Class Ji !!.:> Book - U ^ K CopyiightN?.. Q I ^ CSEOaGKI OEPOSnv KARMA KARMA A RE-INCARNATION PLAY IN PROLOGUE, EPILOGUE & THREE ACTS BY ALGERNON BLACKWOOD AUTHOR OJ "JULIUS LE VALLON," "THE WAVE," ETC. AND VIOLET PEARN NEW YORK E. p. DUTTON & COMPANY 68i FIFTH AVENUE 0°^ Copyright, igiS, By E. p. DUTTON & COMPANY a -I 1918 Printed in the United States of America ©CI.D 49934 CONTENTS PAGE Prologue. Present Day 3 Act I. Their First Life Together. Time — 2000 B.C. Egypt 38 Act II. Their Second Life Together. Time— 325 B.C. Greece 81 Act III. Their Third Life Together. Time- Fifteenth Century. Italy .... 123 Epilogue. Present Day 189 PROLOGUE PRESENT DAY CHARACTERS Phillip Lattin (45), British Agent in Egypt. Mrs. Lattin, his wife (40), mentally and phys- ically ill; a woman of strong personality and exacting. The Doctor, unpretentious, simple in bearing, gentle in manner. Nurse. PROLOGUE Scene — Room in Lattin's London house. Mrs. Lattin lies on sofa. A picture of Ancient Egypt, showing the Nile, palms and temples on wall easily visible to her. Time — Present day, evening. Mrs. Lattin What time is it, nurse — nowl Nurse Close on half -past five. Mrs. Lattin ( With irritability of a sick woman. ) Not later? Are you sure? It's so dark. Nurse (Soothingly.) The dusk is closing in; I'll light your lamp. 4. KARMA Mrs. Lattin ' Half -past five, you said? My husband expected to be back before this. Hasn't he come? The appointment was for half- past two. 'Nurse The Foreign Office takes its time. Mr. Lattin will come to you the moment he gets in. Mrs. Lattin You're sure? I thought I heard his step. Nurse I'll go and see the moment the lamp is lit. But he never forgets. He always comes in here first. 3Irs. Lattin But he's so long to-day, longer than usual. And he looked so grave, nurse, when he left. He looked worried, I thought. You noticed it? KARMA 5 Nurse He is taken up with these politics just now. It's only natural, considering the crisis in Egypt. But he's always so in earnest, isn't he? I noticed nothing unusual. The Government is lucky to have him at such a time. No one could fill his place. {Brings lamp.) There's the lamp. Is the shading right ? Mrs. Lattin Fill his place! No, indeed. Phillip understands the natives better than anybody in the world. And the country too {wist- fully). If only I could bring myself to go back to Egypt with him. (Irritably.) The light catches my eye there. To the left a little. Now to the right. Thank you. Nurse The doctors all agree it's best not, don't they? The dry climate 6 KARMA Mrs. Lattin It's not that, nurse. Dryness is what 1 need — warmth and dryness. It's some- thing else. Egypt frightens me. I can't sleep there. Dreams come to me. Nurse The doctors said it was the effect of the climate on the nerves. Mrs. Lattin Oh, I know. I'd face it if I could — an- other winter. It means so much to Mr. Lattin, doesn't it? Nurse! It's curious — it's strange, don't you think — that Mr. Lat- tin feels nothing of that I feel there? I mean ^ Nurse Hark! I think that's Mr. Lattin's step. I'll go and see. 3Irs. Lattin It can't be the ncAv doctor, can it? KARMA 7 Nurse T)r. Ogilvie? Not yet. Six o'clock he was to come. He won't be here before his time. These great specialists are busy men. Mrs. Lattin (Wearily.) I've seen so many doctors. I hardly feel as if I had the strength for a new examination. Dr. Ogilvie will do me no good. Nurse Still you will see him. For your hus- band's sake, Mrs. Lattin Ah, yes, for Phillip's sake. I think my husband's coming, nurse. (^w^^r Phillip.) Nurse Good-evening, Mr. Lattin. Mrs. Lattin is a trifle better. I'll leave you for a little, but she must not tire herself. We are ex- pecting Dr. Ogilvie at six. 8 KARMA Phillip I'll be very careful. [Nurse eant. (Phillip comes to his wife,) Mrs. Lattin At last, Phillip. I'm so glad youVe come, dear. I've been waiting and longing so. They kept you — but you belong to me, don't you ? You're tired, poor old thing. Come to me, Phillip — closer. (Stretches out hand.) Phillip I am, a bit late. I'm sorry, Little Child. They kept me, yes. But you ? Mrs. Lattin I'm well enough to listen. You're back; I forgive you. And it's all arranged as you wished — as you hoped? Phillip Sir George was kindness itself- KARMA 9 Mrs. JLattin You saw the Foreign Secretary! Phillip You didn't know I was such a big-wig, did you? It is important, you see, dear. The situation out there is complicated. I've left them in the lurch a httle, and my ad- vice — er — my knowledge, Sir George was good enough to say — at such a time Mrs. JLattin In the lurch, Phillip ! How in the lurch ? You're only asking a longer leave than usual. Phillip There, there. I don't want you to worry your dear head with politics. The new doc- tor will be here any minute now. That's far more important. Mrs. Lattin I would rather know exactly. It doesn't worry me. 10 KARMA Phillip It's all been arranged most satisfactorily, dear; and I'm very pleased. So you re pleased with me — eh? Mrs. Lattin Phillip — what has been arranged? Phillip Sir George was most complimentary. The Government would recognise my services — my long services, he called it. He even dis- cussed with me — asked my advice, if you must know the full weight of honour placed upon me! — as to my successor 3Irs. Lattin Successor! Phillip But, darling, some one must fill my place. There must be a locum tenens, as they say in the church. Mrs. Lattin You've — resigned ! KARMA 11 Phillip Dear one, there was no other way. It's a formahty, you see. I can always take it up again where I left it off. Our man in Egypt — just now — must be there. He must be on the spot, of course Mrs. Lattin But six months' leave! Surely, six months' leave Phillip Means the entire winter. There, there. Little Child, it's nothing. You must not exaggerate like this. What is my work in Egypt compared to being with you. The doctors forbid you to go out. It's quite simple: I prefer to stay with you. My world lies in your heart. I — I can always take up the work again when — when you're better. 3Irs. Lattin Resigned, resigned! You have actually resigned. Your career — I have broken your 12 KARMA career — at last — completely. Is it wrong, then, that I need you so? Phillip Hush, dearest Mrs. Lattin You have paid this tremendous price — and I have made you pay it. Phillip I wish to be always with you. That is my only wish, my only happiness. Mrs. Lattin For my sake you have sacrificed Phillip It's I who am selfish to tire you with all this stupid Government business. There, now; you've talked too much and I have done you harm. There's only happiness in my heart. No more nonsense-talk about sac- rifice. You must lie quiet and rest again. I can be always with you. KARMA 13 Mrs. Lattin Yes, to the end — my end and yours. O God! Why did I not understand before? Phillip You must not speak like that. Love — our love — knows no end. Mrs. Lattin Oh, I am miserable, Phillip, miserable, miserable. Phillip Please, do not say such things. Mrs. Lattin But I must, I must. My selfishness has brought you to this last renouncement. Egypt has meant so much to you. Phillip Too much, Mary, too much. Egypt was coming between us. 14 KARMA Mrs. Lattin Your work there, the great work I have ruined . . . ! Egypt meant home to you. Phillip Home is where you are, dearest, and no- where else. You have taught me this — in time. {To himself.) Egypt! Ah, Egypt! Mrs. Lattin I hate it. It terrifies me. There is pain for me in Egypt. An instinctive dread comes over me always — something from very far away. I have struggled against it, for your sake, but — oh, it's so, so strong. If only you could forgive me ! Phillip Hush, dearest! Mrs. Lattin But it has come between us. You love it so. And it's my fault that you can't — your career, I mean KARMA 15 Phillip Dear one, whatever is, is right. There is nothing to regret. Egypt, indeed, has drawn me strangely. There is some power out there — a spiritual power — that has cast a glamour over me. It has been a passion with me. Mrs. JLattin My instinctive terror! Phillip And my instinctive love! [They glance together in silence at a great picture above the bed — an Egyptian night-scene^ with stars and Nile. Yes . . . yes . . . strange indeed ! From my earliest days it drew me. Those palms and temples, that majestic desert ! Mrs. Lattin Phillip, don't! Those stars, that river bring me sadness — immense regret. I feel 16 KARMA them always rising over me. They watch me! Phillip Forgive me. It was the marvellous beauty took me. I 3Irs. Lattin But it's an unearthly beauty. And some- thing in it — lost. It's lost to you. And I — oh, but I do love you so; for ever and ever you are mine — aren't you? \_He stoops and kisses her. She half rises, whispering : Phillip, dearest — something strange comes over me. I see a lifting of this heavy Enghsh sky. I have been through this be- fore — I have done this very thing before — long, long ago — injured