Startle him constantly with
frightful
cries
That the Preetorians arm.
That the Preetorians arm.
Krasinski - The Undivine Comedy
Raise your
tents upon the seven hills, — upon the Capitol itself your
feast is spread, — the skulls of blood await the sons of Odin,
■ — fur below you, gnashing her teeth and wailing, — pros-
IRIDION.
291
trate — ruined — trodden in crimson pools, — lies Rome !
Rome ! Rome ! "
She falls exhausted at the feet of her god ; Amphilochus
raises her in his close embrace ; she tries to wind her arms
around his neck, but they sink powerless ! She falls back-
ward, — her hair hangs lower, lower to the ground, — and
a lifeless corpse at last sinks from the trembling hands of
Hermes upon the marble floor !
He kneels beside it, places the knife of sacrifice in its
hand, shrouds the black veil about it, and twines the
death-wreath of the priestess round the cold brow !
Then swiftly rising, as if seized by sudden madness, he
cries: ''Slaves, bring the axe from the Cimbrian Cher-
sonesus ! "
They bring it, trembling as they give it to their lord ;
he grasps it firmly in his powerful hands, gathers all his
mortal strength to combat the Immortal, and strides to
the dread image ! He looks upon it, — lifts the heavy
axe, — waves it thrice round his head, — it falls ! The god
is shattered to the earth, and Amphilochus, in despairing
silence, tramples the fragments of his enemy under his
feet.
Such is thy lineage, thy Past, descendant of Philopoe-
men, grandson of Sigurd, king of men, — O slumbering
Iridion !
Thy father leaves the home of his ancestors upon Chi-
ara's isle, and with the urn of Crimhild goes to Rome;
having lost what he loved, he will live with his enemies,
that he may at least hate with all the passion of his soul.
And ever and ever more nearly approaches the longed-
for day of Vengeance and Destruction.
DRAMATIS PERSONS.
H ELI OGAB ALUS, Emperor of Rome.
Alexander Severus, his Cousin and Successor.
Iridiox, son of Afnphilochus, the Greek, and Crimhild,
Priestess of Odin.
Victor, Christian Bishop.
Simeon, Christian Priest.
Ulpian Domitian, Consul.
Masinissa, an Old Man from the Desert of Mauritania.
Eutychian, Prefect of the Prcetorian Guard.
Aristomachus.
Lucius Tubero.
Cubullus.
rupilius.
A Philosopher.
SciPio, first known as Sporus ; Slave and Gladiator.
Verres.
Alboin.
PiLADES, a Slave, Master of Iridion's Household.
Euphorion, Chief of the Gladiators of Iridion.
Elsinoe, Sister of Iridion.
Mammea, Mother of Alexander Severus.
Metella, a Roman Maiden.
Votary of the Temple of Venus.
Female Slaves.
Female Chorus.
Christian Priests, Priests of Mithras, Old and Young
Christians, Soldiers, Gladiators, Barbarians, Attend-
ants, Slaves, Ethiopians, awi/ Infernals.
292
IRIDION.
ACT I.
SCENE I. The palace of Iridion I'fi Rome. A vast hall
adorned with a double roiv of pillars stretchifig i7i per-
spective until they vanish in the distance. A foirntain
sparkles in its midst ; incense and peifume burn on tri-
pods scattered through the hall. Iridion, in Greek cos-
tume, is seen lying at the base of the statue of his father,
Hermes Amphilochus. Slaves are passing to and fro,
kindling lights in lamps of alabaster.
First Slave. The son of Hermes sleeps; his weary
head
Rests at the feet of great Amphilochus.
Second Slave. On the cold marble he has sunk to rest.
Third Slave. His sister, our young mistress, wrings
her hands,
And in the Gyneceum ever weeps. '
Fourth Slave. By Pollux ! I, from good authority.
Have heard she will be carried off to-night
By the fierce Moors of Heliogabalus. '
First Slave. Peace with Iridion ! Let us retire
That he may still repose.
(^Exeunt Slaves. )
Iridion. My faithful slaves !
Like silent shadows have they stolen away
With wishes for my rest. Yet I but seemed to sleep.
Thou knowest. Father, I must wake and watch
For them, for all ! Twilight already here?
(^He rises from the base of the statue, and advances to a
brazen shield from which hangs a sword. )
293
294
IRIDION.
The dark hour is upon me ! They come to seize . . .
Ha ! did not Brutus offer his own sons ? . . .
But Elsinoe ! Elsinoe ! Woe !
{He strikes the shield. )
She comes ! Sad as an image of despair she glides ; .
A cypress-wreath wound round her broad white brow,
Such as her mother wore when Odin came
In wratli to tear her from us.
Elsinoe (enterifig). Are the Moors here?
Has the Accursed already sent his chariots
To capture me ?
Iridion. Not yet, O Elsinoe !
I called thee hither, sister, but to breathe
The spirit of our sire into thy soul
For the last time. Be brave ! we part to-night !
