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| Pierre Corneille Polyeucte IntraText - Concordances (Hapax - words occurring once) |
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501 3 | field of Mars,~ ~‘He only grants a glorious peace, ’tis He 502 3 | sees that rival hand has grasped his prize,~ ~The other yearns 503 3 | thee.~ ~ FELIX. With reason greater than they know. Ah, me!~ ~ 504 1 | father led,~ 205~To Armenia’s greatest noble am I wed;~ ~Ambition, 505 5 | thee,—~ ~A sacrifice to greed and treachery.~ 325~I offered 506 3 | murmurs rang, and Felix’ face grew pale,~ ~Then Polyeucte mad 507 3 | still begets;—~ ~All fancies grim I see, and straight embrace,~ ~ 508 5 | The Power that moved me, groping through the night~ ~Of wrong 509 4 | Severus brings. [Exit CLEON. GUARDSMEN retire to background.~ ~ 510 4 | 225~Severus! Who could guess that thou wouldst show~ ~ 511 5 | Emperor shall learn~ 380~The guiltless from the traitor to discern;~ ~ 512 3 | The fiend abhorred~ ~He hailed,—embraced: ‘For Christ!’ 513 3 | STRAT. Think only that he hails the Cross, the badge of 514 2 | trouble,~ ~Those fears, half-dead, thou dost revive, redouble!~ 515 3 | their work complete.~ ~Our hallowed mysteries disturbed, our 516 3 | s shame,~ 235~They see a halo round one matchless Name.~ ~ 517 1 | night;~ ~My road to duty hampered by her fears,~15~How can 518 5 | husband calls me to his happier land—~ ~See!—there Nearchus 519 2 | broken heart!~ ~ SEV. O happy thou! O easy remedy!~ ~One 520 1 | combat that I may not fly,—~ ~Hard-won the fight, and dear the 521 2 | Yes, that debt I pay,~ ~Hard-wrung, acquitted,—his my love 522 1 | soul~ ~That gained this hardest conquest—self-control.~ ~ 523 2 | lover, losing all, speaks hardly like a lover!~ ~While passion 524 5 | and guard my child from harm!~ ~She might the execution 525 5 | thy life?~ ~ POLY. I never hated life, or wooed a grave,~ ~ 526 5 | POLYEUCTE) Is life still hateful? Doth death still allure?~ 527 3 | Who loves the darkness hateth still the light.~ ~ PAUL. 528 5 | For Decius’ rage and hatred never sleep:~ ~If for that 529 3 | fear more dark.~ ~Severus haunts me—oh, I know his love,~ ~ 530 3 | Weak reason naught, when headlong passion reigns,~ ~For valour 531 4 | blood of kings be but the headsman’s sport?~ ~Is life a toy 532 5 | For thy return is outrage heaped on pain.~ ~Oh, sunk in tomb 533 5 | Severus—thou who hast the hearing ear,—~ ~Freeman of Rome— 534 2 | worth, his charm, do my weak hearth enflame—~ ~A traitor here! 535 5 | the vengeful mob~ ~(Whose hearts for Polyeucte ne’er cease 536 2 | Yes, I will go! With heaven-born zeal I burn~ ~I will be 537 1 | Romans hold that dreams are heaven-sent,~ ~And spring from Jove 538 5 | 230~Will I disclose—(he heedeth not nor hears.) [Pointing 539 1 | from woman’s breast thou heedst the sighs,~ ~The flame first 540 2 | unfeigned,—~ 350~To these, thy heights, I cannot soar, held down 541 4 | it bought?~ ~Our life an heirloom to our country due;~130~ 542 5 | blasphemy?~ ~But interest helped me, and resentment too.~ 543 5 | settles all; they’ll find no helper there,~ ~And if—without 544 1 | me;~ ~Chase thy pursuer, herald thine own doom;~135~Go, 545 5 | FELIX. I’ll slay no more;—by Hercules I swear!~90~So I a Christian 546 3 | treasure.~ ~Their cherished heritage is—martyrdom!~ ~ FELIX. 547 | Herself 548 3 | twined about thy breast, the hideous serpent slay!~75~Who mocks 549 3 | their crown, our pain their highest pleasure,~ ~And in the world’ 550 4 | queen is found o’er all the hive,~ ~Now—(strike me dead, 551 4 | love,~ ~To seek above~70~A holier fire!~ ~Oh, Love that passeth 552 5 | One God alone adored,—one Holiest Name!~ ~ FELIX. At last 553 2 | latest breath would still my homage pay,—~ ~That memory mine, 554 2 | alone defend!~ ~Ah, if thou honourest my victory—~180~Depart, 555 1 | Christian band (an impious horde),~ ~With shameful cross 556 4 | This curs’d Armenian is one hornet’s nest—~ ~Crush all, then 557 5 | With insult, and with horrid blasphemy?~ ~But interest 558 5 | constancy.~ 265~To give his hot young blood due time to 559 5 | will not disgrace~ ~Thy house: my death will an advantage 560 2 | round her fatal light you hover!