Of drugs and arts uncanny mere human prudence
Compasseth not, Ulysses, sure defeat.—
But in her craft once baffled, ’tis with the _woman_,
No more the enchantress, thou wilt deal thereafter.
Nor are those powers to be despised, which oft
Compel a conqueror’s fealty and confuse
The sober aims of confident wisdom.
[_While ULYSSES again looks down reflectively at the plant he holds
MERCURY suddenly disappears. ULYSSES, looking up and seeing the god no
longer, throws a keen glance in the direction of the wall. He then tastes
and swallows a morsel of the herb; and as he moves on and goes out at the
Left with firm step the music of CIRCE’S song is faintly heard behind the
scenes._]
IX
The same as Scenes II and IV. The banquet-hall. The common chairs have
been removed. There are cups and a bowl on the table at the Right. The
Enchantress and her three nymphs are in their usual places when the
curtain rises: CIRCE sitting; PHILINNA and THERMIA standing; MYRTO seated
at her wheel which she turns slowly. The attitude of the persons is one
of expectancy. In a moment CIRCE, without turning her face, signs to
MYRTO with her left hand while with the right she draws the wand on the
table nearer. The wheel ceases to revolve.
CIRCE
Now Thermia!
[_THERMIA throws open the door behind the dais. An instant later ULYSSES
enters, slowly but unhesitatingly, pausing as he stands on the platform
exactly where MERCURY stood in Scene II. His look is directed straight at
the Enchantress. His right arm is crossed downward upon his breast, the
hand under the mantle. A trace of wonder or fascination passes over his
face on meeting CIRCE’S gaze, while a similar feeling of surprise is for
a moment betrayed by her also. As she speaks she rises from her chair._]
CIRCE
Welcome, sir leader!
[_ULYSSES bows slightly. He does not remove his helmet._]
Thou art
Too far by thine own men outstripp’d, even though
Their famish’d weary members sought repose
Prompt and appropriate.
[_ULYSSES bends his look more sternly upon the speaker._]
Pray advance; and take
From our own hand, though proffer’d late,
Cordial refreshment.
[_He moves slowly forward. PHILINNA draws well back the throne of CIRCE
and presents the other one. With a gracious gesture CIRCE waves ULYSSES
toward the second throne. He passes in front of her and seats himself.
She sits again, served by PHILINNA._]
Thy silence augurs much
Of rude unfriendly greetings and rebuff
Elsewhere.
[_While speaking she fills a beaker from the bowl._]
But here are restful words and welcome
Right hospitable.
[_Her right hand closes firmly over the wand, while with the left she
presents the cup._]
So drink and be at peace!
[_Still keeping his eye fixed upon CIRCE, ULYSSES raises the cup to his
lips and drains it. Immediately the gracious look of the Enchantress
changes. Rising partly in her seat and bending forward, she strikes him
smartly with her wand and holds it threateningly as she speaks._]
CIRCE
Hence to the sty! Go, join thy wallowing mates!
[_Instantly, feeling that the potion has not harmed him, ULYSSES springs
erect, swiftly draws his sword and raising it aloft rushes upon the
Enchantress as if to kill her. With a loud cry she starts back, causing
the throne to slide away behind her; then dropping her wand she springs
forward under the threatening sword-arm in suppliant attitude. PHILINNA,
at first shrinking back in terror, directly as CIRCE falls at ULYSSES’
feet follows her; and kneeling, shelters her mistress’ head with her
right arm, while the left is raised in deprecating gesture. At the same
time THERMIA starts a step forward with her right hand lifted, the left
pressed to her bosom. MYRTO, after a first look of alarm, reaches behind
her and throws open the Left rear door, where_ Mikkos _appears. He seems
excited. MYRTO seizes his chain. At the Right rear entrance, GRAEA is
seen glaring furtively into the room.—CIRCE speaks as ULYSSES seems to
hesitate to strike the fatal blow._]
CIRCE
What man art thou? What mortal hath this wonder
Unheard of wrought, these potions to abide?