Elsinoe. Iridion! Brother! Shame and infamy !
Iridion. Nay, know'st thou not that Caesar's mad with
love?
That statues rise to thee throughout imperial Rome ?
That the grave Senate has proclaimed thee Goddess? ^
Hope of our House, and jewel of my heart, #
My sunny-haired, — thou art no longer mine !
Thou innocent victim born to avenge our wrongs,
Our sire's dishonor, and our country's shame !
Elsinoe. Yes. I have known it all from childhood's
hour.
And am prepared for direst sacrifice !
But not to-day — no — nor to-morrow — let it be !
I must have time to collect my utmost strength ;
To be taught by Masinissa ; time to drain
The cup of poison held to shuddering lips
By thee I My brother ! The vilest criminal
Has time to prepare for death !
Save me at least to-night, Iridion !
Iridion. I cannot, virgin victim ! chosen Bride !
Prepare for doom ! The whirlwind knows no rest !
Haste drives us o'er the path we must together tread.
Elsinoe (throwing her arm round his neck).
Have you forgotten how we used to sj^ort
The live-long day o'er bright Chiara's plains?
How oft I've wreathed thy head with roses sweet,
IRIDION. 295
And myrtle flowers ? How clearly I have loved thee ?
Have pity, brother ! Send me not to shame !
Indian. Tempt me not to compassion ! Tears are vain !
Eisinoe. Why thus complain, thus suffer? Hasnotpoyer
Been always given man to release himself
At will from gods or men, by seeking death?
I^She drmvs out his dagger. ) See how thy dagger glitters,
bright and keen ; —
Let us dull it in my heart, Iridion !
Iridion. And scorn the aim for which our father lived !
No, we must bear with life and misery,
That the great spirit of Amphilochus
May joy among the shades. Once the strong arm
Of one brave man might save a nation ; now
All that has passed away ! We're born in times
When even honor must be sacrificed.
My Eisinoe, Fate is hurrying on,
But few, few moments more are thine and mine ;
Then must this sunny hair be gayly wreathed
With bridal roses ; thou must robe thyself
In magic and bewildering loveliness.
{^He clasps her in his arms. ')
Lay thy doomed head once more upon my breast,
Thou most unfortunate of all the victims !
For the last time I hold thee to my heart !
So soon to leave thy home, thy father's hearth,
Come, take my parting kiss, and give me thine
In all the unbroken charm of happy girlhood !
Sister, farewell ! I ne'er again shall see
Thee joyous, young, — ah, never ! He will blast
Thy virgin bloom, wither thy innocent life !
Ha ! dost thou understand it all aright ?
The Accursed shall surely die ! and with him falls
The Eternal City into ashes, dust !
All this shalt fhou achieve, my glorious one, —
Thou canst not call this shame !
Eisinoe. I know. I know.
My brother, let me rest upon thy heart !
Time flies so fast, — in a few moments more —
And on whose breast shall I dishonored lie !
296
IRIDION,
Iridion {looking 7vildly around him).
Mark, how these pillars totter to their base !
Dark shadows slowly glide or writhe along
The dim perspective of our ancestral hall !
Gods of my sires, let me not faint and fall
Upon the threshold of the arena vast
Which I this hour enter ! Nerve my soul
With hope of vengeance ! Come, Masinissa, come !
A Voice from behind the pillars. Who totters now was
born for words, not deeds.
Meet the Accursed with smiles, and with smiles part !
Masinissa {entering). Csesar has sent his messengers ;
they wait
Even now for Elsinoe at thy gates.
Iridion. Power rests upon thy brow ! On the grave's
verge
Thou stand'st sublime, — strong as in days of youth.
Oh, give me strength to meet this fateful hour !
Masinissa. Is this the chosen virgin ? . . . Where is
the wreath
Of fresh-blown roses for proud Cesar's bride?
{He tkroius off the cypress from the head of Elsinoe. )
Child of the Priestess Crimhild, know'st thou not
Our work begins to-day ?
Elsinoe. I know life ends !
(^Ee/nale slaves are seen advancing from behind laden with
costly gifts, which they offer to Elsinoe. )
CHORUS OF FEMALE SLAVES.
Fair as Ai:)hrodite rising
From the deep-blue Grecian sea.
With the snowy foam uplifting.
And the Zephyrs floating free, —
We bring thee strands of opals, pearls,
To crown thy peerless brow :
Bring roses, perfumes, rainbow gems, —
I>ess sweet and bright than thou !
Iridion {to Masinissa). Lend her your arm, oUl man !
(He leads his sister to the statue of Amphilochus. )
I RID ION. 297
Sister, be firm ;
Listen to me as if I spoke in death !
Soon must thou cross a threshold laden with shame,
Live with the Accursed ; thy virgin body yield
In its chaste beauty to damnation's son ; —
See to it that thou keep'st thy shuddering soul
Pure, high, and free ! Veil it in mystery !
