PLAYS

ROSWITHA OF GANDERSHEIM

translated by

CHRISTOPHER ST.JOHN

Translator’s Note

The works consulted include the following:

Hrotsvithae Opera: Edited by Paul Winterfeld.
Hrotsvithae Opera: Edited by H. L. Schurzfleisch.
Hrotsvithae Opera: Edited by Conrad Celtes (Nurnberg, 1 501).
Patrologiae Cursus Completus: J. P. Migne (vol. 137).
Abraham: Translated into French by C. Cuzin, with critical preface.
Theatre de Roswitha: Charles Magnin.
Origines du theatre Moderne: Charles Magnin.
Antiquitates Gandersheimensis: Leuckfeld.
Six Medieval Women: Alice Kemp Welch.

I am much indebted to Dame Laurentia McLachlan, O.S.B., Superioress of Stanbrook Abbey, and to the Reverend Paul Bonnet of Lyons University, for assistance in the work of translation.

Dedication

To Gerberg

Illustrious Abbess, venerated no less for uprightness and honesty than for the high distinction of a royal and noble race, Roswitha of Gandersheim, the last of the least of those fighting under your ladyship’s rule, desires to give you all that a servant owes her mistress.

O my Lady, bright with the varied jewels of spiritual wisdom, your maternal kindness will not let you hesitate to read what, as you know, was written at your command! It was you who gave me the task of chronicling in verse the deeds of the Emperor, and you know that it was impossible to collect them together from hearsay. You can imagine the difficulties which my ignorance put in my way while I was toiling over this work. There were things of which I could not find any written record, nor could I elicit information by word of mouth which seemed sufficiently reliable. I was like a person in a strange land wandering without a guide through a forest where the path is concealed by dense snow. In vain he tries to follow the directions of those who have shown the way. He wanders from the path, now by chance strikes it again, until at last, penetrating the thickness of the wood, he reaches a place where he may take a long-desired rest, and sitting down there, does not proceed further until someone overtakes him, or he discovers the footprints of one who has gone before. Even so have I, obeying the command to undertake a complete chronicle of great deeds, gone on my way, trembling, hesitating, and vacillating, so great was the difficulty of finding a path in the forest of these royal achievements.

And now, worn out by the journey, I am holding my peace and resting in a suitable place. I do not propose to go further without better guidance. If I could be inspired by the eloquent words of learned folk (either already set down or to be set down in the future) I might perhaps find a means of glozing my uncouth workmanship. At present I am defenceless at every point, because I am not supported by any authority. I also fear I shall be accused of temerity in presuming to describe in my humble uncultured way matters which ought to be set forth with all the ceremony of great learning. Yet if my work is examined by those who know how to weigh things fairly, I shall be more easily pardoned on account of my sex and my inferior knowledge, especially as I did not undertake it of my own will but at your command. Why should I fear the judgment of others, since if there are mistakes I should fall only under your censure, and why should I not escape reproof seeing that I was anxious to keep silence? I should deserve blame if I sought to withhold my work. In any case I leave the decision to you and your friend, Archbishop William, to whom you have thought fit to show these unpolished lines.

Introduction

By His Eminence Cardinal Gasquet

Whatever may be thought of the precise merits of these six short dramas, now translated into English for the first time,1 it will be conceded that a collection of plays bearing the date of the 10th century, authenticated as the work of a woman, and a nun, is a remarkable phenomenon, interesting to students of monasticism and of the drama alike.

At one time, it is interesting to note, it was suggested that the author of these dramas was an Englishwoman. In fact, the English scholar, Laurence Humfrey, who first introduced them to notice in this country, endeavoured to prove that Roswitha was no other than St. Hilda of Northumbria. His theory cannot, of course, be maintained; but the very anxiety shown to identify this talented poetess and dramatist as a native of this country is evidence of the high estimation in which her compositions were held in the 16th century, the time when Laurence Humfrey, an exile from England for his religion, learnt to know them in Germany. It is now an established fact that the plays are the work of a Benedictine nun of Gandersheim, in Saxony, and their merits certainly justify her biographer’s exclamation: “Rara avis in Saxonia visa est.”

It used to be assumed that between the 6th and the 12th century all dramatic representations ceased, but each of these centuries when patiently searched has yielded some dramatic texts. The feudal period, reckoned the most barbarous, and Germania, set down then, as later in history, as the least civilized of countries, have produced the most considerable and least imperfect of these texts in the plays of Hrotsuitha, or Roswitha, a nun of the Order of St. Benedict, who spent her religious life in the Convent of Gandersheim.

There is a marked difference between her plays and such dramas as The Mystery of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, which is little more than an amplification of the sequence of the liturgy. We find here an author familiar not only with the Scriptures, the works of the Fathers of the Church, of the hagiographers, and of the Christian philosophers, but with Plautus, Terence, Horace, Virgil, and Ovid⁠—an author who, on her own confession, took the theatre of Terence as her model.

The Abbey of Gandersheim, where these plays were written, was founded about the year 850 by Ludolph, Duke of Saxony, at the request of his wife Oda, a Frankish princess. Although these were what men call “the dark ages,” the darkness was comparative. The Saxon court at this time was enlightened, and the Abbeys of Saxony, notably that of Corbei, were centres of learning and civilization. Gandersheim was one of the “free abbeys,” that is to say its Abbess held it direct from the King. Her rights of overlordship extended for many miles; she had her own law courts, and sent her men-at-arms into the field. In fact, she enjoyed the usual privileges and undertook the usual responsibilities of a feudal baron, and as such had the right to a seat in the Imperial Diet. Coins are extant, struck by the Abbesses of Gandersheim, whose portraits they bear.

During the 10th and 11th centuries these Abbesses were drawn chiefly from the royal house of Saxony, which had been raised to the dignity of the Imperial throne of Germania. Leuckfeld, in his voluminous history of Gandersheim, quotes a contemporary chronicler who praises the royal nuns for keeping all luxury and state out of the life of the community, and for observing the Rule of St. Benedict strictly. “They were forbidden,” says the chronicler, “to eat away from the common table at the appointed times, except in case of sickness. They slept together, and came together to celebrate the canonical hours. And they set to work together whenever work had to be done.” The Abbess who ruled the community in Roswitha’s time was Gerberg, or Gerberga, a niece of the Emperor Otho I. Gerberg was a good classical scholar, and Roswitha tells us, in one of the introductory prefaces with which, fortunately for posterity, her works are freely sprinkled, how much she owed to the tuition of this Abbess, “younger in years than I, but far older in learning.”

It is from such sentences as this that we are able to gain a little information about Roswitha’s life. Her mention of certain historical events and personages proves that she was born after the year 912 and before the year 940 (the known date of Gerberg’s birth). She seems to have entered the religious life at Gandersheim when she was about twenty-three years old. She tells us nothing about her antecedents, but as Gandersheim was an exclusive house we may assume that she was of gentle birth. What education or experience of the world she had had before she became a nun is a matter of guesswork.

Roswitha wrote in Latin, the only language used in the 10th century in the West for literary composition. Conrad Celtes, the well-known humanist, discovered the manuscript, the writing of which cannot be earlier than the 9th, or later than the 10th century, in the library of the Benedictine monastery of St. Emmeran, Ratisbon, in the last days of the 15th century. In the year 1501 it was printed. This first edition has an interesting frontispiece representing the nun poet and dramatist presenting her works to the Emperor Otho II, in the presence of her Abbess Gerberg, who wears the crown of a “Fürstabtin.” This and the other plates illustrating incidents in the plays have been attributed to both Dürer and Cranach, but they are not signed. Another edition, that of Schurzfleisch, in nearly all respects a reprint of the first, was issued in 1707, augmented with biographical and philological notes. The text given in the Latin Patrology (Migne, Tomus 137) is taken from the Schurzfleisch edition. More valuable to the student is Magnin’s edition. The French commentator collated the Celtes and Schurzfleisch texts with the original manuscript, which in 1803 had been moved from St. Emmeran to the Munich library, and found one or two readings preferable to those of Celtes. Magnin also restored some stage directions omitted by Celtes, one of which, in the eighth scene of Callimachus, affords, as the English translator notes, valuable evidence that the play was acted, or at least intended for representation.

The original manuscript is divided into three parts. The first contains eight poems or metrical legends of the Saints in which reliable authorities are carefully followed, much skill being shown, however, in the arrangement of the material and in the handling of the “leonine hexameter.” The second part consists of the six plays here given in English; the third, of a long unfinished poem called “Panegyric of the Othos.” Celtes changed the order, which is to be regretted, as it is obviously chronological. Roswitha’s preface to Part III shows more confidence than the preface to the plays, and very much more than the diffident preface to the poems. One of these poems, “Passio Sancti Pelagii,” once enjoyed a very high reputation, and is often quoted by Spanish and Portuguese hagiographers. The Bollandists print it entire in the Acta Sanctorum. It has another interest in that Roswitha tells us that she obtained her facts from a witness of the saint’s martyrdom.

Although Roswitha claims Terence as her master in the art of playwriting, it cannot be said that she imitates him closely. When Paphnutius was acted in London in 1914 the dramatic critic of The Times was justified from one point of view in asserting that Roswitha’s style is “not in the least Terentian.” For one thing she is quite indifferent to the “unities,” and transports us from place to place with bewildering abruptness. Her relation to Terence, as she herself insists, is one of moral contrasts rather than of literary parallels. The “situation” in Terence’s comedies almost invariably turns on the frailty of women; in Roswitha’s plays as invariably on their heroic adherence to chastity. Although considerable variety is shown in the treatment of each story, the motive is always the same⁠—to glorify uncompromising fidelity to the vow of virginity. This nun dramatist deals courageously, but, it must be added, delicately, when it is remembered that she lived in an age when even the best educated were neither fastidious nor restrained in manners or conversation, with the temptations which her characters overcome. The preface to her plays shows that it was not without some qualms of conscience that she wrote of things “which should not even be named among us.” But the purity of her intentions, which was obviously recognized by her religious superiors, should induce the most prudish reader to refrain from charges of impropriety. With all their shortcomings, Roswitha’s works have a claim to an eminent place in medieval literature, and do honour to her sex, to the age in which she lived, and to the vocation which she followed.

The Plays of Roswitha2

By Christopher St. John

This translation of the six plays of Roswitha (there are really seven, for the two parts of Gallicanus practically constitute two separate dramas) was begun in the year 1912 and completed in 1914. The lively interest provoked by the stage performance of one of the translations (that of the play Paphnutius) by the Pioneer Players in January 1914 led me to think that the publication of the whole theatre of Roswitha in English would be welcomed by all students of the drama. Unfortunately, the war delayed publication, and the manuscript was entirely destroyed by a fire at the publisher’s premises in Dublin during the Irish insurrection of Easter 1916.

The work of collating the various Latin texts of Roswitha’s plays and producing a translation which should preserve some of the naive simplicity of the original had been a difficult one, and to begin it all over again was a heartbreaking task. The consciousness that the interest in Roswitha provoked by the performance of Paphnutius had waned did not alleviate the heaviness of spirit in which the work of replacing the burned manuscript was undertaken.

Those readers who are unable or unwilling to compare the translations with the original should be warned that Roswitha’s dialogue is characterized by a simplicity and conciseness hardly attainable in any tongue but Latin. The difficulty of finding equivalents for the terse phrases employed tempts the translator to “write them up.” Although I have aimed at producing a readable translation for lovers of the drama in all its forms rather than an exact paraphrase for scholars, I have tried to resist this temptation at the risk of making the dialogue seem at times almost ludicrously bald. Except in a few cases where the use of “thou” seemed dramatically fit, “tu” has been rendered by “you.” Roswitha’s style is colloquial, and the constant employment of the singular pronoun would misrepresent its character. The Latin is not obsolete, and it would surely be a mistake to translate it into an obsolete vernacular. Although the author’s syntax is decadent, and there is a tendency to make every sentence analytical, her use of words is classical, and her Latin in this respect superior to the scholastic Latin of the Middle Ages. The only principle observed in my translation has been the general one laid down by Edward Fitzgerald: “The live dog is to be preferred to the dead lion⁠—in translation at any rate,” and if this has involved a loss of dignity, I hope there may be some compensating gain in ease and force.3 In regard to the names of the characters in the plays, when there were well-known English equivalents such as “Hadrian” and “Constantine” I have not hesitated to use them, but when there were none I have given the Latin names. There is a good precedent for this inconsistency. We speak of “Rome” and “Venice,” but we do not try to Anglicize Perugia or Assisi.

The plays are all founded on well-known legends, which Roswitha follows very closely as regards the facts. But she shows great originality in her use of the facts and in her development of characters often merely indicated in the legends. Three of the plays, Gallicanus, Dulcitius, and Sapientia, deal with the conflict between infant Christianity and Paganism, martyrdoms under the Emperors Hadrian, Diocletian, and Julian the Apostate being the chief incidents. Gallicanus, which comes first in the manuscript, shows considerable skill in dramatic construction. Incident follows rapidly on incident. The scene lies alternately in Rome and on the battlefield, yet the action is kept quite clear. The story is easily followed, although Roswitha, like all good dramatists, eschews narrative. Gallicanus, one of the Emperor Constantine’s generals, claims the hand of the Emperor’s daughter as a reward for undertaking a dangerous campaign against the Scythians. The Emperor knows that Constance has taken a solemn vow of chastity, but he dares not offend Gallicanus by a refusal, on account of the value of his military services. So he temporizes, and consults Constance, who shows great shrewdness in dealing with the situation. She sends her almoners, John and Paul, to accompany Gallicanus on the Scythian expedition, in the hope that they will convert him to Christianity before he returns to marry her. The stratagem succeeds. Gallicanus, saved from defeat at a critical moment in the battle by the intervention of a heavenly host, becomes a Christian, and on his return to Rome shows respect for Constance’s resolution to remain in the virgin state, and renounces her. But he admits that the renunciation is bitter⁠—Roswitha often shows such touches of sympathy with natural human desires⁠—and we are made to feel that, although the dramatist was in no doubt that the life of chastity, poverty, and obedience is the highest life, she understood how hard it is for those who embrace it to believe that the yoke will be easy and the burden light.

The second play, Dulcitius, is poorly constructed and, as a whole, less interesting than any of the plays. Yet it has some features which repay close study. It is the only play of Roswitha’s obviously designed to provoke laughter, and if the level of the opening scenes had been maintained would be a very droll religious farce. Here we have the usual tale of martyrdom interspersed with incidents of buffoonery. The conventional cruel and bloody executioners are replaced by comic soldiers and a comic governor. Unfortunately, the farcical vein is suddenly abandoned, perhaps because Roswitha’s Abbess thought such fooling undignified in a nun! There must be some explanation of the sudden disappearance of the comic character of Dulcitius from the play. However, even as it stands Dulcitius is worth a great deal, since it affords the best proof we have that Roswitha’s plays were written for representation. There is indirect proof in the fact that we know that plays were acted at Gandersheim, as at other monasteries, on great occasions, but here is direct evidence. All the fun of Dulcitius lies in the action. No dramatist who had not in mind the effect on spectators could have conceived the scene in which the foolish governor, black as a sweep from his amorous encounter with the kitchen pots and pans which he mistakes for young women, is chased away from the palace gates, asking the while if there is anything amiss with his fine and handsome appearance. Stage directions, or didascalia, are very rarely found in old dramatic texts, but when Magnin compared Roswitha’s original text4 with the first printed edition he found several which had been omitted by Celtes.

Callimachus, Abraham, and Paphnutius precede Sapientia in the manuscript, but as the last belongs by reason of its subject to the same group as Gallicanus and Dulcitius, it is more convenient to discuss it next. It is the best constructed of the “martyrdom” plays, and is singled out for special praise by most of the Roswitha commentators. The final scene in which Sapientia, having buried the bodies of her martyred children outside Rome, lifts up her soul in an ecstatic prayer for death is described by Magnin as “a ray of Sophocles shining through a Christian mind.” Many, however, may find the repetition in the long-drawn-out “torture” scenes monotonous, and the impertinence of Sapientia’s daughters to their imperial persecutor as trying as the real thing must have been. These slips of girls defy “law and order” in the person of the Emperor Hadrian much as in our own day youthful suffragettes used to defy British magistrates. Probably this is in accordance with truth. Roswitha was separated from the days of the first Christians by a shorter space of time than that which separates us from her, and she based her narrative poem about the martyrdom of Saint Pelagius on an account given her by an eyewitness. While modern authors (with the exception of Mr. Bernard Shaw, whose Christian martyrs in Androcles and the Lion bear a resemblance to Roswitha’s) love to dwell on the dignity of the early converts to Christianity, Roswitha conveys the impression that the dignity was mingled with impudence.

In Callimachus, Abraham, and Paphnutius, Roswitha sets out to describe the war between the flesh and the spirit, and the long penance which must be done by those who have allowed the flesh to triumph. It is not enough for them to be converted and to realise their crime against the infinite beauty and goodness of God. They are called on to take practical measures to cleanse themselves. Callimachus is the first of these plays, and by no means the best, although it timidly sounds a note of passion, rare, if it exists at all, in medieval literature. Some commentators have laboured to establish a resemblance between Callimachus and Romeo and Juliet, and there are curious parallels. In both you see a sepulchre, a woman’s open grave, and the shroud lifted by the desperate hand of a lover. In both two men come to this tragic scene, bowed down by grief, yet able to control it⁠—in Romeo and Juliet, Capulet and Friar Lawrence, in Callimachus, the husband of the dead woman and the Apostle John. It would be idle to strain the parallels too far. They might not strike the attention at all if Callimachus did not possess a touch of the spirit of Romeo and Juliet. It is this which makes the play seem to belong to a later period than the others, and gives it a different character. The passionate language employed, the romance of the story, the colour of the earlier scenes are extraordinary when we remember that the play was written in the 10th century. Haltingly, and apparently without any conscious intention, Roswitha describes the kind of love of which Terence her model knew nothing⁠—that feverish desire absorbing the senses and the soul, which leads to sin or madness or self-slaughter. As if frightened by her own daring (or did the Abbess intervene, as we guess she intervened in Dulcitius!), Roswitha spoils the play as a play by a lengthy and tedious final scene in which St. John appears to more advantage as a theologian than as a man.

Abraham and Paphnutius show Roswitha at her best as a dramatist. In both plays the scenes are well knit, the characterization deft and sure, and the dialogue admirably expressive. The opening scenes of Abraham reveal that power to suggest character and situation without wordy explanations which is essential in drama. We know at once, although we are not told, that Mary, mere child as she is, is not made of stern stuff, and that her vocation is doubtful. Her replies to the two holy hermits are all that they should be superficially, but through them penetrates a materialism antagonistic to their mystical exaltation. Equally rich in the quality of suggestion is the scene in the house of ill-fame which Abraham visits to rescue his niece from her evil life. She does not recognize him at first, but melancholy seizes her at the supper which it is her duty to enliven by her gaiety. There is the beauty which never ages and appeals to all nations in all times in the following scene, when the hermit, throwing off his worldly disguise, shows his hair grown white through vigils and fasts, and his tonsure, the badge of his thorn-crowned Master, and in words more compassionate than upbraiding moves his lost child to contrition. It is indeed amazing that so true and touching a scene, dealing with a subject which has led later dramatists into false sentiment, coarseness, or mere preaching, should have been written nearly a thousand years ago by an obscure nun in a convent in Lower Saxony.

Perhaps nothing in Paphnutius is on quite the same level of achievement, but a play is not made by a single scene, and Paphnutius as a whole is better than Abraham as a whole. Few will question that it is Roswitha’s masterpiece. It is very creditable to her that, although the stones of the two plays are similar, she should have shown such variety in the treatment of them. When we compare them we find hardly any repetition. It is interesting to notice that it is not Mary, brought up to the religious life from which she lapses and to which she turns again, who becomes a saint, but Thais, whose life from childhood has been spent in “dangerous delights.” There is a spice of irony in the fact that the penitence of Thais, who had not had Mary’s opportunities, is represented by the dramatist as being on a much higher spiritual plane. With true insight Roswitha makes Paphnutius treat his penitent with far more severity than the hermit Abraham treats Mary. Yet the angelic love of Paphnutius for Thais, thanks to the dramatist’s power of suggestion, penetrates through his austerity, although he never manifests it until the moment when he is assured through the vision of Paul, St. Anthony’s disciple, that the repentance of the sinner has caused that joy in heaven which exceeds all the joy that can be given by the righteous. Paphnutius alone among Roswitha’s plays has stood the test of stage representation in modern times,5 and come through it triumphantly, although the miraculous swiftness of Thais’s conversion was considered most “unnatural” by the critics who witnessed the performance.

Roswitha, it must be remembered, believed in miracles. The average Englishman is sceptical. As Mr. Chesterton has pointed out, he will not swear to the possibility of a thing he has not seen, although he is quite ready to swear to the impossibility of a thing he has seen. In the foreword which Mr. Chesterton wrote for the programme of the first performance of Paphnutius he compared Roswitha’s treatment of the story of Thais’s conversion with Anatole France’s in his well-known novel Thais. “This very strong and moving play (Paphnutius) was written by a person about as different from the author of ‘Thais’ as could be capable of wearing the human form, a devout woman, vowed to a restricted life, and writing in the light of a Latin that was gradually going out like a shortening candle.⁠ ⁠… It is inevitable that such darkness should breed dangerous and even savage things, and that even religion should become almost as fierce as its enemies.⁠ ⁠… This nun of the Dark Ages wrote without any of that modern comfort and culture which ought, at the very least, to make men kind. When M. Anatole France was the author of ‘Silvestre Bonnard’ it did make him kind. But about Paphnutius and Thais, the harsh ascetic of the hardest times of the 10th century is far kinder than he. In the ‘Thais’ of the great French romancer the whole point is that Thais repents but that Paphnutius relapses. The nun saves both souls. Anatole France loses one of them. That is modern universalism.”