you somehow! Oh, Phillip, can it be that we have lived before — pre-existence — is it true? {Sinks back,) I think ... I think I must be near to . . . death I KARMA 17 PhiIMp Hush, hush, my darling. These are sick fancies only. Your brain is tired. We must not talk like this. 3Irs, Lattm I am tired, yes; but it is my soul that aches and not my body. Phillip, I want your forgiveness. TMIUp There is nothing to forgive. I love you. Mrs. Lattin (Spiritually tortured and perplexed.) I want your real forgiveness — before I go. I have been suffering deeplj^ deeply. Cur- tains have been rising. I almost see. Some- thing seems growing clearer to me. I've done wrong somewhere ! Why have I pulled against you all these years — against your work? It cannot be my love that is at fault. You're wholly mine — and yet I want your forgiveness somehow 18 KARMA Phillip (Deep patiejice.) All the love and for- giveness in the world I give you, Little Child. But you ask for what was always yours. Mrs. Lattin Your broken mission. You alone have the strength and patience Egypt needs. I have ruined all, all, all! Phillip There ! I forgive you, then. ( Kisses her. ) I forgive you all, all, all. But please calm yourself. This excitement does you harm. You torment yourself for nothing. It is I who have been, and am, the egoist. All men who think their work is a mission are shameless egoists. 3Irs. Lattin Thank you, Phillip, for this great gift of your forgiveness. But it is not enough. KARMA 19 I want to understand — and so forgive my- self. Phillip You must rest now a little. It was criminal of me to let you talk so much. No, not another word. I'll leave you for a bit. You must be calm to see the Doctor. It's nearly six Mrs. Lattin Dr. Ogilvie can't help me. Phillip What! The first man of the day! His wonderful cures Mrs. Lattin He cures the body only. I need a soul physician. Oh, Philhp, I believe sometimes my yearning must bring him to me. Phillip My darling, it is your body alone that is ill. Your suffering gives you these strange fancies. 20 KARMA Mrs. Lattin You love me too well to understand. (Sighs.) My illness is not only of the body. Now, leave me, dearest. I wish to see him quite alone. PhiIMp Little Child, you shall. You can dismiss the nurse. {Glances at clock.) It is close on six. 3Irs. Lattin Kiss me. (He kisses her softly and goes out. ) If only — ah, if only my great yearn- ing .. . [She Ties hack exhausted. Sighs. Covers her face with her hands. After a moment she uncovers her face and half sits up again. She stares hard at Egyptian picture on the wall. The fault lies in my soul, and it comes first from there — from Egypt. The river is rising, rising once again. The stars are KARMA 21 rising too. They watch me, and they wait. They're always watching us. O God! If only some one could make me understand! If some great doctor of the soul . . . ! (Sinks back. Her eyes close. She lies very still. ) [A big clock on the mantelpiece strikes the first three strokes of sice o'clock, then stops. The door opens slowly and a man enters quietly. He looks round the room, sees her on the sofa apparently asleep, and stands still, a few feet inside the door. He looks steadily at her a moment, then glances at the picture of Egypt on the wall. He smiles gen- tly. His figure is a little bent, perhaps. He is not a big man with any marked presence. As he smiles, she opens her eyes and sees him. She shows surprise and slight embarrassment. She raises herself 22 KARMA on one arm. Her voice is hushed rather when she speaks. He re- mains near the open door. I beg your pardon. Is it — Dr. Ogilvie? Doctor I am the Doctor. Mrs. Lattin I must apologise. Did no one- Doctor I found my way. [Both pause, gazing. Mrs. Lattin {With relief .) Ah! Thank you. \_She makes an unfinished gesture to- wards a seat. Her eyes remain fixed on his. She S7niles faintly. Doctor You called for me. (He makes one step nearer.) KARMA 23 Mrs. Laftin My husband, I believe, did write. We — expected you. Doctor I am come. Mrs. Lattin It is exceedingly — it is more than kind of you. You are so good. I mean — {stam- mers; sinks back upon the cushions^ unable to maintain the effort), I am very ill. Doctor I know. Mrs. Lattin You know ! Ah yes — you know. Doctor That is why you called me. That is why I am here now. Mrs. Lattin I can tell you very briefly what 24 KARMA Doctor It is unnecessary. Mrs. Lattin But Doctor I have been watching you. \_He straightens up a little; a new dignity is in him. She gazes in- tently. She stretches out a hand, then withdraws it, hesitatingly, again. Mrs. Lattin You mean ? Doctor I knew — that you would send for me. Mrs. Lattin Ah! The medical journals! My case, of course — its peculiar — er — its hopeless- ness. KARMA 25 Doctor There are no hopeless cases. (He smiles. His voice is very gentle. ) Mrs. Lattin (Bewildered.) You are very ki — good. I thank you, already. Doctor (Shaking his head quietly.) And you al- ready — I see — are on the way to your recovery. Mrs. Lattin Recovery ! Doctor Since you realise that you are very ill. Mrs. Lattin Oh — in that sense. Doctor In every sense. \_She is more and more aware of some- thing unusual in him. She keeps 26 KARMA her gaze steadily on his face. She makes a gesture towards him, then hesitates. She seems on the point of saying more — speaking more freely. Mrs. Lattin I think — there must be a mistake some- where. I don't quite understand how you Doctor There are no mistakes. Mrs. Lattin But you are sure it is me you have come to see? Doctor It is you. Mrs. Lattin Mrs. Lattin? \_He bows his head. In this street and house — 13 Bristol Square? KARMA 27 This street, this square ( moves nearer and puts his hand upon her head), this very- house you occupy — for the moment. \_She stares at him. They smile. She is aware of another meaning in his words. A touch of awe shows in her manner. Mrs. Lattin (Low.) This— body? Doctor Which, for the moment, you — are occupy- ing. Little Child. Mrs. Lattin {Awed.) You know that name! My husband's secret name I Doctor It is — your name. [He moves hack a step so that she can see the picture. One hand he 28 KARMA stretches toxvords her as hi blessing. Her eyes furn from the Egijptian night-scene to his face again. Mj's. Lattin {Softh/, to herself.) My little secret love- name. It is too marvellous — this. I am completely at a loss to — (breaks off, as he looks down and smiles at h^r). Doctor Love names truly always. 3Irs. Lattin He . . , has . . . always . . . called me so. Doctor He has loved you truly — always. 3Irs. Lattin [Sitting 2ip.) But you know everji;hing in the world! Who are you — really? [Awe increases in her.) KARMA 29 Doctor I am the Doctor. Mrs. Lattin Doctor! The greatest calhng in the world! A doctor's powers Doctor Are, by rights, divine. Mrs. Lattin Life or death Doctor Life and death. Mrs. Lattin (Hushed.) But — you are more than doctor; you are also — Priest. Doctor I am at your service. 30 KARMA Mrs. Lattin (Light breaking on her face. She stretches out a hand to him. He takes it.) To heal me. I feel great power pouring from you — into me. It is like wind and fire. Doctor Life is a wind and fire. It is life you feel. Your claim is great, because of your great wish, your true desire. You deserve. And I have come. Mrs. Lattin (Puzzled.) Deserve! My great desire! My claim ... I Doctm- Your sickness is not of the heart, but of the soul. Your desire was prayer. Mrs. Lattin You have read my heart. Doctor Little Child, it is in your eyes. KARMA 81 Mrs. Lattiit And you know my very soul. Doctor Little Child, I am come to heal it. Mrs. Lattin Recovery! You said recovery. While I lie dying here by inches I Doctor You love. Mrs. Lattin With aU my heart. Doctor And — soul? \^He looks questioningly down at her with great tenderness. Her expres- sion shows the dawn of compre- hension. 32 KARMA Mrs, Lattin {Very low.) I love — wrongly — some- where. I forgot — my soul. And I have wrecked him, wrecked his life, his work. Doctor (To himself.) Again. Mrs. Lattin {Not catching his word.) Is there re- covery for that? Can you heal that? Doctor He does not question your love for him? Mrs. Lattin He is too big-hearted. He has sacrificed all for me. It is regi*et and remorse that kill me now — they bring death more quickly. If only I could understand! Doctor You shall. KARMA 33 Mrs. Lattin {Bitterly.) When it is too late. Can you give recovery for that? Can the forgiveness that I crave — his forgiveness — undo what has been? {Hides her face and sobs.) I must die without forgiveness. Doctor Recovery begins with understanding. Mrs. Lattin I want his forgiveness. Doctor You must — forgive yourself. Mrs. Lattin Oh, oh, I do not understand. My re- morse goes with me even into the grave. Doctor Remorse brings weakness. The forgive- ness of another aflPects that other only. 34 KARMA Mrs. Lattin (Looking up.) Yes? Doctor Understand. Then, without regret, go forward. To forgive yourself is — true for- giveness. Mrs. Lattin I feel something wonderful in you. Your words bring life again . . . I . . . There seems something I remember — remember al- most — very dim and far away. . . . (Her eye falls upon the Egyptian picture. She gazes fascinated at it.) The stars . . . the river . , . are rising, surely . • • Doctor You remember — life. And life shall teach you this. Mrs. Lattin Life! My life! Oh, what is it rising in me? A curtain lifts. I see . . . myself. Ah, now it goes again . . , The pain . , . KARMA 35 the pain is awful! It all has been before somewhere, I know . . . Have I done this before, then? If only I could see, I might understand. Doctor You shall see. Understanding shall bring recovery. [As he speaks he retires slowly hack- wards towards the open door. Her eyes remain fixed upon the picture. Mrs. Lattin Recovery ! I half remember ... I begin to . . . understand , . . ! Doctor The soul reaps ever its own harvest, for the soul is linked to all its past. Mrs. Lattin (Faintly.) The past I My past . . • ! Our past together . . . 