,,karma ,,karma ,a ,,re-,,incarnation ,,play ,,in ,,prologue1 ,,epilogue ,,three ,,acts ,,by ,,algernon ,,blackwood ,,author ,,of 8,,julius ,,le ,,vallon10 8,,the ,,wave10 ,,etc4 ,,and ,,violet ,,pearn ,illustration ,,new ,,york ,e4 ,p4 ,,dutton ,,company #fha ,,fifth ,,avenue ,,copyright1 #aiah1 ,,by ,e4 ,p4 ,,dutton ,,company ,printed in the ,united ,states of ,america ,,contents ,,page ,,prologue4 ,,present ,,day #c ,,act ,i4 ,,their ,,first ,,life ,,together4 ,,time--#bjjj ,b4,c4 ,,egypt #ch ,,act ,,ii4 ,,their ,,second ,,life ,,together4 ,,time--#cbe ,b4,c4 ,,greece #ha ,,act ,,iii4 ,,their ,,third ,,life ,,together4 ,,time--,,fifteenth ,,century4 ,,italy #abc ,,epilogue4 ,,present ,,day #ahi ,,prologue ,,present ,,day ,,characters ,,phillip ,,lattin 7#de71 ,british ,agent in ,egypt4 ,,mrs4 ,,lattin1 his wife 7#dj71 mentally and physically ill2 a woman of strong personality and exacting4 ,,the ,,doctor1 unpretentious1 simple in bearing1 gentle in manner4 ,,nurse4 ,,prologue ,,scene--,room in ,,lattin',s ,london house4 ,,mrs4 ,,lattin lies on sofa4 ,a picture of ,ancient ,egypt1 showing the ,nile1 palms and temples on wall easily visible to her4 ,,time--,present day1 evening4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,what time is it1 nurse--now8 ,nurse ,close on half-past five4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,with irritability of a sick woman47 ,not later8 ,are you sure8 ,it's so dark4 ,nurse 7,soothingly47 ,the dusk is closing in2 ,i'll light your lamp4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,half-past five1 you said8 ,my husband expected to be back before this4 ,hasn't he come8 ,the appointment was for half-past two4 ,nurse ,the ,foreign ,office takes its time4 ,mr4 ,lattin will come to you the moment he gets in4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you're sure8 ,i thought ,i heard his step4 ,nurse ,i'll go and see the moment the lamp is lit4 ,but he never forgets4 ,he always comes in here first4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but he's so long to-day1 longer than usual4 ,and he looked so grave1 nurse1 when he left4 ,he looked worried1 ,i thought4 ,you noticed it8 ,nurse ,he is taken up with these politics just now4 ,it's only natural1 considering the crisis in ,egypt4 ,but he's always so in earnest1 isn't he8 ,i noticed nothing unusual4 ,the ,government is lucky to have him at such a time4 ,no one could fill his place4 7,brings lamp47 ,there's the lamp4 ,is the shading right8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,fill his place6 ,no1 indeed4 ,phillip understands the natives better than anybody in the world4 ,and the country too 7wistfully74 ,if only ,i could bring myself to go back to ,egypt with him4 7,irritably47 ,the light catches my eye there4 ,to the left a little4 ,now to the right4 ,thank you4 ,nurse ,the doctors all agree it's best not1 don't they8 ,the dry climate---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,it's not that1 nurse4 ,dryness is what ,i need--warmth and dryness4 ,it's something else4 ,egypt frightens me4 ,i can't sleep there4 ,dreams come to me4 ,nurse ,the doctors said it was the effect of the climate on the nerves4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,oh1 ,i know4 ,i'd face it if ,i could--another winter4 ,it means so much to ,mr4 ,lattin1 doesn't it8 ,nurse6 ,it's curious--it's strange1 don't you think--that ,mr4 ,lattin feels nothing of that ,i feel there8 ,i mean---- ,nurse ,hark6 ,i think that's ,mr4 ,lattin's step4 ,i'll go and see4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,it can't be the new doctor1 can it8 ,nurse ,dr4 ,ogilvie8 ,not yet4 ,six o'clock he was to come4 ,he won't be here before his time4 ,these great specialists are busy men4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,wearily47 ,i've seen so many doctors4 ,i hardly feel as if ,i had the strength for a new examination4 ,dr4 ,ogilvie will do me no good4 ,nurse ,still you will see him4 ,for your husband's sake4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,ah1 yes1 for ,phillip's sake4 ,i think my husband's coming1 nurse4 7,enter ,,phillip47 ,nurse ,good-evening1 ,mr4 ,lattin4 ,mrs4 ,lattin is a trifle better4 ,i'll leave you for a little1 but she must not tire herself4 ,we are expecting ,dr4 ,ogilvie at six4 ,phillip ,i'll be very careful4 ,,nurse exit4 7,,phillip comes to his wife47 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,at last1 ,phillip4 ,i'm so glad you've come1 dear4 ,i've been waiting and longing so4 ,they kept you--but you belong to me1 don't you8 ,you're tired1 poor old thing4 ,come to me1 ,phillip--closer4 7,stretches out hand47 ,phillip ,i am a bit late4 ,i'm sorry1 ,little ,child4 ,they kept me1 yes4 ,but you----8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i'm well enough to listen4 ,you're back2 ,i forgive you4 ,and it's all arranged as you wished--as you hoped8 ,phillip ,sir ,george was kindness itself---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you saw the ,foreign ,secretary6 ,phillip ,you didn't know ,i was such a big-wig1 did you8 ,it is important1 you see1 dear4 ,the situation out there is complicated4 ,i've left them in the lurch a little1 and my advice--er--my knowledge1 ,sir ,george was good enough to say--at such a time---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,in the lurch1 ,phillip6 ,how in the lurch8 ,you're only asking a longer leave than usual4 ,phillip ,there1 there4 ,i don't want you to worry your dear head with politics4 ,the new doctor will be here any minute now4 ,that's far more important4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i would rather know exactly4 ,it doesn't worry me4 ,phillip ,it's all been arranged most satisfactorily1 dear2 and ,i'm very pleased4 ,so you're pleased with me--eh8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,phillip--what has been arranged8 ,phillip ,sir ,george was most complimentary4 ,the ,government would recognise my services--my long services1 he called it4 ,he even discussed with me--asked my advice1 if you must know the full weight of honour placed upon me6--as to my successor---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,successor6 ,phillip ,but1 darling1 some one must fill my place4 ,there must be a locum tenens1 as they say in the church4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you've--resigned6 ,phillip ,dear one1 there was no other way4 ,it's a formality1 you see4 ,i can always take it up again where ,i left it off4 ,our man in ,egypt--just now--must be there4 ,he must be on the spot1 of course---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but six months' leave6 ,surely1 six months' leave---- ,phillip ,means the entire winter4 ,there1 there1 ,little ,child1 it's nothing4 ,you must not exaggerate like this4 ,what is my work in ,egypt compared to being with you4 ,the doctors forbid you to go out4 ,it's quite simple3 ,i prefer to stay with you4 ,my world lies in your heart4 ,i--,i can always take up the work again when--when you're better4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,resigned1 resigned6 ,you have actually resigned4 ,your career--,i have broken your career--at last--completely4 ,is it wrong1 then1 that ,i need you so8 ,phillip ,hush1 dearest---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you have paid this tremendous price--and ,i have made you pay it4 ,phillip ,i wish to be always with you4 ,that is my only wish1 my only happiness4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,for my sake you have sacrificed---- ,phillip ,it's ,i who am selfish to tire you with all this stupid ,government business4 ,there1 now2 you've talked too much and ,i have done you harm4 ,there's only happiness in my heart4 ,no more nonsense-talk about sacrifice4 ,you must lie quiet and rest again4 ,i can be always with you4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,yes1 to the end--my end and yours4 ,o ,god6 ,why did ,i not understand before8 ,phillip ,you must not speak like that4 ,love--our love--knows no end4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,oh1 ,i am miserable1 ,phillip1 miserable1 miserable4 ,phillip ,please1 do not say such things4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but ,i must1 ,i must4 ,my selfishness has brought you to this last renouncement4 ,egypt has meant so much to you4 ,phillip ,too much1 ,mary1 too much4 ,egypt was coming between us4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,your work there1 the great work ,i have ruined'''6 ,egypt meant home to you4 ,phillip ,home is where you are1 dearest1 and nowhere else4 ,you have taught me this--in time4 7,to himself47 ,egypt6 ,ah1 ,egypt6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i hate it4 ,it terrifies me4 ,there is pain for me in ,egypt4 ,an instinctive dread comes over me always--something from very far away4 ,i have struggled against it1 for your sake1 but--oh1 it's so1 so strong4 ,if only you could forgive me----6 ,phillip ,hush1 dearest6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but it has come between us4 ,you love it so4 ,and it's my fault that you can't--your career1 ,i mean---- ,phillip ,dear one1 whatever is1 is right4 ,there is nothing to regret4 ,egypt1 indeed1 has drawn me strangely4 ,there is some power out there--a spiritual power--that has cast a glamour over me4 ,it has been a passion with me4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,my instinctive terror6 ,phillip ,and my instinctive love6 ,they glance together in silence at a great picture above the bed--an ,egyptian night-scene1 with stars and ,nile4 ,yes ''' yes ''' strange indeed6 ,from my earliest days it drew me4 ,those palms and temples1 that majestic desert----6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,phillip1 don't6 ,those stars1 that river bring me sadness--immense regret4 ,i feel them always rising over me4 ,they watch me6 ,phillip ,forgive me4 ,it was the marvellous beauty took me4 ,i---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but it's an unearthly beauty4 ,and something in it--lost4 ,it's lost to you4 ,and ,i--oh1 but ,i do love you so2 for ever and ever you are mine--aren't you8 ,he stoops and kisses her4 ,she half rises1 whispering3 ,phillip1 dearest--something strange comes over me4 ,i see a lifting of this heavy ,english sky4 ,i have been through this before--,i have done this very thing before--long1 long ago--injured you somehow6 ,oh1 ,phillip1 can it be that we have lived before--pre-existence--is it true8 7,sinks back47 ,i think ''' ,i think ,i must be near to ''' death6 ,phillip ,hush1 hush1 my darling4 ,these are sick fancies only4 ,your brain is tired4 ,we must not talk like this4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i am tired1 yes2 but it is my soul that aches and not my body4 ,phillip1 ,i want your forgiveness4 ,phillip ,there is nothing to forgive4 ,i love you4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,spiritually tortured and perplexed47 ,i want your real forgiveness--before ,i go4 ,i have been suffering deeply1 deeply4 ,curtains have been rising4 ,i almost see4 ,something seems growing clearer to me4 ,i've done wrong somewhere6 ,why have ,i pulled against you all these years--against your work8 ,it cannot be my love that is at fault4 ,you're wholly mine--and yet ,i want your forgiveness somehow---- ,phillip 7,deep patience47 ,all the love and forgiveness in the world ,i give you1 ,little ,child4 ,but you ask for what was always yours4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,your broken mission4 ,you alone have the strength and patience ,egypt needs4 ,i have ruined all1 all1 all6 ,phillip ,there6 ,i forgive you1 then4 7,kisses her47 ,i forgive you all1 all1 all4 ,but please calm yourself4 ,this excitement does you harm4 ,you torment yourself for nothing4 ,it is ,i who have been1 and am1 the egoist4 ,all men who think their work is a mission are shameless egoists4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,thank you1 ,phillip1 for this great gift of your forgiveness4 ,but it is not enough4 ,i want to understand--and so forgive myself4 ,phillip ,you must rest now a little4 ,it was criminal of me to let you talk so much4 ,no1 not another word4 ,i'll leave you for a bit4 ,you must be calm to see the ,doctor4 ,it's nearly six---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,dr4 ,ogilvie can't help me4 ,phillip ,what6 ,the first man of the day6 ,his wonderful cures---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he cures the body only4 ,i need a soul physician4 ,oh1 ,phillip1 ,i believe sometimes my yearning must bring him to me4 ,phillip ,my darling1 it is your body alone that is ill4 ,your suffering gives you these strange fancies4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you love me too well to understand4 7,sighs47 ,my illness is not only of the body4 ,now1 leave me1 dearest4 ,i wish to see him quite alone4 ,phillip ,little ,child1 you shall4 ,you can dismiss the nurse4 7,glances at clock47 ,it is close on six4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,kiss me4 7,he kisses her softly and goes out47 ,if only--ah1 if only my great yearning4''' ,she lies back exhausted4 ,sighs4 ,covers her face with her hands4 ,after a moment she uncovers her face and half sits up again4 ,she stares hard at ,egyptian picture on the wall4 ,the fault lies in my soul1 and it comes first from there--from ,egypt4 ,the river is rising1 rising once again4 ,the stars are rising too4 ,they watch me1 and they wait4 ,they're always watching us4 ,o ,god6 ,if only some one could make me understand6 ,if some great doctor of the soul'''6 7,sinks back4 ,her eyes close4 ,she lies very still47 ,a big clock on the mantelpiece strikes the first three strokes of six o'clock1 then stops4 ,the door opens slowly and a man enters quietly4 ,he looks round the room1 sees her on the sofa apparently asleep1 and stands still1 a few feet inside the door4 ,he looks steadily at her a moment1 then glances at the picture of ,egypt on the wall4 ,he smiles gently4 ,his figure is a little bent1 perhaps4 ,he is not a big man with any marked presence4 ,as he smiles1 she opens her eyes and sees him4 ,she shows surprise and slight embarrassment4 ,she raises herself on one arm4 ,her voice is hushed rather when she speaks4 ,he remains near the open door4 ,i beg your pardon4 ,is it--,dr4 ,ogilvie8 ,doctor ,i am the ,doctor4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i must apologise4 ,did no one----8 ,doctor ,i found my way4 ,both pause1 gazing4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,with relief47 ,ah6 ,thank you4 ,she makes an unfinished gesture towards a seat4 ,her eyes remain fixed on his4 ,she smiles faintly4 ,doctor ,you called for me4 7,he makes one step nearer47 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,my husband1 ,i believe1 did write4 ,we--expected you4 ,doctor ,i am come4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,it is exceedingly--it is more than kind of you4 ,you are so good4 ,i mean--7stammers2 sinks back upon the cushions1 unable to maintain the effort74 ,i am very ill4 ,doctor ,i