Characters

• Caligula
• Claudius
• Protogenus
• Afranius
• Cherea
• Caius Lepidus
• Annius Minucianus
• Cornelius Sabinus
• Aquila
• Bibulus
• Apelles
• The City Praetor
• A Lictor
• A Soldier
• A Porter
• A Freedman
• A Bath Attendant
• Captain/Commander of the Praetorians
• A Soldier
• A Mendicant
• A Slave
• Messalina
• Stella
• Junia
• Phoebe
• Senators, Clients, Soldiers, Slaves, etc.

PROLOGUE

A street giving on the forum. A barber shop to the left front. On the door the sign "Bibulus Barber." Further to the left the Mansion of the Consul Afranius. Mid stage on the right, a small house belonging to Messalina. In the middle, the Sacred Way giving on the Temples of Fortune and Jupiter the Destroyer. In the rear the Tarpeian Rock.

(Protogenus, two guards and two slaves enter from the right crossing the stage and knocking on the door of the barber, Bibulus.)

PROTOGENUS

Hola! Barber. Hola! Get up.

ONE OF THE GUARDS

The poor fellow is probably asleep dreaming how Jupiter Strator will give him his golden beard.

PROTOGENUS

More reason to wake him if he's in the midst of a sacrilegious dream. Hey! The door!

ONE OF THE GUARDS

(ready to rap with the pummel of his sword)

Shall I force it?

(Bibulus opens his window.)

PROTOGENUS

Lucky for him, eh?

BIBULUS

Sorry. I'm coming, Your Excellency.

(He shuts his window at the same moment Messalina's door opens and a Nubian slave pokes his head out and examines what's going on in the street.)

PROTOGENUS

As soon as he appears in the doorway, don't wait for him to come out -- each of you seize his arm.

(Bibulus opens the door and is immediately pulled by the two guards.)

PROTOGENUS

Come here!

BIBULUS

Master! In the name of the gods what do you want here? I am a poor man, obscure. I have done nothing to enrage Caesar. Consider, Masters, this cannot be.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar doesn't glance so low. He bears to heaven a face, radiant and superb - other eyes, look under the bushes for impure insects that vainly attempt to rise towards him to cause annoyance.

BIBULUS

(rapidly)

Yes, Caesar is a God! Jupiter is his father. Diana his wife and each knows that never by a mad or imperious word would I dare to offend his divinity. I swear by Caesar and by his Sister Drusilla, that the emperor has no more docile slave than this poor barber who kneels before you and trembling, embraces your knees.

PROTOGENUS

There's nothing for you to fear at the moment.

BIBULUS

(rising)

Oh!

PROTOGENUS

No, but they tell me, friend, that your shop is always full of fashionable young men who require your talents -- and the place has become the rendezvous of young insolents whose imprudent tongues in frivolous conversations criticize Caesar's words and deeds.

BIBULUS

And who in Rome would dare to speak imprudently of the divine Emperor?

PROTOGENUS

I don't know, but misfortune awaits those who have so much audacity! I will go into your house to establish myself in your place. My work is enhanced by luck. Today is the day of Caesar's triumph. I reason that on this occasion the crowd will form in the forum, avid for the spectacle. Around the milestone of gold, the center of the universe, all the many diverse populations will press. So perhaps in serving this confused melange, I will stop some strange word in its flight. The type, they tell me, that sometimes echoes through your house in a low voice.

BIBULUS

Do as you will for Caesar is master. Caesar, like the Gods, enjoys the right to know everything. Caesar distinguishes crime from error. Hail Caesar! Caesar is a great emperor.

PROTOGENUS

Go!

(Protogenus enters Bibulus shop. The guards take Bibulus along. Protogenus shuts the door after himself.)

(The Nubian Slave who was watching from Messalina's house returns to the door.)

SLAVE

They are gone. The street is empty. Lord, you can go.

CHEREA

When, oh, my beauty, can I sleep between your cherished arms until dawn without worrying that some slave seated at our door to count the moments that pleasure brings us, will come to tell me when I awake an hour before dawn beside you. "Go young man, go - get up - time presses you. You must separate from your beautiful mistress for already in the east the morning star glows." Oh, when will I in my peaceful love, like a farm laborer with his agile scythe see the corn fall on top of itself, and not leave his field until it has been completely mowed?

Let heaven give me a joy unmixed. As it gives it to the ardent wine grower at his harvest who from morning to night gathers from his lost vine the ripe raisin hanging from its suspended face.

And will I never have this joy to which I aspire, like a fisherman who receives his boat for an empire, but who, so long as it pleases him, sails the bitter waves, and 20 times throws his nets into the sea?

Oh, this sweet leisure that man envies the gods, and that I would buy with ten years of my life. Goddess of my heart, oh! Tell me when fate will grant it to me?

MESSALINA

When Caesar is dead.

CHEREA

Oh, what! Always mixing bloody words with kisses suspended from our burning lips -- and to make each moment shine in my view, in your eye vengeance, and in my hand the dagger. Oh you ought to do better, delight of my soul. Entirely given to love through which women reign even at the instant I were to do it for you. Oh, you should forget everything for me, who at a word from your cherished mouth, will leave his friends, relatives, life. My consular eagle and my old veterans, brothers who have seen me born and grow in their ranks! Do you want to change, fleeing this funereal Rome in a treasure of love. Which remains to us in the future? Leave your old husband and your royal lover. To sustain us, we can easily find some distant and profound retreat.

MESSALINA

Caesar extends his arm and touches the end of the world.

CHEREA

Caesar, always Caesar! He is returning today and I am going so that you may be better with him. Here are the thoughts which break, which torture, and render senseless those who suffer from them. Oh, you don't love me, cruel one, you who can leave me without dying -- a single heart between us two.

MESSALINA

Believe me, Caesar never consults my wishes. Caesar demanded my love or my life. He has obtained neither the one nor the other in his brutal desire -- but in its place he has received a more fatal gift. And since that moment, his abused luxury has caressed my hate disguised as pleasure. You complain when you could avenge yourself, senseless one! Tribune, know the spot where a sword's point can open in the body a passage to the soul. Know that only by accomplishing my resolute plans will Olympus soon have one god the more. Caesar in heaven, there's nothing to fear on earth. No more terrors, no more. mysteries -- no more coming between us to trouble our pleasures, except the ghost of a spouse without rights or desires, who left in a base orgy to sleep each night on a shameful table will never think, drunk until morning, to look for another bed other than the one of feasting. Then, my Cherea, no longer the importunate slave who troubles those few moments given us by Fortune, and who takes, before the hour (frightening our love) the light of the moon for the rays of day. Then to the mower - an unparalleled harvest. Then to the wine grower the treasurers of his wine. Then to the handsome fisherman who sails toward me: An ocean of love.

CHEREA

Very well, Caesar will die.

SLAVE

(running)

They are coming by the side door, reenter quickly, mistress.

MESSALINA

(pulled off by the slave)

Goodbye, my Cherea! I love you.

(She goes in.)

CHEREA

Enchantress. To deceive yourself in love is, they say, bad. I accept the challenge: That's fine, the more tricky, the better.

(Cherea hides by the door; Annius Minucianus, Cornelius Sabinus, Caius Lepidus enter crowned with flowers, their clothes messed up and laughing raucously.)

CHEREA

Who are these young fools?

ANNIUS

Let Ceberus take me off, if I don't see there, by a doorway something which takes human form.

SABINUS

Hey! Who goes there at night on the Roman highway?

LEPIDUS

It is to cut purses or to search for caresses -- or do you come to steal our gold or our mistresses?

SABINUS

Your name, quickly, your name, for we are in a hurry.

CHEREA

Patience, lords. I don't know enough to answer you yet -- who are you -- I will tell you my name when I know yours.

LEPIDUS

That's very fair; and Minerva has spoken through your voice. Listen -- the one you see to my right -- or that you can't see for this miserly night is black enough to defy the mug of a Tartar -- He's Annius, his father and mine used to be friends, moreover, republicans, I think -- wait -- yes, that's it. I pride myself on being precise. Do you know what the Republic was? Say it, if by chance you remember.

As for the rest, old Romans, more noble than Caesar and who descends right from the first stone which Deucalion threw behind him. This one now, who's on my left here -- Where the deuce are you? Look, get over here -- this other one who's hand is looking to touch mine -- this is Sabinus, Praetorian, Tribune. I have to admit it; he's a new man. But he's elegant, the kind they call a dandy. He lisps while talking, puts on beauty spots, wears rouge. Which doesn't prevent him going to some ignoble pothouse with libertines, every night to play at dice and drinking wine. For the rest, full of spirit, but also some infamy, those who play the clown are adored by women. And whoever is a father, spouse or lover, must never take their eyes off them for a single moment. As for me, who portray them for you, I, your servant, who although Roman, wear Persian costume (for the reason, my dear fellow, that it is more elegant and keep you warm in winter) my name is Lepidus, my father made me go to Athens more than 3 years ago with a pedagogue named Callisthenes and there I studied very hard. You see! But wisdom writes in nature and then in the immense work signed by Epicurus, I philosophized so long and so well, that I doubt everything and believe nothing -- if it's not pleasant, except the divine flame -- that Jupiter has put in wine and woman -- beaten from a hurricane sent by the gods and the proof is that my professor drowned, day before yesterday, after I touched the port of Ostia to feast my return -- we left to go together to the tavern for supper yesterday evening which being accomplished as you can see -- we spent our nights with the most beautiful -- with -- the divine what's her name -- some priests of Cybile makers of coffins, some Jews, some jugglers.