36 KARMA Doctor Your pain and prayer may lift for once the curtain. Remembering, you shall under- stand. And, understanding, you shall learn to — forgive yourself. [^ light falls on Ms face and figure hy the door. Just before he disap- pears she tears her gaze away frojti the picture, and turns to him with outstretched hands. He raises his hands as though he were lifting a curtain and holding it up. Mrs. Lattin It lifts, it lifts! I hear wind among the palms, and lapping waters. A voice is whispering . . . "Little Child" . . . yet in another tongue . . . IFrom beyond the door his last words reach her with a distant ^ half- chanting sound. KARMA 37 Doctor Egypt! Wheie you began — with him. Your earhest life. Then other lives as well. See — and understand. [^She sinks back exhausted. Her face is radiant through her tears. She has just strength enough to touch the pneumatic hell beside the bed. ^ CURTAIN ACT I THEIR FIRST LIFE TOGETHER. TIME— 2000 B.C. EGYPT CHARACTERS Menophis, a young Egyptian, well bom, about 30. Nefertiti, an Egyptian dancing-girl. Sethos, Egyptian youth. Rames, High Priest in Temple of Aton. ACT I Scene — Banks of the Nile. White temple visi- ble in distance. Kephren^s Pyramdd seen very far away. Late evening, sunset. ( Nefertiti atid Sethos enter and pause. ) NefertiU Now leave me, Sethos. And go swiftly. ( With gesture of pushing Mm off. ) I must be alone. You follow me as wind follows a bird. Sethos Yet never touch you as wind does the bird. And when you dance your feet dance on my heart. No other dancing-girl com- pares with you. NefertiU Last moon Pharaoh himself told me that. I know it. But now leave me. I am here to worship. 41 42 KARMA Sethos (Supplicating.) May I not stay a mo- ment — at least, until Menophis ? Nefertiti Sethos, you heard me. It is the sacred night. The tear of Isis falls into our River when the dusk has passed to darkness. And I must worship. Sethos Menophis comes also with the dusk. You meet here every evening ; and when he comes I am forgotten. May I not stay and be remembered — till he comes? (Implores.) Your beauty makes me slavish. Out of his plenty he will not miss so little, and I — starve. Nefertiti Not now. Sethos, I tell you, go! His coming, as you know, makes the dry desert live for me. I would not have him troubled KARMA 43 for so little. He hardly is aware of your ex- istence — as yet. But, should I ever need you — slave ! Sethos (Eagerly.) As yet! Need me! Oh, Nefertiti, if you could use me I should die of happiness. Nefertiti Then prepare to die, for the time may come. Sethos Oh, may it happen soon! Nefertiti (Teasing.) The Gods alone know what may happen, and when. You are my slave. Then, vanish! Sethos (Bowing.) Your slave obeys. (Rising.) But your lover will wait among the palm- trees yonder. Menophis may not come. 44 KARMA The Gods know what will happen, and it is said the Gods have claimed him for them- selves. He is a prize, it seems, that earth a'ld heaven both desire. I have heard rumours. {Moves off Imgeringly.) If you need escort back to Memphis your lightest call will reach me. Nefertiti Go! I shall not need your escort. My happiness and his are in the keeping of the Gods. Leave me to worship. SetJios {With boy's passion.) Oh, Nefertiti, the wild sweetness of the desert is in your breath ! To me you are holy as our sacred River! May the Gods grant you all your heart's de- sire. Sethos is your slave for ever — even though his heart should break. lEmt, slowly, looking back. KARMA 45 Nefertiti (Smiling to herself.) A slave is always useful — for slavish purposes. I may put you to the test some day! ]^She Watches him out of sight behind the palms, then goes to the water's edge and splashes idly with her hare foot several times in succes- sion, accompanying each splash with a remark. He'll bury himself in the Temple. . . . He'll bury himself in my arms. . . . He'll become a monk at Rames' bidding. . . . He'll become mine. [Makes biggest splash of all.) I've got him . . . under this very foot! {Hears his footstep.) Menophis (Entering.) You here! Nefertiti! (She pretends not to hear. She is worshipping.) Nefertiti! Nefertiti ( Startled. ) Menophis ! 46 KARMA Menophis You worship here at dusk . . . beside the Nile! Nefertiti I often come at sunset — as you know. Menophis I . . . had . . . forgotten. Nefertiti Forgotten! Has some Afreet bhnded you? Only last night, too, you passed me by without a glance — on your way to Aton's new Temple. Menophis It was moonless and I did not see you. No Afreet power could hide you in the sunshine. Nefertiti (Mocking.) Oh, thank you, Menophis. I thought your heart was too full perhaps to see me. KARMA 47 MeTioyhis You have been worshipping alone — and you were lonely. Forgive me, Little Child, I Nefertiti I forgive you, O handsome Menophis. But I was not lonely. Sethos kept me com- pany awhile. Menophis Sethos! The Syi-ian banker's son! You can find pleasure in such company? Nefertiti (Softly.) You did not come here to talk with me of Sethos. You came, like me, to worship ! Menophis He is rich. Nefertiti He is forgotten too. When you call me "Little Child" the whole world is forgotten. There is only — You, 48 KARMA Menophis Little . . . Child. NefertiU { Goes closer. ) Your eyes seem strange to me to-night: they look far away into space. Your voice sounds distant like the desert jackal's cry. {She puts a hand 07i his and looks searchingly into his eyes. ) Yet you call me Little Child, as of old, when we met here every evening in the dusk ... to play and talk and dream together ... of the future. Menophis (taking his other hand and draw- ing her body closer to him ) , will you not tell me — your Little Child — this sacred night when the Tear of Isis bids our river rise — tell me what wonderful new dream has crept into this faithful heart? (Lowers her head as though to hear its heating.) I hear an- other music in your blood. (Lifts her face to his.) And it is . . . beautiful. (Waits for his reply.) KARMA 49 MerwpMs It is the Sacred Night. That means — Had you forgotten? Nefertiti (Alarmed, but half teasing.) Oh, you S olemnity ! Forgotten what ? MenopMs (Gravely.) A choice — a decision — ^made to-night is made for ever. Nefertiti (Low.) I know. Menojjhis Little Child, it is for me a crisis, and I must choose between great issues. My life, too, is rising. I must decide in what direc- tion it shall flow. Nefertiti You mean . . . with whom? 50 KARMA Menophis For whom. IHe turns Ms head a moment towards the distant Temple of Aton^ just visible still in the last sunset light. Its whiteness gleams. She notices the gesture. Nefertiti How cold it has grown. Menophis . . . I feel the desert-wind's fingers at my heart. It is the North wind from the sea. You, too, seem distant suddenly. {Lowering voice.) I fear for you. Why is it? I fear something . . . for myself ... as well — -. — Menophis There is no fear this sacred night. There is courage only. Life increases everywhere. The river rises. The Tear of Isis falls into the Nile and KARMA 51 Nefertiti Hark! (She listens.) There are awful things about in Egypt when Menoj^Ms She is alive, that's all. Nefertiti Listen ! MenopMs It is the lapping waves. It is the wind among the palms. Nefertiti (Whispering.) The waters! That cold desert wind! It blows between us — between you and me. There is a shadow! (Shud- ders closer to him.) Surely great Kephren bowed this way! Menophis The stars shine over us. They cast no shadow. The pyramid stands fast. 52 KARMA Nefertiti Yet something passed between us, for I felt it. {Grips hirn.) You are all mine? Menophis (Holds her close.) There is no room. A shadow cannot separate us. Anything real would bind us closer only. Nefertiti Then why are you so solemn, your eyes so far away, your voice so distant? This crisis that you speak of — it could not take you from me? Menophis Nothing can take you