—~ ~The lover, losing all, 561 3 | my grasp;~10~Her rainbow hues adored are but a frame~ ~ 562 5 | follow truth.~ ~ FELIX. I humoured madness, but the mood is 563 5 | here they lose—in Heaven an hundredfold they find.~ ~Be cruel,—persecute!— 564 1 | As round the fold the hungry wolves of hate~80~Closer 565 3 | without a name.~ ~To silence hushed, the people knelt, and turned 566 3 | not to the birth—~ ~Fear hydra-headed terror still begets;—~ ~ 567 3 | incense rose—’tis thus our hymn was sung;~ ~Both loud and 568 3 | master, glues all ardour into ice,~ ~And that proud heart, 569 4 | life is this men love? An idle, empty dream,~ ~Where nothing 570 5 | a Christian heart?~ ~To idols dumb—to Pagans blind, thy 571 5 | FELIX. Begone! For all our ills this one redress! [Exeunt 572 4 | when we think not, canst illume the soul!~ ~The when—the 573 4 | come!~ ~ PAUL. Oh, leave illusions! Love me!~ ~ POLY.Thee I 574 2 | not unworthy—his a name~ ~Illustrious, from a line of kings he 575 4 | breath~ ~Hath stamped Thine image true—save her from death!~ ~ 576 2 | fruit for thee be hope—death—immortality!~ ~ SEV. Now with my loss 577 4 | face that must the great immortals move?—~ 250~Blessed by thy 578 3 | see the prize he gained impaired,~ ~The other would that 579 4 | him would I a secret now impart,~ ~Which much concerns his 580 1 | Of proud, absorbing and imperious man!~ ~ STRAT. Ah, man does 581 3 | once more!~ 270~ FELIX. Importunate! Although my heart is soft,~ ~ 582 4 | hath heard my cry.~ ~My importunity he will excuse,~ 230~My 583 1 | arms:~ ~No bolts or bars imprison,—yet her sighs~ ~My fetters 584 5 | their malice, and their foul incest,~ ~Vaunt theft and murder— 585 5 | thy hand while I my neck incline?~ 295~Thy sword in me shall 586 2 | love new-born~ ~From cold indifference to colder scorn;~ ~Such 587 3 | spurned his suit with base indignity.~ 330~Yes, he at Decius’ 588 2 | fire~150~Which waked in me ineffable desire.~ ~Begirt by crown 589 2 | faint sigh cures love’s infirmity!~ ~Thy heart thy tool, o’ 590 3 | great, his fall the more inglorious;~ 320~And if I give Nearchus 591 5 | insult is the child~ ~Of injury. The grace I grant, reviled,~ ~ 592 5 | sceptre trembles, and all insecure~ ~Totters my crown,—a prey 593 5 | still defy,~ ~Self-doomed, insensate, this my proffered grace,~ ~ 594 3 | Enter FELIX~~ FELIX. O insolence undreamed!—Before my very 595 5 | horrid blasphemy?~ ~But interest helped me, and resentment 596 4 | and GUARDS~~Who comes to invade, ah, not to cure my grief?~ 597 5 | enthralling doom!~ ~And if my invocation feeble be,~170~Regard the 598 3 | They every holy name invoked jeer with unbridled tongue,~ ~ 599 3 | Ambition is my master, iron Fate,~ ~I feel, obey, adore 600 2 | This fine-spun adamant Ithuriel’s spear~130~Could never 601 | itself 602 5 | the welcome news,~55~The jaundiced mind of Decius to abuse.~ ~ 603 3 | hopeless love must mate with jealousy,—~ ~While Polyeucte, who 604 3 | every holy name invoked jeer with unbridled tongue,~ ~ 605 4 | away,~ ~For thou wouldst join me in the realms of day!~ ~ 606 5 | Against this madman let us joinéd be.~ ~O wretched man, hast 607 1 | death—their ecstasy;~ ~Judged—by decree, the foes of human 608 2 | stately Claudia will refuse—no Julia proud disdain;~ ~A hero 609 3 | ran his blasphemy.~ ~‘Your Jupiter is parricide, adulterer, 610 2 | s worth,—well hast thou justified~ ~That bounding hope of 611 5 | doomed to die!~ ~But even if justly done to death were he,~ ~ 612 4 | Pauline, death-stricken, keeps an equal mind!~ ~O generous, 613 1 | his home~ ~To claim the key to every heart in Rome!~ ~ 614 4 | drain;—so new-born hope is killed.~ ~Before I proffer aught, 615 5 | But cast upon thy child a kinder eye,—~ ~Slay him?—Then know 616 1 | heavenly flame~170~Descended, kindled, scorched—it left me pure—~ ~ 617 4 | Let but my father all his kindness show!~150~ POLY. Another 618 5 | sword in me shall find a kindred food,~ ~I too am new baptized, 619 1 | love is blind.~ ~Before his kingly eye my soul to unveil~ ~ 620 3 | of all our race,~65~His kisses poison, and his love—disgrace!~ ~ 621 5 | So is the State from knaves and caitiffs freed.~ ~ ALBIN. 622 3 | silence hushed, the people knelt, and turned them to the 623 5 | that he, poor fool, hath knit!