Still, Rome has the best thieves. In such a way that leaving the pothouse in good cheer we didn't want to go home to our hearth gods without beating up some night cohorts. That occupation has brought us here. So indeed finding ourselves near the shop of the barber Bibulus near the old forum, we decided to watch Caesar pass, who, this morning, dear fellow, by chance is triumphing.

Ah! Ah! Ah! How amusing life is and how Jupiter must have laughed when he created men.

And now, dear fellow, no longer having any more reasons to refuse to tell us your names, speak, as I have done: without fear or mystery.

CHEREA

You are mistaken, I must still be silent for you are not known well enough to me. And now that I know you better, I find my incognito necessary.

SABINUS

Oh! The joke changes its face. It has two faces like Janus -- that's fine. One laughs, the other bites; man's face and dog's face.

CHEREA

Will you let me pass?

ANNIUS

The thing is impossible.

CHEREA

Take care!

SABINUS

(laughing)

Ah, ah, ah -- his rage is laughable.

CHEREA

(drawing his sword)

Get back!

LEPIDUS

(to Annius)

What do you say to this threatening tone?

CHEREA

I told you I was going to pass and I prove it by passing.

(He slips between Annius and Lepidus.)

LEPIDUS

(falling in the arms or Annius who holds him)

What are you doing?

ANNIUS

(pointing to Cherea)

Cherea, the lover of Messalina.

LEPIDUS

That's another matter then. Before you I bow. You who press happily such a rich treasure in your loving arms -- I want to merit favors as great. At this door also hang garlands -- and pour balm on this doorstep -- and odorous myrrh -- and perfume, yes, from tonight.

SABINUS

Excuse me! From the moment that the orgy degenerates into an idyll and turns into an elgy -- then I want no more of it. Good day. Near here I know an honest place where one can gamble -- and I am going there.

LEPIDUS

Do you have need of money?

SABINUS

Several thousand sesterces, resulting from my bartering a produce of my commerce -- with a usurer, who, on pawn, my dear, lends me 20 per hundred. Huh! It's not very expensive for who knows what the interest rate is in Rome? I want to introduce you one day to this brave man. Where will I find you?

LEPIDUS

Here, at the barber's facing the object of my new ardor.

(exit Sabinus)

ANNIUS

Listen, Lepidus, of the three of us -- without argument, the most drunk -- it's me.

LEPIDUS

So be it.

ANNIUS

You want to live? You want to die? Choose!

LEPIDUS

Me?

ANNIUS

You!

LEPIDUS

Bad joke!

ANNIUS

Answer.

LEPIDUS

I much prefer to live.

ANNIUS

Then -- let's get out of here.

LEPIDUS

Me? Go without seeing this divine woman?

ANNIUS

Fool, Who asks to see the Messalina! Oh, thrice fool!

LEPIDUS

Look, as in all places, merit brings the envious after it.

ANNIUS

Why don't you know who she is, this woman?

LEPIDUS

I know that her beautiful body incases a flaming heart -- and that cupid -- to whom all fates are known gives her to be a priestess to his mother, Venus.

ANNIUS

Well, then, it is I who must tell you the rest. Listen: better for you to be like Orestes, having by an execrable, odious crime amassed on your head the rage of the gods than by some profane desire to have the devouring glance of that courtesan fall on you. Believe me, don't stop to extend your hand to ill luck which follows on the other side of the street. Fear this woman with somber eyes, pale lips and who was born, they say, on the fatal Ides. For do not think, child, that this love will be a joyous amour that sings in broad day. A love that, in the evening, as the resinous fire leads to your door the Tibicine Flute -- and who weary with joy -- wakens the day on a bed all covered with festive roses. Not so, friend! These are taciturn amours seeking strange and nocturnal voluptuaries who go from pleasure to pleasure which exhaust sometimes but never satisfy -- which hide in the shadows leaving infamy in their path -- some unknown body of a child, man or woman, for the Tiber already, accomplice to prudent waves, washes into the sea the head, a gag in its teeth. Believe me, don't tempt the plots she hatches. We have enough of tigers without she-wolves.

LEPIDUS

What are you saying?

ANNIUS

I tell you what everyone will whisper to you -- or rather no, won't tell you. For none of us knows anything except that at first light the dawn opens its joyous eyelid -- in that cursed prison cell or some pious tomb, the night, captive or dead, closes it's eyes. So that one who knows the peril, if he confronts it, soon frees his most faithful slave and puts a short and discreet sword under his tunic, having without cease an assassin quite ready, who, -- on the occasion, with a prompt and sure hand recognizing the executioner saves himself from torture. Yes, because we are incessantly spied on -- spied on by the waves which wash over our feet, spied on by the birds which pass over our heads, spied on by the serpent which flees and leaves no trace, by the shrubs of the plain and the trees in the woods -- all find a sound, a language, a voice to repeat to their wild masters the conspiracy that a dream murmured in our mouths. You doubt?

LEPIDUS

Yes.

ANNIUS

It's true. You will see.

LEPIDUS

Terror makes you crazy, my dear fellow -- I really think the emperor is sometimes disposed to make Rome tremble, but, in the end, the Emperor is a man born of a woman and who being born, like others is nourished on milk not blood. If he's a tiger, then he must be chained up.

ANNIUS

It's clear, poor fool, that you're just returned from Athens and you haven't seen, as we have, with your own eyes his wrath mount from men even to the gods. Yes, he was a child like other children -- his soul opened to human feelings -- but this woman by some dark design has poured in his cup a love potion which has rendered him senseless. So much so that it is no longer Caesar but Messalina who reigns on the Palatine, the royal hill! That's why you must doubly flee her glance. Incestuous mirror burning so that Caesar cannot see -- blinded by the fire of her eye. Among all the lovers who fall before her Cherea alone remains -- because she's attached to him and lets him live in some hidden place.

LEPIDUS

Well, so be it! Such advice my prudence foresaw -- renounce her love but not her sight.

(Messalina's gate opens.)

ANNIUS

Heaven! your fatal desire is fulfilled. There's Messalina who is going to pass by. Look at her, I've done what I can. You are free to follow her.

(Messalina reclining on a litter of purple and golden flowers lit from the inside by a lantern with golden designs, carried by four slaves -- of which the first two have collars and bridles of gold and preceded by a Nubian slave, enters.)

(Messalina crosses the stage.)

MESSALINA

How sweet this night is -- and how it sweetens life.

(She leaves by the left.)

ANNIUS

She reenters the palace without inconvenience. That's well -- the sun can now appear in the firmament.

(Protegenus in barber attire enters his shop -- then the concierge of the house of Afranius. A beggar. People coming to ask for the dole -- young Romans coming to be shaved, coiffered and depilitated.)

LEPIDUS

Now that I've completed my dream, Annius, shall we go wake up Bibulus?

ANNIUS

He's up already.

(Protegenus leaves the shop and has the two slaves raise the windbreaker -- which is shut -- with an iron chain. He comes toward the two young men.)

PROTOGENUS

Greetings, knights.

LEPIDUS

Good morning, master.

(to Annius)

Shall we go get a hair cut?

ANNIUS

So be it.

PROTOGENUS

Masters, I am all yours. A moment only to put my shop in order.

(laughing)

Let's put the irons in the fire, that's the way to do things.

LEPIDUS

Do you want to tell me why such a crowd was here at the break of day?

ANNIUS

You see, they came to ask the dole of the noble Afranius, the consul.

LEPIDUS

By Hercules! Another whose exploits I search vainly for and whose name I hear for the first time. Who is this man? Is he a Moor? A Gaul? A Scythe? Has he fallen from heaven or risen from Hell? Has he a family, a father, ancestors?

ANNIUS

I really think he has. His relatives are gods -- gods they must be for the honors he seeks. His father's name is Pride, his mother Intrigue.

(The Consul's Doorkeeper opens the gate and pushes back the crowd. He holds a purse in his hand.)

GATEKEEPER

Hola! Jokers! Hola -- you're in a big hurry! Back off there milord ____ --! Get back! You, pass. Pass noble Cassius -- you will find my master. As for you, wait till it pleases him to appear.

LEPIDUS

(continuing)

And how did he gain the consulate? Was it by debauchery or embezzlement? Did he sell his sister, prostitute his daughter -- or loan money to the brother of Drusilla.

ANNIUS

No -- better than all that. The noble Afranius, offered himself as a victim like Curtius!

LEPIDUS

As a victim?

ANNIUS

Yes, my dear, oh -- it's quite a scandal -- so funny, my word, that it is hard to believe.

LEPIDUS

Is it long?

ANNIUS

No.

LEPIDUS

Then tell it.

ANNIUS

The divine Emperor, Caesar Caligula was struck by an illness of which no one knew the cause. Which was heading straight towards his apotheosis, and despite the honors that awaited him above, he appeared uneager to go to heaven quite so soon. So that, like the nymph Pyrene each courtier's eye changed to a fountain, and amongst all those eyes the ones which wept the most were those of the future consul, Afranius. So that seeing himself almost dissolving into a river, he cried, "Jupiter answer my prayer -- take my days and for them give us those of Caesar." Whether the offering pleased Heaven or be it pure chance -- or that the doctor, master of his sublime art had worried the victim, from this moment Caesar, who was marching toward death, suspended the voyage and returned to himself. So ravished was he to see the celestial light, that he made Afranius consul for his prayer.

(Enter Lictors.)

LEPIDUS

Isn't he going to leave? I notice the lictors.

ANNIUS

Yes, doubtless with the senator, he'll go to the temple with the emperor to consult the auspices.

AFRANIUS

Romans, don't doubt it. The gods are propitious. Hurry to the temples -- let joyous festoons hang from the columns and pediments. With golden armor dress the statues! Spread flowers and perfume through the streets. In our walls Caesar returns today as conqueror. Long live Caesar. Caesar is a great emperor.

