Page 3 of When Gods Were Men

Chadwick

  Ay, I raise thee by twenty thousand!

  Francis

  Poor beggar, did I not clean thee well enough?

  Or did I by chance not open those sewn-shut pockets

  hiding some gem precious, or jewel long in heirloom?

  Adolph

  It seems another must litter money in your stead.

  Chadwick

  No, damn you rascals, raise me by twenty: see you,

  when I gather all the pool into my hands and

  unburden you of this heavy golden yoke!

  Francis

  Raise him, he never learns.

  Chadwick

  And you, so smart? Luck is fickle, and I hope

  you remain as wise when you are broke.

  [Passing out cards]

  Well then, straight game of poker it is?

  All

  Ay!

  Chadwick

  Make it quick. Even this business of losing

  house doth tire me.

  Adam

  You would gamble the world away, if it were

  in your grasp, and would succeed in placing

  wager on the air, or some errant rabbit far away.

  Chadwick

  Is not the world within our grasp? Indeed,

  you do me insult Adam, when you so poorly judge

  my abilities! Not on hares or airs, or even piece of shit

  do I make what I so freely distribute to thee in this game,

  generous as I am, but on things imaginary, pure constructs

  of some genius mathematical, which neither I or the

  poor bastard who buys these trades doth understand.

  But it is like magic: win or lose, it coins gold from nothing:

  a God-like power! That is why I am so unused to defeat,

  nor surrender without begging for another fight, to gain

  back what by my taste for fortune I had lost, even though

  tomorrow I will come to find the fruit regrown, and what

  mere farthings is for me today, twice replenished. A marvel!

  Adolph

  Marvel indeed, but I swear: we shall not leave the

  confines of thy house, without bond for all of this!

  Francis

  And deed!

  Chadwick

  And deed? That I may join Lazarus before my time in ditch.

  Adam

  It will be all the better for your eternal soul.

  Chadwick

  Blaspheme not, though I care mostly for my skin.

  Shall you be so mean, unkind, as to not let me rent

  at least these walls, which you take tonight by

  wager misplaced?

  Kate

  Not wager but mind misplaced.

  What new designs do you devise, my husband,

  that you talk of homelessness for us and child?

  Chadwick

  Us and child? Ay, yes, dear Kate, bless you.

  Adam

  Save him from himself.

  Chadwick

  He sees himself as some lording god, descended

  from high Olympus to the mortal realm of men.

  He has never known poverty, blessed as he is,

  and thus I think he always sought it as a strange

  and fascinating thing, in these games of his.

  But he can play like this without much ruin:

  richer than Croesus is he and all his kinsmen.

  But I fear, despite my kisses and good direction,

  he may once so great and sound a fortune lose,

  whoring himself as he does to some bad luck,

  or by streak of evil eye, destiny, or judgment of God.

  But come now, let us go to bed, and send all

  our friends home, safely and with blessing for return.

  Chadwick

  If they return, they should truly then be triumphant

  in their quest to conquer our hearth, this our nest.

  Francis

  Nay, to so low a conduct we would not sink,

  not for thee, anyways. Last game then, Chadwick?

  Chadwick

  Yes, raise the cards... A flush then! Ah, fortune

  smiles yet again, as it did upon the heroes of more

  ancient a time. Pay my debts, give me the rest!

  Adam

  A thousand.

  Francis

  And a thousand more.

  Adolph

  Five for me, and release from earlier obligation.

  Chadwick

  All done then, my merry gentlemen. Take another

  tenth, I am feeling easy with the cash – perhaps

  you too, someday, will ope your purse a little wider.

  Francis

  On my honor! A gift denied is insult far worse

  than curse upon one’s benefactor. Sleep well.

  Adam

  Yes, sleep well.

  Chadwick

  Good morrow, gentlemen.

  [Exeunt.]

  To my bed, Katherine, the wine takes hold of sense.

  SCENE TWO. THE BANK.

  Chadwick

  Good morrow, Daniel. Give me the market.

  Daniel

  Good morrow, Sir. It is twenty points up, and rising.

  Chadwick

  The debt, Daniel. How does the debt sell?

  Daniel

  Very well, Sir, it rises as steadily as hot air.

  Chadwick

  Then all is well with the world. Come hither,

  and bring me my dawn brew, at the instant.

  [Exit Daniel]

  Adam, come into my office. Why do you

  wander so about all this with thine judging

  eye, perceiving as it is?

  Adam

  All things new must

  well examined be, to test their strength and

  know their weakness. Would you lunge first

  at the chasm, without first seeing if the sun-ray

  doth touch its depth, and thus ensure not too

  awful a fall, should you trip and fail?

  Chadwick

  Voice of reason! So how doth you judge

  this our chasm here?

  Adam

  I have not yet studied its every crack and pebble.

  Chadwick

  Well then study, discerning judge, and I will teach

  thee the trade and business we do around here.

  Adam

  I hear you have great gift at making coin

  multiply, and handsome profit pay to those

  who place their trust with their treasure in your keep.

  Chadwick

  Indeed it is so: I place it in the surest stay there is,

  the home. I give it to the poor, and they pay the debt,

  their debt I give to the rich, and they the interest donate.

  One with house, the other with cash is rewarded,

  and in all this we make our cut and premium, a small

  reward for so much pain to bring joy to the whole world.

  Adam

  The rich donate interest? The first report of such occurrence

  I hear from you, generous Chadwick.

  Adolph

  They demand no such usury as we do from the poor.

  Adam

  Then thy thrive on misery, and thus provoke great

  wrath and retribution from Heaven’s realm.

  Chadwick

  Speak not thus, for Heaven has blessed this enterprise

  with ringing success! What sin is there in making the

  homeless full homeowners, if only they add a little

  in gratitude for such fortune, to their repayment?

 

  Adam

  Either Heaven has blessed you, or the Devil sprinkles

  gold on this whole misadventure, readying the whole

  as one does ready some roast, a fine dinner from hell.

  Adolph

  Why now abuse me so? Speak, fo
r I fear confusion

  begets the disgust and vitriol in what you speak.

  Adam

  Will they who have nothing pay what you demand?

  Chadwick

  They do, aye, dear Adam.

  Adam

  With what? The air they breathe or crop they raise?

  For the sums given them one generation by industry

  diligent, and wise restraint cannot gather half what

  they so happily to themselves bind. They become thus

  Sysiphus, condemned as he is to ever push and wrestle

  with their burden to the summit, only to see it fall.

  Chadwick

  Such sly and cynic presumption! Yet you are proven

  wrong.

  Adam

  Time will tell how deep and wide this chasm grows.

  Chadwick

  First a mountain, now a ditch. Be content to insult

  this our noble undertaking with but one comparison.

  Adam

  If insult it is to see the thing through for what it is,

  then I am little surprised to see the wise be shortened

  by head’s length first.

  Chadwick

  So I consider you would not suffer

  to remain here, blessed as you are in sharp tongue but

  sound judgment, if still by dim perception of things blinded?

