CYP. Whom fears she here withal ? The past is
past.
She took me for her spouse, not you, and praises
Daily her God for that election.
Mine is this house, as it my father's was,
And all my forbears for three hundred years.
Waxes its weal by labour and by toil :
Come now — my friend, look at me, this same arm,
Which, as is known, to forge a goodly sword.
And, if needs be, to swing it too hath skill,
Is aptly fashioned to defend a woman.
'Tis that the woman asks, and by that virtue
I won her, by that virtue I can keep her.
Nothing have I to fear — not memory,
100



PARACELSUS

Nor any moonish passion : by the present
Encompassed and well trammelled is the woman.
My door stands open wide — I fear no man.

PARA. I would that word were true as it is proud.

CYP. I grant that wish unto you — "'tis fulfilled.

Scene VII

JUSTINA, CYPRIAN, PARACELSUS. EllteT CECILIA. As

she sees paracelsus, she starts to go,

CYP. Nay, stay ! This is Cecilia.

para. Your sister.

JUSTINA. She was a child when you did leave the
city.
Cecilia, this is a wonder-doctor.

CECILIA. Fve seen you, sir, before.

CYP. How were it, think you.

An you on her made trial of your art ?

CECILIA. How . . . what?

CYP. Just bide a while with us. I wager

This man can heal you by his sorcery.

PARA. What say you ? — " sorcery '' ?

CYP. What other word

Fits that which in the market-place I saw ?

JUSTINA. But I myself am fain to know at last
What you can complish.

CYP. Now she finds her speech.

Amazement took it — curiosity
Restores it. {Condescendingly) Of all jugglers that

have showed here.
He is it who most shrewdly hits the mark.
101



PARACELSUS

I have no special favour for such folk ;
The art of eating fire or juggling balls,
Goldmaking, quackery, and comedy
Suits not my case. Marry, you all are varlets.

PARA. Maybe; we are not councillors, for cer-
tain.

cvp. The jest is bold, yet let it be forgiven,
Since of good humour is my mood to-day.
And you accomplish more than others can.
One sees that you learnt something in the past,
And under all the swindling tricks you ply,
Something there flashes that might learning be.

PARA, {scornfully). You jest !

cyp. Hear, children, what he hath accom-

plished.

PARA. Prithee forbear. ...

CVP. Just while I think thereof.

{To jusTiNA and cecilta) You know the wife o' the
smith.

CECILIA. Who is quite palsied?

CYP. She moves since this same morning arm and
legs.
What all the others' labour ne'er could complish.
This man in one brief minute did achieve.

CECILIA. Is 't possible ?

cyp. And there are stranger things.

Know'st thou the threshing-master's little daughter ?

JUSTINA. Who the past winter was struck sudden
dumb ?

CYP. Again she speaketh since he l)id her speak.

JUSTINA. How is 't all possible ?
102



PARACELSUS

CYP. By wizardry !

And I have asked myself, exti-eme amazed,
How you till now have \seaped the death of fire.

PARA. Patience, my honoured master ; time brings
counsel.

CYP. But that which most of all astounds me
Was that which you did practise on Medardus,
(Explaining) He made the lad into a slumber sink
By his eye's potency.

CECILIA. Just by your eyes ?

CYP. Then said he unto him — we all could hear it —
You are come homeward from a distant journey,
Through foreign lands, where you have much

adventured.
Tell us the tale thereof.

JUSTIN A. And he ?

CYP. Did tell !

jusTiNA. Of men, of things that he had never seen?

CYP. And of adventures that he never had.

jusTiXA. And he believed therein ?

PARA. Not longer than I wished.

I did again those dreams obliterate ;
And what he told to us, he knows no more.

CYP. Only yourself can what you gave redeem.

PARA. For sure.

CYP. And haply had you freed him not,

From those dreams which yourself had fashioned him?

PARA. His life long would he swear that it was true.

Stands np ; suddenly^ in an almost patheti<:
tone :

103



PARACELSUS

So much avail I ! Who avails so much ?
I can be destiny, if so I please.

c YP. Such stuff, good fellow, dupes the market-place.
Here, leave big words alone, an so you please :
Destiny comes from God, not sorcerers.
And what you work is madness — nowise truth.