For never, never did other lips unblighted
Press the drugg’d bowl, save thine!—Ah, yes; ’twas true:
_Ulysses_ thou art, whom Mercury foretold,
From Trojan field thy lone bark homeward steering.
He, he hath found thee moly! And I thought
It were Eurylochus, whom his followers named;
The craven, the woman-hater!
[_ULYSSES lowers his weapon, still grasping it firmly. His stern look
relaxes slightly as CIRCE and PHILINNA, kneeling, lift their faces to him
with aspect softened to the expression of pleading. THERMIA steps nearer,
intently observing the scene; while GRAEA, entering the room, and MYRTO,
holding_ Mikkos’ _chain, also move slightly forward. At this juncture all
of the persons have come to form nearly a single group._]
CIRCE
O Ulysses!
Thrice valiant, thrice in wisdom proved, not thee
Would Circe in foul brutal shape behold;
But as thou art!—Return, return thy sword
To its safe cover!
[_ULYSSES steps back a pace, and CIRCE rises to her feet, holding the
hand of PHILINNA who has risen first._]
What use have we for war,
Whom fate and fortune fashion’d to be friends?
[_With deliberation ULYSSES sheathes his sword, falling back still
farther. CIRCE and PHILINNA move forward toward him._]
THERMIA
Happy are they who find a friend in Circe,
Sir stranger!
[_His countenance remains unmoved as he divides his attention between
CIRCE and THERMIA after a suspicious glance at Mikkos and GRAEA._]
CIRCE
Nay, doubt not, but be refresh’d!
[_She signs to THERMIA, who shows ULYSSES to the throne which MERCURY
had occupied in Scene II. As he sits he doffs his helmet, which THERMIA
receives and hangs upon the wall. CIRCE resumes her seat. She speaks
while THERMIA serves ULYSSES at the other table._]
And be thy mind at rest. No more of drifting
On the dark seas; sure knowledge shall illume
The pathways of thy homeward voyage, Ulysses.
[_A pause. With troubled look he barely tastes what is set before him._]
Ah, weary heart! why thus
Sit’st thou all-speechless, tasting not the food
Set guileless by thy hand? Believ’st thou not
My plain assurance and changed mood? Dost hold
The word of Circe in no honor because
With cunning art she baffles and disarms
The unworthy false petitioner?
ULYSSES
Fair Circe, dread enchantress, what true man
Could eat and be at comfort, whilst he knows
His trusty comrades lie imprison’d, bent low
To bestial habit?—Nay, if thy alter’d mien
Harbors indeed the good-will it portends,
Then first let me behold my men restored
To their own shapes. No falsehood stamp’d their errand,
Nor undeserving were they in themselves.
CIRCE
Deserve those well of their commander, who lose
His very name and tidings from their thoughts?
ULYSSES
Another led them; and, the leader failing,
The follower who forgets may be forgiven.
CIRCE
Eurylochus wins slight mercy by that word.
ULYSSES
Eurylochus won the birthright of the wary.
CIRCE
A father art thou to thy men, Ulysses:
Even as I guard with jealous motherly eye
The welfare of these nymphs. Nor hast thou long
To wait, ere the whole frolic throng shall make
My portals ring with greetings of their captain.
Not those alone whom we repress’d and punish’d
And for thy sake will pardon, but likewise they
Who tarry by the shore—for well I know
Wily Ulysses staked not all his forces
On a forlorn wild venture.—Nay, doubt not;
Even Eurylochus shall be reconciled!
Go, Graea; Myrto; seek the ship, and teach them
The way to find us. Leave not one unbidden!
ULYSSES
Great Circe, I will trust thee; ’tis sore need!
By thy sage guidance, or in no wise, we reach
The desired haven.
CIRCE
[_To MYRTO and GRAEA who have hesitated as if awaiting further command.
They go out at Right C, accompanied by_ Mikkos.]