from me, or me from you — for long. The chain of our past and future lives is bound together beyond all breaking. Nefertiti What is it, then, that frightens me ? KARMA 53 Menophis ( With grave tenderness. ) Ah, Nefertiti, Little Child, to-night I stand — we stand to- gether — at the very gates of life. The choice is difficult, for it involves you too. Since first, three years ago, I saw you flit- ting, like a swallow, down the river bank at Memphis — since those enchanted days I have had no other human love but you Nefertiti ( Startled. ) No other human love ! Menophis (Slowly.) There is another love, my Nefertiti — a greater; not more enduring, perhaps, but nobler. For it demands the greater sacrifice. And, cold though it seem to your warm, passionate heart — if it should call me Nefertiti {Catching him by the arm.) Greater! Yet would take you from me ! But you are mine! 54 KARMA MenopMs Your beauty troubles nie; my blood re- bels. I cannot look at you and hear the call this sacred night may bring me. I must make a still place for my soul to listen. (Slowly.) Oh, Nefertiti, you must leave me — for a little. Nefertiti Not knowing what is in your troubled heart! Not hearing from your own lips if we shall meet again ! MeTwphis (Sees Rames approaching.) You should know all. If not from my lips, then from Nefertiti (Sees Rames too.) Rames, the great Priest ! I understand. He would steal you from me for his dismal Temple, steal you away from life. KARMA 55 Mervophis He is among the wisest and noblest of our land, the Great One of Vision, Aton's ser- vant. Nefertiti {Pouting^ alarmed.) AtonI Menophis Hush! Be careful! Even if Aton takes me, the chain of lives must bring us again together. It were but a brief separation — a sacrifice of pain and joy we both may offer as one being. And when, in our next life, we meet again, what ecstasy of strengthened, purified love would be ours — to know each had been faithful to the other — for His sake. Nefertiti (Roused.) Me grow old in loneliness wiiile you satisfy your soul with selfish wor- ship ! Our sacrifice ! Menophis In dreams we still 56 KARMA NefertiU We should never meet; a dream's a dream. No children would come to me. MenopMs You would not pine. It would be, for both of us, a preparation for our meeting in a future life NefertiU {Playing 07i his feelings.)Yo\\ are right, Menophis. I should not pine, for I should marry and know joy. Your sacrifice, if you choose it, you may bear alone, for Nerf ertiti will not certainly be lonely. There is no lack of those who offer life to her in place of the dream that Rames sets before you Menophis Others! Is there another? Nef ertiti ! {Approaches. ) KARMA 57 Nefertiti (Withdraws.) Rames is coming. I hear his cautious step. Make your choice with him. I will not influence you. You wished to be alone; I'll leave you. (Makes to move away. ) MenopMs (With passion and regret.) One mo- ment more. Will you not say farewell? And if — and if — until you hear from my own lips Nefertiti (Softly.) If you decide to leave me, Menophis, you will not quite forget 3Ienophis Little Child, you know. Always I shall think of you Nefertiti (Mocking.) As happy and light-hearted — with another. I am no "dream" to Sethos. 58 KARMA Menophis Your beauty tortures me. NefertiU You do not torture me; you cannot. If you loved me you could not give me up so lightly. You may think of me — of iis — walking along this river bank at sunset with laughter and without regret, talking maybe of Menophis, and his passing dream. The echo of our laughter may reach into your little cell. Menophis (Advancing.) Unsay those haunting words. Nefertiti It is but impulse that betrays you. You have a "greater love" than me. I have one too! Farewell. I shall not come again un- less you call me. [Eait. [Menophis paces to and fro, hides his face in his hands, sighs, looks after the girl, pauses, then hows his head KARMA 59 and waits while Rames comes up to Mm. Rames Your eyes are troubled, although I cannot see them. (Looks down at the young man's footsteps. ) And your steps leave an uneven pattern on the sands. Menophis (Looking up. ) There are too many voices in my ears; and all are sweet. I know not which is true. I am unhappy and afraid. My peace of yesterday is gone. Rames These stars that watch you now shall watch your future lives as well. Before they pale at dawn they shall have marked your choice. They are rising in the east. They watch you — and they wait. 60 KARMA MeTwpMs (Turning Ms look away from the shy.) I came here to find peace — between the sun- set and the sunrise. Itames Sunrise and sunset — the two great mo- ments of the day. Death and resurrection — the two great moments of our life. ( Watches him closely.) Menophis Not death — a disappearance only (smiles) for a little time. Rames (Pleased.) To return again and again, each new life linked to those that went be- fore; and each determined bj^ opportunities left or taken. Menophis The choice! Oh, Rames, there are two calls in me. I hear two voices always. My KARMA 61 future life hangs upon the decision that I make. Ttames You will not make it. It will make itself. The stronger call must win (points across the Nile towards the sinking sun). It is whether you shall live unto yourself alone, or consecrate your powers to Aton. (Points towards the Temple.) It is not alone your future life that hangs upon the choice; it is your future lives. [They spread their arms and how to- wards the West. The sun sinks below the Libyan horizon of the desert. The dusk creeps up. Menophis (Rising.) If only the whole of me could choose. I should then know that I am worthy. Rames (Approving.) There can be no half- heartedness in the service of our Deity. 62 KARMA Menophis ( With enthusiasm. ) Our Deity — the sun ! [Turns and gazes at the great Temple of Aton whose white columns still gleam in the golden after-glow some distance across the desert. Rames (Moving closer, with hand on his shoul- der. ) Egypt, our great land, now witnesses the climax of her splendour. A change, which is divine, steals over her. It is no longer the mere disc of the sun we worship ; it is the power behind. 31enx)phis (Reverently.) The heat and glory that are in Aton, eternal and all-loving Deity. Rames (Smiling.) Who calls you for the offer- ing of — yourself. (Pauses.) The Temples of our regenerated Egypt demand the best. KARMA 63 MenopJiis {Eagerly.) And I might help towards this great upHfting? Rames ( Gravely. ) Menophis, Aton calls you to himself. Menophis {Enthusiasm and awe on his face.) I hear the call! Rames {Slowly.) But other, lesser, calls as well? Menophis There can be no turning back I Ra7nes No turning back. Menophis I must be sure! Rarnes It is for ever. 64 KARMA Menophis {Very low.) I know which call is high- est, yet I hear that sweeter voice. If only I could smother it. Rames ( Understanding. ) It is the lust of life — of woman I Menophis It is love. [The dusk is turning into darkness. The stars begin to peep. Rames I may not influence you. Years ago I heard these two calls, as you do, singing in my soul. Menophis (Looking eagerly, with respect, into the old mans face.) And you have never known regret? Rames (Gravely.) I have known perfect joy. KAIIMA 65 Menophis To yield what is most dear to another is very hard. Oh, Rames, I am so young, the choice is difficult. If I had some sign that Aton accepts me ! {IVith rising pas- sion.) Aton, guide my decision and grant my choice be wise! [Nefeetiti is seen returning. Sethos is with her. They are laughing together. Sethos" arm is about Nefertiti. Menophis does not see them. Rames Weigh carefully. Hear every call with honesty. Aton, indeed, does call you, but it is all or nothing. ( Withdraws slowly down river bank towards the Temple. Waves his hand solemnly.) I leave you — to yourself. [Exit. Menophis Great Aton, guide me. 66 KARMA \_StretcTies arms to the shy; looks up at stars. Then hows his head upon his hands in prayer. Nefertiti draws near with Sethos. Sethos My head spins, Nerfertiti. Then it was in play that you dismissed me? I can hard- ly believe my happiness is real. [Tries to embrace her. Nefertiti (Escaping gaily.) Everything's real — at the moment when — you've got it. [Menophis hears their voices. Turns and sees them,. Menophis With .