PARA. More than the truth, which once was and
shall be.
Is madness, that which is . . . and rules the moment.
Did you avail the past years of your life,
Like written pages to unroll before you,
You scarcely would a single word interpret,
For Memory deceiveth like to Hope.
Alps mystery , . . the minute passed
As each successive one, only the moment
Is ours — and lo ! it flees away already.
Ponder but this — how every night compels us
To travel downwards to a foreign bourne,
Empties us of our potency and riches.
And how all life''s abundance and its guerdons
Are of far lesser puissance than the dreams
That do our helpless, unwilled sleep encounter.

CYP. And many a nightmare hath rid o'er my brain ;
Yet what avails it ? One wakes up afresh.
There comes the sun, the wholesome noise o** day.
One laughs at dreams and goes about one's work.
Only who striveth after nothingness.
Like you, will let a dream bewilder him.
For men like us, who know their own desires.
Fate only is what shows itself by day.
And doth not vanish when we ope our eyes,
104



PARACELSUS

Ay, men like you were very lief, forsooth.
To rase the limits 'twixt the night and day,
And place us all in gloaming and in doubt.
May God be thanked much is there that is certain,
A man like me stands aye on solid ground.
Holds safely what he hath, is just and strong.
And be assured we fear your like no whit.

PARA. Nor is your fear required. But you did wish
That I should heal the worthy lady's sickness.

CYP. Quite right.

CEC. Tm well . . . besides, I have a doctor.

CYP. Then let Justina tell you, she confides
In her more than in me.

JUSTINA. The girl is peevish,

Nigh melancholy.

CEC. Nay.

JUSTINA. At times she sigheth.

Tears also have I seen within her eyes.

PARA. And no one knoweth why ?

CEC I never weep.

PARA. My noble mistress, TU not question you.
The causes of your trouble will not probe,
I can away with every pain of yours.
Even without your naming me the reason.

CEC. Nay, nay.

CYP. Methinks it were well worth a trial.

PARA. A leech's questions oft are burdensome,
ril spare you that, and make you hale and well.

CEC. Take all my pain away ?

PARA. That will I do.

CEC. And then shall I be free ?
105



PARACELSUS

PARA. From every pang.

CEC. And shall be blithe ?

PAEA, And laugh the livelong day,

And understand not how you e'er were troubled.

CEC. Nay, I'll not laugh ; nay, I will not be blithe.

CYP. Come, let a body look upon this fool.
Verily, laughter is God's finest blessing.

PARA. An it please not the lady, we will leave her
To find the course of silent happiness.

CEC. I wish not happiness.

CYP. Thou dost not wish ?

JUSTiNA. What dost thou wish, then ?

CEC. To be left in peace.

PARA. It seems, my child, the pain oppressing you
Is steeped so deeply in a youthful joy
You would not lack it for the world. My counsel
Is, therefore — keep it truly in your heart.

cEciiJA runs axcay.
Scene VIII

.TUSTINA, CYPRIAN, PARACELSUS.

CYP. And there you smile no whit discomfited.
It seems the magic wand has gone astray,
And in my house your art fails utterly.

PARA. I rather deemed that it had shown itself,

CYP, Perchance your sorcery in the market too
Was well rehearsed with the quickly healed.
As for Medardus, why, I warrant you.
Some paltry groschen bought his services,

PARA. Maybe.

106



PARACELSUS

CYP. A leech you style you ; you're a vagrant,

Like others, too, who now and then have luck.

PARA. And so not worth your hospitality.
Farewell.

cyp. Oh, no ! You'll not escape so lightly.

jusTiNA. You see, my husband jests — you still are
welcome.

CYP, Truly ! Each guest according to his kind.
Marry, if such a man one home invites,
Then let him show his mettle. Why, the fiddlers,
What folk I have here in mine house at times.
They play to me — or else they enter not.

PARA. 'Tis true. I have not yet earned me this
drink.

He steps s^iddenhj hi front o/*j[jstina.

JUSTINA. What wish you .? . . .

She tries to lift herself and cannot.

CYP. Well ?

JUSTINA. I will. . . .

PARA. You cannot rise.

CYP. Is 't true ?

PARA. Be not afraid, Justina. Heavy

Are now your eyelids ; they do close.
You try to open — cannot move. You are
So tired — tired — very tired. Slumber comes ;
Your senses swoon from you. You slumber now {in

an almost incantatory tone)
Quite deep— ay, deep — so deep — you sleep — ^you
dream.

She falls asleep. Long pause,
107



PARACELSUS

CYP. Excellent — ay. But now then make herdi^eam.

PAEA. That will I do. And will with gentle words
Make her traverse a very destiny.
I call it so — you call it but a dream :
Are you contented ?

CYP. I am all agog.

What pity that I did not call the neighbours.
Yet could I now

PARA. Forbear; they would disturb.

He bends over her.

CYP. May I not list to what you're doing ?

PARA. No.

I wish to see you marvel utterly.
Empty this goblet — patience have till then.

CYP. Ay, but no longer.

He dtinks. paracelsus whispers some-
thing in justina's ear. The position
of the two is such that neither his nor
her face is visible,

PARA, (while CYPRIAN IS stUl drinlcing), I am

finished.
CYP. {putting down the goblet). Well ?
PARA. Awake, Justina ! — wake !
CYP. Justina !

PARA. ( jirmly). Wake !

JUSTINA stares at them both,, and finally
at CYPRIAN, gives a shrieh^ and runs
away into her chamber^ which she bolts
on the inside,
108



PARACELSUS

CYP. {is at first speechless). Justina ! {To Para-
celsus) Tell me what this signifies !
What have you done? , , . {At the door) Justina!

{To Paracelsus) Doth she flee me ?
What was it you did whisper in her ear ?

PARA. Nay, calm yourself, for it is all in play !
She loves you, too, as much as ever.

CYP. Why

Fled she away ? With such a glance ! — Justina !
PARA. Tarry ! She loves you, yet remorse now

racks

CYP. Remorse ?

PARA. Ay, so.

CYP. Explain you, an you please.

PARA, {after a short pause), A pretty stripling, who

just took his leave

CYP. A pretty — who .^

PARA. Anselm, methinks, his name

CYP. What hath he, then .?

PARA. What often gallants have.

CYP. She dreams, perchance, that she the gallant
loves ?
An evil jest, forsooth.

PARA. What a conceit !

CYP. Well, then ? Why did she flee me ? Tell

it quickly !
PARA. Well, since she dreams — withal — what

troubles you ?
CYP. Tell me ; I wish to know it.
PARA. Well, she dreams

That she in Anselm's arms was rocked to rest.
109



PARACELSUS

cvp. That he

PAHA. The gallant did possess her e'en as you.

CYP. You gave that phantasy unto her.

PARA. Ay.

CYP. Then is your jest — make it undone (At

the door) Justina ! {very cmxious),

PAHA. A dream, good sir — what signifies it more 't
You know far better — ^you are living Life.

CYP. You could have other trials of your art
Elected. See how you have tortured her.
Speedily free her from the evil dream.

PARA. Why is it evil ? It is sweet, perchance !

CYP. You are an insolent ! Justina, listen ! {at
the door).
She's bolted now her chamber door.

PARA. Farewell.

CYP. You are not in your senses. Tarry here.
You damned juggler, and conclude the jest !
It doth suffice.

PARA, {passionately/). Nay, it sufficeth not !
Do you preserve Justina as she is.
Guiltless, and verily guilty since she thinks it.
Most chaste — and verily unchaste, for her senses
Tingle with memory of wild delights.
So I will leave your faithful wife to you.

CYP. You''re crazy, and shall verily atone,
That you on me, on Master Cyprian,
Should dare so insolent a jest — —

PARA. A jest ?

When I see women of such quality,
Who should make happy men of mighty souls,
110



PARACELSUS

On such a lout, as you are, thrown away,

I feel anew embittered ! And that she,

The woman once beloved by Paracelsus,

And whom they — after counsel — gave to you.

As though her life thus found its consummation

CYP. Ay, unto me — not such a beggar as you.
In sooth ! such damsels are for men like us.

PARA. I know it, they're for you ; yet I know also,
One day with me fulfills a deeper yearning
Than fifty years with such an one as you.