(He leaves followed by Lictors and clients.)

THE PEOPLE

Long live Caesar!

PROTOGENUS

Lords, are you ready?

LEPIDUS

Doubtless.

PROTOGENUS

Master, will you be seated?

LEPIDUS

Very willingly.

(pushing away the hand of a slave who wants to put a sheet around his neck)

Bibulus give me the pincers and the mirror and I will depilate myself.

PROTOGENUS

Without a razor?

LEPIDUS

Without a razor.

(Protogenus gives them to him.)

LEPIDUS

This is very good.

PROTOGENUS

What type of coiffure do you intend to have, master?

LEPIDUS

I want it to fall in ringlets on my shoulder.

PROTOGENUS

(to a slave hair dresser)

You understand?

ANNIUS

Do you have the Daily Acts?

PROTOGENUS

(giving them to him)

Yes, Lord --

LEPIDUS

(pulling out hair)

That's very good -- read it to us -- it will distract us.

A BEGGAR

(holding a bowl in his hand)

(his head is shaved, he leans on a stick covered by bands -- he wears a small picture representing a shipwreck on his neck hanging by a chain)

Master, I beg you to have some pity on a poor shipwrecked person who lived for six months after all his wealth was submerged near Cape Pachynum by a frightful storm which he only escaped by swimming and who wears on his neck -- faithfully painted the reproduction of that event.

BATHBOY

(shouting)

To the bath, Lord, to the bath.

BEGGAR

(shouting)

Oh, my master, oh!

LEPIDUS

(giving him a coin)

Here, joker.

BEGGAR

Some gold!

(kisses the coin)

ANNIUS

(reading the date of the Daily Acts)

January the 5th -- already five days old!

PROTOGENUS

These are the latest.

LEPIDUS

Come on, read it anyway.

ANNIUS

(reading)

"Two twins were yesterday exposed at Velabri. A rich merchant coming from Calabria -- and having no child -- adopted them both."

LEPIDUS

The honest man.

ANNIUS

(continuing)

The banker Posthumous, after going bankrupt was surprised last night as he reached the great highway then taken to the urban Praetor and imprisoned.

LEPIDUS

Thief.

BATHBOY

To the bath, Milord, to the bath.

ANNIUS

(continuing)

"On the 21st of January, the day the Senate meets after the priests have offered sacrifice, Caesar, Imperator and all powerful lord, will return to Rome -- "

LEPIDUS

This is interesting.

ANNIUS

"Conqueror of Britain and Germany --"

LEPIDUS

(looking at himself in the mirror)

By Jupiter, that's a strange mania because one is the son of a soldier, a warrior -- to want in his turn to be covered with laurels. Wearing laurels was good for Caesar -- bald to his neck -- but not for Caius who wears a wig.

ANNIUS

(terrified)

Lepidus!

PROTOGENUS

(stopping him)

Not a word!

LEPIDUS

(still pulling out his beard)

Huh?

ANNIUS

Nothing.

LEPIDUS

Are you reading very low?

ANNIUS

No -- I finished.

LEPIDUS

Why?

ANNIUS

Because I am tired.

LEPIDUS

Tired?

ANNIUS

Yes, tired! What more do you want me to say?

PROTOGENUS

(taking the manuscript)

My master, would it please you if I read in his place?

LEPIDUS

Surely, I intend to finish what I've begun.

(to Sabinus who enters)

By Hercules, my dear fellow, you come at a good time. We were resting for the ceremony.

PROTOGENUS

(reading)

"Conqueror of Britain and Germany bringing to decorate the temple of our gods -- 20 chariots full of precious objects which he despoiled from the most distant shores -- "

LEPIDUS

Four sacks of pebbles and sea shells.

PROTOGENUS

And bringing after him, like Germanicus the proud children of the North chained and conquered.

LEPIDUS

Yes, we know that -- it was after dinner, that Caesar gave this famous battle, where 60 Gauls disguised as Germans fell living into his valiant hands. Is that all?

PROTOGENUS

(going into his shop)

Yes, that's all.

BEGGAR

(rising and passing near Lepidus)

Take care of yourself young man. There are more spies than paving stones in Rome.

ANNIUS

Flee, Lepidus, without losing another instant.

LEPIDUS

And why?

SABINUS

This barber is not Bibulus. It's some informer who impersonates him to disgrace us.

ANNIUS

Look, everyone has deserted the house of the accursed.

LEPIDUS

Why you're afraid for nothing, my dear fellow -- I haven't said anything.

ANNIUS

Said nothing! You just said enough in the times we live in to kill three men.

LEPIDUS

Have I compromised you?

SABINUS

No, not us, but yourself a great deal.

LEPIDUS

By Castor -- there's nothing to fear for any but me.

ANNIUS

Only you!

LEPIDUS

In that case --

SABINUS

Flee!

LEPIDUS

Not at all -- I'm staying.

ANNIUS

Oh what wretched and deadly blindness.

SABINUS

Think of it -- it's not only death. It's torture.

LEPIDUS

Then I won't wait for it!

ANNIUS

Then you are going to flee!

SABINUS

I don't understand you any more.

LEPIDUS

I -- shall I chance running through plains and forests hunted by soldiers like a stag at bay, or like Marius in my nocturnal terrors bury myself alive in the swamps? I! Shall I give up one day to shorten my end by submitting to cold, heat, thirst and hunger? No -- not at all!

ANNIUS

It's either torture or flight --

LEPIDUS

Isn't there a way to frustrate this pursuit? Speak!

SABINUS

I don't know of any.

LEPIDUS

Sabinus, your friendship blinds you to my fate. There is a way.

ANNIUS

Death -- right?

LEPIDUS

So be it!

SABINUS

You -- to die at your age? Impossible!

LEPIDUS

And why should I live longer? Man doesn't count the time that elapses, brothers but only the days that are luminous and full. I've seen the pleasures of my ravished youth. So well that I've lived a long life. Let me then die, brothers, it is time -- it's a blessing of the gods to die at 20 and not to feel in our young years the withering of the tarnished crowns on our foreheads. Today, if I shut my eyes I die candid and pure, still believing in the gods, in the joy of the home, in the sweet country, in consoling love -- in cherished friendship -- while, if I wait, despoiled of all wealth perhaps I would die believing in nothing. Then, faithful auditor of the master's words, from now on, at this time, I have a duty to submit. And that it well! For sooner than I hoped death comes for me, it finds me prepared. Anyway, why is death so much feared by men? A flight between Phoebus and the Earth where we are. If evil and good are born of feelings -- at the same instant the feeling extinguishes man ceases to differentiate pleasure and pain he is free -- from the gold or iron that was his chain -- Death has nothing to take from resolute spirits. I am -- it is not. It is, I am no more.

ANNIUS

Lepidus.

SABINUS

Brother.

LEPIDUS

Enough.

(making a sign to the Bathboy)

Slave.

BATHBOY

Master?

LEPIDUS

Come here. Child, in a quiet room prepare a warm, voluptuous, perfumed bath -- where one can sleep the sleep of those who are embalmed. Go.

(The slave goes out.)

SABINUS

You still intend to do it?

LEPIDUS

(taking his gold chain from his neck)

This chain is yours. It was the gift of a young and beautiful Athenian.

(to Annius)

This dagger is yours. When you need it, it is a faithful friend who will help you -- now let us leave each other for my destiny is played out. The master said, death is a dreamless sleep". Goodbye -- I'm going to die!

ANNIUS

Oh Lepidus! Soon a god will avenge you.

LEPIDUS

(in the doorway)

I hope so -- goodbye!

(He goes in. The two friends disappear into the crowd.)

THE PEOPLE

A courier! A courier!

AFRANIUS

(looking toward the courier)

Caesar's uncle! Place! Make way!

(Claudius enters dressed in a tunic without toga or cloak and carrying in his hand a letter covered with laurels.)

AFRANIUS

The noble Claudius!

CLAUDIUS

Himself -- but for mercy's sake put your lictors in a circle and forbid these clamors.

AFRANIUS

(gestures to his lictors)

Surround us.

(to Claudius)

What's wrong with you?

CLAUDIUS

I'm dying of fatigue. Caesar (may the favor not prove fatal to me) chose me to bring this triumphal letter -- another would have designated someone who could run, but I, who can hardly walk -- oh -- I may die of it!

AFRANIUS

(mysteriously)

No matter, Claudius, it was heaven that sent you.

CLAUDIUS

More like hell -- this cursed roadway -- it's so long --

AFRANIUS

(in a half voice)

The augures are taken.

CLAUDIUS

What are they?

AFRANIUS

Unlucky!

CLAUDIUS

I am not surprised by that; they foretell my death.

AFRANIUS

Fear that the blow may strike much higher than you.

CLAUDIUS

Much higher? In that case little matter to me. But still -- what are they?

AFRANIUS

Tonight in the heavens, soldiers were seen clashing noisily. A she-wolf has born its fruit -- a shapeless mess -- thunder radiated coming from right to left -- in going to the altar the heifer bellowed. And when the sacrificer had with his reddened arms cut out the entrails with the sacred iron -- in vain did he search for the heart. The same thing happened be it presage or chance when Great Caesar fell struck by Brutus.

CLAUDIUS

Well -- what do you think of all this?

AFRANIUS

That Octavius never forgot -- the man who, first placed him on his way and had instructed him of the threatened peril, though he was only a slave, the one who falling on the steps of the throne made a crown roll at his feet! However, terrible an irritating warning it may be, can be seen in a happy light, for fatal to the sun whose course is run it becomes favorable to the rising star. What do you say about that, Claudius?

CLAUDIUS

Silence -- let's speak low -- these omens, consul --

AFRANIUS

Well -- ?