I hope that the publication of these plays in the English language will confirm Roswitha’s right to a high place in medieval literature, and a place also among the few writers of plays which have more than a transitory interest. Perhaps a certain predilection for medieval art is necessary before we can love her wholeheartedly. I do not imagine that those who see no beauty in the primitive art of Cimabue, Giotto, Sana di Pietro, or Lorenzetti will admire the work of a primitive dramatist. But others who find sincere simplicity, as opposed to affected simplicity, a charm in itself, will take Roswitha to their hearts and will have no difficulty in recognizing her merits. In addition to the six plays I have translated the five prefaces printed in Roswitha’s complete works, in the hope that the “strong voice of Gandersheim,” speaking directly to the reader, may win a fresh interest for the plays, and give some idea of the character and attainments of the remarkable woman who wrote them.

Prefaces of Roswitha

Preface to the Plays of Hrotswitha, German Religious and Virgin of the Saxon Race

There are many Catholics, and we cannot entirely acquit ourselves of the charge, who, attracted by the polished elegance of the style of pagan writers, prefer their works to the holy scriptures. There are others who, although they are deeply attached to the sacred writings and have no liking for most pagan productions, make an exception in favour of the works of Terence, and, fascinated by the charm of the manner, risk being corrupted by the wickedness of the matter. Wherefore I, the strong voice of Gandersheim, have not hesitated to imitate in my writings a poet whose works are so widely read, my object being to glorify, within the limits of my poor talent, the laudable chastity of Christian virgins in that selfsame form of composition which has been used to describe the shameless acts of licentious women. One thing has all the same embarrassed me and often brought a blush to my cheek. It is that I have been compelled through the nature of this work to apply my mind and my pen to depicting the dreadful frenzy of those possessed by unlawful love, and the insidious sweetness of passion⁠—things which should not even be named among us. Yet if from modesty I had refrained from treating these subjects I should not have been able to attain my object⁠—to glorify the innocent to the best of my ability. For the more seductive the blandishments of lovers the more wonderful the divine succour and the greater the merit of those who resist, especially when it is fragile woman who is victorious and strong man who is routed with confusion.

I have no doubt that many will say that my poor work is much inferior to that of the author whom I have taken as my model, that it is on a much humbler scale, and indeed altogether different.

Well, I do not deny this. None can justly accuse me of wishing to place myself on a level with those who by the sublimity of their genius have so far outstripped me. No, I am not so arrogant as to compare myself even with the least among the scholars of the ancient world. I strive only, although my power is not equal to my desire, to use what talent I have for the glory of Him Who gave it me. Nor is my self-love so great that I would, to avoid criticism, abstain from proclaiming wherever possible the virtue of Christ working in His saints. If this pious devotion gives satisfaction I shall rejoice; it it does not, either on account of my own worthlessness or of the faults of my unpolished style, I shall still be glad that I made the effort.

In the humbler works of my salad days I gathered up my poor researches in heroic strophes, but here I have sifted them into a series of dramatic scenes and avoided through omission the pernicious voluptuousness of pagan writers.

Epistle of the Same to the Learned Patrons of This Book

To you, learned and virtuous men, who do not envy the success of others, but on the contrary rejoice in it as becomes the truly great, Hrotswitha, poor humble sinner, sends wishes for your health in this life and your joy in eternity.

I cannot praise you enough for your humility, or pay an adequate tribute to your kindness and affection. To think that you, who have been nurtured in the most profound philosophical studies and have attained knowledge in perfection, should have deigned to approve the humble work of an obscure woman! You have, however, not praised me but the Giver of the grace which works in me, by sending me your paternal congratulations and admitting that I possess some little knowledge of those arts the subtleties of which exceed the grasp of my woman’s mind. Until I showed my work to you I had not dared to let anyone see it except my intimate companions. I came near abandoning this form of writing altogether, for if there were few to whom I could submit my compositions at all there were fewer still who could point out what needed correction and encourage me to go on. But now, reassured by your verdict (is it not said that the testimony of three witnesses is “equivalent to the truth”?), I feel that I have enough confidence to apply myself to writing, if God grants me the power, and that I need not fear the criticism of the learned whoever they may be. Still, I am torn by conflicting feelings. I rejoice from the depths of my soul that the God through Whose grace alone I am what I am should be praised in me, but I am afraid of being thought greater than I am. I know that it is as wrong to deny a divine gift as to pretend falsely that we have received it. So I will not deny that through the grace of the Creator I have acquired some knowledge of the arts. He has given me the ability to learn⁠—I am a teachable creature⁠—yet of myself I should know nothing. He has given me a perspicacious mind, but one that lies fallow and idle when it is not cultivated. That my natural gifts might not be made void by negligence I have been at pains, whenever I have been able to pick up some threads and scraps torn from the old mantle of philosophy, to weave them into the stuff of my own book, in the hope that my lowly ignorant effort may gain more acceptance through the introduction of something of a nobler strain, and that the Creator of genius may be the more honoured since it is generally believed that a woman’s intelligence is slower. Such has been my motive in writing, the sole reason for the sweat and fatigue which my labours have cost me. At least I do not pretend to have knowledge where I am ignorant. On the contrary, my best claim to indulgence is that I know how much I do not know.

Impelled by your kindly interest and your express wish I come, bowing low like a reed, to submit this little work to your judgment. I wrote it indeed with that idea in my mind, although doubt as to its merits has made me withhold it until now. I hope you will revise it with the same careful attention that you would give to a work of your own, and that when you have succeeded in bringing it up to the proper standard you will return it to me, that I may learn what are its worst faults.

Plays

Gallicanus

Argument

The conversion of Gallicanus, Commander-in-Chief. On the eve of his departure for a campaign against the Scythians, Gallicanus is betrothed to the Emperor Constantine’s daughter, Constance, a consecrated virgin.

When threatened with defeat in battle, Gallicanus is converted by John and Paul, Grand Almoners to Constance. He is immediately baptized and takes a vow of celibacy.

Later he is exiled by order of Julian the Apostate, and receives the crown of martyrdom. John and Paul are put to death by the same prince and buried secretly in their own house. Not long after, the son of their executioner becomes possessed by a devil. He is cured after confessing the crime committed by his father. He bears witness to the merits of the martyrs, and is baptized, together with his father.

Characters

Characters in Part I

The Emperor Constantine
Gallicanus
Constance,

daughter of Constantine.
Artemia,

daughter of Gallicanus.
Attica,

daughter of Gallicanus.
John,

Grand Almoner to Constance.
Paul,

Grand Almoner to Constance.
Lords of the Court
Bradan,

King of the Scythians.
Tribunes
Roman soldiers
Scythian soldiers
Helena,

Mother of Constantine.

Characters in Part II

Julian the Apostate
Gallicanus
Terentianus
John
Paul
Consuls
Christians
Soliders

Part I

Scene I

Constantine	Gallicanus, this tries my patience. You have delayed the offensive against the Scythians too long. The only nation which boldly resists our power and refuses to make peace with Rome! You know well enough that you were chosen because of your energy in your country’s service.
Gallicanus	Most noble Constantine, I have served you hand and foot, ungrudgingly, devotedly, and have always striven to repay your trust in me with deeds. I have never shirked any task.
Constantine	Is there any need to remind me? As if your great services were not always in mind! I spoke, not to reproach you, but to urge you to act quickly.
Gallicanus	I will set out at once.
Constantine	I am rejoiced to hear it.
Gallicanus	I am ready to obey your orders if it costs me my life.
Constantine	Your zeal pleases me. I appreciate your devotion.
Gallicanus	As both are immense should they not be rewarded on the same scale?
Constantine	That is only fair.
Gallicanus	It is easier for a man to undertake a difficult enterprise when he is sustained by the knowledge that his reward is sure.
Constantine	Naturally.
Gallicanus	I beg you then to promise me now my prize for this dangerous undertaking. In hard and strenuous fighting, when it seems as if I must be defeated, the thought of this reward will give me new strength.
Constantine	The reward deemed by the Senate the most glorious a man can desire has never been withheld from you, and never shall be. You enjoy the freedom of my court, and the highest honour among those who surround me.
Gallicanus	I know, but I am not thinking of that.
Constantine	If you have other ambitions, you must tell me.
Gallicanus	I have.
Constantine	What are they?
Gallicanus	Dare I tell you?
Constantine	Of course!
Gallicanus	You will be angry.
Constantine	Not at all!
Gallicanus	You are sure?
Constantine	Quite sure.
Gallicanus	We shall see. I say you will be indignant.
Constantine	Your fears are groundless. Come! Speak!
Gallicanus	Since you command me, I will. I love Constance. I love your daughter.
Constantine	That is well. You do right to love the daughter of your sovereign. Your love honours her.
Gallicanus	You say this to cut me short.
Constantine	Not so.
Gallicanus	I wish to marry her. Will you give your consent?
Constantine	He asks no small thing, my lords. This is an honour of which none of you have ever dreamed.
Gallicanus	Alas! I foresaw this. He scorns me. (To the Lords) Intercede for me, I implore you.
The Lords	Most illustrious Emperor, we beg you to be generous. Remember his services, and do not turn a deaf ear to his request.
Constantine	I have not done so, but it is my duty first to make sure that my daughter consents.
The Lords	That is only reasonable.
Constantine	I will go to her, and, if such is your wish, Gallicanus, I will lay the project before her.
Gallicanus	It is my wish.

Scene II

Constance	Our Lord the Emperor approaches. He looks strangely grave and sad. What can it mean?
Constantine	Constance, my child, come nearer. I wish to speak to you.
Constance	I am here, my lord. Command me.
Constantine	I am in great distress of mind. My heart is heavy.
Constance	As you came in I saw that you were sad, and without knowing the reason I was troubled.
Constantine	It is on your account.
Constance	On my account?
Constantine	Yes.
Constance	You frighten me. What is it, my lord?
Constantine	The fear of grieving you ties my tongue.
Constance	You will grieve me more by keeping silence.
Constantine	Gallicanus, my General, whose victories have won him the first place among the princes of my realm⁠—Gallicanus, whose sword is necessary for the defence of the Empire⁠—Gallicanus⁠—
Constance	What of him?
Constantine	He wants to make you his wife.
Constance	Me?
Constantine	Yes.
Constance	I would rather die.
Constantine	I knew that would be your answer.
Constance	It cannot surprise you, as it was with your consent and approval that I consecrated myself to God.
Constantine	I have not forgotten.
Constance	I will keep my vow inviolate. Nothing can ever force me to break it.
Constantine	I know you are right, and the greater my difficulty. For if, as is my duty as your father, I permit you to be faithful to your vow, as a sovereign I shall suffer for it. Yet were I to oppose your resolution⁠—which God forbid!⁠—I should deserve eternal punishment.
Constance	If I despaired of divine help I should be more wretched than you.
Constantine	That is true.
Constance	But a heart which trusts in God’s goodness is armed against sorrow.
Constantine	You speak well, my Constance.
Constance	My lord, if you will deign to listen to my advice, I can show you how to escape this double danger.
Constantine	Oh, that you could!
Constance	You must pretend that you are willing to grant Gallicanus what he asks when the war has been won. Make him believe that I agree. Persuade him to leave with me during his absence at the war his two daughters, Attica and Anemia, as pledges of the bond of love which is to unite us. Tell him that in return I will send with him on his expedition my two Almoners, John and Paul.
Constantine	And if he should return victorious? What then?
Constance	We must pray the Father of us all that he will change his mind.
Constantine	My daughter, my daughter! Your sweet words have softened the harshness of your father’s grief! Henceforth I will not give way to anxiety.
Constance	There is no need.
Constantine	I will return to Gallicanus and satisfy him with this promise.
Constance	Go in peace, my lord.

Scene III

Gallicanus	O princes, I die of impatience to learn what has come of this long conference between our august sovereign and his daughter.
The Lords	He promised to plead your cause.
Gallicanus	Oh, that his arguments may prevail!
The Lords	Maybe they will.
Gallicanus	Peace! Silence all of you! The Emperor comes. His face is not anxious as when he left us, but serene and glad.
The Lords	A good omen!
Gallicanus	It is said that the face is the mirror of the soul. If this be true, the calm joy in his reflects a kindly mood.
The Lords	We trust so.

Scene IV

Constantine	Gallicanus!
Gallicanus	What did he say?
The Lords	Forward, forward. He is asking for you.
Gallicanus	Now the good gods help me!
Constantine	Gallicanus, set out for the war with an easy mind. On your return you shall receive the reward you covet.
Gallicanus	This is not a jest?
Constantine	How can you ask?
Gallicanus	I should be happy indeed if I could know one thing.
Constantine	What may that be?
Gallicanus	Her answer.
Constantine	My daughter’s answer?
Gallicanus	Yes. What did she say?
Constantine	It is unreasonable to expect a young maid to answer in so many words. Events will prove that she consents.
Gallicanus	If I could be assured of that, I should trouble little about the manner of her answer.
Constantine	You want proof?
Gallicanus	I hunger for it.
Constantine	Then listen. She has given orders that her Almoners, John and Paul, shall stay with you until the day of your nuptials.
Gallicanus	And her reason?
Constantine	That by constant intercourse with them you may learn to know how she lives⁠—her habits and her tastes.
Gallicanus	An excellent plan, and one that pleases me beyond measure.
Constantine	She would like you in return to allow your two young daughters to live with her for the same period. She thinks she can learn from them how to please you.
Gallicanus	Oh, joy, joy! All things are falling out as I wished.
Constantine	Send for your daughters without delay.
Gallicanus	Are my soldiers still there? Come, fellows, hasten! Run to my daughters and bring them to their sovereign’s presence.

Scene V

Soldiers	Most noble Constance, the illustrious daughters of Gallicanus are here. They are beautiful, wise and virtuous, and in every way worthy of your friendship.
Constance	They are welcome. They are introduced with ceremony.6 O Christ, lover of virginity and fount of chastity! Thou Who through the intercession of Thy holy martyr Agnes hast preserved my body from stain and my mind from pagan errors! Thou Who hast shown me as an example Thy Mother’s virgin bed where Thou didst manifest Thyself true God! Thou Who before time began wast born of God the Father, and in the fullness of time wast born again true man, of a mother’s womb⁠—I implore Thee, true Wisdom, co-eternal with the Father, the Creator, Upholder and Governor of the Universe, to grant my prayer! May Gallicanus, who seeks to gain the love which I can give only to Thee, be turned from his unlawful purpose. Take his daughters to Thyself, and pour the sweetness of Thy love into their hearts that they may despise all carnal bonds, and be admitted to the blessed company of virgins who are consecrated to Thee!
Artemia	Hail, most noble Constance! Imperial highness, hail!
Constance	Greeting, my sisters, Artemia and Attica. Stand up, stand up! No, do not kneel. Salute me rather with a loving kiss.
Artemia	We come joyfully to offer you our homage, lady. We are ready to serve you with our whole hearts, and we seek no reward but your love.
Constance	We have one Lord Who is in heaven. He alone should be served like that. We owe Him a love and fidelity which must be shown not only with whole hearts but with whole bodies. That is if we would enter His kingdom with the virgin’s palm.
Artemia	We do not question this. You will find us eager to obey you in all things, but never so eager as when you exhort us to confess our faith and keep our vow of purity.
Constance	That is a good answer, and one worthy of a noble mind. I see that through divine grace you already have the faith.
Artemia	How could we poor idolators have any good thought if light had not been given us from above?
Constance	The strength of your faith makes me hope that Gallicanus too will believe some day.
Artemia	He has only to be taught. Then he must believe.
Constance	Send for John and Paul.

Scene VI

John	You sent for us, Highness. We are here.
Constance	Go at once to Gallicanus and attach yourselves to his person. Instruct him little by little in the mysteries of our faith. Perhaps God means to make us the instruments of winning him to His service.
Paul	God give us success! We shall do all we can.

Scene VII

Gallicanus	You are welcome, John⁠—and you, Paul. I have awaited your coming with impatience.
John	As soon as we received our lady’s commands we hastened at once to put ourselves at your service.
Gallicanus	Your offer to serve me gives me a pleasure that nothing else could give.
Paul	That is natural, for, as the saying goes, “The friends of our friends are our friends.”
Gallicanus	A true saying.
John	The love our lady bears you assures us of your goodwill.
Gallicanus	You can rely on it. Come, tribunes and centurions, assemble the troops. Soldiers in my command, I present to you John and Paul, for whose arrival our departure has been delayed.
Tribunes	Lead us on. The tribunes gather round Gallicanus.7
Gallicanus	We must first go to the Capitol, and visit the temples to propitiate the gods with the customary sacrifices. That is the way to obtain success for our arms.
Tribunes	That is certain.
John	Let us withdraw for a time.
Paul	We cannot do otherwise.

Scene VIII

John	The General is leaving the temple. Let us mount our horses and ride to meet him.
Paul	This moment.
Gallicanus	I noticed you were not with us. Where have you been?
John	We were seeing to our baggage. We have sent it on ahead that we may ride with you unencumbered.
Gallicanus	Well planned!

Scene IX

Gallicanus	By Jupiter, tribunes, I see the legions of an immense army advancing! The diversity of their arms is enough to make the stoutest heart tremble.
Tribunes	By Hercules, the enemy!
Gallicanus	Let us resist with courage, and show them we are men!
Tribunes	It is useless to attempt resistance to such a host.
Gallicanus	What, then, do you propose?
Tribunes	Surrender.
Gallicanus	Apollo forbid!
Tribunes	By Pollux, we must surrender! See, we are surrounded on every side⁠—we are being mown down⁠—we perish!
Gallicanus	Ye gods! What will happen if the tribunes refuse to obey me, and surrender?
John	Promise you will become a Christian, and you will conquer.
Gallicanus	I swear! And I will keep my vow.
One of the Enemy	Woe to us, King Bradan! Fortune, who but now promised us victory, was mocking us. Our men are weakening, their strength is exhausted⁠—they have lost heart and are giving up the struggle.
Bradan	I am uncertain what to do. A strange faintheartedness has seized me also. There is but one course⁠—we must surrender.
The Enemy	There is nothing else to do.
Bradan	Gallicanus, do not destroy us! Be merciful! Spare our lives and do with us what you will.
Gallicanus	Have no fear. There is no need to tremble. Give me hostages, acknowledge yourselves tributaries of the Emperor, and you shall live happy under a Roman peace.
Bradan	You have only to name the number and rank of the hostages, and the tribute to be exacted.
Gallicanus	Soldiers, lay down arms. Slay no one, wound no one, but embrace as friends these men whom you had to fight as enemies of the Empire.
John	How much more powerful is one fervent prayer than all the pride of man!
Gallicanus	That is true indeed.
Paul	What mighty succour God in His mercy sends to those who humbly trust in Him!
Gallicanus	I have had good proof of it.
John	But the promise made when the storm was raging must be kept now it is calm.
Gallicanus	I agree. It is my wish to be baptized as soon as possible, and to devote the rest of my life to the service of God.
Paul	You are right.

Scene X

Gallicanus	Look! That vast crowd of citizens has gathered to see our entry into Rome! See how they flock to acclaim us, bearing according to custom the symbols of victory!
John	It is only natural.
Gallicanus	Yet the glorious victory was not won by my valour nor by the help of their gods.
John	No, assuredly; the glory belongs to the one true God.
Gallicanus	That being so, we must pass the temples without going in.
John	A wise decision.
Gallicanus	And instead make a humble confession of faith in the Church of the Apostles.
Paul	O happy man! And most happy thought! In this you show yourself a true Christian.

Scene XI

Constantine	I am greatly astonished, soldiers, that Gallicanus should be so long in presenting himself before his sovereign.
Soldiers	The moment he arrived in Rome he went to the Church of Saint Peter, and, prostrating himself on the ground, gave thanks to the Almighty for giving him the victory.
Constantine	Gallicanus?
Soldiers	It is true.
Constantine	Impossible!
Soldiers	Here he comes. You can ask him yourself.