Make it as cold and inaccessible
As the shrine of ice in which thy mother knelt
When Odin's prophecies thrilled through her lips !
Ehinoe. Iridion, pity me, — poor helpless orphan !
Iridion. Give C? esar no repose upon thy breast !
Startle him constantly with frightful cries
That the Preetorians arm. Patricians rise,
The People storm his gates, will murder him !
Affright him more and more each passing hour,
Suck the young life-blood from his girlish heart,
And drive his craven soul with terror mad.
Come, Elsinoe {He lays his hand upon her head), closer
to me cling,
Rest thy long sunny curls upon my heart.
In thirst of vengeance did thy life begin,
And in that hope hast thou reached womanhood.
Doomed from thy birth to ruin and disgrace !
Kneel, sister! kneel before Amphilochus,
While here I consecrate thee to his Shade: —
Father, behold and bless the innocent victim !
Elsinoe. Voices from Erebus are floating round !
The air is dark with shadows! Mother ! Come !
{The women surround Elsinoe and robe her. )
CHORUS OF WOMEN.
Why tremble thy white limbs as winds the veil?
Why pants thy heart beneath the purple bands
Girding its snow? Why clutch the bridal wreath
With grasp so wild and fierce ? Thy brow is broad,
Fit for an Empress in its regal sweep;
Why whiter than the lilies is its pallor?
Iridion. Help ! Help ! She faints !
Masinissa. Fear not, — she will not die !
26
298
IRIDION.
She but begins to live as she must live.
See how her lips writhe and foam with some strange pas-
sion !
Elsinoe. I leave the threshold of my sires ; but may
Not bear away with me my Fathers' gods !
{She crushes the my7-tle wreath. ') I crush my virgin
wreath, unsullied, pure,
In the dim ashes of the hearth of home !
My father doomed me ere my wretched birth ;
My brother drives me forth to infamy ;
Alas ! I never, never can return !
Haste, mother ! pray to Odin for thy child !
Ask not for life for the unfortunate,
But pray for inspiration, gift of prophecy !
Already whirls it through my burning brain !
No mortal children ever will be born
From this doomed breast. . . . O mother, show me
more !
The Future will be generated there, —
Rome trusting in my love, and sleeping in my arms !
(^Enter Eutychian, Prefect of the Prcetorians, leading a
band of Ethiopians in scarlet, who bear presents, which
they place at the feet of ElsinoJe. )
Eutychian. The holy, blessed Emperor, Augustus,
High-Priest and Tribune, Consul, greeting sends
To the son of great Amphilochus, the Greek.
To Elsinoe, the Divine, he sends
A hundred shells of purple, a hundred cups
Of amethyst, a hundred strings of pearls.
Elsifioe. Courage, O mother, in my martyrdom !
Jridion. All now is over !
{He takes Elsinoe by the hand and leads her to Eutychian. )
Bear my sister hence !
Eutychian. The ivory chariot waits for Fortune's
child!
Jridion. As gift to Caesar I will send my band
Of gladiators ; Elsinoe loves
To see their skill. Go ! they will follow her.
( The ivonicn surround Elsinoe and bear her aruay, escorted
by Eutychian and the Ethiopians. After their exit, Iri-
I RID I on: 299
dion strikes the shield. His band of gladiators enters.
They ivear black tunics edged with scarlet, their arms
and legs are bflre, atid they carry naked swords. )
CHORUS OF GLADIATORS.
Are there wild beasts to throttle, men to kill ?
Or Will thy sister need our deadly skill?
Iridion. Brothers, Barbarians and Greeks, whom I
Have rescued from the bloody jaws of Rome,
Go with the sunny-haired ; give life for her;
Be true until the Day of Vengeance dawns !
Euphorion {chief of the gladiators'). Until our bodies,
rolled in sand and blood,
Lie prostrate in the arena, gashed and scarred.
They're lithe, strong, active, sworn to serve thee, Greek !
Iridion. I trust my sister to your valiant arms, —
Obey her as you would Iridion !
Hear you the sound of the retreating steps?
O'ertake them, follow to the imperial hall.
And in the Emperor greet your present Lord.
( The gladiators retire, waving their swords. )
CHORUS OF GLADIATORS.
Gods, may he perish ! die before his hour !
Iridion ! Long live Iridion !
{Exeunt gladiators. )
Iridion. Ye murderers of Hellas, of the world,
Ye sons of falsehood and of perfidy,
I've sacrificed to you a spotless virgin !
Immortal Gods, wherever you may be,
Hearken my prayer ! Grant she may be the last.
Except myself, thrown to the Roman wolf!
Among so many miserable wretches
Driven by threats and tortures from their country,
Let me be last of all the writhing victims, —
Forgotten after death and martyrdom !
{Exeunt. )
300 IRIDIOAL
SCENE II. A hall in the palace of Heliogabalus.
Heliogabalus, Alexander Severus, Mammea, sol-
diers, retainers, slaves, etc. Heliogabalus is robed
with great splendor.