CLAUDIUS

I don't believe them. And now, goodbye, I've regained my strength.

(He continues on his way towards the capitol.)

AFRANIUS

(watching him go off)

The old fox has seen the trap under the bait. Fool that he is or that they say he is, I think that this man is even more farsighted than I am.

(A Decurion enters and lines his Praetorians from one side of the stage to the next.)

DECURION

Caesar. Hail Caesar!

(The lictors push the crowd back.)

LICTORS

It's the Emperor. Get back.

A LICTOR

(off stage)

Descend from your horse and you from your litter. On the ground both of you.

AQUILA

(in the wings)

Ill luck to you, Lictor. If your hand --

(Entering and noticing Afranius.)

AQUILA

Aren't you senator or consul?

AFRANIUS

I am consul.

AQUILA

Well -- to you I protest.

AFRANIUS

What do you mean?

AQUILA

Your lictors insulted a woman. Consul -- order them to let us pass.

AFRANIUS

Impossible, young man. No one can pass. Caesar is coming.

AQUILA

(aside)

It's true, on my word.

AFRANIUS

Do you see the messenger who is climbing to the capitol?

PEOPLE

Long live Caesar!

AQUILA

Yes -- I see him.

(Making a movement to enter the wings.)

AQUILA

Stella, come see Caesar.

AFRANIUS

(stopping him)

By your long blond hair falling on you shoulders.

AQUILA

(excitedly)

My name is Aquila -- I was born in Gaul -- I have the rights of a citizen.

(taking Stella by the arm)

Come, my Stella.

(taking Stella by the arm.)

Come, my Stella.

STELLA

(veiled)

I'm afraid.

AQUILA

Come, then.

AFRANIUS

And this child?

AQUILA

She is Caesar's sister, if one can name sister, she who was nourished on the same milk as us.

AFRANIUS

And Rome is your country, young girl?

STELLA

Yes, Lord, but my mother lives at Baia. Do you know my mother, Junia?

AFRANIUS

Doubtless -- and over Caesar she has total power.

STELLA

(raising her veil)

I came to find her again after five years of absence.

AFRANIUS

Approach then -- Lictors, protect this child.

STELLA

Thanks!

PEOPLE

Long live Caesar! Conqueror. Triumphant!

PROTOGENUS

(entering in his own clothes)

Consul!

AFRANIUS

What? Oh, it's you.

PROTOGENUS

For a supreme order give me two lictors.

AFRANIUS

Take them.

(to Lictors)

Obey this friend of Caesar's as you would me -- without hesitation.

(Protogenus takes the two lictors and with them enters the baths. The cortege begins to march by -- soldiers bearing trophies enter first, then Incitatus, Caesar's war horse escorted by 2 Senators, then children crowned with roses who throw flowers -- then finally, Caesar in an ivory and gold chariot drawn by four horses escorted by the hours of the day and night -- behind the chariot the conquered prisoners -- behind the prisoners, soldiers.)

THE HOURS OF THE DAY

(with gold palm leaves in their hands)

We are the warrior hours who preside over hard work when Bellona opens the barriers, when Caesar marches to the far shores. Our wild cohort shoots into the ardent throng. The stratagem that twists and turns. And over the field, vast tomb where bloody harvest falls we soar with the vultures smiling at this vast Hecatomb.

NIGHT HOURS

We are the happy hours by whom pleasure is escorted when the amorous stars pierce the veil of night near the beauty who lies eye half opened, mouth half closed on a bed perfumed with roses. We guide Caesar and Cupid and then we live without truce to the moment when, as in a dream -- the new born dawn carries us off in the first ray of day.

(A cloud descends and lowers itself near the chariot. Messalina appears as Victory a crown of gold in her hand.)

MESSALINA

And I Romans -- I am faithful Victory whose powerful hand enchains luck -- who braids for the conqueror the immortal crown and who descends from heaven to crown Caesar.

CALIGULA

And now, o son of Mars and Rhea - people nourished on the milk of the sacred she-wolf -- you can fight against all with impunity.

(he raises Messalina from her cloud and puts her near him on his chariot)

For Victory has taken Caesar for her lover!

(At this moment, Protogenus leaves preceded by a litter on which lies Lepidus covered by a cloak. His long hair can be seen which hangs moist and from one of his arms the artery is still bleeding.)

SABINUS

(pointing at the cadaver to Annius)

Now is the time of brief agonies.

CALIGULA

To the Capitol! Children!

PROTOGENUS

Lictors -- to the pillory.

PEOPLE

Long live Caesar!

STELLA

(frightened to Aquila)

Look!

ANNIUS and SABINUS

O - vengeance!

STELLA

Oh - terror!

PEOPLE

Long live Caesar! Caesar is a great Emperor.

(The two processions cross. The songs continue.)

(blackout)

ACT I

An elegant room on the model of the house of the Farm at Pompeii. To the left in the forestage a vaulted recession containing the Lares -- before the Lares a small altar -- a bed in bronze -- several pieces of ancient furniture. A door in the rear opens on the Tri Lurian. Two side doors.

JUNIA

(praying on the altar of her gods)

Familial penates, rustic divinities who watch over the joy of family life -- who, protectors of the field, guardians of the house -- defend them from theft and treason if I have each morning, crowned your heads, faithfully dressed the laurels and violets and if, each autumn I have offered on your altars the most beautiful of fruits, then O my paternal gods, deign to remember my holy piety and redouble your cares for this dwelling for, after a lengthy absence interrupting the mourning period my Stella will today cross the door sill. Do you remember this rebel child clearly? Didn't you find her beautiful with her sweet smile, with her face so pure and her eyes which reflected heavenly blue -- and her hair drowning on her adored shoulder and raised by the wind like golden waves? Well, this child, grown and even more beautiful, this hope of my heart, this precious treasure, a mother in terror (agitated today by a vague Chimera) confides in you.

(Phoebe appears at the door escorting Stella and Aquila. She wants to advance toward Junia but Stella retains her and comes slowly with Aquila to a place behind her mother.)

If you guard her well, your cult will equal for me the cult of the great gods. Then at your altar, in addition to the gifts of barley and honey given by my servants, I will pour the purest wine from my wine room. I will sacrifices a ram to you every month. And then, ending the circle of a year, April will bring the joyous day to dawn when Lucina permits -- To feast the birth of this girl, fruit of a chaste and tender love -- with a white heifer. O my gods, you will be overwhelmed with sacrifices. But first quickly bring my Stella, I am thirsty to see her.

STELLA

Mother -- here I am!

JUNIA

(throwing herself in Stella's arms)

My Stella, my child, my daughter -- oh -- yes -- it's she!

(taking her hands and looking at her)

Oh! Let me see you -- how big and beautiful she is!

STELLA

Mother!

JUNIA

Let me touch your long hair -- do you want me to hug you again?

STELLA

If you want to! Forever, forever --

JUNIA

Child! Oh, how happy I am!

STELLA

And me, too, isn't absence frightful? Speak.

JUNIA

Don't speak about it any more. I have refound my wealth.

STELLA

(showing Aquila to her mother)

And him, mother, and him -- have you nothing to say to him?

JUNIA

(taking the hand of the young man)

Yes! Welcome -- only son of my brother.

AQUILA

(bowing)

Oh, noble Junia!

JUNIA

Call me your mother!

AQUILA

My mother -- how sweet it is to say that name.

JUNIA

Hasn't my son come to embrace me in his turn?

(in a low voice, holding him in her arms and pointing to her daughter)

Aquila, am I blend in my tenderness. Isn't she beautiful?

AQUILA

Oh, like a goddess.

JUNIA

My daughter, a good genius has watched over your days.

STELLA

(pointing to Aquila)

The good genius is there -- protecting them forever. Oh, if you had seen him during this long trip, escorting my litter, separating all obstacles of whatever kind from my way.

JUNIA

He did the duty of a tender fiancee and his fear watched, prudent and jealous - a bit over my child, much over his spouse. Ah -- those words makes you blush -- come on -- that's all right -- we won't speak of it any more -- let's sit down and talk about something else.

STELLA

(sitting)

This is my place.

JUNIA

Yes, your place, sweetheart. Wait.

(Showing her a work of knitting.)

JUNIA

Do you recognize it?

STELLA

What?

JUNIA

This is embroidery.

STELLA

It's a veil for you.

JUNIA

Look, it's lasted five years after being interrupted.

STELLA

I will finish it.

JUNIA

Have you indeed recognized all your family? Our old Geta who called you his daughter, this good Phoebe, who you called sister -- and the dog painted on the wall, who caused you such fear? But, I'm always talking, you see -- it's from delerium -- your turn! You must have a hundred things to say to me. I am listening to you -- go ahead.

STELLA

Yes mother, I have a great secret.

JUNIA

Really -- my Stella, a secret. Speak then.

STELLA

First of all, O my dear mother, my name is no longer Stella -- call me Mary.

JUNIA

What are you saying, my daughter -- and how is it the name I gave you is no longer yours?

STELLA

(joining hands)

Pardon!

JUNIA

Mary!

STELLA

(with religious fervor)

Oh -- it's the name of a sacred virgin.

JUNIA

But so is the other one --

STELLA

(interrupting her)

That an adored mother gave it to me I know -- I want to keep it too -- Let me leave both.

JUNIA

But where does it come from?

