much to be wondered at ... that a set of sailors, most of them void of connections, should be led away, especially when they imagined it in their power to fix themselves, in the midst of plenty, ... on the finest island in the world, where they need not labour, and where the allurements of dissipation are beyond anything that can be conceived,"—Ibid., p. 10.]

[354] ["The women in Tahiti are attractive, friendly, and bright in their manners and conversations. They have a lot of sensitivity and enough grace to be admired and loved. The chiefs were so fond of our people that they encouraged them to stay rather than leave and even promised them large amounts of land. Given these and many other appealing circumstances, it's not surprising that a group of sailors, most of whom had no ties back home, were drawn in, especially when they thought they could settle in a place full of abundance, on the most beautiful island in the world, where they wouldn't have to work and where the temptations of indulgence were beyond anything imaginable,"—Ibid., p. 10.]

[ez] And all enjoy the exuberance of the wild.—[MS. D. erased.]

[ez] And everyone revels in the excitement of the wild.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fa] {590} Their formidable fleet the quick canoe.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fa] {590} Their powerful fleet, the fast canoe.—[MS. D. erased.]

[355] {591}["Just before sunrising Mr. Christian, with the master-at-arms, gunner's mate, and Thomas Burkitt, seaman, came into my cabin while I was asleep, and, seizing me, tied my hands with a cord behind my back, and threatened me with instant death if I spoke or made the least noise. I, however, called out so loud as to alarm every one; but they had already secured the officers who were not of their party, by placing sentinels at their doors. There were three men at my cabin door, besides the four within; Christian had only a cutlass in his hand, the others had muskets and bayonets. I was hauled out of bed, and forced on deck in my shirt, suffering great pain from the tightness with which they had tied my hands.... The boatswain was now ordered to hoist the launch out. The boat being hoisted out, Mr. Hayward and Mr. Hallet, midshipmen, were ordered into it; upon which I demanded the cause of such an order, and endeavoured to persuade some one to a sense of duty; but it was to no effect: 'Hold your tongue, sir, or you are dead this instant,' was constantly repeated to me."—A Narrative of the Mutiny, etc., by Lieut. W. Bligh, 1790, pp. 1, 2.]

[355] {591}["Just before sunrise, Mr. Christian, along with the master-at-arms, gunner's mate, and Thomas Burkitt, a seaman, came into my cabin while I was asleep. They grabbed me, tied my hands behind my back with a cord, and threatened me with immediate death if I spoke or made any noise. I managed to call out loudly enough to alarm everyone, but they had already secured the officers who weren’t part of their group by placing sentinels at their doors. Three men were at my cabin door, in addition to the four inside; Christian was only holding a cutlass while the others had muskets and bayonets. They pulled me out of bed and forced me on deck in my shirt, causing me a lot of pain from how tightly they'd tied my hands... The boatswain was then ordered to hoist the launch out. Once the boat was lowered, Mr. Hayward and Mr. Hallet, midshipmen, were ordered into it. I asked why they were giving such an order and tried to appeal to someone's sense of duty, but it was pointless: 'Shut up, sir, or you’ll be dead this instant,' was what they kept telling me."—A Narrative of the Mutiny, etc., by Lieut. W. Bligh, 1790, pp. 1, 2.]

[356] ["The boatswain, and seamen who were to go in the boat, were allowed to collect twine, canvass, lines, sails, cordage, an eight-and-twenty-gallon cask of water, and the carpenter to take his tool-chest. Mr. Samuel got one hundred and fifty pounds of bread with a small quantity of rum and wine ... also a quadrant and compass."—Ibid., p. 3.]

[356] ["The boatswain and the sailors going in the boat were allowed to gather twine, canvas, ropes, sails, cordage, a twenty-eight-gallon barrel of water, and the carpenter could take his toolbox. Mr. Samuel got one hundred and fifty pounds of bread along with a small amount of rum and wine ... also a quadrant and a compass."—Ibid., p. 3.]

[357] {592}["The mutineers now hurried those they meant to get rid of into the boat, ... Christian directed a dram to be served to each of his own crew."—A Narrative, etc., 1790, p. 3.]

[357] {592}["The mutineers quickly pushed the people they wanted to discard into the boat, ... Christian instructed that a drink be served to each member of his crew."—A Narrative, etc., 1790, p. 3.]

[fb]

And lull it in his followers—"Ho! the dram"

And calm it in his followers—"Hey! the drink"

Rebellions sacrament, and paschal lamb.

Rebel sacrament and Passover lamb.

(A broken metaphor of flesh for wine

(An imperfect comparison of body for drink)

But Catholics know the exchange is none of mine.—[MS. D. erased.]

But Catholics know the exchange isn’t about me.—[MS. D. erased.]

And raise it in his followers—Ho! the bowl

And lift it up among his followers—Hey! the cup

That sure Nepenthe for the wavering [soul].—[MS. D. erased.]

That definitely brings relief for the uncertain [soul].—[MS. D. erased.]

[358] [It was Johnson, not Burke, who upheld the claims of brandy.—"He was persuaded," says Boswell, "to drink one glass of it [claret]. He shook his head, and said, 'Poor stuff!—No, Sir, claret is the liquor for boys; port for men; but he who aspires to be a hero (smiling) must drink brandy.'"—Boswell's Life of Johnson, 1848, p. 627.]

[358] [It was Johnson, not Burke, who supported the idea that brandy is superior.—"He was convinced," says Boswell, "to drink one glass of it [claret]. He shook his head and said, 'Poor stuff!—No, Sir, claret is for young ones; port is for grown men; but anyone who wants to be a hero (smiling) must drink brandy.'"—Boswell's Life of Johnson, 1848, p. 627.]

[359] ["While the ship ... was in sight she steered to the W.N.W., but I considered this only a feint; for when we were sent away, 'Huzza for Otaheite!' was frequently heard among the mutineers."—A Narrative, etc., 1790, pp. 4-8. This statement is questioned by Sir John Barrow (The Eventful History, etc., 1831, p. 91), on the grounds that the mutiny was the result of a sudden determination on the part of Christian, and that liberty, and not the delights of Tahiti, was the object which the mutineers had in view.]

[359] ["While the ship ... was in sight she headed W.N.W., but I thought this was just a trick; because when we were sent away, 'Hooray for Tahiti!' was often heard among the mutineers."—A Narrative, etc., 1790, pp. 4-8. Sir John Barrow questions this statement in The Eventful History, etc., 1831, p. 91, arguing that the mutiny stemmed from a sudden decision by Christian, with the goal being freedom, not the pleasures of Tahiti.]

[360] {593}[A variant of Pope's lines—

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {593}[A variant of Pope's lines—

"For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight,

"For different beliefs, let mindless zealots clash,

His can't be wrong, whose life is in the right."

"His can't be wrong who is living life the right way."

Essay on Man, iii. 305, 306.]

[361] ["Isaac Martin, one of the guard over me, I saw, had an inclination to assist me; and as he fed me with shaddock (my lips being quite parched with my endeavours to bring about a change), we explained our wishes to each other by our looks; but this being observed, Martin was instantly removed from me."—A Narrative, etc., 1790, p. 4.]

[361] ["Isaac Martin, one of the guards watching over me, I noticed, wanted to help me; and as he fed me shaddock (my lips were completely dried out from trying to create a change), we communicated our wishes to each other through our expressions; but when this was noticed, Martin was immediately taken away from me."—A Narrative, etc., 1790, p. 4.]

[362] {594}["Christian ... then ... said, 'Come, Captain Bligh, your officers and men are now in the boat; and you must go with them; if you attempt to make the least resistance you will instantly be put to death;' and without any farther ceremony, holding me by the cord that tied my hands, with a tribe of armed ruffians about me, I was forced over the side, where they untied my hands. Being in the boat, we were veered astern by a rope. A few pieces of pork were thrown to me and some clothes.... After having undergone a great deal of ridicule, and being kept for some time to make sport for these unfeeling wretches, we were at length cast adrift in the open ocean.... When they were forcing me out of the ship, I asked him [Christian] if this treatment was a proper return for the many instances he had received of my friendship? He appeared disturbed at the question, and answered, with much emotion, 'That,—Captain Bligh,—that is the thing;—I am in hell—I am in hell.'"—A Narrative, etc., 1790, pp. 4-8.