~ ~ ALBIN. Jove! What a 624 4 | rage against the sect thou knowest well,~ ~His power unbridled— 625 4 | Oh, Love that passeth knowledge be my stay,~ ~And fire my 626 4 | 295~Farewell! of this thy labour gauge the scope:~ ~If thou 627 3 | those who let them rust but laggards are.~ ~I fear—and fear both 628 5 | his hand.~ ~ FELIX. Why lags that hand? A willing victim 629 4 | abused,~ ~I see the ghost I laid, to life revive,~ ~The more 630 2 | Oh, not from him the lance that Heaven will send! [ 631 1 | joy from grief, to crown a lasting peace.~ 295~The Emperor 632 4 | ercame within my cell,~ ~Laughed at thy threats if death 633 3 | with unbridled tongue,~ ~To laughter vile the incense rose—’tis 634 2 | drown me, not revive;~ ~Too lavish and too late her fatal gifts 635 2 | faith a lie!~ ~ NEAR. Who leans upon a reed shall find distress.~ 636 2 | torture show,—~140~Tho’ flame leap up no more, the embers glow;~ ~ 637 3 | one thought hope’s flame leaps up to die!~ ~Or—if new-born— 638 1 | kill.~ ~One lesson woman learns—her feebleness;~ 325~Shame 639 2 | could smother~ ~A heart in leash, find solace in another.~ ~ 640 1 | the power to kill.~ ~One lesson woman learns—her feebleness;~ 641 2 | love his easy prey~ ~With Lethe aye at hand to point the 642 3 | and feeble Mars your full libations pour—~ ~‘Oh, kneel before 643 5 | all reproach,—for I~ ~Have lied and stormed to shake his 644 1 | sword had made~ ~My hero lifeless ghost. Nor wound, nor scar~ ~ 645 3 | how dark his mien! How lightning-fraught his~ ~eye! Where wrath and 646 5 | Who fires the brand? Who lights the funeral pyre?~ ~My father 647 4 | keep,~ ~They fight like lions, but they die like sheep.~ ~ 648 2 | past~115~By worth and glory lit—beloved, adored—~ ~Yet at 649 2 | coward heart, be still!~ ~I lived to doubt His word—I die 650 4 | heaven to hell? made life a living tomb?~ 300~Nearer and dearer 651 3 | I look for thanks, and lo—thou giv’st me tears!~185~ 652 2 | glory shall be mine, my load I bear,~ ~So, spotless, 653 2 | Take one despised—nay, loathed—to share thy bed,’—~ ~Him, 654 4 | thee opes,~ ~Thou dearest lodestar of a nation’s hopes!~ ~Shall 655 1 | Heaven retains the fire no longer sought,~35~While ashes turn 656 3 | flight and tumult dire let loose, proclaim a God disdained.~ ~ 657 4 | fruit of all thy heavenly lore?~ ~They say thy Christ His 658 2 | you hover!—~ ~The lover, losing all, speaks hardly like 659 3 | FELIX. Too much thou lovest an unworthy lord!~ ~ PAUL. 660 4 | shrine!~ ~ FABIAN. Speak low, for Jove has bolts, and 661 3 | thou force that note thou’lt find ’tis so.~ ~Prepare 662 3 | Polyeucte dares;~ 230~He saw the lure by which he was enticed,~ ~ 663 3 | wreaks!~90~ PAUL. Nearchus lured him on?~ ~ STRAT.The tempter 664 2 | thou unveil’st, begirt in lurid light,~ ~The pallid ghost 665 2 | the citadel?—the traitor lurks within!~ ~Forsake me not, 666 5 | thou my honours, their poor lustre thine,~ ~I kneel before 667 3 | both curb and reign for maddening whip~ ~Ah! what a base, 668 4 | honour fair?~ 310~And while I madly shriek, ‘O love, be kind!’~ ~ 669 2 | Blesséd be thy tongue!~10~O magic word, that turns my grief 670 4 | bygone days,~ ~When I, a maid, might listen to thy praise:~ ~ 671 2 | matron’s kind! In Rome all maids are fair!~ ~Let lips meet 672 4 | are deaf and senseless, maimed and weak,~ ~Tongues, mouths 673 1 | mien triumphant, full of majesty!~ ~So might victorious Caesar 674 3 | power enticed,~ ~‘Denies his Maker and his King, denies the 675 5 | enthrone,~ ~Who boast their malice, and their foul incest,~ ~ 676 2 | vain hope depart!~ ~This mandate binds her father only; she~ ~ 677 5 | unworthy thee!’~ 275~ FELIX. Manlius and Brutus both a son have 678 | many 679 4 | peace, or this my kingdom mar.~ ~Is this poor life—the 680 1 | will go, the conqueror’s march to grace!~ ~Restore thy 681 5 | Thy perfidy the torch that marks thee for the grave.~ ~Drench 682 2 | peace, who all my peace hath marred.~ ~Who would run safely, 683 1 | thrall;~10~Who holds the marriage torch—august, divine,~ ~ 684 5 | shall begin;~ ~By me his martyr-crown, as all my bliss~ ~By him. 685 3 | Their cherished heritage is—martyrdom!~ ~ FELIX. Let then this 686 4 | thunderbolt!)~ 365~So many masters must provoke revolt.~ ~And 687 2 | bear the love that only mates with grief?