CYP. Why boast you thus ? As happy as a woman
Can verily be, is she, these thirteen years
Spent by my side.

PAiiA. But are you certain of it ?

Since 'tis of men like you the natural gift.
Creatures of light approaching near you.
Into your sphere of dull and wretched smugness
Downwards to draw — think you, her home is here ?
She'*s nothing but your guest here — even as I.
Wasted I see too nmch of loveliness
On a gorged insolence that plumes itself.
It is an outrage on the law of nature.
And I strive what amendment I may compass.

CYP. {furious). If you believed that verily, damned
villain.
Why not compel her to go hence with you.
Since now you have her by your power enchanted ?

PARA. I am no thief. You judge me ill. I wish
From you to take her, yet to no one give her.
Pure shall she bide — for you alone besmirched.
Therefore . . . farewell.

Ill



PARACELSUS

CYr. You shall without delay

Finish forthwith the witchcraft.

PARA. Nay . . . farewell.

CYP. Remain you here !

PARA. Who can command me ?

CYP. I !

I will have you imprisoned, will impeach you
For sorcery.

PARA. Why, do so. I have leisure.

CYP. They'd throw you down into a noisome
dungeon.

PARA. I shall be silent, and Justina's dream
Preserve for ever.

CYP. They shall torture you.

Ay, they shall kill you.

PARA. And the final hope

With me, that yonder dream can ever finish,
For no one lives who can deliver her.

CYP. Madman ! Justina, come to me . . . Justina,
Dost hear me not ?

JUSTINA {from within). O grace !

CYP. Unlock the door !

Justina !

He draws his sword^ shatters the door to
pieces^ draws out justina, who hides her
face,

JUSTINA. Grace !

CYP. Have fear of nothing, wife.

JUSTINA. I know full well thy goodness.
CYP. Thou art guiltless.

112



PARACELSUS

jusTiNA. Oh, mock me not.

CYP. Thou dreamest. Thou art guiltless.

JUSTINA. Oh, would 'twere true ! I shudder at my-
self.
I see myself within his arms, and feel
His kisses burn on neck and lips and cheeks

CYP. It is not true ! The wizard

JUSTINA. Ay, thou owest

To him thou knowst the truth.

CYP. It is not true !

Yet once again I turn to you — I know
I have insulted you^ you damned varlet,
And do so still. I in your power have faith —
You see I must have faith therein — but now
Let it suffice, prithee ! Finish this torture,
ril let you go scot-free — nay, glorify
In every place your most especial art,
But work it quickly that my wife awaken.

JUSTINA, I am awake. How strangely thou dost
speak !
For heaven's sake ! if so it be my guilt
Obscure your senses — Paracelsus, help !

CYP. Dost now entreat him that he should —

JUSTINA. Forgive,

Cyprian, forgive ! 'Tis verily passed —

1 will be now to you the best o' wives !

A moment just of weakness hath it been ;

It ne'er shall come again, be thou assured.

Yet then there shone the moon so strangely bright.

The perfume from our lilac bushes wafted,

And I was all alone i' the summer-house.

I iia



PARACELSUS

PARA. But further.

cvp. Silence.

JusTiNA. Let all now be told.

'Tis for the best.

CYP. I will not hear it.

PARA. Let her —

Who knows what you shall feel !

CYPRIAN is much overcome.

JUSTINA. I was alone

r the summer-house — and thou wert in the tavern.

PARA, Wert never there ?

CYP. What man hath never been ?

JUSTINA. And then he came — and took me by the
hand —
And kissed me — and did speak such fiery words —
And then— and then O Cyprian, forgive!

CYP. Naught is there to forgive ! Thou dream'st !

PARA, {meaningly). Who knows ?

CYP. You know ^t as I do !

PARA. Is she not a woman ?

Anselm a man ? Is there no summer-house ?

CYP. You — say

PARA. And if it verily were the truth

That I have simply shaken from her heart?

CYP. Why, you gave her the madness — yet you
doubt ?

PARA. I am a wizard merely — she''s a woman !

CYP. You made me mad.

PARA. Who will vouchsafe to us

To know if this her dream was not as well her life ?
114



PARACELSUS

CYP. You think, Jastina {he hastens to her).