[362] {594}["Christian ... then ... said, 'Come on, Captain Bligh, your officers and crew are in the boat, and you need to join them; if you try to resist even a little, you'll be killed right away;' and without any further ceremony, holding me by the rope that bound my hands, with a group of armed thugs surrounding me, I was pushed over the side, where they untied my hands. Once in the boat, we were pulled back by a rope. A few pieces of pork were tossed to me along with some clothes.... After being subjected to a lot of ridicule, and being kept for some time as entertainment for these heartless people, we were finally set adrift in the open ocean.... When they were forcing me out of the ship, I asked him [Christian] if this was a fitting response to all the kindness I had shown him? He seemed troubled by the question and replied, with great emotion, 'That—Captain Bligh—that's exactly it—I'm in hell—I’m in hell.'"—A Narrative, etc., 1790, pp. 4-8.

Bligh's testimony on this point does not correspond with Morrison's journal, or with the evidence of the master, John Fryer, given at the court-martial, September 12, 1792. According to Morrison, when the boatswain tried to pacify Christian, he replied, "It is too late, I have been in hell for this fortnight past, and am determined to bear it no longer." The master's version is that he appealed to Christian, and that Christian exclaimed, "Hold your tongue, sir, I have been in hell for weeks past; Captain Bligh has brought all this on himself." Bligh seems to have flattered himself that in the act of mutiny Christian was seized with remorse, but it is clear that the wish was father to the thought. Moreover, on being questioned, Fryer, who was a supporter of the captain, explained that Christian referred to quarrels, to abuse in general, and more particularly to a recent accusation of stealing cocoa-nuts. (See The Eventful History, etc., 1831, pp. 84, 208, 209.)]

Bligh's testimony on this matter doesn't match with Morrison's journal or with the evidence given by the master, John Fryer, at the court-martial on September 12, 1792. According to Morrison, when the boatswain tried to calm Christian down, he responded, "It’s too late, I’ve been in hell for the past two weeks and I’m not going to put up with it any longer." The master's account is that he pleaded with Christian, who exclaimed, "Shut up, sir, I’ve been in hell for weeks; Captain Bligh brought all this on himself." Bligh seems to have convinced himself that during the mutiny, Christian felt remorse, but it’s clear that he was just wishing that was the case. Furthermore, when questioned, Fryer, who supported the captain, clarified that Christian was referring to fights, general mistreatment, and specifically to a recent claim of stealing coconuts. (See The Eventful History, etc., 1831, pp. 84, 208, 209.)

[363] {595}[Byron must mean "antarctic." "Arctic" is used figuratively for "cold," but not as a synonym for "polar."]

[363] {595}[Byron probably means "antarctic." "Arctic" is used metaphorically for "cold," but not as a synonym for "polar."]

[fc] Now swelled now sighed along——.—[MS. D. erased.]

[364] ["At dawn of day some of my people seemed half dead; our appearances were horrible; and I could look no way, but I caught the eye of some one in distress."—A Narrative, etc., p. 37. Later on, p. 80, when the launch reached Timor, he speaks of the crew as "so many spectres, whose ghastly countenances, if the cause had been unknown, would have excited terror rather than pity."]

[364] ["At the break of dawn, some of my people looked half dead; we looked terrible, and every time I turned my head, I noticed someone in distress."—A Narrative, etc., p. 37. Later on, p. 80, when the launch arrived at Timor, he describes the crew as "so many ghosts, whose horrifying faces, if the reason had been unknown, would have inspired fear instead of compassion."]

[365] [Bligh dwells on the misery caused to the luckless crew by drenching rains and by hunger, but says that no one suffered from thirst.]

[365] [Bligh focuses on the hardships the unfortunate crew faced from relentless rain and starvation, but notes that no one dealt with dehydration.]

[fd] {596} Nor yet unpitied. Vengeance had her own.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fd] {596} But not without sympathy. Revenge had its own.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fe] ——the undisputed root.—[MS. D. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ —the clear origin.—[MS. D. erased.]

[366] The now celebrated bread fruit, to transplant which Captain Bligh's expedition was undertaken.

[366] The now-famous breadfruit, which Captain Bligh's expedition was sent to transplant.

[The bread-fruit (Autocarpus incisa) was discovered by Dampier, in 1688. "Cook says that its taste is insipid, with a slight sweetness, somewhat resembling that of the crumb of wheaten bread mixed with a Jerusalem artichoke."—The Eventful History, etc., 1831, p. 43.]

[The breadfruit (Autocarpus incisa) was discovered by Dampier in 1688. "Cook mentions that it tastes bland, with a hint of sweetness, somewhat like a mix of wheat bread crumbs and a Jerusalem artichoke."—The Eventful History, etc., 1831, p. 43.]

[367] [See Letters from Mr. Fletcher Christian (pseud.), 1796, pp. 48, 49.]

[367] [See Letters from Mr. Fletcher Christian (pseud), 1796, pp. 48, 49.]

[ff] {597} Thus Argo plunged into the Euxine's foam.—[MS. D, erased.]

[ff] {597} So Argo dove into the waves of the Black Sea.—[MS. D, erased.]

[368] {598} The first three sections are taken from an actual song of the Tonga Islanders, of which a prose translation is given in "Mariner's Account of the Tonga Islands." Toobonai is not however one of them; but was one of those where Christian and the mutineers took refuge. I have altered and added, but have retained as much as possible of the original.

[368] {598} The first three sections are taken from a real song of the Tonga Islanders, with a prose translation provided in "Mariner's Account of the Tonga Islands." Toobonai is not one of those songs; it was where Christian and the mutineers sought refuge. I have changed and added to it, but I’ve kept as much of the original as I could.

["Whilst we were talking of Vaváoo tóoa Lico, the women said to us, 'Let us repair to the back of the island to contemplate the setting sun: there let us listen to the warbling of the birds, and the cooing of the wood-pigeon. We will gather flowers from the burying-place at Matáwto, and partake of refreshments prepared for us at Lico O'n[)e]: we will then bathe in the sea, and rinse ourselves in the Váoo A'ca; we will anoint our skins in the sun with sweet-scented oil, and will plait in wreaths the flowers gathered at Matáwto.' And now as we stand motionless on the eminence over Anoo Mánoo, the whistling of the wind among the branches of the lofty toa shall fill us with a pleasing melancholy; or our minds shall be seized with astonishment as we behold the roaring surf below, endeavouring but in vain to tear away the firm rocks. Oh! how much happier shall we be thus employed, than when engaged in the troublesome and insipid cares of life!

["While we were talking about Vaváoo tóoa Lico, the women said to us, 'Let’s head to the back of the island to watch the sunset: there we can listen to the birds singing and the wood-pigeon cooing. We’ll pick flowers from the graveyard at Matáwto, and enjoy some refreshments prepared for us at Lico O'n[)e]: then we’ll swim in the sea and wash ourselves in the Váoo A'ca; we’ll apply sweet-scented oil to our skin in the sun and weave the flowers we gathered at Matáwto into wreaths.' And now as we stand still on the rise overlooking Anoo Mánoo, the sound of the wind whistling through the branches of the tall toa will fill us with a pleasant sadness; or we’ll be amazed as we watch the crashing waves below, trying in vain to erode the sturdy rocks. Oh! How much happier we’ll be doing this than being caught up in the annoying and boring worries of life!]

"Now as night comes on, we must return to the Moóa. But hark!—hear you not the sound of the mats?—they are practising a bo-oóla ['a kind of dance performed by torch-light'], to be performed to-night on the malái, at Tanéa. Let us also go there. How will that scene of rejoicing call to our minds the many festivals held there, before Vavdoo was torn to pieces by war! Alas! how destructive is war! Behold! how it has rendered the land productive of weeds, and opened untimely graves for departed heroes! Our chiefs can now no longer enjoy the sweet pleasure of wandering alone by moonlight in search of their mistresses. But let us banish sorrow from our hearts: since we are at war, we must think and act like the natives of Fiji, who first taught us this destructive art. Let us therefore enjoy the present time, for to-morrow perhaps, or the next day, we may die. We will dress ourselves with chi coola, and put bands of white táppa round our waists. We will plait thick wreaths of jiale for our heads, and prepare strings of hooni for our necks, that their whiteness may show off the colour of our skins. Mark how the uncultivated spectators are profuse of their applause! But now the dance is over: let us remain here to-night and feast and be cheerful, and to-morrow we will depart for the Mooa. How troublesome are the young men, begging for our wreaths of flowers! while they say in their flattery, 'See how charming these young girls look coming from Licoo!—how beautiful are their skins, diffusing around a fragrance like the flowering precipice of Mataloco:—Let us also visit Licoo. We will depart to-morrow.'"—An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands, etc., 1817, i. 307, 308. See, too, for another version, ed. 1827, vol. ii. Appendix, p. xl.]