Scene XII

Constantine	Welcome, Gallicanus! I have awaited your arrival with impatience. I long to hear from your own lips how the battle went and how it ended.
Gallicanus	I will tell you the whole story.
Constantine	Wait a moment, for even the battle is of small importance compared with the one thing which I want most to hear.
Gallicanus	What may that be?
Constantine	On your departure for the war you visited the temple of the gods; on your return you went to the Church of the Apostles. Why?
Gallicanus	You ask that?
Constantine	Have I not told you, man, that I wish to know above all things!
Gallicanus	I will explain.
Constantine	Proceed, I beg you.
Gallicanus	Most Sacred Emperor, I confess I visited the temples on my departure, as you have said, and humbly sought the help of gods and demons.
Constantine	According to the old Roman custom.
Gallicanus	To my thinking, a bad custom.
Constantine	I am of the same mind.
Gallicanus	Then the tribunes arrived with their legions and we began our march.
Constantine	You set out from Rome with great pomp.
Gallicanus	We pushed on, met the enemy, engaged them, and were defeated.
Constantine	Romans defeated!
Gallicanus	Routed.
Constantine	When was such a disaster ever known in our history!
Gallicanus	Once again I offered those hideous sacrifices, but what god came to my help? The fury of the enemy redoubled, and great numbers of my men were slain.
Constantine	I am amazed.
Gallicanus	It was then that the tribunes, disregarding my orders, began to surrender.
Constantine	To the enemy?
Gallicanus	To the enemy.
Constantine	And what did you do?
Gallicanus	What could I do but take to flight?
Constantine	Impossible!
Gallicanus	It is true.
Constantine	What anguish for a man of your courage!
Gallicanus	The sharpest.
Constantine	And how did you escape?
Gallicanus	My faithful companions, John and Paul, advised me to make a vow to the Creator.
Constantine	Good advice.
Gallicanus	I found it so. Hardly had I opened my lips to make the vow than I received help from heaven.
Constantine	How?
Gallicanus	A young man of immense stature appeared before me carrying a cross on his shoulder. He bade me follow him sword in hand.
Constantine	This young man, whoever he was, was sent from heaven.
Gallicanus	So it proved. At the same moment I saw at my side some soldiers whose faces were strange to me. They promised me their help.
Constantine	The host of Heaven!
Gallicanus	I am sure of it. Following in the steps of my guide, I advanced fearlessly into the midst of the enemy until I came face to face with their King, by name Bradan. Suddenly overcome by the strangest terror he threw himself at my feet, surrendered with his whole army, and promised to pay tribute in perpetuity to the ruler of the Roman world.
Constantine	Now praise be to Him Who gave us this victory. Those who put their trust in Him will never be confounded.
Gallicanus	My experience witnesses to it.
Constantine	And now I should like to know what became of the treacherous tribunes?
Gallicanus	They hastened to implore my forgiveness.
Constantine	And you showed them mercy?
Gallicanus	I show mercy to men who had abandoned me in the hour of peril and surrendered to the enemy against my orders! No, assuredly!
Constantine	What did you do?
Gallicanus	I offered to pardon them on one condition.
Constantine	What condition?
Gallicanus	I told them that those who consented to become Christians would be allowed to retain their rank, and might even receive fresh honours, but that those who refused would not be pardoned, and would be degraded.
Constantine	A fair proposition, and honourable to the leader who made it.
Gallicanus	For my own part, purified in the waters of baptism, I have surrendered myself completely to the will of God. I am ready to renounce even your daughter, whom I love more than anything in the world. I wish to abstain from marriage that I may devote myself wholly to the service of the Virgin’s Son.
Constantine	Come near, nearer yet, and let me fold you in my arms! Now, Gallicanus, the time has come for me to tell you what up to now I have been obliged to keep secret.
Gallicanus	What is it?
Constantine	My daughter, and your own two also, have chosen the same holy path which you yourself wish to follow.
Gallicanus	I rejoice to hear it.
Constantine	Their desire to keep their vow of virginity is so ardent that neither entreaties nor threats can alter their resolution.
Gallicanus	God help them to persevere!
Constantine	Come, let us go to their apartments.
Gallicanus	Lead on. I will follow.
Constantine	They are coming here. Look, they hasten to greet us, and my glorious mother, noble Helena, is with them. They all weep for joy.

Scene XIII

Gallicanus	Be at peace, most holy virgins. Persevere in the fear of God, and preserve untouched the treasure of your virginity. Then you will be worthy of the embraces of the eternal King.
Constance	We shall keep our vows with more joy now we know that you are on our side.
Gallicanus	Have no fear that I shall put any obstacle in your way. Far from it! I consent gladly, and desire nothing better than to see you fulfil your vow, my Constance, you, for whom I was eager to risk life itself.
Constance	I see the hand of the Most High in this change in you.
Gallicanus	If I had not changed, and for the better, I could never have consented to renounce you.
Constance	The Lover of virginal purity and the Author of all good resolutions made you renounce me because He had already claimed me for His own. May He Who has separated us in the body on earth unite us in the joys of eternity.
Gallicanus	So be it! So be it!
Constantine	And now, since we are united in the bond of Christ’s love, you shall live with us in our palace, and be treated with as much honour as though you were our own son.
Gallicanus	What temptation is to be feared more than the lust of the eyes?
Constantine	None, I know.
Gallicanus	Then is it right that I should see her too often? As you know, I love her more than my own kin, more than my life, more than my soul!
Constantine	You must do what you think best.
Gallicanus	Thanks to our Lord Christ and to my labours, your army was never so strong as now. Give me leave, then, to transfer my service to that Emperor through Whose power I have returned victorious, and to Whom I owe any success I have won in life.
Constantine	To Him be praise and glory. All creatures should serve Him.
Gallicanus	Above all those whom He has generously helped in time of need.
Constantine	That is true.
Gallicanus	I am giving to my daughters the portion of my property which is theirs by right. Another I am devoting to the support of pilgrims. With the remainder I propose to enrich my slaves⁠—whom I have freed⁠—and to relieve the poor.
Constantine	You are disposing of your wealth wisely, and you will be rewarded.
Gallicanus	As for me, I long to go to Ostia and become the disciple of the holy man, Hilarion. In his brotherhood I hope to spend the rest of my life praising God and helping the poor.
Constantine	May the Divine Being to Whom all things are possible bring your plans to a happy issue! May you always do the will of Him Who lives and reigns in the Unity of the Trinity, and at last attain eternal joy!
Gallicanus	Amen.

Part II

Scene I

Julian	The cause of the unrest in our Empire is clear enough. These Christians enjoy too much liberty. Their claim that they obey laws made in the time of Constantine is false.
Consuls	It would be a disgrace to tolerate it.
Julian	I do not intend to tolerate it.
Consuls	Those words are worthy of you.
Julian	Soldiers, arm yourselves and strip the Christians of all they possess. Remind them of these words of their Christ: “He who does not renounce all that he possesses for my sake cannot be my disciple.”
Soldiers	We will carry out your orders instantly.

Scene II

Consuls	The soldiers have returned.
Julian	Is all well?
Soldiers	Well indeed.
Julian	Why have you returned so soon?
Soldiers	We will tell you. We had planned to seize Gallicanus’s castle and occupy it in your name. But no sooner did one of us set foot on the threshold than he was straightway stricken with leprosy or madness.
Julian	Return and force Gallicanus to quit the realm or sacrifice to the gods.

Scene III

Gallicanus

Do not waste your breath, fellows. Your advice is useless. I hold all that exists beneath the sun as nothing compared with eternal life. Banished for Christ’s sake, I shall retire to Alexandria, where I hope to win the martyr’s crown.

Scene IV

Soldiers	Gallicanus, exiled by your orders, fled to Alexandria. He was arrested in that city by the Governor, Ratianus, and has perished by the sword.
Julian	That is well.
Soldiers	But John and Paul still defy you.
Julian	What are they doing?
Soldiers	Travelling up and down the country giving away the fortune Constance left them.
Julian	Bring them before me.
Soldiers	They are here.

Scene V

Julian	John and Paul, from the cradle you have been attached to the Emperor’s household. You served my predecessor.
John	That is so.
Julian	Then what could be more fitting than that you should serve me also in this palace where you were brought up?
Paul	We will not serve you.
Julian	You refuse?
John	We have said it.
Julian	Do you deny that I am Augustus?
Paul	No, but we say you are Augustus with a difference.
Julian	How do I differ from my predecessors?
John	In your religion and your virtue.
Julian	What do you mean?
Paul	We mean that those most famous and glorious princes, Constantine, Constantius and Constance, whom we served, were very Christian rulers who were zealous in the service of God.
Julian	I know, but in this I do not choose to follow their example.
Paul	You follow worse examples. They frequented the churches and, laying their diadems on the ground, adored Jesus Christ on their knees.
Julian	And you think that I should imitate them?
John	You are not made of the same stuff.
Paul	By doing homage to the Creator they elevated the Imperial dignity⁠—yes, they transfigured it with the splendour of their virtue and their holy lives. So they deserved the success which crowned their enterprises.
Julian	As I do.
John	In a very different way, for the divine grace was with them.
Julian	Absurd! Once I too was fool enough to believe in these meaningless practices. I was a priest of your Church.
John	Do you hear, Paul? How do you like this priest?
Paul	Very well⁠—as the devil’s chaplain.
Julian	But when I found that there was nothing to be gained from it, I turned to the worship of the true Roman gods, thanks to whom I have been raised to the highest pinnacle of power.
John	You cut us short with this boast to avoid hearing the righteous praised.
Julian	What is it to me?
Paul	Nothing; but we would add something which does concern you. When the world was no longer worthy of those princes, they were summoned to the choir of angels, and this unhappy realm fell under your power.
Julian	Why unhappy?
John	Because of the character of its ruler.
Paul	Have you not renounced the true religion and adopted the superstitions of idolatry? Because of this we have shunned you and your court.
Julian	You show yourselves greatly wanting in the respect due to me, yet I am ready to pardon your presumption and raise you to the highest office in my palace.
John	You waste your breath, apostate! We shall yield neither to blandishments nor threats.
Julian	I will give you ten days’ grace, in the hope that you will come to your senses and repent. If you do, you will regain our Imperial favour. If not, I shall do what I have to do. You shall not make a mock of me.
Paul	What you have to do, do now, for you can never make us return either to your court, your service, or your gods.
Julian	You are dismissed. Leave me, but heed my warning.
John	We willingly accept the respite you have granted us, but only that we may spend the time consecrating all our faculties to heaven, and commending ourselves to God in prayer and fasting.
Paul	This is all we have to do now.

Scene VI

Julian

Go, Terentianus. Take with you a few trusted soldiers and compel John and Paul to sacrifice to Jupiter. If they persist in their refusal, let them be put to death, not publicly, but with the greatest possible secrecy, since they once held office in this palace.

Scene VII

Terentianus	Paul and John, the Emperor Julian, my master, of his clemency sends you this gold statue of Jupiter, and commands you to burn incense before it. Refuse, and you will be put to death.
John	Since Julian is your master, live at peace with him, and enjoy his favour. But we have no master except our Lord Jesus Christ, for Whose love we ardently desire to die that we may the more quickly taste the joys of eternity.
Terentianus	Soldiers, why do you delay? Draw your swords and strike these traitors to the gods and to their Emperor. When they have breathed their last bury them secretly in this house and remove every trace of blood.
Soldiers	And if questions are asked, what are we to say?
Terentianus	Say they have been banished.
John	To Thee, O Christ, Who reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, we raise our voices in this dreadful hour! In death as in life we praise Thee.
Paul	O Christ, receive our souls, which for Thy sake are being driven from this dwelling of clay!

Scene VIII

Terentianus	Christians, Christians, what ails my son?
Christians	He grinds his teeth, foams at the mouth, and rolls his eyes like a madman. He is sure possessed by a devil.
Terentianus	Woe to his father! Where was he stricken?
Christians	Before the tomb of the martyrs John and Paul. He writhes on the ground, and cries out that they are the cause of his torments.
Terentianus	Mine the fault! Mine the crime! It was at my command that the wretched boy laid his impious hands on those holy martyrs.
Christians	Since you were the partner of his guilt, it is right that you should share his sufferings.
Terentianus	I did but obey the wicked commands of my master, the Emperor Julian.
Christians	He himself has been struck down by the divine wrath.
Terentianus	I know, and am the more terrified. I see that no enemy of those servants of God can escape punishment.
Christians	You are right there.
Terentianus	What if in expiation of my crime I threw myself on my knees before the holy tombs?
Christians	You would win pardon if you were first cleansed by baptism.

Scene IX

Terentianus	Glorious witnesses of Christ, John and Paul, follow the example and commandment of your Master, and pray for your persecutors. Have compassion on the anguish of a father who fears to lose his child! Have pity on the sufferings of the son! Succour us both, and grant that, purified in the waters of baptism, we may persevere in the faith.
Christians	Dry your tears, Terentianus. Here is balm for your anguish. Look! Your son has recovered his health and his reason through the intercession of the martyrs.
Terentianus	Praise to the Eternal King Who covers His servants with such glory! Not only do their souls rejoice in heaven, but in the depths of the sepulchre their lifeless bones work astounding miracles, testifying to their sanctity and to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ Who liveth and reigneth!

Dulcitius

Argument

The martyrdom of the holy virgins Agape, Chionia, and Irena. The Governor Dulcitius seeks them out in the silence of the night with criminal intent, but hardly has he entered their dwelling than he becomes the victim of a delusion, under which he mistakes for the objects of his passion the saucepans and frying-pans in the kitchen. These he embraces and covers with kisses until his face and clothes are black with soot and dirt. Later, by order of Diocletian, he hands the maidens over to the care of Sisinnius, who is charged with their punishment. Sisinnius in his turn is made the sport of the most strange delusions, but at length succeeds in getting Agape and Chionia burnt, and Irena shot to death with arrows.

Characters

The Emperor Diocletian
Agape
Chionia
Irena
Dulcitius,

governor of Thessalonica.
Soldiers
Sisinnius
Wife to Dulcitius
Ushers of the Imperial Palace
Ladies-in-Waiting on the Wife of Dulcitius

Dulcitius

Scene I

Diocletian	The pure and famous race to which you belong and your own rare beauty make it fitting that you should be wedded to the highest in our court. Thus we decree, making the condition that you first promise to deny your Christ and sacrifice to the gods.
Agape	We beg you not to concern yourself about us, and it is useless to make preparations for our marriage. Nothing can make us deny that Name which all should confess, or let our purity be stained.
Diocletian	What does this madness mean?
Agape	What sign of madness do you see in us?
Diocletian	It is clear enough.
Agape	In what way are we mad?
Diocletian	Is it not madness to give up practising an ancient religion and run after this silly new Christian superstition?
Agape	You are bold to slander the majesty of Almighty God. It is dangerous.
Diocletian	Dangerous? To whom?
Agape	To you, and to the state you rule.
Diocletian	The girl raves. Take her away.
Chionia	My sister does not rave. She is right.
Diocletian	This maenad seems even more violent than the other! Remove her also from our presence, and we will question the third.
Irena	You will find her as rebellious and as determined to resist.
Diocletian	Irena, you are the youngest in years. Show yourself the oldest in dignity.
Irena	Pray tell me how.
Diocletian	Bow your head to the gods, and set an example to your sisters. It may rebuke and save them.
Irena	Let those who wish to provoke the wrath of the Most High prostrate themselves before idols! I will not dishonour this head which has been anointed with heavenly oil by abasing it at the feet of images.
Diocletian	The worship of the gods does not bring dishonour to those who practise it, but, on the contrary, the greatest honour.
Irena	What could be more shameful baseness, what baser shame, than to venerate slaves as if they were lords?
Diocletian	I do not ask you to worship slaves, but the gods of princes and the rulers of the earth.
Irena	A god who can be bought cheap in the marketplace, what is he but a slave?
Diocletian	Enough of this presumptuous chatter. The rack shall put an end to it!
Irena	That is what we desire. We ask nothing better than to suffer the most cruel tortures for the love of Christ.
Diocletian	Let these obstinate women who dare to defy our authority be laden with chains and thrown into a dungeon. Let them be examined by Governor Dulcitius.

Scene II

Dulcitius	Soldiers, produce your prisoners.
Soldiers	The ones you wanted to see are in there.
Dulcitius	Ye Gods, but these girls are beautiful! What grace, what charm!
Soldiers	Perfect!
Dulcitius	I am enraptured!
Soldiers	No wonder!
Dulcitius	I’m in love! Do you think they will fall in love with me?
Soldiers	From what we know, you will have little success.
Dulcitius	Why?
Soldiers	Their faith is too strong.
Dulcitius	A few sweet words will work wonders!
Soldiers	They despise flattery.
Dulcitius	Then I shall woo in another fashion⁠—with torture!
Soldiers	They would not care.
Dulcitius	What’s to be done, then?
Soldiers	That is for you to find out.
Dulcitius	Lock them in the inner room⁠—the one leading out of the passage where the pots and pans are kept.
Soldiers	Why there?
Dulcitius	I can visit them oftener.
Soldiers	It shall be done.

Scene III

Dulcitius	What can the prisoners be doing at this hour of night?
Soldiers	They pass the time singing hymns.
Dulcitius	Let us approach.
Soldiers	Now you can hear their silver-sweet voices in the distance.
Dulcitius	Take your torches, and guard the doors. I will go in and enjoy myself in those lovely arms!
Soldiers	Enter. We will wait for you here.

Scene IV

Agape	What noise is that outside the door?
Irena	It is that wretch Dulcitius.
Chionia	Now may God protect us!
Agape	Amen.
Chionia	There is more noise! It sounds like the clashing of pots and pans and fire-irons.
Irena	I will go and look. Come quick and peep through the crack of the door!
Agape	What is it?
Irena	Oh, look! He must be out of his senses! I believe he thinks that he is kissing us.
Agape	What is he doing?
Irena	Now he presses the saucepans tenderly to his breast, now the kettles and frying-pans! He is kissing them hard!
Chionia	How absurd!
Irena	His face, his hands, his clothes! They are all as black as soot. He looks like an Ethiope.
Agape	I am glad. His body should turn black⁠—to match his soul, which is possessed of a devil.
Irena	Look! He is going now. Let us watch the soldiers and see what they do when he goes out.

Scene V

Soldiers	What’s this? Either one possessed by the devil, or the devil himself. Let’s be off!
Dulcitius	Soldiers, soldiers! Why do you hurry away? Stay, wait! Light me to my house with your torches.
Soldiers	The voice is our master’s voice, but the face is a devil’s. Come, let’s take to our heels! This devil means us no good.
Dulcitius	I will hasten to the palace. I will tell the whole court how I have been insulted.

Scene VI

Dulcitius	Ushers, admit me at once. I have important business with the Emperor.
Ushers	Who is this fearsome, horrid monster? Coming here in these filthy rags! Come, let us beat him and throw him down the steps. Stop him from coming further.
Dulcitius	Ye gods, what has happened to me? Am I not dressed in my best? Am I not clean and fine in my person? And yet everyone who meets me expresses disgust at the sight of me and treats me as if I were some foul monster! I will go to my wife. She will tell me the truth. But here she comes. Her looks are wild, her hair unbound, and all her household follow her weeping.

Scene VII

Wife of Dulcitius	My lord, my lord, what evil has come on you? Have you lost your reason, Dulcitius? Have the Christ-worshippers put a spell on you?
Dulcitius	Now at last I know! Those artful women have made an ass of me!
Wife of Dulcitius	What troubled me most, and made my heart ache, was that you should not know there was anything amiss with you.
Dulcitius	Those impudent wenches shall be stripped and exposed naked in public. They shall have a taste of the outrage to which I have been subjected!

Scene VIII

Soldiers

Here we are sweating like pigs and what’s the use? Their clothes cling to their bodies like their own skin. What’s more, our chief, who ordered us to strip them, sits there snoring, and there’s no way of waking him. We will go to the Emperor and tell him all that has passed.

Scene IX

Diocletian

I grieve to hear of the outrageous way in which the Governor Dulcitius has been insulted and hoaxed! But these girls shall not boast of having blasphemed our gods with impunity, or of having made a mock of those who worship them. I will entrust the execution of my vengeance to Count Sisinnius.

Scene X

Sisinnius	Soldiers, where are these impudent hussies who are to be put to the torture?
Soldiers	In there.
Sisinnius	Keep Irena back, and bring the others here.
Soldiers	Why is one to be treated differently?
Sisinnius	She is young, and besides she may be more easily influenced when not intimidated by her sisters.
Soldiers	That may be so.

Scene XI

Soldiers	We have brought the girls you asked for.
Sisinnius	Agape, and you, Chionia, take my advice.
Agape	And if we do, what then?
Sisinnius	You will sacrifice to the gods.
Agape	We offer a perpetual sacrifice of praise to the true God, the eternal Father, to His Son, co-eternal, and to the Holy Ghost.
Sisinnius	I do not speak of that sacrifice. That is prohibited on pain of the most severe penalties.
Agape	You have no power over us, and can never compel us to sacrifice to demons.
Sisinnius	Do not be obstinate. Sacrifice to the gods, or by order of the Emperor Diocletian I must put you to death.
Chionia	Your Emperor has ordered you to put us to death, and you must obey, as we scorn his decree. If you were to spare us out of pity, you also would die.
Sisinnius	Come, soldiers! Seize these blasphemers and fling them alive into the flames.
Soldiers	We will build a pyre at once. The fierceness of the fire will soon put an end to their insolence.
Agape	O Lord, we know Thy power! It would not be anything strange or new if the fire forgot its nature and obeyed Thee. But we are weary of this world, and we implore Thee to break the bonds that chain our souls, and to let our bodies be consumed that we may rejoice with Thee in heaven.
Soldiers	O wonderful, most wonderful! Their spirits have left their bodies, but there is no sign of any hurt. Neither their hair, nor their garments, much less their bodies, have been touched by the flames!
Sisinnius	Bring Irena here.
Soldiers	There she is.

