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| Pierre Corneille Polyeucte IntraText - Concordances (Hapax - words occurring once) |
Atto
1 3 | seat, He doth the proud abase,—~130~‘They only peace and 2 5 | feigns.~5~The father he abhors,—the daughter he disdains!~ ~ 3 5 | undone!~ ~Resolve, faith, abnegation, all were vain,~ ~For thy 4 | about 5 4 | fiends we find;~ 360~As Ruler absolute Jehovah stands,~ ~Alone 6 1 | be the sport~ ~Of proud, absorbing and imperious man!~ ~ STRAT. 7 2 | for God!~ ~Thou wouldst abstain! For me another course—~ ~ 8 1 | Their sect is impious, mad, absurd and vain,~ ~Their rites 9 4 | amazed, ashamed, in doubt, abused,~ ~I see the ghost I laid, 10 3 | Hath of thy sire a fond accomplice made;~ ~A healing balm I 11 4 | Armenia shall arise, by thee accursed,~ ~On her at last has Light 12 2 | Pauline, the foe that I accuse,~ ~No plighted faith she 13 3 | PAUL.Nay, soothe my aching heart!~ ~I would have comfort,— 14 2 | debt I pay,~ ~Hard-wrung, acquitted,—his my love alway!~ ~Who 15 Per| capital of Armenia. ~The action takes place in the Palace 16 1 | would see!~ ~The birthright Adam lost restored to me—~ ~This, 17 4 | enemies did bless,~ ~Thou addest insult to my deep distress.~ ~ 18 2 | I learn,~ ~The more do I admire——~ ~Enter CLEON~~ CLEON. 19 1 | spring from Jove for man’s admonishment.~ ~ PAUL. Though this thy 20 4 | people that their prince adores,~ ~Think of the honours 21 3 | he passed without amaze~ ~Adown the narrow vale with upward 22 3 | Your Jupiter is parricide, adulterer, demon, knave,~ ~‘He cannot 23 5 | house: my death will an advantage win~120~For thee, for her, 24 4 | fate.~ ~ SEV. Yes, such advice, I know, is much approved,~ 25 1 | gate.~ ~Poor silly sheep! afar you err and stray~ ~From 26 5 | new-born~ ~They sprout afresh, and laugh our scythe to 27 5 | her despair awakes my fond alarm,~ ~Go, Albin, go, and guard 28 5 | beside but death!~ ~Once more Alcestis wrestles with the tomb,~ ~ 29 1 | King~ ~No rival place, no alien incense fling!~ ~Through 30 5 | hateful? Doth death still allure?~70~Is earth still naught? 31 5 | God’s name, hast mocked Almighty God!~ ~Earth, heaven, and 32 5 | Roman knight——~ ~ POLY. (aloud).Severus, thou wouldst say.~ ~ 33 | also 34 | Although 35 2 | acquitted,—his my love alway!~ ~Who has my hand, he holds— 36 | always 37 4 | refused;~ 305~Thus sad, amazed, ashamed, in doubt, abused,~ ~ 38 3 | to the front;—baptized, annealed—~ ~He fights for Christ!— 39 1 | him thy heart desires!’~ ~Anon a Christian band (an impious 40 4 | love’s dear sake—await the answer there!~ ~ PAUL. To leave 41 4 | the God who hears~ ~And answers prayers,—gives hopes, assuages 42 3 | Decius I fear:—~ 220~But why anticipate a doom so sad?~ ~Shall this— 43 2 | captures every heart, from Antioch to Spain!~ ~ SEV. To wed 44 | any 45 5 | thou!~ ~To Pluto bend, to Aphrodite bow!~ ~For this I broke 46 2 | gifts arrive.~ ~The golden apple falls, the gold is turned 47 5 | ensues the Emperor must approve,~65~I shall have done my 48 4 | advice, I know, is much approved,~ 335~Yet not thus can Severus’ 49 3 | Once master, glues all ardour into ice,~ ~And that proud 50 4 | But, since three warriors armed can surely guard~ ~One fettered 51 | around 52 4 | The dangers of this course arouse my fears.~ ~What? Decius 53 5 | fatuity?~ ~His wrath is wrath arranged, his generous fire is nursed,~ 54 2 | too late her fatal gifts arrive.~ ~The golden apple falls, 55 5 | ear petition send!~ ~This artifice befits nor me nor thee,~ ~ 56 2 | wings of faith and hope ascend!~ ~I hail my master—recognise 57 5 | own!~ ~ FELIX. The steep ascent, my son, I too would climb,~ ~ 58 4 | 305~Thus sad, amazed, ashamed, in doubt, abused,~ ~I see 59 4 | her at last has Light of Asia beamed,~ ~And our Deliverer 60 4 | not him who doth to Heaven aspire!~ ~ Hail pain!~ ~ Disdain~ ~ 61 5 | fool!~ ~Why did he thus assail the gods and me~ ~With insult, 62 4 | answers prayers,—gives hopes, assuages fears.~ ~Thy gods are deaf 63 1 | you know not what? Are you assured~25~Of constancy?—as one 64 2 | time and chance what death assures?~ 315~Death but the gate 65 2 | light beclouded, dimmed, astray?~ ~ NEAR. Baptismal waters 66 2 | the strife that envious Ate made!