Heliogabalus {to Alexander^. Cousin, it is with me a
festal hour,
The Greek girl hither comes a bride this day.
Alexander {starting). What ! Elsinoe? Has she given
consent ?
I thought Iridion scorned and liated Rome.
Heliogabalus. Could she refuse ? Why, she will Em-
press be,
My senate name her Goddess — as she is !
Alexander {aside). My ears deceive me, or I hear
strange sounds ; —
The moans of shame, the sobs of wild despair,
Strife, tumult, death, seem floating in the air.
(EuTYCHiAN enters and bows before the Emperor. )
Eutychian. The gold-haired Greek is in the ivory
chariot
At your gate. By Mithras, how she queens it !
Her maidens she dismissed . . .
Heliogabalus. Escort her here !
She comes, my goddess, with her sunny hair.
{He moves joyously for^vard, as if to meet Elsinoe, but starts
back in surprise as the gladiators of Iridion, with draivn
swords, enter. They approach and salute the Emperor,
who clutches Eutychian in his sudden fright. )
Heliogabalus. Where is the Greek? Who are these
savage men ?
Eutychian {laughing hoarsely). A present from Iridion
to the Bride !
It seems our Empress loves to watch their skill ;
Her brother sends them greeting in her train.
{As he speahs, the entering ranks of gladiators open and El-
sinoe appears in their midst. She is magnificently attired
in the Greek costume, but bands of the imperial purple
cross her breast. She wears the ivreath of bridal roses,
but the long veil is throion backward, and the haughty
IRIDION.
301
face quite uncovered. The Ethiopians of Heliogabalus
file in after the gladiators. Elsino'c stands in their midst,
with perfect self-possession, but her eyelashes suddenly
droop on perceiving Alexander. )
Mainmea {aside to Alexander'). See how she stands,
like a Diana pale,
But shows no terror, no obeisance makes.
Ah ! now her fringing lashes fall to veil
The deep-blue eyes, unused to meet the gaze
Of men.
Heliogabalus. Fair daughter of Amphilochus,
Approach, and fill a throne worthy your charms !
Alexander {aside to Mammea'). Look, mother, now
the hot blood dyes her cheek !
How haughtily she lifts her golden head
As if already Empress ! See the flame
Indignant flashing from her dazzling eyes
As Caesar calls her to him ! She neither stirs
Nor speaks; as fierce and motionless as the Greek gods !
Ice flashing fire — fire curdling into ice !
Heliogabalus. Mammea, lead her to the inner room.
All unaccustomed to be seen by men.
Immured within the Gyneceum's bounds.
The maiden would have greater privacy ;
And I must seek to soothe this startled fawn.
Eutychian, marshal the prsetorian guard,
And house the gladiators with my slaves.
Fling the sestercii freely to the crowd,
And bid them shout the Emperor's coming bliss !
Good-night, fair friends ! the Empress will receive
You as befits her state to-morrow morn.
{Heliogabalus approaches Elsino'c, who remains haughtily
immovable, but accepts the proffered hand of Mammea.
The Ethiopians tnake a profound obeisance to the Empe-
ror as they leave the hall, preceded by Eutychian. ')
Euphorion {leader of the gladiators, kneelitig before Elsino'c).
Do we depart to rest, or watch near thee?
Elsino'c. Depart ! I'll learn to conquer fate alone !
{On a signal from Elsino'c, the gladiators follow Euphorion.
Exeunt Mammea, leading Elsino'c, Heliogabalus, Alex-
ander, slaves, and retainers. )
26*
302
IRIDION.
SCENE III. 77/1? hall of Amphilochus, as in Scene I.
Iridion is alone, reclining upon a couch.
Jriciion. My sister ! It is bitter to my soul, —
But Rome must perish, or all men be slaves !
Masinissa {entering). Still sighing, Sigurd ? Calm
thee, king of men !
Iridion (springing to his feet). Call me not Sigurd, or
give me the waves
Of the old sea-kings ! Give me but the men
Who fought with my brave ancestors of yore,
And not a shred remains of Caesar's purple !
But my path lies through Darkness ! If I stretch
My arm, it meets with barriers strong as iron,
Yet movable and lithe as serpents are;
And I must crawl among them, and not strike, —
Creep without force or life, — I scorn myself!
Masinissa. Trust in the baseness, weakness of man-
kind !
Fate brought you here, and placed you at the gates
Of crumbling Rome : use the new forms of power
To combat with the rotting Past, of which
You are no part. Now is the time to act !
There will be time to weep hereafter . . . time . . .
Iridion. Shame ! Shame upon the Nazarenes who fall
Like beasts, rather than fight and die like men !
They hold me back, and . . .
Masinissa. Alexander is
Forever plotting with their subtle priests.
He will dethrone the Emperor, seize the crown,
Bring in the Christians, make their faith the law;
Then Rome will rule to the last centuries !
Iridion. By Odin, no ! He never shall be Caesar !