Scene XII

Sisinnius	Irena, take warning from the fate of your sisters, and tremble, for if you follow their example you will perish.
Irena	I long to follow their example, and to die, that I may share their eternal joy.
Sisinnius	Yield, yield!
Irena	I will yield to no man who persuades me to sin.
Sisinnius	If you persist in your refusal, I shall not grant you a swift death. I shall eke it out and every day I shall increase and renew your torments.
Irena	The greater my pain, the greater my glory!
Sisinnius	You are not afraid of being tortured, I know, but I can use another means that will be abhorrent to you.
Irena	By Christ’s help I shall escape from all you can devise against me.
Sisinnius	I can send you to a house of ill-fame, where your body will be abominably defiled.
Irena	Better far that my body should suffer outrage than my soul.
Sisinnius	When you are dishonoured and forced to live among harlots, you can no longer be numbered among the virgins.
Irena	The wage of sin is death; the wage of suffering a crown. If the soul does not consent, there is not guilt.
Sisinnius	In vain I try to spare her, and show pity to her youth!
Soldiers	We could have told you as much. She is not to be frightened, and nothing can make her worship the gods.
Sisinnius	I will show her no more mercy.
Soldiers	That is the only way to deal with her.
Sisinnius	Have no pity. Be rough with her, and drag her to the lowest brothel you can find.
Irena	They will never take me there.
Sisinnius	Indeed! What can prevent them?
Irena	The power that rules the world.
Sisinnius	We shall see.
Irena	Yes! Sooner than you will like!
Sisinnius	Soldiers, do not let the absurd prophecies of this woman interfere with your duty.
Soldiers	We are not likely to be frightened by a slip of a girl! We will carry out your orders at once.

Scene XIII

Sisinnius	Who are these men hurrying towards us? They cannot be the soldiers who took away Irena. Yet they resemble them. Yes, these are the men! Why have you returned so suddenly? Why are you panting for breath?
Soldiers	We ran back to find you.
Sisinnius	Where is the girl?
Soldiers	On the crest of the mountain.
Sisinnius	What mountain?
Soldiers	The mountain yonder, nearest this place.
Sisinnius	O fools, madmen! Have you lost your senses?
Soldiers	What’s the matter? Why do you look at us so threateningly, and speak with such anger?
Sisinnius	May the gods crush you with their thunder!
Soldiers	What have we done? How have we offended? We have only obeyed your orders.
Sisinnius	Fools! Did I not tell you to take this rebellious girl to a brothel?
Soldiers	That is so, but while we were on the way up came two young strangers and told us you had sent them to take Irena to the summit of the mountain.
Sisinnius	I learn this for the first time from you.
Soldiers	So we see.
Sisinnius	What were these strangers like?
Soldiers	They were gorgeously dressed and looked like people of rank.
Sisinnius	Did you not follow them?
Soldiers	Yes, we followed them.
Sisinnius	What did they do?
Soldiers	They placed themselves one on each side of Irena, and told us to hasten and tell you what we had seen.
Sisinnius	Then there is nothing to do but for me to mount my horse and ride to the mountain to discover who has dared to play us this trick.
Soldiers	We will come too.

Scene XIV

Sisinnius	What has happened to me? These Christians have bewitched me. I wander blindly round this hill, and when I stumble on a path I can neither follow it nor return upon my steps.
Soldiers	We are all the sport of some strange enchantment. We are exhausted. If you let this madwoman live an hour longer it will be the death of us all.
Sisinnius	Take a bow one of you, bend it as far as you can, and loose a shaft that shall pierce this devilish witch.
Soldiers	That’s the way!
Irena	You wretched Sisinnius! Do you not blush for your shameful defeat? Are you not ashamed that you could not overcome the resolution of a little child without resorting to force of arms?
Sisinnius	I accept the shame gladly, since now I am sure of your death.
Irena	To me my death means joy, but to you calamity. For your cruelty you will be damned in Tartarus. But I shall receive the martyr’s palm, and, adorned with the crown of virginity, I shall enter the azure palace of the Eternal King, to Whom be glory and honour forever and ever!

Callimachus

Argument

The resurrection of Drusiana and Callimachus.

Callimachus cherishes a guilty passion for Drusiana, not only while she is alive but after she has died in the Lord. He dies from the bite of a serpent, but, thanks to the prayers of Saint John the Apostle, he is restored to life, together with Drusiana, and is born again in Christ.

Characters

Callimachus
Friends to Callimachus
Drusiana
Andronicus
Fortunatus
The Apostole John

Callimachus

Scene I

Callimachus	My friends, a word with you.
Friends	We are at your service as long as you please.
Callimachus	I should prefer to speak with you apart from the crowd.
Friends	What pleases you, pleases us.
Callimachus	Then we will go to some quieter place where no one will interrupt us.
Friends	Just as you like.

Scene II

Callimachus	For a long time now I have been in great trouble. I hope that by confiding in you I shall find relief.
Friends	When a man tells his friends of his sufferings it is only fair that they should try to share them.
Callimachus	I would to heaven that you could lighten this load upon my heart!
Friends	Well, tell us precisely what is wrong. We will grieve with you, if we must. If not, we can do our best to distract your mind.
Callimachus	I love⁠—
Friends	What do you love?
Callimachus	A thing of beauty, a thing of grace!
Friends	That is too vague! How can we tell from this what is the object of your love?
Callimachus	Woman.
Friends	Ah, now you say “woman” we all understand!
Callimachus	By woman, I mean a woman.
Friends	Clearer still! But it is impossible to give an opinion on a subject until the subject is defined. So name the woman.
Callimachus	Drusiana.
Friends	What? The wife of Prince Andronicus?
Callimachus	Yes.
Friends	Nothing can come of that. She has been baptized.
Callimachus	What do I care, if I can win her love?
Friends	You cannot.
Callimachus	What makes you say so?
Friends	You are crying for the moon.
Callimachus	Am I the first to do so? Have I not the example of many others to encourage me?
Friends	Now listen. This woman you sigh for is a follower of the holy Apostle John, and has devoted herself entirely to God. They say she will not even go to the bed of Andronicus although he is a devout Christian. Is it likely that she will listen to you?
Callimachus	I came to you for consolation, and instead you drive me to despair!
Friends	We should be poor friends if we consoled and flattered you at the expense of the truth.
Callimachus	Since you refuse to advise me, I will go to her and pour out my soul in words that would melt a heart of stone!
Friends	Fool! It is hopeless!
Callimachus	I defy the stars!
Friends	We shall see.

Scene III

Callimachus	Drusiana, listen to me! Drusiana, my deepest heart’s love!
Drusiana	Your words amaze me, Callimachus. What can you want of me?
Callimachus	You are amazed?
Drusiana	I am astounded.
Callimachus	First I want to speak of love!
Drusiana	Love! What love?
Callimachus	That love with which I love you above all created things.
Drusiana	Why should you love me? You are not of my kin. There is no legal bond between us.
Callimachus	It is your beauty.
Drusiana	My beauty?
Callimachus	Yes.
Drusiana	What is my beauty to you?
Callimachus	But little now⁠—it is that which tortures me⁠—but I hope that it may be much before long.
Drusiana	Not a word more. Leave me at once, for it is a sin to listen to you now that I understand your devilish meaning.
Callimachus	My Drusiana, do not kill me with your looks. Do not drive away one who worships you, but give back love for love.
Drusiana	Wicked, insidious words! They fall on deaf ears. Your love disgusts me. Understand I despise you!
Callimachus	You cannot make me angry, because I know that you would own my passion moves you if you were not ashamed.
Drusiana	It moves me to indignation, nothing else.
Callimachus	That feeling will not last.
Drusiana	I shall not change, be sure of that.
Callimachus	I would not be too sure.
Drusiana	You frantic, foolish man! Do not deceive yourself! Why delude yourself with vain hopes? What madness leads you to think that I shall yield? I have renounced even what is lawful⁠—my husband’s bed!
Callimachus	I call heaven and earth to witness that if you do not yield I will never rest from the fight for you. I will be as cunning as the serpent. I will use all my skill and strength to trap you.

Scene IV

Drusiana

O Lord Jesus, what use is my vow of chastity? My beauty has all the same made this man love me. Pity my fears, O Lord. Pity the grief which has seized me. I know not what to do. If I tell anyone what has happened, there will be disorder in the city on my account; if I keep silence, only Thy grace can protect me from falling into the net spread for me. O Christ, take me to Thyself. Let me die swiftly. Save me from being the ruin of a soul!

Andronicus

Drusiana, Drusiana! Christ, what blow has fallen on me! Drusiana is dead. Run one of you and fetch the holy man John.

Scene V

John	Why do you weep, my son?
Andronicus	Oh, horrible! O Lord, that life should suddenly become so hateful!
John	What troubles you?
Andronicus	Drusiana, your disciple, Drusiana⁠—
John	She has passed from the sight of men?
Andronicus	Yes. And I am desolate.
John	It is not right to mourn so bitterly for those whose souls we know rejoice in peace.
Andronicus	God knows I do not doubt that her soul is in eternal joy, and that her incorrupt body will rise again. What grieves me so sorely is that in my presence just now she prayed for death. She begged she might die.
John	You know her reason?
Andronicus	I know it, and will tell you when I am less sick with grief.
John	Come. We must celebrate the funeral rites with proper ceremony.
Andronicus	There is a marble tomb near here in which the body shall be laid, and our steward Fortunatus shall guard her grave.
John	It is right that she should be interred with honour. God rest her soul in peace.

Scene VI

Callimachus	Fortunatus, Fortunatus, what is to become of me? Death itself cannot quench my love for Drusiana!
Fortunatus	Poor wretch!
Callimachus	I shall die if you do not help me.
Fortunatus	How can I help you?
Callimachus	In this. You can let me look on her, dead.
Fortunatus	Up to now the body is sound and whole, I reckon because it was not wasted with disease. As you know she was taken in a moment by a fever.
Callimachus	Oh, how happy I should be if I might see for myself.
Fortunatus	If you are willing to pay me well, you can do what you like.
Callimachus	Here, take all I have with me, and be sure that I will give you more, much more, later.
Fortunatus	Quick, then! We’ll go to the tomb.
Callimachus	You cannot go quickly enough for me.

Scene VII

Fortunatus	There lies the body. The face is not like the face of a corpse. The limbs show no sign of decay. You can take her to your heart.
Callimachus	O Drusiana, Drusiana, I worshipped you with my whole soul! I yearned from my very bowels to embrace you! And you repulsed me, and thwarted my desire. Now you are in my power, now I can wound you with my kisses, and pour out my love on you.
Fortunatus	Take care! A monstrous serpent! It is coming towards us!
Callimachus	A curse on me! And on you, Fortunatus, who led me on and urged me to this infamy. Wretch, may you die from the serpent’s bite! Terror and remorse are killing me.

Scene VIII

John	Come, Andronicus, let us go to Drusiana’s tomb, and commend her soul to Christ in prayer.
Andronicus	It is like your holiness not to forget one who trusted in you.
John	Behold! The invisible God appears to us, made visible in the form of a beautiful youth.
Andronicus	To the Spectators. Tremble.8
John	Lord Jesus, why hast Thou deigned to manifest Thyself to Thy servants in this place?
God	To raise Drusiana from the dead, and with her him who lies outside her tomb, have I come, that in them My Name may be glorified.
Andronicus	How swiftly He was caught up again into heaven!
John	I cannot altogether understand what this means.
Andronicus	Let us go on to the tomb. It may be that there what is now obscure will become clear.

Scene IX

John	In Christ’s name, what miracle is this? The sepulchre is open, and Drusiana’s body has been cast forth. And near it lie two other corpses enlaced in a serpent’s coils.
Andronicus	I begin to understand. This is Callimachus, who while he lived was consumed with an unholy passion for Drusiana. It troubled her greatly and her distress brought on a fever. She prayed that she might die.
John	Such was her love of chastity.
Andronicus	After her death the wretched man, crazed with love, and stung by the defeat of his wicked plan, was still more inflamed by desire.
John	Pitiable creature!
Andronicus	I have no doubt that he bribed this unworthy servant to give him the opportunity for committing a detestable crime.
John	It is not to be believed!
Andronicus	But death struck both of them down before the deed was accomplished.
John	They met their deserts.
Andronicus	What astonishes me most is that the Divine Voice should have promised the resurrection of him who planned the crime, and not of him who was only an accomplice. Maybe it is because the one, blinded by the passion of the flesh, knew not what he did, while the other sinned of deliberate malice.
John	With what wonderful exactness the Supreme Judge examines the deeds of men! How even the scales in which He weighs the merits of each individual man! None can understand, none explain. Human wisdom cannot grasp the subtlety of the divine judgment.
Andronicus	So we should be content to marvel at it, as it is not in our power to attain a precise knowledge of the causes of things.
John	Often the sequel teaches us to understand better.
Andronicus	Then, blessed John, do now what you were told to do. Raise Callimachus to life, and the knot of our perplexity may be untied.
John	First I must invoke the name of Christ to drive away the serpent. Then Callimachus shall be raised.
Andronicus	You are right; else the venom of the creature might do him fresh injury.
John	Hence, savage monster! Away from this man, for now he is to serve Christ.
Andronicus	Although the beast has no reason, it heeds your command.
John	Not through my power, but through Christ’s, it obeys me.
Andronicus	Look! As swift as thought it has vanished!
John	O God, the world cannot contain nor the mind of man comprehend the wonders of Thy incalculable unity, Thou Who alone art what Thou art! O Thou Who by mingling different elements canst create man, and by separating those elements again canst dissolve him, grant that the spirit and the body of this Callimachus may be joined once more, and that he may rise again wholly as he was, so that all looking on him may praise Thee, Who alone canst work miracles!
Andronicus	Look! The breath of life stirs in him again, but he does not move.
John	Calhmachus! In the name of Christ, arise, and confess your sin! Do not keep back the smallest grain of the truth.
Callimachus	I cannot deny that I came here for an evil purpose, but the pangs of love consumed me. I was beside myself.
John	What mad folly possessed you? That you should dare think of such a shameful outrage to the chaste dead!
Callimachus	Yes, I was mad; but this knave Fortunatus led me on.
John	And now, most miserable man, confess! Were you so vile as to do what you desired?
Callimachus	No! I could think of it, but I could not do it.
John	What prevented you?
Callimachus	I had hardly touched the lifeless body⁠—I had hardly drawn aside the shroud, when that fellow there, who has been the spark to my fire, died from the serpent’s poison.
Andronicus	A good riddance!
Callimachus	At the same moment there appeared to me a young man, beautiful yet terrible, who reverently covered the corpse again. From his flaming face and breast burning coals flew out, and one of them, falling on me, touched my face. I heard a voice say, “Callimachus, die to live!” It was then I breathed my last.
John	Oh, heavenly grace! God delights not in the damnation of the wicked.
Callimachus	You have heard the dreadful tale of my temptation. I beg you not to delay the merciful remedy.
John	I will not delay it.
Callimachus	I am overwhelmed by the thought of my abominable crime. I repent with my whole heart, and bewail my sin.
John	That is but right, for a great fault must be atoned for by a great repentance.
Callimachus	Oh, if I could lay bare my heart and show you the bitter anguish I suffer, you would pity me!
John	Not so. Rather does your suffering fill me with joy, for I know that it will be your salvation.
Callimachus	I loathe the delights of the flesh, and all the sins of my past life.
John	That is well.
Callimachus	I truly repent my foul deed.
John	Again that is well.
Callimachus	I am filled with such remorse that I have no desire to live unless I can be born again in Christ and changed.
John	I do not doubt that heavenly grace is at work in you.
Callimachus	Oh, hasten then to help a man in dire need! Give me some comfort! Help me to throw off the grief which crushes me! Show me how a Pagan may change into a Christian, a fornicator into a chaste man! Oh, set my feet on the way of truth! Teach me to live mindful of the divine promises!
John	Now blessed be the only Son of God, Who made Himself partaker of our frailty, and showed you mercy, my son Callimachus, by striking you down with the death which has brought you to the true life. So has He saved the creature He made in His own image from the death of the soul.
Andronicus	Most strange, most wonderful miracle!
John	O Christ, redemption of the world, and sinners’ atonement, I have no words to praise Thee! The sweetness of Thy compassion amazes me. Now Thou dost win the sinner with gentleness, now Thou dost chastise him with just severity, and callest on him to do penance.
Andronicus	Glory to His divine goodness!
John	Who would have presumed to hope that a man like this, intent on a wicked deed when death overtook him, would be raised to life again, and given the chance of making reparation! Blessed be Thy name forever and ever, O Thou Who alone canst do these wondrous things!
Andronicus	Holy John, give me some comfort too. The love I bear my dead wife will not let me rest until I have seen her also called back from the dead.
John	Drusiana, our Lord Jesus Christ calls you back to life!
Drusiana	Glory and praise to Thee, O Lord, Who hast made me live again!
Callimachus	Thanks be to that merciful power, my Drusiana, through which you, who left this life in such sorrow, rise again in joy!
Drusiana	Venerable father John, you have restored to life Callimachus, who loved me sinfully. Should you not also raise from the dead the man who betrayed my buried body?
Callimachus	Apostle of Christ, do not believe it! Will you release from the fetters of death this evil creature, this traitor, who led me away and persuaded me to venture on that horrible deed?
John	You should not wish to deprive him of divine mercy, my son.
Callimachus	He tried to ruin me! He is not worthy of resurrection!
John	We are taught by our faith that man must forgive his fellow-man if he would be forgiven by God.
Andronicus	That is true.
John	Remember that when the only Son of God, the Virgin’s firstborn, the one man born without a stain, came into this world, He found us all bowed under the heavy weight of sin.
Andronicus	True again.
John	And though not one of us was guiltless, He deprived no one of His mercy, but offered Himself for all, and for all laid down His life in love.
Andronicus	Had the Innocent One not been slain, none of us would have been saved.
John	He cannot rejoice in the damnation of those whom He bought with His blood.
Andronicus	To Him be praise!
John	This is why we must not grudge the grace of God to anyone. It is no merit of ours if it abounds in ourselves.
Callimachus	Your rebuke makes me ashamed.
John	Yet it is not for me to oppose you. Drusiana, inspired by God Himself shall raise this man.
Drusiana	Divine Essence without material form, Who hast made man in Thine own image and breathed into this clay the spirit of life, bring back the vital heat to the body of Fortunatus, that our triple resurrection may glorify the adorable Trinity.
John	Amen.
Drusiana	Fortunatus, awake, and in the name of Christ burst the bonds of death.
Fortunatus	Who wakes me? Who takes my hand? Who calls me back to life?
John	Drusiana.
Fortunatus	How can that be? Only a few days since she died.
John	Yes, but now, through the power of Christ, she lives again.
Fortunatus	And is that Callimachus who stands there? By his sober and pious look one would think he is no longer dying of love for his Drusiana!
John	All that is changed. Now he loves and serves Christ.
Fortunatus	No!
John	It is true.
Fortunatus	If it is as you say, if Drusiana has restored me to life and Callimachus believes in Christ, I reject life and choose death. I would rather not exist than see them swelling with grace and virtue!
John	Oh, incredible envy of the devil! Oh, malice of the old serpent, who since he made our first parents taste death has never ceased to writhe at the glory of the righteous! Oh, Fortunatus, brimful of Satan’s bitter gall, how much do you resemble the rotten tree that, bearing only bad fruit, must be cut down and cast into the fire! To the fire you must go, where, deprived of the society of those who fear God, you will be tormented without respite forever.
Andronicus	Look! Oh, look! His wounds have opened again. He has been taken at his word. He is dying.
John	Let him die and go down to hell, who through envious spite rejected the gift of life.
Andronicus	A terrible fate.
John	Nothing is more terrible than envy, nothing more evil than pride.
Andronicus	Both are vile.
John	The man who is the victim of one is the victim of the other, for they have no separate existence.
Andronicus	Please explain.
John	The proud are envious, and the envious are proud. A jealous man cannot endure to hear others praised, and seeks to belittle those who are more perfect. He disdains to take a lower place, and arrogantly seeks to be put above his equals.
Andronicus	That is clear.
John	This wretched man’s pride was wounded. He could not endure the humiliation of recognizing his inferiority to these two in whom he could not deny God had made more grace to shine.
Andronicus	I understand now why his resurrection was not spoken of. It was known he would die again.
John	He deserved to die twice, for to his crime of profaning the sacred grave entrusted to him, he added hatred and envy of those who had been restored to life.
Andronicus	The wretched creature is dead now.
John	Come, let us go⁠—Satan must have his own. This day shall be kept as a festival in thanksgiving for the wonderful conversion of Callimachus. Men shall long speak of it, and of his resurrection from the dead, and of Drusiana, on whom his love brought misery. Let us give thanks to God, that just and penetrating Judge Who alone can search the heart and reins and reward or punish fairly. To Him alone be honour, strength, glory, praise, and blessing, world without end. Amen.

Abraham

Argument

The fall and repentance of Mary, the niece of the hermit Abraham, who, after she has spent twenty years in the religious life as a solitary, abandons it in despair, and, returning to the world, does not shrink from becoming a harlot. But two years later Abraham, in the disguise of a lover, seeks her out and reclaims her. For twenty years she does penance for her sins with many tears, fastings, vigils, and prayers.