~ ~Untimely, Fortune’ 67 4 | Decius! Tiger! Pitiless! Athirst~50~With quenchless rage, 68 5 | have offended—let my death atone.~ ~Take thou my honours, 69 3 | obstinate defence and fierce attack.~ ~Such steeds no charioteer 70 1 | uses—threats and prayers—~ ~Attacks in parley—as the Parthian 71 1 | Alas! ’tis he; all Rome attests his worth,—~ ~Hide not his 72 4 | killed.~ ~Before I proffer aught, I am refused;~ 305~Thus 73 1 | holds the marriage torch—august, divine,~ ~Bids me to her 74 3 | will His bleeding saints avenge, He is their sure reward.~ ~‘ 75 2 | Of god or monster, love, aversion, hate.~ ~This fine-spun 76 3 | there be spent in vain to avert his death;~ ~Then, then 77 1 | formless shade,~ ~With dim, averted eye; no sword had made~ ~ 78 1 | sad,~ 240~But now you are awake, ’tis but a dream you had!~ ~ 79 5 | intent:~ 285~But her despair awakes my fond alarm,~ ~Go, Albin, 80 1 | He spoke: in nameless awe I heard his voice,—~ 225~‘ 81 5 | faith endure;~ ~I swear it: ay, the Emperor shall learn~ 82 2 | meaning, knave, or let this babble cease!~ ~Say, was she cold? 83 4 | CLEON. GUARDSMEN retire to background.~ ~ POLY. The fount is pure, 84 3 | he hails the Cross, the badge of shame.~ ~ PAUL. My plighted 85 5 | snare reveals:~ ~If at the bait I snatch—my doom is sealed:~ ~ 86 2 | well-proved be,~ 230~Most baleful is his presence here to 87 3 | accomplice made;~ ~A healing balm I bring for all thy fears,~ ~ 88 1 | desires!’~ ~Anon a Christian band (an impious horde),~ ~With 89 4 | waken hope, still brief, and banish fears:~ ~I wait the birth 90 1 | were hell, and home but banishment!~ ~ NEAR. Come!—to return. 91 1 | dust to naught.~ ~His holy baptism He bids thee seek,—~ ~Neglect 92 2 | dimmed, astray?~ ~ NEAR. Baptismal waters yet bedew thy brow;~ ~ 93 5 | fearest I will brave,~ ~Oh, bare thy knife!—no other gift 94 4 | fail!)~155~He brings His barque to port, when it hath scarce 95 2 | vain had fickle Fortune barred the way,~ ~Want had been 96 1 | to recoil!~ ~In endless barricade obstruction piles,—~ ~To-day ’ 97 1 | loving arms:~ ~No bolts or bars imprison,—yet her sighs~ ~ 98 4 | thy kiss!—~ ~We treasure barter for a just exchange,~ ~But 99 2 | virgin gold! O ne’er shall baser metal ring~ ~From mine, 100 2 | PAUL. Ah, Polyeucte bathed in blood! Depart! depart!~ ~ 101 3 | sing.~ ~‘Jehovah rules the battle-field ye call the field of Mars,~ ~‘ 102 5 | there,~ ~And if—without a bead—the body should rebel,~ ~ 103 4 | at last has Light of Asia beamed,~ ~And our Deliverer from 104 4 | disdains.~ ~Each foul Egyptian beast his temple rears,~ 355~Caligula 105 4 | And fire my heart to beat alone for thee!~ ~Sun of 106 | Became 107 5 | Death—lovely death—thy beckoning hand I hail!~ ~Oh, help 108 2 | 345~Find thy full light beclouded, dimmed, astray?~ ~ NEAR. 109 | becomes 110 2 | nay, loathed—to share thy bed,’—~ ~Him, and not thee, 111 2 | NEAR. Baptismal waters yet bedew thy brow;~ ~The grace that 112 5 | petition send!~ ~This artifice befits nor me nor thee,~ ~To beg 113 5 | hast traduced thou wouldst befool!~ ~Go,—bully—flatterer—liar!— 114 2 | PAUL. That grief might hope beget, so leave a stain!~ ~ SEV. 115 4 | make thy rival heir—~ ~This beggars madness! Or the Christian 116 5 | heaven or hell!~ ~ FELIX. Begone! For all our ills this one 117 5 | reply?~ 250~Ye Guards, do my behest—prepare the knife!~ ~ PAUL. 118 | behind 119 4 | be~ 290~Is triumph that belongs alone to thee!~ ~Let this 120 | below 121 4 | Shall dash the cup from thy Belshazzar feast!~55~ Secure,~ ~ And 122 1 | breast he plucks a star benign,~ ~This—hope’s fair fruit, 123 4 | Crucified!~ ~This my last benison! All else is poor!~ ~Await 124 4 | beyond compare!’—~ ~Of my bereavement have I said no word,~ ~I 125 2 | heart of thee and Heaven bereft!~ ~One faintest flaw reveal, 126 | beside 127 4 | for Rome, ah! this were best!~ ~She loves thee not. What 128 5 | most plain—the man betrayed betrays;~ ~Severus, and his gifts, 129 5 | guide thy murderer to the better land!~ ~He prays for me, 130 2 | worth now merit blasphemy?~ ~Bewail her bitter fruit—but praised 131 3 | be true,~ ~The ties that bind me I will ne’er undo:~ ~ 132 1 | sealed eyes would see!