~ ~ PAUL. Alas! 688 2 | the sight!~25~In Rome each matron’s kind! In Rome all maids 689 | maybe 690 5 | hard to do!~ ~ ALBIN. Soon mayst thou this thy dear-bought 691 5 | yield the clue to thread the maze,~ ~The sequence is most 692 3 | Who kneels before a meaner shrine, by devil’s power 693 2 | thy peace!~40~ SEV. Thy meaning, knave, or let this babble 694 3 | But wilt thou deal just meed to treachery?~ ~ FELIX. 695 1 | the foes of human race,~ ~Meekly their heads they bow—to 696 3 | proud heart, which never meekness, knew,~170~When face to 697 1 | er the peril sigh~ ~Which meets his heart moved but to purpose 698 Per| GUARDS. ~ ~The Scene is at Melitena, capital of Armenia. ~The 699 1 | born to fade away,~5~And melt in air before the light 700 2 | these wounds, that armour mend?~ ~Thou who hast pierced, 701 4 | from the holy font—(His mercies never fail!)~155~He brings 702 4 | thou art saved, if thou for mercy plead;~ ~Demand thy death, 703 4 | life’s brief night shall merge in endless day!~ ~ Come, 704 2 | gold! O ne’er shall baser metal ring~ ~From mine, who live 705 4 | temple is denied!~ ~Such metamorphoses confuse the mind~ ~As gods 706 1 | Mars, and mighty Jove,~ ~’Mid feast and sacrifice, his 707 2 | NEAR. What! Wouldst thou mingle in their heathen brawl?~ ~ 708 5 | SEV. Now am I dumb, some miracle is here;~ ~Their courage 709 3 | noble name~ ~Sunk in the mire of everlasting shame!~ ~ 710 3 | disgrace!~ ~Wretch, coward, miscreant, steeped in infamy,~ ~O 711 5 | hates and holds me—oh, the misery!~ ~ ALBIN. I see a generous 712 1 | turn thy wheel, else I misfortune meet!~ 300~ ALBIN. This 713 3 | yearns for prize himself has missed.~20~Weak reason naught, 714 3 | charioteer controls—for they~ ~Mistake both curb and reign for 715 2 | unkind.~165~Forgive that I mistook—nay, treated as a crime—~ ~ 716 5 | a plague to thee is this mistrust!~25~ FELIX. Nay, those at 717 1 | light of day;~ ~I know that misty vapours of the night~ ~Dissolve 718 5 | justice—for the vengeful mob~ ~(Whose hearts for Polyeucte 719 5 | of one twice threatened!—Mockery!~ ~First, by thy hand Nearchus 720 2 | vain?~ ~ NEAR. Let timely moderation temper zeal!~ ~ POLY. His— 721 4 | Jehovah—Lord?~ ~ PAUL. One moment feign. Ah, let Severus go!~ ~ 722 4 | flickering fire—~ ~Oh, bliss too monstrous! Thrice abhorred desire!~ ~ 723 5 | humoured madness, but the mood is o’er,~130~I am myself 724 1 | hour!~ ~Faint, helpless, moonbeam-light was all I gave,~ ~The sun 725 1 | born of night, as truth of morn;~ ~While Romans hold that 726 5 | fulfilled shall be.~ ~Poor moth! I might have saved thee— 727 3 | light~ 250~That lures him, moth-like, to devouring flame.~ ~His 728 1 | Hide not his memory, kindly Mother Earth!~ ~’Tis but his memory 729 3 | Not this the Christians’ mould: they never change;~ ~His 730 2 | shall turn to dust,—shall moulder with the sod,~ ~Ours for 731 1 | fortress yet unwon he’ll mount and scale.~ ~O break his 732 3 | which hath all undone;~ ~I mourn his death,—yet, if I Polyeucte 733 1 | stayed.~ 285~His death they mourned above ten thousand slain,~ ~ 734 4 | maimed and weak,~ ~Tongues, mouths they have, and yet they 735 5 | nurslings to unbare,~ ~What moves the seed lies hid, but it 736 5 | themselves they never fail.~ ~We mow them down, fresh nurslings 737 3 | when I have scourged the mule,—~ ~Go! vex no more a loving 738 5 | incest,~ ~Vaunt theft and murder—all that we detest.~ 235~ 739 5 | drops that fell from off the murderous knife,~ ~Have made the martyr’ 740 3 | Both loud and deep the murmurs rang, and Felix’ face grew 741 1 | mine to solve the dreary mystery!~120~ POLY. I love thee 742 3 | without amaze~ ~Adown the narrow vale with upward gaze.~ 743 4 | Thou dearest lodestar of a nation’s hopes!~ ~Shall blood of 744 4 | life a living tomb?~ 300~Nearer and dearer ever—but to go!~ ~ 745 5 | stay thy hand while I my neck incline?~ 295~Thy sword 746 3 | one word’s enough! There needed not abuse.~ ~ STRAT. My 747 1 | baptism He bids thee seek,—~ ~Neglect the call, and the desire 748 1 | light He turns,~ ~Yet flame neglected soon but faintly burns,~ ~ 749 | neither 750 4 | Tiberius is enshrined—a Nero deified—~ ~To Christ—to 751 2 | these will I embrace,~ ~To nerve my heart and arm, Heaven 752 3 | and King;~ ~‘’Twas He that nerved Severus’ arm,—His praise 753 5 | Convulsive throes I mock, and nerveless fury quell.