Masinissa. The catacombs decide the fate of Rome.
tents upon the seven hills, — upon the Capitol itself your
feast is spread, — the skulls of blood await the sons of Odin,
■ — fur below you, gnashing her teeth and wailing, — pros-
IRIDION.
291
trate — ruined — trodden in crimson pools, — lies Rome !
Rome ! Rome ! "
She falls exhausted at the feet of her god ; Amphilochus
raises her in his close embrace ; she tries to wind her arms
around his neck, but they sink powerless ! She falls back-
ward, — her hair hangs lower, lower to the ground, — and
a lifeless corpse at last sinks from the trembling hands of
Hermes upon the marble floor !
He kneels beside it, places the knife of sacrifice in its
hand, shrouds the black veil about it, and twines the
death-wreath of the priestess round the cold brow !
Then swiftly rising, as if seized by sudden madness, he
cries: ''Slaves, bring the axe from the Cimbrian Cher-
sonesus ! "
They bring it, trembling as they give it to their lord ;
he grasps it firmly in his powerful hands, gathers all his
mortal strength to combat the Immortal, and strides to
the dread image ! He looks upon it, — lifts the heavy
axe, — waves it thrice round his head, — it falls ! The god
is shattered to the earth, and Amphilochus, in despairing
silence, tramples the fragments of his enemy under his
feet.
Such is thy lineage, thy Past, descendant of Philopoe-
men, grandson of Sigurd, king of men, — O slumbering
Iridion !
Thy father leaves the home of his ancestors upon Chi-
ara's isle, and with the urn of Crimhild goes to Rome;
having lost what he loved, he will live with his enemies,
that he may at least hate with all the passion of his soul.
And ever and ever more nearly approaches the longed-
for day of Vengeance and Destruction.
DRAMATIS PERSONS.
H ELI OGAB ALUS, Emperor of Rome.
Alexander Severus, his Cousin and Successor.
Iridiox, son of Afnphilochus, the Greek, and Crimhild,
Priestess of Odin.
Victor, Christian Bishop.
Simeon, Christian Priest.
Ulpian Domitian, Consul.
Masinissa, an Old Man from the Desert of Mauritania.
Eutychian, Prefect of the Prcetorian Guard.
Aristomachus.
Lucius Tubero.
Cubullus.
rupilius.
A Philosopher.
SciPio, first known as Sporus ; Slave and Gladiator.
Verres.
Alboin.
PiLADES, a Slave, Master of Iridion's Household.
Euphorion, Chief of the Gladiators of Iridion.
Elsinoe, Sister of Iridion.
Mammea, Mother of Alexander Severus.
Metella, a Roman Maiden.
Votary of the Temple of Venus.
Female Slaves.
Female Chorus.
Christian Priests, Priests of Mithras, Old and Young
Christians, Soldiers, Gladiators, Barbarians, Attend-
ants, Slaves, Ethiopians, awi/ Infernals.
292
IRIDION.
ACT I.
SCENE I. The palace of Iridion I'fi Rome. A vast hall
adorned with a double roiv of pillars stretchifig i7i per-
spective until they vanish in the distance. A foirntain
sparkles in its midst ; incense and peifume burn on tri-
pods scattered through the hall. Iridion, in Greek cos-
tume, is seen lying at the base of the statue of his father,
Hermes Amphilochus. Slaves are passing to and fro,
kindling lights in lamps of alabaster.
First Slave. The son of Hermes sleeps; his weary
head
Rests at the feet of great Amphilochus.
Second Slave. On the cold marble he has sunk to rest.
Third Slave. His sister, our young mistress, wrings
her hands,
And in the Gyneceum ever weeps. '
Fourth Slave. By Pollux ! I, from good authority.
Have heard she will be carried off to-night
By the fierce Moors of Heliogabalus. '
First Slave. Peace with Iridion ! Let us retire
That he may still repose.
(^Exeunt Slaves. )
Iridion. My faithful slaves !
Like silent shadows have they stolen away
With wishes for my rest. Yet I but seemed to sleep.
Thou knowest. Father, I must wake and watch
For them, for all ! Twilight already here?
(^He rises from the base of the statue, and advances to a
brazen shield from which hangs a sword. )
293
294
IRIDION.
The dark hour is upon me ! They come to seize . . .
Ha ! did not Brutus offer his own sons ? . . .
But Elsinoe ! Elsinoe ! Woe !
{He strikes the shield. )
She comes ! Sad as an image of despair she glides ; .
A cypress-wreath wound round her broad white brow,
Such as her mother wore when Odin came
In wratli to tear her from us.
Elsinoe (enterifig). Are the Moors here?
Has the Accursed already sent his chariots
To capture me ?
Iridion. Not yet, O Elsinoe !
I called thee hither, sister, but to breathe
The spirit of our sire into thy soul
For the last time. Be brave ! we part to-night !
Elsinoe. Iridion! Brother! Shame and infamy !