Characters

Abraham
Ephrem
Mary
A friend to Abraham
An Innkeeper

Abraham

Scene I

Abraham	Brother Ephrem, my dear comrade in the hermit life, may I speak to you now, or shall I wait until you have finished your divine praises?
Ephrem	And what can you have to say to me which is not praise of Him Who said: “Where two or three are gathered together in My Name, I am with them”?
Abraham	I have not come to speak of anything which He would not like to hear.
Ephrem	I am sure of it. So speak at once.
Abraham	It concerns a decision I have to make. I long for your approval.
Ephrem	We have one heart and one soul. We ought to agree.
Abraham	I have a little niece of tender years. She has lost both her parents, and my affection for her has been deepened by compassion for her lonely state. I am in constant anxiety on her account.
Ephrem	Ought you who have triumphed over the world to be vexed by its cares!
Abraham	My only care is her radiant beauty! What if it should one day be dimmed by sin.
Ephrem	No one can blame you for being anxious.
Abraham	I hope not.
Ephrem	How old is she?
Abraham	At the end of this year she will be eight.
Ephrem	She is very young.
Abraham	That does not lessen my anxiety.
Ephrem	Where does she live?
Abraham	At my hermitage now; for at the request of her other kinsfolk I have undertaken to bring her up. The fortune left her ought, I think, to be given to the poor.
Ephrem	A mind taught so early to despise temporal things should be fixed on heaven.
Abraham	I desire with all my heart to see her the spouse of Christ and devoted entirely to His service.
Ephrem	A praiseworthy wish.
Abraham	I was inspired by her name.
Ephrem	What is she called?
Abraham	Mary.
Ephrem	Mary! Such a name ought to be adorned with the crown of virginity.
Abraham	I have no fear that she will be unwilling, but we must be gentle.
Ephrem	Come, let us go, and impress on her that no life is so sweet and secure as the religious one.

Scene II

Abraham	Mary, my child by adoption, whom I love as my own soul! Listen to my advice as to a father’s, and to Brother Ephrem’s as that of a very wise man. Strive to imitate the chastity of the holy Virgin whose name you bear.
Ephrem	Child, would it not be a shame if you, who through the mystery of your name are called to mount to the stars where Mary the mother of God reigns, chose instead the low pleasures of the earth?
Mary	I know nothing about the mystery of my name, so how can I tell what you mean?
Ephrem	Mary, my child, means “star of the sea”⁠—that star which rules the world and all the peoples in the world.
Mary	Why is it called the star of the sea?
Ephrem	Because it never sets, but shines always in the heavens to show mariners their right course.
Mary	And how can such a poor thing as I am⁠—made out of slime, as my uncle says⁠—shine like my name?
Ephrem	By keeping your body unspotted, and your mind pure and holy.
Mary	It would be too great an honour for any human being to become like the stars.
Ephrem	If you choose you can be as the angels of God, and when at last you cast off the burden of this mortal body they will be near you. With them you will pass through the air, and walk on the sky. With them you will sweep round the zodiac, and never slacken your steps until the Virgin’s Son takes you in His arms in His mother’s dazzling bridal room!
Mary	Who but an ass would think little of such happiness! So I choose to despise the things of earth, and deny myself now that I may enjoy it!
Ephrem	Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings! A childish heart, but a mature mind!
Abraham	God be thanked for it!
Ephrem	Amen to that.
Abraham	But though by God’s grace she has been given the light, at her tender age she must be taught how to use it.
Ephrem	You are right.
Abraham	I will build her a little cell with a narrow entrance near my hermitage. I can visit her there often, and through the window instruct her in the psalter and other pages of the divine law.
Ephrem	That is a good plan.
Mary	I put myself under your direction, Father Ephrem.
Ephrem	My daughter! May the Heavenly Bridegroom to Whom you have given yourself in the tender bud of your youth shield you from the wiles of the devil!

Scene III

Abraham	Brother Ephrem, Brother Ephrem! When anything happens, good or bad, it is to you I turn. It is your counsel I seek. Do not turn your face away, brother⁠—do not be impatient, but help me.
Ephrem	Abraham, Abraham, what has come to you? What is the cause of this immoderate grief? Ought a hermit to weep and groan after the manner of the world?
Abraham	Was any hermit ever so stricken? I cannot bear my sorrow.
Ephrem	Brother, no more of this. To the point; what has happened?
Abraham	Mary! Mary! my adopted child! Mary, whom I cared for so lovingly and taught with all my skill for ten years! Mary⁠—
Ephrem	Well, what is it?
Abraham	Oh God! She is lost!
Ephrem	Lost? What do you mean?
Abraham	Most miserably. Afterwards she ran away.
Ephrem	But by what wiles did the ancient enemy bring about her undoing?
Abraham	By the wiles of false love. Dressed in a monk’s habit, the hypocrite went to see her often. He succeeded in making the poor ignorant child love him. She leapt from the window of her cell for an evil deed.
Ephrem	I shudder as I listen to you.
Abraham	When the unhappy girl knew that she was ruined, she beat her breast and dug her nails into her face. She tore her garments, pulled out her hair. Her despairing cries were terrible to hear.
Ephrem	I am not surprised. For such a fall a whole fountain of tears should rise.
Abraham	She moaned out that she could never be the same⁠—
Ephrem	Poor, miserable girl!
Abraham	And reproached herself for having forgotten our warning.
Ephrem	She might well do so.
Abraham	She cried that all her vigils, prayers, and fasts had been thrown away.
Ephrem	If she perseveres in this penitence she will be saved.
Abraham	She has not persevered. She has added worse to her evil deed.
Ephrem	Oh, this moves me to the depths of my heart!
Abraham	After all these tears and lamentations she was overcome by remorse, and fell headlong into the abyss of despair.
Ephrem	A bitter business!
Abraham	She despaired of being able to win pardon, and resolved to go back to the world and its vanities.
Ephrem	I cannot remember when the devil could boast of such a triumph over the hermits.
Abraham	Now we are at the mercy of the demons.
Ephrem	I marvel that she could have escaped without your knowledge.
Abraham	If I had not been so blind! I ought to have paid more heed to that terrible vision. Yes, I see now that it was sent to warn me.
Ephrem	What vision?
Abraham	I dreamed I was standing at the door of my cell, and that a huge dragon with a loathsome stench rushed violently towards me. I saw that the creature was attracted by a little white dove at my side. It pounced on the dove, devoured it, and vanished.
Ephrem	There is no doubt what this vision meant.
Abraham	When I woke I turned over in my mind what I had seen, and took it as a sign of some persecution threatening the Church, through which many of the faithful would be drawn into error. I prostrated myself in prayer, and implored Him Who knows the future to enlighten me.
Ephrem	You did right.
Abraham	On the third night after the vision, when for weariness I had fallen asleep, I saw the beast again, but now it was lying dead at my feet, and the dove was flying heavenwards safe and unhurt.
Ephrem	I am rejoiced to hear this, for to my thinking it means that some day Mary will return to you.
Abraham	I was trying to get rid of the uneasiness with which the first vision had filled me by thinking of the second, when my little pupil in her cell came to my mind. I remembered, although at the time I was not alarmed, that for two days I had not heard her chanting the divine praises.
Ephrem	You were too tardy in noticing this.
Abraham	I admit it. I went at once to her cell, and, knocking at the window, I called her again and again, “Mary! My child! Mary!”
Ephrem	You called in vain?
Abraham	“Mary,” I said. “Mary, my child, what is wrong? Why are you not saying your office?” It was only when I did not hear the faintest sound that I suspected.
Ephrem	What did you do then?
Abraham	When I could no longer doubt that she had gone, I was struck with fear to my very bowels. I trembled in every limb.
Ephrem	I do not wonder, since I, hearing of it, find myself trembling all over.
Abraham	Then I wept and cried out to the empty air, “What wolf has seized my lamb? What thief has stolen my little daughter?”
Ephrem	You had good cause to weep! To lose her whom you had cherished so tenderly!
Abraham	At last some people came up who knew what had happened. From them I learned that she had gone back to the world.
Ephrem	Where is she now?
Abraham	No one knows.
Ephrem	What is to be done?
Abraham	I have a faithful friend, who is searching all the cities and towns in the country. He says he will never give up until he finds her.
Ephrem	And if he finds her⁠—what then?
Abraham	Then I shall change these clothes, and in the guise of a worldling seek her out. It may be that she will heed what I say, and even after this shipwreck turn again to the harbour of her innocence and peace.
Ephrem	And suppose that in the world they offer you flesh meat and wine?
Abraham	If they do, I shall not refuse; otherwise I might be recognized.
Ephrem	No one will blame you, brother. It will be but praiseworthy discretion on your part to loosen the bridle of strict observance for the sake of bringing back a soul.
Abraham	I am the more eager to try now I know you approve.
Ephrem	He Who knows the secret places of the heart can tell with what motive every action is done. That scrupulous and fair Judge will not condemn a man for relaxing our strict rule for a time and descending to the level of weaker mortals if by so doing he can make more sure of rescuing an errant soul.
Abraham	Help me with your prayers. Pray that I may not be caught in the snares of the devil.
Ephrem	May He Who is supreme good itself, without Whom no good thing can be done, bless your enterprise and bring it to a happy end!

Scene IV

Abraham	Can that be my friend who two years ago went to search for Mary? Yes, it is he!
Friend	Good day, venerable father.
Abraham	Good day, dear friend. I have waited so long for you. Of late I had begun to despair.
Friend	Forgive me, father. I delayed my return because I did not wish to mock you with doubtful and unreliable news. As soon as I had discovered the truth I lost no time.
Abraham	You have seen Mary?
Friend	I have seen her.
Abraham	Where is she? Come, sir, speak! Tell me where.
Friend	It goes to my heart to tell you.
Abraham	Speak⁠—I implore you.
Friend	She lives in the house of a man who trades in the love of young girls like her. A profitable business, for every day he makes a large sum of money out of her lovers.
Abraham	Her lovers? Mary’s lovers?
Friend	Yes.
Abraham	Who are they?
Friend	There are plenty of them.
Abraham	Good Jesu, what is this monstrous thing I hear? Do they say that she, whom I brought up to be Thy bride, gives herself to strange lovers?
Friend	It comes naturally to harlots.
Abraham	If you are my friend, get me a saddle-horse somewhere and a soldier’s dress. I am going to get into that place as a lover.
Friend	Father, mine are at your service.
Abraham	And I must borrow a felt hat to cover my tonsure.
Friend	That is most necessary, if you do not want to be recognized.
Abraham	I have one gold piece. Should I take it to give this man?
Friend	You should, for otherwise he will never let you see Mary.

Scene V

Abraham	Good day, friend.
Innkeeper	Who’s there? Good day, Sir. Come in!
Abraham	Have you a bed for a traveller who wants to spend a night here?
Innkeeper	Why certainly! I never turn anyone away.
Abraham	I am glad of it.
Innkeeper	Come in then, and I will order supper for you.
Abraham	I owe you thanks for this kind welcome, but I have a greater favour to ask.
Innkeeper	Ask what you like. I will do my best for you.
Abraham	Accept this small present. May the beautiful girl who, I am told, lives here, have supper with me?
Innkeeper	Why should you wish to see her?
Abraham	It would give me much pleasure. I have heard so much talk of her beauty.
Innkeeper	Whoever has spoken to you of her has told only the truth. It would be hard to find a finer wench.
Abraham	I am in love with her already.
Innkeeper	It’s queer that an old man like you should dangle after a young girl.
Abraham	I swear I came here on purpose to feast my eyes on her.

Scene VI

Innkeeper	Mary, come here! Come along now and show off your charms to this young innocent!
Mary	I am coming.
Abraham	Oh, mind, be constant! Tears, do not fall! Must I look on her whom I brought up in the desert, decked out with a harlot’s face? Yes, I must hide what is in my heart. I must strive not to weep, and smile though my heart is breaking.
Innkeeper	Luck comes your way, Mary! Not only do young gallants of your own age flock to your arms, but even the wise and venerable!
Mary	It is all one to me. It is my business to love those who love me.
Abraham	Come nearer, Mary, and give me a kiss.
Mary	I will give you more than a kiss. I will take your head in my arms and stroke your neck.
Abraham	Yes, like that!
Mary	What does this mean? What is this lovely fragrance. So clean, so sweet. It reminds me of the time when I was good.
Abraham	On with the mask! Chatter, make lewd jests like an idle boy! She must not recognize me, or for very shame she may fly from me.
Mary	Wretch that I am! To what have I fallen! In what pit am I sunk!
Abraham	You forget where you are! Do men come here to see you cry!
Innkeeper	What’s the matter, Lady Mary? Why are you in the dumps? You have lived here two years, and never before have I seen a tear, never heard a sigh or a word of complaint.
Mary	Oh, that I had died three years ago before I came to this!
Abraham	I came here to make love to you, not to weep with you over your sins.
Mary	A little thing moved me, and I spoke foolishly. It is nothing. Come, let us eat and drink and be merry, for, as you say, this is not the place to think of one’s sins.
Abraham	I have eaten and drunk enough, thanks to your good table, Sir. Now by your leave I will go to bed. My tired limbs need a rest.
Innkeeper	As you please.
Mary	Get up my lord. I will take you to bed.
Abraham	I hope so. I would not go at all unless you came with me.

Scene VII

Mary	Look! How do you like this room? A handsome bed, isn’t it? Those trappings cost a lot of money. Sit down and I will take off your shoes. You seem tired.
Abraham	First bolt the door. Someone may come in.
Mary	Have no fear. I have seen to that.
Abraham	The time has come for me to show my shaven head, and make myself known! Oh, my daughter! Oh, Mary, you who are part of my soul! Look at me. Do you not know me? Do you not know the old man who cherished you with a father’s love, and wedded you to the Son of the King of Heaven?
Mary	God, what shall I do! It is my father and master Abraham!
Abraham	What has come to you, daughter?
Mary	Oh, misery!
Abraham	Who deceived you? Who led you astray?
Mary	Who deceived our first parents?
Abraham	Have you forgotten that once you lived like an angel on earth!
Mary	All that is over.
Abraham	What has become of your virginal modesty? Your beautiful purity?
Mary	Lost. Gone!
Abraham	Oh, Mary, think what you have thrown away! Think what a reward you had earned by your fasting, and prayers, and vigils. What can they avail you now! You have hurled yourself from heavenly heights into the depths of hell!
Mary	Oh God, I know it!
Abraham	Could you not trust me? Why did you desert me? Why did you not tell me of your fall? Then dear brother Ephrem and I could have done a worthy penance.
Mary	Once I had committed that sin, and was defiled, how could I dare come near you who are so holy?
Abraham	Oh, Mary, has anyone ever lived on earth without sin except the Virgin’s Son?
Mary	No one, I know.
Abraham	It is human to sin, but it is devilish to remain in sin. Who can be justly condemned? Not those who fall suddenly, but those who refuse to rise quickly.
Mary	Wretched, miserable creature that I am!
Abraham	Why have you thrown yourself down there? Why do you lie on the ground without moving or speaking? Get up, Mary! Get up, my child, and listen to me!
Mary	No! no! I am afraid. I cannot bear your reproaches.
Abraham	Remember how I love you, and you will not be afraid.
Mary	It is useless. I cannot.
Abraham	What but love for you could have made me leave the desert and relax the strict observance of our rule? What but love could have made me, a true hermit, come into the city and mix with the lascivious crowd? It is for your sake that these lips have learned to utter light, foolish words, so that I might not be known! Oh, Mary, why do you turn away your face from me and gaze upon the ground? Why do you scorn to answer and tell me what is in your mind.
Mary	It is the thought of my sins which crushes me. I dare not look at you; I am not fit to speak to you.
Abraham	My little one, have no fear. Oh, do not despair! Rise from this abyss of desperation and grapple God to your soul!
Mary	No, no! My sins are too great. They weigh me down.
Abraham	The mercy of heaven is greater than you or your sins. Let your sadness be dispersed by its glorious beams. Oh, Mary, do not let apathy prevent your seizing the moment for repentance. It matters not how wickedness has flourished. Divine grace can flourish still more abundantly!
Mary	If there were the smallest hope of forgiveness, surely I should not shrink from doing penance.
Abraham	Have you no pity for me? I have sought you out with so much pain and weariness! Oh shake off this despair which we are taught is the most terrible of all sins. Despair of God’s mercy⁠—for that alone there is no forgiveness. Sin can no more embitter His sweet mercy than a spark from a flint can set the ocean on fire.
Mary	I know that God’s mercy is great, but when I think how greatly I have sinned, I cannot believe any penance can make amends.
Abraham	I will take your sins on me. Only come back and take up your life again as if you had never left it.
Mary	I do not want to oppose you. What you tell me to do I will do with all my heart.
Abraham	My daughter lives again! I have found my lost lamb and she is dearer to me than ever.
Mary	I have a few possessions here⁠—a little gold and some clothes. What ought I to do with them?
Abraham	What came to you through sin, with sin must be left behind.
Mary	Could it not be given to the poor, or sold for an offering at the holy altar?
Abraham	The price of sin is not an acceptable offering to God.
Mary	Then I will not trouble any more about my possessions.
Abraham	Look! The dawn! It is growing light. Let us go.
Mary	You go first, dearest father, like the good shepherd leading the lost lamb that has been found. The lamb will follow in your steps.
Abraham	Not so! I am going on foot, but you⁠—you shall have a horse so that the stony road shall not hurt your delicate feet.
Mary	Oh, let me never forget this tenderness! Let me try all my life to thank you! I was not worth pity, yet you have shown me no harshness; you have led me to repent not by threats but by gentleness and love.
Abraham	I ask only one thing, Mary. Be faithful to God for the rest of your life.
Mary	With all my strength I will persevere, and though my flesh may fail, my spirit never will.
Abraham	You must serve God with as much energy as you have served the world.
Mary	If His will is made perfect in me it will be because of your merits.
Abraham	Come, let us hasten on our way.
Mary	Yes, let us set out at once. I would not stay here another moment.

Scene VIII

Abraham	Courage, Mary! You see how swiftly we have made the difficult and toilsome journey.
Mary	Everything is easy when we put our hearts into it.
Abraham	There is your deserted little cell.
Mary	God help me! It was the witness of my sin. I dare not go there.
Abraham	It is natural you should dread the place where the enemy triumphed.
Mary	Where, then, am I to do penance?
Abraham	Go into the inner cell. There you will be safe from the wiles of the serpent.
Mary	Most gladly as it is your wish.
Abraham	Now I must go to my good friend Ephrem. He alone mourned with me when you were lost, and he must rejoice with me now that you have been found.
Mary	Of course.

Scene IX

Ephrem	Well, brother! If I am not mistaken, you bring good news.
Abraham	The best in the world.
Ephrem	You have found your lost lamb?
Abraham	I have, and, rejoicing, have brought her back to the fold.
Ephrem	Truly this is the work of divine grace.
Abraham	That is certain.
Ephrem	How is she spending her days? I should like to know how you have ordered her life. What does she do?
Abraham	All that I tell her.
Ephrem	That is well.
Abraham	Nothing is too difficult for her⁠—nothing too hard. She is ready to endure anything.
Ephrem	That is better.
Abraham	She wears a hair shirt, and subdues her flesh with continual vigils and fasts. She is making the poor frail body obey the spirit by the most rigorous discipline.
Ephrem	Only through such a severe penance can the stains left by the pleasures of the flesh be washed away.
Abraham	Those who hear her sobs are cut to the heart, and the tale of her repentance has turned many from their sins.
Ephrem	It is often so.
Abraham	She prays continually for the men who through her were tempted to sin, and begs that she who was their ruin may be their salvation.
Ephrem	It is right that she should do this.
Abraham	She strives to make her life as beautiful as for a time it was hideous.
Ephrem	I rejoice at what you tell me. To the depths of my heart.
Abraham	And with us rejoice phalanxes of angels, praising the Lord for the conversion of a sinner.
Ephrem	Over whom, we are told, there is more joy in heaven than over the just man who needs no penance.
Abraham	The more glory to Him, because there seemed no hope on earth that she could be saved.
Ephrem	Let us sing a song of thanksgiving⁠—let us glorify the only begotten Son of God, Who of His love and mercy will not let them perish whom He redeemed with His holy blood.
Abraham	To Him be honour, glory, and praise through infinite ages. Amen.

Paphnutius

Argument

The conversion of Thais by the hermit Paphnutius. Obedient to a vision, he leaves the desert, and, disguised as a lover, seeks out Thais in Alexandria. She is moved to repent by his exhortations and, renouncing her evil life, consents to be enclosed in a narrow cell, where she does penance for three years. Paphnutius learns from a vision granted to Anthony’s disciple Paul that her humility has won her a place among the blessed in Paradise. He brings her out of her cell and stays by her side until her soul has left her body.