  You are my friend, Chadwick, thus I speak plain,

  sparing nothing, though it may perturb. For the truth

  is blood enemy of falsity, and once it shines its light

  it burns that thing awful, which prefers to work in secret

  the demise of men. If you feel its claw and stirring,

  banish it now, before you cannot so easily dispatch it.

  If you wish my counsel and employ, you have it,

  but I will be here to correct and instruct, to root out

  clear this lie which will cost many so dearly. Do you consent?

  Chadwick

  I am thine subordinate.

  Adolph

  But by what means of instruction you seek to correct

  perceived faults?

  Adam

  Those harsh but effective, for luxurious and easy

  has become you means of living and reward.

  Adolph

  Explain, good master Adam.

  Adam

  Exit this game, while still bit of fortune is left,

  and return to your previous occupation, diminished

  for now in proceeds, but intact with honor, guaranteed

  to last past an storm fickle fortune may send your way.

  Adolph

  Wise, though intractable.

  Adam

  If you hear such counsels, my words are useless thus,

  and wish to waste no more breath than is couth here.

  Chadwick

  Patience, Adam, why you prejudice? Your course

  takes time, much consideration, and holds little allure.

  Adam

  Good not often is glamorous upon the Earth.

  Adolph

  Aye, good sir, and often unpaid for its charity.

  Adam

  It expects none if it is true.

  Chadwick

  Adam, prithee return anon, I will first step take tomorrow.

  Adam

  Great reward you purchase, with so paltry a donation.

  Till tomorrow then, adieu.

  [Exit Adam]

  Adolph

  Be pleased too, my master, give me leave. There is

  much work to do.

  Chadwick

  Go, Adolph, and consider what was said.

  Adolph

  [Aside] I will.

  SCENE THREE. ADOLPH’S OFFICE

  Adolph

  Maurice! Come hither boy!

  Maurice

  Yes, good Sir Adolph, what office you desire

  that I fulfill with all haste and every care?

  Adolph

  No need now for flattery, dear boy, I know

  you do me good service, and do not forget.

  Maurice

  You do me honor, sir, by such kind words uttered.

  Adolph

  Well now, go and see if another needs use

  of your expedient office. A grave matter

  before me lies, and I need quiet in contemplation.

  Maurice

  As unseen, unheard wind I go, to fill other sails.

  [Exit Maurice.]

  Adolph

  He too, my young servant, may prove handy

  in the designs I hatch this very evening. Now,

  at last, is the time to seek means by which to gain

  those ends which just yesterday seemed as daydream,

  as high above my head as the fix’d stars that draw

  their course upon the dark orb of the night. Adam

  speaks yet the truth, and knows well what we all do

  but yet not speak, for if we should, such great terror

  would strike within the hearts of men, such clamor

  would be raised at this our great heist and perversion

  of all trust, we should be all jailed, hanged, and quartered.

  For we play with lives not merely our own: we merely

  bid the time well and seek to escape before this poor

  house of cards doth fall, and crush the world beneath

  the weight of fouled, worthless paper.

  But I still may

  find both safety and profit in this fall, advance myself

  beneath this and future master, until at last I command

  a great galleon of state myself, rich in no mere money

  but power and authority. I must conspiracy hatch against

  Chadwick, reveal all the stinking corpses and the bones

  long bereft of flesh long ago feasted away by the maggots

  in this nest. He has quite a few, and he, least of all men,

  has many faults to bear against him, which shall prove

  fatal in the public view of men. I will be the hidden hand

  revealing all these dealings, and as doth the setting sun

  by the recess of its rays reveal the millions multitude

  of the stars, and the moon, once pale as it shared the

  celestial court with day’s governor, assume both supreme

  splendor and sway of the sky in his recess and absence,

  so will I retire my enemy and take his place, making my rule

  permanent and everlasting, as the unceasing polar night.

  But in this a special genius is requir’d, a power not given

  to one man alone. In this I must enlist, purchase or extort

  the aid of greater powers and multitude to do my bidding.

  But it shall be done: if God not bless and give the power,

  then let hell endow its awesome pow’r, make me a mortal

  instrument, for only in Chadwick’s demise I will seek

  and find satisfaction of the lust within my heart, quenching

  of a passion far truer and stronger than love, my envy.

  Pray, who doth knock my door, and disturb me thus?

  Daniel

  A message, Sir, it cannot wait.

  Adolph

  If it cannot wait, it is a thing greater than myself.

  Daniel

  There is vicious rumor that Chadwick conducted

  trade on privy knowledge, and thus assumed God’s office,

  and fleeced the rest of hefty gain, raising for the sum his mansion.

  Adolph

  [Aside] The dark angel works much swifter than High Heaven,

  answering first my bid and offer: the chests already stink of rot.

  I should myself punish you for uttering such accusation!

  I will not hear of it, and you shall not spread it.

  Daniel

  Ay, Sir, I spread nothing else but what I heard,

  and not for nau
ght purpose. Chadwick demands counsel

  with all the worthy bankers and partners of this institution.

  Adolph

  Come you then to call me to this office?

  Daniel

  Ay, Sir, indeed. He says your word in this is decisive.

  Adolph

  Unhappily thus, I accept so grave a burden.

  [Aside] Even today I begin to dig the man’s grave.

  SCENE FOUR. THE COUNSEL-ROOM.

  Chadwick

  Gentlemen, are we in our conclave assembled?

  All

  Ay, Chadwick.

  Chadwick

  Bid the servants leave.

  [Exeunt servants.]

  A strange poison seeps from unknown source,

  as such poisons often do, to do their evil work.

  They say I committed high theft against this bank

  and all the world, and upon such crime built

  for self and family some castle in the clouds.

  Adolph

  An accusation surely no one believes.

  Grey

  Ay, no one in these four walls.

  Francis

  It is not these walls nor their limit I worry breached,

  good Chadwick, for a poison contained within its

  proper place is soon expelled, and touches neither

  heart nor brain, or other vital organ, and keeps all

  senses secure in their offices, health unperturbed.

  The truth, whatever it may be, is safe within our

  confidence. But be honest with us, that whatever

  story is invented to appease the plebs in the least

  agrees from all out mouths, and gives it integrity’s

  appearance in the unity of our falsehood. Need thee

  confess some crime hidden, or must we avail ourselves

  of so great a weapon as truth against these insidious lies?

  Chadwick

  Good Sirs, my friends, as I count you and you count me:

  an impropriety indeed there is, but not as awful as one

  may judge. It was no trifling thing, no doubt, but it was

  long ago, when I was still lieutenant to my predecessor.

  Francis

  Did you use such coin obtained by fraud to construct

  your house?

  Chadwick

  Ay, and thus sought to hide it from public eye.

  Francis

  For us it is nothing then, if it occurs no more.

  Chadwick

  Ay, good friends, I have not thought it since, and close

  forgot the whole affair, shamed as I was and blind to

  what vexation may it cause when I am greater, and

  entrusted with more serious concerns.