~ ~The birthright Adam lost restored to me—~ ~ 133 5 | trapped,—the biter shall be bit,~ ~Unravelled is the web 134 5 | trapper shall be trapped,—the biter shall be bit,~ ~Unravelled 135 3 | show;~ ~’Gainst Polyeucte biting words alone he speaks—~ ~ 136 3 | and straightway had thy blame!~ ~ STRAT. Ah! I foresaw 137 3 | know their mind,~ ~They can blaspheme, but ah, they cannot lie!~ ~ 138 1 | his eye~ 215~With anger blazed; his port was proud and 139 2 | tortured, slain!~ ~For us He bled! Say, has He died in vain?~ ~ 140 5 | is diseased—that part we bleed,~ ~So is the State from 141 3 | only guard.~ ~‘He will His bleeding saints avenge, He is their 142 3 | 130~‘They only peace and blessing know who love and seek His 143 4 | what—~ ~Where Polyeucte is blest, but where Pauline is not?~ ~ 144 3 | foul—his every breath a blight;~ ~The foe of Heaven, of 145 5 | not read; thine eyes are blinded here,~ ~Wait the unveiling 146 2 | root!~ ~ PAUL. Untimely blossom bears a fated fruit!~ ~ 147 2 | If prostrate from the blow, there yet remains of life~ ~ 148 1 | Ah, Stratonice! for our boasted power~ ~As sovereigns o’ 149 5 | devoted land,~ ~From Jove the bolt?—maybe—but I direct his 150 3 | weal,~ ~He is my lord; the bond I owe I seal;~ ~I fear my 151 1 | breath?~ ~His whitening bones, amid the nameless brave,~ ~ 152 5 | crown,—a prey for every boor.~ ~Then, swift, Severus 153 1 | tears fell fast, yet ne’er bore our distress~ ~The fatal 154 2 | unsay; tho’ grief this bosom tear,~ ~The hand that wounds 155 4 | life thine own? How was it bought?~ ~Our life an heirloom 156 1 | bride;~ ~Love might have bound me to Severus’ heart,~ ~ 157 2 | hast thou justified~ ~That bounding hope of mine, though fruitage 158 4 | Cæsar never knew,—~ ~Death bounds it not, for death is but 159 5 | Name!~ ~ FELIX. At last my bounties yield to wrath most stern, 160 1 | PAUL. Thus fickle Fortune bows her head to fate,~ 270~And 161 5 | my sire?~ ~Who fires the brand? Who lights the funeral 162 2 | mingle in their heathen brawl?~ ~Thou art a Christian, 163 2 | Christian’s prayer, but daily bread.~ 320~Live to protect the 164 5 | the tears—the sighs,—shed—breathed for thee!~ ~Love is too 165 3 | for Christ.~ ~I know the breed; I know their courage high,~ ~ 166 1 | the price;~ ~No Persian bribe could tempt him from his 167 1 | only duty made Pauline his bride;~ ~Love might have bound 168 1 | pierced cloud unveils a brighter sun,—~100~So is her joy 169 4 | erthrow?~ ~This—Fortune’s brimming cup, with poison filled,~ ~ 170 3 | disdained.~ ~Thus pallid fear broods over all, presaging wrath 171 1 | Tis Christ says, “Love thy brother,’~70~Yet on the altar of 172 1 | remain,~ 340~But, crushed and bruised, the flower no guilt shall 173 5 | 275~ FELIX. Manlius and Brutus both a son have slain,~ ~ 174 4 | To thousand gods men build, unchecked, their fanes,~ ~ 175 5 | thou wouldst befool!~ ~Go,—bully—flatterer—liar!—Every part~ 176 5 | PAUL. Tyrant, why leave thy butchery half done?~ ~Come, slay 177 4 | just exchange,~ ~But to buy pain for thee! Pauline, ’ 178 4 | bring back the dear, the bygone days,~ ~When I, a maid, 179 5 | We slay them; yet, like Cadmus’ seed, new-born~ ~They sprout 180 5 | the State from knaves and caitiffs freed.~ ~ ALBIN. Revenge 181 4 | beast his temple rears,~ 355~Caligula a god to Roman ears—~ ~Tiberius 182 4 | Pauline, for I~ ~Severus called, and he hath heard my cry.~ ~ 183 Per| The Scene is at Melitena, capital of Armenia. ~The action 184 4 | ire,~ ~Yea, let my rival captivate the soul~ ~Of her who now 185 2 | only; she~ ~Shall give no captive hand—her heart is free:~ ~ 186 2 | proud disdain;~ ~A hero captures every heart, from Antioch 187 3 | Act III~PAULINE~ PAUL. Cares—clouded and confused—oppress, 188 3 | Christian fool,~ ~Do thou caress when I have scourged the 189 2 | meet other lips—seek for caresses there!~ ~No stately Claudia 190 3 | guides all our wars.~ ~‘He casts the mighty from his seat, 191 4 | confuse the mind~ ~As gods in cats, and saints in fiends we 192 3 | Polyeucte mark of guilt the certain end,~ ~When of the frenzied 193 2 | silent be,~ 200~There, in my chamber, will I pray for thee!