"Now that night is falling, we must head back to the Moóa. But wait!—do you hear the sound of the mats?—they're practicing a bo-oóla ['a type of dance performed by torchlight'] to be performed tonight on the malái, at Tanéa. Let's go there too. How that scene of celebration will remind us of the many festivals held there before Vavdoo was torn apart by war! Oh, how destructive war is! Look at how it has turned the land into a field of weeds and opened premature graves for fallen heroes! Our chiefs can no longer enjoy the sweet pleasure of wandering alone by moonlight in search of their lovers. But let’s push sorrow aside: since we are at war, we must think and act like the people of Fiji, who first taught us this devastating art. So let’s enjoy the moment, because tomorrow or the next day, we might die. We will dress ourselves in chi coola and wear bands of white táppa around our waists. We will braid thick wreaths of jiale for our heads and prepare strings of hooni for our necks, so their whiteness shows off the color of our skin. Notice how the uncultivated spectators are overly generous with their applause! But now the dance is over: let’s stay here tonight to feast and be merry, and tomorrow we will set off for the Mooa. How annoying are the young men, begging for our flower wreaths! While flattering us, they say, 'Look how lovely these young girls look coming from Licoo!—how beautiful their skin, spreading a fragrance like the blooming cliffs of Mataloco:—let’s also visit Licoo. We’ll leave tomorrow.'"—An Account of the Natives of the Tonga Islands, etc., 1817, i. 307, 308. See also, for another version, ed. 1827, vol. ii. Appendix, p. xl.

[369] {599}[Bolotoo is a visionary island to the north westward, the home of the Gods. The souls of chieftains, priests, and, possibly, the gentry, ascend to Bolotoo after death; but the souls of the lower classes "come to dust" with their bodies.—An Account, etc., 1817, ii. 104, 105.]

[369] {599}[Bolotoo is an imagined island to the northwest, the residence of the Gods. The souls of leaders, priests, and perhaps the upper class, rise to Bolotoo after they die; however, the souls of the lower classes "turn to dust" along with their bodies.—An Account, etc., 1817, ii. 104, 105.]

[370] [The toa, or drooping casuarina (C. equisetifolia). "Formerly the toa was regarded as sacred, and planted in groves round the 'Morais' of Tahiti."—Polynesia, by G. F. Angas, 1866, p. 44.]

[370] [The toa, or drooping casuarina (C. equisetifolia). "In the past, the toa was viewed as sacred and was planted in groves around the 'Morais' of Tahiti."—Polynesia, by G. F. Angas, 1866, p. 44.]

[371] {600}[The capital town of an island.]

[371] {600}[The main town of an island.]

[372] ["The preparation of gnatoo, or tappa-cloth, from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, occupies much of the time of the Tongan women. The bark, after being soaked in water, is beaten out by means of wooden mallets, which are grooved longitudinally.... Early in the morning," says Mariner, "when the air is calm and still, the beating of the gnatoo at all the plantations about has a very pleasing effect; some sounds being near at hand, and others almost lost by the distance, some a little more acute, others more grave, and all with remarkable regularity, produce a musical variety that is ... heightened by the singing of the birds, and the cheerful influence of the scene."—Polynesia, 1846, pp. 249, 250.]

[372] ["The making of gnatoo, or tappa-cloth, from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, takes up a lot of the Tongan women's time. After the bark is soaked in water, it's beaten with wooden mallets that have grooves running along them.... “Early in the morning,” Mariner says, “when the air is calm and still, the sound of gnatoo being made at all the plantations has a really pleasant effect; some sounds are close by, while others are almost drowned out by the distance, some are a bit higher, others deeper, and all with remarkable regularity create a musical variety that is... enhanced by the birds' singing and the cheerful vibe of the scene.” —Polynesia, 1846, pp. 249, 250.]

[373] [Marly, or Malái, is an open grass plat set apart for public ceremonies.]

[373] [Marly, or Malái, is a public grassy area designated for ceremonies.]

[fg]

Ere Fiji's children blew the shell of war

Before Fiji's children sounded the war shell

And armed Canoes brought Fury from afar.—[MS. D. erased.]

And armed canoes brought Fury from far away.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fh] Too long forgotten in the pleasure ground.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fh] Forgotten for too long in the garden of enjoyment.—[MS. D. erased.]

[374] [Cava, "kava," or "ava," is an intoxicating drink, prepared from the roots and stems of a kind of pepper (Piper methysticum). Mariner (An Account, etc., 1817, ii. 183-206) gives a highly interesting and suggestive account of the process of brewing the kava, and of the solemn "kava-drinking," which was attended with ceremonial rites. Briefly, a large wooden bowl, about three feet in diameter, and one foot in depth in the centre (see, for a typical specimen, King Thakombau's kava-bowl, in the British Museum), is placed in front of the king or chief, who sits in the midst, surrounded by his guests and courtiers. A portion of kava root is handed to each person present, who chews it to a pulp, and then deposits his quid in the kava bowl. Water being gradually added, the roots are well squeezed and twisted by various "curvilinear turns" of the hands and arms through the "fow," i.e. shavings of fibrous bark. When the "kava is in the cup," quaighs made of the "unexpanded leaf of the banana" are handed round to the guests, and the symposium begins. Mariner (ibid., p. 205, note) records a striking feature of the preliminary rites, a consecration or symbolic "grace before" drinking. "When a god has no priest, as Tali-y-Toobó [the Supreme Deity of the Tongans], no person ... presides at the head of his cava circle, the place being left ... vacant, but which it is supposed the god invisibly occupies.... And they go through the usual form of words, as if the first cup was actually filled and presented to the god: thus, before any cup is filled, the man by the side of the bowl says ... 'The cava is in the cup:' the mataboole answers ... 'Give it to our god:' but this is mere form, for there is no cup filled for the god." (See, too, The Making of Religion, by A. Lang, 1900, p. 279.)]

[374] [Cava, also known as "kava" or "ava," is a intoxicating drink made from the roots and stems of a type of pepper (Piper methysticum). Mariner (An Account, etc., 1817, ii. 183-206) provides a fascinating account of how kava is prepared and the ceremonial "kava-drinking" rituals that accompany it. Essentially, a large wooden bowl, about three feet wide and one foot deep (see for a typical example King Thakombau's kava-bowl in the British Museum), is placed in front of the king or chief, who sits in the center surrounded by guests and courtiers. Each attendee is given a piece of kava root to chew into a pulp before putting their quid into the kava bowl. Water is then gradually added, and the roots are kneaded and twisted with various movements of the hands and arms through the "fow," which means shavings of fibrous bark. Once the "kava is in the cup," quaighs made from the "unexpanded leaf of the banana" are distributed to the guests, and the gathering begins. Mariner (ibid., p. 205, note) notes an interesting aspect of the preliminary rituals, a consecration or symbolic "grace before" drinking. "When a god has no priest, like Tali-y-Toobó [the Supreme Deity of the Tongans], no one ... leads the kava circle, leaving the spot ... empty, which is believed to be occupied by the god invisibly.... They go through the usual words, as if the first cup was truly filled and offered to the god: thus, before any cup is filled, the person next to the bowl says ... 'The kava is in the cup:' the mataboole replies ... 'Give it to our god:' but this is just a formality, as there is no cup filled for the god." (See also, The Making of Religion, by A. Lang, 1900, p. 279.)]

[375] {601}[The gnatoo, which is a piece of tappa cloth, is worn in different ways. "Twenty yards of fine cloth are required by a Tahitian woman to make one dress, which is worn from the waist downwards."—Polynesia, 1866, p. 45.]

[375] {601}[The gnatoo, a piece of tappa cloth, can be worn in various styles. "A Tahitian woman needs twenty yards of fine cloth to make one dress, which she wears from the waist down."—Polynesia, 1866, p. 45.]

[376] [Licoo is the name given to the back of or unfrequented part of any island.]

[376] [Licoo refers to the less traveled or remote area of any island.]

[fi]

How beauteous are their skins, how softly all

How beautiful are their skins, how gently all

The forms of Beauty wrap them like a pall.—[MS. D. erased.]

The forms of beauty surround them like a shroud.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fj] {602} Glares with his mountain eye—.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fj] {602} Stares fiercely with his mountain-like gaze—.—[MS. D. erased.]