-. . Sethos ..... I {To her. ) You've come back ... I Nefej'titi {Pretending she has just noticed him.) The river bank is public, I believe. All Memphis will be here presently — this sacred KARMA 67 night. (Mocking.) Forgive me — forgive v^ — if we disturbed your meditations. {Glancing at Sethos.) We enjoy the star- light like the other lovers! MenopMs Together ! Sethos A young girl does not come out unat- tended. I am proud that Nefertiti accepts my protection — as before. Menophis Little Child! Nefertiti (To Sethos^ laughing.) Menophis, you know, is half a priest already. He has put aside all common things — youth, dancing, laughter — love. Sethos {Half insolently.) Wise Menophis! I envy a man grown old before his time. He has had some bitter disappointment prob- ably. 68 KARMA Menopliis (Suffering keenly.) If you really love each other, I SetJios Come this way, Nefertiti. I hear a pipe. (Melody on pipe heard faintly.) Let's go and dance. This atmosphere is too holy. (Tries to draw her away.) Menophis (Pain.) Can this be a sign from Aton — that you are worthless? Nefertiti (Stung.) We'll dance, yes, as we did at Memphis when the harvest ripened. And then we'll bathe together, Sethos. It all is worship, and my blood this sacred night is burning Sethos (Wild.) And to-morrow I may see your father ? KARMA 69 [Nefertiti whispers in his ear. They laugh. He tries again to kiss her. She escapes again, and dances se- ductively, taking care to go close past Menophis^ who makes several half movements towards her, hut controls himself. Nefertiti (Singing mischievously to the tune of the distant pipe, and holding Sethos by the hand. As she goes past Menophis she holds out her free hand to him temptingly.) "Come, dance together. Take my hand Beside the rising river; We'll dance upon the starlit sand, And then through life — for ever!" Menophis (Catching at her hand as she flits past.) Nefertiti! Nefertiti (Escaping his touch. Still hand in hand with Sethos.) I heard a dead voice call- 70 KARMA ing from a Tomb. {To Sethos.) It's not for us. We are alive ! [Sings as before^ glancmg mockingly at Menophis^ who again would seize her as she goes by. "The rising river takes our feet, And life flows full of laughter; Come, dance with me while youth is sweet " Mervophis (Touching her.) Little Child! Nefertiti (Slowing down. Sings last line linger- ingly.) "The wedding follows after!" Menophis My Little Child. Sethos (Trying to draw her away.) Come, Ne- fertiti. Come with me, lest the Temple snatch you, too. KARMA 71 M 6710 phis ; waters wait the sign! Listen! The (Warningly.) A few brief moments and the Tear of Isis falls — and the choice is made, not for this life only, but for ever. (Solemnly to Nefertiti.) You would bind your soul to his . . . for all future lives . . . for ever? Nefertiti {Drawing hack.) "For ever*'! 'Tor all future lives"! For an hour — a few hours, perhaps Sethos You swore to me that you Nefertiti I danced and played and sang with you. You dance lightly and your voice is sweet. But — if it is true that vows taken to-night can bind me to your soul for ever Menophis It is true. 72 KARMA Nerfertiti ...the journey would tire me. Sethos Nefertiti! Menophis {Steps between them. Nefeetiti hesi- tates.) Let her alone. Since her eyes first opened to the sun she has been mine. A hundred future Hves shall take our feet to- gether. And she knows it. She plays with you — this singing, dancing. She lives with me. {Seizes her, all else forgotten.) Leave us together, Sethos. Go! Nefertiti I played with you. You know it. {To Menophis.) You had forgotten our ap- pointment! I did it — for my love's sake. [Sethos shrinks from Ms sudden vio- lence, startled, hut keeps her hand. Menophis She has finished with you. Go! KARMA 73 Sethos (Sneers.) Finished! You are mistaken, Menophis. Only a while ago she said my love was precious to her — (Realising.) You (to her) have strange ideas of play. You're a Menoyhis (Threateningly.) Enough, Sethos. You knew, at least, that we belonged to one an- other. You have yourself to blame. Nefertiti (Proud of him.) Of course. Sethos says the same sweet things to many another maiden too. Sethos (Bitterly.) The Gods have set me free of you, and I am glad. When next we meet, Menophis, you shall hear the soft promises she made me (turns his hack to go) J and how she spoke of you! (Moves faster, as Menophis advances threatening- ly.) She called you half woman and half 74 KARMA monk — ^no man at all {runs), fit. , , .only. . . for., .the Temples! [Exit. Nefertiti {A last shot at him.) Yet if I raised my little finger you'd come tmnbling back — a helpless slave! {Turns to Menophis.) I am ashamed. {Demurely.) I did pretend he pleased me. Menophis Little Child .-V. Nefertiti {Happy.) I was a little jealous of — of — your Aton. Menophis And I, perhaps, of your . . . Sethos. [They smile and embrace. The pipe is heard. She breaks away and dances before him happily. Nefertiti {sings) "Come, dance with me, and take my hand Beside the rising river; KARMA 75 We'll dance upon the starlit sand. And then through hfe — for ever." MeTwpliis You are a daughter of the sun! Nefertiti Isis and Aton both are in our blood! Menophis Your beauty blinds me. I hear no other voice than your dear singing. I see no stars, your twinkling feet are everywhere. Nefertiti (Triumphantly.) It is the call of Life. \^A sound is heard, like wind in an Eolian harp, faint. Menophis (Startled.) Listen! The moment comes. [With the sound is mingled the lapping of water. 76 KARMA Nefertiti (Awed.) It is here. \_A star falls froin the sky. Both together The Tear of Isis! Meriophis Our river takes it. Nefertiti The waters rise. Menophis Our choice is made — for ever. Nefertiti My beloved. (Embrace.) Mine... for ever and ever ... all our future lives. Menophis The Temple was a dream. Your beauty makes me see it. (Breaks off as he sees KARMA 77 Rames and Sethos approaching through the palms.) Rames comes. [Makes to hide.) Great One of Visions! Nefertiti (Triumphantly.) And Sethos with him. Let them see us both. [Catches his arm.) Do not hide, but tell them boldly of your glorious choice. [Rames and Sethos have been talking together. Sethos now turns and goes off towards the Temple, walk- ing slowly with bowed head, but looking back over his shoulder sometimes. Disappears. Rames comes slowly forward. Holds up his hands to bless them. Ramies [Smiling gravely.) May Aton bless you both — now — and in all lives to come. Nefertiti [Confidently.) Aton has blessed us — both. 78 KARMA Menophis (Dazed J troubled.) Rames — you come to know my choice. ( Very gravely. ) The Tear has fallen. The river is rising, and I — (lowers head) I have heard the call. Rames The choice is yours — (solemnly) and hers. Menophis. I havel . „, ^- . . . TT , r chosen. ihe ris- Nejertiti. He has J mg waters and the risen stars bear witness. Rames They . . . bear^o . witness. Menophis (Half sadly to Rames.) I have weighed both voices. Another — a worthier than I — must replace me in the Temple. Rames Aton does not compel. The call will come to you again — in following lives, until KARMA 79 Nefertiti {Interrupting.) Our love comes from Aton. He has given Menophis to me for my own. Rawxs All gifts are his. Menophis Holy Rames, I cannot let her go from me. JRames (Solemnly.) The choice is made. The future lives will bring again, and yet again {turning to Nefertiti), this same deep op- portunity, when you — again — shall lead his soul higher, or {uith emphasis) delay and hinder by vain selfish love. Nefertiti '(Defiant, yet frightened.) He is mine — for ever. No priest or god shall rob me of him. I keep him for myself. (Clutches him. ) 80 KARMA Mames The rising water bears witness to your vow. (With prophetic and intense grav- ity.) Wliere the Temple gleams white in the sunlight, and where the palaces run down to the sea, you shall hear the waters in your soul — and — shall — remember. Nefertiti (Alarmed.) Listen! He prophesies! Menophis (Awed.) Great One of Visions! CURTAIN ACT II THEIR SECOND LIFE TOGETHER. TIME— 325 B.C. GREECE CHARACTERS Phocion (40), Athenian General. Lydia (35), his wife. Lysander, a youth, Phocion's brother. Alexander the Great. Athenian Citizens. ACT II Scene — Room in Phocion's house in Athens. Simple. Altar to Zeus zdth brazier burning. Col- onnade with pillars amd liew towards Acropolis. Late evening. ( Lydia is half -kneeling^ Imlf -leaning over the marble balustrade, gazing into the dis- tance. Enter Phocion. He comes near and touches her.) Lydia How you startled me! Phocion Were your thoughts so far away, Little ChUd? Lydia I was thinking. Phocion And gazing across the sea as usual. What is there so attractive beyond that dim hori- zon? The future or ? 83 84 KARMA Lydia Perhaps its dimness only. That's south- wards, is it not? There Egypt lies, and — Alexandria — you said — the great, new city. Phocion (SearcMngly.) Distance still haunts your eyes. Little wonder that I startled you. (Kisses her.) But do not speak of Alexander's city. Our thoughts lie nearer home — in Athens. Lydia Where have you been, Phocion? All day I've missed you. Pliocion On the hills — alone. I have been think- ing. JLydia Thinking — you too! KARMA 85 Phocion I came home by way of Theseus' Temple, saying a prayer for our loved city and for ourselves. Lydia But you are weary, and your feet are splashed with mud. Phocion I crossed the Ilissus to be sooner home, and found it rising — in flood almost. Yes- terday's rains on Mount Hymettus — {breaks off as she makes a sudden gesture) . Why, what ails you, Lydia? Do I startle you a second time? Lydia Forgive me, Phocion; do not notice my little weaknesses. It was merely — there, I've often told you — a rising river is an omen that causes me strange uneasiness. 