know4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you know6 ,ah yes--you know4 ,doctor ,that is why you called me4 ,that is why ,i am here now4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i can tell you very briefly what---- ,doctor ,it is unnecessary4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but---- ,doctor ,i have been watching you4 ,he straightens up a little2 a new dignity is in him4 ,she gazes intently4 ,she stretches out a hand1 then withdraws it1 hesitatingly1 again4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you mean----8 ,doctor ,i knew--that you would send for me4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,ah6 ,the medical journals6 ,my case1 of course--its peculiar--er--its hopelessness4 ,doctor ,there are no hopeless cases4 7,he smiles4 ,his voice is very gentle47 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,bewildered47 ,you are very ki--good4 ,i thank you1 already4 ,doctor 7,shaking his head quietly47 ,and you already--,i see--are on the way to your recovery4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,recovery6 ,doctor ,since you realise that you are very ill4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,oh--in that sense4 ,doctor ,in every sense4 ,she is more and more aware of something unusual in him4 ,she keeps her gaze steadily on his face4 ,she makes a gesture towards him1 then hesitates4 ,she seems on the point of saying more--speaking more freely4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i think--there must be a mistake somewhere4 ,i don't quite understand how you---- ,doctor ,there are no mistakes4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but you are sure it is me you have come to see8 ,doctor ,it is you4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,mrs4 ,lattin8 ,he bows his head4 ,in this street and house--#ac ,bristol ,square8 ,doctor ,this street1 this square 7moves nearer and puts his hand upon her head71 this very house you occupy--for the moment4 ,she stares at him4 ,they smile4 ,she is aware of another meaning in his words4 ,a touch of awe shows in her manner4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,low47 ,this--body8 ,doctor ,which1 for the moment1 you--are occupying1 ,little ,child4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,awed47 ,you know that name6 ,my husband's secret name6 ,doctor ,it is--your name4 ,he moves back a step so that she can see the picture4 ,one hand he stretches towards her as in blessing4 ,her eyes turn from the ,egyptian night-scene to his face again4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,softly1 to herself47 ,my little secret love-name4 ,it is too marvellous--this4 ,i am completely at a loss to--7breaks off1 as he looks down and smiles at her74 ,doctor ,love names truly always4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he ''' has ''' always ''' called me so4 ,doctor ,he has loved you truly--always4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,sitting up47 ,but you know everything in the world6 ,who are you--really8 7,awe increases in her47 ,doctor ,i am the ,doctor4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,doctor6 ,the greatest calling in world6 ,a doctor's powers---- ,doctor ,are1 by rights1 divine4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,life or death---- ,doctor ,life and death4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,hushed47 ,but--you are more than doctor2 you are also--,priest4 ,doctor ,i am at your service4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,light breaking on her face4 ,she stretches out a hand to him4 ,he takes it47 ,to heal me4 ,i feel great power pouring from you--into me4 ,it is like wind and fire4 ,doctor ,life is a wind and fire4 ,it is life you feel4 ,your claim is great1 because of your great wish1 your true desire4 ,you deserve4 ,and ,i have come4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,puzzled47 ,deserve6 ,my great desire6 ,my claim'''6 ,doctor ,your sickness is not of the heart1 but of the soul4 ,your desire was prayer4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you have read my heart4 ,doctor ,little ,child1 it is in your eyes4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,and you know my very soul4 ,doctor ,little ,child1 ,i am come to heal it4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,recovery6 ,you said recovery4 ,while ,i lie dying here by inches6 ,doctor ,you love4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,with all my heart4 ,doctor ,and--soul8 ,he looks questioningly down at her with great tenderness4 ,her expression shows the dawn of comprehension4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,very low47 ,i love--wrongly--somewhere4 ,i forgot--my soul4 ,and ,i have wrecked him1 wrecked his life1 his work4 ,doctor 7,to himself47 ,again4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,not catching his word47 ,is there recovery for that8 ,can you heal that8 ,doctor ,he does not question your love for him8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he is too big-hearted4 ,he has sacrificed all for me4 ,it is regret and remorse that kill me now--they bring death more quickly4 ,if only ,i could understand6 ,doctor ,you shall4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,bitterly47 ,when it is too late4 ,can you give recovery for that8 ,can the forgiveness that ,i crave--his forgiveness--undo what has been8 7,hides her face and sobs47 ,i must die without forgiveness4 ,doctor ,recovery begins with understanding4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i want his forgiveness4 ,doctor ,you must--forgive yourself4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,oh1 oh1 ,i do not understand4 ,my remorse goes with me even into the grave4 ,doctor ,remorse brings weakness4 ,the forgiveness of another affects that other only4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,looking up47 ,yes8 ,doctor ,understand4 ,then1 without regret1 go forward4 ,to forgive yourself is--true forgiveness4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i feel something wonderful in you4 ,your words bring life again4''' ,i4''' ,there seems something ,i remember--remember almost--very dim and far away4''' 7,her eye falls upon the ,egyptian picture4 ,she gazes fascinated at it47 ,the stars ''' the river ''' are rising1 surely4''' ,doctor ,you remember--life4 ,and life shall teach you this4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,life6 ,my life6 ,oh1 what is it rising in me8 ,a curtain lifts4 ,i see ''' myself4 ,ah1 now it goes again4''' ,the pain ''' the pain is awful6 ,it all has been before somewhere1 ,i know4''' ,have ,i done this before1 then8 ,if only ,i could see1 ,i might understand4 ,doctor ,you shall see4 ,understanding shall bring recovery4 ,as he speaks he retires slowly backwards towards the open door4 ,her eyes remain fixed upon the picture4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,recovery6 ,i half remember4''' ,i begin to ''' understand'''6 ,doctor ,the soul reaps ever its own harvest1 for the soul is linked to all its past4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,faintly47 ,the past6 ,my past'''6 ,our past together4''' ,doctor ,your pain and prayer may lift for once the curtain4 ,remembering1 you shall understand4 ,and1 understanding1 you shall learn to--forgive yourself4 ,a light falls on his face and figure by the door4 ,just before he disappears she tears her gaze away from the picture1 and turns to him with outstretched hands4 ,he raises his hands as though he were lifting a curtain and holding it up4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,it lifts1 it lifts6 ,i hear wind among the palms1 and lapping waters4 ,a voice is whispering ''' 8,little ,child0 ''' yet in another tongue4''' ,from beyond the door his last words reach her with a distant1 half-chanting sound4 ,doctor ,egypt6 ,where you began--with him4 ,your earliest life4 ,then other lives as well4 ,see--and understand4 ,she sinks back exhausted4 ,her face is radiant through her tears4 ,she has just strength enough to touch the pneumatic bell beside the bed4 ,,curtain ,,act ,i ,,their ,,first ,,life ,,together4 ,,time--#bjjj ,b4,c4 ,,egypt ,,characters ,,menophis1 a young ,egyptian1 well born1 about #cj4 ,,nefertiti1 an ,egyptian dancing-girl4 ,,sethos1 ,egyptian youth4 ,,rames1 ,high ,priest in ,temple of ,aton4 ,,act ,i ,,scene--,banks of the ,nile4 ,white temple visible in distance4 ,kephren's ,pyramid seen very far away4 ,late evening1 sunset4 7,,nefertiti and ,,sethos enter and pause47 ,nefertiti ,now leave me1 ,sethos4 ,and go swiftly4 7,with gesture of pushing him off47 ,i must be alone4 ,you follow me as wind follows a bird4 ,sethos ,yet never touch you as wind does the bird4 ,and when you dance your feet dance on my heart4 ,no other dancing-girl compares with you4 ,nefertiti ,last moon ,pharaoh himself told me that4 ,i know it4 ,but now leave me4 ,i am here to worship4 ,sethos 7,supplicating47 ,may ,i not stay a moment--at least1 until ,menophis----8 ,nefertiti ,sethos1 you heard me4 ,it is the sacred night4 ,the tear of ,isis falls into our ,river when the dusk has passed to darkness4 ,and ,i must worship4 ,sethos ,menophis comes also with the dusk4 ,you meet here every evening2 and when he comes ,i am forgotten4 ,may ,i not stay and be remembered--till he comes8 7,implores47 ,your beauty makes me slavish4 ,out of his plenty he will not miss so little1 and ,i--starve4 ,nefertiti ,not now4 ,sethos1 ,i tell you1 go6 ,his coming1 as you know1 makes the dry desert live for me4 ,i would not have him troubled for so little4 ,he hardly is aware of your existence--as yet4 ,but1 should ,i ever need you--slave----6 ,sethos 7,eagerly47 ,as yet6 ,need me6 ,oh1 ,nefertiti1 if you could use me ,i should die of happiness4 ,nefertiti ,then prepare to die1 for the time may come4 ,sethos ,oh1 may it happen soon6 ,nefertiti 7,teasing47 ,the ,gods alone know what may happen1 and when4 ,you are my slave4 ,then1 vanish6 ,sethos 7,bowing47 ,your slave obeys4 7,rising47 ,but your lover will wait among the palm-trees yonder4 ,menophis may not come4 ,the ,gods know what will happen1 and it is said the ,gods have claimed him for themselves4 ,he is a prize1 it seems1 that earth and heaven both desire4 ,i have heard rumours4 7,moves off lingeringly47 ,if you need escort back to ,memphis your lightest call will reach me4 ,nefertiti ,go6 ,i shall not need your escort4 ,my happiness and his are in the keeping of the ,gods4 ,leave me to worship4 ,sethos 7,with boy's passion47 ,oh1 ,nefertiti1 the wild sweetness of the desert is in your breath6 ,to me you are holy as our sacred ,river6 ,may the ,gods grant you all your heart's desire4 ,sethos is your slave for ever--even though his heart should break4 ,exit1 slowly1 looking back4 ,nefertiti 7,smiling to herself47 ,a slave is always useful--for slavish purposes4 ,i may put you to the test some day6 ,she watches him out of sight behind the palms1 then goes to the water's edge and splashes idly with her bare foot several times in succession1 accompanying each splash with a remark4 ,he'll bury himself in the ,temple4''' ,he'll bury himself in my arms4''' ,he'll become a monk at ,rames' bidding4''' ,he'll become mine4 7,makes biggest splash of all47 ,i've got him ''' under this very foot6 7,hears his footstep47 ,menophis 7,entering47 ,you here6 ,nefertiti6 7,she pretends not to hear4 ,she is worshipping47 ,nefertiti6 ,nefertiti 7,startled47 ,menophis6 ,menophis ,you worship here at dusk ''' beside the ,nile6 ,nefertiti ,i often come at sunset--as you know4 ,menophis ,i ''' had ''' forgotten4 ,nefertiti ,forgotten6 ,has some ,afreet blinded you8 ,only last night1 too1 you passed me by without a glance--on your way to ,aton's new ,temple4 ,menophis ,it was moonless and ,i did not see you4 ,no ,afreet power could hide you in the sunshine4 ,nefertiti 7,mocking47 ,oh1 thank you1 ,menophis4 ,i thought your heart was too full perhaps to see me4 ,menophis ,you have been worshipping alone--and you were lonely4 ,forgive me1 ,little ,child1 ,i---- ,nefertiti ,i forgive you1 ,o handsome ,menophis4 ,but ,i was not lonely4 ,sethos kept me company awhile4 ,menophis ,sethos6 ,the ,syrian banker's son6 ,you can find pleasure in such company8 ,nefertiti 7,softly47 ,you did not come here to talk with me of ,sethos4 ,you came1 like me1 to worship----6 ,menophis ,he is rich4 ,nefertiti ,he is forgotten too4 ,when you call me 8,little ,child0 the whole world is forgotten4 ,there is only--,you4 ,menophis ,little ''' ,child4 ,nefertiti 7,goes closer47 ,your eyes seem strange to me to-night3 they look far away into space4 ,your voice sounds distant like the desert jackal's cry4 7,she puts a hand on his and looks searchingly into his eyes47 ,yet you call me ,little ,child1 as of old1 when we met here every evening in the dusk ''' to play and talk and dream together ''' of the future4 ,menophis 7taking his other hand and drawing her body closer to him71 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 heart8 7,lowers her head as though to hear its beating47 ,i hear another music in your blood4 7,lifts her face to his47 ,and it is ''' beautiful4 7,waits for his reply47 ,menophis ,it is the ,sacred ,night4 ,that means--,had you forgotten8 ,nefertiti 7,alarmed1 but half teasing47 ,oh1 you ,solemnity6 ,forgotten what8 ,menophis 7,gravely47 ,a choice--a decision--made to-night is made for ever4 ,nefertiti 7,low47 ,i know4 ,menophis ,little ,child1 it is for me a crisis1 and ,i must choose between great issues4 ,my life1 too1 is rising4 ,i must decide in what direction it shall flow4 ,nefertiti ,you mean ''' with whom8 ,menophis ,for whom4 ,he turns his head a moment towards the distant ,temple of ,aton1 just visible still in the last sunset light4 ,its whiteness gleams4 ,she notices the gesture4 ,nefertiti ,how cold it has grown4 ,menophis4''' ,i feel the desert-wind's fingers at my heart4 ,it is the ,north wind from the sea4 ,you1 too1 seem distant suddenly4 7,lowering voice47 ,i fear for you4 ,why is it8 ,i fear something ''' for myself ''' as well---- ,menophis ,there is no fear this sacred night4 ,there is courage only4 ,life increases everywhere4 ,the river rises4 ,the ,tear of ,isis falls into the ,nile and---- ,nefertiti ,hark6 7,she listens47 ,there are awful things about in ,egypt when---- ,menophis ,she is alive1 that's all4 ,nefertiti ,listen6 ,menophis ,it is the lapping waves4 ,it is the wind among the palms4 ,nefertiti 7,whispering47 ,the waters6 ,that cold desert wind6 ,it blows between us--between you and me4 ,there is a shadow6 7,shudders closer to him47 ,surely great ,kephren bowed this way6 ,menophis ,the stars shine over us4 ,they cast no shadow4 ,the pyramid stands fast4 ,nefertiti ,yet something passed between us1 for ,i felt it4 7,grips him47 ,you are all mine8 ,menophis 7,holds her close47 ,there is no room4 ,a shadow cannot separate us4 ,anything real would bind us closer only4 ,nefertiti ,then why are you so solemn1 your eyes so far away1 your voice so distant8 ,this crisis that you speak of--it could not take you from me8 ,menophis ,nothing can take you from me1 or me from you--for