  Adolph

  Why you did it then?

  Francis

  Adolph, this is court of mercy, not of inquiry.

  Adolph

  This may be, but wish these questions asked by public’s

  shameful court, rude as it is, and easy in accepting hearsay

  for fact, and discounting fact as perjured lie, fickle as it is?

  Francis

  The affair shall never be submitted for their consideration.

  Adolph

  And yet, not you, Francis, not you my fellow equals,

  but those beneath us summoned hither, aware already

  of the complaint provocative against generous Chadwick.

  Francis

  Adolph, even in his piercing question, doth raise the matter.

  Chadwick

  Which is?

  Adolph

  This chamber never held the rumor as sole possession:

  the wind now strews the feathers of the pierced pillow

  all about our fair citadel, sowing ambiguity and suspicion.

  It requires but one to bring the residue as evidence against you,

  and you shall find yourself summoned before merciless rabble.

  Chadwick

  Then command them speaketh not, to anyone, lest they

  purchase thus for themselves my wrath and disgraceful exile.

  Grey

  Thou would better succeed in herding the wind into a sack.

  Adolph

  Gentlemen! Let me propose another course of action.

  This news can be the end of Chadwick, or the end of

  another undesired. Let us see the evil thwarted in good

  Chadwick’s stead, they who seek to forge this mere red

  dust into lethal sword to cut down so great a leader.

  The source, as you did teach, Chadwick, is unknown,

  but let a wellspring of such dark thought be put to test,

  and seen as the beginning of our worries: master Adam.

  Francis

  Adam? Why do you make such bold accusation?

  Adolph

  He dared to utter libel under guise of friendship,

  as I witnessed that gross transaction, wherein Adam,

  considering all with an envious eye proceeded to

  judge our profession like that of common thief,

  liar, cheat, and counterfeiter!

  Chadwick

  He said no such word.

  Francis

  But he judged? He uttered such contempts?

  Chadwick

  Ay, as a true friend doth judge his brother’s step,

  that he may place it well.

  Francis

  Why did he issue such counsel?

  Adolph

  He sought to raise him to our rank, even as he is

  servant of other masters.

  Chadwick

  Besmirch him not so, Adolph,

  with him I would trust more than cash, for I already

  shared so great and true a portion of my boyhood with him,

  and with him entered our like profession, though long ago.

  Francis

  And you sought to do this elevation in secret?

  Chadwick

  Why should I so eagerly seek to be brandished traitor?

  Nay, my friends, it is not so. Merely did I wish convince him

  that he should so great a mind and talent use to our advantage.

  Francis

  And did you gain him for us? He indeed would be as gold.

  Chadwick

  Under one condition he sought to serve, that he may work

  as surgeon doth excise and extirpate some cancer he sees

  feeding and growing, seeding death throughout the body.

  Francis

  What he seeks to reform?

  Adolph

  That which brings us riches more surely than mine of diamond.

  See it not, that Adam, knowing that such prize which he covets

  for himself he cannot have, and seeking thus that rival house

  relinquish it for his masters’ benefit, and to so redeem the value

  of his friendship, plucked this bone from past and dangled it

  as threat and revenge for our refusal to such poisonous advice enact?

  Even if it is not true, let me be devil’s advocate, and thus leave no

  stone unturned, in seeking the movement behind the rumor’s cause.

  Chadwick

  It is not true, wise Adolph, as convincing as thine argument sounds.

  For this I vouch, and stand not deceived.

  Francis

  But we are moved,

  Chadwick, the motive is not invalid. You may now defend

  Adam, divorce him from this releas’d rumor, but be not startled:

  truer friends were found to be authors of more vicious plots.

  But beside the argument, how do we ease reception of such news.

  Adolph

  Money quells all clamor. Let their temper and harsh words

  by generosity be soothed. The profit is within our reach.

  Gray

  Ay, Adolph speaks true. We have been gentler in the practice

&nbs
p; than have been others, and picked the most meager share

  of all the fruit that hangs close to hand unassisted. Let it be.

  Francis

  Such a course is wise, even if for fleeting moment. Chadwick?

  Chadwick

  It is what Adam counseled against, which fills me with doubt.

  Adolph

  There is no danger in the plan.

  Francis

  Not yet.

  Adolph

  We need not then, tax good Chadwick’s conscience:

  his heart must be moved by some wisdom the mind

  cannot yet put to word, polished and reasoned. By some

  other means we shall justify ourselves to the authorities.

  Grey

  Not merely Chadwick’s heart is bit by anxiety: mine too

  at the prospect we should defend a crime with dishonesty,

  and thus bring us into conspiracy, with all its just punishments.

  Francis

  It is settled then. Chadwick, dismiss Adam by the gentlest

  of means, pledge him friendship, but keep him at a distance.

  When history reveals further the evidence unseen to us now,

  we shall surely judge him friend, and with embrace admit him

  to our rank. But now, let fresh breath of wealth banish these

  stupid thoughts, and thus abort any thought of uneasy question.

  Chadwick

  By my own past I am bound to consent to so unsavory an action.

  SCENE FIVE. THE BANK.

  Adam

  Good morrow, good Chadwick.

  Chadwick

  Ah! Adam, my friend, ever so punctual!

  How doth begin this day for you?

  Adam

  I awoke richer, that is one good way to rise.

  Chadwick

  Indeed, Adam. Come with me.

  Adam

  Tell me thus thine judgment, I am inpatient,

  as you well know.

  Chadwick

  And zealous, unceasing

  in your worthy passions. Oh that I should find

  among my own measure of goodness as divers

  and beauteous virtues as I find in thee.

  Adam

  What is the matter that you use such sweetness?

  Chadwick

  Is it disagreeable that I should praise you thus?

  Adam

  Perhaps it is the more gently strike my cheek.

  Chadwick

  Speak not thus, my dear Adam, you do me injury.

  Adam

  And you, my good Chadwick, speak not the verdict

  I know in my heart already. But I know it is not

  you who walk me back to the portals of this hall.

  Another thing guides all this, forces you into a bind.

  Chadwick

  Adam, you were ever to discern the sorrows and

  joys of my heart, with skill equal to a mother’s

  or a father’s! Will thou then forgive my awful office.

  Adam

  You have not sinned, and thus need no forgiveness.

  But it is another yet. I will not inquire, for it is not

  my business to go where I am unwelcome. Yet

  I cannot fail to fear for you, as for a brother in battle,

  who though excellent is soon slain by the assassin’s

  hidden hand.

  Chadwick

  Yes, there must be another.

  Adam

  And they name him Adam?

  Chadwick

  They do, dear friend.

  Adam

  Let them baptize their sceptres with whatever name

  or curse they wish, but I have never known thee inconstant.

  If you are unmoved by these, I too am at gentle peace.

  Chadwick

  Embrace me, Adam.

  Adam

  And with prayer for your wellbeing I part. But beware.

  There is a danger with high price in your works.

  Chadwick

  Anon, Adam, bless you.