Characters

Paphnutius
Thais
The Abbess
Lovers fo Thais
Disciples of Paphnutius
Antony
Paul

Paphnutius

Scene I

Disciples9	Why do you look so gloomy, father Paphnutius? Why do you not smile at us as usual?
Paphnutius	When the heart is sad the face clouds over. It is only natural.
Disciples	But why are you sad?
Paphnutius	I grieve over an injury to my Creator.
Disciples	What injury?
Paphnutius	The injury His own creatures made in His very image inflict on Him.
Disciples	Oh, father, your words fill us with fear! How can such things be?
Paphnutius	It is true that the impassible Majesty cannot be hurt by injuries. Nevertheless, speaking in metaphor, and as if God were weak with our weakness, what greater injury can we conceive than this⁠—that while the greater world is obedient, and subject to His rule, the lesser world resists His guidance?
Disciples	What do you mean by the lesser world?
Paphnutius	Man.
Disciples	Man?
Paphnutius	Yes.
Disciples	What man?
Paphnutius	Every man.
Disciples	How can this be?
Paphnutius	It has pleased our Creator.
Disciples	We do not understand.
Paphnutius	It is not plain to many.
Disciples	Explain, father.
Paphnutius	Be attentive, then.
Disciples	We are eager to learn.
Paphnutius	You know that the greater world is composed of four elements which are contraries, yet by the will of the Creator these contraries are adjusted in harmonious arrangement. Now, man is composed of even more contrary parts.
Disciples	What can be more contrary than the elements?
Paphnutius	The body and the soul. The soul is not mortal like the body, nor the body spiritual as is the soul.
Disciples	That is true. But what did you mean, father, when you spoke of “harmonious arrangement”?
Paphnutius	I meant that as low and high sounds harmoniously united produce a certain music, so discordant elements rightly adjusted make one world.
Disciples	It seems strange that discords can become concords.
Paphnutius	Consider. No thing is composed of “likes”⁠—neither can it be made up of elements which have no proportion among themselves, or which are entirely different in substance and nature.
Disciples	What is music, master?
Paphnutius	One of the branches of the “quadrivium” of philosophy, my son. Arithmetic, geometry, music, and philosophy form the quadrivium.
Disciples	I should like to know why they are given that name.
Paphnutius	Because just as paths branch out from the quadrivium, the place where four roads meet, so do these subjects lead like roads from one principle of philosophy.
Disciples	We had best not question you about the other three, for our slow wits can scarcely follow what you have told us about the first.
Paphnutius	It is a difficult subject.
Disciples	Still you might give us a general idea of the nature of music.
Paphnutius	It is hard to explain to hermits to whom it is an unknown science.
Disciples	Is there more than one kind of music?
Paphnutius	There are three kinds, my son. The first is celestial, the second human, the third is produced by instruments.
Disciples	In what does the celestial consist?
Paphnutius	In the seven planets and the celestial globe.
Disciples	But how?
Paphnutius	Exactly as in instruments. You find the same number of intervals of the same length, and the same concords as in strings.
Disciples	We do not understand what intervals are.
Paphnutius	The dimensions which are reckoned between planets or between notes.
Disciples	And what are their lengths?
Paphnutius	The same as tones.
Disciples	We are none the wiser.
Paphnutius	A tone is composed of two sounds, and bears the ratio of nine to eight.
Disciples	As soon as we get over one difficulty, you place a greater one in our path!
Paphnutius	That is inevitable in a discussion of this kind.
Disciples	Yet tell us something about concord, so that at least we may know the meaning of the word.
Paphnutius	Concord, harmony, or symphonia may be defined as a fitting disposition of modulation. It is composed sometimes of three, sometimes of four, sometimes of five sounds.
Disciples	As you have given us these three distinctions, we should like to learn the name of each.
Paphnutius	The first is called a fourth, as consisting of four sounds, and it has the proportion of four to three. The second is called a fifth. It consists of five sounds and bears the ratio of one and a half. The third is known as the diapason; it is double and is perfected in eight sounds.
Disciples	And do the spheres and planets produce sounds, since they are compared to notes?
Paphnutius	Undoubtedly they do.
Disciple	Why is the music not heard?
Disciples	Yes, why is it not heard?
Paphnutius	Many reasons are given. Some think it is not heard because it is so continuous that men have grown accustomed to it. Others say it is because of the density of the air. Some assert that so enormous a sound could not pass into the mortal ear. Others that the music of the spheres is so pleasant and sweet that if it were heard all men would come together, and, forgetting themselves and all their pursuits, would follow the sounds from east to west.
Disciples	It is well that it is not heard.
Paphnutius	As our Creator foreknew.
Disciples	We have heard enough of this kind of music. What of “human” music?
Paphnutius	What do you want to know about that?
Disciples	How is it manifested?
Paphnutius	Not only, as I have already told you, in the combination of body and soul, and in the utterance of the voice, now high, now low, but even in the pulsation of the veins, and in the proportion of our members. Take the finger-joints. In them, if we measure, we find the same proportions as we have already found in concord; for music is said to be a fitting disposition not only of sounds, but of things with no resemblance to sounds.
Disciples	Had we known the difficulty that such a hard point presents to the ignorant, we would not have asked you about your “lesser world.” It is better to know nothing than to be bewildered.
Paphnutius	I do not agree. By trying to understand you have learned many things that you did not know before.
Disciples	That is true.
Disciple	True it may be, but I am weary of this disputation. We are all weary, because we cannot follow the reasoning of such a philosopher!
Paphnutius	Why do you laugh at me, children? I am no philosopher, but an ignorant man.
Disciples	Where did you get all this learning with which you have puzzled our heads?
Paphnutius	It is but a little drop from the full deep wells of learning⁠—wells at which I, a chance passerby, have lapped, but never sat down to drain.
Disciple	We are grateful for your patience with us; but I for one cannot forget the warning of the Apostle: “God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.”
Paphnutius	Whether a fool or a wise man does wrong, he will be confounded.
Disciples	True.
Paphnutius	Nor is God offended by Knowledge of the Knowable, only by undue pride on the part of the Knower.
Disciples	That is well said.
Paphnutius	And I would ask you⁠—unto whose praise can the knowledge of the arts be more worthily or more justly turned than to the praise of Him Who made things capable of being known, and gave us the capacity to know them?
Disciples	Truly, to none.
Paphnutius	The more a man realizes the wonderful way in which God has set all things in number and measure and weight, the more ardent his love.
Disciples	That is as it should be.
Paphnutius	But I am wrong to dwell on matters which give you so little pleasure.
Disciples	Tell us the cause of your sadness. Relieve us of the burden of our curiosity.
Paphnutius	Perhaps you will not find the tale to your liking.
Disciples	A man is often sadder for having his curiosity satisfied, yet he cannot overcome this tendency to be curious. It is part of our weakness.
Paphnutius	Brothers⁠—there is a woman, a shameless woman, living in our neighbourhood.
Disciples	A perilous thing for the people.
Paphnutius	Her beauty is wonderful: her impurity is⁠—horrible.
Disciples	What is her wretched name?
Paphnutius	Thais.
Disciples	Thais! Thais, the harlot!
Paphnutius	Yes⁠—she.
Disciple	Everyone has heard of her and her wickedness.
Paphnutius	It is no wonder, for she is not satisfied to ruin herself with a small band of lovers. She seeks to allure all men through her marvellous beauty, and drag them down with her.
Disciples	What a woeful thing!
Paphnutius	And it is not only fools and wastrels who squander their substance with her. Citizens of high standing and virtue lay precious things at her feet, and enrich her to their own undoing.
Disciples	It is terrible to hear of such things.
Paphnutius	Flocks of lovers crowd to her doors.
Disciples	And to their destruction!
Paphnutius	They are so crazed with desire that they quarrel and fight for admission to her house.
Disciples	One vice brings another in its train.
Paphnutius	They come to blows. Heads are broken, faces bruised, noses smashed; at times they drive each other out with weapons, and the threshold of the vile place is dyed with blood!
Disciples	Most horrible!
Paphnutius	This is the injury to the Creator for which I weep day and night. This is the cause of my sorrow.
Disciples	We understand now. You have good reason to be distressed, and I doubt not that the citizens of the heavenly country share your grief.
Paphnutius	Oh, to rescue her from that wicked life! Why should I not try?
Disciples	God forbid!
Paphnutius	Brother, our Lord Jesus went among sinners.
Disciples	She would not receive a hermit.
Paphnutius	What if I were to go in the disguise of a lover?
Disciple	If that thought is from God, God will give you strength to accomplish it.
Paphnutius	I will set out immediately. I shall need your best prayers. Pray that I may not be overcome by the wiles of the serpent. Pray that I may be able to show this soul the beauty of divine love.
Disciple	May He Who laid low the Prince of Darkness give you the victory over the enemy of the human race.

Scene II

Paphnutius	I am bewildered in this town. I cannot find my way. Now I shut my eyes, and I am back in the desert. I can hear my children’s voices praising God. Good children, I know you are praying for me! I fear to speak. I fear to ask my way. O God, come to my help! I see some young men in the marketplace. They are coming this way. I will go up to them and ask where she is to be found.
The Young Men	That stranger seems to want to speak to us.
Young Man	Let us go and find out.
Paphnutius	Your pardon, gentlemen. Am I speaking to citizens of this town?
Young Man	You are. Can we do anything for you?
Paphnutius	My salutations!
Young Man	And ours, whether you are a native or a foreigner.
Paphnutius	I am a stranger.
Young Man	What brings you here? Have you come for pleasure, business, or learning? This is a great city for learning. Which is it?
Paphnutius	I cannot say.
Young Man	Why?
Paphnutius	That is my secret.
Young Man	It would be wiser to tell us your secret. It will be difficult for you, a stranger, to do your business here without the advice of us citizens.
Paphnutius	But if I tell you, you may try to hinder me from carrying out my plans.
Young Man	You can trust us. We are men of honour!
Paphnutius	I believe it. I will trust in your loyalty and tell you my secret.
Young Man	We are not traitors. No harm shall come to you.
Paphnutius	I am told that there lives in this town a woman who loves all who love her. She is kind to all men; she’ll not deny them anything.
Young Man	Stranger, you must tell us her name. There are many women of that kind in our city. Do you know her name?
Paphnutius	Yes, I know it.
Young Man	Who is she?
Paphnutius	Thais.
Young Man	Thais! She is the flame of this land! She sets all hearts on fire.
Paphnutius	They say she is beautiful. The most exquisite woman of her kind in the world!
Young Man	They have not deceived you.
Paphnutius	For her sake I have made a long and difficult journey. I have come here only to see her.
Young Man	Well, what should prevent you? You are young and handsome.
Paphnutius	Where does she live?
Young Man	Over there. Her house is quite near this place.
Paphnutius	That house?
Young Man	Yes, to the left of the statue.
Paphnutius	I will go there.
Young Man	If you like, we will come with you.
Paphnutius	I thank you for the courtesy, but I would rather go alone.
Young Man	We understand. Have you money in your purse, stranger? Thais loves a handsome face, but she loves a full purse more.
Paphnutius	Gentlemen, I am rich. I have a rare present to offer her.
Young Man	To our next meeting, then! Farewell. May Thais be kind!
Paphnutius	Farewell.

Scene III

Paphnutius	Thais! Thais!
Thais	Who is there? I do not know that voice.
Paphnutius	Thais! Your lover speaks! Thais!
Thais	Stranger, who are you?
Paphnutius	Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come!
Thais	Who are you?
Paphnutius	A man who loves you!
Thais	And what do you want with me?
Paphnutius	I will show you.
Thais	You would be my lover?
Paphnutius	I am your lover, Thais, flame of the world!
Thais	Whoever loves me is well paid. He receives as much as he gives.
Paphnutius	Oh, Thais, Thais! If you knew what a long and troublesome journey I have come to speak to you⁠—to see your face!
Thais	Well? Have I refused to speak to you, or to show you my face?
Paphnutius	I cannot speak to you here. I must be with you alone. What I have to say is secret. The room must be secret too.
Thais	How would you like a bedchamber, fragrant with perfumes, adorned as for a marriage? I have such a room. Look!
Paphnutius	Is there no room still more secret⁠—a room that your lovers do not know? Some room where you and I might hide from all the world?
Thais	Yes, there is a room like that in this house. No one even knows that it exists except myself, and God.
Paphnutius	God! What God?
Thais	The true God.
Paphnutius	You believe that He exists?
Thais	I am a Christian.
Paphnutius	And you believe that He knows what we do?
Thais	I believe He knows everything.
Paphnutius	What do you think, then? That He is indifferent to the actions of the sinner, or that He reserves judgment?
Thais	I suppose that the merits of each man are weighed in the balance, and that we shall be punished or rewarded according to our deeds.
Paphnutius	O Christ! How wondrous is Thy patience! How wondrous is Thy love! Even when those who believe in Thee sin deliberately, Thou dost delay their destruction!
Thais	Why do you tremble? Why do you turn pale? Why do you weep?
Paphnutius	I shudder at your presumption. I weep for your damnation. How, knowing what you know, can you destroy men in this manner and ruin so many souls, all precious and immortal?
Thais	Your voice pierces my heart! Strange lover⁠—you are cruel. Pity me!
Paphnutius	Let us pity rather those souls whom you have deprived of the sight of God⁠—of the God Whom you confess! Oh, Thais, you have willfully offended the divine Majesty. That condemns you.
Thais	What do you mean? Why do you threaten me like this?
Paphnutius	Because the punishment of hellfire awaits you if you remain in sin.
Thais	Who are you, who rebuke me so sternly? Oh, you have shaken me to the depths of my terrified heart!
Paphnutius	I would that you could be shaken with fear to your very bowels! I would like to see your delicate body impregnated with terror in every vein, and every fibre, if that would keep you from yielding to the dangerous delights of the flesh.
Thais	And what zest for pleasure do you think is left now in a heart suddenly awakened to a consciousness of guilt! Remorse has killed everything.
Paphnutius	I long to see the thorns of vice cut away, and the choked-up fountain of your tears flowing once more. Tears of repentance are precious in the sight of God.
Thais	Oh, voice that promises mercy! Do you believe, can you hope that one so vile as I, soiled by thousands and thousands of impurities, can make reparation, can ever by any manner of penance obtain pardon?
Paphnutius	Thais, no sin is so great, no crime so black, that it cannot be expiated by tears and penitence, provided they are followed up by deeds.
Thais	Show me, I beg you, my father, what I can do to be reconciled with Him I have offended.
Paphnutius	Despise the world. Leave your dissolute lovers.
Thais	And afterwards? What then?
Paphnutius	You must retire to some solitary place, where you may learn to know yourself and realize the enormity of your sins.
Thais	If you think this will save me, I will not delay a moment.
Paphnutius	I have no doubt it will.
Thais	Yet give me a little time. I must collect the wealth that I have gained through the sins of my body⁠—all the treasures I have kept too long.
Paphnutius	Do not give them a moment’s thought. There will be no lack of people to find them and make use of them.
Thais	I have another idea in my mind. I did not think of keeping this wealth or of giving it to my friends. Nor would I distribute it among the poor. The wages of sin are no material for good works.
Paphnutius	You are right. What then do you propose to do with your possessions?
Thais	Give them to the flames! Burn them to ashes!
Paphnutius	For what reason?
Thais	That they may no longer exist in the world. Each one was acquired at the cost of an injury to the goodness and beauty of the Creator. Let them burn.
Paphnutius	How you are changed! Grace is on your lips! Your eyes are calm, and impure passions no longer burn in them. Oh, miracle! Is this Thais who was once so greedy for gold? Is this Thais, who seeks so humbly the feet of God?
Thais	God give me grace to change still more. My heart is changed, but this mortal substance⁠—how shall it be changed?
Paphnutius	It is not difficult for the unchangeable substance to transform us.
Thais	Now I am going to carry out my plan. Fire shall destroy everything I have.
Paphnutius	Go in peace. Then return to me here quickly. Do not delay! I trust your resolution, and yet⁠—
Thais	You need not be afraid.
Paphnutius	Thais, come back quickly! God be with you!

Scene IV

Thais	Come, my lovers! Come, all my evil lovers! Hasten, my lovers! Your Thais calls you!
Lovers	That is the voice of Thais. She calls us. Let us make haste. Let us make haste, for by delay we may offend her.
Thais	Come, lovers! Run! Hasten! What makes you so slow? Never has Thais been more impatient for your coming. Come nearer. I have something to tell you all.
Lovers	Oh, Thais, what is the meaning of this pile of faggots? Why are you throwing all those beautiful and precious treasures on the pile?
Thais	You cannot guess? You do not know why I have built this fire?
Lovers	We are amazed. We wonder greatly what is the meaning of it and of your strange looks.
Thais	You would like me to tell you, evil lovers?
Lovers	We long to hear.
Thais	Look, then!
Lovers	Stop, Thais! What are you doing? Are you mad?
Thais	I am not mad. For the first time I am sane, and I rejoice!
Lovers	To waste these pounds of gold, and all the other treasure! Oh, Thais, you have lost your senses! These are beautiful things, precious things, and you burn them!
Thais	All these things I have extorted from you as the price of shameful deeds. I burn them to destroy all hope in you that I shall ever again turn to your love. And now I leave you.
Lovers	Wait, Thais. Oh wait a little, and tell us what has changed you!
Thais	I will not stay. I will not tell you anything. To talk with you has become loathsome.
Lovers	What have we done to deserve this scorn and contempt? Can you accuse us of being unfaithful? What wrong have we done? We have always sought to satisfy your desires. And now you show us this bitter hatred! Unjust woman, what have we done?
Thais	Leave me, or let me leave you. Do not touch me. You can tear my garments, but you shall not touch me.
Lovers	Cruel Thais, speak to us! Before you go, speak to us!
Thais	I have sinned with you. But now is the end of sin, and all our wild pleasures are ended.
Lovers	Thais, do not leave us! Thais, where are you going?
Thais	Where none of you will ever see me again!
Lovers	What monstrous thing is this? Thais, glory of our land, is changed! Thais, our delight, who loved riches and power and luxury⁠—Thais, who gave herself up to pleasure day and night, has destroyed past remedy gold and gems that had no price! What monstrous thing is this? Thais, the very flower of love, insults her lovers and scorns their gifts. Thais, whose boast it was that whoever loved her should enjoy her love! What monstrous thing is this? Thais! Thais! this is a thing not to be believed.

Scene V

Thais	Paphnutius, my father, I am ready now to obey you, command what you will.
Paphnutius	Thais, I have been uneasy during your absence. I feared you had been caught in the world’s snare. I feared you would not return.
Thais	You need not have been afraid. The world does not tempt me now. My possessions are ashes. I have publicly renounced my lovers.
Paphnutius	Oh, happy guilt that has brought such happy penitence! Since you have renounced your earthly lovers, you can now be joined to your Heavenly Lover.
Thais	It is for you to show me the way. Be a lantern to me, for all is obscure night.
Paphnutius	Trust me, daughter. Follow me.
Thais	I can follow you with my feet. Would that I could follow you with my deeds!

Scene VI

Thais	Oh, I am weary!
Paphnutius	Courage! Here is the monastery where a famous community of holy virgins live. I am anxious for you to pass the time of penance here if you will consent.
Thais	I do not resist. I wish to obey you. I trust you.
Paphnutius	I will go in, and persuade the Abbess who is the head of the community to receive you.
Thais	And what shall I do meanwhile? Do not leave me alone.
Paphnutius	You shall come with me. But look! The Abbess has come out to meet us. I wonder who can have told her so promptly of our arrival.
Thais	Rumour, Father Paphnutius. Rumour never delays.