Speed now! the shadow creeps
Well past the noontide mark. Away, away!—
Noble Ulysses, thou shalt soon behold them.—
But first, my Thermia, show our gracious guest
The bathing chambers, where by warm showers assuaged
His long sea-weariness may release him.
[_ULYSSES bows to CIRCE. He unslings his sword, which THERMIA receives
and hangs up near the helmet. She then conducts him out at Left 2. At the
same moment when ULYSSES puts off his sword, PHILINNA lifts CIRCE’S wand
from the floor where it had fallen._]
PHILINNA
[_Handing the wand to CIRCE, who receives it as it were unconsciously_]
O dearest lady!
What chance, what change befalls us? O! how dared
That strange, still man to lift his dreadful sword
As if to kill you? Are his devices stronger
Than your own arts? O, how could you pretend
To cherish and befriend him!
CIRCE
Nay, Philinna:
I am not feigning. Oft had I mused and ponder’d
On Mercury’s warning and Ulysses’ name.
Nor did I dread his coming. But strange haps
Disturb’d my vision and I knew him not.
My potions could indeed avail no longer,
Their cure and antidote once found. Yet never
Into unworthy hands do gods resign
Their priceless secrets. No; I would not harm
A man so strong and wise! It is the _first_!—
Now go, Philinna, and lay my simples ready,
Which for the counter-charm I shall employ,
To change his comrades back.
[_PHILINNA, who looks wonderingly at CIRCE and seems hardly to comprehend
her demeanor, withdraws slowly, going out at Right 2. CIRCE casts a
glance where ULYSSES had gone out; then, looking down at the wand held
loosely in her hand, soliloquizes._]
Yes, yes; there is
No falsehood on the lip, when the heart guides
To new unwonted utterance, though it seem
All former strains and strivings to belie.
His coming I fear’d not; I rather craved
To behold the promised visitor whose shrewd wit
Should test my powers of magic and perchance
Turn them (as hath befallen) from woe to weal
For him and his. Yet till I saw I doubted;
Nor knew, first seeing.
[_She clasps her hands at her back, holding the wand behind her._]
O, there is a way
Surer than any drug, to bind wise hearts!
Wielding no wand of transformation, but
With fine invisible weapons to o’ercome
His might who seems to conquer; and reveal
What weakness lurks beneath. And Circe’s arts
(Which sooner aim to hinder than to harm)
Shall still fail not!
[_Re-enter THERMIA, who begins to put the table in order where Ulysses
had been served._]
Fair Thermia, we shall need
Straightway new-garnish’d tables and the plenty
Of a redoubled evening banquet. Soon
That eager company, Myrto’s charge, will troop
Past porch and threshold to the expected board—
Not indisposed, I fancy, toward such welcome.—
Ay, forthwith, Thermia!
[_THERMIA sounds a whistle which hangs at her girdle, and other nymphs
enter and proceed to deck the tables._]
Even our guest, their captain,
Will find his zest, when in good sooth he sees
His two ship-companies made one.—Ah, there;
Even now they come!
[_A clambering and murmur are heard. The door leading from the porch
flies open, and ULYSSES’ company, headed by PHILEMON and XENIAS, enter
precipitately, though not in rude disorder, their faces beaming with the
excitement of wonder and expectancy. CIRCE stands at her usual place,
holding the wand with her hands clasped in front of her, and PHILINNA
appears at the door behind. THERMIA and her helpers desist from their
task at the tables as the men enter, and draw back near the exits. The
nymphs stand motionless and placid during the remainder of the scene,
taking no part in the action and unnoticed by the other persons._]
PHILEMON
Madam, we’re a bit unceremonious, no doubt. But our errand’s an
urgent one; and we encountered an invitation after a manner, if
there be no mistake about it.
CIRCE
All ceremony shall be waived, good sir. What hap
Fosters this urgency?