 

  Act the Second. The Fall.

  SCENE ONE. THE BANK.

  Chorus:

  Two months’ time would pass between all these counsels

  and proceedings, their object was made moot and buried

  by far greater calamity, which had sprouted from the ground.

  Yea, what was sown is now made awful harvest, such that

  it would be more merciful than if dragon’s tooth had given

  rise to a vicious race of warriors: for flesh could always be

  cut away from life, and give no more trouble. But deadly fear

  doth fly from mind to mind, takes possession of all reason,

  and when truth is discovered that once fabulous wealth,

  as true as the heavy weight and clink of golden coin upon

  the bank-bench, is but feverish vision of a diseased body-politic,

  the horror consumes the rest. The whole is by violent chill

  and spasm shaking, returning from the drug’s realm into

  unforgiving darkness, ever seeking, yet failing in its illness

  to the warm and green pastures of the dream make retreat.

  Thus it was, with the gluttonous nation, and its dark servants,

  who supplied a ready mixture for new heights of pleasure,

  and who now demand for lack of specie and precious gem

  blood and flesh, ready to take the slaverous yoke in hand.

  Adolph

  Where two know a affair, a third one added to their company

  the whole weal of the world brings in tow, that no secret

  to three so divulged long retains its confidence and nature.

  What is plainly known by myself and few others, kept shut

  for our mutual benefit, no longer serves as well nor pays

  as satisfying dividend than as to let drop the furtive fact

  in the hands of another, that he may be its spread serve

  as destroyer of my enemy. Thus I shall purchase my object!

  But it must be well directed. Maurice shall be the agent

  of this transaction. He, though good in every respect,

  is want to say too much, or too little in easy conversation.

  If not forewarned by some sign or indication, by virtue

  of his youth and untrained tongue, he may let slip my

  stock of knowledge into the rude and common gossip-market.

  He shall be unknown, nor the source of such vicious truths.

  But should he be named, I shall use his diligence and work

  against him, marking him as culprit, a spy caught red-handed,

  listening and reading where he should not, for the handsome

  benefit of his previous masters in bitter rival’s bank-house.

  Come hither, Maurice.

  Maurice

  Yes, sir Adolph.

  Adolph

  Stay a while, boy. I must make sense of these papers.

  Maurice

  Surely, sir. Where must I begin?

  Adolph

  Read them briskly, and according to their subject

  divide them in their proper place.

  It is such joy to have a helping hand, Maurice.

  Maurice

  It is good to serve such generous masters.

  Adolph

  I am of late both exhausted and saddened.

  Maurice

  If thy admit a servant’s compassion, I am sorry.

  Adolph

  Oh, it is truly nothing. Yet it taxes the mind.

  You see, I have been Chadwick’s roommate

  in University, and have been his friend since

  that fateful day when we first met. I have seen

  him as a meteor brilliant rise to such heights!

  But it seems his vices have gotten the better

  of the man, and serve to soon bring him low

  Maurice
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  It is indeed sorrowful, to see the great made

  handicap and mortal by some fatal flaw.

  Adolph

  In truth. Even now he has reverted to old habit,

  deadly in its consequence, of finding solace

  and sweet dream in poppy-milk, unlawful

  as its surely is. Not merely that, but the weight

  of so heavy a burden as he carries he has sought

  to share not with his faithful Kate lawful wife

  and mother of his young son, but instead betwixt

  the legs of another sought release and consolation

  for his lot. For shame, that he should so descend!

  Maurice

  I am not to judge, but mind moves to consider

  how those who even have as much, and are so

  richly blessed, are yet still wanting in spirit.

  Adolph

  Happy am I to be your mentor, young Maurice.

  Maurice

  But I feel as if this is a thing most confident, sir.

  Adolph

  Ay! How I wish it were! But it is a silent shame,

  well known in all circles, and made evident by

  his tiredness, absences from work, and voyages.

  Your eye is yet untrained, but to us it is plain

  that Chadwick courts a dangerous end with this all.

  Maurice

  Indeed, sir Adolph. Behold, my task is done.

  Adolph

  Good! Go then, and attend to those beneath you.

  Maurice

  Ay, sir. [Exit Maurice.]

  Adolph

  Wrong boy, thy task is yet begun!

  SCENE TWO. THE STREET.

  Francis

  Speak to me the word – quick!

  Daniel

  The bank has fallen from three to two apiece.

  Francis

  Good God! So it is all crashing indeed?

  Daniel

  Ay, sir!

  Francis

  Where is Adolph? He was behind us.

  Adolph

  I am here.

  Francis

  Send for Chadwick when we get to the bank.

  Adolph

  I figured as much.

  Francis

  How do you weigh this day?

  Adolph

  As any person with mind sound should:

  a dark day, though the weather’s fair.

  Francis

  Let us amble. See you any profit in this

  that yet may be made?

  Adolph

  We are yet safe. But the masses grow restless,

  seeking cause for their late displacement.

  Francis

  See that there? What is that sordid affair?

  Adolph

  We must ask the Officer.

  Hello! Who happens here?

  Officer

  Mind not, kind sirs! This vexing woman,

  still inside, refuses to vacate what to bank-house

  by virtue of debt dishonored does belong.

  It is a foreclosure, and soon to be completed.

  Francis

  Prithee, sir, which bank doth own it now?

  Officer

  Brothers’ Bank, governed by Chadwick.

  Widow

  Oh, that God Almighty should accurse you,

  for exiling a widow, bereft not two weeks ago

  of her husband, how in Heaven’s arms! Not since

  Judas and Pilate were cowards such as these,

  that they from poor woman and poor children

  take what little legacy by industry her deceased half

  hath stored up for family’s care! And the usury

  of bank, not satisfied with such seizure, pretends

  to hold right to take our abode, and presses these

  men who must not have been born of mothers,

  to under guise of law so rudely expel us onto cold.

  I swear, I shall as yet burn these walls, than let them

  rot from want and misuse: you shall surely keep it

  empty, a nest of freaks and criminals, rather than

  let me be thine humble tenant till all is made good.

  Officer

  The order has come: now go to the court-house

  and plead thine case. See if a judge shall render

  in your favor. Till then, begone! Away, quick!

  Adolph

  Suffer not, good upholder of the law, to abuse thus

  this poor mother, a widow too! Give me the name

  of the counsel which thus orders foreclosure executed.

  Officer

  I pray, what is you business in this affair?

  Adolph

  I am vice-president of the owning bank,

  and beside me is its chairman. Surely we

  hath power to do as we please with the house?

  Officer

  This is not opportune.

  Adolph

  Stay, while I call the counsel to thus rescind your order.

  Francis

  Come into my confidence.

  What is this show? You mean to give her house for free?

  Adolph

  She merely desires time. What difference does one house

  or a thousand like it make? Ah this, that her curses now

  shall be converted into blessing, and for so cheap a price

  as this woman’s word we should purchase just reputation

  that could not be with endless debate and wasted gold bought.