Iridion. Nay, know'st thou not that Caesar's mad with
love?
That statues rise to thee throughout imperial Rome ?
That the grave Senate has proclaimed thee Goddess? ^
Hope of our House, and jewel of my heart, #
My sunny-haired, — thou art no longer mine !
Thou innocent victim born to avenge our wrongs,
Our sire's dishonor, and our country's shame !
Elsinoe. Yes. I have known it all from childhood's
hour.
And am prepared for direst sacrifice !
But not to-day — no — nor to-morrow — let it be !
I must have time to collect my utmost strength ;
To be taught by Masinissa ; time to drain
The cup of poison held to shuddering lips
By thee I My brother ! The vilest criminal
Has time to prepare for death !
Save me at least to-night, Iridion !
Iridion. I cannot, virgin victim ! chosen Bride !
Prepare for doom ! The whirlwind knows no rest !
Haste drives us o'er the path we must together tread.
Elsinoe (throwing her arm round his neck).
Have you forgotten how we used to sj^ort
The live-long day o'er bright Chiara's plains?
How oft I've wreathed thy head with roses sweet,
IRIDION. 295
And myrtle flowers ? How clearly I have loved thee ?
Have pity, brother ! Send me not to shame !
Indian. Tempt me not to compassion ! Tears are vain !
Eisinoe. Why thus complain, thus suffer? Hasnotpoyer
Been always given man to release himself
At will from gods or men, by seeking death?
I^She drmvs out his dagger. ) See how thy dagger glitters,
bright and keen ; —
Let us dull it in my heart, Iridion !
Iridion. And scorn the aim for which our father lived !
No, we must bear with life and misery,
That the great spirit of Amphilochus
May joy among the shades. Once the strong arm
Of one brave man might save a nation ; now
All that has passed away ! We're born in times
When even honor must be sacrificed.
My Eisinoe, Fate is hurrying on,
But few, few moments more are thine and mine ;
Then must this sunny hair be gayly wreathed
With bridal roses ; thou must robe thyself
In magic and bewildering loveliness.
{^He clasps her in his arms. ')
Lay thy doomed head once more upon my breast,
Thou most unfortunate of all the victims !
For the last time I hold thee to my heart !
So soon to leave thy home, thy father's hearth,
Come, take my parting kiss, and give me thine
In all the unbroken charm of happy girlhood !
Sister, farewell ! I ne'er again shall see
Thee joyous, young, — ah, never ! He will blast
Thy virgin bloom, wither thy innocent life !
Ha ! dost thou understand it all aright ?
The Accursed shall surely die ! and with him falls
The Eternal City into ashes, dust !
All this shalt fhou achieve, my glorious one, —
Thou canst not call this shame !
Eisinoe. I know. I know.
My brother, let me rest upon thy heart !
Time flies so fast, — in a few moments more —
And on whose breast shall I dishonored lie !
296
IRIDION,
Iridion {looking 7vildly around him).
Mark, how these pillars totter to their base !
Dark shadows slowly glide or writhe along
The dim perspective of our ancestral hall !
Gods of my sires, let me not faint and fall
Upon the threshold of the arena vast
Which I this hour enter ! Nerve my soul
With hope of vengeance ! Come, Masinissa, come !
A Voice from behind the pillars. Who totters now was
born for words, not deeds.
Meet the Accursed with smiles, and with smiles part !
Masinissa {entering). Csesar has sent his messengers ;
they wait
Even now for Elsinoe at thy gates.
Iridion. Power rests upon thy brow ! On the grave's
verge
Thou stand'st sublime, — strong as in days of youth.
Oh, give me strength to meet this fateful hour !
Masinissa. Is this the chosen virgin ? . . . Where is
the wreath
Of fresh-blown roses for proud Cesar's bride?
{He tkroius off the cypress from the head of Elsinoe. )
Child of the Priestess Crimhild, know'st thou not
Our work begins to-day ?
Elsinoe. I know life ends !
(^Ee/nale slaves are seen advancing from behind laden with
costly gifts, which they offer to Elsinoe. )
CHORUS OF FEMALE SLAVES.
Fair as Ai:)hrodite rising
From the deep-blue Grecian sea.
With the snowy foam uplifting.
And the Zephyrs floating free, —
We bring thee strands of opals, pearls,
To crown thy peerless brow :
Bring roses, perfumes, rainbow gems, —
I>ess sweet and bright than thou !
Iridion {to Masinissa). Lend her your arm, oUl man !
(He leads his sister to the statue of Amphilochus. )
I RID ION. 297
Sister, be firm ;
Listen to me as if I spoke in death !
Soon must thou cross a threshold laden with shame,
Live with the Accursed ; thy virgin body yield
In its chaste beauty to damnation's son ; —
See to it that thou keep'st thy shuddering soul
Pure, high, and free ! Veil it in mystery !
Make it as cold and inaccessible
As the shrine of ice in which thy mother knelt
When Odin's prophecies thrilled through her lips !