PARA, (to himself). Doth the ironic flood

Of mine own magic close over mine head ?
And the dividing limits e'en for me
Run into one another ?

Scene IX

CYPIIIAN, JUSTINA, PARACELSUS. AXSELM COtJieS, JUSTINA

ffives a shriek, anselm starts and looks at them
all. CYPRIAN and paracelsus observe him. Pause.
He attempts to approach justina,

Q,\i\ {stopping in front of Anselm). She hath con-
fessed it

ANSELM. What ?

PARA. How he doth quail !

JUSTINA. Out of my sight !

ANSELM. In what have I offended ?

cYP. She hath confessed. So mind, you tell no
lies!

ANSELM. Justina !

JUSTINA. Go ! I will not see you morc.

You took from me the peace of mine own soul,
Destroyed the gladness of our happy hearth,
Ruined too much for but a fleeting bliss !
How burns my soul with very shame, that I
Became the victim of your wanton youth
And mine unguarded senses. Woe for me.
That e^er I stepped into the summer-house.

ANSELM {frightened). For God's sake, hold your
peace 1 You talk haphazard !
115



PARACELSUS

CYP. {draws his szivrd). Confess !

jusTiNA. Confess !

PAUA. Confess !

ANSELM. Naught have I to confess.

CYP. Dwells no more boldness in your craven heart
Than what sufficeth to approach a woman ?

ANSELM. Justina, this revenge lacks graciousness.

CYP. What, is't revenge that she is penitent ?
Caitiff!

ANSELM. Your sword I will encounter
At any assignation ; yet vouchsafe me
First to declare that my offence is slight.
No more I did than love your beauteous wife,
And dare to speak to her thereof.

CYP. But further ! — further !

ANSELM. That is all !

JUSTINA. But nay !

Hell spare me . . . oh, will you not comprehend
That this is all in vain ? — for I myself
In deep remorse confessed to my spouse.

ANSELM (suddenly to Paracelsus). This is your
machination, damned wizard !

CYP. Leave him in peace, I pray ! I owe him
much.
He brought the truth unto this house of lies ;
He is my friend, and I do crave his pardon.

PARA. Nay, softly ! As a medley of bright jewels,
Some false, some true, the last hour'^s fullness lies
Fully displayed ; but what to cast away
And what to keep as profit, have I knowledge
At present just as little — as yourselves.
U6



PARACELSUS

And more for mine own self than for your favour
I will the skein unravel that I wove.
Justina ! Slumber !

ANSELM. I am all at sea !

PAEA. {Jirrtily), Sleep you !

CYP. What will you ?

PARA. Slumber deep, Justina,

Ay, deep — quite deep — to sleep — so is it good !

JUSTINA has sunk motionless on to the chair,

PARA. Justina ! Do you hear me ?

JUSTINA {sleepily). I do hear.

PARA. Then mark you well! You have forgotten all
That passed from that same minute when I first
Sunk you in sleep, until the next when I
Shall bid you be awake — and this last hour
I hunt from out your mind, as though 't had never

been ;
And now

CYP. And now ? What help is all o' this,

If she awakens and this hour shall vanish
From out her memory ? What know I, then.
If she in dreaming spoke perchance the truth !

PARA. There I avail. Justina, mark ! One thing
I do enjoin — be true when you awake,
So true as ne'er before — be you so true.
Nay, truer than your wont to your own self.
That like a clear flood i' the gleaming sun
Your soul shall shine transparent to its bottom.
Until the even of this pregnant day
Free you from this last speech of sorcery.
117



PARACELSUS

CYP. But why to even only ?
PAUA. It sufficeth.

You shall rejoice you that the sun shall set,
Though she be best out of all womankind.

ANSELM. This riddle\s solving vainly I would

compass.
PARA. Awake, Justina ... be you true . . .

awake !
JUSTINA {opens her eyes and speaks at once^ as
though nothing had happened). Now say — how
long will you yet stare at me ?
In vain — your magic worketh not at all.
Nay ! had your gaze still as much potency
As in the days when you \vere Hohenheim —
I mean, for me— but that is long since over.
Oh, gallant Ansel m — how came you in, pray ?
I heard you not ! Bid you adieu to us ?