[377] [The Morning Chronicle, November 6, 1822, prints the following proclamation of José Maria Carreno, Commandant-General of Panama: "Inhabitants of the Isthmus! The Genius of History, which has everywhere crowned our arms, announces peace to Colombia.... From the banks of Orinoco to the towering summits of Chimborazo not a single enemy exists, and those who proudly marched towards the abode of the ancient children of the Sun have either perished or remain prisoners expecting our clemency."]

[377] [The Morning Chronicle, November 6, 1822, prints the following proclamation from José Maria Carreno, Commandant-General of Panama: "Residents of the Isthmus! The Spirit of History, which has consistently honored our efforts, announces peace to Colombia.... From the banks of the Orinoco to the towering peaks of Chimborazo, there are no enemies left, and those who bravely marched toward the homeland of the ancient children of the Sun have either died or remain prisoners awaiting our mercy."]

[378] [Compare "a wise man's sentiment," as quoted by Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun: "He believed if a man were permitted to make all the Ballads, he need not care who should make the Laws."—An Account of a Conversation, etc., 1704, p. 10.]

[378] [Compare "a wise man's sentiment," as quoted by Andrew Fletcher of Saltoun: "He believed that if a person could create all the Ballads, they wouldn't need to worry about who made the Laws."—An Account of a Conversation, etc., 1704, p. 10.]

[fk] {603} Than all the records History's annals rear.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fk] {603} More than all the accounts that history keeps.—[MS. D. erased.]

[379] [Jean François Champollion (1790-1832), at a meeting of the Académie des inscriptions, at Paris, September 17, 1822, announced the discovery of the alphabet of hieroglyphics.]

[379] [Jean François Champollion (1790-1832) announced the discovery of the hieroglyphic alphabet at a meeting of the Académie des inscriptions in Paris on September 17, 1822.]

[380] [So, too, Shelley, in his Preface to the Revolt of Islam, speaks of "that more essential attribute of Poetry, the power of awakening in others sensations like those which animate my own bosom."]

[380] [Similarly, Shelley, in his Preface to the Revolt of Islam, talks about "that more essential quality of Poetry, the ability to evoke in others feelings similar to those that inspire my own heart."]

[fl] {604}

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {604}

And she herself the daughter of the Seas

And she herself is the daughter of the Seas

As full of gems and energy as these.—[MS. D. erased.]

As filled with gems and energy as these.—[MS. D. erased.]

[381] {605}[George Stewart was born at Ronaldshay (circ. 1764), but was living at Stromness in 1780 (where his father's house, "The White House," is still shown), when, on the homeward voyage of the Resolution, Cook and Bligh were hospitably entertained by his parents. He was of honourable descent. His mother's ancestors were sprung from a half-brother of Mary Stuart's, and his father's family dated back to 1400. When he was at Timor, Bligh gave a "description of the pirates" for purposes of identification by the authorities at Calcutta and elsewhere. "George Stewart, midshipman, aged 23 years, is five feet seven inches high, good complexion, dark hair, slender made ... small face, and black eyes; tatowed on the left breast with a star," etc. Lieutenant Bligh took Stewart with him, partly in return for the "civilities" at Stromness, but also because "he was a seaman, and had always borne a good character." Alexander Smith told Captain Beachey (Narrative of a Voyage to the Pacific, 1831, Part I. p. 53) that it was Stewart who advised Christian "to take possession of the ship," but Peter Hayward, who survived to old age, strenuously maintained that this was a calumny, that Stewart was forcibly detained in his cabin, and that he would not, in any case, have taken part in the mutiny. He had, perhaps, already wooed and won a daughter of the isles, and when the Bounty revisited Tahiti, September 20, 1789, he was put ashore, and took up his quarters in her father's house. There he remained till March, 1791, when he "voluntarily surrendered himself" to the captain of the Pandora, and was immediately put in irons. The story of his parting from his bride is told in A Missionary Voyage to the Southern Pacific Ocean in the Ship Duff (by W. Wilson), 1799, p. 360: "The history of Peggy Stewart marks a tenderness of heart that never will be heard without emotion.... They had lived with the old chief in the most tender state of endearment; a beautiful little girl had been the fruit of their union, and was at the breast when the Pandora arrived.... Frantic with grief, the unhappy Peggy ... flew with her infant in a canoe to the arms of her husband. She was separated from him by violence, and conveyed on shore in a state of despair and grief too big for utterance ... she sank into the deepest dejection, pined under a rapid decay ... and fell a victim to her feelings, dying literally of a broken heart." Stewart was drowned or killed by an accident during the wreck of the Pandora, August 29, 1791. Sunt lacrymæ rerum! It is a mournful tale.]

[381] {605}[George Stewart was born in Ronaldshay around 1764, but he was living in Stromness in 1780 (where his father's house, "The White House," is still shown). During the return voyage of the Resolution, Cook and Bligh were kindly entertained by his parents. He came from a respectable background. His mother's ancestors were related to a half-brother of Mary Stuart, and his father's family could trace their roots back to 1400. While in Timor, Bligh provided a "description of the pirates" for identification by authorities in Calcutta and other locations. "George Stewart, midshipman, aged 23 years, is five feet seven inches tall, has a good complexion, dark hair, a slender build ... a small face, and black eyes; tattooed on the left breast with a star," etc. Lieutenant Bligh took Stewart with him, partly to repay the "kindness" shown in Stromness, but also because "he was a sailor and had always had a good reputation." Alexander Smith told Captain Beachey (Narrative of a Voyage to the Pacific, 1831, Part I. p. 53) that it was Stewart who advised Christian "to take possession of the ship," but Peter Hayward, who lived to an old age, strongly insisted that this was slander, claiming that Stewart was forcibly held in his cabin and would not have participated in the mutiny under any circumstances. He may have already fallen in love and won the heart of a daughter of the islands. When the Bounty returned to Tahiti on September 20, 1789, he was put ashore and took up residence in her father's home. He stayed there until March 1791, when he "voluntarily surrendered himself" to the captain of the Pandora and was immediately put in chains. The story of his farewell to his bride is recounted in A Missionary Voyage to the Southern Pacific Ocean in the Ship Duff (by W. Wilson), 1799, p. 360: "The story of Peggy Stewart reveals a sensitivity that will always be poignant.... They had lived with the old chief in a state of deep affection; a beautiful little girl had been born from their union and was still nursing when the Pandora arrived.... Distraught with grief, the unhappy Peggy ... rushed with her infant in a canoe to her husband's arms. She was violently separated from him and brought ashore in a state of despair and grief too great for words ... she fell into deep sorrow, wasted away ... and ultimately succumbed to her heartbreak, literally dying of a broken heart." Stewart drowned or was killed in an accident during the wreck of the Pandora on August 29, 1791. Sunt lacrymæ rerum! It is a tragic tale.]

[382] {606} The "ship of the desert" is the Oriental figure for the camel or dromedary; and they deserve the metaphor well,—the former for his endurance, the latter for his swiftness. [Compare The Deformed Transformed, Part I. sc. i, line 117.]

[382] {606} The "ship of the desert" is a term used in the East to refer to the camel or dromedary, and they both earn this metaphor— the camel for its endurance, and the dromedary for its speed. [Compare The Deformed Transformed, Part I. sc. i, line 117.]

[383] [Compare The Age of Bronze, lines 271-279.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [See The Age of Bronze, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__-279.]

[384]

"Lucullus, when frugality could charm.

"Lucullus, when thrift was appealing."

Had roasted turnips in the Sabine farm."

Had roasted turnips at the Sabine farm.

Pope [Moral Essays, i. 218, 219.]

Pope [Moral Essays, vol. 1, pp. 218-219.]

[385] The consul Nero, who made the unequalled march which deceived Hannibal, and defeated Asdrubal; thereby accomplishing an achievement almost unrivalled in military annals. The first intelligence of his return, to Hannibal, was the sight of Asdrubal's head thrown into his camp. When Hannibal saw this, he exclaimed with a sigh, that "Rome would now be the mistress of the world." And yet to this victory of Nero's it might be owing that his imperial namesake reigned at all. But the infamy of one has eclipsed the glory of the other. When the name of "Nero" is heard, who thinks of the consul?—But such are human things! [For Hannibal's cry of despair, "Agnoscere se fortunam Carthaginis!" see Livy, lib. xxvii. cap. li. s.f.]

[385] The consul Nero, who made the unmatched march that fooled Hannibal and defeated Asdrubal, achieved something almost unparalleled in military history. The first news of his return to Hannibal was when Asdrubal's head was thrown into his camp. When Hannibal saw this, he sighed and said that "Rome would now be the ruler of the world." And yet it might be thanks to Nero's victory that his imperial namesake even came to power. But the shame of one has overshadowed the glory of the other. When people hear the name "Nero," who thinks of the consul?—Such is the human condition! [For Hannibal's cry of despair, "Agnoscere se fortunam Carthaginis!" see Livy, lib. xxvii. cap. li. s.f.]