STELLA

Here -- my good aunt, the mother of Aquila possessed a winter residence in Narbonne -- but she also had a summer villa on the beach in a place called the camp of Marius -- great pines covered it with shade and freshened the air, silent by day but when night came the sea spoke with an unknown language -- and I used to be pleased to come to the shore to sit at night to catch the fresh breeze as the night clouded the humid plain. And bending over the immense mirror, I heard a voice both solemn and savage which I always yearned to understand. Then when I'd tired for a long while, my jealous heart recalled my spirit to sweeter thoughts -- I quietly questioned this intelligent wave which rolls from Sagenta to Agrigentum and I asked it if, in passing by Baiea it's waves had not seen my mother Junia?

JUNIA

Dear child.

STELLA

One night I stayed longer than usual in this solitude.

JUNIA

How could you expose yourself alone so, my Stella?

AQUILA

(smiling)

Oh, mother I wasn't far away.

STELLA

(continuing)

Then I saw coming a ship without pilot or oars - carrying two men and two women. And, unheard of spectacle which ravished me yet more, the four had haloes of gold over their heads from which escaped rays of bright light. I was obliged to lower my eyelids -- and then I reopened them with fright -- the divine voyagers were near me. One day I will tell you the story of each of them in all their glory. And you will adore them, I hope -- for the moment, mother, all you need to know is that all four came from the depths of Syria. An edict banished them from their country. And acting as executioners, some irritated men put them to sea during a storm in a frail bark stranded on the shore, without oars, water, bread, and tied up. But hardly had the skiff touched the waves when at a song sung by the holy sailors, the storm folded its shivering wings and the sea smoothed its surging waves. And the sun reappeared in the heavens and enveloped the skiff in a radiant circle -- !

JUNIA

Why, it was a prodigy!

STELLA

A miracle, mother! Their chains fell off by themselves. The water ceased to be bitter, and twice each day, the boat was covered by manna like that of the desert. So it was thus, pushed by a celestial hand I saw them land.

JUNIA

Oh -- tell the rest quickly!

STELLA

At dawn, three of them left the house. Martha took the road which led to Tarascon -- Lazarus and Maximum the way to Marseille. And she who remained was the prettiest. Toward mid-day we called to see if the mountains or the woods of the neighborhood were hiding some profound and silent retreat which could separate her forever from the world.

Aquila recalled that he had penetrated a savage cave ignored by all -- a grotto crossing the flanks of the Alps where the eagle takes his air above the abyss.

He offered her this exile, and by the next day with both of us to guide her, we were on the road. The evening of the second day we touched base. There, falling on her knees in a holy ecstasy, she prayed a long while then, removing her sandals, she marched with naked feet toward the unknown cave.

Our cries and our prayers had no effect. In the midst of stones, thorns and brambles, we saw her mount, stick in hand and only at the end of the road did she fall without strength and without breath.

JUNIA

What was her name, daughter?

STELLA

Madeline, mother. This woman, insensible to sorrows, had dissipated the treasure of her youth among perfumes and flowers in the breast of pleasures condemned by heaven. But in her false pleasures, misfortune appeared. Her beloved brother, despite her cares -- died. For the first time, prayer on her lips, she watched over the funeral couch, crying and shivering when suddenly she learned (from a man named John who came from Jordan, and who was soon going to leave, going to Samaria) of one called Jesus, son of Mary, a revered prophet that the people followed everywhere, with love shouting "Glory to God!"

For this man, being able to overcome obstacles, numbered his days for a long time with miracles. Madeleine was weak. She went to the port and falling on her knees said -- "My brother is dead. Dead -- and, if now you will it, his eyes although closed forever, will see light again -- if your voice commands the seas, the winds -- life or death."

Jesus said to her, "Come."

They went. Oh sadness! Already faithful hands had buried the mortal remains. Madeleine, weeping raised her arms to heaven, but the Savior said, "Woman do not cry." And marching toward the mean sepulchre, where Lazarus lay for eternity, Jesus, before the people immobile with fright, said, extending his hand, "Lazarus, rise!" Hardly had this protecting voice sounded when breaking the face of the marble tomb, Lazarus, obedient to the voice that called him, stood up in his tomb saying, "Here I am."

Then, at this spectacle, lost, breathless, joyous, and repentant at once, Madeleine ran towards her house and taking at random a precious vase, full of balm, she poured it over the knees of the prophet -- then murmuring guilty confessions she humbled her head in the dust and dried his feet with her hair.

Then taking pity on her great distress, the Savior raised the holy sinner saying, "Much will be forgiven to you by an appeased God, O woman, having loved so much."

JUNIA

Doubtless they raise altars to this man?

STELLA

Mother, he was brought before the Roman Praetor -- for he said aloud that the weak and the strong were equal before God, as before death. And while he could not express his thoughts in plain words, his parables pursued the powerful. The powerful were afraid! They said he was a false prophet! His death was resolved, and at their insistence a judge was found who pronounced sentence. But in the eyes of the Jews, assembled on Calvary, while the executioners in blind hate thought they were nailing his arms to a dirty cross, Mother, they were extending his hands to the whole world.

That's the divine man from whom I have received the law.

(falling to her knees)

If I've failed, mother pardon me.

JUNIA

His law does not forbid you to love your mother?

STELLA

He makes it a pious and strict duty.

JUNIA

All law, which prescribes respect and love for those to whom they owe the light of day, O my daughter, believe me is a law of the soul. You cult has nothing for me to suspect or blame -- and our pantheon is spacious enough to receive among our gods -- a god the more. Doubtless my son has the same beliefs.

AQUILA

No, mother.

JUNIA

And why?

STELLA

(smiling)

It's that my science not yet being fully assured, I dare not, mother, press Aquila on this point. For it is only in leaving that I felt running on my hair the holy water of Baptisms. Doubtless his turn will come -- and my word, I am waiting for it. And God will inspire me when that time comes.

(Phoebe enters.)

JUNIA

What do you want with us, Phoebe?

PHOEBE

Mistress, a cohort of men and horses has stopped at our door.

JUNIA

(rising)

Some noble Roman who comes by chance to greet us in passing.

AQUILA

(who has looked)

Mother, it's Caesar.

STELLA

Oh, I am leaving.

JUNIA

And why, Stella, he's almost a brother?

STELLA

But they say he's bad?

JUNIA

No.

STELLA

No matter, mother.

JUNIA

As for me, I cannot believe this cruelty.

AQUILA

You nourished him.

STELLA

He's coming by this side.

JUNIA

Then go, my children.

(Aquila and Stella leave.)

JUNIA

(by the door at the rear)

Jupiter blesses me. Caesar in my home!

CALIGULA

Yes, myself, rise. I am coming to Pouzzoli and being so near to Baiae. I wanted to greet my mother Junia. It's more than six months since I've seen her.

JUNIA

It's a god who gives me this unforeseen joy. But dare I still call my child one whom I see conqueror and triumphant?

CALIGULA

(lying on a couch)

You know of my battles against these barbaric peoples?

JUNIA

Caesar, renown has a hundred mouths.

CALIGULA

You flatter me, too.

JUNIA

I speak the truth.

CALIGULA

(stretching out)

Stop, nurse, be quiet, you've always spoiled me.

JUNIA

We were in great fear. The Master of Thunder -- jealous they say of the god who reigns on earth wished to dethrone him. Judge our concern.

CALIGULA

Yes, like Theseus, I've seen somber shores and already the rock of Acheron avidly calls me with a great shout. But here's my Alcidas. To the gates of Teneriffe he came to find me. You know his vow?

JUNIA

I know that he's a name very dear -- that Rome with a shout of profound piety told the province, and the province told the world. A name that made the name of Curtius pale, and this name, it's that of the noble Afranius. For the health of her son, the mother renders you thanks.

AFRANIUS

I have done what anyone would do in my place. Anyway, I had no great risk to run. Caesar is a god. Caesar cannot die!

CALIGULA

No matter, so many gods have visited Cerberus from the Divine Romulus to the Divine Tiberius, that before uttering a vow so hazardous, you have to look twice perhaps!

JUNIA

(pointing to Phoebe who brings a plate of wine and fruits)

Will Caesar do me the singular favor of drinking wine made from my vines and eating fruits gathered from my garden?

CALIGULA

Yes, but it seems to me that a more noble hand of cupbearer near mine ought to fill the office.

JUNIA

(taking the amphora)

That's very true!

CALIGULA

(stopping her)

What are you doing?

JUNIA

I am serving you.

CALIGULA

You, nurse!

JUNIA

My son wishes to deprive me of this sweet office?

CALIGULA

I would have thought it was a duty for my sister to pour, when I came to visit my mother. The hospitable wine in a brother's cup.

JUNIA

Ah! You know that she's just returned.

AFRANIUS

Doesn't Caesar know everything? Isn't Caesar a god?

JUNIA

Phoebe go find Stella for us.

(Phoebe exits.)

JUNIA

She's hardly crossed the sill of my door for an hour, and this day, my children, which sees you both return is a happy day indeed among my happy days. Wait -- here she comes -- look -- how beautiful she is!

CALIGULA

And who is that who's coming with her?

JUNIA

It's our fiancee.

(Stella enters with Aquila and kneels.)

STELLA

May the gods protect you, Divine Caesar!

AQUILA

(bowing)

Hail, shining Emperor.

AFRANIUS

(low, to Caligula)

Well, did I deceive you?

CALIGULA

No -- by my sister Drusilla!

(to Junia)

How have you been able to separate yourself from such a child for five years? Doubtless you gave so tender a mother, an absolute motive -- tell me that, my sister?

STELLA

My mother's never told me the reason of this bitter separation. One day, I left her and since that day I've wept indeed -- that's all I know.

JUNIA

(calling her daughter)

Stella!

CALIGULA

(smiling)

There, by Jupiter -- some strange mysteries.

JUNIA

Stella -- go pick the most beautiful oranges you can find.

CALIGULA

You're leaving?

JUNIA

For a moment. Go my daughter.

(Stella leaves.)