ANSELM. You know . , . Justina

JUSTINA. It is good you leave.

And I shall first breathe truly w^hen you're

home
In your sire's castle.

ANSELM. You ... do mean ?

JUSTINA. 'Tis time !

Had you one single night more tarried.
Then had we parted far less innocent ;
Still feel I the last quiver of my youth,
Spring flattereth and beauty lures withal.
I'is well, then, that you go as swift you can.
For oh ! what would have been the finish of 't ?
A little bliss and aye much pain and sorrow,
118



PARACELSUS

All that is spared to me. As a true wife (to cypriaN;

I can still look thee in thine eyes,

An thou dost guard me, thou canst trust in me.

CYP. By God, that will I do !

JUSTIN A. A peaceful bliss,

Although not over-ardent, stilPs the best.

Scene X

CYPRIAN, .TUSTINA, PARACELSUS, ANSELM, Enter CECILIA.

ANSELM {very glad when cecilia comes). My noble
damsel, that again I see you
Affords much pleasure. I do take my leave —
I take my leave for ever now of Basel.
CEc. (smiling). So 'tis in earnest ?
.TUSTINA. Smilest thou ? — 'tis right,

A childish dream departs. My case thou seest.
CEC. What says she then withal ?
.TUSTINA. Sweet child, thou wilt

Have soon forgot the pretty gentleman,

ANSELM. Cecilia , , , nay . , , I feel as

PARA. Listen well.

CEC. Justina . . . Brother . . . (hegging for help),
CYP. Hush ! She is inspired.

JUSTINA. See {looking at paracelsus), yonder man
I held most verily dear.
Ah, long ago — O Cyprian, how long ?
When you went hence those thirteen years ago
Without farewell or word of coming back
I thought I'd die perforce. Had you that night,
That very night in which you left the city,
X18



PARACELSUS

Again returned — oh, I had everything
That you had craved for given joyfully,
Although I knew full well the coming morrow
Took you for ever from me ! So I loved you !
Who knows how many windows in the city
Open each night for one who never comes ?

CYP. What do I hear? Oh, may the sun sink
soon



CEC. Justina-



jusTiNA. Theophrastus, think you still of it ?

Yet see how all things somehow shape for good ;
To-day I do thank God you left the city
That night, and that your courage failed you.
What then were I to-day ? While unto you
The unbounded world with all its fame belonged,
Ruined Fd sit at home in shame and mockery —
Ay, Cyprian, so easy hadst thou lost me !
And not an inkling hadst — as is thy way.
Thinking that once I was betrothed to thee
Thou wast assured of my affection.
Marry ! on many a night hadst thou but felt
How far from thee I was — truly ! less proud
Hadst thou felt of the woman in thine arms.
Yet strong avails the present conquering
With little toil its greatest foe, the past —
And so thou wonnest me, my Cyprian,
And I am thine, and so would fain remain.
CYP. But now the far-off Past is here again,
jusTiNA. Aye ... it is he — yet is 't not he ! Nigh
seems
Twixt him and me a wider, deeper gulf
12q



PARACELSUS

Than me from any other doth divide,

As one who would betoken — yet is not.

He stands by me — a shadow of my youth.

And even so, my sister, be assured,

With thee and Anselm shall it come to pass.

Thou wilt smile at the folly which to-day

Seemeth life'^s essence

ANSELM {affected). Say not folly — no !

The fool was I — yet I dare not a word !
This hour appears to me full marvellous,
With pregnant truth it flashes and it gleams.
Who wrought it — I surmise ; what way he did it —
I have no power to fathom ; yet I know
That e^en in me a comprehension stirs.
And that I sorely erred, my wanton eye
To raise against an honourable dame.
Pray pardon of your grace my youthful pride.
My noble master, and stretch out your hand.
My erst distraction passeth by degrees.
Much comprehend I — and the clouds now vanish.

He looks at cecilia.



Scene XI

Previous characters^ copus.

copus {still at the door). I greet you all. Knows
yet your noble circle
The last intelligence ?

GYP. Allow me first — (introducing)

Sir Doctor Copus, town physician here

121



PARACELSUS

copus (bowing). Sir Theophrastus Hohenheim