long4 ,the chain of our past and future lives is bound together beyond all breaking4 ,nefertiti ,what is it1 then1 that frightens me8 ,menophis 7,with grave tenderness47 ,ah1 ,nefertiti1 ,little ,child1 to-night ,i stand--we stand together--at the very gates of life4 ,the choice is difficult1 for it involves you too4 ,since first1 three years ago1 ,i saw you flitting1 like a swallow1 down the river bank at ,memphis--since those enchanted days ,i have had no other human love but you---- ,nefertiti 7,startled47 ,no other human love6 ,menophis 7,slowly47 ,there is another love1 my ,nefertiti--a greater2 not more enduring1 perhaps1 but nobler4 ,for it demands the greater sacrifice4 ,and1 cold though it seem to your warm1 passionate heart--if it should call me---- ,nefertiti 7,catching him by the arm47 ,greater6 ,yet would take you from me6 ,but you are mine6 ,menophis ,your beauty troubles me2 my blood rebels4 ,i cannot look at you and hear the call this sacred night may bring me4 ,i must make a still place for my soul to listen4 7,slowly47 ,oh1 ,nefertiti1 you must leave me--for a little4 ,nefertiti ,not knowing what is in your troubled heart6 ,not hearing from your own lips if we shall meet again6 ,menophis 7,sees ,,rames approaching47 ,you should know all4 ,if not from my lips1 then from---- ,nefertiti 7,sees ,,rames too47 ,rames1 the great ,priest6 ,i understand4 ,he would steal you from me for his dismal ,temple1 steal you away from life4 ,menophis ,he is among the wisest and noblest of our land1 the ,great ,one of ,vision1 ,aton's servant4 ,nefertiti 7,pouting1 alarmed47 ,aton6 ,menophis ,hush6 ,be careful6 ,even if ,aton takes me1 the chain of lives must bring us again together4 ,it were but a brief separation--a sacrifice of pain and joy we both may offer as one being4 ,and when1 in our next life1 we meet again1 what ecstasy of strengthened1 purified love would be ours--to know each had been faithful to the other--for ,his sake4 ,nefertiti 7,roused47 ,me grow old in loneliness while you satisfy your soul with selfish worship6 ,our sacrifice6 ,menophis ,in dreams we still---- ,nefertiti ,we should never meet2 a dream's a dream4 ,no children would come to me4 ,menophis ,you would not pine4 ,it would be1 for both of us1 a preparation for our meeting in a future life---- ,nefertiti 7,playing on his feelings47 ,you are right1 ,menophis4 ,i should not pine1 for ,i should marry and know joy4 ,your sacrifice1 if you choose it1 you may bear alone1 for ,nefertiti will not certainly be lonely4 ,there is no lack of those who offer life to her in place of the dream that ,rames sets before you---- ,menophis ,others6 ,is there another8 ,nefertiti----6 7,approaches47 ,nefertiti 7,withdraws47 ,rames is coming4 ,i hear his cautious step4 ,make your choice with him4 ,i will not influence you4 ,you wished to be alone2 ,i'll leave you4 7,makes to move away47 ,menophis 7,with passion and regret47 ,one moment more4 ,will you not say farewell8 ,and if--and if--until you hear from my own lips---- ,nefertiti 7,softly47 ,if you decide to leave me1 ,menophis1 you will not quite forget---- ,menophis ,little ,child1 you know4 ,always ,i shall think of you---- ,nefertiti 7,mocking47 ,as happy and light-hearted--with another4 ,i am no 8dream0 to ,sethos4 ,menophis ,your beauty tortures me4 ,nefertiti ,you do not torture me2 you cannot4 ,if you loved me you could not give me up so lightly4 ,you may think of me--of us--walking along this river bank at sunset with laughter and without regret1 talking maybe of ,menophis1 and his passing dream4 ,the echo of our laughter may reach into your little cell4 ,menophis 7,advancing47 ,unsay those haunting words4 ,nefertiti ,it is but impulse that betrays you4 ,you have a 8greater love0 than me4 ,i have one too6 ,farewell4 ,i shall not come again unless you call me4 ,exit4 ,,menophis paces to and fro1 hides his face in his hands1 sighs1 looks after the girl1 pauses1 then bows his head and waits while ,,rames comes up to him4 ,rames ,your eyes are troubled1 although ,i cannot see them4 7,looks down at the young man's footsteps47 ,and your steps leave an uneven pattern on the sands4 ,menophis 7,looking up47 ,there are too many voices in my ears2 and all are sweet4 ,i know not which is true4 ,i am unhappy and afraid4 ,my peace of yesterday is gone4 ,rames ,these stars that watch you now shall watch your future lives as well4 ,before they pale at dawn they shall have marked your choice4 ,they are rising in the east4 ,they watch you--and they wait4 ,menophis 7,turning his look away from the sky47 ,i came here to find peace--between the sunset and the sunrise4 ,rames ,sunrise and sunset--the two great moments of the day4 ,death and resurrection--the two great moments of our life4 7,watches him closely47 ,menophis ,not death--a disappearance only 7smiles7 for a little time4 ,rames 7,pleased47 ,to return again and again1 each new life linked to those that went before2 and each determined by opportunities left or taken4 ,menophis ,the choice6 ,oh1 ,rames1 there are two calls in me4 ,i hear two voices always4 ,my future life hangs upon the decision that ,i make4 ,rames ,you will not make it4 ,it will make itself4 ,the stronger call must win 7points across the ,nile towards the sinking sun74 ,it is whether you shall live unto yourself alone1 or consecrate your powers to ,aton4 7,points towards the ,temple47 ,it is not alone your future life that hangs upon the choice2 it is your future lives4 ,they spread their arms and bow towards the ,west4 ,the sun sinks below the ,libyan horizon of the desert4 ,the dusk creeps up4 ,menophis 7,rising47 ,if only the whole of me could choose4 ,i should then know that ,i am worthy4 ,rames 7,approving47 ,there can be no half-heartedness in the service of our ,deity4 ,menophis 7,with enthusiasm47 ,our ,deity--the sun6 ,turns and gazes at the great ,temple of ,aton whose white columns still gleam in the golden after-glow some distance across the desert4 ,rames 7,moving closer1 with hand on his shoulder47 ,egypt1 our great land1 now witnesses the climax of her splendour4 ,a change1 which is divine1 steals over her4 ,it is no longer the mere disc of the sun we worship2 it is the power behind4 ,menophis 7,reverently47 ,the heat and glory that are in ,aton1 eternal and all-loving ,deity4 ,rames 7,smiling47 ,who calls you for the offering of--yourself4 7,pauses47 ,the ,temples of our regenerated ,egypt demand the best4 ,menophis 7,eagerly47 ,and ,i might help towards this great uplifting8 ,rames 7,gravely47 ,menophis1 ,aton calls you to himself4 ,menophis 7,enthusiasm and awe on his face47 ,i hear the call6 ,rames 7,slowly47 ,but other1 lesser1 calls as well8 ,menophis ,there can be no turning back6 ,rames ,no turning back4 ,menophis ,i must be sure6 ,rames ,it is for ever4 ,menophis 7,very low47 ,i know which call is highest1 yet ,i hear that sweeter voice4 ,if only ,i could smother it4 ,rames 7,understanding47 ,it is the lust of life--of woman6 ,menophis ,it is love4 ,the dusk is turning into darkness4 ,the stars begin to peep4 ,rames ,i may not influence you4 ,years ago ,i heard these two calls1 as you do1 singing in my soul4 ,menophis 7,looking eagerly1 with respect1 into the old man's face47 ,and you have never known regret8 ,rames 7,gravely47 ,i have known perfect joy4 ,menophis ,to yield what is most dear to another is very hard4 ,oh1 ,rames1 ,i am so young1 the choice is difficult4 ,if ,i had some sign that ,aton accepts me----6 7,with rising passion47 ,aton1 guide my decision and grant my choice be wise6 ,,nefertiti is seen returning4 ,,sethos is with her4 ,they are laughing together4 ,,sethos' arm is about ,,nefertiti4 ,,menophis does not see them4 ,rames ,weigh carefully4 ,hear every call with honesty4 ,aton1 indeed1 does call you1 but it is all or nothing4 7,withdraws slowly down river bank towards the ,temple4 ,waves his hand solemnly47 ,i leave you--to yourself4 ,exit4 ,menophis ,great ,aton1 guide me4 ,stretches arms to the sky2 looks up at stars4 ,then bows his head upon his hands in prayer4 ,,nefertiti draws near with ,,sethos4 ,sethos ,my head spins1 ,nefertiti4 ,then it was in play that you dismissed me8 ,i can hardly believe my happiness is real4 ,tries to embrace her4 ,nefertiti 7,escaping gaily47 ,everything's real--at the moment when--you've got it4 ,,menophis hears their voices4 ,turns and sees them4 ,menophis ,with ''' ,sethos'''6 7,to her47 ,you've come back'''6 ,nefertiti 7,pretending she has just noticed him47 ,the river bank is public1 ,i believe4 ,all ,memphis will be here presently--this sacred night4 7,mocking47 ,forgive me--forgive us--if we disturbed your meditations4 7,glancing at ,,sethos47 ,we enjoy the starlight like the other lovers6 ,menophis ,together6 ,sethos ,a young girl does not come out unattended4 ,i am proud that ,nefertiti accepts my protection--as before4 ,menophis ,little ,child6 ,nefertiti 7,to ,,sethos1 laughing47 ,menophis1 you know1 is half a priest already4 ,he has put aside all common things--youth1 dancing1 laughter--love4 ,sethos 7,half insolently47 ,wise ,menophis6 ,i envy a man grown old before his time4 ,he has had some bitter disappointment probably4 ,menophis 7,suffering keenly47 ,if you really love each other1 ,i---- ,sethos ,come this way1 ,nefertiti4 ,i hear a pipe4 7,melody on pipe heard faintly47 ,let's go and dance4 ,this atmosphere is too holy4 7,tries to draw her away47 ,menophis 7,pain47 ,can this be a sign from ,aton--that you are worthless8 ,nefertiti 7,stung47 ,we'll dance1 yes1 as we did at ,memphis when the harvest ripened4 ,and then we'll bathe together1 ,sethos4 ,it all is worship1 and my blood this sacred night is burning---- ,sethos 7,wild47 ,and to-morrow ,i may see your father----8 ,,nefertiti whispers in his ear4 ,they laugh4 ,he tries again to kiss her4 ,she escapes again1 and dances seductively1 taking care to go close past ,,menophis1 who makes several half movements towards her1 but controls himself4 ,nefertiti 7,singing mischievously to the tune of the distant pipe1 and holding ,,sethos by the hand4 ,as she goes past ,,menophis she holds out her free hand to him temptingly47 8,come1 dance together4 ,take my hand ,beside the rising river2 ,we'll dance upon the starlit sand1 ,and then through life--for ever60 ,menophis 7,catching at her hand as she flits past47 ,nefertiti6 ,nefertiti 7,escaping his touch4 ,still hand in hand with ,,sethos47 ,i heard a dead voice calling from a ,tomb4 7,to ,,sethos47 ,it's not for us4 ,we are alive6 ,sings as before1 glancing mockingly at ,,menophis1 who again would seize her as she goes by4 8,the rising river takes our feet1 ,and life flows full of laughter2 ,come1 dance with me while youth is sweet----0 ,menophis 7,touching her47 ,little ,child6 ,nefertiti 7,slowing down4 ,sings last line lingeringly47 8,the wedding follows after60 ,menophis ,my ,little ,child4 ,sethos 7,trying to draw her away47 ,come1 ,nefertiti4 ,come with me1 lest the ,temple snatch you1 too4 ,menophis ,listen6 ,the waters wait the sign6 7,warningly47 ,a few brief moments and the ,tear of ,isis falls--and the choice is made1 not for this life only1 but for ever4 7,solemnly to ,,nefertiti47 ,you would bind your soul to his ''' for all future lives ''' for ever8 ,nefertiti 7,drawing back47 8,for ever06 8,for all future lives06 ,for an hour--a few hours1 perhaps---- ,sethos ,you swore to me that you---- ,nefertiti ,i danced and played and sang with you4 ,you dance lightly and your voice is sweet4 ,but--if it is true that vows taken to-night can bind me to your soul for ever---- ,menophis ,it is true4 ,nefertiti ''' the journey would tire me4 ,sethos ,nefertiti6 ,menophis 7,steps between them4 ,,nefertiti hesitates47 ,let her alone4 ,since her eyes first opened to the sun she has been mine4 ,a hundred future lives shall take our feet together4 ,and she knows it4 ,she plays with you--this singing1 dancing4 ,she lives with me4 7,seizes her1 all else forgotten47 ,leave us together1 ,sethos4 ,go6 ,nefertiti ,i played with you4 ,you know it4 7,to ,,menophis47 ,you had forgotten our appointment6 ,i did it--for my love's sake4 ,,sethos shrinks from his sudden violence1 startled1 but keeps her hand4 ,menophis ,she has finished with you4 ,go6 ,sethos 7,sneers47 ,finished6 ,you are mistaken1 ,menophis4 ,only a while ago she said my love was precious to her--7,realising47 ,you 7to her7 have strange ideas of play4 ,you're a---- ,menophis 7,threateningly47 ,enough1 ,sethos4 ,you knew1 at least1 that we belonged to one another4 ,you have yourself to blame4 ,nefertiti 7,proud of him47 ,of course4 ,sethos says the same sweet things to many another maiden too4 ,sethos 7,bitterly47 ,the ,gods have set me free of you1 and ,i am glad4 ,when next we meet1 ,menophis1 you shall hear the soft promises she made me 7turns his back to go71 and how she spoke of you6 7,moves faster1 as ,,menophis advances threateningly47 ,she called you half woman and half monk--no man at all 7runs71 fit ''' only ''' for ''' the ,temples6 ,exit4 ,nefertiti 7,a last shot at him47 ,yet if ,i raised my little finger you'd come tumbling back--a helpless slave6 7,turns to ,,menophis47 ,i am ashamed4 7,demurely47 ,i did pretend he pleased me4 ,menophis ,little ,child4''' ,nefertiti 7,happy47 ,i was a little jealous of--of--your ,aton4 ,menophis ,and ,i1 perhaps1 of your ''' ,sethos4 ,they smile and embrace4 ,the pipe is heard4 ,she breaks away and dances before him happily4 ,nefertiti 7sings7 8,come1 dance with me1 and take my hand ,beside the rising river2 ,we'll dance upon the starlit sand1 ,and then through life--for ever40 ,menophis ,you are a daughter of the sun6 ,nefertiti ,isis and ,aton both are in our blood6 ,menophis ,your beauty blinds me4 ,i hear no other voice than your dear singing4 ,i see no stars1 your twinkling feet are everywhere4 ,nefertiti 7,triumphantly47 ,it is the call of ,life4 ,a sound is heard1 like wind in an ,eolian harp1 faint4 ,menophis 7,startled47 ,listen6 ,the moment comes4 ,with the sound is mingled the lapping of water4 ,nefertiti 7,awed47 ,it is here4 ,a star falls from the sky4 ,both together ,the ,tear of ,isis6 ,menophis ,our river takes it4 ,nefertiti ,the waters rise4 ,menophis ,our choice is made--for ever4 ,nefertiti ,my beloved4 7,embrace47 ,mine ''' for ever and ever ''' all our future lives4 ,menophis ,the ,temple was a dream4 ,your beauty makes me see it4 7,breaks off as he sees ,,rames and ,,sethos approaching through the palms47 ,rames comes4 7,makes to hide47 ,great ,one of ,visions6 ,nefertiti 7,triumphantly47 ,and ,sethos with him4 ,let them see us both4 7,catches his arm47 ,do not hide1 but tell them boldly of your glorious choice4 ,,rames and ,,sethos have been talking together4 ,,sethos now turns and goes off towards the ,temple1 walking slowly with bowed head1 but looking back over his shoulder sometimes4 ,disappears4 ,,rames comes slowly forward4 ,holds up his hands to bless them4 ,rames 7,smiling gravely47 ,may ,aton bless you both--now--and in all lives to come4 ,nefertiti 7,confidently47 ,aton has blessed us--both4 ,menophis 7,dazed1 troubled47 ,rames--you come to know my choice4 7,very gravely47 ,the ,tear has fallen4 ,the river is rising1 and ,i--7lowers head7 ,i have heard the call4 ,rames ,the choice is yours--7solemnly7 and hers4 ,menophis4 ,i have chosen4 ,the rising waters and the risen stars ,nefertiti4 ,he has bear witness4 ,rames ,they ''' bear ''' witness4 ,menophis 7,half sadly to ,,rames47 ,i have weighed both voices4 ,another--a worthier than ,i--must replace me in the ,temple4 ,rames ,aton does not compel4 ,the call will come to you again--in following lives1 until---- ,nefertiti 7,interrupting47 ,our love comes from ,aton4 ,he has given ,menophis to me for my own4 ,rames ,all gifts are his4 ,menophis ,holy ,rames1 ,i cannot let her go from me4 ,rames 7,solemnly47 ,the choice is made4 ,the future lives will bring again1 and yet again 7turning to ,,nefertiti71 this same deep opportunity1 when you--again--shall lead his soul higher1 or 7with emphasis7 delay and hinder by vain selfish love4 ,nefertiti 7,defiant1 yet frightened47 ,he is mine--for ever4 ,no priest or god shall rob me of him4 ,i keep him for myself4 7,clutches him47 ,rames ,the rising water bears witness to your vow4 7,with prophetic and intense gravity47 ,where the ,temple gleams white in the sunlight1 and where the palaces run down to the sea1 you shall hear the waters in your soul--and--shall--remember4 ,nefertiti 7,alarmed47 ,listen6 ,he prophesies6 ,menophis 7,awed47 ,great ,one of ,visions6 ,,curtain ,,act ,,ii ,,their ,,second ,,life ,,together4 ,,time--#cbe ,b4,c4 ,,greece ,,characters ,,phocion 7#dj71 ,athenian ,general4 ,,lydia 7#ce71 his wife4 ,,lysander1 a youth1 ,,phocion',s brother4 ,,alexander ,,the ,,great4 ,,athenian ,,citizens4 ,,act ,,ii ,,scene--,room in ,,phocion',s house in ,athens4 ,simple4 ,altar to ,zeus with brazier burning4 ,colonnade with pillars and view towards ,acropolis4 ,late evening4 7,,lydia is half-kneeling1 half-leaning over the marble balustrade1 gazing into the distance4 ,enter ,,phocion4 ,he comes near and touches her47 ,lydia ,how you startled me6 ,phocion ,were your thoughts so far away1 ,little ,child8 ,lydia ,i was thinking4 ,phocion ,and gazing across the sea as usual4 ,what is there so attractive beyond that dim horizon8 ,the future or----8 ,lydia ,perhaps its dimness only4 ,that's southwards1 is it not8 ,there ,egypt lies1 and--,alexandria--you said--the great1 new city4 ,phocion 7,searchingly47 ,distance still haunts your eyes4 ,little wonder that ,i startled you4 7,kisses her47 ,but do not speak of ,alexander's city4 ,our thoughts lie nearer home--in ,athens4 ,lydia ,where have you been1 ,phocion8 ,all day ,i've missed you4 ,phocion ,on the hills--alone4 ,i have been thinking4 ,lydia ,thinking--you too6 ,phocion ,i came home by way of ,theseus' ,temple1 saying a prayer for our loved city and for ourselves4 ,lydia ,but you are weary1 and your feet are splashed with mud4 ,phocion ,i crossed the ,ilissus to be sooner home1 and found it rising--in flood almost4 ,yesterday's rains on ,mount ,hymettus--7breaks off as she makes a sudden gesture74 ,why1 what ails you1 ,lydia8 ,do ,i startle you a second time8 ,lydia ,forgive me1 ,phocion2 do not notice my little weaknesses4 ,it was merely--there1 ,i've often told you--a rising river is an omen that causes me strange uneasiness4 ,phocion ,little ,child1 ,i understand4 ,i know your feelings4 ,athens herself is on edge these days--and little wonder4 ,lydia ,phocion1 let me tell you honestly--,i am afraid4 ,phocion ,anxious1 perhaps1 but not afraid4 ,the mood of our beloved city takes you with it1 as it takes us all4 ,we all are patriots to-day4 ,but the wife of ,phocion has proved herself no coward4 ,lydia 7,low voice47 ,alexander is so powerful4 ,some say the ,macedonian is a ,god4 ,phocion ,pshaw6 ,in his own land1 perhaps4 ,but ,athens has her own ,gods4 ,he is a conqueror1 yes2 but a conqueror can only take a city1 not the souls who dwell in it4 ,lydia 7,softly47 ,phocion1 when ,i hear your words my fear melts away4 ,yet ,athens is conquered4 ,our city trembles---- ,phocion ,hush1 ,lydia4 ,i do not like to hear you say such things4 ,lydia ,who can stand against him1 then8 ,who is there can oppose this conqueror of the ,persians8 ,phocion ,every ,athenian--every ,greek who loves our city more than he fears the ,macedonian4 ,lydia ,all ,athens1 then6 ,phocion ,all the best in ,athens4 ,,lydia looks nervously over her shoulder towards the city and ,acropolis4 ,the dusk deepens4 ,the first star shows4 ,lydia 7,shudders47 ,your speech is often mysterious like this now--dark with meaning4 ,each night as twilight gathers from the sea about our city1 there are footsteps on the causeway that make me tremble4 ,no sooner has ,hymettus darkened than shadows move silently over the courtyard and between the pillars4 7,turns and flings her arms about him47 ,oh1 my ,phocion1 it is for you1 not for myself1 ,i am afraid4 ,phocion ,calm yourself1 beloved4 ,i am an ,athenian who obeys his unconquerable ,gods4 ,i do no more than accept the destiny they lay upon him who loves his country---- ,lydia ,but if ,alexander discovered you--if----6 ,phocion ,discovered me6 ,what thought is this8 ,lydia ,if he discovered you were true to ,athens1 ,i was about to say4 ,if he took you from me6 ,oh1 ,phocion6 ,in dreams ,i have seen you lying dead at his feet--lost to me for ever4 ,phocion ,not lost1 most loving woman4 ,if the ,gods take me--if ,i die for ,athens---- ,lydia ,am ,i1 then1 less than ,athens8 ,phocion ,athens is great because of women like you1 ,lydia4 ,you would not see her less8 ,lydia ,how less8 ,phocion ,less free4 ,liberty is the breath of life4 ,lydia ,what is my liberty if ,i lose you8 ,your voice1 your touch1 your living presence here beside me 7embraces him7--,i want you alive and loving---- ,phocion ,our love has grown with ,athens4 ,on the green ,cephissian banks we first discovered it1 and that evening on ,hymettus when the honey--ah1 ,i see it in your eyes1 dear heart--you remember even as ,i remember4 ,if ,athens live---- ,lydia ,but if you die6 ,if ,alexander crush you1 kill you6 ,oh1 my ,phocion1 this struggle against the conqueror is vain4 ,you tempt the ,gods4 ,i fear for you and for your hopeless schemes---- ,phocion ,my schemes6 ,lydia1 what do you know8 ,lydia ,i suspect only4 ,i feel you planning dangerous things that must take you from me4 ,those silent footsteps on our causeway in the dusk1 the shadows that pass between the pillars1 the rising waters--,phocion6 your strange deep love of ,athens takes no account of me1 your little1 suffering wife4 ,phocion ,the love of ,athens is ours4 ,it is the love of country that the ,gods call sacred4 7,looks out across the fading city47 ,hellas1 your valleys and mountains1 streams and happy groves ''' beautiful1 beloved ''' who would not die for you'''6 ,lydia ,i love you4 ,if you live for me1 you live for ,hellas even more4 ,athens lives in our hearts1 not otherwise4 ,phocion 7,sternly47 ,if a barbarian rule our dear city1 our hearts are dead4 ,it is better for my heart to mingle with the soil of ,hellas than beat as the slave of ,alexander4 ,lydia ,i love you too much to see you run on death4 ,your wild plot to save our city is but the ,fates' way of taking you away from me4 ,phocion ,try1 ,lydia1 to love me as ,i love ,athens4 ,lydia ,you ask too much of me4 ,i love ,hellas1 but ,i love you more4 ,phocion ,then--not enough4 7,looks away47 ,you make it hard for me4 ,i see the right so clearly1 but your clinging love makes me weak4 ,lydia ,there is nothing in the world for a woman but her love4 ,if you were lost to me1 ,phocion1 these lips could kiss one other only--the rising flood 7shudders7 of our little ,athenian river--or the sea4 ,phocion ,what comes1 sweet wife1 comes to both of us together4 ,you are overwrought with sleeplessness and watching4 ,trust me and love me--more ,i cannot tell you now4 ,your love shall give me strength4 7,he embraces her and moves slowly off towards the colonnade47 ,and if there is a greater love than yours1 some day we shall find it--know it both together4 ,what comes to me to do now--,i must do4 ,goes slowly off4 ,lydia 7,at him47 ,a greater love6 ,ah1 ,phocion--you're going from me--going towards death4 ,i know not what you mean4 ,there is no greater love4 7,watches him disappear47 ,then ,i must save you1 since you will not save yourself4 ,i cannot lose you4 ,my love1 ,i cannot let you--7,covers her face with her hands74 ,my love shall save you from yourself4 ,if ,i do wrong the ,gods forgive---- ,knocking is heard4 ,she starts and looks round4 ,a ,,messenger is seen in the courtyard4 7,cautiously47 ,you would see--whom8 ,messenger ,the wife of ,phocion4 ,lydia 7,frightened47 ,hush6 ,come softly1 ,i am she4 7,,messenger enters stealthily47 ,you bring a message for me8 ,you bring a token8 ,messenger 7,with respect47 ,she who sends me bids me say as token this3 ,from one who loves her ,lord more than his earthly glory--to her who loves as greatly4 ,lydia 7,faintly47 ,to her who loves as greatly4 7,hesitates1 shows agitation1 a distraught expression on her face47 ,it is to save him that ,i do it--to save his life for--both of us4 7,turns to ,,messenger47 ,your great mistress bid you bring an answer back to her8 ,messenger ,without delay--my orders are4 ,lydia ,have you no more to say8 ,no further message8 ,do you bring only the token that you come from her8 ,messenger ,she bid me say that you should feel perfect confidence4 ,lydia ,the word of ,alexander----8 ,messenger ,has been given1 and cannot change4 ,lydia ,though it concern the life of one who was his enemy8 ,messenger ,the ,queen bid me assure you4 ,he has given her his promise4 ,it will not alter4 ,lydia 7,whispers47 ,then take this message back to her who sent you3 ,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 reveal4 ,in return ,i claim the boon the conqueror has sworn--through her--to give me4 ,messenger ,her word and his are both securely given4 ,i take back yours4 ,lydia ,go swiftly1 silently4 ,i shall await fulfilment here--when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow on the marble causeway4 ,behind that pillar ,i shall wait4 ,go swiftly6 ,exit ,,messenger4 ,,lydia1 looking anxiously at the sky1 withdraws into the shadow of the pillars4 ,,phocion enters1 his arm upon the shoulder of ,,lysander1 his youthful brother4 ,,lydia overhears their talk4 ,lysander 7,with enthusiasm47 ,our last meeting now1 and then to action4 ,oh1 ,phocion1 ,i feel the ,gods are with us4 ,your daring shall save ,athens1 and ,hellas will live--even if we die4 ,phocion ,we all stand or fall together4 ,they are picked men1 and heroes2 no one among them thinks of self4 ,the risk1 of course1 is great1 but it is nothing when the stake is considered4 ,lysander ,everything favours us4 ,the best troops of ,alexander's army are still in ,egypt4 ,the entire city is behind us4 ,all ,athens will rise when it sees you are our leader4 7,vehemently47 ,we shall drive the proud ,macedonian out4 ,oh1 ,i'm glad the talk is over soon6 ,i burn for action4 ,phocion ,i1 too1 want action4 ,i am not made for stealth and for conspiracy4 ,plotting and hesitation weary me4 7,sighs47 ,lysander ,phocion1 you feel no doubt1 though--8 ,i heard you sigh4 ,are you less sure of--of anything8 ,phocion ,for myself1 boy1 ,i have no doubt4 ,for ,athens ,i am sure and strong4 ,did ,i sigh perhaps8 ,if so--if so1 it was for others whose lives ,i hold in trust4 ,for others--the truest1 best1 and bravest men in all ,athens4 ,lysander ,the ,gods will bear that burden for you1 ,phocion4 ,phocion ,yes1 yes2 the ,gods will bear it--partly4 ,lysander ,no one can lead but you4 ,we are of one accord4 ,phocion ,i will lead1 ,lysander4 ,have no fear4 ,of myself ,i do not think4 7,looks out47 ,the moon is up4 ,i see the evening star o'er ,salamis4 ,they will be here very shortly4 ,lysander ,we are quite safe here4 ,i took the password round myself at noon4 ,phocion ,we cannot be too cautious4 ,alexander's spies are more numerous than the bees upon ,hymettus4 ,they can sting as sharply too4 ,lysander ,oh1 our secret is well guarded4 ,yet the least whisper or thoughtless word could so easily betray us4 7,looks round with a moment's hesitation1 then continues in a lower voice47 ,i only would--that ,lydia---- ,phocion ,lydia6 ,lysander ,she is in great favour with ,alexander's queen1 ,statira4 ,phocion ,so much the better6 ,since she knows nothing there is nothing she can reveal4 ,alexander seeks to play the generous conqueror4 ,that the wife of ,phocion accepts favours that ,phocion spurns can only save us from suspicion4 ,the ,persian woman helps us without knowing it4 ,and so does ,lydia6 ,lysander ,you are right1 ,phocion4 ,the ,gods show their will in little things like this4 ,we are under their protection4 ,yet if word reached ,alexander of our gathering in your house to-night---- ,phocion ,keep your words for later1 boy2 you waste your strength4 ,how can you hold such idle thoughts8 ,hellas a ,macedonian province6 ,her ancient liberties crushed6 ,our last hope dead as soon as born1 and no blow struck6 ,lysander ,phocion1 forgive me6 ,and1 ,selene1 in yonder rising moon1 forgive me too4 ,the ,gods protect and help us6 ,phocion ,pallas ,athena1 give us wisdom to plan and strength to strike4 ,,lydia comes forward from her hiding-place among the columns4 ,the moonlight falls on her4 ,as she moves she notices that it casts a shadow4 ,she hurries4 ,,lysander watches her somewhat closely4 ,ah1 ,lydia4 ,lydia ,you did not call me1 ,phocion8 ,it seemed---- ,phocion 7,smiling47 ,your maidens called you to the bath4 ,it is your bathing hour4 ,lydia 7,to ,,lysander47 ,lysander1 good-evening6 ,you are fortunate4 7,half laughing1 half jealous47 ,phocion has more time for his brother than for his wife4 ,lysander ,had ,i a wife as brave and faithful as my brother has1 ,i should be more fortunate still6 ,these are grave times1 good ,lydia1 for true ,athenian men4 ,phocion ,ah1 ,lydia knows too well1 ,lysander4 ,but do not detain her now4 7,to ,,lydia47 ,i will come later for you1 ,little ,child--an hour at the most4 ,lydia ,i am always ready for you1 ,phocion1 and always true4 ,i1 too1 am an ,athenian4 ,phocion ,the ,gods watch over you6 ,lydia ,and over you6 ,,phocion moves to the balustrade and leans over1 watching the night4 ,he waits for her to go4 ,,lydia turns to ,,lysander and speaks low and hurriedly4 ,you love him1 ,i know1 ,lysander1 and he loves you4 ,lysander ,before he even knew your name1 ,i loved ,phocion1 7sternly7 and more than ,phocion ,i love ,phocion's honour4 ,lydia ,and so loving him you would urge him--to his death4 7,with passion47 ,you shall not1 ,lysander2 ,phocion is mine and he belongs to me4 ,i will hold him fast to this life4 ,a glorious career now lies at ,phocion's feet4 ,lysander ,i love ,phocion's honour too well to tempt him to dishonour4 ,lydia ,tush1 boy6 ,you do not understand4 ,i would not tempt him4 ,fate does not tempt1 it commands4 ,the high ,gods bid us to accept fate bravely4 ,the weak resist it2 the strong accept and make it glorious4 ,and a glorious career now lies at ,phocion's feet4 ,lysander ,you speak with knowledge1 ,lydia8 ,if so1 how come you by such knowledge8 ,lydia ,hush1 not so loud4 ,lysander1 you faithful brother1 ,i