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