  Have your servant catch her record – it shall be our defense.

  Francis

  But it is unseemly.

  Adolph

  Perhaps now, it is. But if my word is done, it shall be as

  some wondrous legend, and shall endow us with perception

  of good and humility useful traits when it comes to begging

  for the public coin from the likes of those as the woman.

  Francis

  Then make it swift, we hat not time. Who is the counsel?

  Adam

  I know him well. It will be but a moment. Servant?

  Send message to Edward, to release this house at once

  and write up a new contact, with a year to spare for the widow.

  Servant

  It is done already.

  Officer

  Good sirs, if you truly are who you say you are,

  I must protest that even your action finds its

  proper place, but not on the street.

  Adolph

  Proper place?

  Is it proper that you should drag the widow

  from her ancient bed, even as we wish to show

  clemency in her need? You must listen to law

  and to commander, and from the latter soon

  word shall come that will draw you hence,

  and away from the woman you so distress.

  Widow

  And who are you, that doth decide me fate?

  Adolph

  Officer of the bank that owns your house.

  Widow

  I should strike thee now, even as I cannot

  strike the bank you govern! You cannot own

  this my home, built by my father from the ground

  upwards, as wedding-gift for my mother, seventy

  and eight years ago. It is of birthright my seisin.

  Adolph

  Speakest then: did you not use it as security

  for some great treasure which has thoust enjoyed?

  Widow

  Ay, treasure I did receive, but gave it to my daughter,

  who used it to rid herself of the poisonous cancer

  in her life-giving breast. Faithfully I have made every

  obligation, till of late death did burden us with expense,

  which took what my husband left, and now what father left.

  Adolph

  Be not afraid! You shall have another year to pay.

  Widow


  Another year to live, if God grant me that.

  Adolph

  Why is there no joy in thine voice?

  Widow

  Should I be as a beggar, joyous on demand,

  that this mercy, which costs thee nothing,

  was shown to woman who deserves it so by

  divine command, and under divine punishment?

  Listen: I have survived the greatest war man

  in his possession by evil could devise, and this

  is not the first time I was forced to flee and call

  the street my home, appoint cobblestones as my bed.

  Even if chance had not brought you here, and the

  whim you now entertain not given me a year

  to stay within my house, I would have gone out

  and made the cold my warmth, survived the long

  and brutal night, or else have met my end and

  thus been speeded on my way to join my beloved.

  Adolph

  Insolent are you? Should I withdraw my offer?

  Widow

  Do as you please. Another hath power to judge thee.

  Adolph

  Blessed are you, that I am moved to mercy

  by my pity. Even at this, I confirm my offer.

 

  Widow

  Thank you, great sir. Now bid the rude officer

  leave me be at peace.

  [Exit Widow.]

  Adolph

  The command was received?

  Officer

  Indeed, sir. We go away now.

  Adolph

  Be well. Let us go, Francis.

  [Exeunt.]

  SCENE THREE. CHADWICK’S TOWN-HOUSE

  Francis

  I fold, good Chadwick. Let me rise, and bid you good morrow.

  Blessed be with long life, and for my part, absolved of this debt.

  Let me add to it some handsome part, a jewel’s worth of money.

  Perhaps at last it will mean something to us.

  Grey

  Me too, Chadwick. The night, though young, seizes me

  with some drug, that makes Morpheus’ touch hath power

  of this mind you know is wont to watch till dawn with you

  thine birthday celebrations. Add to the heap my gift, this watch.

  Chadwick

  So soon! Ah well, good and true friends, come, embrace me.

  My thanks cannot repay the honor and the love your gifts

  express, monuments as they are of our long association.

  Francis

  Well spoken, Chadwick. Anon, friend.

  Chadwick

  Anon.

  And you, Adam, fold thee not?

  Adam

  Fold and forfeit, when I still wish to win that glittering

  pile of gold you were just given, and now at last good

  fortune has given me a hook by which to hoist up the catch?

  Chadwick

  Ah, Adam, you are my rock! And a boy as ever, mischievous.

  Adam

  At last, I have accomplished my design!

  Chadwick

  What, my utter ruin at this damn’d game?

  Adam

  Nay, a smile upon thy face.

  Chadwick

  Have you thus spied my countenance all night?

  Kate

  It is true, dear Chadwick, you seemed more at funeral

  than at anniversary of birth all this time, till now.

  Chadwick

  Ay, you discerning souls, I felt as if the corpse in coffin.

  Kate

  How so?

  Chadwick

  There is such a multitude that doth torment me.

  Adam

  Give him peace, sweet Kate, not thus he shall be won

  and be made merry. The wounds may fester, but cut them not,

  as they did before our time. There is a simpler effect: wine.

  Chadwick

  Bless your heart, Adam, my physician.

  Adam

  Of mind, dear friend, I am your deliverer.

  Enjoyest thou the draught?

  Chadwick

  As honey does it slip on tongue, to the heart.

  Come, dear Kate.

  Kate

  Ah, my husband, shall I make thee the merrier

  by the gift only a woman can grant in her good time?

  Adam

  This is a night for two – how fortuitous the others have left.

  Chadwick

  Ha, dear Kate you inflame the senses. Yes, good Adam,

  as you have graced us with your honest and unending devotion,

  now go and bless us with you kind good-night, and absence.

  Adam

  I go forth, anon to you both.

  Kate

  Ay, Anon Adam.

  Chadwick

  Kate, shall thy be true to your promise.

  Kate

  Indeed, it is within a wife’s office and obligation,

  and my promise I already before God and men made

  at our wedding celebration, near ten years ago.

  Chadwick

  You as beauteous remain as that wondrous night,

  woman as there is none on Earth, and only the beauty

  of thine spirit doth excel in grace and loveliness

  thy sight, crowned with a happy motherhood.

  Kate

  If Adam so eased your mind to now with such

  sonorous words woo me again, let me relieve thy

  spirit, before I make whole thine body once more.

  Come, to the balcony.

  Chadwick

  Even in the kalends of September

  the airs seem that of summer, and light breeze alone

  disturbs the peace of night. It is indeed pleasant,

  and reminiscent of our previous country days.

  Kate

  It brings thee mellow thought? I go there always,

  wandering in spirit when flesh must stay and tend

  home in city. Do you remember the starry night?

  Chadwick

  It is that greatest pain about life here in this town,

  that by such multitude of man’s poor light the sky

  should be bereft of its beauty, reduced but to rare star

  and the Moon, abandoned by her throng of courtesans.

  Kate

  Then let us start anew, shut our eyes, and open sight:

  in that soft darkness of the mind recreate with word

  the light we both remember in our hearts.

  Chadwick

  Thus hear,

  and place first Orion, making his first headway about

  this fall-time upon the night sky, as he embarks on

  great wintry sojourn to the West. Next, the Bear

  with its cub place about the pole, the two ever chasing

  in gentle play, as beneath them the hero Perseus rides

  his starry chariot in the milky river spilled from Hera’s breast.