Ehinoe. Iridion, pity me, — poor helpless orphan !
Iridion. Give C? esar no repose upon thy breast !
Startle him constantly with frightful cries
That the Preetorians arm. Patricians rise,
The People storm his gates, will murder him !
Affright him more and more each passing hour,
Suck the young life-blood from his girlish heart,
And drive his craven soul with terror mad.
Come, Elsinoe {He lays his hand upon her head), closer
to me cling,
Rest thy long sunny curls upon my heart.
In thirst of vengeance did thy life begin,
And in that hope hast thou reached womanhood.
Doomed from thy birth to ruin and disgrace !
Kneel, sister! kneel before Amphilochus,
While here I consecrate thee to his Shade: —
Father, behold and bless the innocent victim !
Elsinoe. Voices from Erebus are floating round !
The air is dark with shadows! Mother ! Come !
{The women surround Elsinoe and robe her. )
CHORUS OF WOMEN.
Why tremble thy white limbs as winds the veil?
Why pants thy heart beneath the purple bands
Girding its snow? Why clutch the bridal wreath
With grasp so wild and fierce ? Thy brow is broad,
Fit for an Empress in its regal sweep;
Why whiter than the lilies is its pallor?
Iridion. Help ! Help ! She faints !
Masinissa. Fear not, — she will not die !
26
298
IRIDION.
She but begins to live as she must live.
See how her lips writhe and foam with some strange pas-
sion !
Elsinoe. I leave the threshold of my sires ; but may
Not bear away with me my Fathers' gods !
{She crushes the my7-tle wreath. ') I crush my virgin
wreath, unsullied, pure,
In the dim ashes of the hearth of home !
My father doomed me ere my wretched birth ;
My brother drives me forth to infamy ;
Alas ! I never, never can return !
Haste, mother ! pray to Odin for thy child !
Ask not for life for the unfortunate,
But pray for inspiration, gift of prophecy !
Already whirls it through my burning brain !
No mortal children ever will be born
From this doomed breast. . . . O mother, show me
more !
The Future will be generated there, —
Rome trusting in my love, and sleeping in my arms !
(^Enter Eutychian, Prefect of the Prcetorians, leading a
band of Ethiopians in scarlet, who bear presents, which
they place at the feet of ElsinoJe. )
Eutychian. The holy, blessed Emperor, Augustus,
High-Priest and Tribune, Consul, greeting sends
To the son of great Amphilochus, the Greek.
To Elsinoe, the Divine, he sends
A hundred shells of purple, a hundred cups
Of amethyst, a hundred strings of pearls.
Elsifioe. Courage, O mother, in my martyrdom !
Jridion. All now is over !
{He takes Elsinoe by the hand and leads her to Eutychian. )
Bear my sister hence !
Eutychian. The ivory chariot waits for Fortune's
child!
Jridion. As gift to Caesar I will send my band
Of gladiators ; Elsinoe loves
To see their skill. Go ! they will follow her.
( The ivonicn surround Elsinoe and bear her aruay, escorted
by Eutychian and the Ethiopians. After their exit, Iri-
I RID I on: 299
dion strikes the shield. His band of gladiators enters.
They ivear black tunics edged with scarlet, their arms
and legs are bflre, atid they carry naked swords. )
CHORUS OF GLADIATORS.
Are there wild beasts to throttle, men to kill ?
Or Will thy sister need our deadly skill?
Iridion. Brothers, Barbarians and Greeks, whom I
Have rescued from the bloody jaws of Rome,
Go with the sunny-haired ; give life for her;
Be true until the Day of Vengeance dawns !
Euphorion {chief of the gladiators'). Until our bodies,
rolled in sand and blood,
Lie prostrate in the arena, gashed and scarred.
They're lithe, strong, active, sworn to serve thee, Greek !
Iridion. I trust my sister to your valiant arms, —
Obey her as you would Iridion !
Hear you the sound of the retreating steps?
O'ertake them, follow to the imperial hall.
And in the Emperor greet your present Lord.
( The gladiators retire, waving their swords. )
CHORUS OF GLADIATORS.
Gods, may he perish ! die before his hour !
Iridion ! Long live Iridion !
{Exeunt gladiators. )
Iridion. Ye murderers of Hellas, of the world,
Ye sons of falsehood and of perfidy,
I've sacrificed to you a spotless virgin !
Immortal Gods, wherever you may be,
Hearken my prayer ! Grant she may be the last.
Except myself, thrown to the Roman wolf!
Among so many miserable wretches
Driven by threats and tortures from their country,
Let me be last of all the writhing victims, —
Forgotten after death and martyrdom !
{Exeunt. )
300 IRIDIOAL
SCENE II. A hall in the palace of Heliogabalus.
Heliogabalus, Alexander Severus, Mammea, sol-
diers, retainers, slaves, etc. Heliogabalus is robed
with great splendor.