JUNIA

Caesar, you wanted to know how I was able to separate myself from this cherished flower? It was fear, alas that she would be ravaged! You remember, Tiberius in his last days when to rekindle his feeble amours the old tyrant of Capri by means of vile freedmen stole our daughters from the breasts of our families -- Could I, in those times of misery and fear imprudently keep your sister near me, fearing that, some evening, a furtive ship would kidnap my errant child from the shore? And that a wave would later return to me her cadaver, all scarred by the kisses of the infamous old man. But no longer being alarmed by such suspicions, for in case of danger, now she will have an all powerful brother to protect her, right? I recalled my beloved child.

AQUILA

A Gaul takes on himself the case of protecting a mistress that he loves. And without the aid of anyone, I hope to keep the treasure which must belong to me.

JUNIA

(frightened)

Caesar will pardon these haughty words.

CALIGULA

Oh, I know the manners of my old Gauls. I love their rude speech -- so reassure yourself. Besides your son-in-law is a brother of mine -- O woman, leave us men to discourse on hunting and war -- to your household chores.

(Junia leaves.)

CALIGULA

(turning to Aquila)

Well, my young Brennus, when the raging storm with its powerful voice scolds above to bow us down, do we stand resigned or do we always exchange blows with the lightning?

AQUILA

Always.

CALIGULA

And when the sea, gigantic lion terrible and roaring in its rebellion cuts through our rocky barriers and senseless waves cover the shores -- to punish its clarions and repulse its waves -- shall we always hurl our javelins at it.

AQUILA

Always.

CALIGULA

And if ever a second Alexander, Macedonian Phoenix reborn from his ashes asks you again what danger can make you tremble for your life -- will you tell him always that you fear nothing, impassive athlete -- if only heaven doesn't fall on your head.

AQUILA

Always.

CALIGULA

And there's the bow in our familiar hands with whose darts we pierce the bear and the stag that we hunt in our ancient forests?

AQUILA

Alas, we no longer have our Druid forests. I was still an infant when one day there came a strange woodcutter from an ignorant country who with profane hands changed our woods into plains. Who, like corn mowed our old oaks. They came, sent by an odious master to overturn our altars and proscribe our gods -- and their hate, fertile in deadly examples, beat down the forests which served as Temples. Since that time, no, Caesar, alas no -- there is no longer a huntsman who deserves the name for it's not hunting when a timid booby from a distance treacherously hurls a perfidious dart at a low flying eagle whose vermillion eye cannot see us from looking at the sun.

CALIGULA

During this scorned hunt your remarks seem, without doubt amusing -- and your facile hand will surely send the arrow directly to where the eye guides it.

AQUILA

I think I've done it often enough to be certain.

CALIGULA

Give me then your proof.

AQUILA

(going to the door)

Caesar -- don't you see on high, like a white spot a frightened swan pursued by a kite? Which of the two would you like me to hit?

CALIGULA

From so far?

AQUILA

Haste!

CALIGULA

The kite.

AQUILA

(looking and shooting)

Follow the arrow.

CALIGULA

By Castor -- it's falling as it turns. Such a blow can't be believed unless seen. Go get it.

AQUILA

I am going.

(He leaves.)

CALIGULA

(quickly returning)

We are alone! Listen! By tomorrow, do you hear, by tomorrow -- whatever it costs I must have that child.

AFRANIUS

Fine, Caesar -- you shall have her. And the Gaul?

CALIGULA

Do with him whatever you wish.

STELLA

(bringing a basket of fruit)

Caesar, at the moment our orchards are barren.

CALIGULA

(pointing to the oranges)

But here are golden fruits from the field of the Hesperides.

JUNIA

This field is, alas, badly guarded by the dragon.

AQUILA

(entering and throwing at Caesar's feet, the kite pierced by an arrow)

Here -- there is the kite you asked of me.

CALIGULA

That's fine.

(taking a cup)

Pour, mother. To your love, young man.

(He drinks and passes the cup to Aquila.)

AQUILA

Thanks Caesar.

(drinking)

STELLA

(offering the basket)

A fruit?

CALIGULA

Yes, I take this apple. But, like the shepherd Venus made a god -- only to make it more beautiful. Goodbye.

JUNIA

Goodbye, Consul -- goodbye my noble son. I hope we will see you again at Baiae.

CALIGULA

Yes, mother.

AQUILA

Hail, Caesar.

STELLA

Hail.

(Night begins to fall. Caligula and Afranius exit.)

JUNIA

Well, child are you still terrified of the emperor?

STELLA

No, mother. Caesar seems good, Caesar loves you -- how can I not love him, myself?

JUNIA

And you, my son?

AQUILA

Caesar has respected our laws. Caesar has never harmed the Gauls. May the Gods keep Caesar from sorrow and trouble.

JUNIA

Fine! My son has, I believe, citizenship from a Roman city.

AQUILA

I was born to Latin rights -- but having for a long while filled important posts I have the rank of citizen.

JUNIA

You know it's the custom in this case, every time one completes a voyage to go to the Urban Praetor, the same day to confirm arrival or return -- the Praetor Lentulus lives not far from here -- for this act, it barely requires a quarter of an hour -- go then, my children -- return soon.

AQUILA

Don't worry, mother.

JUNIA

(embracing her daughter)

Till later.

STELLA

Soon.

(Stella and Aquila exit. Phoebe enters with a large candelabra.)

JUNIA

Phoebe!

PHOEBE

Mistress?

JUNIA

Come. Have you repaired the disorder according to my command?

PHOEBE

I did it.

JUNIA

The perfumes.

PHOEBE

Prepared.

JUNIA

The baths?

PHOEBE

Heated -- and whenever, you wish without fear of delay you can go there.

JUNIA

(shivering)

What? Don't you --

(listening)

Nothing, I thought I heard some shouts. Tell me, Stella's room -- is it? Listen?

PHOEBE

Which way?

JUNIA

(pointing to the side by which her children left)

Over there!

PHOEBE

Nothing.

JUNIA

No -- have you chosen her favorite room and poured perfumed oil into the golden lamp?

PHOEBE

Yes, myself.

AQUILA

(in the distance)

Mother!

JUNIA

Ah! This time I'm running there! A plaintive voice calls for help. You see, it was not a vain chimera!

AQUILA

(a bit closer)

Mother!

JUNIA

(rushing towards the door)

It's Aquila's voice! Come!

(Aquila, sword in hand, clothes in disorder and full of blood, rushes in meeting Junia at the door.)

AQUILA

Mother!

JUNIA

(recoining shocked)

What have you done with Stella?

AQUILA

(choking)

Some brigands!

JUNIA

Shame on you! You have poorly defended her!

AQUILA

(pointing to his wounds)

Oh! Why look at me!

JUNIA

Blood.

AQUILA

(decidedly)

Mine.

JUNIA

Wounded?

AQUILA

What's the matter?

JUNIA

But my daughter.

AQUILA

There were ten of them. Listen, rouse your family, let's arm and run -- oh! I will rejoin them, Mother, and by heaven, yes! I'll return her to you.

JUNIA

(distracted)

Yes, you said it -- that's right -- let's arm and get ready -- slaves, servants -- let's all run.

(The Urban Praetor, Protogenus and the two witnesses appear at the door -- they are followed by lictors.)

PRAETOR

Stop!

JUNIA

What do you want?

AQUILA

It's yet another betrayal.

JUNIA

To me, my servants.

PRAETOR

Silence! Woman, you have just received this very day in your house a gallic slave that his master reclaims.

JUNIA

You are mistaken.

PRAETOR

Enough.

JUNIA

No fugitive --

PRAETOR

(calling)

Hola!

JUNIA

Come here, I tell you.

PROTOGENUS

(comes forward and points to Aquila)

You lie -- for there he is.

AQUILA

Me -- a slave?

PROTOGENUS

You.

AQUILA

Me?

PROTOGENUS

You dare to disown me, your master?

AQUILA

You? You?

PROTOGENUS

Myself.

AQUILA

You, my master! Praetor, this man is mad!

PROTOGENUS

Praetor, I have my witnesses.

JUNIA

But he's my son.

PRAETOR

Silence.

JUNIA

At least listen to me.

PRAETOR

(to witnesses)

Come forward!

AQUILA

(grabbing them)

That's it -- let's look each other in the face. You recognize me?

FIRST WITNESS

Yes.

AQUILA

You say?

JUNIA

Mercy -- they are deceiving you, Praetor -- a single moment --

AQUILA

You recognize me -- me?

FIRST WITNESS

Perfectly.

PRAETOR

(presenting two stones to the witnesses which he has picked up from the courtyard)

Swear!

FIRST WITNESS

By Jupiter -- by the Divine Augustus, I swear that the demand is just.

(pointing to Aquila)

And that I recognize this man.

(pointing to Protogenus)

That bought and paid for him -- if I lie may Jupiter hurl me as far from him as I hurl this stone.

(throwing the stone behind him)

PRAETOR

(to send witness)

Do you swear likewise?

SECOND WITNESS

I do.

AQUILA

(annihilated and letting his sword fall)

Imposters!

PRAETOR

All is said, Lictors lead away this slave.

(The lictors take Aquila away and all leave except Junia.)

JUNIA

(alone)

Alone! Aquila -- Stella! Alone -- oh! Barren fate has taken all. This house like my heart is empty! And this in front of me! This before my eyes. In the domestic hearth -- at the altar of my gods -- still crowned with flowers which I braided when I prayed to them! Senseless prayers!

(marching towards the gods)

Who took your strength or who blinded you that you have not seen what happened? Or that having seen it, you did not let lightning fall on them to reduce them to powder? In what times are we living? And our times are odious, changed by mortals are they for the gods? O vain idols! When you were of clay, a mother could confide her daughter to you. You would guard the treasure of her virginity.

