The Two Lovers of Heaven: Chrysanthus and Daria Part 13

POLEMIUS.

'T is a city that excelleth All the world in knowledge.

CARPOPHORUS.

There All are teachers, all are learners.

The sole wish to be of use Has on this occasion led me From my home. Inform me then How Chrysanthus is affected.

POLEMIUS.

With an overwhelming sadness; Or to speak it more correctly (Since when we consult a doctor Even suspicions should be mentioned), He, my son, has been bewitched;-- Thus it is these Christian perverts Take revenge through him on me: In particular an elder Called Carpophorus, a wizard . . .

May the day soon come for vengeance!

CARPOPHORUS.

May heaven grant it . . . (aside, For that day I the martyr's crown may merit).

Where at present is Chrysanthus?

POLEMIUS.

He is just about to enter:-- You can see him; all his ailment In the soul you 'll find is centered.

CARPOPHORUS.

In the soul then I will cure him, If my skill heaven only blesses. [Music is heard from within.

CLAUDIUS.

That he 's leaving his apartment This harmonious strain suggesteth, Since to counteract his gloom He by music is attended.

(Enter Chrysanthus richly dressed, preceded by musicians playing and singing, and followed by attendants.)

CHRYSANTHUS.

Cease; my pain, perchance my folly, Cannot be by song diverted; Music is a power exerted For the cure of melancholy, Which in truth it but augmenteth.

A MUSICIAN.

This your father bade us do.

CHRYSANTHUS.

'T is because he never knew Pain like that which me tormenteth.

For if he that pang incessant Felt, he would not wish to cure it, He would love it and endure it.

POLEMIUS.

Think, my son, that I am present, And that I am not ambitious To a.s.sume your evil mood, But to find that it is good.

CHRYSANTHUS.

No, sir, you mistake my wishes.

I would not through you relieve me Of my care; my former state Seemed, though, more to mitigate What I suffer: why not leave me There to die?

POLEMIUS.

That yet I may, Pitying your sad condition, Work your cure:--A great physician Comes to visit you to-day.

CHRYSANTHUS (aside).

Who do I behold? ah, me!

CARPOPHORUS.

I will speak to him with your leave.

CHRYSANTHUS (aside).

No, my eyes do not deceive, 'T is Carpophorus that I see!

I my pleasure must conceal.

CARPOPHORUS.

Sir, of what do you complain?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Since you come to cure my pain, I will tell you how I feel.

A great sadness hath been thrown O'er my mind and o'er my feelings, A dark blank whose dim revealings Make their sombre tints mine own.

CARPOPHORUS.

Can you any cause a.s.sign me Whence this sadness is proceeding?

CHRYSANTHUS.

From my earliest years to reading Did my studious tastes incline me.

Something thus acquired doth wake Doubts, and fears, and hopes, ah me!

That the things I read may be.

CARPOPHORUS.

Then from me this lesson take.

Every mystery how obscure, Is explained by faith alone; All is clear when that is known: 'T is through faith I 'll work your cure.

Since in that your healing lies, Take it then from me.

CHRYSANTHUS.

From you I infer all good: that true Faith I hope which you advise.

CARPOPHORUS (to Polemius).

Give me leave, sir, to address Some few words to him alone, Less reserve will then be shown. (The two retire to one side.

Have you recognized me?

CHRYSANTHUS.

Yes, Every sign shows you are he Who in my most perilous strait Fled and left me to my fate.

CARPOPHORUS.

G.o.d did that; and would you see That it was His own work, say, If I did not then absent me Through His means, could I present me As your teacher here to-day?

CHRYSANTHUS.

No.

CARPOPHORUS.

How just His providence!

Since I was preserved, that I Here might seek you, and more nigh Give you full intelligence Leisurely of every doubt Which disturbs you when you read.

CHRYSANTHUS.

Mysteries they are indeed, Difficult to be made out.

CARPOPHORUS.

To the believer all is plain.