[fm] Tyrant or hero—patriot or a chief.—[MS. erased.]

[fm] Tyrant or hero—patriot or leader.—[MS. erased.]

[386] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto II. stanza v. line i, see Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 102, and 99, note 1.]

[386] [See Childe Harold, Canto II, stanza v, line i; check Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 102, and 99, note 1.]

[387] {609}[Toobo Neuha is the name of a Tongan chieftain. See Mariner's Account, etc., 1817, 141, sq.]

[387] {609}[Toobo Neuha is the name of a Tongan chief. See Mariner's Account, etc., 1817, 141, sq.]

[388] When very young, about eight years of age, after an attack of the scarlet fever at Aberdeen, I was removed by medical advice into the Highlands. Here I passed occasionally some summers, and from this period I date my love of mountainous countries. I can never forget the effect, a few years afterwards, in England, of the only thing I had long seen, even in miniature, of a mountain, in the Malvern Hills. After I returned to Cheltenham, I used to watch them every afternoon, at sunset, with a sensation which I cannot describe. This was boyish enough: but I was then only thirteen years of age, and it was in the holidays. [Byron spent his summer holidays, 1796-98, at the farm-house of Ballatrich, on Deeside. (See Poetical Works, 1898, i. 192, note 2. For his visit to Cheltenham, in the summer of 1801, see Life, pp. 8, 19.)

[388] When I was very young, around eight years old, after having an attack of scarlet fever in Aberdeen, I was taken by doctors' advice to the Highlands. I spent some summers there, and it’s from this time that I trace my love for mountainous regions. I can never forget how, a few years later in England, I felt when I saw the only mountain I had seen until then, even in miniature, which was the Malvern Hills. After I got back to Cheltenham, I would watch them every afternoon at sunset, feeling something I can’t really describe. I know it sounds naive, but I was just thirteen at the time, and it was during the holidays. [Byron spent his summer holidays, 1796-98, at the farm-house of Ballatrich, on Deeside. (See Poetical Works, 1898, i. 192, note 2. For his visit to Cheltenham, in the summer of 1801, see Life, pp. 8, 19.)

[389] {610}[For the eagle's beak, see Childe Harold, Canto III. stanza xviii. line 6, Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 226, note 1.]

[390] {611}[Compare Macbeth, act ii. sc. 4, line 13.]

[391] [Compare—"The never-merry clock," Werner, act iii. sc. 3, line 3.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ [Compare—"The always-grim clock," Werner, __A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_1__.]

[fn] Which knolls the knell of moments out of man.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fn] Which marks the passing of time for humanity.—[MS. D. erased.]

[392] {612} The now well-known story of the loves of the nightingale and rose need not be more than alluded to, being sufficiently familiar to the Western as to the Eastern reader. [Compare Werner, act iv. sc. 1, lines 380-382; and The Giaour, lines 21, 33.]

[392] {612} The now-famous tale of the nightingale and the rose doesn't need much explanation, as it's well-known to both Western and Eastern readers. [Compare Werner, act iv. sc. 1, lines 380-382; and The Giaour, lines 21, 33.]

[fo] Which kindled by another's—.—[MS. D.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ Which was sparked by someone else's—.—[MS. D.]

[393] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto III. stanzas lxxii., lxxv. Once again the language and the sentiment recall Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey. (See Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 261, note 2.)]

[393] [Compare Childe Harold, Canto III. stanzas lxxii., lxxv. Once again, the language and feelings evoke Wordsworth's Tintern Abbey. (See Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 261, note 2.)]

[394] {613} If the reader will apply to his ear the sea-shell on his chimney-piece, he will be aware of what is alluded to. If the text should appear obscure, he will find in Gebir the same idea better expressed in two lines. The poem I never read, but have heard the lines quoted, by a more recondite reader—who seems to be of a different opinion from the editor of the Quarterly Review, who qualified it in his answer to the Critical Reviewer of his Juvenal, as trash of the worst and most insane description. It is to Mr. Landor, the author of Gebir, so qualified, and of some Latin poems, which vie with Martial or Catullus in obscenity, that the immaculate Mr. Southey addresses his declamation against impurity!

[394] {613} If the reader holds a sea shell up to his ear on the mantelpiece, he will understand what is being referenced. If the text seems unclear, he will find the same idea expressed more clearly in two lines in Gebir. I’ve never read the poem, but I’ve heard those lines quoted by a more knowledgeable reader—who seems to have a different opinion than the editor of the Quarterly Review, who dismissed it in his response to the Critical Reviewer of his Juvenal, calling it the worst kind of trash. It is to Mr. Landor, the author of Gebir, who is so described, and of some Latin poems that rival Martial or Catullus in filthiness, that the pure Mr. Southey directs his tirade against immorality!

[These are the lines in Gebir to which Byron alludes—

[These are the lines in Gebir that Byron refers to—

"But I have sinuous shells of pearly hue.

"But I have smooth shells that shine like pearls."

Shake one and it awakens; then apply

Shake one and it wakes up; then apply

Its polisht lips to your attentive ear,

Its polished lips to your attentive ear,

And it remembers its august abodes,

And it remembers its grand homes,

And murmurs as the ocean murmurs there."

And whispers like the ocean whispers there.

Compare, too, The Excursion, bk. iv.—

Compare, too, *The Excursion*, bk. iv.—

"I have seen

"I've seen"

A curious child, who dwelt upon a tract

A curious child who lived in a region

Of inland ground, applying to his ear

Of inland ground, putting his ear to it

The convolutions of a smooth-lipped shell,

The twists and turns of a smooth shell,

To which, in silence hushed, his very soul

To which, in quiet silence, his very soul

Listened intently," etc.

Listened closely," etc.

Landor, in his Satire upon Satirists, 1836, p. 29, commenting on Wordsworth's alleged remark that he "would not give five shillings for all the poetry that Southey had written" (see Letters, 1900, iv. Appendix IX. pp. 483, 484), calls attention to this unacknowledged borrowing, "It would have been honester," he says, "and more decorous if the writer of the following verses had mentioned from what bar he drew his wire." According to H. C. Robinson (Diary, 1869, iii. 114), Wordsworth acknowledged no obligation to Landor's Gebir for the image of the sea-shell. "From his childhood the shell was familiar to him, etc. The 'Satire' seemed to give Wordsworth little annoyance."]

Landor, in his Satire upon Satirists, 1836, p. 29, commenting on Wordsworth's supposed statement that he "wouldn't pay five shillings for all the poetry Southey had written" (see Letters, 1900, iv. Appendix IX. pp. 483, 484), points out this uncredited borrowing, saying, "It would have been more honest and proper if the writer of the following verses had mentioned where he got his inspiration." According to H. C. Robinson (Diary, 1869, iii. 114), Wordsworth did not acknowledge any debt to Landor's Gebir for the image of the sea-shell. "From his childhood, the shell was familiar to him, etc. The 'Satire' didn't seem to bother Wordsworth much."

[395] {615}[In his Preface to Cantos I., II. of Childe Harold (Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 5), Byron relies on the authority of "Ariosto Thomson and Beattie" for the inclusion of droll or satirical "variations" in a serious poem. Nevertheless, Dallas prevailed on him to omit certain "ludicrous stanzas." It is to be regretted that no one suggested the excision of sections xix.-xxi. from the second canto of The Island.]

[395] {615}[In his Preface to Cantos I., II. of Childe Harold (Poetical Works, 1899, ii. 5), Byron uses the authority of "Ariosto Thomson and Beattie" to justify the inclusion of humorous or satirical "variations" in a serious poem. However, Dallas convinced him to leave out certain "ridiculous stanzas." It's unfortunate that no one suggested cutting out sections xix.-xxi. from the second canto of The Island.]

[396] Hobbes, the father of Locke's and other philosophy, was an inveterate smoker,—even to pipes beyond computation.

[396] Hobbes, the foundation of Locke's and other philosophies, was a chronic smoker—often to the point of being unable to count his pipes.

["Soon after dinner he [Hobbes] retired to his study, and had his candle, with ten or twelve pipes of tobacco laid by him; then, shutting his door, he fell to smoking, and thinking, and writing for several hours."—Memoirs of the Family of Cavendish, by White Kennet, D.D., 1708, pp. 14, 15.]

