Five Plays Part 24

Yes, Majesty.

[_They remain kneeling until after the King has gone. King and the Chief Prophet walk away._

CHIEF PROPHET

It was your pride. Let it be forgotten. May the stars accept it.

(_Exeunt left_)

[_The Sentries rise._

FIRST SENTRY

The stars have envied him!

SECOND SENTRY

It is an ancient crown. He wore it well.

FIRST SENTRY

May the stars accept it.

SECOND SENTRY

If they do not accept it what doom will overtake him?

FIRST SENTRY

It will suddenly be as though there were never any city of Zericon nor two sentries like you and me standing before the door.

SECOND SENTRY

Why! How do you know?

FIRST SENTRY

That is ever the way of the G.o.ds.

SECOND SENTRY

But it is unjust.

FIRST SENTRY

How should the G.o.ds know that?

SECOND SENTRY

Will it happen to-night?

FIRST SENTRY

Come! we must march away. (_Exeunt right_)

[_The stage grows increasingly darker. Reenter the Chamberlain from the right. He walks across the Stage and goes out to the left. Reenter Spies from the right. They cross the stage, which is now nearly dark._

BOY (_enters from the right, dressed in white, his hands out a little, crying_)

King's door, King's door, I want my little hoop. (_He goes up to the King's door. When he sees the King's crown there, he utters a satisfied_) O-oh! (_He takes it up, puts it on the ground, and, beating it before him with the sceptre, goes out by the way that he entered_)

[_The great door opens; there is light within; a furtive Spy slips out and sees that the crown is gone. Another Spy slips out. Their crouching heads come close together._

FIRST SPY (_hoa.r.s.e whisper_)

The G.o.ds have come!

[_They run back through the door and the door is closed. It opens again and the King and the Chamberlain come through._

KING

The stars are satisfied.

CURTAIN

KING ARGIMENES AND THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR

PERSONS

KING ARGIMENES } ZARB, _a slave born of slaves_ } AN OLD SLAVE } _Slaves of King Darniak_ A YOUNG SLAVE } SLAVES }

KING DARNIAK THE KING'S OVERSEER A PROPHET THE IDOL-GUARD THE SERVANT OF THE KING'S DOG

QUEEN ATHARLIA } QUEEN OXARA } _Queens of King Darniak_ QUEEN CAHAFRA } QUEEN THRAGOLIND }

GUARDS AND ATTENDANTS

_Time: A long time ago._

KING ARGIMENES AND THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR