ACT II
Scene—Room in Phocion’s house in Athens. Simple. Altar to Zeus with brazier burning. Colonnade with pillars and view towards Acropolis.
Late evening.
(Lydia is half-kneeling, half-leaning over the marble balustrade, gazing into the distance. Enter Phocion. He comes near and touches her.)
Lydia
How you startled me!
Phocion
Were your thoughts so far away, Little Child?
Lydia
I was thinking.
Phocion
And gazing across the sea as usual. What is there so attractive beyond that dim horizon? The future or——?
Lydia
Perhaps its dimness only. That’s southwards, is it not? There Egypt lies, and—Alexandria—you said—the great, new city.
Phocion
(Searchingly.) Distance still haunts your eyes. Little wonder that I startled you. (Kisses her.) But do not speak of Alexander’s city. Our thoughts lie nearer home—in Athens.
Lydia
Where have you been, Phocion? All day I’ve missed you.
Phocion
On the hills—alone. I have been thinking.
Lydia
Thinking—you too!
Phocion
I came home by way of Theseus’ Temple, saying a prayer for our loved city and for ourselves.
Lydia
But you are weary, and your feet are splashed with mud.
Phocion
I crossed the Ilissus to be sooner home, and found it rising—in flood almost. Yesterday’s rains on Mount Hymettus—(breaks off as she makes a sudden gesture). Why, what ails you, Lydia? Do I startle you a second time?
Lydia
Forgive me, Phocion; do not notice my little weaknesses. It was merely—there, I’ve often told you—a rising river is an omen that causes me strange uneasiness.
Phocion
Little Child, I understand. I know your feelings. Athens herself is on edge these days—and little wonder.
Lydia
Phocion, let me tell you honestly—I am afraid.
Phocion
Anxious, perhaps, but not afraid. The mood of our beloved city takes you with it, as it takes us all. We all are patriots to-day. But the wife of Phocion has proved herself no coward.
Lydia
(Low voice.) Alexander is so powerful. Some say the Macedonian is a God.
Phocion
Pshaw! In his own land, perhaps. But Athens has her own Gods. He is a conqueror, yes; but a conqueror can only take a city, not the souls who dwell in it.
Lydia
(Softly.) Phocion, when I hear your words my fear melts away. Yet Athens is conquered. Our city trembles——
Phocion
Hush, Lydia. I do not like to hear you say such things.
Lydia
Who can stand against him, then? Who is there can oppose this conqueror of the Persians?
Phocion
Every Athenian—every Greek who loves our city more than he fears the Macedonian.
Lydia
All Athens, then!
Phocion
All the best in Athens.
[Lydia looks nervously over her shoulder towards the city and Acropolis. The dusk deepens. The first star shows.
Lydia
(Shudders.) Your speech is often mysterious like this now—dark with meaning. Each night as twilight gathers from the sea about our city, there are footsteps on the causeway that make me tremble. No sooner has Hymettus darkened than shadows move silently over the courtyard and between the pillars. (Turns and flings her arms about him.) Oh, my Phocion, it is for you, not for myself, I am afraid.
Phocion
Calm yourself, beloved. I am an Athenian who obeys his unconquerable Gods. I do no more than accept the destiny they lay upon him who loves his country——
Lydia
But if Alexander discovered you—if——!
Phocion
Discovered me! What thought is this?
Lydia
If he discovered you were true to Athens, I was about to say. If he took you from me! Oh, Phocion! In dreams I have seen you lying dead at his feet—lost to me for ever.
Phocion
Not lost, most loving woman. If the Gods take me—if I die for Athens——
Lydia
Am I, then, less than Athens?
Phocion
Athens is great because of women like you, Lydia. You would not see her less?
Lydia
How less?
Phocion
Less free. Liberty is the breath of life.
Lydia
What is my liberty if I lose you? Your voice, your touch, your living presence here beside me (embraces him)—I want you alive and loving——
Phocion
Our love has grown with Athens. On the green Cephissian banks we first discovered it, and that evening on Hymettus when the honey—ah, I see it in your eyes, dear heart—you remember even as I remember. If Athens live——
Lydia
But if you die! If Alexander crush you, kill you! Oh, my Phocion, this struggle against the conqueror is vain. You tempt the Gods. I fear for you and for your hopeless schemes——
Phocion
My schemes! Lydia, what do you know?