["Soon after dinner, he [Hobbes] went to his study, bringing along a candle and ten or twelve pipes of tobacco. After shutting his door, he started smoking, thinking, and writing for several hours."—Memoirs of the Family of Cavendish, by White Kennet, D.D., 1708, pp. 14, 15.]

[fp] Yet they who love thee best prefer by far.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fp] Yet those who love you the most prefer you by far.—[MS. D. erased.]

[397] ["I shall now smoke two cigars, and get me to bed.... The Havannah are the best;—but neither are so pleasant as a hooka or chiboque."—Journal, December 6, 1813, Letters, 1898, ii. 368.]

[397] ["I’m going to smoke two cigars and then head to bed…. The Havannah ones are the best;—but neither is as enjoyable as a hookah or chiboque."—Journal, December 6, 1813, Letters, 1898, ii. 368.]

[398] {616} This rough but jovial ceremony, used in crossing the line, has been so often and so well described, that it need not be more than alluded to.

[398] {616} This rowdy but cheerful ceremony, used for crossing the equator, has been described so many times and so well that it doesn't need further explanation.

[399] {617} "That will do for the marines, but the sailors won't believe it," is an old saying: and one of the few fragments of former jealousies which still survive (in jest only) between these gallant services.

[399] {617} "That works for the marines, but the sailors won't buy it," is an old saying: and one of the rare remnants of past rivalries that still exist (in a joking way) between these brave services.

[400] {619} Archidamus, King of Sparta, and son of Agesilaus, when he saw a machine invented for the casting of stones and darts, exclaimed that it was the "grave of valour." The same story has been told of some knights on the first application of gunpowder; but the original anecdote is in Plutarch. [The Greek is "Ἀπόλωλεν, ἀνδρὸς ἀρετά;," Plutarch's Scripta Moralia, 1839, i. 230.]

[400] {619} Archidamus, King of Sparta and son of Agesilaus, when he saw a device created for launching stones and darts, remarked that it was the "grave of courage." The same tale has been recounted about some knights when gunpowder was first used; however, the original story comes from Plutarch. [The Greek is "Lost, the man of virtue;," Plutarch's Scripta Moralia, 1839, i. 230.]

[fq] {621} To people in a small embarrassment.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fq] {621} To people experiencing a minor embarrassment.—[MS. D. erased.]

[401] {622} [Fletcher Christian, born 1763, was the fourth son of Charles Christian, an attorney, of Moreland Close, in the parish of Brigham, Cumberland. His family, which was of Manx extraction, was connected with the Christians of Ewanrigg, and the Curwens of Workington Hall. His brother Edward became Chief Justice of Ely, and was well known as the editor of Blackstones Commentaries. For purposes of verification (see An Answer to certain Assertions, etc., 1794, p. 9), Bligh described him as "aged 24 years, five feet nine inches high, blackish or very dark brown complexioned, dark brown hair, strong made, star tatowed on the left breast," etc. According to "Morrison's Journal," high words had passed between Bligh and Christian on more than one occasion, and, on the day before the mutiny, a question having arisen with regard to the disappearance of some cocoa-nuts, Christian was cross-examined by the captain as to his share of the plunder. "I really do not know, sir," he replied; "but I hope you do not think me so mean as to be guilty of stealing yours." "Yes," said Bligh, "you —— hound, I do think so, or you could have given a better account of them." It was after this offensive accusation that Christian determined, in the first instance, to quit the ship, and on the morning of April 28, 1788, finding the mate of the watch asleep, on the spur of the moment resolved to lay violent hands on the captain, and assume the command of the Bounty. The language attributed to Bligh reads like a translation into the vernacular, but if Christian kept his designs to himself, it is strange that they were immediately understood and acted upon by a body of impromptu conspirators. Testimony, whether written or spoken, with regard to the succession of events "in moments like to these," is worth very little; but it is pretty evident that Christian was a gentleman, and that Bligh's violent and unmannerly ratings were the immediate cause of the mutiny.

[401] {622} [Fletcher Christian, born in 1763, was the fourth son of Charles Christian, a lawyer from Moreland Close in the Brigham parish of Cumberland. His family, of Manx descent, was connected to the Christians of Ewanrigg and the Curwens of Workington Hall. His brother Edward became Chief Justice of Ely and was well-known as the editor of Blackstone's Commentaries. For verification purposes (see An Answer to certain Assertions, etc., 1794, p. 9), Bligh described him as "24 years old, five feet nine inches tall, with a dark complexion, dark brown hair, strong build, and a star tattooed on his left breast," etc. According to "Morrison's Journal," Bligh and Christian had exchanged harsh words on multiple occasions, and on the day before the mutiny, when a question arose about some missing coconuts, Christian was questioned by the captain about his involvement in the theft. "I really don’t know, sir," he replied; "but I hope you don’t think I’m so petty as to steal yours." "Yes," Bligh said, "you —– hound, I do think so, or you would have given a better explanation." After this insulting accusation, Christian decided, initially, to leave the ship, and on the morning of April 28, 1788, finding the officer of the watch asleep, he impulsively resolved to take control of the Bounty by force. The language attributed to Bligh sounds like a colloquial translation, but if Christian kept his plans to himself, it’s odd that they were immediately understood and acted upon by a group of spontaneous conspirators. Testimony, whether written or spoken, about the sequence of events "in moments like these" is not very reliable; however, it is clear that Christian was a gentleman and that Bligh's violent and rude behavior directly led to the mutiny.]

Contradictory accounts are given of Christian's death. It is generally believed that in the fourth year of the settlement on Pitcairn Island the Tahitians formed a plot to massacre the Englishmen, and that Christian was shot when at work in his plantation (The Mutineers, etc., by Lady Belcher, 1870, p. 163; The Mutiny, etc., by Rosalind A. Young, 1894, p. 28). On the other hand, Amasa Delano, in his Narrative of Voyages, etc. (Boston, 1817, cap. v. p. 140), asserts that Captain Mayhew Folger, who was the first to visit the island in 1808, "was very explicit in his inquiry at the time, as well as in his account of it to me, that they lived under Christian's government several years after they landed; that during the whole time they enjoyed tolerable harmony; that Christian became sick, and died a natural death." It stands to reason that the ex-pirate, Alexander Smith, who had developed into John Adams, the pious founder of a patriarchal colony, would be anxious to draw a veil over the early years of the settlement, and would satisfy the curiosity of visitors who were officers of the Royal Navy, as best he could, and as the spirit moved him.]

Conflicting stories exist about Christian's death. Most people believe that in the fourth year of the settlement on Pitcairn Island, the Tahitians plotted to kill the Englishmen, and that Christian was shot while working on his plantation (The Mutineers, etc., by Lady Belcher, 1870, p. 163; The Mutiny, etc., by Rosalind A. Young, 1894, p. 28). However, Amasa Delano, in his Narrative of Voyages, etc. (Boston, 1817, cap. v. p. 140), claims that Captain Mayhew Folger, who was the first to visit the island in 1808, "was very explicit in his inquiry at the time, as well as in his account of it to me, that they lived under Christian's government several years after they landed; that during the whole time they enjoyed tolerable harmony; that Christian became sick, and died a natural death." It makes sense that the former pirate, Alexander Smith, who transformed into John Adams, the devout founder of a patriarchal colony, would want to obscure the early years of the settlement and would try to satisfy the curiosity of visiting Royal Navy officers as best as he could and as he felt inclined.

[fr] {625} The ruined remnant of the land's defeat.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fr] {625} The destroyed remains of the land's loss.—[MS. D. erased.]

[402] {626}[Compare The Siege of Corinth, lines 438, 439, Poetical Works, 1900, iii. 467.]

[403] {629} Of this cave (which is no fiction) the original will be found in the ninth chapter of "Mariner's Account of the Tonga Islands" [1817, i. 267-279]. I have taken the poetical liberty to transplant it to Toobonai, the last island where any distinct account is left of Christian and his comrades.

[403] {629} This cave (which is not imaginary) can be found in the ninth chapter of "Mariner's Account of the Tonga Islands" [1817, i. 267-279]. I've taken the artistic freedom to move it to Toobonai, the last island where there's a clear record of Christian and his companions.