~ ~ 194 3 | 175~O, changeful Fortune! changeless Polyeucte move,~ ~And grant 195 3 | feet,~140~And order fair to chaos turn, and thus their work 196 3 | attack.~ ~Such steeds no charioteer controls—for they~ ~Mistake 197 1 | fate—forewarned by me;~ ~Chase thy pursuer, herald thine 198 2 | No worldly thought has checked the flow, no guilty act 199 3 | scope—~ 335~E’en now he cherisheth a tender hope;~ ~He sees 200 1 | Truth, The Way!~ ~My grief chokes utterance! I see your fate,~ ~ 201 3 | see!~ ~ FELIX.Because he chooses night.~ ~Who loves the darkness 202 1 | yield;~ ~For him and you he chose thy strength and shield.~ ~ 203 4 | refuse, spurn—yield with clamorous haste,~ ~To yield a girl 204 2 | caresses there!~ ~No stately Claudia will refuse—no Julia proud 205 2 | Their gods of stone, of clay, but vampires of the night!~ ~ 206 1 | Christian I!~ ~The healing, cleansing flood o’er me shall flow,~ 207 2 | cost of all my bliss,~ ~Ah, Cleopatra’s pearl was naught to this!~ 208 5 | ascent, my son, I too would climb,~ ~Yes, I would Christian 209 5 | Polyeucte still to reason close his ear,~30~Severus’ love 210 5 | Twas thou didst link us closely hand in hand,~ ~‘To live 211 1 | hungry wolves of hate~80~Closer and fiercer rage: from sword 212 4 | all unequal scale,~ ~Let Clothe hold her distaff—I’ll not 213 3 | III~PAULINE~ PAUL. Cares—clouded and confused—oppress, obscure~ ~ 214 5 | blasphemy!~ ~Nor kings nor clowns can ’scape His righteous 215 5 | If once thou yield the clue to thread the maze,~ ~The 216 3 | straight embrace,~ ~At hope I clutch, who still eludes my grasp;~ 217 5 | sealed:~ ~Too plain, too coarse, this web for any fly—~ ~ 218 1 | And this poor dream—his coinage of the night—~ ~Gives place 219 4 | hear~ ~Are fables only, coined, I know not why,~ 345~Distorted 220 2 | From cold indifference to colder scorn;~ ~Such resolution 221 4 | Christ’s soldier that thou com’st to greet?~90~Or wouldst 222 4 | heaven and earth and hell commands,~ ~While pagan gods each ’ 223 3 | 30~Whose virtue must all common snares o’erleap!~ ~Their 224 Per| Polyeucte. ~STRATONICE, companion to Pauline. ~ALBIN, friend 225 4 | lovely’—‘dear’—‘beyond compare!’—~ ~Of my bereavement have 226 3 | through his wrath some weak compassion show;~ ~’Gainst Polyeucte 227 3 | new,~ ~The sight of death compels a saner view.~ ~ PAUL. O, 228 4 | transport fierce, endeavour to conceal.~175~I do not share thy 229 4 | why speak of treasure rare concealed~ ~From one to whom light 230 4 | now impart,~ ~Which much concerns his joy and peace of heart.~ ~ 231 4 | Thine!~ ~Say, must she burn, condemned to depths of hell?—~ 200~ 232 4 | POLYEUCTE signs to GUARDS to conduct him back to prison. Exeunt 233 2 | of need the faith must be confessed.~ ~ POLY. The offering grudged 234 5 | to these—the gods by thee confest,~ 310~Some shrines spared 235 3 | trust,~ ~Heaven grant such confidence be false—be vain!~ ~Enter 236 4 | denied!~ ~Such metamorphoses confuse the mind~ ~As gods in cats, 237 3 | PAUL. Cares—clouded and confused—oppress, obscure~ ~In changeful 238 2 | 55~He came, he saw, he conquered thine adored.~ ~ SEV. Her 239 1 | sighs~ ~My fetters are—my conquerors, her eyes!~20~Say, kind 240 1 | That gained this hardest conquest—self-control.~ ~At Rome— 241 1 | Pauline—my love—would give consent!~ ~Else heaven were hell, 242 5 | death she saw.~ ~Try to console her—Go! what dost thou fear?~ 243 4 | who now with Decius doth conspire~ ~To chain immortal hope 244 3 | pleasure,~ ~And in the world’s contempt they find their treasure.~ ~ 245 1 | hast my heart! Let this content thy love!~ ~ PAUL. You love 246 2 | with my loss alone let Fate contented be.~ ~May Heaven shower 247 1 | This—hope’s fair fruit, contentment, plenty, ease,~ ~Brings 248 5 | this—Christ’s sacrifice—continued day be day,~ ~The Christ 249 3 | a frame~ ~That serve by contrast to make fear more dark.~ ~ 250 4 | POLY.O God, I trust to Thy control,~ 205~Who when we think 251 3 | Such steeds no charioteer controls—for they~ ~Mistake both 252 3 | 225~In one day can he two conversions make?