~ ~Whate’er ensues 754 4 | Armenian is one hornet’s nest—~ ~Crush all, then sail 755 5 | FELIX. Caught in Severus’ net thy Felix see!~ ~He hates 756 4 | POLY. To snatch thee from a never-ending fire.~ ~ PAUL. Or else?~ ~ 757 5 | I kneel before another, nobler shrine.~ ~The Power that 758 4 | now resign:~ ~To thee, as noblest man that I have known;—~ ~ 759 3 | 275~And if thou force that note thou’lt find ’tis so.~ ~ 760 3 | their crime shows more notorious,~ ~If he who shield be great, 761 5 | arranged, his generous fire is nursed,~15~That I, at Decius’ hand, 762 5 | We mow them down, fresh nurslings to unbare,~ ~What moves 763 2 | thought my strength was oak—’tis but a reed!~50~Pauline 764 2 | SEV. O victim pure, obedient, undismayed!~ 210~Pauline— 765 1 | choice~ ~When Heaven demands—obeys another voice!~ ~ POLY. 766 3 | clouded and confused—oppress, obscure~ ~In changeful forms, my 767 3 | vail their heads~25~’Fore obstinate defence and fierce attack.~ ~ 768 1 | In endless barricade obstruction piles,—~ ~To-day ’tis tears 769 5 | Pauline at least thy grace obtain!~ ~ FELIX. If Decius grace 770 2 | SEV. Thy speech is halting—odious thy delay!~ ~She loves no 771 | off 772 2 | the Lord thy God were an offence.~ ~ POLY. He is my shield— 773 5 | all I own,~ 340~I have offended—let my death atone.~ ~Take 774 1 | Severus to Armenia send—~ ~To offer up to Mars, and mighty Jove,~ ~’ 775 5 | greed and treachery.~ 325~I offered rescue from the opening 776 3 | fragments fly—all prone the offerings fair;~ ~And on the front 777 5 | offered rescue from the opening tomb,~ ~Base doubts enthralled 778 4 | the path of glory on thee opes,~ ~Thou dearest lodestar 779 3 | Each tyrant rages ’gainst opposing foe~5~In deadly fight—yet 780 3 | Cares—clouded and confused—oppress, obscure~ ~In changeful 781 2 | protect the flock, so sore oppressed.~ ~ POLY. Example be their 782 1 | fear, say, is thy heart opprest?~ ~ FELIX. Severus lives!~ 783 2 | last drop the cup that Fate ordained.~ ~She knows thee hero, 784 3 | their impious feet,~140~And order fair to chaos turn, and 785 2 | point the way;~135~With ordered fires like thine, I too 786 | others 787 3 | he be Nazarene—he must an outcast be!~ ~But insult to my lord 788 1 | Christian blood my father has outpoured!~ ~ STRAT. Their sect is 789 3 | thy breath;~ 200~Spurned—outraged—’tis the Gods demand his 790 5 | heart another treatment owes:~ ~O base reproach! For 791 3 | bird escapes, when ’tis the owner’s will.~ ~ FELIX. He death 792 5 | Shall I the gods by incense pacify?~ ~Or by thy death? for 793 5 | heart?~ ~To idols dumb—to Pagans blind, thy sugared poison 794 3 | blind and swift obedience paid~ ~To thy command—be thy 795 2 | FABIAN. O see her not, for painful were the sight!~25~In Rome 796 Per| action takes place in the Palace of Felix. ~ ~ 797 4 | er heavenly gain, crowns, palms, I know not what—~ ~Where 798 5 | only sin which ne’er can pardoned be.~ ~O sight most strange! 799 4 | they forgive us—in their Pardoner’s name.~ 370~They no sedition 800 5 | thee, Polyeucte, but thy pardoning hand~ ~Shall guide thy murderer 801 2 | naught, is vain;~ 215~Severus pardons. Gone that cause for pain!~ ~ 802 1 | and prayers—~ ~Attacks in parley—as the Parthian dares.~ ~ 803 3 | blasphemy.~ ~‘Your Jupiter is parricide, adulterer, demon, knave,~ ~‘ 804 5 | still,~ 200~Nothing hath parted us, and nothing will.~ ~ 805 1 | Attacks in parley—as the Parthian dares.~ ~In chain unheeded 806 2 | serene!~125~In easy flow can pass thy love new-born~ ~From 807 5 | hand I hail!~ ~Oh, help my passage, or thy schemes may fail!~ 808 4 | holier fire!~ ~Oh, Love that passeth knowledge be my stay,~ ~ 809 3 | wrested prize regain;~ ~While patience, duty, conscience, vail 810 2 | st: ‘If Him thou wilt for pattern take,~ ~Then leave wife, 811 1 | her head to fate,~ 270~And pays the honour due, though all 812 2 | bliss,~ ~Ah, Cleopatra’s pearl was naught to this!~ 265~ 813 5 | To swine no more my holy pearls I cast,~ ~Faith,—faith—not 814 4 | path I go. For power and pelf~ ~I never swerve where honour 815 5 | 90~So I a Christian crown perchance may wear;~ ~I will protect 816 2 | thyself less fair,—one least perfection hide!