  In the North, place a crown of stars, set into celestial diadem,

  beside it the Lion ever guarding its keep, with the Dragon

  in whole quadrant of the sky making its lair and residence.

  Forget not the joyous Sisters, ever dancing, the crab,

  the scorpion, the scales of justice. And what I failed supply,

  teach me, for it is you who traced first their outline for me.

  Kate

  My eye doth sparkle, though you cannot see, with a brilliant

  sea of stars, fixed as they are by decree divine, in proper place.

  Chadwick

  Then I pleased thy soul?

  Kate

  Beyond fair and decent measure, my love.

  Chadwick

  Let us then retire to bed, and make another heir.

  What tomorrow may bring cannot for instant touch

  or spoil this our hour of renewed love, and passion.

  SCENE FOUR. THE BANK.

  Mes
senger

  Wherefore, good man, is Adolph’s keep?

  Daniel

  Beyond there, fellow. What is the haste?

  Messenger

  The whole world has gone to ruin, see it not?

  And we, curs’d or bless’d, are chosen to be

  first witness and first victim of the calamity.

  Daniel

  Only they haste who saw not the famine coming.

  Messenger

  Villain! Or they who seek yet to find salvation.

  Adolph!

  Adolph

  Yea, who seeks me with such wide report?

  Messenger

  It is I, a messenger from the Secretary.

  Adolph

  Pray thee, sit and catch breath, for thine heart

  will give before you give me word of thine master.

  Messenger

  We are all as men who struggle to drink of airs

  above the rushing waters, closer as they rise to meet

  the vault of some great treasure-chamber which has now

  become as an awful prison, a pillory, and means of awful death.

  Adolph

  Speak not thus but plainly! What is your business here?

  Messenger

  The Secretary has convened a council, to thus judge

  but also lend all aid to your embattled money-house,

  seeing as it soon will be stripped of money and roof,

  should action be not taken, and idleness aid destruction.

  Adolph

  And when should this occur, faithful servant that bring

  news of a most welcome and joyous salvation?

  Messenger

  Two days before the ides, good lord Adolph, in the strictest

  of confidences. For the market rabble cast’s its jury power about

  on the slightest inclinations of money imprisoned in the banks.

  At six the captains of all the houses are congregated.

  Only good Chadwick need come, so is the command.

  Adolph

  Rest assured, it shall be done.

  Messenger

  Ah, good sir, high and powerful as you are, admit me

  to Chadwick, for I know you are his privy friend and advocate.

  To no other would I divulge the purpose of my journey hence,

  nor who sent me in this errand, nor a word would I permit

  let slip my teeth that such venerate Senate for grim but good

  purpose is convened, as the knavery feeds on scraps of rumor.

  Adolph

  Friend, trusty servant as you are, your plea is fair,

  your reason well justified, proof it is of a shrewd dealing,

  by which the affairs you speak of are well accomplished.

  But it may serve against your purpose, for if an eye should spy

  this strange messenger, tight-lipped and hurried, rushing

  between first Adolph’s study, and then that of Chadwick,

  it would serve to confirm every vicious fantasy and promote

  treason against our stock and power. Keep calm and return.

  I shall fill thine office in thy stead, covered by my daily dealing

  with the man with whom you wish to speak in confidence.

  I am his ear, and the command has been heard. He will fail not

  to be at so momentous an assembly, you have my surety.

  Messenger

  Who would fail to give you faith and honor, good Adolph.

  I go then, and bid thee adieu.

  Adolph

  The hour of birth is matched only, in man’s life, by the last

  whence he draws his breath. But the hour spoken of the servant

  exceeds even these in their marking the limits of poor life.

  For it is then that does Destiny touch affairs of humans so

  that it should seal one fate and discard another, guided by

  a helping hand. Let me thus conjure the ancient goddess

  by an act of such subtle misplacement, that Chadwick should

  by his own means and orders prepare a consequence of doom.

  Maurice, come!

  Maurice

  I am at the ready, Sir Adolph.

  Adolph

  Maurice, should I such devoted and unfettered service

  reward with the flowers of trust upon your confidence?

  Maurice

  I dare not say, even though I am far unworthy of the honor.

  Adolph

  No, dear Maurice, let me thus sit you farther up this time,

  many a feast have you scarce sat from the floor, offering

  your place to those greater than yourself.

  Maurice

  I am treasury untouched, not to be pried open.

  Adolph

  Maurice, then quickly fulfill what I say. A messenger

  from the Secretary came, seeking audience with Chadwick.

  A great council is convened at the Palace on the second day

  before the ides of the month, and this house is its object.

  Tell him that is shall be before sunset, at seven in the evening.

  Maurice

  Not a light burden, to deliver such news.

  Adolph

  Yet lighter it is for the young one, who are not suspect.

  Such awesome power does this yoke have, that wielded

  by right hand and sure power, it ought lift by its terror

  the very institution from its founding stones, convert

  what today is solid and with mass into air tomorrow.

  I, having been bearer, would seem to be the portent

  of some awful ending.

  Maurice

  Tis’ true, my lord.

  Adolph

  Go then, and speak the truth.

  Maurice

  And what if he demands thine presence?

  Adolph

  When we shall dine, he shall discuss what questions

  or angers he will most certainly spit in thine face,

  not out of hatred but of terror. What whipping you may get

  will compare as nothing to so awful a tirade from friend.

  For I know him to be tempestuous where he is judged.

  All other queries excuse by need of secrecy in all these affairs.

  Maurice

  Thus assured, I take my leave, my lord.

  Adolph

  Be still! Do another business, until you have time and

  reason opportune, to otherwise slip the news to Chadwick.

  Carefully now, walk, good boy. And when you hath finished

  the day’s work, instruct the beginners who hath today come,

  even after hours. Thus prove to others your true worth.

  Maurice

  Ay, wisdom incarnate, my lord! I shall fulfill all.

  Adolph

  [Aside] The boy proves useful yet again. He shall for my lie

  pay the price in spilled or flustered blood, or both.

  I say he may even take it willingly, for good word

  at his death. To sleep I go, having clenched Destiny’s

  cruel hand within my own, cutting the golden thread too soon.

  Act the Third. The Council.

  SCENE ONE. THE CAR.

  Chadwick

  Away now, Matthew! It musn’t be missed!

  Matthew

  Let me be thine wing, good Chadwick.

  Where should I mark the path of our car?

  Chadwick

  Upon the swiftest way to the Palace of the Treasury.

  Matthew

  Sir, it is at the very crest of island. Even in

  and hour’s limit I scarce conceive we shall

  make our way through the thick of the traffic.

  Chadwick

  Within the hour I make twenty league’s distance!

  It is six precisely, according to my timepiece.

  Matthew

  Within the hour twenty streets and alleyways crossed
br />
  is a blessing at the exodus-hour of the city.

  Chadwick

  Damn the rabble! Find another way!