tell you it is common knowledge4 ,the ,military ,governorship of ,alexandria--once offered to ,phocion already and refused by him--is open to him still4 ,alexander knows his worth---- ,lysander ,his incorruptibility too4 ,but how know you this1 ,lydia8 ,lydia ,i only know that ,alexander is generous and will raise him to even greater honour4 ,he places ,phocion above all men in ,athens---- ,lysander 7,coldly47 ,has ,alexander's queen informed you thus4 7,louder47 ,it seems strange to me1 ,lydia1 that the wife of--an ,athenian patriot---- ,phocion ,how loud your voices grow4 ,lydia1 ,little ,child1 you had best leave us now1 for ,lysander and ,i have grave business to transact together--and we expect others too4 ,there is a low knocking at the door4 ,lydia ,lysander chides me that ,i accept kindness from the queen of ,athens' conqueror4 ,phocion ,i see no harm in that1 and possibly much good4 ,your love will ever guide you4 ,farewell1 now1 for a little while4 ,and happiness go with you6 ,lydia ,i leave you4 ,it is your friends who come to you at twilight now so often4 ,the ,fates protect you1 my ,phocion6 7,whispers to ,,lysander as she goes47 ,oh1 save him1 ,lysander6 ,save him from himself--for me1 his wife6 ,exit slowly1 looking back fondly at ,,phocion as she goes4 ,,lysander watches her with an expression that betrays doubt1 anxiety and disapproval4 ,he shakes his head4 ,the knocking is repeated4 ,it is a definite knock that has been pre-arranged4 ,phocion ,open1 ,lysander4 ,it is the ,citizens4 ,a dozen ,,citizens enter quietly4 ,their leader holds a scroll in his hand4 ,in turn they greet ,,phocion with obvious respect1 each giving the password1 while ,,phocion replies with the countersign3 ,citizen ,the ,gods deliver ,athens6 ,phocion ,they will deliver her6 ,when all are in1 they group themselves4 ,an elderly ,,citizen1 holding the scroll1 acts as spokesman4 ,it is safest our meeting should be brief1 and no words wasted4 ,first ,citizen ,we stand for action4 ,second ,citizen ,immediate action4 ,third ,citizen ,each day that passes consolidates the barbarian power that would ruin ,athens4 ,lysander ,citizens1 we need two conditions for success--to strike hard1 and to surprise4 ,phocion ,we must move warily4 ,the ,macedonian's spies hide everywhere1 and money has been flowing4 ,lysander ,there are ten thousand hearts in ,athens above gold----6 ,phocion 7,gravely47 ,our preparations must be sure4 ,you bring to-night the list of patriots8 ,first ,citizen ,it is drawn up 7holds out scroll74 ,twenty names stand written here1 each signed by his own hand1 each guaranteeing three hundred men of arms---- ,phocion ,whom we can trust8 ,first ,citizen ,the names are guarantee1 as you will see--the best in ,athens4 ,second ,citizen ,ready to live or die as our beloved city lives--or dies4 ,lysander ,and thousands more will follow once we show the way4 ,phocion ,our forlorn hope 7takes the scroll7 is favoured of the ,gods1 and will be led by them4 ,begins to read names4 ,citizen ,upon great leadership hangs success or failure4 ,there can be one leader only4 ,citizens ,phocion6 ,phocion6 ,lysander ,phocion is our leader4 ,,phocion reads silently4 ,,lysander suddenly turns his head towards the moon-lit courtyard4 7,low47 ,i saw a figure pass4 ,citizen ,a few moments ago ,i saw one too--between the pillars4 ,another ,citizen ,are we alone here8 ,phocion 7,looking up47 ,my wife--and her maidens--are about4 ,we are alone4 ,first ,citizen ,once read1 ,phocion1 the list must be instantly destroyed4 ,each signature is a warrant for the writer's death4 ,lysander 7,nervously47 ,i counsel haste4 ,the very stones move as with footsteps4 ,the sky has eyes4 ,turns towards a burning brazier close behind him4 ,phocion 7,calmly47 ,i have read4 ,the names are--what ,athens would expect4 ,lysander ,then let me burn it4 ,first ,citizen 7,rising47 ,phocion1 in the names you read1 and in the names of all assembled here1 we offer you the leadership--the military leadership4 ,we ask you to lead our beloved city back to liberty again4 7,muffled applause47 ,while ,,phocion has been reading1 a woman's figure is seen creeping from pillar to pillar where the shadows are deepest4 ,she is followed closely by a second figure--a man swathed in a head-dress such as that worn by the ,persian warrior in the ,elgin ,marbles4 ,unnoticed in the dimness they reach the colonnades where they can hear all that passes4 ,phocion 7,slowly47 ,citizens1 in the name of ,athens1 and with the approval of the deathless ,gods of ,athens--,i accept the leadership4 ,he hands the scroll to ,,lysander1 who has stepped forward eagerly to seize it4 ,,lysander turns towards the fire4 ,first ,citizen ,then we are half-way to success already4 7,applause47 ,the sooner we disband1 the better4 ,three of us may stay with ,phocion to decide the final---- ,at this moment the cloaked figure steps out into the centre of the courtyard4 ,he is plainly visible in the moonlight4 ,consternation reigns4 ,,phocion reaches for his sword4 ,,lysander fumbles over the brazier1 thrusting the scroll into the flames4 ,the ,,citizens stand firm1 not trying to hide1 but visibly startled4 ,citizen ,we are betrayed6 ,citizen ,a spy6 ,we have been overheard6 ,citizen ,a ,persian6 ,phocion 7,self-possessed47 ,no stranger is unwelcome in my house1 even though he enter--without permission4 7,louder to stranger47 ,you would see ,phocion8 ,i am he4 ,,lydia remains hidden in the shadows4 ,stranger 7,advancing47 ,i ask forgiveness for my unannounced intrusion4 ,i disturb you4 ,but my need is urgent4 ,this is my warrant3 ,i am a messenger from ,alexander4 ,stands erect and waits4 ,others ,from ,alexander6 ,phocion 7,calmly47 ,you bring ,phocion a message from ,alexander8 ,stranger ,of first importance4 ,phocion ,you may deliver it4 ,,lysander pauses to listen too4 ,stranger ,a gift ,i am bid offer first--a gift from ,egypt1 where ,phocion fought so bravely and so well4 7,holds out an object of gold47 ,from the ,temple of ,ammon himself in ,lybia4 ,phocion 7,coldly47 ,phocion fights not for gifts2 nor can he accept anything from the barbarian conqueror of ,athens4 ,stranger ,i am bid to urge reflection on you4 ,first words are not the truest always1 nor the wisest4 7,pauses47 ,phocion 7,simply1 with scorn47 ,i am an ,athenian4 ,stranger 7,lays gift on a marble table beside ,,phocion47 ,alexander commands me say further--that1 with this gift1 he would honour ,phocion by yet another one4 ,he bids me call you the ,military ,governor of his new city in ,egypt4 ,phocion ,the two gifts are one4 ,i have one answer only4 ,stranger 7,smoothly47 ,then1 with your answer1 ,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 loyal4 ,,lysander1 startled1 desists a moment4 ,,phocion takes a sudden step forwards4 ,phocion 7,alarmed47 ,loyal----6 ,stranger 7,throws off disguise47 ,the parchment4 ,voice of command4 ,holds hand out4 ,phocion ,alexander6 ,all recognise ,,alexander4 ,confusion1 consternation1 and murmurs3 8,alexander60 8,alexander60 ,alexander ,hand it to me1 boy1 before another name is burned4 7,laughs47 ,,alexander strides towards him4 ,,lysander defies him4 ,,alexander seizes him4 ,he shall be surety1 ,phocion1 for your loyalty4 ,,phocion1 holding his sword1 rushes on ,,alexander to aid ,,lysander1 and above all to rescue the scroll4 ,the ,,citizens stand their ground and are about to interfere1 when ,,lydia rushes in and throws herself on ,,phocion1 checking his violent attack4 ,at the same moment ,,alexander stamps on the marble floor4 ,,soldiers enter4 ,,phocion and ,,alexander stand facing one another in silence for a moment4 ,i hold you the bravest man in ,athens1 ,phocion1 and such men as you ,i need4 7,holds out the scroll1 as yet unread47 ,but lesser men than you ,i do not--need6 ,lydia ,phocion6 ,great ,alexander6''' ,statira promised me4''' ,oh1 he is too brave to die'''6 ,alexander 7,to ,,soldiers47 ,three of you take the boy away4 ,the rest withdraw4 ,no1 let these greybeards go4 ,a few ,,citizens creep out1 following ,,lysander and ,,soldiers4 ,lysander 7,calling back to ,,phocion47 ,the ,gods will not desert us'''6 ,phocion 7,with dignity47 ,you are the conqueror of ,athens4 ,alexander ,lesser men than you ,i do not need4 ,give me your allegiance 7pointing significantly to the scroll7 and ,i give you--these lives6 ,lydia 7,whispering47 ,phocion1 you cannot sacrifice such men6 ,citizen ,do not think of us6 ,what is life to the conquered8 ,gladly would we die for ,athens4 ,alexander ,i wait your decision1 ,phocion4 ,phocion 7,bitterly47 ,phocion1 ,military ,governor of ,alexandria1 is ,alexander's host4 ,alexander ,the word of ,phocion is enough4 7,burns the scroll unread47 ,lysander1 the boy1 shall be ,captain of your ,bodyguard in ,egypt4 ,the ,gods--your ,gods--are witness to what ,i say4 ,,alexander salutes ,,phocion and goes out4 ,,phocion is alone with ,,lydia4 ,there is a moment's silence4 ,phocion 7,brokenly47 ,athens6 ,i have failed you6 ,my life is broken in pieces4 ,hides face in hands4 ,lydia ,but ,i meant to save you1 ,phocion4 ,my love would save you4 ,have ,i done wrong8 ,oh1 tell me4 ,phocion 7,low47 ,you have done--your--best4 ,no one--no woman--can do more4 ,lydia ,i could not face life without you4 ,i could not see you die4 ,my love made the desperate plan4 ,i bargained with ,alexander's queen--life with honour and glory for you in ,egypt1 the land you love4 ,oh1 ,phocion1 beloved1 do not judge me hardly4 ,you do not speak4 ,phocion 7,patiently47 ,there is something here ,i cannot understand4 ,his hand touches the gift from ,egypt4 ,he looks at it curiously1 then looks out away from her4 ,lydia ,i love you too much4 ,is that hard to understand8 ,phocion 7,sadly47 ,yet the love the ,gods bring is otherwise ''' ,i think4 ,,curtain ,,act ,,iii ,,their ,,third ,,life ,,together4 ,,time--,,fifteenth ,,century ,,italy ,,characters ,,paulo ,,salviati1 a painter1 age about #be4 ,,lucia1 his wife1 a beautiful ,florentine4 ,,prince ,,damiano ,,di ,,medici1 art patron4 ,,act ,,iii ,,scene--,,paulo',s studio in ,venice4 ,a bare room of obvious poverty4 ,,paulo painting at a large canvas4 7,enter ,lucia47 ,paulo 7,turning happily47 ,lucia6 ,at last you return4 ,my love1 how ,i have missed you4 7,kisses her47 ,it seemed so long4 7,examining her47 ,you are excited6 ,then my uneasiness was not for nothing4 ,tell me4 ,an adventure1 perhaps8 ,an admirer1 of course6 ,this flush'''6 7,laughs47 ,little ,child'''6 7,teasingly47 ,lucia ,i've been but a short hour1 my ,paulo4 ,and1 as for adventures and admirers1 they have but one name--,paulo4 7,looks embarrassed slightly47 ,how quick you are6 ,paulo ,love makes me quick4 ,i think ,i guess4 ,lucia 7,ashamed a little47 ,listen6 7,they listen4 ,the waves of the sea are audible beating against the outer walls47 ,you hear8 ,paulo 7,patiently47 ,i hear1 but ,i do not understand4 ,it is the water only---- ,lucia 7,lower47 ,the rising water4 7,pauses1 while passing hand over her forehead47 ,nor do ,i understand4 ,it is my weakness1 ,i suppose4 ,all women have something that makes them fear without a reason1 and this is mine---- ,paulo 7,protectively47 ,for which ,i love you all the more4 ,for had you reasoned you would not have married me4 7,to himself47 ,strange1 strange4''' 7,recovers gaiety and turns to picture47 ,see how it grows1 ,lucia4 ,all that ,i scraped out yesterday ,i have repainted4 ,long before the ,competition ,day ,i shall have finished it4 7,enthusiastically47 ,look6 ,lucia ,the glow1 the warmth1 the colour--you've caught it all8 ,paulo ,i hope so4 ,but when my model and my critic desert me both at once like this---- ,lucia ,dear ,paulo4 7,sighs47 ,and it's so difficult for me to make five scudi do the work of ten4 7,shows agitation47 ,i know1 oh1 ,i know4 7,excitement47 ,yet somehow1 somehow we shall find a way4 ,and it will be wonderful---- ,paulo 7,noticing her mood and wondering47 ,it is you who are wonderful--7shakes finger at her7 intriguing with ,fate as ever---- ,lucia 7,quickly47 ,no1 not intriguing4 ,i am but your wife--and model4 7,laughs47 ,paulo ,and inspiration---- ,lucia ,and critic---- ,paulo ,and manager6 ,that is the wonder--that you who fled with a painter to learn poverty like this 7shows bare room7 and this 7shows clothes7 and this 7touches heart7 should bargain so cleverly in the market-place and carry home our fish and vegetables in your coloured apron--the ,lady ,lucia1 a house-wife of the people6 ,lucia ,forgetting the wine as usual1 and dropping half the fish on my way6 7,seriously47 ,love makes it beautiful4 ,it is for love's sake1 ,paulo4 ,paulo 7,emphatically47 ,and the work's sake4 ,lucia 7,quickly47 ,the work1 ah yes1 the work's sake4 7,excitedly47 ,oh1 my ,paulo1 what would ,i not do--what would ,i not sacrifice for your advancement--,i mean1 for your art1 your wonderful great art4 7,confused47 ,paulo 7,quietly47 ,this shall be our love's first-fruits 7pointing to canvas74 ,lucia 7,repeats low to herself47 ,our love's first-fruits4 ,paulo 7,rapt47 ,when you and ,i float over the lagoons as dust upon the wind--7turns to her from picture1 and lowers voice7 when you and ,i are gone--remembered1 perhaps1 only as ,paulo the painter1 and ,lucia his inspiration--this beauty--ah1 that is my dream--this beauty shall still shine out for the world4 ,they watch the picture for a moment4 ,lucia ,i fear one thing only for you--poverty4 ,you should have everything4 ,paulo ,i have4 ,everything that matters to an artist1 and its name is inspiration4 ,looks with passionate admiration at her4 ,lucia 7,with growing agitation47 ,you left ,florence for my sake4 ,but for me1 the great ,princes--7with an effort7 the ,medici--would have helped4 ,paulo 7,brusquely47 ,we agreed--7pretended severity7--solemnly1 you remember--never to mention your princely lover's name4 ,nothing stops good painting like jealousy1 and at that name ,i see blood4 ,lucia 7,smiling47 ,our ,palace is too poor to house even that thin ghost4 ,you have no need to think of jealousy4 ,paulo ,no need now1 ,lucia4 ,in ,venice we are safe from ,damiano di ,medici4 ,now1 will you sit for me8 ,i burn to work4 ,come6 ,you must have roses in your hands4 ,i will go to the flower-sellers by the bridge4 ,lucia ,i would have brought them with me from the market-place--one scudi each6 ,i hesitated---- ,paulo ,and bought ten sprats instead6 ,my wonderful1 clever house-wife4 ,without sprats to eat ,i never could paint roses6 ,but ,i must have them4 ,i shall be but a moment away1 my love--a single moment 7throwing kisses from the door7 that will seem like years6 ,farewell ''' ,little ,child4 ,lucia ,little ,child6 ,ah1 how ,i love that name1 given to me with our first kiss4 ,i love it better than my own4 7,thinks a moment1 puzzled47 ,for somehow it seems my very own---- ,paulo ,it is your own4 ,the little love-name that seems to travel like memory up the ages4 ,i shall be back as soon as you are ready4 ,exit ,knocking at the door startles her4 7,enter ,,damiano ,,di ,,medici47 ,lucia ,you6 ,and so soon4 ,it is too soon4 ,i've had no time to prepare him yet---- ,medici ,a painter receives his patron without preparation surely---- ,lucia ,patron6 ,you must not use that word to him1 or all is ruined before it is even begun4 ,you must remember---- ,medici 7,bows ironically47 8,must0 to me6 ,and 8must0 again6 ,my gracious ,lady ,lucia forgets---- ,lucia ,nothing4 ,she remembers that her husband1 first of all1 is proud1 as ,i have already warned you4 ,he does not yet know that ,i have been to see you--you1 of all men in the world4 ,medici 7,frowning47 ,when you say 8proud0 you mean1 ,i take it1 jealous4 ,lucia ,i mean both4 7,manner changing47 ,oh1 ,prince1 you promised--,i have your word that you would be guided in this by me4 ,medici 7,unbending47 ,i was in haste to see the picture---- ,lucia ,but too great haste---- ,medici 7,ignoring her interruption47 ,for he is1 ,i swear truly1 the man ,i need--his work1 that is to say4 7,threateningly47 ,as once1 my ,lady1 you were the woman that ,i needed4 ,but needs do not last for ever1 nor is any indispensable--perhaps4 ,lucia 7,more control47 ,oh1 give me time1 ,prince1 please4 ,you do not want to lose him4 ,i have your word and trust it4 7,anxiously47 ,will you not take your gondola to the islands--the sun is sweet upon the water--and return in half an hour8 ,i--by that time ,i---- ,medici ,the light is sweet upon your face as well4 ,what do you offer me in return for so great a favour8 ,lucia ,i am the wife of ,paulo ,salviati4 ,medici ,and have1 as ,i see1 married poverty as well as genius6 ,i was too slow for once1 as now1 it seems1 ,i am too hasty4 ,i should have asked--and taken--all before this fellow---- ,lucia 7,scorn47 ,poverty with ,salviati is beauty for eternity4 ,the wealth of a ,florentine princess belongs to time4 ,medici ,and1 therefore1 you come humbly to ask me a favour4 ,lucia ,one it should be an honour for you to grant 7with earnest persuasion7--that you may share in giving eternal beauty to the world4 ,had ,i asked the ,collona or the ,calviere to see the work of a great painter whom poverty---- ,medici ,you came1 instead1 to me4 ,lucia ,you have bought the palace on the ,grand ,canal and need a great--the greatest--painter for your ceiling----- ,medici ,enthusiasm becomes you4 ,you look divine with that passion in your eyes4 ,lucia 7,cunningly47 ,i am his model too1 you see4 ,medici ,and that delicious gesture4 7,steps nearer47 ,a little more fire1 a touch more of abandon1 and ,i swear that--on certain conditions--oh1 very small ones6--,i would grant everything you ask4 ,lucia 7,icily47 ,an hour ago1 when we talked together1 you passed me your word4 ,i appealed to you as lover of the beautiful--the best1 the noblest in you4 ,i was1 it seems1 mistaken1 and our interview now had better end4 7,moves to window47 ,i will call my husband4 ,medici ,this change from fire to ice is exquisite6 7,admiringly47 ,but why so proud1 fair ,lady ,lucia8 7,she stands listening47 ,you hear him coming8 7,she hears the water lapping4 ,hides her face a moment47 ,it is only the waves4 ,the tide is rising still4 ,that's all4 ,lucia 7,distraught47 ,yes1 rising1 rising4 ,please leave me1 ,prince4 ,no1 no--please stay--a moment longer4 7,frightened47 ,forgive me4 ,something--a vision-flashed upon me out of darkness4 ,i am confused4 ,i fear4 7,to herself47 ,oh1 ,i have done this very thing before---- ,medici ,but not with me1 alas6 ,lucia 7,goes to his side47 ,forgive me4 ,i thought only of myself4 ,for a moment ,i forgot the work1 the beauty that is his divine1 his holy mission4 ,now ,i'm myself again4 ,the water1 the rising water--somehow--in some strange way--reminds me4 ,oh1 ,i will be wise and loving in the noblest way4 7,looks into his eyes4 ,imploringly47 ,it is his need1 his poverty1 that drive me to ask a favour of you who once aspired to be my lover4 ,have you no pity8 ,we fled from ,florence to escape you--it is true4 ,i would rather ask favours of any in the world but you---- 7,confused47 ,medici ,and yet--7,to himself47 ,and you are his model4 ,you could live for ever on my ceiling6 7,to her47 ,you are1 indeed1 a ,goddess belonging to eternity6 7,admiringly47 ,lucia ,and yet--yes1 ,i came to you an hour ago--as patron4 ,it is true4 ,it was for his sake and for his great art ,i came4 7,voice singing outside47 ,oh1 ,i ask no favour now more than a little time to talk with him4 ,that is his voice4 ,i will persuade him4 ,i will gain his consent1 and he will do the picture for you--for your palace4 ,leave me1 ,i beg1 a few moments with him alone1 and then return--to find--,i promise it--the greatest painter in all ,italy---- ,medici ,in all the world4 ,lucia ,prepared to give you of his best4 ,clasps her hands and stares into his face4 ,medici ,to have you in my palace so 7admiringly7 is1 perhaps1 the next best thing to--have you in my---- ,lucia ,oh1 ,i implore you4 ,leave me with him4 7,singing comes very close47 ,i promise4 ,medici 7,shrugging47 ,you have chosen the one spell that moves me4 ,even more strong than the love of a fair woman is my love of art--its wonder1 its beauty1 and its triumph4 ,his picture will outlive even your loveliness4 7,sighs47 ,my name and my great palace will remind a later world of me1 and of what ,i did for beauty4 ,well1 well1 my ,lady ,lucia1 you win me over--for the moment1 at any rate4 ,i will stand behind this screen and listen4 ,i must hear how you persuade genius to abjure its principles6 ,lucia 7,firmly47 ,then ,i do nothing4 ,you must first go4 ,medici ,another 8must40 ,your self-will is adorable4 ,upon my word6 ,but ,i1 too1 have a 8must0--his work1 with yourself as model1 on my palace ceiling6 7,yields with a sarcastic bow47 ,exit4 ,,lucia mounts the model's throne and stands1 arranging her drapery1 as ,,paulo enters4 ,paulo 7,breathless2 carries roses47 ,only two6 ,they were so dear4 ,i have not your skill in bargains4 7,holds out roses47 ,we must make them do4 7,kisses her47 ,have ,i been very long8 ,i had to go nearly to the ,zucca4 ,lucia ,two roses added to our love makes a whole garden4 ,and one day soon you shall lack nothing the work needs4 7,tenderly47 ,oh1 ,paulo1 beloved1 by rights everything should be yours now4 ,there is not a painter in ,italy who comes near you4 ,paulo 7,quietly47 ,i shall win the ,competition4 ,we shall have plenty then4 ,lucia 7,lower47 ,your art needs it now4 7,sighs47 ,i am so useless to you--and yet---- ,paulo 7,looking47 ,and yet--8 ,lucia1 this anxiety1 this nervousness is strange to you4 ,you use unaccustomed words4 8,useless06 ,what can you mean8 ,lucia ,you would never be angry--you would not scold me1 no matter what ,i might do--for your work's sake8 ,paulo 7,passionately47 ,you have such darling moods4 ,i love you4 ,the work is ours1 not mine4 7,caresses her47 ,i understand so well4 ,it is your love that makes you tremble for the work's sake3 the picture grows1 the ,competition ,day comes nearer4 ,it's like the sea-tides rising--it affects you--,i understand6 ,lucia ,yes1 yes4 ,you always know4 ,you're always right4 ,an inner tide seems rising in me as the time draws near4 ,you understand my woman's moods1 and so forgive them4 ,paulo 7,painting47 ,picture the scene1 as we used to do when scudi were very scarce4 ,it always makes us happy--the brilliant forecast4 ,lucia ,tell me again4 ,i love to hear it all4 ,paulo ,the judging will be in the ,council ,hall where the ,doge holds high state1 crowded with the noblest and loveliest of all ,venice4 ,the pictures chosen for the final verdict--that's ,vernio's and ,marco ,gagliano's1 and mine--,i mean ours--of course--will stand apart on easels4 ,and on a pillar in front of them shines the jewelled casket with the thousand gold pieces that ,venice bestows--a mere trifle--upon him she decrees the greatest artist---- ,lucia ,and the pillar is garlanded with roses--more than these two1 but not more lovely1 ,paulo4 ,paulo ,of course4 ,and the competitors waiting in a hungry1 anxious group---- ,lucia ,you won't be hungry4 ,i'll have so many sprats the night before---- ,paulo ,i shan't be anxious either4 ,lucia 7,happier47 ,you will be dressed in a new doublet of purple cloth4 ,if we can buy no golden thread for the embroidery ,i shall weave this across it4 7,holds out her hair47 ,you'll look magnificent---- ,paulo ,the picture---- ,lucia ,still more magnificent4 ,they won't know which to look at---- ,paulo 7,merry47 ,then they'll squint4 ,lucia ,the judge will call aloud your name3 ,paulo ,salviati4 ,you will be victor1 and all the ,assembly will rise to honour you---- ,paulo 7,correcting her again47 ,the work4 ,my art1 not me4 ,my art1 my work---- ,,lucia stands up to show the judge's gestures4 ,she hears the water lapping4 ,her face changes4 ,what is it1 ,little ,child8 ,lucia ,n--nothing1 ,paulo4 ,i--,i merely thought a moment of those other painters1 of ,vernio1 of ,gagliano1 the favoured ones who have wealthy patrons1 so that they can work in ease and comfort1 lacking nothing---- ,paulo 7,grandly47 ,except my inspiration--and my liberty4 ,think what that means4 ,my work is done in freedom1 and must surpass their best since it is bought of luxury4 7,earnest and contemptuous47 ,what artist1 no matter his genius1 that can see truth while a patron jogs his brush1 bidding him do this and that1 set here a touch of gold and there of scarlet1 put here a flower1 a bird1 and there a--a 7explodes7--a sprat--6 ,why not8 ,it is the soul alone that sees truth1 and such men have sold their souls4 ,they will be paid accordingly4 ,lucia 7,agitated47 ,there are some patrons who--it is said--give freedom1 liberty too4 ,paulo ,i never heard their names4 ,lucia ,there are some who know1 who understand better4 7,confused and rapidly47 ,they say the ,medicis---- ,paulo 7,stops painting47 ,such painters and their patrons live for time1 not for eternity1 my ,little ,child4 ,and among them the worst--the very worst--is that ,florentine whose best claim to merit is that he dared to aspire to your love4 ,lucia ,i hate and despise him4 ,yet ,i dread his help--for others4 ,he is as great in influence almost as his elder brother1 ,cosimo4 ,paulo ,bah6 ,lucia ,forgive me1 ,paulo--,i reproach myself often that we fled from him--from ,florence--where he might--7lower7 oh1 he could have done so much for you--his patronage4 ,paulo 7,staring47 ,the mere name1 as you see1 stops me painting4 ,you must not speak of it1 here least of all in our place of work1 of worship4 ,patronage--bah6 ,my fire would go out1 my inspiration leave me1 my soul die in bondage4 ,i must have 7loudly7 liberty4 ,lucia 7,frightened47 ,the ,madonna help me6 ,paulo1 beloved1 see what ,i have brought you--something your picture needs4 ,my present and my surprise4 ,no questions1 now6 ,holds out richly-coloured silk4 ,paulo 7,delighted1 amazed47 ,that very broidery we saw together6 ,lucia--,little ,child6 ,how did you pay for it1 or--or did you steal it8 ,the merchant asked ten lira1 ,i remember--and we had but three4 7,examines it47 ,the colour of wine and pomegranate6 ,gorgeous6 ,how did you pay for it8 ,quick1 tell me4 7,,lucia turns her head from side to side47 ,the long gold earrings6 ,your last jewel6 ,lucia6 7,takes her in his arms47 ,i'll kiss your ears 7softly7 till they leave blushes you cannot sell1 fairer than any jewels1 for they are the kisses of my soul which sees eternal beauty4 ,lucia ,would that ,i had a whole casket of both kinds1 my ,paulo6 ,of one kind ,i would sell all4 ,you should have a studio with north light1 the best paints that can be bought1 the choicest hangings1 the fairest models1 and--and1 oh1 everything these others possess who have not risked all for ,love and brought a wife from ,florence---- 7,voice breaks and stops47 ,paulo ,hush1 hush1 ,little ,child6 ,you have given all you had--and that is everything4 ,my art1 if it is inspired as we dream1 is stronger than circumstances1 and will conquer4 ,and ,i have liberty--love1 beauty1 liberty6 ,what more can ,i ask of ,heaven8 ,come1 see the picture with me a moment4 7,draws her to it47 ,let us look at it together4 7,they stand before it47 ,lucia 7,low47 ,the ,gods painted it4 ,paulo 7,moved47 ,your soul and mine1 say rather4 ,the hand is nothing4 ,it is the inspiration4 7,they look a moment47 ,it was conceived1 at least1 in liberty--7,starts and looks at her47 ,you whispered something8 ,i did not catch it4 ,tell me1 ,little ,child4 ,you feel--8 ,why1 ,i declare1 you tremble4 ,lucia 7,very low47 ,one thing1 ,i fear1 one thing alone6 ,the golden bloom1 the warmth1 the joyous laughter and the richness all ,venetians love4 ,it will be judged with the work of--of others whom plenty and comfort and--and all that help which money can provide---- ,paulo ,men who feed from their patron's hands like obedient lap-dogs---- ,lucia ,madonna1 help me6 ,they have never to calculate if their blue paint can last till the sky is finished4 7,impetuously47 ,why1 in ,florence1 the ,medici gives his painters---- ,paulo ,that name again6 ,lucia ,i chose it at random--by mistake4 ,it slipped out1 ,i mean4 7,losing control more47 ,oh1 my too proud ,paulo1 if you only knew how ,i love your pride and worship it4 ,i only thought--for a moment only--the merest foolish moment--that this young ,medici--oh1 he loves beauty too1 he worships art and beauty--perhaps--,i wondered--he might have helped in a way that even you could have accepted without losing your liberty4 ,i reproach myself so---- ,paulo 7,sternly47 ,lucia1 ,i need no man's help4 ,i have told you4 ,you doubt my art1 my power1 when you show this fear4 ,it is fear that makes you reproach yourself4 ,our love knows no fear4 7,soothes her47 ,lucia ,it is1 perhaps1 myself ,i fear1 ,paulo4 ,a strange dread haunts me like a dream4 ,i fear lest ,i injure your great work1 your mission---- ,paulo ,you tremble still4 ,you are excited4 ,tell me1 ,little ,child--do you know something that you hide from me--that you cannot tell me8 ,pause4 ,lucia ,nothing1 nothing1 but my woman's mood4 ,my passion to help you is so great ,i sometimes fear lest ,i guide it wrongly--7breaks off74 ,see1 ,paulo1 the light is good1 and we have this broidery you need 7replaces old drapery with the new silk piece7--the very thing--exactly the tint and texture4 ,i'll sit for you4 7,shows hurry47 ,there is no time to lose4 ,some one might disturb us4 ,paulo 7,a look of suspicion comes and goes4 ,he watches her puzzled1 while mixing his paints47 ,your mood is new4 ,that is what disquiets me4 ,you seem expectant almost4 ,and this strange haste1 ,lucia8 ,we never hurry6 ,lucia 7,laughing gaily47 ,only that ,i long to see this colour 7touches silk7 in your picture--on the very canvas1 alive and burning--before it is seen by--by others4 ,paulo 7,absorbed47 ,yet who should see it before the ,competition ,day8 ,lucia ,of course1 of course4 ,still ,i am anxious4 ,time is precious4 7,poses47 ,oh1 how lovely the silk lies on me6 ,look6 ,and am ,i right8 7,whispers47 ,paulo1 ,i feel your brushes on my heart4 ,paint swiftly1 beloved1 swiftly4 ,paulo ,beautiful6 ,perfect6 ,divine6 ,there--just as you are now4 ,don't move6 ,even your heart must stop6 ,lucia ,madonna1 help me6 ,paulo ,she does4 ,have no fear for the result4 7,paints hard47 ,now1 talk to me while ,i work--no movement1 mind6 ,just words4 ,i love the music of your voice4 ,it soothes