PHILEMON
We’re _Ulysses’_ men, lady! come to seek him and deliver him—by
your leave. He cast off alone when the leader of the other
watch came back from here in such a blue funk; and he ordered
us to wait for him by the ship. But we felt a trifle uneasy,
after that yarn of snakes and fireworks Eurylochus spun for us,
and followed to help. We’d nigh about made the top, when we met
your two maids, ma’am, and the monkey. We knew they must hail
from some witch-pen or other for certain, when we spied such a
bunch of triplets, and we veered off a point or two at first;
but the little black-eyed one—she as had the ape in tow—spoke
us so fair and told such a straight story, how the commander
was safe and sound and everybody happy up here, and you had
sent specially to invite us, that we felt mighty encouraged to
believe her and headed straight for the top again, while they
went down to fetch Eurylochus;—especially seeing we had made up
our minds—begging your pardon again, lady—to effect an entrance
anyway.—But where is he?
CIRCE
Your entrance had been barr’d nowise, when once
You had named Ulysses—which your mates forgot,
And came to grief thereby.—But you shall see him.
There hangs his sword, his helm.
He comes; he has heard you!
[_ULYSSES enters at Left 2 behind the group of men, who turn quickly. His
appearance is imposing, his dress brilliant._]
CIRCE
For me, I have another
Business to set on foot.—Philinna; ready?
[_PHILINNA signs affirmatively, and as ULYSSES greets his men CIRCE goes
out at Right 2, PHILINNA remaining at the doorway._]
ULYSSES
Xenias! good Philemon!
[_All throng about their commander with hand-shaking and joyous
exclamations._]
PHILEMON
’Tis you? You are here, sir?—and all right!
’Twas a true tale, then, by the great gods!
ULYSSES
Ah, you see I slipt not.
XENIAS
But it wasn’t long before we slipt after you! Mind you, sir, we
didn’t wait for the summons.
ULYSSES
’Twas a pardonable impatience, I acknowledge.
[_A voice raised in sharp tone of command, followed by a sudden uproar,
is heard behind the scenes. CIRCE enters quickly at Right C, with her
wand raised high, which as she comes in she lowers and points backward.
Both the rear doors fly open. In their proper persons the men who were
changed to swine burst in abruptly upon the scene, one or two or three
at a time, stopping and gazing about them with puzzled and amazed
expression. They rub their eyes or tap their foreheads, till gradually
recollecting themselves they recognize their situation. The restored men
seem to have gained in comeliness; their faces are fresh, their clothing
is new, presenting a contrast to the well-worn garments of the other
party. THERON appears even stouter than before; his cook’s cap and dress
are dazzling white. ELPENOR, near him, has become sleeker, though no
less slender than ever. All the men are serious; and the re-transformed
exhibit profound emotion, weeping as they recognize their companions and
the commander. The meeting is an occasion rather for action than for
speech: its words are chiefly outcries and the ejaculation of familiar
names. The throng becomes more calm and quiet when the Enchantress, who
has herself been visibly moved, at length speaks, standing at the head of
her table._]
CIRCE
Cease; cease, good men! Enough of tears! Yield now
To the bright hour; and from your much-tried hearts
Let present peace and comfort rub away
The black unhandsome stains of foul mischance.
Here stand ye face to face and hand to hand,
Unscathed, unconquer’d. Winds and wild seas and all
The weary thankless strain of laboring oar,
Duress and guile and hostile rude encounter,
Have but conspired to point you to the fairest
Of restful shores.—Ulysses, in good time,
After due respite, if thou cravest still
Some farther convoy, ’tis secure. But now
Mirth, pleasure, shall prevail.—Only there lacks
Yet one I would fain welcome, though himself
Of faint reciprocation.
ULYSSES
Gracious lady, I am confident that Eurylochus will conclude to
join us when once informed of our situation and finding himself
left permanently alone.
XENIAS
Belike he may take to the woods, your honor, when the triplets
heave in sight.
CIRCE
O, Mikkos will manage that!
ELPENOR
Eurylochus climbs trees.