86 KARMA Phocion Little Child, I understand. I know your feelings. Athens herself is on edge these days — and little wonder. Lydia Phocion, let me tell you honestly — I am afraid. Phocion Anxious, perhaps, but not afraid. The mood of our beloved city takes you with it, as it takes us all. We all are patriots to-day. But the wife of Phocion has proved herself no coward. Lydia {Low voice.) Alexander is so powerful. Some say the Macedonian is a God. Phocion Pshaw! In his own land, perhaps. But Athens has her own Gods. He is a con- queror, yes; but a conqueror can only take a city, not the souls who dwell in it. KARMA 87 Lydia (Softly.) Phocion, when I hear your words my fear melts away. Yet Athens is conquered. Our city trembles Phocion Hush, Lydia. I do not like to hear you say such things. Lydia Who can stand against him, then? Who is there can oppose this conqueror of the Persians ? Phocion Every Athenian — every Greek who loves our city more than he fears the Macedonian. Lydia All Athens, then! Phocion All the best in Athens. [Lydia looks nervously over her shoul- der towards the city and Acropolis. 88 KARMA The dusk deepens. The first star shows. Lydia (Shudders.) Your speech ijs often mys- terious like this now — dark with meaning. Each night as twihght gathers from the sea about our city, there are footsteps on the causeway that make me tremble. No sooner has Hymettus darkened than shad- ows move silently over the courtyard and between the pillars. {Turns and flings her arms about him.) Oh, my Phocion, it is for you, not for myself, I am afraid. Phocion Calm yourself, beloved. I am an Athen- ian who obeys his unconquerable Gods. I do no more than accept the destiny they lay upon him who loves his country Lydia But if Alexander discovered you — if 1 KARMA 89 Phocion Discovered me! What thought is this? Lydia If he discovered you were true to Athens, I was about to say. If he took you from me! Oh, Phocion! In dreams I have seen you lying dead at his feet — lost to me for ever. Phocion Not lost, most loving woman. If the Gods take me — if I die for Athens Lydia Am I, then, less than Athens? Phocion Athens is great because of women like you, Lydia. You would not see her less? Lydia How less? Phocion Less free. Liberty is the breath of life. 90 KARMA Lydia What is my liberty if I lose you? Your voice, your touch, your living presence here beside me {embraces him) — I want you alive and loving Phocion Our love has grown with Athens. On the green Cephissian banks we first discovered it, and that evening on Hymettus when the honey — ah, I see it in your eyes, dear heart — you remember even as I remember. If Athens live Lydia But if you die! If Alexander crush you, kill you! Oh, my Phocion, this struggle against the conqueror is vain. You tempt the Gods. I fear for you and for your hope- less schemes Phocion My schemes! Lydia, what do you know? KARMA 91 Lydia I suspect only. I feel you planning dan- gerous things that must take you from me. Those silent footsteps on our causeway in the dusk, the shadows that pass between the pillars, the rising waters — Phocion! your strange deep love of Athens takes no account of me, your little, suffering wife. Phocion The love of Athens is ours. It is the love of country that the Gods call sacred. {Looks out across the fading city.) Hellas, your valleys and mountains, streams and happy groves . . . beautiful, beloved . . . who would not die for you ... I Lydia I love you. If you live for me, you live for Hellas even more. Athens lives in our hearts, not otherwise. 92 KARMA Phocion (Sternly.) If a barbarian rule our dear city, our hearts are dead. It is better for my heart to mingle with the soil of Hellas than beat as the slave of Alexander. Lydia I love you too much to see you run on death. Your wild plot to save our city is but the Fates' way of taking you away from me. Plwcion Try, Lydia, to love me as I love Athens. Lydia You ask too much of me. I love Hellas, but I love you more. Phocion Then — not enough. (Looks away.) You make it hard for me. I see the right so clearly, but your clinging love makes me weak. KARMA 93 Lydia There is nothing in the world for a woman but her love. If you were lost to me, Phocion, these lips could kiss one other only — the rising flood (shudders) of our little Athenian river — or the sea. Phocion What comes, sweet wife, comes to both of us together. You are overwrought with sleeplessness and watching. Trust me and love me — ^more I cannot tell you now. Your love shall give me strength. {He embraces her and moves slowly off towards the colon- nade.) And if there is a greater love than yours, some day we shall find it — know it both together. What comes to me to do now — I must do. [Goes slowly off. Lydia {At him.) A greater love! Ah, Phocion — you're going from me — going towards death. I know not what you mean. There 94 KARMA is no greater love. (Watclies him disap- pear.) Then I must save you, since you will not save yourself. I cannot lose you. My love, I cannot let you — ( Covers her face with her hands). My love shall save you from yourself. If I do wrong the Gods forgive [Knocking is heard. She starts and looks round. A Messengek is seen in the courtyard. ( Cautiously. ) You would see — whom ? Messenger The wife of Phocion. JLydia (Frightened.) Hush! Come softly, I am she. (Messenger enters stealthily.) You bring a message for me? You bring a token? Messenger (With respect.) She who sends me bids me sav as token this: From one who loves KARMA 95 her Lord more than his earthly glory — to her who loves as greatly. Lydia (Faintly.) To her who loves as greatly. {Hesitates, slwws agitation, a distraught ex- pression on her face. ) It is to save him that I do it — to save his life for — both of us. {Turns to Messenger. ) Your great mis- tress bid you bring an answer back to her? Messenger Without delay — ^my orders are. Lydia Have you no more to say? No further message? Do you bring only the token that you come from her? Messenger She bid me say that you should feel per- fect confidence. Lydia The word of Alexander ? 96 KARMA Messenger Has been given, and cannot change. Lydia Though it concern the life of one who was his enemy? Messenger The Queen bid me assure you. He has given her his promise. It will not alter. Lydia (Whispers.) Then take this message back to her who sent you : To one who comes hither to-night when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow I will reveal what I have promised to reveal. In return I claim the boon the conqueror has sworn — through her — to give me. Messenger Her word and his are both securely given. I take back yours. KARMA 97 Lydia Go swiftly, silently. I shall await fulfil- ment here — when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow on the marble causeway. Behind that pillar I shall wait. Go swiftly! [Eooit Messenger. Lydia^ looking aruviously at the shy, withdraws in- to the shadow of the pillars. Phocion enters, his arm upon the shoulder of Lysander^ his youth- fuL brother, Lydia overhears their talk, Lysander {With enthusiasm.) Our last meeting now, and then to action. Oh, Phocion, I feel the Gods are with us. Your daring shall save Athens, and Hellas will live — even if we die. Phocion We all stand or fall together. They are picked men, and heroes ; no one among them thinks of self. The risk, of course, is great, 98 KARMA but it is nothing when the stake is consid- ered. Lysander Everything favours us. The best troops of Alexander's army are still in Egypt. The entire city is behind us. All Athens will rise when it sees you are our leader. {Vehemently.) We shall drive the proud Macedonian out. Oh, I'm glad the talk is over soon! I burn for action. Phocion I, too, want action. I am not made for stealth and for conspiracy. Plotting and hesitation weary me. (Sighs.) Lysander Phocion, you feel no doubt, though — ? I heard you sigh. Ai-e you less sure of — of anything? Phocion For myself, boy, I have no doubt. For Athens I am sure and strong. Did I sigh KARMA 99 perhaps? If so — if so, it was for others whose lives I hold in trust. For others — the truest, best, and bravest men in all Athens. Lysander The Gods will bear that burden for you, Phocion. Phocion Yes, yes ; the Gods will bear it — partly. Lysander No one can lead but you. We are of one accord. Phocion I will lead, Lysander. Have no fear. Of myself I do not think. (Looks out.) The moon is up. I see the evening star o'er Salamis. They will be here very shortly. Lysander We are quite safe here. I took the pass- word round myself at noon. 100 KARMA Phocion We cannot be too cautious. Alexander's spies are more numerous than the bees upon Hymettus. They can sting as sharply too. Lysander Oh, our secret is well guarded. Yet the least whisper or thoughtless word could so easily betray us. {Looks round with a mo- ment's hesitation, then continues in a lower voice.) I only would — that Lydia Phocion Lydia I Lysander She is in great favour with Alexander's queen, Statira. Phocion So much the better! Since she knows nothing there is nothing she can reveal. Alexander seeks to play the generous con- queror. That the wife of Phocion accepts favours that Phocion spurns can only save KARMA 101 us from suspicion. The Persian woman helps us without knowing it. And so does Lydia ! Lysander You are right, Phocion. The Gods show their will in little things like this. We are under their protection. Yet if word reached Alexander of our gathering in your house to-niglit Phocion Keep your words for later, boy ; you waste your strength. How can you hold such idle thoughts? Hellas a Macedonian province! Her ancient liberties crushed ! Our last hope dead as soon as born, and no blow struck ! Lysander Phocion, forgive me! And, Selene, in yonder rising moon, forgive me too. The Gods protect and help us! Phocion Pallas Athena, give us wisdom to plan and strength to strike. 