Lydia
I suspect only. I feel you planning dangerous things that must take you from me. Those silent footsteps on our causeway in the dusk, the shadows that pass between the pillars, the rising waters—Phocion! your strange deep love of Athens takes no account of me, your little, suffering wife.
Phocion
The love of Athens is ours. It is the love of country that the Gods call sacred. (Looks out across the fading city.) Hellas, your valleys and mountains, streams and happy groves … beautiful, beloved … who would not die for you…!
Lydia
I love you. If you live for me, you live for Hellas even more. Athens lives in our hearts, not otherwise.
Phocion
(Sternly.) If a barbarian rule our dear city, our hearts are dead. It is better for my heart to mingle with the soil of Hellas than beat as the slave of Alexander.
Lydia
I love you too much to see you run on death. Your wild plot to save our city is but the Fates’ way of taking you away from me.
Phocion
Try, Lydia, to love me as I love Athens.
Lydia
You ask too much of me. I love Hellas, but I love you more.
Phocion
Then—not enough. (Looks away.) You make it hard for me. I see the right so clearly, but your clinging love makes me weak.
Lydia
There is nothing in the world for a woman but her love. If you were lost to me, Phocion, these lips could kiss one other only—the rising flood (shudders) of our little Athenian river—or the sea.
Phocion
What comes, sweet wife, comes to both of us together. You are overwrought with sleeplessness and watching. Trust me and love me—more I cannot tell you now. Your love shall give me strength. (He embraces her and moves slowly off towards the colonnade.) And if there is a greater love than yours, some day we shall find it—know it both together. What comes to me to do now—I must do.
[Goes slowly off.
Lydia
(At him.) A greater love! Ah, Phocion—you’re going from me—going towards death. I know not what you mean. There is no greater love. (Watches him disappear.) Then I must save you, since you will not save yourself. I cannot lose you. My love, I cannot let you—(Covers her face with her hands). My love shall save you from yourself. If I do wrong the Gods forgive——
[Knocking is heard. She starts and looks round. A Messenger is seen in the courtyard.
(Cautiously.) You would see—whom?
Messenger
The wife of Phocion.
Lydia
(Frightened.) Hush! Come softly, I am she. (Messenger enters stealthily.) You bring a message for me? You bring a token?
Messenger
(With respect.) She who sends me bids me say as token this: From one who loves her Lord more than his earthly glory—to her who loves as greatly.
Lydia
(Faintly.) To her who loves as greatly. (Hesitates, shows agitation, a distraught expression on her face.) It is to save him that I do it—to save his life for—both of us. (Turns to Messenger.) Your great mistress bid you bring an answer back to her?
Messenger
Without delay—my orders are.
Lydia
Have you no more to say? No further message? Do you bring only the token that you come from her?
Messenger
She bid me say that you should feel perfect confidence.
Lydia
The word of Alexander——?
Messenger
Has been given, and cannot change.
Lydia
Though it concern the life of one who was his enemy?
Messenger
The Queen bid me assure you. He has given her his promise. It will not alter.
Lydia
(Whispers.) Then take this message back to her who sent you: To one who comes hither to-night when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow I will reveal what I have promised to reveal. In return I claim the boon the conqueror has sworn—through her—to give me.
Messenger
Her word and his are both securely given. I take back yours.
Lydia
Go swiftly, silently. I shall await fulfilment here—when the moon is high enough to cast a shadow on the marble causeway. Behind that pillar I shall wait. Go swiftly!
[Exit Messenger. Lydia, looking anxiously at the sky, withdraws into the shadow of the pillars. Phocion enters, his arm upon the shoulder of Lysander, his youthful brother. Lydia overhears their talk.
Lysander
(With enthusiasm.) Our last meeting now, and then to action. Oh, Phocion, I feel the Gods are with us. Your daring shall save Athens, and Hellas will live—even if we die.
Phocion
We all stand or fall together. They are picked men, and heroes; no one among them thinks of self. The risk, of course, is great, but it is nothing when the stake is considered.
Lysander
Everything favours us. The best troops of Alexander’s army are still in Egypt. The entire city is behind us. All Athens will rise when it sees you are our leader. (Vehemently.) We shall drive the proud Macedonian out. Oh, I’m glad the talk is over soon! I burn for action.
Phocion
I, too, want action. I am not made for stealth and for conspiracy. Plotting and hesitation weary me. (Sighs.)