THERON
Avast there! Mikkos is the monkey. Hast left thy memory in the
hog-pen, boy?
GLAUCUS
[_Who has been on the lookout_] Sail ho! They are boarding the
gangway already, ma’am.
[_Enter from the porch MYRTO, leading_ Mikkos; _then EURYLOCHUS; GRAEA
behind him. The mate advances hesitatingly, but is closely followed up by
the swine-maiden. As he perceives ULYSSES and the men his expression is
partly of relief, partly of shamefacedness. His alarm has not entirely
left him, but he casts shy and suspicious glances toward CIRCE while
MYRTO speaks._]
MYRTO
We have fetched him, my lady, though I believe he never would
have been caught if there had not been three of us together.
We found him down by the little bay where their ship is
drawn ashore; and when he saw us he started to run into the
water. But Graea waded out farther than he dared to go. Then
he climbed up into the fig-tree; but Mikkos climbed up still
higher, so he had to come down directly where I was standing
close to the roots of it; although he seemed to fear me the
most of all.
ELPENOR
[_Interrupting_] You turn the whirligig.
MYRTO
We had him between us now, where he couldn’t get away; and I
assured him the captain was safe, and told him how we had just
met a party of his companions and invited them for you. For all
that he didn’t want to come; but Graea stood close behind him
and kept walking until we got him here.
[_The men do not laugh at EURYLOCHUS, though some smile faintly, and
CIRCE is visibly amused._]
ULYSSES
[_Seriously_] Eurylochus, all is well. Be thyself again.
Bygones shall be bygones. There is naught to fear.
CIRCE
Indeed, sir, it is as your commander says. There is naught to
fear; and all is well, now that you have deigned to make up the
perfect number of my company, so the entertainment may proceed.
The tables are ready garnished, waiting for the viands only.
You shall all find seats.
[_All the men except EURYLOCHUS seat themselves in a quiet and orderly
manner at both tables without discrimination of the two watches. ULYSSES
sits at the head of the table by the dais. MYRTO and GRAEA have withdrawn
to the back of the room. CIRCE, still standing, claps her hands and the
nymphs at the exits disappear, to bring the courses._]
EURYLOCHUS
You make occasional exceptions no doubt, madam; nevertheless I
would take my oath upon it that _that_ was once a man!
[_He points at_ Mikkos, _who, released by MYRTO, has just jumped into his
chair by CIRCE as she seats herself. The ape shows his teeth and begins
to raise himself by the hands._]
CIRCE
[_Laughing_] That was a manful _thinker_ once. Sit; sit, kind
sir!
[_The curtain falls as EURYLOCHUS takes his seat near ULYSSES amid a buzz
of merriment._]
END OF FIRST ACT
[Illustration: ACT TWO]
[Illustration: THE SECOND ACT]
I
The back of CIRCE’S palace, late in the afternoon, one year later than
the occurrences of the First Act. The back of the building lies toward
the setting sun, whose declining rays are now intercepted and softened
into shade by foliage and flitting clouds. The pale yellow walls and tall
narrow windows and the one central entrance on this side are not obscured
by vines and trailing plants, but cleanly sheltered by a lofty colonnade
which runs the entire length of the edifice, with wide low pavement only
a step higher than the lawn that borders it. The veranda-floor and the
plinth are dewy with freshly sprinkled water. The green sward of the
foreground is varied by flower-beds and dotted with luxuriant trees, a
bower and seats near by. Here there is no fountain; but a streamlet,
issuing from an archway at the Right corner of the palace, winds its
way downward across the flowery slope. A peacock struts and spreads his
fan in one of the open places. Some utterances of persons represented
indicate that the situation affords glimpses of the sea.
There are no suggestions of witchcraft or magic in the present scene.
Where the anterior façade of the palace seemed weird or uncanny, the rear
elevation and its belongings wear rather an idyllic aspect.