~ ~Not this the Christians’ 253 5 | the body should rebel,~ ~Convulsive throes I mock, and nerveless 254 5 | young blood due time to cool~ ~I played the coward—nay, 255 3 | strength is all too weak to cope,~ ~That hope whose phoenix 256 1 | to face~ ~With tribe of courtiers; all to him give place;~ ~ 257 1 | righteous ire I shrink, I cower;~ ~Revenge I dread—and vengeance 258 4 | Where am I, Fabian? Has the crack of doom~ ~Turned heaven 259 5 | SEV. Unnatural sire, whose craft leads to the grave,~ ~The 260 4 | Is this poor life—the creature of a day—~ ~For endless 261 1 | phantom of the night no credence yield;~ ~For him and you 262 5 | the spoil would reap of my credulity.~ ~No simpleton am I, each 263 4 | 175~I do not share thy creed, but I, at least, can feel!~ ~ 264 4 | FABIAN. Ah, let the whole crew light one funeral pyre;~ ~ 265 5 | shrine,—~ ~Yea, for those crimes that thou dost call divine!~ ~ 266 4 | healed, white-robed, in glory crowned,~10~Plead that I too may 267 4 | doubting footsteps to the Crucified!~ ~This my last benison! 268 2 | swift-repented sigh~ ~Can heal the cureless wound from which I die.~ ~ 269 2 | remedy!~ ~One poor faint sigh cures love’s infirmity!~ ~Thy 270 4 | with her sire!~ 320~This curs’d Armenian is one hornet’ 271 1 | victory.~ ~Here, love, my curse! Here, dearest friend, my 272 2 | He is my shield—hence! cursed tempter, hence!~ ~ NEAR. 273 1 | heart, to probe thy wound; cut deep and do not spare!~ 274 4 | spilt.~ 350~Yet priests of Cybele dark rites pursue~ ~At Rome— 275 1 | now despair!~ ~He drew his dagger—plunged it in the breast~ 276 2 | Christian’s prayer, but daily bread.~ 320~Live to protect 277 1 | keep!~ ~Who looks behind to dally with his choice~ ~When Heaven 278 5 | break my heart!~ ~Enough of dallying! While thou dost dissolve~ ~ 279 3 | to shield my own—thrice damned my name!~ ~ ALBIN. If by 280 4 | and Hell has ears!~ ~The dangers of this course arouse my 281 1 | There is something that thou dar’st not name.~ ~Oh, on my 282 1 | with equal shower?~30~On darkened souls His flame of light 283 5 | see!—I feel!—I know! My darkest night~ 300~Is o’er—to break 284 4 | from the holy east~ ~Shall dash the cup from thy Belshazzar 285 2 | shall endure;~ ~Ah, must the dawn of this my perfect day~ 286 5 | we fight,—~ ~My day has dawned, the day that knows no night!~ ~ 287 2 | Relentless Fate, to quench hope’s dawning ray!~ ~Take back your gifts! 288 3 | thee,~ 355~But wilt thou deal just meed to treachery?~ ~ 289 5 | Soon mayst thou this thy dear-bought victory rue,~ ~For thou 290 4 | love, be kind!’~ ~Pauline, death-stricken, keeps an equal mind!~ ~ 291 2 | rear His altar fair,—~ ~The deathless hope alone can kill despair!~ 292 3 | be!~ ~A Polyeucte changed—debased—forsworn I see!~175~O, changeful 293 3 | see the light.~40~Hope but deceived,—my fear alone I trust,~ ~ 294 5 | thou wouldst not believe,~ ~Deceiver thou, so must all men deceive.~ ~ 295 4 | throne to learn how pomp deceives;~115~They gather wealth 296 1 | their ecstasy;~ ~Judged—by decree, the foes of human race,~ ~ 297 2 | that thou may’st still defender be!~ ~So dry the tears that, 298 3 | pale,~ ~Then Polyeucte mad defiance hurls, while all the people 299 5 | swift revenge. The gods defied~ ~May do their will and 300 4 | Tiberius is enshrined—a Nero deified—~ ~To Christ—to Christ alone— 301 4 | grace~20~That he would deign to meet me face to face;~ ~ 302 4 | easy task:~15~I do not seek deliverance from these thralls, [Looks 303 4 | of Asia beamed,~ ~And our Deliverer from the holy east~ ~Shall 304 3 | is parricide, adulterer, demon, knave,~ ~‘He cannot listen 305 2 | from Him alone!~ ~Who fears denial does at heart deny;~ ~Who 306 4 | must obey.~ 340~Let fate depress an all unequal scale,~ ~ 307 5 | Yes, trust to an abyss of depth unknown!~80~ POLY. No, trust 308 4 | must she burn, condemned to depths of hell?—~ 200~Thy Will 309 1 | as their cult profane.~ ~Deride their altar, their weak 310 1 | do His grace and power~ ~Descend on recreants with equal 311 1 | years the heavenly flame~170~Descended, kindled, scorched—it left 312 3 | To save the guilty from deserved disgrace?~ 340~And were 313 1 | NEARCHUS.~ ~ PAUL. Yes, go, despise my prayer—my agony;~ ~Go, 314 2 | this thy lord;~ ~Take one despised—nay, loathed—to share thy 315 5 | theft and murder—all that we detest.~ 235~This, their example,— 316 3 | before a meaner shrine, by devil’s power enticed,~ ~‘Denies 317 3 | lures him, moth-like, to devouring flame.