~ ~Let some alloy be 817 5 | hundredfold they find.~ ~Be cruel,—persecute!—and so alone be kind!~ ~ 818 5 | traitor to discern;~ ~His persecution baseless as his fear.~ ~ 819 1 | grudged not the price;~ ~No Persian bribe could tempt him from 820 5 | 210~Or to another ear petition send!~ ~This artifice befits 821 1 | you hold so dear?~ 245~To phantom of the night no credence 822 3 | cope,~ ~That hope whose phoenix ashes yet enthrall~ 345~ 823 2 | her break~ ~The heart she pierces, yet can never shake.~ ~ 824 1 | endless barricade obstruction piles,—~ ~To-day ’tis tears impede, 825 2 | summon death, and end the piteous strife!~ ~ PAUL. My grief, 826 4 | night.~ ~O Decius! Tiger! Pitiless! Athirst~50~With quenchless 827 2 | In every war my hope was placed in death,~ ~Her name upon 828 5 | ALBIN. Jove! What a plague to thee is this mistrust!~ 829 4 | enough: his death I would not plan,~ ~But I must save him! 830 5 | liar!—Every part~ 220~Thou playest, while delay doth break 831 1 | each stream must flow.~ ~To please Him, wife, and wealth, and 832 1 | Was caught,—his fancy pleased; his wife am I.~ ~Once more 833 1 | fair fruit, contentment, plenty, ease,~ ~Brings joy from 834 1 | despair’s deep breast he plucks a star benign,~ ~This—hope’ 835 1 | despair!~ ~He drew his dagger—plunged it in the breast~ 235~Of 836 5 | Pagan—follow thou!~ ~To Pluto bend, to Aphrodite bow!~ ~ 837 2 | With Lethe aye at hand to point the way;~135~With ordered 838 5 | heedeth not nor hears.) [Pointing to FELIX.~ ~Pray then to 839 2 | for other stuff is here! [Points to himself.~ ~No faint ‘ 840 2 | be?~ ~ PAUL. The cup is poisoned both for me and thee!~ ~ 841 4 | royal throne to learn how pomp deceives;~115~They gather 842 3 | is his foe:~ ~All weapons possible to love and war,~ ~And those 843 4 | the honours Felix on thee pours!~ ~Oh, I am nothing, nothing 844 2 | my guide, my stay,~ ~And poverty had fallen from the wings~ 845 3 | one matchless Name.~ ~To powers of earth, and hell, and 846 4 | seen in Decius’ eye.~ ~They practice the black art,—so all men 847 2 | Bewail her bitter fruit—but praised be~ ~The rights that triumph 848 5 | didst seal his doom;~ ~I prayed, I threatened, thou wouldst 849 5 | to the better land!~ ~He prays for me, and by his sacrifice,~ ~ 850 2 | death thine own self-will prepares!~ ~ POLY. A crown I seek, 851 3 | pallid fear broods over all, presaging wrath to come,~ ~While Felix— 852 2 | 230~Most baleful is his presence here to me;~ ~Yea, tho’ 853 5 | death would double wrong present,~190~And slay the guilty 854 5 | First law of nature this, ‘Preserve thy life!’~ ~ ALBIN. Ah, 855 5 | freed.~ ~ ALBIN. Revenge and pressing peril thee unman,~ 280~Else— 856 4 | blood is spilt.~ 350~Yet priests of Cybele dark rites pursue~ ~ 857 4 | of the people that their prince adores,~ ~Think of the honours 858 4 | nature god-like, stamped from print divine;~ ~She must be sealed 859 1 | traitor heart shall still a prisoner be;~ ~For freedom were disgrace 860 4 | one more word—this to thy private ear—~ ~The fables that thou 861 1 | to stone,~ ~This, that I prized not worth for worth’s dear 862 1 | PAUL. Go, broken heart, to probe thy wound; cut deep and 863 1 | repulsive, as their cult profane.~ ~Deride their altar, their 864 3 | disturbed, our temple dear profaned,~ ~Mad flight and tumult 865 5 | love, forsooth, thy plea—(profanéd name!)~ 215~The path of 866 4 | hope is killed.~ ~Before I proffer aught, I am refused;~ 305~ 867 5 | Self-doomed, insensate, this my proffered grace,~ ~He shall the death 868 4 | else is poor!~ ~Await the promised light! Believe! Endure!~ ~ 869 3 | all to fragments fly—all prone the offerings fair;~ ~And 870 5 | but doubles ill.~ ~Each prop thou hast is but a sword 871 3 | our guide, our end, our prophet, priest and King;~ ~‘’Twas 872 4 | 365~So many masters must provoke revolt.~ ~And ah! where 873 1 | noble am I wed;~ ~Ambition, prudence, policy his guide~ ~Yet 874 3 | is right—~ ~If crime with punishment I do not mate.~ ~How high 875 4 | saints shall reign,~ ~And, purged by pain,~ ~For aye endure!~ 876 5 | felicity!~ ~Let suffering purify each Christian soul,~95~ 877 1 | forewarned by me;~ ~Chase thy pursuer, herald thine own doom;~ 878 5 | bear,~ ~Christ’s servants quaff another cup, sure refuge 879 3 | estrange.