The curtain rising discovers three couples severally grouped. Upon the
veranda, at the Left, CIRCE and ULYSSES are seated opposite each other
at a small table, upon which are cups and a vase of flowers, while a
nymph occasionally passes to and fro, serving them with wine from within.
CIRCE is not attired as enchantress. She wears neither her black robe
nor the coronal of pearls. The prevailing color of her Grecian dress is
amethyst, and her hair is loosely confined by a narrow band of gold.—On
the Right, at the farther end of the veranda, PHILEMON and PHILINNA sit
side by side in confidential attitude.—Upon the lawn, in the foreground
near the centre, far enough from the others to converse gently without
being overheard by them, are seen XENIAS and THERMIA: the former seated
carelessly facing sidewise toward the colonnade; the latter standing by a
tall shrub, cutting flowers which she gathers in the fold of her garment.
THERMIA
[_Who stands with her back to the veranda_]
If you will take a good long look, Xenias, just where you are
looking now, you will see exactly why you and I are a whole lot
luckier than some others I might name.
XENIAS
How is that? What’s the mystification now, Miss Inscrutable? I
see only what we see every day; and no great signs of bad luck
about them yet.
THERMIA
Of course we see it every day! And every day is making it worse
for them, friend Xenias. Do you suppose they can keep this sort
of thing up forever?
XENIAS
Well, what if they can’t? I’ve no doubt the illusion is mighty
pleasant while it lasts.
THERMIA
And so much the more painful when it comes to an end—but you
and I have kept our wits about us, Xenias.
XENIAS
And have been uncommon good friends all the time, you mean,
Thermia—Well, I admit it’s the best way. But they don’t think
so.
THERMIA
They think of nothing! But it will set them thinking, when the
time comes for you to sail away.
XENIAS
If that time ever does come! The commander has got to order
it; and he doesn’t seem very likely to speak the word until
your lady orders _him_. It’s true some of the lads are getting
restive and tired of dilly-dallying, as they call it, here in
this blessed island!
THERMIA
Yes, and Graea gives me to understand that Eurylochus is going
about secretly stirring them up and wants them to put on a bold
front and demand that something shall be done.
XENIAS
Ah, so? He hasn’t said a word to me or Philemon. I reckon he
thinks Philemon and Xenias are in the same box.
THERMIA
Eurylochus doesn’t know the difference, of course! I shall be
sorry when you have to go, Xenias; I shall miss you sadly after
you are gone. But it will simply _kill_ Philinna.
XENIAS
Well now, what if Philemon should take her home to Ithaca with
him for his wife? _He_ hasn’t got any Penelope waiting for him
there.
THERMIA
O heavens! And do you believe Philinna would ever leave Circe,
or that Circe would ever let her go?
XENIAS
And do you believe Philemon would ever leave Philinna behind,
or that Philinna would ever let him go without her?
THERMIA
Xenias, it’s a pity about them both—the greatest pity in the
world! As for Circe, she really admires your captain; great
men are scarce enough, she says; but Circe will never lose her
head, even if Ulysses has lost his; nor will either of them be
quite heart-broken, be sure. But Philinna! Philinna!
[_CIRCE, who has been laughing merrily with ULYSSES, claps her hands
twice._]
Yes, now; here comes the music they feed on.
[_THERMIA begins to move away as THRATTIS the lute-girl enters from the
palace in response to CIRCE’S summons._]
XENIAS
But stay, Thermia, and let us hear it.
THERMIA
O, it will only be the same old songs! Besides, I have my vases
to fill.
[_She goes out round the Right corner of the building. XENIAS settles
himself in a listening attitude._]
CIRCE
Thrattis, we need thee still.—’Tis strange, Ulysses,
How, like some thirst or hunger, each day return
These tuneful memories!
ULYSSES
Yet, fair Circe, charged
With a more strange forgetfulness of all else
Than that they celebrate.
CIRCE
Hist, listen now!
THRATTIS
[_Standing midway between the two couples on the veranda, after a brief
prelude upon her instrument, sings._]