Lysander
Phocion, you feel no doubt, though—? I heard you sigh. Are you less sure of—of anything?
Phocion
For myself, boy, I have no doubt. For Athens I am sure and strong. Did I sigh perhaps? If so—if so, it was for others whose lives I hold in trust. For others—the truest, best, and bravest men in all Athens.
Lysander
The Gods will bear that burden for you, Phocion.
Phocion
Yes, yes; the Gods will bear it—partly.
Lysander
No one can lead but you. We are of one accord.
Phocion
I will lead, Lysander. Have no fear. Of myself I do not think. (Looks out.) The moon is up. I see the evening star o’er Salamis. They will be here very shortly.
Lysander
We are quite safe here. I took the password round myself at noon.
Phocion
We cannot be too cautious. Alexander’s spies are more numerous than the bees upon Hymettus. They can sting as sharply too.
Lysander
Oh, our secret is well guarded. Yet the least whisper or thoughtless word could so easily betray us. (Looks round with a moment’s hesitation, then continues in a lower voice.) I only would—that Lydia——
Phocion
Lydia!
Lysander
She is in great favour with Alexander’s queen, Statira.
Phocion
So much the better! Since she knows nothing there is nothing she can reveal. Alexander seeks to play the generous conqueror. That the wife of Phocion accepts favours that Phocion spurns can only save us from suspicion. The Persian woman helps us without knowing it. And so does Lydia!
Lysander
You are right, Phocion. The Gods show their will in little things like this. We are under their protection. Yet if word reached Alexander of our gathering in your house to-night——
Phocion
Keep your words for later, boy; you waste your strength. How can you hold such idle thoughts? Hellas a Macedonian province! Her ancient liberties crushed! Our last hope dead as soon as born, and no blow struck!
Lysander
Phocion, forgive me! And, Selene, in yonder rising moon, forgive me too. The Gods protect and help us!
Phocion
Pallas Athena, give us wisdom to plan and strength to strike.
[Lydia comes forward from her hiding-place among the columns. The moonlight falls on her. As she moves she notices that it casts a shadow. She hurries. Lysander watches her somewhat closely.
Ah, Lydia.
Lydia
You did not call me, Phocion? It seemed——
Phocion
(Smiling.) Your maidens called you to the bath. It is your bathing hour.
Lydia
(To Lysander.) Lysander, good-evening! You are fortunate. (Half laughing, half jealous.) Phocion has more time for his brother than for his wife.
Lysander
Had I a wife as brave and faithful as my brother has, I should be more fortunate still! These are grave times, good Lydia, for true Athenian men.
Phocion
Ah, Lydia knows too well, Lysander. But do not detain her now. (To Lydia.) I will come later for you, Little Child—an hour at the most.
Lydia
I am always ready for you, Phocion, and always true. I, too, am an Athenian.
Phocion
The Gods watch over you!
Lydia
And over you!
[Phocion moves to the balustrade and leans over, watching the night. He waits for her to go. Lydia turns to Lysander and speaks low and hurriedly.
You love him, I know, Lysander, and he loves you.
Lysander
Before he even knew your name, I loved Phocion, (sternly) and more than Phocion I love Phocion’s honour.
Lydia
And so loving him you would urge him—to his death. (With passion.) You shall not, Lysander; Phocion is mine and he belongs to me. I will hold him fast to this life. A glorious career now lies at Phocion’s feet.
Lysander
I love Phocion’s honour too well to tempt him to dishonour.
Lydia
Tush, boy! You do not understand. I would not tempt him. Fate does not tempt, it commands. The high Gods bid us to accept fate bravely. The weak resist it; the strong accept and make it glorious. And a glorious career now lies at Phocion’s feet.
Lysander
You speak with knowledge, Lydia? If so, how come you by such knowledge?
Lydia
Hush, not so loud. Lysander, you faithful brother, I tell you it is common knowledge. The Military Governorship of Alexandria—once offered to Phocion already and refused by him—is open to him still. Alexander knows his worth——
Lysander
His incorruptibility too. But how know you this, Lydia?
Lydia
I only know that Alexander is generous and will raise him to even greater honour. He places Phocion above all men in Athens——
Lysander
(Coldly.) Has Alexander’s queen informed you thus. (Louder.) It seems strange to me, Lydia, that the wife of—an Athenian patriot——
Phocion
How loud your voices grow. Lydia, Little Child, you had best leave us now, for Lysander and I have grave business to transact together—and we expect others too.