(putting her hand on them)

But, since they make you of bronze, of marble, of gold, sterile defenders, decorated egoists, you take care only to protect yourselves -- when treason comes, you avert your eyes.

(breaking them and trampling them underfoot)

Be annihilated! You are false gods!

(curtain)

ACT II

A terrace of the palace of Caesar on the Palatine Hill. It is surrounded by a gallery running on the outside with a colonnade. It is hung with material in the manner of a velum in a theater. Two side doors -- a door in the rear giving on a floor and showing the top of a turning stairway -- to the spectator's right a bronze bed. To the left, a table with a cedar box. At rise, a terrible storm rages.

CALIGULA

(clinging to two slaves)

Slaves stay while this horrible storm roars over my head. Until the last lightning flashes remain -- don't leave this place on your lives. It's the master of heaven whose jealous rage is directing this frightful storm against me. O Jupiter -- Thunderer! Appease your wrath. I am not god. Lightning! On your knees! Yet one more blow which passes without striking me.

SLAVE

Master, the storm is passing. You have nothing to fear.

CALIGULA

Do you speak the truth? By the gods, protectors of oaths, I swear to free you, your wife.

(thunder)

You are lying.

SLAVE

Caesar can see the storm is passing off.

CALIGULA

Ah, yes, it's true. Listen Jupiter, I intend, like Augustus to found a temple to you.

(lightning)

Wait -- ! That will be made of --

(thunder)

Again! columns of bronze with capitals of gold. The storm is finally diminishing and I can breath. I am still Caesar, the arbiter of the Empire, the Sovereign Master -- all powerful in all places before whom Rome trembles, and whom they call god.

Ah -- the lightning -- frightened has fled before my glory -- and vanquished Jupiter has ceded me the victory.

Go -- and no one remain in error believing Caesar is a man or that Caesar was afraid.

(The slaves exit. Protogenus enters.)

PROTOGENUS

Be tranquil, Caesar, neither torture nor the rack will get anything out of them.

CALIGULA

Ah, it's you Protogenus, do you believe the storm is completely over?

PROTOGENUS

Yes, the last of flash from heaven is erased -- Jupiter delivers us from all present danger.

CALIGULA

Let's not think of it any more then and let's revive ourselves. Well -- have we succeeded in the enterprise?

PROTOGENUS

Yes.

CALIGULA

The white dove?

PROTOGENUS

She ought to be here.

CALIGULA

And our ardent Gaul was he put in shackles?

PROTOGENUS

Tonight he'll be escorted to the slave market.

CALIGULA

Good, I'm still the master of destiny.

PROTOGENUS

Could Caesar doubt it? In fact, Caesar is pale this morning.

CALIGULA

A dream, following this storm.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar knows every dream is an omen.

CALIGULA

By Drusilla -- whoever can find a meaning in mine is a great magician.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar has sometimes tested my science. Does he wish to do so again?

CALIGULA

So be it! Hear me then -- Serene and radiant, I was seated in heaven near the master of the gods when suddenly he turned an austere face towards me. And pushing me with his foot hurled me to the earth. I felt myself passing from Olympus to Nothingness, then I was rolling on the shores of the ocean -- the ebb tides brought the waves far from the shore but then the tides came and changing color advanced going from green to the hue of blood. I wanted to flee, but weak as if after an orgy, I was soon caught by this red sea which passing the limit set for its waters enveloped my feet and its thousand traces and sure that I was enchained on the beach continued to invade the coast. Now, seeing myself submerged by the waves, I called for help not thinking to swim. Then a voice disembodied, frightening, mysterious responded to my shouts -- ordering me to be silent. I obeyed and all was reduced to silence for this tide made no noise as it rolled and swelled so much that my breast began to choke under the marine wave. I hoped the sea would cease to rise when -- new prodigy -- terrible to describe each wave rose on the bloody plain -- and at its red summit bore a human head -- and those heads were ones whose days I had cut off -- the sea kept rising! I saw pass before me on the abyss from Antonia my first victim right up to Cassius Longinus dead yesterday whom the oracle told me to beware of -- each head uttering from its pale mouth a name that I knew as well as it itself. This lasted a long while, for our dead are numerous! Then, awakening from this frightful slumber, out of breath, my eyes haggard -- I rose from my bed and found the hurricane continuing my dream. Dismayed by this double omen. I fled mixing together dream and reality until dawn, evening of lies took away the storm and the idea together.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar, you mustn't be forgetful of oneself or neglect the advice sent by the gods -- In Rome, at this moment, something is preparing which resembles your thoughts as much as the tempest.

CALIGULA

And what's that?

PROTOGENUS

Wheat is lacking in our granaries.

CALIGULA

Wheat?

PROTOGENUS

Yes, Caesar, and yesterday evening the people having learned this baneful news gathered and forced the warehouses to pillage the rest.

CALIGULA

And how can the wheat be lacking?

PROTOGENUS

Why? Because throughout Italy, at this time -- where our nourishing wheat grew are planted palaces and regal houses so that a day will come when palaces and regal houses will have crushed the harvests under their marble feet. And we need to find other countries' fertile fields so as to twice a year nourish our golden famines, which no sooner done, preventing the approach, a capricious wind keeps from port, the fleet from Sicily or even Alexandria -- pushing the fleet back in fury towards the sea. Then with its granaries soon empty, all Latium, like a single man, is hungry -- and like a beggar comes to demand alms of Caesar, Emperor and Prefect of --

CALIGULA

Fine! Like a beggar insensibleto insult let them come -- ! And beneath my foot I will push down their face for I am weary of seeing this insatiable people, incessantly nourished by crumbs from my table. And since they're too proud to harvest their bread and they lack wheat -- so much the better. They'll starve. Didn't a Prophet, who reads the stars, come to me to announce other disasters for them? For I hate them so much that I'd give a lot for them to have but one head to cut off.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar doesn't with to stop the course of rebellion while it is weak at it's sourse?

CALIGULA

No -- let it emerge from its obscure abode. And when in broad daylight its wave bursts forth, we will force it, indeed to regain its shore. Then we will chastise it with our bold whips. As Xeres did to the Hellespont formerly. The danger isn't from those I suspect.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar wishes to know the names of the chiefs?

CALIGULA

Doubtless -- but there must be many to lead this dangerous project to its end.

PROTOGENUS

No -- there are only two.

CALIGULA

(smiling with scorn)

We'll see.

PROTOGENUS

Annius is the first -- his nobility goes back to the first days of Rome. The second is Sabinus, a tribune, I believe a man without lineage.

CALIGULA

Marvelous! Open this box and take out the books it contains. Tomorrow both their days will be terminated. And this end, once fixed, will not be delayed.

PROTOGENUS

(pulling from the drawer two books on which are written titles in letters of golden bronze)

Does Caesar wish the Sword or the Dagger?

CALIGULA

The Sword.

(taking a quill and dipping it in ink, writing)

Let's reserve the dagger which must be disguised for those I do the honor to fear -- it's a luxury to pay to assassinate such heroes when one has an executioner.

PROTOGENUS

Caesar knows the depth of Roman virtue.

CALIGULA

Take the Praetorias and the German guards and by the tunnels bring them here -- into the vaulted cellars that are under the palace. Take special care that no one see them -- Now for Claudius --

PROTOGENUS

You wish -- ?

CALIGULA

Have him sent to me. I need a great thinker to advise me -- then it pleases me to have my successor when I am straightening out such business not far from my eyes and near my ears.

PROTOGENUS

And Messalina?

CALIGULA

What of her?

PROTOGENUS

Do you wish to see her, too?

CALIGULA

Don't worry -- she knows the way here. And perhaps already our beautiful captive arrives with Afranius this morning.

PROTOGENUS

By the way, I was forgetting -- your Doctor Cneus went to the Praetor to cite Afranius.

CALIGULA

For what cause?

PROTOGENUS

In the very just cause that he pay 30 talents of good money which he promised for learning the instant that, without risk, he could dedicate his head to Caesar.

CALIGULA

That's fine -- thanks.

(The door opens. Afranius appears.)

AFRANIUS

Caesar.

CALIGULA

Just our man! Hail, consul.

AFRANIUS

Does Caesar have the apple ready?

CALIGULA

Has the goddess Venus already come?

AFRANIUS

Yes, Caesar, she's waiting.

CALIGULA

Fine: Let her come.

AFRANIUS

(calling a slave)

Hola!

(giving order to him very low)

CALIGULA

(to Protogenus)

Go by Claudius' on return from the barracks.

PROTOGENUS

And if he's missing from the palace?

CALIGULA

Look for him in the taverns.

(He makes Protogenus leave by the door at right.)

AFRANIUS

(approaching)

Caesar will not forget that it is I, who --

CALIGULA

No, truly, and Caesar knows the price devotion is worth.

AFRANIUS

Which way does Caesar wish me to leave so as not to meet Stella?

CALIGULA

(escorting him to the door at left)

Through this door. Goodbye Consul.

AFRANIUS

Caesar has nothing further to command? Anyway, I'll return.

CALIGULA

Caesar hopes so indeed.

(Afranius leaves.)

CALIGULA

(alone)

Go -- and now come, oh my beautiful blonde -- come, for Caesar awaits you -- Caesar - -master of the world, Caesar whom the people implore for their lives, and who replies "Much later! I'm busy with my love life." Yes, from my bed, I love to see this slavish people rumble like a volcano and spread its lava -- for it rocks my pleasures with its tremors and if I wish to sleep, then I say "enough". Yes, I love to think that the ardent jealousy of Messalina is prowling around me in its frenzy -- Messalina whose eye is dark and piercing, whose fiery mouth wounds with kisses -- so that I intend to torture her some day -- to learn from her where this strangely faithful love comes from that leaves me to sometimes find other amours but which in her charms always recaptures me.