Scene VII

Paphnutius	You come opportunely, illustrious Abbess. I was just seeking you.
Abbess	You are most welcome, venerated Father Paphnutius. Blessed is your visit, beloved of the Most High.
Paphnutius	May the grace of Him Who is Father of all pour into your heart the beatitude of everlasting peace!
Abbess	And what has brought your holiness to my humble dwelling?
Paphnutius	I need your help.
Abbess	Speak but the word. You will find me eager to do all in my power to carry out your wishes.
Paphnutius	Oh, Abbess, I have brought you a little wild gazelle who has been snatched half dead from the jaws of wolves. Show it compassion, nurse it with all your tenderness, until it has shed its rough goatskin and put on the soft fleece of a lamb.
Abbess	Explain yourself further.
Paphnutius	You see this woman. From her youth she has led the life of a harlot. She has given herself up to base pleasures⁠—
Abbess	What misery!
Paphnutius	She cannot offer the excuse that she was a Pagan to whom such pleasures bring no remorse of conscience. She wore the baptismal robes of a child of God when she gave herself to the flames of profane love. She was not tempted. She chose this evil life. She was ruined by her own will.
Abbess	She is the more unfortunate.
Paphnutius	Yet such is the power of Christ, that at His word, of which my poor mouth was the instrument, she has fled from the surroundings which were her damnation. Obedient as a child, she has followed me. She has abandoned lust and ease and idle luxury. She is resolved to live chastely.
Abbess	Glory to the Author of the marvellous change!
Paphnutius	Amen. But since the maladies of the soul, like those of the body, need physic for their cure, we must minister to this soul diseased by years of lust. It must be removed from the foul breath of the world. A narrow cell, solitude, silence⁠—these must be her lot henceforth. She must learn to know herself and her sins.
Abbess	You are right. Such a penance is necessary.
Paphnutius	Will you give orders for a little cell to be made ready as soon as possible?
Abbess	Yes, my father. It shall be done as quickly as we can.
Paphnutius	There must be no entrance, no opening of any kind, except a small window through which she can receive the food that will be brought her on certain days at certain fixed hours. A pound of bread, and water according to her need.
Abbess	Forgive me, dear father in God, but I fear she will not be able to endure such a rigorous life. The soul may be willing, but that fastidious mind, that delicate body used to luxury, how can we expect them to submit?
Paphnutius	Have no fear. We know that grave sin demands a grave remedy.
Abbess	That is true, yet are we not told also to hasten slowly?
Paphnutius	Good mother, I am already weary of delay. What if her lovers should pursue her? What if she be drawn back into the abyss? I am impatient to see her enclosed.
Abbess	Nothing stands in the way of your enclosing her now. The cell which you told us to prepare is ready.
Paphnutius	Then enter, Thais! This is just such a refuge as we spoke of on our journey. It is the very place for you. There is room and more than room here for you to weep over your sins.
Thais	How small it is! How dark! How can a delicate woman live in such a place?
Paphnutius	You are not pleased with your new dwelling! You shudder at the thought of entering! Oh, Thais, have you not wandered long enough without restraint? Is it not right that you should now be confined in this narrow, solitary cell, where you will find true freedom?
Thais	I have been so long accustomed to pleasure and distraction. My mind is still a slave to the senses.
Paphnutius	The more need to rein it, to discipline it, until it ceases to rebel.
Thais	I do not rebel⁠—but my weakness revolts against one thing here.
Paphnutius	Of what do you speak?
Thais	I am ashamed to say.
Paphnutius	Speak, Thais! Be ashamed of nothing but your sins.
Thais	Good father, what could be more repugnant than to have to attend to all the needs of the body in this one little room.⁠ ⁠… It will soon be uninhabitable.
Paphnutius	Fear the cruel punishments of the soul, and cease to dread transitory evils.
Thais	My weakness makes me shudder.
Paphnutius	The sweetness of your guilty pleasures was far more bitter and foul.
Thais	I know it is just. What grieves me most is that I shall not have one clean sweet spot in which to call upon the sweet name of God.
Paphnutius	Have a care, Thais, or your confidence may become presumption. Should polluted lips utter so easily the name of the unpolluted Godhead?
Thais	Oh, how can I hope for pardon! Who will pity me⁠—who save me! What shall I do if I am forbidden to invoke Him against Whom only I have sinned! To whom should I pray if not to Him.
Paphnutius	You must indeed pray to Him, but with tears, not with words. Let not a tinkling voice, but the mighty roar of a contrite heart sound in the ear of God.
Thais	I desire His pardon. Surely I may ask for it?
Paphnutius	Oh, Thais, the more perfectly you humble yourself, the more swiftly you will win it! Let your heart be all prayer, but let your lips say only this: “O God Who made me, pity me!”
Thais	O God, Who made me, pity me! He alone can save me from defeat in this hard struggle!
Paphnutius	Fight manfully, and you will gain a glorious victory.
Thais	It is your part to pray for me! Pray I may earn the victor’s palm.
Paphnutius	You need not remind me.
Thais	Give me some hope!
Paphnutius	Courage! The palm will soon be in this humble hand. It is time for me to return to the desert. I owe a duty to my dear disciples. I know their hearts are torn by my absence. Yes. I must go. Venerable Abbess, I trust this captive to our charity and tenderness. I beg you to take the best care of her. Sustain her delicate body with necessaries. Refresh her soul with the luxuries of divine knowledge.
Abbess	Have no anxiety about her, for I will cherish her with a mother’s love and tenderness.
Paphnutius	I go then.
Abbess	In peace.

Scene VIII

Disciples	Who knocks there?
Paphnutius	It is I⁠—your father.
Disciples	It is the voice of our father Paphnutius!
Paphnutius	Unbolt the door.
Disciple	Good father, welcome.
All	Welcome, father! Welcome!
Paphnutius	A blessing on you all!
Disciple	You have given us great uneasiness by your long absence.
Paphnutius	It has been fruitful.
Disciple	Your mission has succeeded? Come, tell us what has happened to Thais.
Paphnutius	All that I wished.
Disciple	She has abandoned her evil life?
Paphnutius	Yes.
Disciple	Where is she living now?
Paphnutius	She weeps over her sins in a little cell.
Disciples	Praise be to the Supreme Trinity!
Paphnutius	A little narrow cell, no wider than a grave. Blessed be His Terrible Name now and forever.
Disciples	Amen.

Scene IX

Paphnutius

Three years of her penance are over, and I cannot tell whether her sorrow has found favour with God. For some reason He will not enlighten me. I know what I will do. I will go to my brother Antony and beg him to intercede for me. God will make the truth known to him.

Scene X

Antony	Who comes this way? By his dress it is some brother-dweller in the desert. My old eyes do not recognize you yet, friend. Come nearer.
Paphnutius	Brother Antony! Do you not know me?
Antony	This is joy indeed! What pleasures God sends us, when we resign ourselves to have none! I did not think to see my brother Paphnutius again in this world. Is it indeed you, brother?
Paphnutius	Yes, it is I.
Antony	You are welcome, very welcome. Your coming gives me great joy.
Paphnutius	I am no less rejoiced to see you.
Antony	But what is the cause? What has brought Paphnutius from his solitary retreat? He is not sick, I trust? He has not come to old Antony for healing?
Paphnutius	No, I am in good health.
Antony	That’s well! I am glad of it.
Paphnutius	Brother Antony, it is three years since my peace was broken and disturbed by the persistent vision of a soul in peril. I heard a voice calling me night and day. But I stopped my ears⁠—fearing my weakness. I thought “She calls me to ruin me.” “No, no,” the voice said. “I call you to save me.”
Antony	A woman’s voice!
Paphnutius	Before my vision it was well known to us all that in the great town on the edge of the desert there was a harlot called Thais, through whom many were destroyed body and soul.
Antony	It was she who called you!
Paphnutius	Brother Antony, it was God who called me. My disciples opposed me; nevertheless I went to the town to see Thais and wrestle with the demon.
Antony	A perilous enterprise.
Paphnutius	I went to her in the disguise of a lover, and began by flattering her with sweet words. Then I threw off the mask and brought terror to her soul with bitter reproaches and threats of God’s punishment.
Antony	A prudent course. Hard words are necessary when natures have grown soft and can no longer distinguish between good and evil.
Paphnutius	I was disarmed by her docility. Truly, brother Antony, my heart melted like wax when she spurned her ill-gotten wealth and abandoned her lovers.
Antony	But you hid your tenderness?
Paphnutius	Yes, Brother Antony.
Antony	What followed?
Paphnutius	She chose to live in chastity. She consented to be enclosed in a narrow cell. She accepted her penance with sweetness and humility.
Antony	I am rejoiced by what you have told me! All the blood in my old veins exults and rejoices!
Paphnutius	That is because you are a saint.
Antony	Brother, you cannot mean that you are sad?
Paphnutius	I rejoice immeasurably in her conversion. Yet at times I am uneasy. I fear that the penance may have been too long and severe for a woman of such delicate frame.
Antony	That does you no wrong. Where true love is, loving compassion is not wanting.
Paphnutius	I came to beg yours for Thais. Of your charity give me your prayers. I beg you and your disciples to join with me in praying for a sign. Let us persevere in prayer until it is shown us from heaven that the penitent’s tears have moved the divine mercy to indulgence.
Antony	Brother Paphnutius, I have never granted a request more gladly. Come, we will gather together my disciples.
Paphnutius	I know that God will listen to his good servant Antony.

Scene XI

Antony	Thanks be to God! The gospel’s promise is fulfilled in us!
Paphnutius	What promise, blessed Antony?
Antony	Those who unite in prayer can obtain whatever they desire.
Paphnutius	What miracle has happened? What is it?
Antony	My disciple Paul has had a vision.
Paphnutius	What vision? Oh, call him!
Antony	He is here. Paul, my son, tell our brother, Paphnutius, the wonders you have seen.
Paul	Father, I saw in my vision a splendid bed. It was adorned with white hangings and coverings, and a crown was laid on it, and round it were four radiant virgins. They stood there as if they were guarding the crown. There was a great brightness round the bed, and a multitude of angels. I, seeing this wonderful and joyful sight, cried out, “This glory must be for my master and father Antony!”
Antony	Son, did you not know Antony was unworthy of such honour?
Paul	But a divine voice answered me, saying, “This glory is prepared, not, as you think, for Antony, but for the harlot, Thais!”
Paphnutius	O sweet Christ! How shall I praise Thee for so lovingly sending comfort to my sad heart?
Antony	He is worthy to be praised.
Paphnutius	Then farewell, Brother Antony. I must go at once to my captive.
Antony	You must indeed. It is time her valiant penance ended. You should assure her that her pardon is complete; you should fill her with hope, and speak to her only of the beatitude in store for her.
Paphnutius	Your blessing.

Scene XII

Paphnutius	Thais, my little daughter! Thais! Open the window and let me see you.
Thais	Who speaks?
Paphnutius	Paphnutius.
Thais	Why should you visit a poor sinner? Why should I be given this great joy and happiness?
Paphnutius	These years that I have been absent from you in the body have been weary to me too. I have thought of you night and day. I have yearned for your salvation.
Thais	I never doubted that.
Paphnutius	Tell me how things are with you. How have you lived here? What have you been doing?
Thais	Nothing worth the telling! I have nothing to offer God.
Paphnutius	The offering He loves best is a humble spirit.
Thais	All I have done is to gather up the many sins on my conscience into a mighty bundle and keep them always in mind. All day I have sat gazing towards the East, saying only this one prayer: “O God Who made me, pity me!” If my bodily senses have always been conscious of the offensiveness of this place, my heart’s eyes have never been blind to the dreadfulness of hell.
Paphnutius	Your great penitence has won a great forgiveness. Yet God has not pardoned you for your valiant expiation so much as for the love with which you have given yourself to Christ.
Thais	Can that be true? Would that it were!
Paphnutius	Give me your hand. Let me bring you out of your cell to prove you are forgiven.
Thais	No, father, leave me here. This place with all its uncleanness is best for me.
Paphnutius	The time has come for you to cast away your fear, and hope for life! God wishes your penance to end.
Thais	Let the angels praise Him! He has not despised the love of a humble sinner.
Paphnutius	Thais, would you rejoice if now you were called upon to lay aside this body?
Thais	Oh, father, my soul longs to escape from this earth.
Paphnutius	Thais, you have finished your course here. In fifteen days you will, by God’s grace, pass straight to Paradise.
Thais	To Paradise! I should be happy if I might be spared hell’s torments and be mercifully cleansed in a gentle fire until my spirit is fit for the eternal happiness.
Paphnutius	Grace is the free gift of God and does not depend on our merits. If it did, it could not be called grace.
Thais	For this let the choirs of heaven praise Him, and all the little twigs and fresh green leaves on earth, all animals, and the great waters. He is patient with us when we fall! He is generous in His gifts when we repent.
Paphnutius	He loves to be merciful. From all eternity He has preferred pardon to punishment.

Scene XIII

Thais	Holy father, do not leave me. Be near to comfort me in this hour of my death.
Paphnutius	I will not leave you, Thais, until your soul has taken flight to the stars, and I have buried your body.
Thais	I feel the end is near. Brother, do not leave me!
Paphnutius	Now is the time to pray.
Thais	O God Who made me, pity me! Grant that the soul which Thou didst breathe into me may now happily return to Thee. O God Who made me, pity me!
Paphnutius	Thais! Thais! Oh, loving humble spirit, pass to thy glory!⁠ ⁠… Angels lead her into Paradise!⁠ ⁠… O uncreated Beauty, existing in Truth without material form, grant that the divers parts of this human body now to be dissolved may return to their original elements! Grant that the soul, given from on high, may soar into light and joy, and that the body may be cherished peacefully in the soft lap of the earth until that day when, the ashes being brought together again, and the life-giving sap restored to the veins, this same Thais may rise again, a perfect human being as before, and take her place among the glorious white flock who shall be led into the joy of eternity! Grant this, O Thou Who alone art what Thou art⁠—Who livest and reignest and art glorious in the Unity and perfect Trinity through infinite ages!

Sapientia

Argument

The martyrdom of the holy virgins Faith, Hope, and Charity, who are put to the torture by the Emperor Hadrian and slain in the presence of their mother Sapientia, she encouraging them by her admonitions to bear their sufferings. After their death the holy mother recovers the bodies of her children, embalms them with spices, and buries them with honour about five miles outside the city of Rome.

Forty days later the spirit of Sapientia takes its flight to heaven while she is still praying by her children’s graves.

Characters

Antiochus
Hadrian
Sapientia
Faith
Hope
Charity
Matrons

Sapientia

Scene I

Antiochus	My Lord Emperor, what desire has your servant but to see you powerful and prosperous? What ambition apart from the welfare and peace and greatness of the state you rule? So when I discover anything that threatens the commonwealth or your peace of mind I try to crush it before it has taken root.
Hadrian	In this you show discretion, Antiochus. Our prosperity means your advantage. Witness the honours that we never tire of heaping on you.
Antiochus	Your Grace’s welfare is so dear to me that I do not seek to disguise what is hostile to your interests, but immediately bring it to your notice and denounce it!
Hadrian	Do you praise yourself for this? If you withheld such information you would be guilty of treason to our Imperial Majesty.
Antiochus	I have never been disloyal.
Hadrian	I do not question it. Come, if you have discovered some new danger, make it known to us.
Antiochus	A certain alien woman has recently come to this city with her three children.
Hadrian	Of what sex are the children?
Antiochus	They are all girls.
Hadrian	And you think that a handful of women threaten danger to the state?
Antiochus	I do, and very grave danger.
Hadrian	Of what kind?
Antiochus	A disturbance of the peace.
Hadrian	How?
Antiochus	What disturbs the peace and harmony of states more than religious differences?
Hadrian	I grant you that. The whole Roman Empire witnesses to the serious troubles they can cause. The body politic is infected by the corpses of slaughtered Christians.
Antiochus	This woman of whom I speak is urging the people of this country to abandon the religion of their fathers and embrace the Christian faith.
Hadrian	But have her words any effect?
Antiochus	Indeed they have. Our wives hate and scorn us to such an extent that they will not deign to eat with us, still less share our beds.
Hadrian	This is a real danger, I admit.
Antiochus	You must protect yourself.
Hadrian	That stands to reason. Let the woman be brought before me, and I will examine her and see what can be done.
Antiochus	You wish me to summon her?
Hadrian	I have said it.

Scene II

Antiochus	Foreign woman, what is your name?
Sapientia	Sapientia.
Antiochus	The Emperor Hadrian orders you to present yourself at the palace.
Sapientia	I am not afraid to go. I have a noble escort in my daughters. Nor do I tremble at the thought of meeting your scowling Emperor face to face.
Antiochus	It is the way of you Christian rabble to defy authority.
Sapientia	We acknowledge the authority of Him Who rules the world; we know that He will not let His subjects be vanquished.
Antiochus	Not so much talk. To the palace.
Sapientia	Go before us and show the way. We will follow you.

Scene III

Antiochus	That is the Emperor you see there, seated on his throne. Be careful what you say to him.
Sapientia	The word of Christ forbids us to take thought as to what we ought to say. His wisdom is sufficient for us.
Hadrian	Are you there, Antiochus?
Antiochus	At your service, my lord.
Hadrian	Are these the women whom you have arrested on account of their Christian opinions?
Antiochus	Yes, lord.
Hadrian	I am amazed at their beauty; I cannot help admiring their noble and dignified manner.
Antiochus	Waste no time in admiring them, my lord. Make them worship the gods.
Hadrian	It would be wiser to ask it as a favour to me at first. Then they may yield.
Antiochus	That may be best. This frail sex is easily moved by flattery.
Hadrian	Noble matron, if you desire to enjoy my friendship, I ask you in all gentleness to join me in an act of worship of the gods.
Sapientia	We have no desire for your friendship. And we refuse to worship your gods.
Hadrian	You will try in vain to rouse my anger. I feel no indignation against you. I appeal to you and your daughters as lovingly as if I were their own father.
Sapientia	My children are not to be cozened by such diabolical flattery. They scorn it as I do.
Faith	Yes, and laugh at it in our hearts.
Antiochus	What are you muttering there?
Sapientia	I was speaking to my daughters.
Hadrian	I judge from appearances that you are of noble race, but I would know more⁠—to what country and family you belong, and your name.
Sapientia	Although we take no pride in it, I come of noble stock.
Hadrian	That is easy to believe.
Sapientia	My parents were princes of Greece, and I am called Sapientia.
Hadrian	The splendour of your ancestry is blazoned in your face, and the wisdom of your name sparkles on your lips.
Sapientia	You need not waste your breath in flattering us. We are not to be conquered by fair speeches.
Hadrian	Why have you left your own people and come to live here?
Sapientia	For no other reason than that we wished to know the truth. I came to learn more of the faith which you persecute, and to consecrate my daughters to Christ.
Hadrian	Tell me their names.
Sapientia	The eldest is called Faith, the second Hope, the youngest Charity.
Hadrian	And how old are they?
Sapientia	What do you say, children? Shall I puzzle his dull brain with some problems in arithmetic?
Faith	Do, mother. It will give us joy to hear you.
Sapientia	As you wish to know the ages of my children, O Emperor, Charity has lived a diminished evenly even number of years; Hope a number also diminished, but evenly uneven; and Faith an augmented number, unevenly even.
Hadrian	Your answer leaves me in ignorance.
Sapientia	That is not surprising, since not one number, but many, come under this definition.
Hadrian	Explain more clearly, otherwise how can I follow you?
Sapientia	Charity has now completed two olympiads, Hope two lustres, and Faith three olympiads.
Hadrian	I am curious to know why the number “8,” which is two olympiads, and the number “10,” which is two lustres, are called “diminished”; also why the number “12,” which is made up of three olympiads, is said to be “augmented.”
Sapientia	Every number is said to be “diminished” the parts of which when added together give a sum which is less than the number of which they are parts. Such a number is 8. For the half of 8 is 4, the quarter of 8 is 2, and the eighth of 8 is 1; and these added together give 7. It is the same with 10. Its half is 5, its fifth part 2, its tenth part 1, and these added together give 8. On the other hand, a number is said to be “augmented” when its parts added together exceed it. Such, for instance, is 12. Its half is 6, its third 4, its fourth 3, its sixth 2, its twelfth 1, and the sum of these figures 16. And in accordance with the principle which decrees that between all excesses shall rule the exquisite proportion of the mean, that number is called “perfect” the sum of the parts of which is equal to its whole. Such a number is 6, whose parts⁠—a third, a half, and a sixth⁠—added together, come to 6. For the same reason 28, 496, and 8000 are called “perfect.”
Hadrian	And what of the other numbers?
Sapientia	They are all either augmented or diminished.
Hadrian	And that “evenly even” number of which you spoke?
Sapientia	That is one which can be divided into two equal parts, and these parts again into two equal parts, and so on in succession until we come to indivisible unity: 8 and 16 and all numbers obtained by doubling them are examples.
Hadrian	Continue. We have not heard yet of the “evenly uneven” number.
Sapientia	One which can be divided by two, but the parts of which after that are indivisible: 10 is such a number, and all others obtained by doubling odd numbers. They differ from the “evenly even” numbers because in them only the minor term can be divided, whereas in the “evenly even” the major term is also capable of division. In the first type, too, all the parts are evenly even in name and in quantity, whereas in the second type when the division is even the quotient is uneven, and vice versa.
Hadrian	I am not familiar with these terms, and divisors and quotients alike mean nothing to me.10
Sapientia	When numbers of any magnitude are set down in order, the first set down is called the “minor term” and the last the “major.” When, in making a division, we say by how many the number is to be divided, we give the “divisor,” but when we enumerate how many there are in each of the parts we set forth the “quotient.”
Hadrian	And the “unevenly even” numbers?
Sapientia	They, like the “evenly even,” can be halved, not only once, but sometimes twice, thrice, and even four times, but not down to indivisible unity.
Hadrian	Little did I think that a simple question as to the age of these children could give rise to such an intricate and unprofitable dissertation.
Sapientia	It would be unprofitable if it did not lead us to appreciate the wisdom of our Creator, and the wonderous knowledge of the Author of the world, Who in the beginning created the world out of nothing, and set everything in number, measure, and weight, and then, in time and the age of man, formulated a science which reveals fresh wonders the more we study it.
Hadrian	I had my reasons for enduring your lecture with patience. I hope to persuade you to submit.
Sapientia	To what?
Hadrian	To worshipping the gods.
Sapientia	That we can never do.
Hadrian	Take warning. If you are obstinate, you will be put to the torture.
Sapientia	It is in your power to kill the body, but you will not succeed in harming the soul.
Antiochus	The day has passed, and the night is falling. This is no time to argue. Supper is ready.
Hadrian	Let these women be taken to the prison near our palace, and give them three days to reflect.
Antiochus	Soldiers, see that these women are well guarded and given no chance of escape.