[There is a low knocking at the door.
Lydia
Lysander chides me that I accept kindness from the queen of Athens’ conqueror.
Phocion
I see no harm in that, and possibly much good. Your love will ever guide you. Farewell, now, for a little while. And happiness go with you!
Lydia
I leave you. It is your friends who come to you at twilight now so often. The Fates protect you, my Phocion! (Whispers to Lysander as she goes.) Oh, save him, Lysander! Save him from himself—for me, his wife!
[Exit slowly, looking back fondly at Phocion as she goes. Lysander watches her with an expression that betrays doubt, anxiety and disapproval. He shakes his head. The knocking is repeated. It is a definite knock that has been pre-arranged.
Phocion
Open, Lysander. It is the Citizens.
[A dozen Citizens enter quietly. Their leader holds a scroll in his hand. In turn they greet Phocion with obvious respect, each giving the password, while Phocion replies with the countersign:
Citizen
The Gods deliver Athens!
Phocion
They will deliver her!
[When all are in, they group themselves. An elderly Citizen, holding the scroll, acts as spokesman.
It is safest our meeting should be brief, and no words wasted.
First Citizen
We stand for action.
Second Citizen
Immediate action.
Third Citizen
Each day that passes consolidates the barbarian power that would ruin Athens.
Lysander
Citizens, we need two conditions for success—to strike hard, and to surprise.
Phocion
We must move warily. The Macedonian’s spies hide everywhere, and money has been flowing.
Lysander
There are ten thousand hearts in Athens above gold——!
Phocion
(Gravely.) Our preparations must be sure. You bring to-night the list of patriots?
First Citizen
It is drawn up (holds out scroll). Twenty names stand written here, each signed by his own hand, each guaranteeing three hundred men of arms——
Phocion
Whom we can trust?
First Citizen
The names are guarantee, as you will see—the best in Athens.
Second Citizen
Ready to live or die as our beloved city lives—or dies.
Lysander
And thousands more will follow once we show the way.
Phocion
Our forlorn hope (takes the scroll) is favoured of the Gods, and will be led by them.
[Begins to read names.
Citizen
Upon great leadership hangs success or failure. There can be one leader only.
Citizens
Phocion! Phocion!
Lysander
Phocion is our leader.
[Phocion reads silently. Lysander suddenly turns his head towards the moon-lit courtyard.
(Low.) I saw a figure pass.
Citizen
A few moments ago I saw one too—between the pillars.
Another Citizen
Are we alone here?
Phocion
(Looking up.) My wife—and her maidens—are about. We are alone.
First Citizen
Once read, Phocion, the list must be instantly destroyed. Each signature is a warrant for the writer’s death.
Lysander
(Nervously.) I counsel haste. The very stones move as with footsteps. The sky has eyes.
[Turns towards a burning brazier close behind him.
Phocion
(Calmly.) I have read. The names are—what Athens would expect.
Lysander
Then let me burn it.
First Citizen
(Rising.) Phocion, in the names you read, and in the names of all assembled here, we offer you the leadership—the military leadership. We ask you to lead our beloved city back to liberty again. (Muffled applause.)
[While Phocion has been reading, a woman’s figure is seen creeping from pillar to pillar where the shadows are deepest. She is followed closely by a second figure—a man swathed in a head-dress such as that worn by the Persian warrior in the Elgin Marbles. Unnoticed in the dimness they reach the colonnades where they can hear all that passes.
Phocion
(Slowly.) Citizens, in the name of Athens, and with the approval of the deathless Gods of Athens—I accept the leadership.
[He hands the scroll to Lysander, who has stepped forward eagerly to seize it. Lysander turns towards the fire.
First Citizen
Then we are half-way to success already. (Applause.) The sooner we disband, the better. Three of us may stay with Phocion to decide the final——
[At this moment the cloaked figure steps out into the centre of the courtyard. He is plainly visible in the moonlight. Consternation reigns. Phocion reaches for his sword. Lysander fumbles over the brazier, thrusting the scroll into the flames. The Citizens stand firm, not trying to hide, but visibly startled.
Citizen
We are betrayed!
Citizen
A spy! We have been overheard!
Citizen
A Persian!
Phocion
(Self-possessed.) No stranger is unwelcome in my house, even though he enter—without permission. (Louder to stranger.) You would see Phocion? I am he.