Heliogabalus {to Alexander^. Cousin, it is with me a
festal hour,
The Greek girl hither comes a bride this day.
Alexander {starting). What ! Elsinoe? Has she given
consent ?
I thought Iridion scorned and liated Rome.
Heliogabalus. Could she refuse ? Why, she will Em-
press be,
My senate name her Goddess — as she is !
Alexander {aside). My ears deceive me, or I hear
strange sounds ; —
The moans of shame, the sobs of wild despair,
Strife, tumult, death, seem floating in the air.
(EuTYCHiAN enters and bows before the Emperor. )
Eutychian. The gold-haired Greek is in the ivory
chariot
At your gate. By Mithras, how she queens it !
Her maidens she dismissed . . .
Heliogabalus. Escort her here !
She comes, my goddess, with her sunny hair.
{He moves joyously for^vard, as if to meet Elsinoe, but starts
back in surprise as the gladiators of Iridion, with draivn
swords, enter. They approach and salute the Emperor,
who clutches Eutychian in his sudden fright. )
Heliogabalus. Where is the Greek? Who are these
savage men ?
Eutychian {laughing hoarsely). A present from Iridion
to the Bride !
It seems our Empress loves to watch their skill ;
Her brother sends them greeting in her train.
{As he speahs, the entering ranks of gladiators open and El-
sinoe appears in their midst. She is magnificently attired
in the Greek costume, but bands of the imperial purple
cross her breast. She wears the ivreath of bridal roses,
but the long veil is throion backward, and the haughty
IRIDION.
301
face quite uncovered. The Ethiopians of Heliogabalus
file in after the gladiators. Elsino'c stands in their midst,
with perfect self-possession, but her eyelashes suddenly
droop on perceiving Alexander. )
Mainmea {aside to Alexander'). See how she stands,
like a Diana pale,
But shows no terror, no obeisance makes.
Ah ! now her fringing lashes fall to veil
The deep-blue eyes, unused to meet the gaze
Of men.
Heliogabalus. Fair daughter of Amphilochus,
Approach, and fill a throne worthy your charms !
Alexander {aside to Mammea'). Look, mother, now
the hot blood dyes her cheek !
How haughtily she lifts her golden head
As if already Empress ! See the flame
Indignant flashing from her dazzling eyes
As Caesar calls her to him ! She neither stirs
Nor speaks; as fierce and motionless as the Greek gods !
Ice flashing fire — fire curdling into ice !
Heliogabalus. Mammea, lead her to the inner room.
All unaccustomed to be seen by men.
Immured within the Gyneceum's bounds.
The maiden would have greater privacy ;
And I must seek to soothe this startled fawn.
Eutychian, marshal the prsetorian guard,
And house the gladiators with my slaves.
Fling the sestercii freely to the crowd,
And bid them shout the Emperor's coming bliss !
Good-night, fair friends ! the Empress will receive
You as befits her state to-morrow morn.
{Heliogabalus approaches Elsino'c, who remains haughtily
immovable, but accepts the proffered hand of Mammea.
The Ethiopians tnake a profound obeisance to the Empe-
ror as they leave the hall, preceded by Eutychian. ')
Euphorion {leader of the gladiators, kneelitig before Elsino'c).
Do we depart to rest, or watch near thee?
Elsino'c. Depart ! I'll learn to conquer fate alone !
{On a signal from Elsino'c, the gladiators follow Euphorion.
Exeunt Mammea, leading Elsino'c, Heliogabalus, Alex-
ander, slaves, and retainers. )
26*
302
IRIDION.
SCENE III. 77/1? hall of Amphilochus, as in Scene I.
Iridion is alone, reclining upon a couch.
Jriciion. My sister ! It is bitter to my soul, —
But Rome must perish, or all men be slaves !
Masinissa {entering). Still sighing, Sigurd ? Calm
thee, king of men !
Iridion (springing to his feet). Call me not Sigurd, or
give me the waves
Of the old sea-kings ! Give me but the men
Who fought with my brave ancestors of yore,
And not a shred remains of Caesar's purple !
But my path lies through Darkness ! If I stretch
My arm, it meets with barriers strong as iron,
Yet movable and lithe as serpents are;
And I must crawl among them, and not strike, —
Creep without force or life, — I scorn myself!
Masinissa. Trust in the baseness, weakness of man-
kind !
Fate brought you here, and placed you at the gates
Of crumbling Rome : use the new forms of power
To combat with the rotting Past, of which
You are no part. Now is the time to act !
There will be time to weep hereafter . . . time . . .
Iridion. Shame ! Shame upon the Nazarenes who fall
Like beasts, rather than fight and die like men !
They hold me back, and . . .
Masinissa. Alexander is
Forever plotting with their subtle priests.
He will dethrone the Emperor, seize the crown,
Bring in the Christians, make their faith the law;
Then Rome will rule to the last centuries !
Iridion. By Odin, no ! He never shall be Caesar !
Masinissa. The catacombs decide the fate of Rome.