and blesses me4 ,the gossip of the market-place1 for instance8 ,lucia 7,quickly47 ,ah1 well1 then the ,eros will interest you--the one we coveted so4''' ,it's gone from the merchant's booth at last4 ,paulo ,our ,grecian ,eros6 ,our little statue6 ,i shall miss it4 ,i wonder who bought it4 ,or has it flown back to ,samos1 starved with yearning1 on our summer wind8 ,some day we'll follow it4 ,greece6 ,glorious mother of artists6 ,my heart lies there--sometimes1 ,i almost think1 my memory too4 7,pause47 ,who bought our ,eros8 ,did you hear that as well8 ,lucia ,the critics say that in your art ,greece has come back to life again4 ,paulo ,who bought it1 ,lucia8 ,your head to the right a little--so4 ,lucia ,a great ,prince1 a stranger to ,venice1 they said1 who has bought the ,cavaliere ,palazzo on the ,grand ,canal4 ,gossip is full of it4 ,he has sworn to make it more beautiful than ,cosimo ,medici's in ,florence---- ,paulo ,that odious name again6 7,smiling47 ,it haunts you1 ,little ,child6 7,she starts47 ,don't move6 don't move6 ,the pose is perfect4 ,lucia ,haunts the gossip of the town1 rather--for which you asked me1 ,signor6 ,the ceilings are to be painted with classical scenes alone--the loves of ,apollo1 and ,athena's triumph4 ,paulo ,what subjects6 ,and ,i know that ,palazzo4 ,its ceilings are superb1 enormous6 ,painting the very sky6 7,steps back to examine his work47 ,it's coming1 it's coming1 the very colour ,i wanted4 ,yes1 yes1 they are the biggest in all ,venice1 so ,i'm told4 7,turns to her47 ,now1 just suppose1 ,lucia--just suppose that one day---- ,lucia 7,nervous47 ,paulo1 beloved1 do not stop4 ,paint on quickly4 ,you are in your best vein4 ,paint on before--before the light changes4 ,yes1 and ,i heard one other thing4 ,paulo 7,painting47 ,ah6 ,lucia ,that this ,prince will commission the winner of the ,competition---- ,paulo 7,looking up47 ,to paint those ceilings6 ,not unlikely1 ,lucia6 ,there are menial fellows enough with talent who would do it4 ,i--win or lose--,i accept no commission tainted by patronage4 ,and ,i shall win4 ,what was this ,prince's name8 ,lucia 7,excited47 ,and those ceilings might be yours6 ,paulo ,who is he8 ,lucia ,s--some said one thing1 some another4 ,i---- ,paulo ,the merchant must have delivered his ,eros--to somebody--somewhere4 ,watches her4 ,lucia ,he didn't say4 ,i didn't ask him4 ,it was the gondolier as ,i came home4 ,oh1 ,paulo1 ,i cannot sit well for you if you cross-question me like this6 ,you're like a judge4 ,i love you so4 ,why should you suspect----8 ,rises agitated4 ,paulo ,suspect6 ,you6 ,clear water cannot hide the reflections in it4 7,expression of comprehension dawns on his face47 ,even if your love guided you amiss1 ,i--,i could never think1 and far less use--that ugly word6 ,lucia6 ,little ,child6 ,you tremble---- 7,starts forward47 ,enter ,,old ,,woman1 flustered4 ,,lucia',s hand flies to her heart4 ,woman ,signor6 ,signora6 ,a great gentleman comes for you4 ,his gondola is already at the steps4 ,i heard him give orders to wait4 ,i ran on to warn you4 ,lucia 7,cry47 ,already6 ,paulo 7,half incredulous still47 ,great gentleman6 7,looking at ,,lucia47 ,asking for--us6 ,,lucia silent1 face in hands4 ,woman ,he is no ,venetian4 ,by his liveries he must be a ,prince at least1 and a great one4 ,your dress1 ,signora6 7,arranges it47 ,he's come to buy the ,signor's pictures6 ,your fortune's made4 ,oh1 happy day6 ,i will open the gate for him1 so he will not know you have no servant4 ,exit4 ,paulo 7,grim47 ,i do not understand4 7,makes to fasten door1 hesitates1 then turns to ,,lucia47 ,you can explain this to me--,little ,child--perhaps8 ,lucia ,paulo1 ,paulo1 do not be angry4 ,oh1 forgive me1 ,i implore4 ,for your dear sake--for your work1 your art--for you1 ,i did it4 ,it is not me he comes to see4 ,it is your work1 your picture4 ,i went this very day--but an hour ago--to make him come4 ,oh1 tell me1 tell me ,i have not done wrong6 7,,old ,,woman opens door4 ,enter ,,medici47 ,paulo 7,aghast47 ,damiano di ,medici6 ,here6 ,lucia 7,hand on his arm47 ,paulo6 ,paulo6 ,medici ,at your service1 ,signor ,salviati4 7,to ,,lucia47 ,signora bellissima6 ,am ,i too early still8 ,my promise--you remember--,i was impatient to fulfil it4 ,paulo ,promise6 ,what can a ,prince of the ,medici promise to my wife8 ,medici 7,gravely47 ,that which only the proudest painter may receive gladly from a humble prince3 appreciation of his work4 ,paulo 7,coldly47 ,my work is not done for the appreciation of princes4 ,i have no work to show4 ,medici ,your wife1 ,signor1 said otherwise4 ,and she is a rare judge of values4 7,bows47 ,a faultless critic6 7,bows to her47 ,paulo ,the ,prince di ,medici knows4 ,lucia 7,to ,paulo47 ,oh1 do not anger him4 ,and think a little of me4 ,you forget the risk--for your sake--that ,i ran--7imploring7 your career---- ,paulo 7,watches her thoughtfully1 weighing things that perplex him47 ,love led you a strange errand4 ,lucia ,for the work's sake1 my ,paulo4 ,medici ,the ,medici have short memories for their failures4 7,laughs47 ,her courage--in coming to visit me--was even more rare than her 7glances at the picture7--her judgment4 ,paulo 7,with effort47 ,she went to see you--yes4 ,it was a mistaken courage that earned you a favour of that kind4 ,medici 7,suave47 ,even in ,venice a ,medici does not receive strangers--without a name--or1 shall ,i say1 whose name is yet to win4 ,your wife1 ,signor1 had the courage to get her way to me past half a hundred lacqueys4 ,but more6 ,she had the eloquence and wit to persuade my return visit--here4 ,she assured me your picture was worthy of my personal1 my immediate inspection4 ,goes to it4 ,,paulo starts forward to prevent him4 ,lucia 7,catches his arm47 ,paulo1 beloved--by our love1 by little ,eros 7frantic71 by everything6 ,,medici moves the picture into better light4 ,medici 7,watching them out of corner of his eye47 ,with your permission4 7,bows47 ,you will1 perhaps1 forgive the liberty4 ,the light fails suddenly a little4 ,so--7examines critically1 with signs of pleasure74 ,paulo 7,back turned47 ,for your sake1 ,little ,child1 ,i endure this cruelty4 ,lucia ,i yearned to help---- ,paulo ,so it was he who bought the ,eros too8 7,to himself47 ,this is an evil omen4 7,to her47 ,i thought us safe in ,venice4 ,lucia ,you are so calm1 so quiet4 ,you terrify4 ,i would fear your anger less4 ,oh1 my great ,paulo1 my dear1 listen to me one moment4 ,this family--this man--vile though he be--loves art and beauty1 and in so far is not--,oh1 ,i mean--oh1 ,paulo1 it is his ceilings1 his palace1 his help to your career that have betrayed me6 ,you could bring ,greece to life in ,venice--and for ever4 ,think not of him4 ,think only of your beauty--lighting the world when he is dust---- ,paulo 7,quietly47 ,is my art so poor a thing--have you so misunderstood it--that you think it is for sale8 ,lucia 7,distraught47 ,have ,i done that6 ,,medici turns from the picture to ,,paulo4 ,medici 7,with reverence47 ,you have been taught of the ,gods--the ,gods of ,greece4 ,paulo 7,frigidly47 ,your praise---- ,lucia ,hush1 oh1 ,i beg you--for my sake4 ,medici ,the drawing is the equal of del ,sarto's and the composition no poorer than da ,vinci's4 ,i swear it4 ,yet--the colour--hmm--,i miss ,titian's glory4 ,those shadows 7pointing7 are out of tone a little---- ,lucia 7,quickly47 ,we ran out of blue that day1 alas---- ,medici ,your model was1 certainly1 perfect4 ,but why have you painted the nymphs from her as well as their divine mistress8 ,lucia ,models demand impossible prices---- ,,paulo puts his hand on her mouth angrily4 ,medici 7,reflecting47 ,so little more1 and it were a masterpiece4 ,even now it should win the ,competition1 by rights4 ,yet ,vernio's is just a shade more rich1 more splendid4 ,i have seen it4 ,and ,gagliano has a purer colour4 ,but then1 of course1 ,gagliano buys his paint from that fellow by the ,zucca who has a secret method--and charges accordingly1 the scoundrel6 ,paulo 7,unable to contain himself longer47 ,i paint as ,i desire1 and as ,i can4 ,the picture is mine4 ,and not for sale6 ,medici 7,kindly47 ,i admire your spirit1 ,signor4 ,it has the independence of ancient ,greece herself4 ,yet at what price8 ,you may be satisfied with yourself1 but your art thereby suffers4 ,it becomes a slave of your conditions--if you will allow the language4 ,lucia ,oh1 it must be so6 ,paulo1 it must be so6 ,you see8 ,paulo 7,proudly47 ,conditions that leave the spirit free1 at least4 ,the spirit of beauty owns no master---- ,medici ,the husband of such beauty should be more gracious4 7,frankly47 ,ah1 ,salviati1 you speak to a ,medici1 indeed1 but also to one who loves beauty as you yourself do4 ,i might--had ,i persisted--have taken your golden bird in my own net4 7,pauses47 ,it is my pleasure now to set you free from the hard conditions that enslave you4 ,in this way can a ,medici reward good for evil4 ,signor1 ,i forgive all for the sake of your genius4 ,i admire your picture--its true classic spirit4 ,yet it has not quite the warmth1 the fire1 the bounteous splendour we ,italians ask4 ,give but your sky a deeper hue1 add to that robe the undertone of scarlet it needs to make it felt1 flood our prodigal ,italian sunshine over it all--and ,i will buy your picture at your price4 ,lucia ,yes1 yes4 ,oh1 ,paulo1 what an offer6 ,think6 ,paulo ,it is not for sale4 ,medici ,while you may still enter it for the ,competition4 ,the judges--er--may hear that ,damiano di ,medici has bought it for his new ,palazzo--and--judge--accordingly4 ,paulo 7,low47 ,the gold1 the blue1 the scarlet you desire--,i mean1 suggest--are not in my scheme4 ,medici ,yet they would add the perfect touch now lacking--in my judgment1 ,signor4 ,come1 now1 ,i will go further4 ,i have sworn that my ,palazzo shall surpass even that of ,cosimo1 my ambitious brother1 in ,florence4 ,i will have a ,gorgione for his ,lippo ,lippi1 and--if you will--a ,salviati for his da ,vinci4 ,i offer you1 further1 the painting of my ceilings1 ,signor--seven years' inspired and happy labour4 ,paulo ,seven years of bondage to another's taste and purse4 ,lucia 7,to ,,paulo47 ,you could do your own work too4 ,looking at ,,medici4 ,medici ,why not8 ,paulo ,to add this gold and blue and scarlet is--for me--a lie4 ,lucia ,oh1 my beloved1 think1 think a little1 and weigh your words6 ,medici ,my offer stands--but not against unreasonable resistance4 ,i repeat it3 this picture at your figure1 and seven years to paint the ceilings1 with a certain freedom in design and subject1 and permission to do your own work in your leisure4 ,it is a matter to conclude now quickly4 7,ominously47 ,it is not amusing1 though it may be novel1 for a ,medici to be thwarted of his will--his deep design4 7,bows47 ,paulo ,a poor painter dares the novelty4 ,lucia 7,cries47 ,you forget everything1 ,paulo--me you forget even--when you say such words6 ,medici 7,impatient1 half-threatening47 ,beauty has turned your head1 maybe4 ,excess1 ,i have heard it said1 7significantly7 can affect the reason4 ,you have 7glancing towards ,,lucia7 too much beauty4 ,but there are remedies---- ,paulo 7,startled47 ,i do not understand you4 ,medici ,as a great patron1 ,i have my duties too4 7,slowly47 ,if the possession of too much beauty threaten your great gift1 ,i owe it to the world to 7sinister tone and look7 help--to save you4 ,paulo 7,facing him47 ,i prefer plain spoken language from a man--even though he be patron4 ,lucia ,oh1 guard your tongue at least6 ,the ,prince is patient with us4 ,medici 7,softly47 ,you robbed me once of beauty ,i desired4 ,you fled from ,florence4 ,i accepted with a smile1 and did not bestir myself to follow and prevent--as ,i could well have done4 ,i was too kind1 perhaps---- ,lucia 7,breaks in47 ,but1 great ,prince1 you--you have forgotten all that4 ,you swore---- ,medici 7,to her47 ,the sight of beauty stirs my memory again4 7,suggestively47 ,for beauty grows1 it seems4 7,smiles admiringly47 ,he moves a little towards her4 ,,paulo1 with clenched hands1 is held back by ,,lucia4 ,lucia 7,to ,,medici47 ,my ,lord6 7,to ,,paulo47 ,oh1 ,paulo1 hold yourself6 ,am ,i so little to you8 ,medici ,and this increase of beauty makes me remember something ,i had--7to ,,lucia7 as you say--forgotten4 ,to see him who robbed me become my dependant--would have the true ,grecian touch of comedy4 7,turns abruptly to ,,paulo with changed tone47 ,salviati--before the light fails1 will you now dip your brush in the gold and scarlet we suggested8 ,paulo ,never6 ,even in fading light ,i see only truth4 ,lucia ,ah6 ,oh6 ,medici 7,looking from one to the other1 then to the picture47 ,there are many flowers in my gardens1 but ,italy holds one ,salviati only4 7,reflects47 ,my ceilings need him4 ,i swore1 besides1 to ,cosimo---- ,lucia 7,distraught47 ,my ,lord1 my ,lord1 you promised----6 ,medici 7,brusquely47 ,that ,i would see the work and offer my patronage--if it pleased me4 ,that offer still holds good4 ,but your husband is obstinate---- ,paulo ,i am true4 ,i claim only liberty4 ,medici 7,darkly47 ,so ,i must remember my duties as a patron--and apply remedies that may save his unreason--and his--art4 ,lucia 7,alarmed47 ,what can you mean----8 ,,medici claps his hands4 ,medici ,ho6 ,ho6 ,without there6 7,four ,,men in livery rush in47 ,take the woman1 but do not hurt her4 ,,men seize her4 ,lucia 7,struggling47 ,ah1 ,dios6 ,madonna1 help me6 ,alive--never6 ,paulo6 ,paulo6 ,paulo 7,tries to fight his way to her47 ,never while ,i live either4 ,draws a dagger4 ,medici 7,to ,,men47 ,disarm him--gently1 gently4 ,no injury4 ,who bruises that right hand of his answers with his life1 remember6 ,strike up the dagger instantly4 ,men 7,struggling47 ,for a painter he fights well4 ,careful there6 ,his hand--your sword's point6 ,his right hand1 yes4 ,be wary4 ,this is rare sport4 ,have you got the arm8 ,hold fast4 ,i've got the dagger4 ,he's safe1 my ,lord4 ,they hold him1 disarmed4 ,lucia 7,held47 ,paulo1 my ,paulo6 7,moans47 ,oh1 that ,i were dead1 to have done this thing6 ,paulo 7,firmly47 ,my soul stands by yours4 ,i know you true4 ,fear nothing6 ,medici 7,quietly47 ,signor ,salviati1 ,i regret that my sense of duty--my deep desire that you shall achieve your greatest--force me to this unpleasant remedy4 ,but poverty is not helpful to your work1 and ,i must--as patron of unreasonable genius--protect your art and yourself4 ,i offer1 therefore1 the best help in my power4 ,if you accept--then ,i need take nothing 7glancing at ,,lucia7 from your store of beauty4 ,paulo ,dios6 ,this cruelty--this treachery6 ,lucia ,no1 no1 no4 ,paulo1 do not think of me---- ,paulo ,it is too late4 7,to ,,medici1 with effort47 ,your vile scheme means this1 then3 that ,i submit my art to your paid dictation1 become your creature1 or you will--7struggles violently74 ,let me free6 7to ,,men74 ,this bastard is not fit to live4 ,a ,man ,hush6 ,he is a ,medici--,cosimo's own brother4 ,medici ,my gondola waits4 ,my new ,palazzo lies but half an hour distant--ready to welcome its first fair ornament4 ,paulo 7,wild47 ,to be broken and thrown away when done with6 ,death is better now4 ,tries to injure his right hand against a sword4 ,medici 7,to ,,men47 ,careful4 ,hold him4 ,or your lives---- ,lucia 7,frantic47 ,beloved1 it is not too late4 ,forget that ,i live--oh1 forget me--for your work's sake6 ,remember beauty only---- ,paulo 7,tender patience47 ,little ,child6 ,my work and beauty live with liberty4 7,very softly47 ,had you forgotten8 ,did belief in me waver1 or did love guide you strangely--misconceiving----8 ,medici 7,impatient47 ,the light fails rapidly4 ,the gold and scarlet should be laid on now1 before dusk falls4 7,to ,,men47 ,one of you go and prepare my gondola--for a lady4 7,,man goes to door47 ,lay a soft silken scarf upon the cushion--there must be no screams in ,venice4 7,to ,,paulo47 ,oh1 ,i will do it gently1 ,signor1 with my own two hands4 ,there shall be no roughness1 no unkindness4 7,,man gives scarf47 ,oh1 here is the very thing4 7,goes towards ,,lucia47 ,you will take this small attention from me1 ,i beg1 if nothing else4 ,lucia ,i hate you6 ,your touch is poison4 ,struggles4 ,medici ,you should not ask favours1 then1 of those who poison you4 7,puts scarf round her arms47 ,for the mouth ,i have a yet softer silk1 as you shall see4 ,ah1 the ,medici1 they say1 are fortunate in love1 and ,i shall find a way to win you4 ,these arms ,i am forced to bind shall yet twine willingly about my neck---- ,paulo 7,shouts47 ,all ,i possess to him who kills him6 ,medici ,all you possess6 ,paulo 7,yields47 ,and more--my liberty4 ,let her go6 ,medici ,so reason returns1 at last4 ,the remedy works already towards a cure4 ,paulo ,set her free4 ,i give my word4 ,medici ,though ,i trust no man1 ,i trust your word1 ,salviati4 ,paulo 7,stammering47 ,unfasten me4 ,give me my palette4 ,medici 7,to ,,men47 ,release him4 ,release the lady too4 ,but watch him closely1 lest he hide a weapon4 ,paulo 7,free47 ,this is my only weapon 7takes brushes1 etc474 ,with it ,i put chains upon my soul4 ,so--and so4 ,dabs on paint4 ,,lucia silent4 ,collapses to her knees and hides her face4 ,medici ,improved already6 ,so swiftly6 ,you are1 indeed1 the greatest of them all4 ,we shall beat ,verio out of court1 and ,gagliano will die of envy on the spot4 7,to ,,men47 ,begone with you6 ,no1 stay a moment--take the picture with you and lay it carefully in the gondola4 ,it shall be finished under my own eye--before the ceilings are begun4 7,,men obey47 ,carefully6 ,one smear and your lives are forfeit4 7,turns to ,,lucia and raises her47 ,you are not quick to thank me1 ,signora1 yet ,i have fulfilled my promise to you4 ,all that you begged of me is accomplished4 ,henceforth ,salviati1 your husband1 shall work in comfort and lack nothing4 ,lucia 7,faint47 ,how--how could ,i have done this thing8 ,what ancient deep perversity--what lack of faith--what hidden destiny in me8 7,to ,,paulo47 ,paulo1 look1 look at me6 7,he keeps his back to her4 ,,medici watches them quietly47 ,hark6 ,sound of water lapping heard outside4 ,medici ,so you will not thank me--either one of you8 ,no matter4 ,i like a little spirit4 7,goes to door47 ,carefully1 now6 ,the edges safe4 ,no flick of dust1 mind4 ,stands looking down steps4 ,lucia 7,low47 ,hark6 7,to ,,paulo47 ,it is another sound ,i hear4 7,whispers47 ,paulo6 ,it is water4 7,stands listening intently to the lap of the sea4 ,distress increases4 ,passes hand over forehead1 as if trying to remember something47 ,the rising water6 7,she turns her head slowly to look at ,,paulo4 ,he turns slowly too4 ,their eyes meet4 ,very low47 ,you hear8 7,whispers47 ,that sound is in my soul4 ,paulo--,i half remember--something--that hides behind it1 yet comes with it4 7,goes up and clings to him47 ,i have done this thing before--destroyed you--with my selfish love4 ,paulo ,hush1 hush6 ,lucia ,you look so strangely at me4 ,your face changes4 ,dios6 7,frantic47 ,speak to me1 beloved6 ,if you cannot forgive--say that you understand4 ,oh1 what is it in your eyes8 7,fear47 ,dusk increases4 ,paulo 7,tender whisper47 ,the night is coming--with her stars4 ,in my eyes is only love4 7,patiently47 ,there is nothing to forgive4 7,embraces her for several moments4 ,then breaks suddenly away47 ,where is the gold--the scarlet8 7,bewildered4 ,to ,,medici47 ,what is my ,lord's desire8 ,lucia 7,screams47 ,oh1 ,i have killed--killed again4 ,falls4 ,paulo 7,catching her47 ,little ,child6 ,medici 7,turning at the scream47 ,she is even more beautiful than ,i first thought4 ,well1 well1 the picture is mine at any rate1 and she--7smiles74 ,a good evening's work4 ,how dark it grows4 ,and the rising tide is at the full4 ,ho6 ,without there6 ,my gondola6 ,exit4 ,,paulo and ,,lucia in each other's arms4 ,,curtain ,,epilogue ,,present ,,day ,,characters ,,phillip ,,lattin4 ,,mrs4 ,,lattin4 ,,the ,,doctor4 ,,epilogue ,,scene--,,same ,,as ,,prologue4 ,,time--,,present4 7,,mrs4 ,,lattin opens her eyes slowly4 ,the ,,doctor1 near the bed1 is seen making a gesture with his arms as if lowering a curtain4 ,,mrs4 ,,lattin shows bewilderment47 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,dreamily47 ,where am ,i8 ,florence ''' ,greece ''' ,egypt ''' where are they8 ,i am back again4 ,but who am ,i8 ,doctor ,you are your ,past4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i slept8 ,but yet ,i lived it4 ,i understand at last4 ,i have found life4 ,doctor ,you cannot die1 nor can you sleep4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but time4''' ,doctor ,is the body's measuring4 ,she looks round the room1 and finally into his face4 ,he moves slowly backwards towards the door4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,thinking47 ,it was not a dream4 ,i was in ,greece with ,phocion ''' with ,paulo in ,italy ''' with4''' ,oh1 it is too long ago1 too far away4 ,it's fading4 7,eagerly47 ,oh1 ,i would not forget6 ,doctor ,the results lie in you4 ,that is memory4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,each time ,i injured ''' thwarted the highest in him by my selfish love4 ,how small my love6 ,oh1 tell me it is not now too late4''' ,doctor 7,by door47 ,there is no 8too late40 ,what he could do without was added to him4 ,you have taught ,menophis1 ,phocion and ,paulo to become ''' ,phillip4 ,he begins to fade4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,joyfully47 ,i understand at last1 and ,i am healed4 ,i delayed ,menophis4 ,i shall inspire ,phillip4 ,i shall go with him ''' back to ''' ,egypt4 ,phocion1 ,paulo1 how happy they will be6 ,doctor 7,almost invisible47 ,he is coming now4 ,i leave you4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,but he must see you too4''' ,doctor 7,invisible1 only a voice heard47 ,he cannot4 ,door opens4 ,,phillip enters quietly4 ,he shows surprise at finding her sitting up4 ,her hands are stretched out towards the door where the ,,doctor has vanished4 ,as he enters1 the clock strikes the last three strokes of six o'clock4 ,phillip ,you rang4 ,i just slipped back to see---- ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,low47 ,phocion ''' my faithful4''' ,phillip ,eh8 ,are you all right8 ,i mustn't stay4 ,doctor ,ogilvie will be here any minute4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,low47 ,paulo ''' my dear one4''' ,i---- ,phillip 7,puzzled47 ,you slept a moment probably4 ,good6 7,startled by her happy expression47 ,you look ''' so much better6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he came4 ,and ,i am healed4 ,,nurse enters hurriedly4 ,nurse 7,whispering to ,,phillip so that ,,mrs4 ,,lattin does not hear47 ,dr4 ,ogilvie has just telephoned4 ,he is detained4 ,he cannot get here till seven o'clock4 ,phillip ,all right4 ,hush6 ,exit ,,nurse4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he told me ''' showed me ''' everything4 ,phillip 7,humouring her47 ,he gave you hope--the best8 ,i see it in your eyes4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,it's not--,i am not--too late4 ,that's all4 ,phillip ,hush6 ,hush6 ,lie quiet a little longer4 7,goes on to ask1 still humouring her47 ,you mean the doctor says----8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i am so happy4 ,i know and understand now4 ,it's glorious4 ,phillip ,my darling6 ,gently1 gently6 ,do not excite yourself4 ,lie still and sleep1 if you can1 again4 ,he has given you something8 ,later1 you shall tell me---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,ah1 your great patient strength6 ,it is too wonderful4 ,and to think that my weakness helped1 my selfish----6 ,sits up and peers closely at him1 shading her eyes with one hand4 ,phillip 7,anxious1 puzzled47 ,the lamp is in your eyes4 ,i'll move it4 ,do not stir4 ,there1 is that better8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,thank you1 but ,i do not mind the light4 ,i mind nothing4 ,thank you 7the name comes back suddenly71 ,phillip4 ,ah1 it is ,phillip6 ,i know you again--as you are--to-day6 ,passes hand over forehead4 ,sighs and leans back4 ,but face happy and at peace4 ,phillip ,mary6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,not ,mary3 ,little ,child4 ,phillip ,my--,little ,child4 7,doubting and perplexed47 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,phillip1 dear heart1 ,i've seen--,i've seen my past--with you4 ,phillip 7,soothingly47 ,yes1 yes4 ,when you're more rested you shall tell me everything4 ,your dreams---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i must speak now4 ,i've seen our past4 ,phillip 7,bewildered47 ,tell me1 then1 dearest1 tell me4 ,then you must lie still---- ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,firmly47 ,life6 ,phillip 7,impressed47 ,life6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i have recovered4 ,i love you more--but differently4 ,i can forgive myself at last4 ,phillip ,recovery6 ,forgiveness6 ,i do not understand4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you have not seen4 ,i understand for both of us4 ,phillip ,you have had dreams that troubled you4 ,i implore you1 dearest---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,look in my face4 ,there is no trouble there--but only joy and life4 ,phillip ,yes1 yes1 but--my darling1 what can you mean8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he came--and went4 ,phillip ,and left one word behind him only----8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,one word--,life4 ,phillip 7,almost convinced47 ,then----8 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,radiant1 rising from couch47 ,i shall go back with you4 ,phillip ,to ,egypt6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i shall never delay or thwart again4 ,ah1 so many times ,i have--by my selfish love--7breaks off74 ,your work is a mission--always4 ,it is your soul's career4 ,i understand at last4 ,phillip ,hush1 hush1 ,little ,child6 ,you say wild things4 ,i could never hear of it4 ,i know your dread1 your shrinking fear of ,egypt4 ,it would make you ill again4 ,all the doctors agreed---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,i have no dread6 ,my shrinking was--a memory4 ,it was instinctive--a cowardice that shirked sweet expiation--there1 where it is due4 7,in spite of him1 she rises to her feet4 ,vigorous47 ,i am well again4 ,i shall go back with you4 ,your work--my work--lies out there--in ,egypt4 ,oh1 ,phillip1 be glad with me1 for ,i am forgiven1 ,i am healed6 ,phillip 7,stirred47 ,dear heart6 ,your soul is too grand for this frail1 precious body4 ,you injure yourself4 ,such sacrifice from you ,i could never1 never---- ,breaks off1 as he notes the radiant expression in her face4 ,they stand close together beneath the picture4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,inflexibly47 ,it is no sacrifice4 ,it is love1 love1 love6 ,phillip 7,tenderly47 ,that deep love ,i never doubted4 ,but--the ingrained dread1 the fear1 the shrinking that have undermined your willing strength4 ,how can you----8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,they are gone for ever4 ,phillip1 how often must ,i tell you8 ,i am healed4 ,i go back with you4 ,we go together4 ,our life is there1 in ,egypt4 ,phillip 7,almost convinced47 ,i feel some great new reality in you4 ,you are most wonderfully changed4 ,some star of life is rising over us--again4 7,he gazes into her radiant face with a touch of respect and wonder47 ,if--if---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you must at once withdraw your resignation4 ,there is no 8too late06 7,laughs a little47 ,you promise me6 ,amazement in him gives place to dawning belief at last4 ,yet he still hesitates4 ,phillip ,i will see the doctor myself4 ,i promise that if he---- ,mrs4 ,lattin ,you cannot4 ,phillip ,cannot6 7,awe47 ,you mean--you have had a vision8 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,he has--gone4 ,phillip 7,convinced47 ,it was a vision'''8 ,she turns slowly and looks up at the picture on the wall above them4 ,he turns with her4 ,he is speechless4 ,he holds her very close4 ,they stare together at the palms1 the river1 the stars1 the temples4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,softly47 ,egypt--where ,i first delayed and thwarted him1 loving him for myself alone--,egypt1 beneath your risen stars1 beside your rising river--,i shall undo--at last4 ,a new expression steals into his face4 ,he gazes at the picture with her4 ,he holds her still closer to him4 ,phillip 7,moved and wondering47 ,little ,child6 ,it is very strange4 ,almost1 it seems1 some dream1 some memory of long1 long ago stirs in me4 ,a slight pause1 as they gaze side by side at the picture4 7,with effort47 ,it is beyond me somewhere1 but there is great beauty--that deep1 unearthly ,egyptian beauty in it4 7,lowers voice47 ,those palms are rustling1 those stars seem to move1 the ,nile flows down towards the sea4 ,perhaps4''' ,the ,tear of ,isis falls4''' ,mrs4 ,lattin ,listen ''' yes'''6 ,phillip 7,turns to her47 ,something about you1 something new and--and familiar almost--steals upon me4 ,i half believe4''' ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,whispering47 ,phillip1 my faithful one1 ,i heard another name as you said that4 ,i heard an ancient name--was it ,menophis8 ,phillip 7,hushed voice47 ,i thought a name came to me too4 ,it floated past--,nefertiti4 ,it must have been the beating of your heart against my own4 ,they stand motionless1 gazing1 listening4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,dear1 ancient names4 ,how sweet they sound6 ,phillip 7,smiling47 ,i think we are bewitched6 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,egypt6 7,pause4 ,adds softly47 ,i understand--at last4 ,he draws her head back and looks tenderly into her eyes4 ,phillip ,all but one thing4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,which is----8 ,phillip ,that what you call delay has helped and taught me4 ,mrs4 ,lattin 7,low47 ,perhaps ,i understand that too4 ,that which the soul can do without is added to it4 7,whispers47 ,is it not that8 ,phillip ,ah1 you put it so4 ,perhaps you put it better4 ,i only know that you have given me the thing ,i needed most--perspective1 the longer sight4 ,my vision clears4 7,bends down and kisses her47 ,i feel new power for my work4 ,i see it whole4 ,mrs4 ,lattin ,then my forgiveness is complete4 ,,curtain