102 KARMA [Lydia comes forward from her hiding- place among the columns. The moonlight falls on her. As she moves she notices that it casts a shadow. Sloe hurries. Lysander Watches her somewhat closely. Ah, Lydia. Lydia You did not call me, Pliocion? It seemed Phocion (Smiling.) Your maidens called you to the bath. It is your bathing hour. Lydia (To Lysander.) Lysander, good-even- ing! You are fortunate. (Half laughing, Jialf jealous.) Phocion has more time for his brother than for his wife. Lysander Had I a wife as brave and faithful as my brother has, I should be more fortunate KARMA 103 still! These are grave times, good Lydia, for true Athenian men. Phocion Ah, Lydia knows too well, Lysander. But do not detain her now. ( To Lydia. ) I will come later for you, Little Child — an liour at the most. Lydia I am always ready for you, Phocion, and always true. I, too, am an Athenian. Phocion The Gods watch over ycml Lydia And over you ! [Phocion moves to the balustrade and leans &ver, matching the night. He waits for her to go. Lydia turns to Lysandee, and speaks low and hurriedly. You love him, I know, Lysander, and he loves you. 104 KARMA Lysander Before he even knew your name, I loved Phocion, (sternly) and more than Phocion I love Phocion's honour. JLydia And so loving him you would urge him — to his death. (With passion.) You shall not, Lysander; Phocion is mine and he be- longs to me. I will hold him fast to this life. A glorious career now lies at Phocion's feet. Lysander I love Phocion's honour too well to tempt him to dishcmour. Lydia Tush, boy! You do not understand. I would not tempt him. Fate does not tempt, it commands. The high Gods bid us to accept fate bravely. The weak resist it ; the strong accept and make it glorious. And a glorious career now lies at Phocion's feet. KARMA 105 Lysander You speak with knowledge, Lydia? If so, how come you by such knowledge? JLydia Hush, not so loud. Lysander, you faith- ful brother, I tell you it is common knowl- edge. The Military Governorship of Alex- andria — once offered to Phocion already and refused by him — is open to him still. Alexander knows his worth Lysander His incorruptibihty too. But how know you this, Lydia? Lydia I only know that Alexander is generous and will raise him to even greater honour. He places Phocion above all men in Athens Lysander (Coldly.) Has Alexander's queen in- formed you thus. (Louder.) It seems 106 KARMA strange to me, Lydia, that the wife of — an Athenian patriot Phodon How loud your voices grow. Lydia, Lit- tle Child, you had best leave us now, for Lysander and I have grave business to transact together — and we expect others too. {There is a low knocking at the door. Lydia Lysander chides me that I accept kind- ness from the queen of Athens' conqueror. Phodon I see no harm in that, and possibly much good. Your love will ever guide you. Fare- well, now, for a little while. And happiness go with you! Lydia I leave you. It is your friends who come to you at twilight now so often. The Fates protect you, my Phocion! {Whispers to Lysander as she goes.) Oh, save him. KARMA 107 Lysander! Save him from himself — for me, his wife! lExit slowly, looking back fondly at Phocion as she goes. Lysander watches her with an expression that betrays doubt, amviety and disapproval. He shakes his liead. The knocking is repeated. It is a definite knock that has been pre- arranged. Phocion Open, Lysander. It is the Citizens. [A dozen Citizens enter quietly. Their leader holds a scroll in his hand. In turn they greet Phocion with ob- vious respect, each giving the pass- word, while Phocion replies with the countersign: Citizen The Gods deliver Athens! 108 KARMA Phocion They will deliver her! [When all are in, they group them- selves. An elderly Citizen, //l d- ing the scroll, acts as spokesman. It is safest our meeting should be brief, and no words wasted. First Citizen We stand for action. Second Citizen Immediate action. Third Citizen Each day that passes consolidates the bar- barian power that would ruin Athens. Lysander Citizens, we need two conditions for suc- cess — to strike hard, and to surprise. KARMA 109 Phocion We must move warily. The Macedo- nian's spies hide everywhere, and money has been flowing. JLysandei There are ten thousand hearts in Athens above gold ! Phocion (Gravely.) Our preparations must be sure. You bring to-night the list of pa- triots? First Citizen It is drawn up (holds out scroll) . Twenty names stand written here, each signed by his own hand, each guaranteeing three hundred men of arms Phocimi Whom we can trust? First Citizen The names are guarantee, as you will see — the best in Athens. 110 KARMA Second Citizen Ready to live or die as our beloved city lives — or dies. JLysander And thousands more will follow once we show the way. Phocion Our forlorn hope (takes the scroll) is favoured of the Gods, and will be led by them, [Begins to read names. Citizen Upon great leadership hangs success or failure. There can be one leader only. Citizens Phocion ! Phocion ! Lysander Phocion is our leader. [Phocion reads rlently. Lysander suddenly turns his head towards the moon-lit courtyard. (Low.) I saw a figure pass. KARMA 111 Citizen A few moments ago I saw one too — be- tween the pillars. Another Citizen Are we alone here? Phocion {Looking up.) My wife — and her maid- ens — are about. We are alone. First Citizen Once read, Phocion, the list must be in- stantly destroyed. Each signature is a war- rant for the writer's death. Lysander (Nervously.) I counsel haste. The very stones move as with footsteps. The sky has eyes. [Turns towards a burning brazier close behind him. 112 KARMA Phocion (Calmly.) I have read. The names are — ^what Athens would expect. Lysander Then let me burn it. First Citizen (Rising.) Phocion, in the names you read, and in the names of all assembled here, we offer you the leadership — the military leadership. We ask you to lead our beloved city back to liberty again. (Muffled ap- plause. ) [While Phocion has been reading, a wcymans figure is seen creeping from pillar to pillar where the shadows are deepest. She is fol- lowed closely by a second figure — a man swathed in a head-dress such as that worn by the Persian war- rior in the Elgin Marbles. Un- noticed in the dimness they reach KARMA 113 the colonnades where they can hear all that passes, Phocion (Slowly.) Citizens, in the name of Athens, and with the approval of the death- less Gods of Athens — I accept the leader- ship. \_He hands the scroll to Lysander^ who has stepped forward eagerly to seize it. Lysander turns towards the fire. First Citizen Then we are half-way to success already. (Applause.) The sooner we disband, the better. Three of us may stay with Phocion to decide the final \_At this moment the cloaked figure steps out into tlie centre of the courtyard. He is plainly visible in the moonlight. Consternation reigns. Phocion reaches for his 114 KARMA sword. Lysajstder fumbles over rhe hrazier, thrusting the scroll in- to the flames. The Citizens stand firm, not trying to hide, but visibly startled. Citizen We are betrayed I Citizen A spy! We have been overheard! Citizen A Persian! Phocion (Self-possessed.) No stranger is unwel- come in my house, even though he enter — without permission. {Louder to stranger.) You would see Phocion? I am he. [Lydia remains hidden in the shadows. Stranger {Advancing.) I ask forgiveness for my unannounced intrusion. I disturb you. But KARMA 115 my need is urgent. This is my warrant : I am a messenger from Alexander. ^Stands erect and waits. Others From Alexander! Phocion (Calmly.) You bring Phocion a message from Alexander? Stranger Of first importance. Plwcion You may deliver it. [Lysander pauses to listen too. Stranger A gift I am bid offer first — a gift from Egypt, where Phocion fought so bravely and so well. (Holds out an object of gold.) From the Temple of Amnion himself in Lybia. 