~ ~His heart is fixed, 318 2 | thy full light beclouded, dimmed, astray?~ ~ NEAR. Baptismal 319 3 | Mad flight and tumult dire let loose, proclaim a God 320 5 | Jove the bolt?—maybe—but I direct his hand.~ ~ FELIX. Why 321 5 | guiltless from the traitor to discern;~ ~His persecution baseless 322 5 | self-stopped ears~ 230~Will I disclose—(he heedeth not nor hears.) [ 323 4 | that they obey,~ ~And to discover what the secret guilt~ ~ 324 5 | stain;~ ~The part that is diseased—that part we bleed,~ ~So 325 4 | scale,~ ~Let Clothe hold her distaff—I’ll not fail!~ ~Yet one 326 4 | coined, I know not why,~ 345~Distorted are they seen in Decius’ 327 2 | fierce—the warrior sore distrest.~ ~Say, who can stanch these 328 3 | Our hallowed mysteries disturbed, our temple dear profaned,~ ~ 329 4 | These are my kings, these my divinities!~ ~To me—for thee—were death 330 4 | 200~Thy Will be done—Who doest all things well!~ ~ PAUL. 331 2 | Alas! the rents in armour donned and proved~ ~Too well my 332 5 | him?—Then know that I am doomed to die!~ ~But even if justly 333 5 | all around foresees,—but doubles ill.~ ~Each prop thou hast 334 2 | I see her face,—~ ~Then doubly naught till I my love embrace.~ 335 4 | hers,—and guide~ 240~Her doubting footsteps to the Crucified!~ ~ 336 2 | appeal!~60~Malignant Jove, to drag me back to-day!~ ~Relentless 337 3 | arms—his neophyte!~95~He dragged him to the front;—baptized, 338 5 | as fate;~ ~When justice drags a halting foot, too late,~ ~ 339 5 | FELIX. What is this deadly draught that thou wouldst drain?~ 340 1 | an hour,~ ~Thy love must draw me back, for love hath power~ 341 1 | er a taint of fear!~ ~Who dreads not torture, yet—to give 342 1 | dream is naught—but the dear dreamer—all!~ ~She has my soul, 343 1 | Not mine to solve the dreary mystery!~120~ POLY. I love 344 5 | marks thee for the grave.~ ~Drench earth in blood,—for Jove 345 1 | grief was now despair!~ ~He drew his dagger—plunged it in 346 5 | wouldst drain?~110~I’ll drink thy wine.—Till then, from 347 2 | Untimely, Fortune’s shower must drown me, not revive;~ ~Too lavish 348 1 | Whilst he, her ransomer, in a dungeon stayed.~ 285~His death they 349 4 | hope to earthly goal;~ ~Let earth-bound men pursue the world’s desire,~ 350 3 | views,~ ~Will choose an easier mate—and rightly choose.~ ~ 351 3 | not refuse!~ ~ FELIX. His edict is most clear:—‘All Christians 352 4 | state disdains.~ ~Each foul Egyptian beast his temple rears,~ 353 3 | death escapes—if so he do elect.~ ~ PAUL. He death embraces— 354 3 | hope I clutch, who still eludes my grasp;~10~Her rainbow 355 3 | fiend abhorred~ ~He hailed,—embraced: ‘For Christ!’ his latest 356 3 | elect.~ ~ PAUL. He death embraces—as doth all his sect.~ ~ 357 4 | heavenly fire, most pure, embracing all,~ ~Come, shield me from 358 4 | desires a slave,~ ~See hope emerging from my husband’s grave—~ ~ 359 2 | SEV. To wed a queen—an empress—were only loss and shame;~ 360 4 | more as once I saw—~ ~I am encased in armour without flaw:~ 361 4 | this transport fierce, endeavour to conceal.~175~I do not 362 1 | they must die:~ ~Their joy—endurance; death—their ecstasy;~ ~ 363 1 | constancy?—as one who has endured?~ ~God claims your soul 364 2 | the gate of life that aye endures.~ ~If I be His—let me be 365 4 | They say thy Christ His enemies did bless,~ ~Thou addest 366 1 | deny~ ~Would yield thine enemy the victory!~ ~He loves 367 2 | charm, do my weak hearth enflame—~ ~A traitor here! And he 368 1 | Severus’ heart,~ ~Had duty not enforced a sterner part.~ 210~Yes, 369 5 | Severus may in war of words engage.~ ~Yes, I have saved myself— 370 3 | And envy; both must still engender strife:~ ~One sees that 371 2 | Cease!~ ~ FABIAN. ’Twill but enhance the grief I would appease.~ 372 1 | sun,—~100~So is her joy enhanced—thy glory won!~ ~O come, 373 4 | Roman ears—~ ~Tiberius is enshrined—a Nero deified—~ ~To Christ— 374 5 | of fear themselves alone enslave.~ ~Yes, Polyeucte is slain, 375 4 | Thy charms, that once enslaved, no more delight;~40~In 376 5 | nerveless fury quell.