  Matthew

  There is none but the public way, for I hath not

  the power to ply the air with steel wing, nor place us

  in the waters of the river, and thus pleasantly by the wharves

  convey you speedily. There! The highway stands, surely

  by the work of two stupid men, who touched and called

  some authority to witness their stupidity for bit of profit.

  Chadwick

  Were you not part of the guardsmen?

  Matthew

  Ay, sir, but three years before.

  Chadwick

  And you had no means to ply through the same

  standing sea of cars, to make way to some emergency?

  Matthew

  The law demands the people part at siren’s call.

  Chadwick

  Do then the same! If I could confide for what purpose

  I am called, you would know I must answer a crisis

  far worse than is to be found in blazing fire, or in murder.

  Matthew

  The same, Sir, but I must obey the crowd, if not the law.

  Should I crash, and thus surely delay by double hour your arrival?

  Chadwick

  See there! An open lane – enter it thus.

  Matthew

  It is for those that bicycle.

  Chadwick

  What! Three hundred horses at your disposal,

  and they are all made dumb and lame by red light

  of the fools before us, starting and stopping without mind?

  Have you not the power or the will?

  Matthew

  I lack the right.

  Chadwick

  Damn you! The right is wrought from power

  and hand ready to command it. If thy fail, get out!

  I shall myself violate the pleasure of the others,

  and risk arrest, but you shall never drive again!

  Matthew

  Be still! I go as you command.

  SCENE TWO. THE TREASURY.

  Where is Chadwick?

  Is he not the first at the door? It is his fate that is

  here decided, and the fate of all he loves.

  I have seen him not. Perhaps there is reason

  behind this.

  Surely you would not have the victim flogged before his death.

  Here comes the Treasurer, the Secretary. Let us sit.

  Secretary

  My grave lords, I have to this last fortress and

  surest defense of finance summoned thee, not for mere

  Sunday affairs, to speak of children and easy things.

  What occurs here shall be a judgment on generations

  yet unborn, to speak nothing of those we hold already

  in our hands, by God’s most generous grace. Let His

  light guide these deliberations, for I have had yet to see

  a greater fall from power such as this: a Titan stricken

  by some mighty sword, or seized by some paroxysm

  of the heart – either way with such demise the world shakes.

  Relieve thyselves of any enmity, strife, greed. Let not

  the mind be burdened by envy, and good within you

  maimed by some hidden joy to see your rival spasm in death.

  Revive him thus, and your charity shall not be forgotten

  by those with power to do like in your grief and mortal throe.

  Let your particle of good make you greater than evil ever could.

  Let too love for country sweeten and justify what seems now

  unnatural, but will soon prove to be unthinkable left undone.

  But if you fail in this, and prove thyself opposed to our

  intention, my hatred for you will teach others the same,

  and all will be idle when gods become men, and die.

  James

  A speech noble and moving, but what do you expect?

  That our services be by sweet words cheaply purchased?

  You seek not our counsel, but our submission to decree

  already rendered. Speak now thus with presidential authority?

  Ay, I am as he is, and what difference there may be between

  my mind and his after this our council, I shall reconcile

  without fail and bring to bear. Listen thus to the task,

  for it is not my master’s decree that must be fulfilled,

  but destiny’s unchanging letter thus understood and spoken

  as to lay the great among us to dignified rest, if not in union

  they shall be joined to life with bond to the living, or will not

  be revived by our infusions to its health, full as it was year ago.

  Nestor

  Speak, excellent Minister, we listen.

  Secretary

  It is best, in all estimation, that the great banking-house

  that now is endangered by unclean debts be rid of its

  lecherous disease by unblemished money. Thus strengthened,

  it would have time to cleanse itself of what our intervention

  did not erase, and reward thee, its noble physicians, with

  a most generous fortune.

  Nestor

  What is our part?

  Secretary

  From each a thousand millions to start.

  Lawrence

  You are truly mad, I have no more my silent doubts.

  Are we by such expense purchasing sickly slave, or meat?

  James

  Meat, good sir, it seams, for even a share such as this

  from all those gathered here will not stay the bankruptcy.

  It is worse than stacking from such cash a pyre, and burning it.

  Secretary

  Will you remember that you all share the same ailment?

  Lawrence

  It has proven fleeting melancholy, not some lethal disease.

  Secretary

  And are you unawares of how another has fallen just weeks before?

  James

  Did the world end? No, we are still here, painful as it was.

  Secretary

  The pains with this end shall be tenfold, and will surely cause yours.

  Nestor

  Gentlemen, I presume not to speak with authority among

  such august and mighty assembly. We have thought ourselves

  masters once of world’s affairs, and brought all to share in

  our gamble. Now there are accounts to settle, the hazard

  cut short and before its time by some divine intervention.

  And is it not? With this intervention comes not awful judgment

  upon all our heads? We, who first caused the misery of multitude,

  you believe we shall escape their wrath scot-free? They are the least

  of our punishers: above the mighty powers stir to strike at our hearts

  and rob us of the breath of life. The rich shall become richer,

  and the plebs shall sink further in their slums. We who are now

  equals shall find ourselves servants of our former fellows:

  look to your left and to your right, for of your triplet only one

  shall emerge as master over both. Thus with slavery shall we be

  rewarded, at least the lot of us. Let the others be generous to the damned.

  Lawrence

  And I shall find myself not numbered among those poor fellows!

  James

  Neither myself!

  All

  Ay, each man shall seek his own salvation.

  Nestor

  Quiet down, you rabble! You steal my utterance and replace it

  with yours. In this, your true intention uncovered, you seem

  more base than pack of wolves, for they can claim no reason

  to guide their passion for life at all cost, and so can be excu
sed

  for resorting to such violent egoism. But we with spark of truth

  and commandment of charity are empowered, to find our salvation

  in common survival. See it not? Even as what our governors demand

  seems as shaming extortion to help blood enemy, I believe we should

  soon find it bargain for our own skin. Let us purchase now this

  security, while it is still cheap, otherwise much more bloody token

  of repentance shall be forced by unflinching vengeance from our chests.

  James

  I find myself the more unconvinced.

  Treasurer

  Then, if not by godly stirrings you shall be moved, perhaps

  by love of country you shall be brought into this enterprise?

  I will make it plain, that the great Assembly hath foreclosed

  any access to the public coin, be it not married with greater part

  of thine treasure, so illicitly wrought, to save yourselves.

  Lawrence

  So illicitly wrought? And you claim to hold sway over the

  treasury of this land? Why, the same Assembly which now

  so harsh and contrary a decree doth deliver, hath given us

  the right and the law by which to pursue our adventures,

  and we have followed to the letter every proscription so exacted.

  Blame yourself, for thine own slumber, when by our actions

  money flowed as water, making green and pleasant the pastures

  of our country! We have done our part, to increase the stores

  of all the granaries.

  Nestor

  Perhaps to fill all those that belong to thee.

