Part 4

Mark my words, lads; if the other fellows have got to trot round in wolf and tiger skins we’re bound to go on all fours along with ’em and not leave ’em in the lurch. If the commander’s beating his way back we shall meet him on the trip; if he isn’t, he’ll need help for certain. We’ll walk into that domicile, witch or no witch!

SECOND SAILOR

Take her by storm!

SEVERAL VOICES

Right, right! Come on! come on!

XENIAS

Eurylochus here’ll stand shipguard. He won’t shove her off all alone I reckon.

PHILEMON

Take up your traps now! Lively!

[_The men stir about, making ready for their departure._]

Here we go!

[_They march away briskly, going out as the other party and ULYSSES had gone. PHILEMON leads; XENIAS brings up the rear, watchfully._]

XENIAS

[_Turning back, at the last moment_]

Don’t let her fly away, old man; If you hear hell howling, it’s _us_!

[_As the party disappears EURYLOCHUS with a gesture of despair flings himself down by the keel of the vessel._]

VIII

A grove upon sloping ground near CIRCE’S palace. Large trees cast deep shadows with sunny spaces between. The mansion itself is not visible; but on the Left at some elevation a glimpse is afforded of the court-yard wall. A faint pathway amid shrubbery winds from the Right front upward and out on the Left at the rear.

Enter ULYSSES at the Right, tracing the path slowly and cautiously. Perceiving the wall above and before him he pauses, moves his right hand involuntary toward his sword-hilt and lifts the left to his lips meditatively. While he thus stands reconnoitering and pondering, MERCURY suddenly appears before him, stepping noiselessly from the shadow of a tree upon the Left. At this apparition ULYSSES draws back an instant with head slightly bowed, while his hand leaves the sword and is lifted to a reverential gesture. The demeanor of MERCURY is easy and gracious. His insignia, though plainly recognizable, are less conspicuous and brilliant than they appeared in Scene II.

MERCURY

[_Taking the up-lifted hand of Ulysses_]

Whither now, fate-worn wanderer, whither tending Thread’st thou the dim paths of this briery steep? What region holds thee or perchance what guile Lurks in its mazy folds, wouldst thou not prove?— Ere to that dome ascending, where in foul sties Thy luckless comrades grovel now and groan, To swinish shape by the enchantress changed!

[_As the god speaks he withdraws his hand and indicates the direction of the palace. ULYSSES recoils slightly at the last words of MERCURY._]

One only, so minded that in Circe’s song He read the bane it glozed, did value well His safety and proclaim’d their loss.—Whom thou Aimest forsooth to rescue and redeem! Rather methinks the porcine couch to share With them and vanish from men, came not Some guardian hand between.—But lo! there grows An antidote—a good drug, that shall check The baleful magic of her potions.

[_MERCURY pulls from the ground, moving aside the undergrowth which concealed it, a small plant and shows it to ULYSSES._]

See! Black at the root, milk-white the flower; ’tis _moly_: So to the immortals known; of men, scarce found.

[_ULYSSES receives the herb from the hand of the god with an air of profound attention and a shade of wonder._]

Now may thy steps to yon weird mansion mount And tread its halls unscathed, Ulysses, if My mandate thou shalt heed and ponder well.

[_ULYSSES shifts his attentive regard from the plant in his hand to the speaker._]

Her song will thrill thee, but the transforming spell Shall break before the potent herb thou holdest. Undaunted wilt thou enter; nor be shamed If thy quick pulses bound when Circe’s glance Encounters thine, and the soft audible charm Of low-voiced invitation laps thee round. Thou may’st admire and still be master. Straight With her own hand a fragrant wine-cup filling, When by her side she thrones thee, she will proffer And bid thee drink—it is the poison’d chalice. Yet quaff thou undismay’d, Ulysses. Then, So soon’t is swallow’d and thyself unchanged, Her magic wand wielded in vain, draw thou Swiftly thy sword and rush as if to slay At the enchantress with high-threatening blade.

[_ULYSSES’ look of wonderment increases as MERCURY pauses._]

The issue thou wilt mark. But let not pity Nor the new spell of female blandishment O’ercome thy senses or disarm thy hand, Ere to its mastery yet once more she yields And their true forms to thy changed mates restores.

ULYSSES

O gracious Helper, it is thy spirit that guides Where eye of mortal swerves: to whom full oft We pour’d thank-offering at the banquet’s close.

MERCURY

Who himself well bethinks, the gods assist. 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!