~ ~Whate’er ensues the Emperor must approve,~ 377 3 | whose phoenix ashes yet enthrall~ 345~The wretch who rises 378 5 | opening tomb,~ ~Base doubts enthralled thee, didst seal his doom;~ ~ 379 5 | Arise, arise from thy enthralling doom!~ ~And if my invocation 380 5 | who every deed of crime enthrone,~ ~Who boast their malice, 381 3 | guest, that doth his soul entice,~ ~Once master, glues all 382 5 | 35~Behold us all alike entrapped, undone!~ ~ ALBIN. Severus’ 383 3 | It is not wax,—and these entreaties oft~ ~Repeated waste thy 384 4 | word!~ ~Thee, Felix, I o’ercame within my cell,~ ~Laughed 385 3 | must all common snares o’erleap!~ ~Their gold unstained 386 3 | PAUL. Ere dull despair o’ermaster all my fears,~100~Oh, let 387 1 | Poor silly sheep! afar you err and stray~ ~From Him who 388 4 | within my grasp must I o’erthrow?~ ~This—Fortune’s brimming 389 5 | Severus will be king, and I o’erthrown;—~135~Shall I the gods by 390 3 | Then Polyeucte the shrine o’erthrows, the holy vessels breaks,~ ~ 391 3 | If by thy fiat he cannot escape the grave,~ ~Implore of 392 5 | men deceive;~20~Too oft escaped am I to be so lightly caught;~ ~ 393 4 | that men may envy their estate,~ ~They clear a path by 394 3 | fixed—past power of man to estrange.~ ~This is no poison quaffed 395 5 | when to His Home I go.~ ~Eternal life is this: to tread the 396 2 | blind~ ~To all but grief’s excess, and fortune most unkind.~ 397 4 | treasure barter for a just exchange,~ ~But to buy pain for thee! 398 5 | from harm!~ ~She might the execution of the law~ ~Impede: I would 399 1 | this I yearn,~ ~For that exhaustless fount I thirst, I burn.~ 400 4 | secret guilt~ ~The which to expiate their blood is spilt.~ 350~ 401 1 | oh faithless one, ere day expires,~ ~All vain these tears 402 1 | that holy fire,~ ~Fed, not extinguished, by unslaked desire~ ~Her 403 1 | Unscathed in battle, all extol his fame,~ ~Unstained, undimmed, 404 1 | unveil~ ~Were shame and failure: and I will not fail:~ ~ 405 4 | plighted binds me still!~ ~Thou fain wouldst quit thy wife, and 406 2 | and Heaven bereft!~ ~One faintest flaw reveal, to give my 407 2 | stay,~ ~And poverty had fallen from the wings~110~Of soaring 408 2 | arrive.~ ~The golden apple falls, the gold is turned to dross:~ 409 1 | place to other lures, all falsely bright:~60~All tricks he 410 4 | beneath His feet,~ ~His fan is in His hand, His vengeful 411 3 | terror still begets;—~ ~All fancies grim I see, and straight 412 4 | build, unchecked, their fanes,~ ~The Christians’ God alone 413 4 | Lord!~ ~Oh, if to die for fatherland be sweet,~ ~To die for Him— 414 5 | I this spider hail in my fatuity?~ ~His wrath is wrath arranged, 415 2 | to this!~ 265~The more my faults I see, the more thy truth 416 Per| SEVERUS, a Roman Knight, favourite of the Emperor Decius. ~ 417 2 | Thy grief lay down, thy fearful heart restore!~ 235~Let 418 1 | mine, that holy fire,~ ~Fed, not extinguished, by unslaked 419 3 | hate,~ ~For he is man, and feels as man, and I~ ~Once spurned 420 1 | sacrifice, the offering, all are feigned,~ ~All but the suit, which 421 5 | read—tho’ noble heart he feigns.~5~The father he abhors,— 422 5 | goad, a scourge, for their felicity!~ ~Let suffering purify 423 5 | Nay, those at court must fence; their weapons never rust,~ ~ 424 4 | armed can surely guard~ ~One fettered man in safest watch and 425 3 | name!~ ~ ALBIN. If by thy fiat he cannot escape the grave,~ ~ 426 3 | battle-field ye call the field of Mars,~ ~‘He only grants 427 4 | gods in cats, and saints in fiends we find;~ 360~As Ruler absolute 428 3 | loved me,—I implore!~ ~Let filial duty and obedience plead~ 429 4 | brimming cup, with poison filled,~ ~She bids me drain;—so 430 2 | aversion, hate.~ ~This fine-spun adamant Ithuriel’s spear~ 431 3 | abuse.~ ~ STRAT. My words fit well their guilt;—with evil 432 4 | thee!~ ~Sun of my soul?—oh, flash one purest ray~ ~In that 433 5 | wouldst befool!~ ~Go,—bully—flatterer—liar!—Every part~ 220~Thou 434 4 | dear name I bid the tempter flee,~ ~His foes are mine,—unlovely 435 4 | lose no time, time now has fleetest wings.~ ~ CLEON. Full soon 436 4 | fresh torch from that pale, flickering fire—~ ~Oh, bliss too monstrous! 437 1 | sighs,~ ~The flame first flickers, then, untended—dies!