  You would prove a villain to both God and to country! For shame,

  old Nick’s advocate, for shame you, James, who with him prove

  so obstinate, and harden the hearts of all us gathered here. Let

  your eye wander father than your own nose and business, be not

  the poor myope who stumbles into ditch, and then for his own

  fault seeks assistance from the blind! See you not, how destiny

  doth begin its irresistible grind towards that awful time of famine,

  panic, pain, and all-round destruction we all knew would come?

  They who speak so easy have prepared themselves at the others’

  expense, thinking they would be in castle far away, unperturbed,

  when this would all come to pass. Even those stones and bullets

  that you think shall be your shield, as they were wielded by hand

  human and hoisted into their proper place, by a like multitude of

  hands, with employ of fire and treachery could tear them down,

  leaving you exposed. And even if you should fly from human law,

  or the wrath of the mob, do you think you shall escape the justice

  from above? Even in golden house a man struck mad by tragedy

  doth consider it more a prison, a dark gaol, and its richness an insult

  to the unseen wound festering in his spirit, there first accomplished

  by mortal sin’s blow. And if our conspiracies should be uncovered,

  how the law by our desire was thrown into fire and remade into

  an instrument of our liking, should we not fear death within our homes,

  even those that come of desperate extremity striking at its own heart?

  James

  Strengthen thus, your high oratory with act. Give all our donation

  from your own purse.

  Nestor

  Be not fool. I pledge instead the first portion of what’s asked.

  Benedict

  I too, am moved to action, and join wise Nestor.

  Secretary

  What of others?

  Give us time, Secretary, you shall hear our verdict in the morrow.

  Benedict

  [Aside] I, though outsider, by this end seek full admission to this college.

  Even with full submission to the demand, the great house shall fall.

  It is best that I here claim the spoils, and take the better part.

  Secretary

  Go then, and return with proper answer.

  [Exeunt.]

  Chadwick

  Servant, I seek the Secretary, on urgent business.

  Servant

  Good sir, high as you must be to dare make such prayer,

  he has ended a council, and dismissed them who gathered.

  Chadwick

  Jest not, for a hand mov’d to anger is ungoverned.

  Servant

  Be at peace! Doth must know the time?

  Chadwick

  I was told, by a secret emissary, all are to gather at seven.

  Servant

  Clearly then, the news by crucial detail has been chang’d.

  All were here at six, with one still absent when the doors shut.

  Chadwick

  Did they seek one named Chadwick?

  Servant

  Ay, with an eager eye, and wanting place.

  Chadwick

  Admit me to the Secretary! I am him who was sought!

  Servant

  He is gone, Sir, on urgent business called back to capital.

  Chadwick

  Presume thee, to be barrier between myself and him?

  I shall easily remove, for I am enraged at this outrage!

  That you should have the power to keep me from his presence!

  Servant

  I doubt not the justice of your business, nor any of your right.

  But doth thine range have power to remove what far distance,

  beyond river, hill, and cloud doth already between you and him lie?

  It even, with every moment, grows larger.

  Chadwick

  Shall I call on him, then?

  Servant

  He gave me no means by which to do so. He spoke that he

  shall not be stirr’d, by any man, for heavy things weigh his mind.

  Chadwick

  Had you report of what was decided in my absence?

  Servant

  None, but that which I could from their grim countenance observe,

  as if they some ghastly sentence wrought, upon a finish’d convict.

  Chadwick

  Ah! Away I fly, for surely an untimely end is nigh!

  SCENE THREE. THE BANK.

  Chadwick

  Who remaineth in this accursed house!

  Maurice

  Ah! My lord! That you should come in the night,

  to witness me end day’s work. Pardon me, I was showing

  those in my keep a better method by which to gain their ends.

  Chadwick

  You damn’d knave! You had far better method devised by which

  to end all this and our lives!

  Maurice

  I pray ignorance, and know not

  in what ways I may have crossed thee, being ever your servant.

  Chadwick

  A fool, not servant, and now a traitor! Speak plain, why doth

  you mill about this late hour?

  Maurice

  Out of passion, sir, for profession.

  Chadwick

  Ay, out of passion! Scoundrel1 You are a spy, a thief, a liar!

  Maurice

  On my honor, sir, I know not what you speak of!

  Chadwick

  You delivered news of this night’s council to mine ear!

  Paid, surely, and purchased cheaply was your service,

  to one word change, and thus bring all into ruin!

  Now you stay the night, many as such must have been,

  under friendly guise and false smile, serving always

  another purpose and end. Speak thus, what serpent

  is thine master!

  Maurice

  What accusation is this, awful and wild?

  Chadwick

  Wild! I strike thee!

  Maurice


  Be pleasing, kind sir! Let me all

  enlighten by soft light of truth!

  Chadwick

  Forsooth, die!

  Maurice

  My intellect! From thy violence it grows dim, drenched

  in blood.

  Chadwick

 

  Let me thus speed you, with this crystal shard:

  let it sink softly between thy vein and head, gushing forth

  hot torrent! Speak no more, thy speech is drowned in red.

  He is no more. He is no more.

  SCENE FOUR. CHADWICK’S TOWN-HOUSE.

  Chadwick

  My hands! My bloodstained hands! Eres’t not

  I see in these accomplished an unholy baptism,

  a crimson mark that doth join me to the company

  of the damn’d! A common-wealth of sorrow and pain

  for one moment of murderous assault upon the youth!

  It is just, that now I reel in horror, seeing plain the

  dark work accomplished by none other than myself.

  Should I again take the mantle of judge, and wield

  the sword of the executioner, and upon myself drive

  the same sharp point, which hasty was to fancy

  Maurice as the author and mediator of these plots?

  Kate

  Chadwick, be you in the house?

  Chadwick

  [Aside] Now time has made itself improper for such thoughts.

  Quietly, the corpse is stowed. Upon another I made call,

  one unmoved by such sights, as I had scarce imagined

  I would have need of him. But till all will be in order,

  some sickness I shall feign, for my spirit already rots,

  and indeed brings malaise upon my fever’d brain and body.

  Dear Kate! I am in my room, lately seiz’d by sickness,

  come near not, nor let child see his sickly father lying.

  Kate

  I shall not disturb thy night.

  Chadwick

  Disturb not the torments. I must by trusty means,

  so lately known again, dispatch this awful pain.

  Where is heaven? It is but in the vein, a mere

  pinprick away. Not up in the sky, where God

  doth hold His court, is my bit of paradise: how would

  God admit so vile a creature as I? No, for me,

  for my pains is given sweet relief, not through

  the rough and narrow gates of pearl, but through

  the red river within me that leads to heart and brain.

  I must merely mix with the ruddy stream sweet milk

  of poppy flower bulb, that comes as does a morning

  mist upon the meadow of the mind. It heals the eye

  of all the gloomy sight of world, heightens senses,

  grants a sublime perception: what is real becomes

  as insubstant as a dream, and what by intellect liberated

  is woven is granted firmer existence than flesh.

  All the wise men, all the oracles and shamans

  found in like herb an inspiration from Heaven

  or from hell. I do not judge, do not distinguish now,

  I merely sink upon a cloud, and fly upon hidden wing....