[The following is the account given by Mariner: "On this island [Hoonga] there is a peculiar cavern, which was first discovered by a young chief, whilst diving after a turtle. The nature of this cavern will be better understood if we imagine a hollow rock rising sixty feet or more above the surface of the water, into the cavity of which there is no known entrance but one, and that is on the side of the rock, as low down as six feet under the water, into which it flows; and, consequently, the base of the cavern may be said to be the sea itself." Mariner seeing some young chiefs diving into the water one after another, and not rise again, he inquired of the last, ... what they were about? "'Follow me,'" said he, "'and I will take you where you have never been before....'" Mariner prepared to follow his companion, and, guided by the light reflected from his heels, entered the opening in the rock, and rose into the cavern. The light was sufficient, after remaining about five minutes, to show objects with some little distinctness; ... Nevertheless, as it was desirable to have a stronger light, Mariner dived out again, and, priming his pistol, tied plenty of gnatoo tight round it, and wrapped the whole up in a plantain-leaf: he directed an attendant to bring a torch in the same way. Thus prepared, he re-entered the cavern, unwrapped the gnatoo, fired it by the flash of the powder, and lighted the torch. "The place was now illuminated tolerably well.... It appeared (by guess) to be about forty feet wide in the main part, but it branched off, on one side, in two narrower portions. The medium height seemed also about forty feet. The roof was hung with stalactites in a very curious way, resembling, upon a cursory view, the Gothic arches and ornaments of an old church." According to one of the matabooles present, the entire family of a certain chief had, in former times, been condemned to death for conspiring against a rival tyrant—the chief to be taken out to sea and drowned, the rest of the family to be massacred. One of the chiefs daughters was a beautiful girl, to whom the youth who discovered the cave was attached. "He had long been enamoured of this young maiden, but had never dared to make her acquainted with the soft emotions of his heart, knowing that she was betrothed to a chief of higher rank and greater power, but now, ... no time was to be lost; he flew to her abode ... declared himself her deliverer if she would trust to his honour.... Soon her consenting hand was clasped in his: the shades of evening favoured their escape ... till her lover had brought a small canoe to a lonely part of the beach. In this they speedily embarked.... They soon arrived at the rock, he leaped into the water, and she, instructed by him, followed close after; they rose into the cavern, and rested from their fatigue, partaking of some refreshments which he had brought there for himself...." Here she remained, visited from time to time by her more fortunate Leander, until he was enabled to carry her off to the Fiji islands, where they dwelt till the death of the tyrant, when they returned to Vavaoo, "and lived long in peace and happiness."]

The following is the account given by Mariner: "On this island [Hoonga] there’s a strange cave, discovered by a young chief while diving for a turtle. To understand this cave better, picture a hollow rock that rises about sixty feet or more above the water. The only way in is a single entrance on the side of the rock, situated about six feet underwater, into which the sea flows; so, the base of the cave can be considered the sea itself." Mariner saw some young chiefs diving into the water one after another without coming back up, so he asked the last one what they were doing. "'Follow me,'" he said, "'and I’ll take you where you’ve never been before....'" Mariner got ready to follow his companion, and guided by the light reflecting off his heels, he entered the opening in the rock and rose into the cave. The light was enough, after about five minutes, to reveal objects somewhat clearly; ... However, wanting a stronger light, Mariner dived out again, loaded his pistol, tied a lot of gnatoo tightly around it, and wrapped it all in a plantain leaf. He instructed an attendant to bring a torch in a similar way. Prepared, he went back into the cave, unwrapped the gnatoo, fired it using the flash of the powder, and lit the torch. "Now the place was illuminated quite well.... It seemed (by estimation) to be about forty feet wide in the main area, branching off on one side into two narrower parts. The average height also appeared to be about forty feet. The ceiling was decorated with stalactites in a unique way, resembling, at a glance, the Gothic arches and decorations of an old church." According to one of the matabooles present, the entire family of a certain chief had once been condemned to death for plotting against a rival tyrant—the chief was to be taken out to sea and drowned, while the rest of the family was to be killed. One of the chief's daughters was a beautiful girl, whom the young man who discovered the cave loved. "He had long been infatuated with this young woman but had never dared to express his feelings, knowing that she was engaged to a chief of higher status and greater power. But now, ... he had to act fast; he rushed to her home ... and declared himself her rescuer if she would trust his honor.... Soon her agreeing hand was in his: the evening shadows aided their escape ... until her lover brought a small canoe to a secluded part of the beach. They quickly boarded it.... They soon reached the rock, he jumped into the water, and she, following his instructions, closely followed behind; they emerged into the cave and rested from their exhaustion, enjoying some refreshments he had brought for himself...." She stayed there, visited from time to time by her more fortunate Leander, until he could take her to the Fiji islands, where they lived until the death of the tyrant, after which they returned to Vavaoo, "and lived together in peace and happiness for many years."

[404] {631} This may seem too minute for the general outline (in Mariner's Account) from which it is taken. But few men have travelled without seeing something of the kind—on land, that is. Without adverting to Ellora, in Mungo Park's last journal, he mentions having met with a rock or mountain so exactly resembling a Gothic cathedral, that only minute inspection could convince him that it was a work of nature.

[404] {631} This might seem too trivial for the overall summary (in Mariner's Account) from which it comes. But few people have traveled without encountering something similar—on land, that is. Without referring to Ellora, Mungo Park's last journal mentions that he came across a rock or mountain that looked so much like a Gothic cathedral that only a close inspection could confirm it was a natural formation.

[Ellora, a village in the Nizám's dominions, is thirteen miles north-west of Aurangábád. "It is famous for its rock-caves and temples. The chief building, called the kailás, ... is a great monolithic temple, isolated from surrounding rock, and carved outside as well as in.... It is said to have been built about the eighth century by Rájá Edu of Ellichpur."—Hunter's Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1885, iv. 348-351. The passage in Mungo Park's Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, 1815, p. 75, runs thus: "June 24th [1805],—Left Sullo, and travelled through a country beautiful beyond imagination, with all the possible diversities of rock, sometimes towering up like ruined castles, spires, pyramids, etc. We passed one place so like a ruined Gothic abbey, that we halted a little, before we could satisfy ourselves that the niches, windows, etc., were all natural rock."]

[Ellora, a village in the Nizám's territory, is thirteen miles northwest of Aurangábád. "It's famous for its rock caves and temples. The main structure, called the kailás, ... is a huge monolithic temple, separate from the surrounding rock, and intricately carved both outside and inside.... It's believed to have been built around the eighth century by Rájá Edu of Ellichpur."—Hunter's Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1885, iv. 348-351. The excerpt from Mungo Park's Journal of a Mission to the Interior of Africa, 1815, p. 75, reads: "June 24th [1805],—Left Sullo, and traveled through a land more beautiful than one can imagine, featuring all kinds of rock, sometimes rising like ruined castles, spires, pyramids, etc. We came across a spot that looked so much like a ruined Gothic abbey that we paused for a moment, unsure if the niches, windows, etc., were all natural rock."]

[405] [Byron's quadrisyllable was, probably, a poetic licence. There is, however, an obsolete plural, stalactitæ, to be found in the works of John Woodward, M.D., Fossils of England, 1729, i. 155.]

[405] [Byron's use of a four-syllable word was probably just poetic license. However, there is an outdated plural, stalactitæ, that can be found in the works of John Woodward, M.D., Fossils of England, 1729, i. 155.]

[fs] {632} Where Love and Torquil might lie safe from men.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fs] {632} Where Love and Torquil could find shelter away from people.—[MS. D. erased.]

[406] {633} The reader will recollect the epigram of the Greek anthology, or its translation into most of the modern languages—

[406] {633} The reader will remember the epigram from the Greek anthology, or its translation into most modern languages—

"Whoe'er thou art, thy master see—

"Whoever you are, check in with your boss—

He was, or is, or is to be."

He was, or is, or will be.

[Byron is quoting from memory an "Illustration" in the notes to Collections from the Greek Anthology, by the Rev. Robert Bland, 1813, p. 402—

"Whoe'er thou art, thy Lord and master see.

"Whoever you are, see your Lord and master."

Thou wast my Slave, thou art, or thou shall be."

You were my slave, you are, or you will be.

The couplet was written by George Granville, Lord Lansdowne (1667-1735), as an Inscription for a Figure representing the God of Love. (See The Genuine Works, etc., 1732, I. 129.)]

The couplet was written by George Granville, Lord Lansdowne (1667-1735), as an Inscription for a Figure representing the God of Love. (See The Genuine Works, etc., 1732, I. 129.)

[407] {634} The tradition is attached to the story of Eloïsa, that when her body was lowered into the grave of Abelard (who had been buried twenty years), he opened his arms to receive her.

[407] {634} The tradition is linked to the story of Eloïsa, that when her body was placed in Abelard's grave (which he had occupied for twenty years), he opened his arms to welcome her.