~ ~This is no poison quaffed all unawares,~ ~What martyrs 880 3 | hurls, while all the people quail.~115~‘Vain are your gods 881 4 | POLY. Ah, how my heart quails at that single word!~ ~Thee, 882 3 | but this face of woe—~ ~A quarrel?~50~ STRAT. Polyeucte—Nearchus— 883 1 | 140~Wooed? Yes; as other queens I held my court—~ ~Won—but 884 5 | mock, and nerveless fury quell.~ ~Whate’er ensues the Emperor 885 3 | 260~For his dear sake I quenched another flame~ ~Most pure. 886 4 | Pitiless! Athirst~50~With quenchless rage, for blood of Christ’ 887 2 | worth and valour now my quest.~ ~ PAUL. Radiant he came, 888 4 | still!~ ~Thou fain wouldst quit thy wife, and thou shalt 889 2 | valour now my quest.~ ~ PAUL. Radiant he came, who left me hopeless, 890 3 | eludes my grasp;~10~Her rainbow hues adored are but a frame~ ~ 891 5 | I arise.~ ~(To PAULINE.) Raised by his death from out the 892 3 | rite, prayer, sacrifice’ so ran his blasphemy.~ ~‘Your Jupiter 893 3 | loud and deep the murmurs rang, and Felix’ face grew pale,~ ~ 894 5 | works salvation for his ransomed race—~ ~Who gave His Son 895 1 | shade,~ ~Whilst he, her ransomer, in a dungeon stayed.~ 285~ 896 5 | this I broke their altars, rased their shrine,—~ ~Yea, for 897 5 | For he the spoil would reap of my credulity.~ ~No simpleton 898 2 | For heathen shrine—to rear His altar fair,—~ ~The deathless 899 5 | And—far from saving this rebellious son—~35~Behold us all alike 900 3 | FELIX.All Christians rebels are.~ ~ PAUL. Thy son shall 901 3 | sacrilege must I, perforce, recall?~ ~To say the words, to 902 2 | Death, his agony,~ ~And Jove receive my hero—to the sky!~ ~ SEV. 903 2 | only goddess I obey:~ ~What reck the gods on high our sacrifice 904 1 | retreats—retreats but to recoil!~ ~In endless barricade 905 3 | for righteous ire!~ ~To recount an act so fell my feeble 906 1 | grace and power~ ~Descend on recreants with equal shower?~30~On 907 4 | rage, for blood of Christ’s redeemed—~ ~Armenia shall arise, 908 5 | Is turned to gain by the redeeming Cross!~ 355~Now, Pauline, 909 2 | half-dead, thou dost revive, redouble!~ 220~ STRAT. What dost 910 5 | strokes that thou hast dealt redoubled shalt thou feel!~ 335~I 911 2 | Another’s wife!~45~ SEV. (Reels.) Help!—No, I will not blench— 912 5 | wine.—Till then, from death refrain!~ ~ POLY. To swine no more 913 4 | Before I proffer aught, I am refused;~ 305~Thus sad, amazed, 914 3 | would that wrested prize regain;~ ~While patience, duty, 915 5 | invocation feeble be,~170~Regard the tears—the sighs,—shed— 916 1 | father fear,~ ~Who as a son regards the man you hold so dear?~ 917 1 | sovereigns o’er man’s heart! Poor regents of an hour!~ ~Faint, helpless, 918 3 | naught, when headlong passion reigns,~ ~For valour seeks a sword, 919 5 | and, spurning curb and rein,~ ~The felon crowns, and 920 1 | remains,~ ~Love held him fast, relax not thou love’s chains.~ 921 1 | noble sacrifice!~ ~The king released him: Rome grudged not the 922 3 | may gain,—~ ~Or Felix may relent, if Polyeucte mock my pain;~ ~ 923 3 | passion rages, but can ne’er relieve;~ ~For I have noble thoughts 924 5 | that loyalty and faith~ ~Religion are:—and all beside but 925 4 | I wait the birth of thy reluctant tears.~185~ POLY. These 926 5 | despair!~ ~ FELIX. Thou dost remind me she with Polyeucte went—~ ~ 927 1 | I supplicate, I pray,~ ~Remove my darkness!—turn my night 928 4 | mine! His love most dear~ ~Removes me from a world begirt with 929 3 | Furies’ prey—they rush, they rend, they tear,~ ~The vessels 930 4 | with torture dear;~ ~But to renounce thee!~ ~ PAUL.Nay, I must 931 3 | sore the strife,~ ~For my renown I fear,—fear for my life.~ ~ 932 2 | grief?~ ~ PAUL. Alas! the rents in armour donned and proved~ ~ 933 5 | POLY. This loss can be repaired—the remedy~ ~Find in Severus; 934 3 | and these entreaties oft~ ~Repeated waste thy breath, and vex 935 4 | faint, so tame!~ ~Yet, if repentant from thy heart it came,~ ~’ 936 5 | Christian.~ ~ FELIX.This is thy reply?~ 250~Ye Guards, do my behest— 937 1 | and vain,~ ~Their rites repulsive, as their cult profane.~ ~ 938 5 | treachery.~ 325~I offered rescue from the opening tomb,~ ~ 939 5 | interest helped me, and resentment too.