116 KARMA Phocion (Coldly.) Phocion fights not for gifts; nor can he accept anything from the bar- barian conqueror of Athens. Stranger I am bid to urge reflection on you. First words are not the truest always, nor the wisest. (Pauses.) Phocion (Simply^ with scorn.) I am an Athenian. Stranger (Lays gift on a marble table beside Phocion.) Alexander commands me say further — that, with this gift, he would hon- our Phocion by yet another one. He bids me call you the Military Governor of his new city in Egypt. Phocion The two gifts are one. I have one an- swer only. KARMA 117 Stranger {Smoothly.) Then, with your answer, I ask permission to take back some trifle — such as that parchment the youth there would destroy — as proof to Alexander that the House of Phocion is loyal. [Lysander^ startled, desists a moment. Phocion takes a sudden step for- wards. Phocion ( A larmed. ) Loyal 1 Stranger {Throws of disguise.) The parchment. [Voice of command. Holds hand out. Phocion Alexander ! [AU recognise Alexander. Confu- sion, consternation, and murmurs: " Alexander r '' Alexander !" 118 KARMA ■Aleccander Hand it to me, boy, before another name is burned. (Laughs.) [ Alexandee strides towards Mm. Ly- SANDER defies him. Alexandee seizes him. He shall be surety, Phocion, for your loyalty. [Phocion^ holding his sword, rushes on Ajlexandee to aid Lysander^ and above all to rescue the scroll. The Citizens stand their ground and are about to interfere, when Lydia rushes in and throws herself on Phocion^ checMng his violent at- tack. At the same moment Alex- ander stamps on the marble floor. Soldiers enter. Phocion and Alexander stand facing one an- other in silence for a moment. I hold you the bravest man in Athens, Phocion, and such men as you T need. KARMA lU (Holds out the scroll, as yet unread.) But lesser men than you I do not — need I Lydia Phocion ! Great Alexander ! .^, . S tatira promised me . . . Oh, he is too brave to die...! « Lileccander {To Soldiers.) Three of you take the boy away. The rest withdraw. No, let these greybeards go. lA few Citizens creep out, following Lysandee and Soldiers. Lysander {Calling back to Phocion.) The Gods will not desert us ... ! Phocion {With dignity.) You are the conqueror of Athens. 120 KARMA 'Alea^ander Lesser nitn than you I do not need. Give me your allegiance {pointing significantly to the scroll) and I give you — these lives! Lydia ( Whispering. ) Phocion, you cannot sac- rifice such men! Citizen Do not think of us! What is life to the conquered? Gladly would we die for Athens. Alea'atider I wait your decision, Phocion. Phocion (Bitterly.) Phocion, Military Governor of Alexandria, is Alexander's host. Alea^ander The word of Phocion is enough. {Burns the scroll unread. ) Lysander, the boy, shall KARMA 121 be Captain of your Bodyguard in Egypt. The Gods — your Gods — are witness to what I say. [Alexander salutes Phocion and goes out. Phocion is alone with Lydia. There is a moment's si- lence. Phocion (Brokenly.) Athens! I have failed you ! My Hfe is broken in pieces. [Hides face in hands. Lydia But I meant to save you, Phocion. My love would save you. Have I done wrong? Oh, tell me. Phocion (Low.) You have done — your — best. No one — no woman — can do more. Lydia I could not face life without you. I could not see you die. My love made the desner- 122 KARMA ate plan. I bargained with Alexander's queen — life with honour and glory for you in Egypt, the land you love. Oh, Phocion, beloved, do not judge me hardly. You do not speak. Phocion (Patiently.) There is something here I cannot understand. IHis hand touches the gift from Egypt. He looks at it curiously, then looks out away from her, Lydia I love you too much. Is that hard to understand ? Phocion (Sadly.) Yet the love the Gods bring is otherwise ... I think. CTJETAIN ACT III THEIR THIRD LIFE TOGETHER. TIME— FIFTEENTH CENTURY ITALY CHARACTERS Paulo Salviati, a painter, age about 25. Lucia, his wife, a beautiful Florentine. Prince Damiano bi Medici, art patron. ACT III Scene — Paulo's studio m Venice. A hare room, of ohviotts poverty. Paulo painting at a large canvas. {Enter Lucia.) Paido {Turning happily.) Lucia! At last you return. My love, how I have missed you. {Kisses her.) It seemed so long. {Examin- ing her.) You are excited! Then my uneasiness was not for nothing. Tell me. An adventure, perhaps? An admirer, of course! This flush...! {Laughs.) Little ChHd...! {Teasingly.) Lu^ia I've been but a short hour, my Paulo. And, as for adventures and admirers, they have but one name — Paulo. {Looks em- barrassed slightly.) How quick you are! 125 126 KARMA Paulo Love makes me quick. I think I guess. Ltbda (Ashamed a little.) Listen! (They lis- ten. The waves of the sea are audible heat- ing against the outer walls.) You hear? Paulo (Patiently.) I hear, but I do not under- stand. It is the water only JLucia (Lower.) The rising water. (Pauses, while passing hand over her forehead. ) Nor do I understand. It is my weakness, I sup- pose. All women have something that makes them fear without a reason, and this is mine Pofulo (Protectively.) For which I love you all the more. For had you reasoned you would not have married me. (To himself.) KARMA 127 Strange, strange. ... (^^cot;^5 gaiety and turns to picture,) See how it grows, Lucia. All that I scraped out yesterday I have repainted. Long before the Competition Day I shall have finished it. (Enthusiasti- cally.) Look! LiU^a The glow, the warmth, the colour — you've caught it all? Paulo I hope so. But when my model and my critic desert me both at once like this Lucia Dear Paulo. (Sighs.) And it's so diffi- cult for me to make five scudi do the work of ten. (Shows agitation.) I know, oh, I know. (Excitement.) Yet somehow, some- how we shall find a way. And it will be wonderful Paulo (Noticing her mood and wondering.) It is you who are wonderful — (shakes finger at her) intriguing with Fate as ever 128 KARMA JLucia (Quickly.) No, not intriguing. I am but your wife — and model. {Laughs.) Paulo And inspiration LnuAa And critic Paulo And manager ! That is the wonder — that you who fled with a painter to learn poverty like this (shows hare room) and this (shows clothes) and this (touches heart) should bar- gain so cleverly in the market-place and carry home our fish and vegetables in your coloured apron — the Lady Lucia, a house- wife of the people! Lucia Forgetting the wine as usual, and drop- ping half the fish on my way! (Seriously.) Love makes it beautiful. It is for love's sake, Paulo. KARMA 129 Paulo (Emphatically.) And the work's sake. Lucia (QuicMp.) The work, ah yes, the work's sake. (Eaccitedly.) Oh, my Paulo, what would I not do — what would I not sacrifice for your advancement — I mean, for your art, your wonderful great art. {Confused.) Paulo (Quietly.) This shall be our love's first- fruits (pointing to canvas). Lucia (Repeats low to herself.) Our love's first- fruits. Paulo (Rapt.) When you and I float over the lagoons as dust upon the wind — (turns to her from picture, and lowers voice) when you and I are gone — remembered, perhaps, only as Paulo the painter, and Lucia his 130 KARMA inspiration— this beauty — ah, that is my dream — this beauty shall still shine out for the world, [They watch the picture for a moment. Lucia I fear one thing only for you — poverty. You should have everything. Pavio I have. Everything that matters to an artist, and its name is inspiration. [Looks with passionate admiration at her, Lucia {With growing agitation.) You left Florence for my sake. But for me, the great Princes — {with an effort) the Medici — would have helped. Paulo {Brusquely.) We agreed — {pretended severity) — solemnly, you remember — never KARMA 131 to mention your princely lover's name. Nothing stops good painting like jealousy, and at that name I see blood. Lucia (Smiling.) Our Palace is too poor to house even that thin ghost. You have no need to think of jealousy. Paulo No need now, Lucia. In Venice we are safe from Damiano di Medici. Now, will you sit for me? I burn to work. Come! You must have roses in your hands. I will go to the flower-sellers by the bridge. Lucia I would have brought them with me from the ■ market-place — one scudi each ! I hesi- tated Paido And bought ten sprats instead ! My won- derful, clever house-wife. Without sprats to eat I never could paint roses ! But I must 132 KARMA have them. I shall be but a moment away, my love — a single moment {throwing kisses from the door) that will seem like years! Farewell. . .Little Child. Lucia Little Child! Ah, how I love that name, given to me with our first kiss. I love it better than my own. (Thinks a moment, puzzled.) For somehow it seems my very own Paulo It is your own. The little love-name that seems to travel like memory up the ages. I shall be back as soon as you are ready. [Eant [Knocking at the door startles her. (Enter Damiano di Medici.) Lu