[The story is told by Bayle, who quotes from a manuscript chronicle of Tours, preserved in the notes of Andreas Quercetanus, affixed to the Historia Calamitatum Abælardi: "Eadem defuncta ad tumulam apertum depertata, maritus ejus qui multis diebus ante eam defunctus fuerat, elevatis brachiis eam recepit, et ita earn amplexatus brachia sua strinxit."—See Petri Abelardi Opera, Paris, 1616, ii. 1195.]

[The story is narrated by Bayle, who quotes from a manuscript chronicle of Tours, preserved in the notes of Andreas Quercetanus, attached to the Historia Calamitatum Abælardi: "When she died, she was taken to an open tomb, and her husband, who had passed away many days before her, raised his arms to receive her, and thus, embracing her, held her tightly in his arms."—See Petri Abelardi Opera, Paris, 1616, ii. 1195.]

[ft] {636} Too late it might be still at least to die.—[MS. D. erased.]

[ft] {636} It might still be too late to die.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fu] {637} The crag as droop a bird without her young.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fu] {637} The cliff hangs like a bird without her chicks.—[MS. D. erased.]

[408] In Thibault's account of Frederick the Second of Prussia, there is a singular relation of a young Frenchman, who with his mistress appeared to be of some rank. He enlisted and deserted at Schweidnitz; and after a desperate resistance was retaken, having killed an officer, who attempted to seize him after he was wounded, by the discharge of his musket loaded with a button of his uniform. Some circumstances on his court-martial raised a great interest amongst his judges, who wished to discover his real situation in life, which he offered to disclose, but to the king only, to whom he requested permission to write. This was refused, and Frederic was filled with the greatest indignation, from baffled curiosity or some other motive, when he understood that his request had been denied. [Mes Souvenirs de vingt ans de séjour à Berlin, ou Frédéric Le Grand, etc., Paris, 1804, iv. 145-150.]

[408] In Thibault's account of Frederick the Second of Prussia, there's a unique story about a young Frenchman, who seemed to have some status along with his lover. He signed up for the army and deserted at Schweidnitz; after putting up a fierce fight, he was recaptured, having killed an officer who tried to grab him after he was wounded, using his musket loaded with a button from his uniform. Some details during his court-martial intrigued his judges, who wanted to find out about his true circumstances. He offered to reveal this, but only to the king, asking for permission to write to him. This was denied, and Frederic was filled with intense anger, possibly out of frustrated curiosity or some other reason, when he learned that his request had been turned down. [Mes Souvenirs de vingt ans de séjour à Berlin, ou Frédéric Le Grand, etc., Paris, 1804, iv. 145-150.]

[fv] He tore a silver vest——.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fv] He ripped a silver vest——.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fw] {639} Their hollow shrine——.—[MS. D. erased.]

__A_TAG_PLACEHOLDER_0__ {639} Their empty shrine——.—[MS. D. erased.]

[fx]

As only a yet infant——.—[MS. D.]

{

As only an infantine World——.

As just a baby world.

As only a yet unweaned World——.—[Alternative readings. MS. D.]

As only a still unweaned World——.—[Alternative readings. MS. D.]

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The Works OF Lord Byron

A NEW, REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

Poetry. Vol. V.

Edited by ERNEST HARTLEY COLERIDGE, M.A., HON. F.R.S.L.

LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.

1901.

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

PREFACE TO THE FIFTH VOLUME.

CONTENTS OF VOL. V

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

SardanapalusA TRAGEDY.

INTRODUCTION TO SARDANAPALUS

TO THE FAMOUS GOETHE A STRANGER DARES TO PAY TRIBUTE AS A LITERARY VASSAL TO HIS LIEGE LORD, THE LEADER AMONG CURRENT WRITERS, WHO HAS DEVELOPED THE LITERATURE OF HIS OWN COUNTRY, AND ENRICHED THAT OF EUROPE. THE UNWORTHY PRODUCTION WHICH THE AUTHOR DARES TO WRITE FOR HIM IS TITLED Sardanapalus.[2]

PREFACE

SARDANAPALUS.[5]

ACT I.

Scene I.—A Hall in the Palace.

Scene II.

ACT II.

ACT III.

ACT IV.

ACT V.

Scene I.-The same Hall in the Palace.

FOOTNOTES:

THE TWO FOSCARI:[34] A Historical Tragedy.[35]

INTRODUCTION TO THE TWO FOSCARI

THE TWO FOSCARI.

ACT I.

Scene I.—A Hall in the Ducal Palace.

ACT II.

Scene I.—A hall in the Dogecoin's Palace.

ACT III.

Setting I.—The prison of Jacopo Foscari.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—A Hall in the Ducal Palace.

ACT V.

Scene I.—The Doge's Apartment.

FOOTNOTES:

CAIN: A mystery.

INTRODUCTION TO CAIN.

To SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. THIS MYSTERY OF CAIN IS INSCRIBED, BY HIS GRATEFUL FRIEND AND LOYAL SERVANT, THE AUTHOR.[86]

PREFACE

CAIN: A MYSTERY.

ACT I.

Scene I.—The Land without Paradise.—Time, Sunrise.

ACT II.

Scene I.—The Abyss of Space.

Scene II.—Hades.

ACT III.

Scene I.—The Earth, near Eden, as in Act I.

FOOTNOTES:

Heaven and Earth; A mystery.

INTRODUCTION TO HEAVEN AND EARTH.

HEAVEN AND EARTH.

PART I.

Scene I.—A woody and mountainous district near Mount Ararat.—Time, midnight.

Scene II.—Enter Irad and Japhet.

Setting III.—The mountains.—A cavern,[144] and the rocks of Caucasus.

FOOTNOTES:

WERNER or, THE INHERITANCE: A tragedy.

INTRODUCTION TO WERNER.

Note to the Intro to Werner.

TO THE FAMOUS GOETHE BY ONE OF HIS MOST MODEST ADMIRERS, THIS TRAGEDY IS DEDICATED.

PREFACE

WERNER Or, THE INHERITANCE.

ACT I.

Scene I.—The Hall of a decayed Palace near a small Town on the Northern Frontier of Silesia—the Night tempestuous.

ACT II.

Scene I.—A Hall in the same Palace.

Scene II.—The Apartment of Werner, in the Palace.

ACT III.

Scene I.—A Hall in the same Palace, from whence the secret Passage leads.

Scene II.—Stralenheim's Chamber.

Scene III.—The secret Passage.

Scene IV.—A Garden.

ACT IV.

Scene I.—A Gothic Hall in the Castle of Siegendorf, near Prague.

ACT V.

Scene I.—A large and magnificent Gothic Hall in the Castle of Siegendorf, decorated with Trophies, Banners, and Arms of that Family.

Scene II.—The Interior of the Turret.

The Works
OF
Lord Byron

A NEW, REVISED AND ENLARGED EDITION
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

Edited by
ERNEST HARTLEY COLERIDGE, M.A.,
HON. F.R.S.L.

LONDON:
JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET.
NEW YORK: CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS.

Sardanapalus
A TRAGEDY.

TO
THE FAMOUS GOETHE
A STRANGER
DARES TO PAY TRIBUTE
AS A LITERARY VASSAL TO HIS LIEGE LORD,
THE LEADER AMONG CURRENT WRITERS,
WHO HAS DEVELOPED
THE LITERATURE OF HIS OWN COUNTRY,
AND ENRICHED THAT OF EUROPE.
THE UNWORTHY PRODUCTION
WHICH THE AUTHOR DARES TO WRITE FOR HIM
IS TITLED
Sardanapalus.[2]

THE TWO FOSCARI:[34]
A Historical Tragedy.[35]

CAIN:
A mystery.

To
SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.
THIS MYSTERY OF CAIN
IS INSCRIBED,
BY HIS GRATEFUL FRIEND
AND LOYAL SERVANT,
THE AUTHOR.[86]

Heaven and Earth;
A mystery.

WERNER
or,
THE INHERITANCE:
A tragedy.

TO
THE FAMOUS GOETHE
BY ONE OF HIS MOST MODEST ADMIRERS,
THIS TRAGEDY
IS DEDICATED.

WERNER
Or,
THE INHERITANCE.

WERNER
Nov. 1815.
[First Draft.]

THE
DEFORMED TRANSFORMED:
A DRAMA.

INTRODUCTION TO
THE DEFORMED TRANSFORMED.

Bronze Age
or,
Carmen Seculare et Annus Haud
Mirabilis.[dv]

THE ISLAND;
OR,
CHRISTIAN AND HIS FRIENDS.