~ 270~Else had I found 940 3 | To thee alone I turn—resistless Fate!~ ~ 941 2 | to colder scorn;~ ~Such resolution is the equal mate~ ~Of god 942 2 | Ah! let me breathe, some respite give from trouble,~ ~Those 943 1 | The birthright Adam lost restored to me—~ ~This, this, the 944 1 | withhold.~ ~Great Heaven retains the fire no longer sought,~ 945 4 | Exit CLEON. GUARDSMEN retire to background.~ ~ POLY. 946 3 | for Christ!—The secret is revealed.~ ~ PAUL. Which I would 947 5 | courage and their faith must I revere;~ ~We slay them; yet, like 948 5 | injury. The grace I grant, reviled,~ ~Shall turn to swift revenge. 949 5 | FELIX.) Thy slumbering wrath rewake!~ ~Thy fates and furies 950 3 | choose an easier mate—and rightly choose.~ ~That shadowy guest, 951 2 | fruit—but praised be~ ~The rights that triumph over thee and 952 3 | PAUL. Too great thy rigour!~ ~ FELIX.Yet more great 953 2 | ne’er shall baser metal ring~ ~From mine, who live her 954 2 | Pauline.~ ~This fruit now ripening late my hand would glean:~ ~ 955 3 | enthrall~ 345~The wretch who rises but once more to fall;~ ~ 956 1 | Say, is it he who, at the risk of life,~ ~Saved Decius 957 1 | held in honour dear,~ ~Risked life to save his Emperor 958 3 | and high—~ ~‘Vain every rite, prayer, sacrifice’ so ran 959 3 | equal eye.~ ~The fruit of rivalry is ever hate~ ~And envy; 960 3 | they meet!~ ~Yet are they rivals—this the thought that kills!~ ~ 961 1 | fear—by day—by night;~ ~My road to duty hampered by her 962 2 | to tremble as I kiss the rod!~ 290~I conquer by the Cross, 963 1 | as truth of morn;~ ~While Romans hold that dreams are heaven-sent,~ ~ 964 2 | is gone—I cherish but the root!~ ~ PAUL. Untimely blossom 965 3 | laughter vile the incense rose—’tis thus our hymn was sung;~ ~ 966 2 | men have wrought;~ 365~The rotten, helpless staff is broke, 967 4 | hast thou still one arm to rouse my fears,~ ~The rest I scorn, 968 4 | Fortune leaves,~ ~They gain a royal throne to learn how pomp 969 5 | thy dear-bought victory rue,~ ~For thou hast done what 970 3 | So would Severus work my ruin quite—~ 325~I fear his power, 971 3 | FELIX. The Gods—the Emperor—rule over all.~ ~ PAUL. O hear 972 4 | fiends we find;~ 360~As Ruler absolute Jehovah stands,~ ~ 973 1 | beyond his force he gains by ruse;~ ~He hates the purpose 974 3 | Fate, the Furies’ prey—they rush, they rend, they tear,~ ~ 975 4 | For man or God: thou rushest on thy fate.~ ~ SEV. Yes, 976 5 | thy nature; lay aside thy ruth;~ ~Who loves a lie can never 977 1 | my prayer—my agony;~ ~Go, ruthless—meet thy fate—forewarned 978 3 | STRAT. The horror and the sacrilege must I, perforce, recall?~ ~ 979 4 | guard~ ~One fettered man in safest watch and ward,—~ ~Go one, 980 1 | How surely thy revolt had safety won!~ ~’Tis thine obedience 981 1 | I can no more! My only safety-flight! [Exeunt POLYEUCTE and NEARCHUS.~ ~ 982 4 | strength divine!~ ~O thou, dear saint, thy scars all healed, white-robed, 983 5 | and evermore~ 225~He works salvation for his ransomed race—~ ~ 984 5 | mad,—but, father, thou art sane,~ ~And thou, his father, 985 3 | sight of death compels a saner view.~ ~ PAUL. O, if thou 986 2 | burn~ ~I will be free,—all Satan’s lures I spurn;~ ~Death, 987 3 | beloved,~ ~He clasped the scaffold as a guide most sure,~ ~ 988 5 | Nor kings nor clowns can ’scape His righteous ire,~ ~His 989 1 | lifeless ghost. Nor wound, nor scar~ ~Marked death his only 990 4 | O thou, dear saint, thy scars all healed, white-robed, 991 Per| Felix. ~THREE GUARDS. ~ ~The Scene is at Melitena, capital 992 5 | all our work is vain.~ ~My sceptre trembles, and all insecure~ ~ 993 5 | help my passage, or thy schemes may fail!~ 305~Dread Decius! 994 1 | 170~Descended, kindled, scorched—it left me pure—~ ~With 995 5 | Nay, rather be~ ~A goad, a scourge, for their felicity!~ ~Let 996 5 | sprout afresh, and laugh our scythe to scorn.~ 365~We give them 997 5 | still,~ ~Let each still search for truth, and truth adore.~ ~( 998 4 | but grasp how great this second birth!~ ~And yet, why speak 999 4 | Pardoner’s name.~ 370~They no sedition raise, they ne’er rebel,~ ~ 1000 4 | is naught! Thou wouldst seduce my soul!~ ~ POLY. Heaven 1001 4 | life revive,~ ~The more seductive still the more I strive.~ ~