All.
We too, King. We all, we all!
Theodemir.
Thou shouldst be praised, King, that thou hast pointed to us the way of
happiness. And be not angry with us, if we were not able straightway to
follow thee. Now I perceive clearly thy great thought. From grief and
discord and despair, we rise, we do not go down to death.... Laughing,
treadeth each on the other's corpse, in order laughing to sink down
like him.... A light will go forth from us over the wide world.... Ah,
that will be a draught from golden goblets--that will be a riot of
exultant joy. Thank thee, my King. Often have I envied thee thy crown,
now I venture to envy it no more.
Teja.
The thing will come to pass for the most part otherwise than thou dost
imagine it, Theodemir. Yet I am glad that among the Goths, such
inspiration still abideth.
Euric.
Also to me, King, grudge not a word; for I have indeed seen golden
days.... Thou art not only the boldest, thou art also the wisest of
all.... Had we now faltered, so should we all have fallen without
defence, by the murderer's sword ... And not only we, but the sick--and
the children--and the wives.
Teja.
Ay, indeed, the wives! Of them I had not thought at all.
Euric.
But now to-morrow, we shall stand in battle, and on the second and
third day, if we hold out so long, so that astonishment and fear at the
miracle will lay hold on the Byzantian and all the rabble of Huns and
Suevians which he draggeth after him.... We cannot utterly destroy
them, but we can bait them with our blood till they be weary.... And
when no one on that side is able to hold spear and bow, then shall the
hour come when the Eunuch will have it said: "Depart in peace." How
many of ye are then still left? I fear not many----
Teja (_laughing_).
We, surely not!
All (_with cruel laughter_).
Nay, we surely not!
Euric.
Then shall they take wives and children into the midst of them, and,
head high, with naked swords, descend straight through the Byzantian
camp toward Naples, to buy a piece of bread. And I tell ye, with such
fear shall they be gazed at, that not even once shall a dog of the Huns
dare to bark at them.
Teja.
Wife and child! Wife and child! What have we to do with them?
Athanaric.
King, thou revilest the dearest of our possessions.
Teja.
Maybe!--I know only that there were too many mouths in the morning when
the rations were divided. Otherwise we might have been able to support
ourselves. And yet, this one thing I say to ye--and I shall enjoin it
on the men without, upon their word as warriors--that none of the women
know aught of our purpose. I will not that even one man be softened by
the tears and cries of women.
Athanaric.
Sire, that is inhuman which thou requirest, to take no leave of our
wives.
Teja.
Take leave of them, me notwithstanding, but remain dumb as ye do it. He
that hath wife and child here, let him go to the Wagenburg, and provide
himself food and drink, for the women delight to keep a remnant between
their fingers. This let him share with the unmarried, and be joyful
when he can.
Euric.
And what should they say to their wives, Sire, since already thou hast
strictly forbidden communication?
Teja.
Say ye, it happens because of my marriage! Or the ships are there, if
that sounds more worthy of belief. Say what ye will. Only that one
thing, keep for yourselves.
Theodemir.
And wilt thou thyself nevermore see thy young wife?
Teja.
Eh? Nay.... I mark not the least desire to. Surely now I shall speak to
the people. I would that I had thy tongue, Theodemir.--The errand is
troublesome to me, for I should speak great words, and I feel them not.
Come! (_Exeunt all, with_ Ildibad _slowly following_.)
_SIXTH SCENE_.
_The stage remains unoccupied for a short time. The voice of the King
is heard, who is received with acclamation. Then after a few seconds,
subdued cries of woe_. Ildibad _returns and sits down upon a stump near
the curtain. Then he lights two torches which he puts into the links,
and prepares the weapons of the King. Outside arises a shout of
enthusiasm, which again is subdued_.
_SEVENTH SCENE_.
ILDIBAD. BISHOP AGILA (_tottering in with exhaustion and excitement_).
Ildibad.
Wilt thou not be seated, most worthy lord?
Bishop.
And goest thou not to hear what the King saith?
Ildibad.
That hath naught to do with me, most worthy lord. The King and I--for a
long time, we are united in action.
Bishop.
Verily, he standeth there like the angel of death.
Ildibad.
Whether angel or devil, it is the same for me. (_The shout of
enthusiasm rises anew and approaches the tent_.)
_EIGHTH SCENE_.
THE SAME. THE KING (_with flaming eyes, pale yet calm_).
Teja.
Are the weapons in order?--Ah, 'tis thou, Bishop!
Bishop.
King, my King!
Teja.
Surely, thou shall now be driven to seek another flock, Bishop. Wilt
thou but give me thy blessing, pray give it quickly.... Theodemir is
about to come.
Bishop.
And dost thou know thyself to be free, my son, from the trembling of
every dying creature?
Teja.
Bishop, I have been a good servant of thy church. To dedicate her
temples, as once Totilas did, have I not been able; but what there was
to kill, I have killed for her welfare. Shall I perform a posture for
the blessed Arius?
Bishop.
My son, I understand thee not.
Teja.
For that I am sorry, my father.
Bishop.
And hast thou taken leave?
Teja.
Leave--of whom? Rather have I a mind to cry "welcome"; but yet nothing
is there!
Bishop (_indignantly_).