Scene IV

Sapientia	Oh, my dearest ones! My beloved children! Do not let this narrow prison sadden you. Do not be frightened by the threat of sufferings to come.
Faith	Our weak bodies may dread the torture, but our souls look forward with joy to the reward.
Sapientia	You are only children, but your understanding is ripe and strong. It will triumph over your tender years.
Hope	You must help us with your prayers. Then we shall conquer.
Sapientia	This I pray without ceasing, this I implore⁠—that you may stand firm in the faith which I instilled into you while you were infants at my breast.
Charity	Can we forget what we learned there? Never.
Sapientia	I gave you milk. I nourished and cherished you, that I might wed you to a heavenly bridegroom, not to an earthly one. I trusted that for your dear sakes I might be deemed worthy of being received into the family of the Eternal King.
Faith	For His love we are all ready to die.
Sapientia	Oh, children, your words are sweeter to me than nectar!
Hope	When we come before the tribunal you will see what courage our love will give us.
Sapientia	Your mother will be crowned by your virginity and glorified by your martyrdom.
Charity	Let us go hand in hand to the tyrant and make him feel ashamed.
Sapientia	We must wait till the hour comes when we are summoned.
Faith	We chafe at the delay, but we must be patient.

Scene V

Hadrian	Antiochus, bring the Greek prisoners before us.
Antiochus	Step forward, Sapientia. The Emperor has asked for you and your daughters.
Sapientia	Walk with me bravely, children, and persevere with one mind in the faith. Think only of the happiness before you⁠—of the martyr’s palm.
Hope	We are ready. And He is with us for Whose love we are to be led to death.
Hadrian	The three days’ respite which of our clemency we granted you is over. If you have profited by it, obey our commands.
Sapientia	We have profited by it. It has strengthened our determination not to yield.
Antiochus	It is beneath your dignity to bandy words with this obstinate woman. Have you not had enough of her insolence and presumption?
Hadrian	Am I to send her away unpunished?
Antiochus	By no means.
Hadrian	What then?
Antiochus	Address yourself to the little girls. If they defy you, do not spare them because of their tender years, but have them put to death. That will teach their obstinate mother a lesson.
Hadrian	I will do as you advise.
Antiochus	This way you will succeed.
Hadrian	Faith, there is the venerated statue of the great Diana. Carry a libation to the holy goddess, and you will win her favour.
Faith	What a foolish man the Emperor must be to give such an order!
Hadrian	What are you muttering there? Behave yourself and do not laugh.
Faith	How can I help laughing? Such a lack of wisdom is ludicrous.
Hadrian	Whose lack of wisdom?
Faith	Why, yours!
Antiochus	You dare to speak to the Emperor so!
Faith	I speak the truth.
Antiochus	This is not to be endured!
Faith	What is it but folly to tell us to insult the Creator of the world and worship a bit of metal!
Antiochus	This girl is crazy⁠—a raving lunatic! She calls the ruler of the world a fool!
Faith	I have said it, and I am ready to repeat it. I shall not take back my words as long as I live.
Antiochus	That will not be long. You deserve to die at once for such impudence.
Faith	I wish for nothing better than death in Christ.
Hadrian	Enough of this! Let ten centurions take turns in flaying her with scourges.
Antiochus	She deserves it.
Hadrian	Most valiant centurions, approach, and wipe out the insult which has been offered us.
Antiochus	That is the way.
Hadrian	Ask her now, Antiochus, if she will yield.
Antiochus	Faith, will you now withdraw your insults to the Imperial Majesty, and promise not to repeat them?
Faith	Why now?
Antiochus	The scourging should have brought you to your senses.
Faith	These whips cannot silence me, as they do not hurt at all.
Antiochus	Cursed obstinacy! Was there ever such insolence?
Hadrian	Although her body weakens under the chastisement, her spirit is still swollen with pride.
Faith	Hadrian, you are wrong. It is not I who am weakening, but your executioners. They sweat and faint with fatigue.
Hadrian	Antiochus, tell them to cut the nipples off her breasts. The shame will cow her.
Antiochus	I care not about the means, so long as she is forced to yield.
Faith	You have wounded my pure breast, but you have not hurt me. And look! Instead of blood a stream of milk gushes from my wounds.
Hadrian	Put her on a gridiron, and let fire be placed beneath so that she may be roasted to death.
Antiochus	She deserves a terrible death for her boldness in defying you.
Faith	All you do to cause me suffering is a source of bliss to me. I am as happy on this gridiron as if it were a little boat at sea!
Hadrian	Bring a brazier full of pitch and wax, and place it on the fire. Then fling this rebellious girl into the boiling liquid.
Faith	I will leap into it joyfully of my own accord.
Hadrian	So be it.
Faith	I laugh at your threats. Look! Am I hurt? I am swimming merrily in the boiling pitch. Its fierce heat seems as cool to me as the morning dew.
Hadrian	Antiochus, what can we do with her?
Antiochus	She must not escape.
Hadrian	She shall be beheaded.
Antiochus	That seems the only way of conquering her.
Faith	Now let my soul rejoice and exult in the Lord.
Sapientia	O Christ, invincible Conqueror of Satan, give my child, Faith, endurance to the end!
Faith	Holy and dear mother, say a last farewell to your daughter. Kiss your firstborn, but do not mourn for me, for my hands are outstretched to the reward of eternity.
Sapientia	Oh, my daughter, my darling dear, I am not dismayed⁠—I am not distressed! I bid you farewell rejoicing. I kiss your mouth and eyes, weeping for joy. My only prayer is that beneath the executioner’s sword you may keep the mystery of your name inviolate.
Faith	Oh, my sisters, born of the same womb, give me the kiss of peace, and prepare yourselves for the struggle!
Hope	Help us with your prayers. Pray with all your might that we may be found worthy to follow in your footsteps.
Faith	Listen to the words of our holy mother. She has always taught us to despise the things of earth that we may gain those which are eternal.
Charity	We shall obey her in everything. We want to be worthy of eternal joy.
Faith	Come, executioner, do your duty, and put an end to my life.
Sapientia	I embrace the severed head of my dead child, and as I cover it with kisses I praise Thee, O Christ, Who hast given the victory to a little maid.
Hadrian	Hope, listen to me. Believe me, I advise you with fatherly affection.
Hope	What advice do you give me?
Hadrian	I beg you not to imitate your misguided sister. I would not have you undergo the same torture.
Hope	Would that I were worthy to imitate her sufferings, and so win a reward like hers!
Hadrian	Do not harden your young heart, but give way and burn incense before great Diana. Then I will adopt you as my own child, and love you most tenderly.
Hope	I should not care to have you for a father, and I want no favours from you. You deceive yourself with vain hopes if you suppose that I shall submit.
Hadrian	Be more careful in your speech or you will make me angry.
Hope	Be angry. What is it to me?
Antiochus	I am amazed, Augustus, that you should tolerate for a moment such insolence from a pert little child! I boil with indignation that she should be allowed such licence.
Hadrian	I wished to be merciful to her youth, but I can no longer be indulgent. She shall be punished as she deserves.
Antiochus	I wish that were possible.
Hadrian	Come, lictors, and scourge this little rebel to death with your heaviest rods.
Antiochus	She deserves to feel the full weight of your anger, as she has mocked your gracious clemency.
Hope	Here is the only clemency for which I long⁠—here the only mercy I crave.
Antiochus	Sapientia, what are you murmuring there, standing with uplifted eyes by the body of your dead child?
Sapientia	I am imploring Almighty God to give Hope the same firm courage that He gave Faith.
Hope	Oh, mother, mother! How wonderful are your prayers! Even as you prayed the uplifted hands of the panting executioners became powerless. I have not felt a twinge of pain.
Hadrian	So you do not mind scourging! We will try some sharper torture.
Hope	The most savage and deadly you can invent! The more cruelty you show the greater will be your humiliation.
Hadrian	Let her be suspended in the air, and lacerated with nails until her bowels gush forth, and the skin is stripped from her bones. Break her to pieces limb by limb.
Antiochus	That order is worthy of an emperor. The punishment fits the crime.
Hope	Oh, Antiochus, you are as crafty as a fox, but you flatter with the cunning of a chameleon.
Antiochus	Be quiet, you wretch! I thank the gods you will soon not have a mouth to prattle with.
Hope	It will not be as you hope. Both you and your master will be put to confusion.
Hadrian	What is this strange sweetness in the air? If I am not mistaken a marvellous perfume fills the room.
Hope	O Emperor, the torn shreds of my flesh are giving forth a heavenly fragrance to make you admit that you have no power to hurt me by torture!
Hadrian	Antiochus, advise me.
Antiochus	We must think of some other punishment.
Hadrian	Put in the brazier a vessel full of oil and wax and pitch. Bind her and throw her in.
Antiochus	Yes, she will not find it so easy to escape from Vulcan.
Hope	Christ has before now made fire grow mild and change its nature.
Hadrian	Antiochus, what is that sound? I seem to hear a noise like that of rushing waters.
Antiochus	My lord! My lord!
Hadrian	What has happened?
Antiochus	The boiling fire has burst the cauldron! It has overflowed and consumed every man near it. Only the vile witch who caused the disaster has escaped unhurt.
Hadrian	It seems we are worsted.
Antiochus	Yes, we can do nothing.
Hadrian	She must be beheaded like the other.
Antiochus	By the sword only can she be destroyed.
Hope	Charity, my dear, my only sister, have no fear of the tyrant’s threats, and do not wince at the thought of suffering. Be strong in faith, and strive to follow the example of your sisters who are going before you to the palace of heaven.
Charity	I am weary of this earth. I do not want to be separated from you even for a short time.
Hope	Have courage! Stretch out your hands to the palm. We shall be separated only for a moment. Soon, very soon, we shall be together in heaven.
Charity	Soon! Soon!
Hope	Be joyful, noble mother! Do not grieve for me. You should laugh, not weep, to see me die for Christ.
Sapientia	Indeed I do rejoice, but my joy will be full only when your little sister has followed you, slain in the same way⁠—and when my turn comes, mine last of all.
Hope	The blessed Trinity will give you back your three children.
Sapientia	Courage, my child! The executioner comes towards us with drawn sword.
Hope	Welcome, sword! Do Thou, O Christ, receive my soul driven from its bodily mansion for the confession of Thy Name.
Sapientia	Oh, Charity, lovely offspring of my womb, the one hope of my bosom, do not disappoint your mother who expects you to win this last fight! Despise safety now, and you will attain the same glory which shines on your sisters, and, like them, wear the crown of unspotted virginity.
Charity	Support me with your holy prayers, mother. Pray that I may be worthy to share their joy.
Sapientia	Stand fast in the faith to the end, and your reward will be an everlasting holiday.
Hadrian	Now, little Charity. Your sisters’ insolence has exhausted my patience and exasperated me. I want no more long speeches. I shall not waste much time on you. Obey my commands, and you shall enjoy all the good things this life has to offer. Disobey, and evil will fall on you.
Charity	I long for the good things. I will not have the evil.
Hadrian	That pleases me, and you shall profit by it. I will be indulgent and set you an easy task.
Charity	What is it?
Hadrian	You shall say “Great is Diana.” That is all. I will not compel you to sacrifice.
Charity	I will not say it.
Hadrian	Why?
Charity	Because I will not tell a lie. My sisters and I were born of the same parents, instructed in the same mysteries, and confirmed in the same faith. We have the same wish, the same understanding, the same resolution. Therefore, I am never likely to differ from them in anything.
Antiochus	Oh, what an insult⁠—to be defied by a mere doll!
Charity	Although I am small, my reason is big enough to put you to shame.
Hadrian	Take her away, Antiochus, and have her stretched on the rack and whipped.
Antiochus	I fear that stripes will be of no use.
Hadrian	Then order a furnace to be heated for three days and three nights, and let her be cast into the flames.
Charity	A mighty man! He cannot conquer a child of eight without calling in fire to help him!
Hadrian	Go, Antiochus, and see that my orders are carried out.
Charity	He may pretend to obey to satisfy your cruelty, but he will not be able to hurt me. Stripes will not wound my body, and the flames will not singe my hair or my garments.
Hadrian	We shall see.
Charity	Yes, we shall see.

Scene VI

Hadrian	What is wrong, Antiochus? Why have you returned, and with such a dejected air?
Antiochus	When you know the reason, you will be dejected too.
Hadrian	Come, what is it?
Antiochus	That little vixen whom you handed over to me to be tortured was first scourged in my presence, and I swear that not so much as the surface of her delicate skin was grazed. Then I had her cast into the fiery furnace which glowed scarlet with the tremendous heat.
Hadrian	Enough! Come to the point.
Antiochus	The flames belched forth, and five thousand men were burned to death.
Hadrian	And what happened to her?
Antiochus	You mean to Charity?
Hadrian	Who else?
Antiochus	She ran to and fro, playing in the fierce whirlwind of smoke and flame, and sang praises to her God. Those who watched closely said that three men dressed in white walked by her side.
Hadrian	I blush to see her again, as I have not been able to harm her.
Antiochus	She must perish by the sword like the others.
Hadrian	Let us use it then, and without delay.

Scene VII

Antiochus	Uncover that obstinate little neck, Charity, and prepare for the sword of the executioner.
Charity	This time I do not wish to resist. I am glad to obey.
Sapientia	Now, little one, now we must give thanks; now we must exult in Christ. Now I am free from anxiety, for I am certain of your triumph.
Charity	Kiss me, mother, and commend my soul to Christ.
Sapientia	May He Who quickened you in my womb receive the spirit He breathed into you!
Charity	Glory be to Thee, O Christ, Who hast called me to Thyself, and honoured me with the martyr’s crown!
Sapientia	Farewell, beloved child, farewell; and when you are united to Christ in heaven give a thought to the mother who gave you life even when the years had exhausted her strength.

Scene VIII

Sapientia	Noble matrons, gather round me, and help me bury the bodies of my children.
Matrons	We will strew herbs and spices on their little bodies, and solemnize their funeral rites with ceremony.
Sapientia	Great is the generosity and wonderful the kindness you show to me and my dead.
Matrons	We would do anything to relieve your pain.
Sapientia	I know it.
Matrons	What place have you chosen for their burial?
Sapientia	It is three miles outside the city. I hope that is not too far for you?
Matrons	By no means. We will follow their bodies to the place you have chosen.

Scene IX

Sapientia	This is the place.
Matrons	It is well chosen. The very spot to keep the relics of these blessed martyrs!
Sapientia	O Earth, I commit my precious little flowers to thy keeping! O Earth, cherish them in thy spacious bosom until they spring forth again at the resurrection more glorious and fair! O Christ, fill their souls with light, and give rest and peace to their bones!
Matrons	Amen.
Sapientia	I thank you all from my heart for the comfort you have brought me since my loss.
Matrons	Would you like us to remain here with you?
Sapientia	I thank you, no.
Matrons	Why not?
Sapientia	Because your health will suffer if you fatigue yourselves further on my account. Have you not done enough in watching with me three days. Depart in peace. Return home happy.
Matrons	Will you not come with us?
Sapientia	I cannot.
Matrons	What, then, is your plan?
Sapientia	I shall stay here in the hope that my petition will be granted, and that what I most desire will come to pass.
Matrons	What is that petition? What do you desire?
Sapientia	This only⁠—that when my prayer is ended I may die in Christ.
Matrons	Will you not let us stay to the end, then, and give you burial?
Sapientia	As you please. O Adonai Emmanuel, begotten by the Divine Creator of all things before time began, and born in time of a Virgin Mother⁠—O Thou Who in Thy dual nature remainest most wonderfully one Christ, the unity of person not being divided by the diversity of natures, nor yet the diversity of natures confounded in the unity of person⁠—to Thee let the serene angelic choir, singing in sweet harmony with the spheres, raise an exultant song! Let all created things praise Thee, because Thou Who alone with the Holy Ghost art form without matter, by the will of the Father and the cooperation of the Spirit didst deign to become man, passible like men, yet impassible like God. O Thou Who didst not shrink from tasting death and destroyed it by Thy Resurrection that none who believe in Thee should perish, but know eternal life, on Thee I call! I do not forget that Thou, perfect God yet true man, didst promise that those who for Thy sake renounced their earthly possessions would be rewarded a hundredfold and receive the gift of eternal life. Inspired by that promise, Thou seest that I have done what I could; of my own free will, and for Thy sake, I have sacrificed the children I bore. Oh, in Thy goodness do not delay the fulfillment of Thy promise, but free me swiftly from the bonds of this flesh that I may see my children and rejoice with them. Grant me the joy of hearing them sing the new song as they follow Thee, O Lamb of the Virgin! Let me be gladdened by their glory, and although I may not like them chant the mystical song of virginity, let me praise Thee, Who art not Thyself the Father, yet art of the same substance as the Father, with Whom and with the Holy Ghost, one Lord of the whole world, one King of all things upon the earth and in the heights above and the deeps below, Thou dost reign and rule forever and ever!
Matrons	O Lord, receive her soul! Amen.

A Note on the Acting of the Plays

The evidence that Roswitha’s plays were intended for representation has already been discussed. If they were ever acted in her own time at Gandersheim by members of the community, we need not assume that the performances were ludicrously artless. We have only to read contemporary descriptions of the celebrations of great feasts in monasteries in the so-called “dark ages,” or to observe how strong is the element of significant and controlled “action” in the ceremonial of the Catholic Church as it exists today, to imagine that people accustomed to take part in these dramatic services would have little difficulty in giving an impressive performance of a religious play. Even if we discard the theory that such performances took place, an imaginative conception of what they might have been like will save us, if we desire to act these plays now, from adopting an exaggeratedly primitive method. It is our duty to do our best for them, neglecting no means of emphasizing their dramatic strength and helping their dramatic weakness. As we have no authority in a known “convention” to guide us, the least we can do is to refrain from inventing a comically crude one based on an arrogant condescension to past ignorance of what in any century is dramatically effective.

When Callimachus was brought on to the modern stage a misleading impression of Roswitha’s ability as a dramatist was created by a calculated childishness in the interpretation. All the characters were kept in view of the audience whether they were concerned in a scene or not, and the end of each scene was marked, as the end of an over is marked in cricket, by a general change in positions. Roswitha’s piety was held up to ridicule, and her glorification of chastity burlesqued to the satisfaction of those to whom jokes at the expense of old-fashioned virtues never fail to appeal. Drusiana’s prayer that she might die rather than yield to Callimachus was greeted with shouts of laughter. And it was said that the mirth was natural and inevitable because Roswitha’s manner is so naive! Yet if she is treated on her merits, not as an archaic freak, she can be impressive enough on the stage as Edith Craig’s production of Paphnutius proved. In this production the abrupt transition from scene to scene was bridged by the singing of plainsong melodies, derived from MSS. of the ninth century. The suggestions for action in the lines were examined with sympathetic insight, and developed with imagination. The actors and actresses took their task seriously and used all their skill in making the characters live. The old story of the conversion of Thais became new, and although many found Roswitha’s treatment of it unpalatable, none found it ludicrous. A comparison of the divergent impressions made by the Roswitha of Callimachus and the Roswitha of Paphnutius is a lesson in the difficulty of sifting what the dramatist has done from what the interpreter has done, a difficulty all the greater when the text of a play is not available. Now that Callimachus can be read it will be easier for those who saw its solitary performance to recognize that it was travestied on the stage.

Imagination, sympathy with Roswitha’s uncompromising religious faith, a few sets of curtains, or an interchangeable scene, actors capable either by nature or training of extracting a pound of effect out of an ounce of dialogue, are the foundations on which performances of these plays can be built. Paphnutius, Abraham, and Callimachus are obviously more actable than the others, but I feel that a great deal might be done with Sapientia. Perhaps one day it will be possible to arrange a Roswitha “cycle” for the edification of a few enthusiasts. Meanwhile those who share my belief that plays are not plays until they are acted, can amuse themselves by thinking over different methods of representation.

Endnotes

Since this was written, an English translation of one of the plays, Abraham, has been issued by a private press. ↩
I have adopted this form of the name in preference to “Hrotsuitha,” “Hrotswitha,” or “Hrosvitha,” as being more easily pronounced and more pleasant to the eye. The name is said to be derived from the old Saxon word “Hrodsuind” (strong voice), a derivation accepted by Roswitha herself in her preface to her plays, when she writes “ego, clamor validus Gandeishermensis,” and approved by Grimm. ↩
Believing that the representation of the plays is possible, even desirable, I have also aimed at making the dialogue speakable. ↩
The manuscript is now in the Munich City Library. Recently another manuscript, containing four of the six dramas, is reported to have been discovered among the state archives of Cologne. (Times Berlin Correspondent, May 9, 1922.) ↩
Since this was written Callimachus (translation by Arthur Waley) has been produced by the Art Theatre. Paphnutius, in my translation, was produced by Miss Edith Craig for the Pioneer Players at the Savoy Theatre on June 4, 1914, Miss Ellen Terry appearing in the part of the Abbess. ↩
Celtes prints this as part of the text; Magnin as a direction, on the ground that it is introducuntur, not introducautur in the MS. ↩
Another “stage direction” omitted by Celtes. ↩
This admonition to “spectators” is in the MS. and seems inexplicable if Roswitha wrote her plays to be read, not performed. ↩
When Paphnutius was acted, the dialogue of the “disciples” was allotted to several different actors, with the interesting result that some definite characters emerged. ↩
It has been my duty to preserve this rather tiresome numerical discourse, which no doubt Roswitha introduced to impress the “learned men” to whom she submitted her work, because it throws an interesting light on the studies pursued in such a monastery as Gandersheim in the 10th century. Equivalent modern English terms have been employed where the original, by change of usage, has become misleading. For example, “divisor” and “quotient” have been substituted for “denomination” and “quantity.” ↩

Plays
was published in 1923 by
Hrotsvitha of Gandersheim.
It was translated from Latin by
Christopher St. John.