~40~ 438 2 | PAUL.I cannot go;~ ~Severus flies my sight; to him I owe~ ~ 439 3 | temple dear profaned,~ ~Mad flight and tumult dire let loose, 440 1 | place, no alien incense fling!~ ~Through Him—by Him—for 441 1 | the purpose fast he cannot foil,—~55~Then he retreats—retreats 442 3 | is my son,~ ~I hate the folly which hath all undone;~ ~ 443 5 | The hope I cherished—fondled—now is flown~ ~Severus will 444 4 | Victory.~ ~Pure from the holy font—(His mercies never fail!)~ 445 4 | goal.~ 215~ PAUL. O fancy—fooled!~ ~ POLY.Nay, led by heavenly 446 3 | soul I scorn.~ ~I love the foolish wretch who is my son,~ ~ 447 4 | guide~ 240~Her doubting footsteps to the Crucified!~ ~This 448 3 | matchless, so divine,~ ~As to forbear all ill to me and mine—~ ~ 449 1 | bring the remedy!~ ~ PAUL. Forbid it, Heaven! One good yet 450 3 | thy blame!~ ~ STRAT. Ah! I foresaw not this—their deed of shame!~ ~ 451 5 | ALBIN. Who ill in all around foresees,—but doubles ill.~ ~Each 452 1 | ruthless—meet thy fate—forewarned by me;~ ~Chase thy pursuer, 453 1 | in arms~ ~Bow to a peril forged by vain alarms?~ ~POLY. 454 2 | Add not that other woe—forgotten fear!~ ~Ah! let me breathe, 455 2 | sublime;~ ~In pity for my life forlorn, my peace denied,~ ~Ah! 456 | former 457 1 | suppliant he—no feeble, formless shade,~ ~With dim, averted 458 3 | obscure~ ~In changeful forms, my eye, my heart, my mind:~ ~ 459 1 | rank, and state~75~Must be forsaken—strait the heavenly gate.~ ~ 460 5 | the flame,~ ~Then love, forsooth, thy plea—(profanéd name!)~ 461 3 | Polyeucte changed—debased—forsworn I see!~175~O, changeful 462 1 | Finds friend within the fort—thy traitor heart!~ ~Enter 463 5 | shall the death he wooes forthwith embrace!~45~ ALBIN. Ah, 464 1 | weakest link must fail,~ ~So fortress yet unwon he’ll mount and 465 5 | indeed!’~10~Unskilled the fowler who his snare reveals:~ ~ 466 3 | tear,~ ~The vessels all to fragments fly—all prone the offerings 467 4 | stern race too weak, too frail am I,~ ~So, by kind death, 468 3 | rainbow hues adored are but a frame~ ~That serve by contrast 469 3 | ALBIN. It is,—Nearchus’ frantic race is run!~ ~ FELIX. And 470 5 | from knaves and caitiffs freed.~ ~ ALBIN. Revenge and pressing 471 1 | still a prisoner be;~ ~For freedom were disgrace to thee and 472 2 | Cross on my brow!~ ~His freemen we! O fight, Nearchus, now!~ 473 3 | certain end,~ ~When of the frenzied race he sees the goal,~ ~ 474 3 | STRAT.The tempter he;~ ~Such friendship leads to death, or infamy.~ ~ 475 1 | death—tho’ baseless this her fright,~ ~Pauline is wrung with 476 2 | bounding hope of mine, though fruitage was denied,~155~Yet this 477 2 | faith that soars shall full fruition own;~ ~Who trusts, yet fears 478 1 | that the horror thou may’st fully prove,~ ~Know that I—his 479 3 | mighty flood must every furnace quench!~ ~ PAUL. It might! 480 5 | throes I mock, and nerveless fury quell.~ ~Whate’er ensues 481 3 | honoured, dear!~ ~Thou gav’st that gift unsought,—that 482 3 | unworthy lord!~ ~ PAUL. Thou gavest him my hand, ’twas at thy 483 2 | command to do me right;~ ~The general is a man of honour,—he~ ~ 484 5 | O task ungrateful to my gentle mind!~ ~Well did he say, ‘ 485 1 | delay?~ ~ NEAR. So doth the ghostly foe our souls abuse,~ ~And 486 3 | for thanks, and lo—thou giv’st me tears!~185~ PAUL. 487 3 | restore!~ ~I claim it at the giver’s hand once more!~ 270~ 488 4 | for my country I would gladly fight!~ ~I know the glory 489 2 | ripening late my hand would glean:~ ~You know, my friend, 490 4 | at least, can feel!~ ~Why gloat o’er heavenly gain, crowns, 491 2 | thine, now weak and poor,~ ~Glows yet within my breast—and 492 3 | soul entice,~ ~Once master, glues all ardour into ice,~ ~And 493 3 | and has its will,~ ~Care, gnawing upon care, my soul must 494 5 | POLY.Nay, rather be~ ~A goad, a scourge, for their felicity!~ ~ 495 4 | Christian be!~ ~Her nature god-like, stamped from print divine;~ ~ 496 2 | way,—~5~You know the only goddess I obey:~ ~What reck the 497 5 | the knife!~ ~ PAUL. Where goes he?~ ~ FELIX.To his death!~ ~ 498 2 | fatal gifts arrive.~ ~The golden apple falls, the gold is 499 1 | Through Him—by Him—for him—all goodness know!~ ~’Tis from the source 500 Per| Characters~FELIX, Roman senator, Governor of Armenia. ~POLYEUCTE,