[Lydia remains hidden in the shadows.
Stranger
(Advancing.) I ask forgiveness for my unannounced intrusion. I disturb you. But my need is urgent. This is my warrant: I am a messenger from Alexander.
[Stands erect and waits.
Others
From Alexander!
Phocion
(Calmly.) You bring Phocion a message from Alexander?
Stranger
Of first importance.
Phocion
You may deliver it.
[Lysander pauses to listen too.
Stranger
A gift I am bid offer first—a gift from Egypt, where Phocion fought so bravely and so well. (Holds out an object of gold.) From the Temple of Ammon himself in Lybia.
Phocion
(Coldly.) Phocion fights not for gifts; nor can he accept anything from the barbarian conqueror of Athens.
Stranger
I am bid to urge reflection on you. First words are not the truest always, nor the wisest. (Pauses.)
Phocion
(Simply, with scorn.) I am an Athenian.
Stranger
(Lays gift on a marble table beside Phocion.) Alexander commands me say further—that, with this gift, he would honour Phocion by yet another one. He bids me call you the Military Governor of his new city in Egypt.
Phocion
The two gifts are one. I have one answer only.
Stranger
(Smoothly.) Then, with your answer, I ask permission to take back some trifle—such as that parchment the youth there would destroy—as proof to Alexander that the House of Phocion is loyal.
[Lysander, startled, desists a moment. Phocion takes a sudden step forwards.
Phocion
(Alarmed.) Loyal——!
Stranger
(Throws off disguise.) The parchment.
[Voice of command. Holds hand out.
Phocion
Alexander!
[All recognise Alexander. Confusion, consternation, and murmurs: “Alexander!” “Alexander!”
Alexander
Hand it to me, boy, before another name is burned. (Laughs.)
[Alexander strides towards him. Lysander defies him. Alexander seizes him.
He shall be surety, Phocion, for your loyalty.
[Phocion, holding his sword, rushes on Alexander to aid Lysander, and above all to rescue the scroll. The Citizens stand their ground and are about to interfere, when Lydia rushes in and throws herself on Phocion, checking his violent attack. At the same moment Alexander stamps on the marble floor. Soldiers enter. Phocion and Alexander stand facing one another in silence for a moment.
I hold you the bravest man in Athens, Phocion, and such men as you I need. (Holds out the scroll, as yet unread.) But lesser men than you I do not—need!
Lydia
Phocion! Great Alexander!… Statira promised me.… Oh, he is too brave to die…!
Alexander
(To Soldiers.) Three of you take the boy away. The rest withdraw. No, let these greybeards go.
[A few Citizens creep out, following Lysander and Soldiers.
Lysander
(Calling back to Phocion.) The Gods will not desert us…!
Phocion
(With dignity.) You are the conqueror of Athens.
Alexander
Lesser men than you I do not need. Give me your allegiance (pointing significantly to the scroll) and I give you—these lives!
Lydia
(Whispering.) Phocion, you cannot sacrifice such men!
Citizen
Do not think of us! What is life to the conquered? Gladly would we die for Athens.
Alexander
I wait your decision, Phocion.
Phocion
(Bitterly.) Phocion, Military Governor of Alexandria, is Alexander’s host.
Alexander
The word of Phocion is enough. (Burns the scroll unread.) Lysander, the boy, shall be Captain of your Bodyguard in Egypt. The Gods—your Gods—are witness to what I say.
[Alexander salutes Phocion and goes out. Phocion is alone with Lydia. There is a moment’s silence.
Phocion
(Brokenly.) Athens! I have failed you! My life is broken in pieces.
[Hides face in hands.
Lydia
But I meant to save you, Phocion. My love would save you. Have I done wrong? Oh, tell me.
Phocion
(Low.) You have done—your—best. No one—no woman—can do more.
Lydia
I could not face life without you. I could not see you die. My love made the desperate plan. I bargained with Alexander’s queen—life with honour and glory for you in Egypt, the land you love. Oh, Phocion, beloved, do not judge me hardly. You do not speak.
Phocion
(Patiently.) There is something here I cannot understand.
[His hand touches the gift from Egypt. He looks at it curiously, then looks out away from her.
Lydia
I love you too much. Is that hard to understand?
Phocion
(Sadly.) Yet the love the Gods bring is otherwise … I think.
CURTAIN