Yes, that's what my jaded spirits need to descend on my heart -- rosy storms, scoldings, jealous, transports! Roaring, rebellion to serve as a concert at the pleasures of a lion!

(Caligula is seated. Two men escort Stella in.)

STELLA

Where am I, and why have you kidnapped me? What is this palace?

(noticing Caesar)

Ah! Caesar!

(running to him and falling to her knees)

I am saved!

(those who have brought her exit)

Caesar -- you don't know that people have taken me from my mother -- beating Aquila -- and that they wouldn't turn back despite my sad and constant prayer. Ah -- they are evil people who respect nothing -- and you will punish them.

CALIGULA

I will take good care of them.

STELLA

What! You can tolerate such disorder? Caesar -- what they did --

CALIGULA

They did by my order. They had a mission to escort you here. And I would punish them if they didn't succeed. I love you and wanted to see you again dead or alive. That astonishes you, child?

STELLA

Oh, that appalls me!

CALIGULA

This is the way I treat my good Romans. Are you unaware of it? Why did Jupiter put in my hands supreme power except so that I may do what he himself does?

Do you alone wish to deny the gifts he accorded me? Come on, sweeten up -- come my beautiful Leda. I know that you follow the austere route by way of virtues, but a god can free you of your earthly yoke. Don't repulse your divine ravisher.

STELLA

Caesar, don't forget that I am your sister.

CALIGULA

Eh! Why, on the contrary, it seems to me I remember it -- and I was, at all times, a quite excellent brother.

My three sisters have been my wives each in their turn. And as for Drusilla, every one knows she was my lover -- and when she died, I ran like a madman throughout the Campagna -- compelled by a dark spirit -- and that since that day, when I take an oath, I constantly swear by her divinity. Well, I will love you as I loved Drusilla -- but the complacent gods and docile destiny will, I hope, give us a longer relationship.

(surrounding her in his arms)

Come, my beloved.

STELLA

(lowering her veil and crossing her two arms over her breasts)

Help me, holy modesty. On my blushing face come thicken my veil.

CALIGULA

This tissue is too thin to hide a star. And then, you seem to misunderstand that in these times that the love of Caesar is not like other loves, happy to wait at leisure for what is given him -- and that force comes to his aid in the case of a refusal where he would bear an affront --sword in hand -- crown on head.

Child, don't indulge in scorn any longer. And think, in time, where you are going -- you will be broken to pieces --

For your arm is weak and mine is strong and that if I wish to, without effort --

(lifting off her veil)

-- tear it from your face to see freely the features it hides from me -- Chaldean, renowned for my enchantments, I can make these frivolous dresses fall. And, if in my vengeance, a soft word doesn't stop me -- I can make your head fall off as easily.

STELLA

(falling on her knees)

Oh, my God, give me the strength to suffer -- and forgive my death to him who makes me die.

CALIGULA

(raising her)

Well, then --

JUNIA

(behind the door at the rear)

I tell you that I am dear to Caesar and may enter at any time.

STELLA

(wanting to rush to the door)

Oh -- my mother!

(Caligula stops her and puts his hand over her mouth.)

STELLA

My mother!

CALIGULA

(pulling her toward the door at the right, opening it and entrusting Stella to some slaves)

Take this child and watch over her. You will answer for everything with your head. Go!

(They take Stella away.)

CALIGULA

(running to the door at back where Junia is knocking and opening it himself)

Why didn't you open? Pardon me, nurse, I recognize your voice. What do you want with me?

JUNIA

Justice! They took my child, they stole your sister from me, Caesar!

CALIGULA

And you know the infamous ravisher?

JUNIA

No, but I come to you, face covered with dust -- to you, the all powerful, to you who hold the lightning, to you, my son -- to you who, like a God, knows everything -- to ask my daughter back. Right now, in every place your imperial army can freely search. Caesar, give me my Stella, my daughter, my child and truly you will be a triumphant Emperor -- who with one hand strikes the enemy like a man, and with the other dries the tears of Rome.

CALIGULA

But mother, how shall I know where to find her?

JUNIA

Listen to me, let's not lose time. Come! I will go before you. Instinct will guide me, noble son of Agrippina as it guided Ceres following Prosperina. And as she lit two torches, one after the other, to search for my Stella at night, as if it were day -- I will go without resting in my bitter sorrows -- on my route with great shouts -- questioning mothers and following all ways which they offer me even if it were to take me to Hell.

CALIGULA

But Aquila can help us in this task.

JUNIA

Ah, how a mother's love is egotistic and cowardly. I didn't tell you. I forgot about him. They've taken him as a slave -- beaten, taken, chained him. Escorted him, I don't know where! You see quite well that it is right for you, Caesar, for you, the grandson of Augustus to punish without delay two crimes committed near you, before your eyes. And it cannot be that your sister is outraged, made to blush by an affront and for her not to be avenged.

CALIGULA

Then you are accusing some noble Roman?

JUNIA

No, I felt the iron but I did not see the hand. But, in advance there are those known -- that ought to be suspected of a rape or perjury -- more than one around you is an old offender. Your uncle --

CALIGULA

Claudius?

JUNIA

Yes, yes -- him above all.

CALIGULA

(with scorn)

You do him to much honor when you condemn him. Claudius needs base courtesans that's all.

JUNIA

Cherea perhaps could be suspect.

CALIGULA

(sceptical)

The crime is very weighty for an effeminate, who, sleeping on flowers drinks to Venus ceaselessly in a cup of gold heavier than his sword --

JUNIA

Sabinus.

CALIGULA

(smiling)

That one, nurse, for the moment is occupied with the success of a more important project. He's conspiring.

JUNIA

Bad luck!

CALIGULA

Now, listen, the culprit is a noble-- doubtless a powerful man -- who could, fearing to see his crimes exposed extend his desperate blows even against you.

JUNIA

So be it! He has made my life bitter -- not my death.

CALIGULA

But I, I must watch over the life of my mother, you shan't leave. I intend from this moment to lodge you in the palace, in an apartment where for fear of an unforseen plot harming you, my most trusted soldiers will keep you from sight. As for my sister, I will find her.

JUNIA

Oh -- I love you, my son -- but I will adore you like a God! Don't lose a day, an hour!

CALIGULA

If I lose an instant, mother, may I die! Caesar does not promise vainly -- from my hand you will receive your daughter back.

JUNIA

When?

CALIGULA

Tomorrow.

JUNIA

Oh, my son, my Caesar, my emperor, my master -- with this word tomorrow, you make me submit. Where must I go? Escort me, here I am -- Oh -- tomorrow did you say? Tomorrow?

CALIGULA

Yes.

JUNIA

(trembling at the noise of the people who have begun to assemble at the foot of the palace)

What's that?

CALIGULA

Nothing. Reality is only following the dream.

JUNIA

This ruckus?

CALIGULA

It's the ocean washing up on the beach but from here we can foil its plots.

(knocking with his feet)

And this rock, mother, is the test of its waves.

(They leave by the door at the rear -- at the same moment Messalina raises the tapestry of the door on the left and follows them with her eyes.)

MESSALINA

(alone)

Fine! Carefully separate the girl from her mother -- place a strict guard over every door -- despite the separation and the soldiers and you, I'll go to them if I choose. By Venus, Caesar conspires against himself and the people are ready for another. Oh -- the Empire, the Empire to which the world brings its tribute -- with an Emperor like Claudius -- that is to say with a cloak to conceal our shoulder, that is to say an actor given a bad role, who lets us rummage as we wish in this mine of gold named power! Oh -- ill luck to the dragon that guards this new garden of the Hesperides from my hands, who at the entrance permits me to catch a glimpse of its fruits of gold and yet tries to prevent me from reaching my treasure! From instinct you vainly rise up against me, Serpent of pleasure. One day, by my caresses I will only have to press the weakened cords and I will stuff you in my thousand coils.

CALIGULA

(returning)

I am astonished not to have seen you already.

MESSALINA

I knew Caesar had a tender interview and I didn't wish -- in such a sweet moment to distract the emperor with my --

CALIGULA

This morning we are in a very complacent mood. Watch yourself!

MESSALINA

My Jupiter jests -- he imitates the God whose name he has taken and I shall no longer be prouder than Juno.

CALIGULA

O woman, to be changeable and restless like the tide!

MESSALINA

Well, what says Caesar of this beautiful blonde? Were her blue eyes so fatally powerful as to make him forget black eyes forever? These woman, they say, are of the languishing grace whose charm is powerful to amorous souls. Is Caesar seduced by these tame ardors?

CALIGULA

If Caesar is seduced it is only by tears.

MESSALINA

What! The innocent has already shed tears? Oh! How well we know all our charms, and how much sweeter than the sweet oriental -- is a face at once weeping and smiling.

CALIGULA

It was a bitter sadness, and a real refusal, I am sure of it.

MESSALINA

Chimera! If Caesar had born the affront of her refusal, the audacious child would no longer be living.

CALIGULA

Ah! That's how Juno, in her rage, forgot what empire holds us and what law binds us. And that all impudence escapes the blow it deserves so long as it can wear the headbands of Vesta.

MESSALINA

The daughters of Sejanus, thrown in a dungeon were under her Aegis in effect protected. Tiberius chose for them a jailor himself. And both were dead the next day.

CALIGULA

Thanks, the advice is good in what concerns me, especially!

MESSALINA

What does Caesar mean?

CALIGULA

It's I who guard her -- and that, not knowing any men in whom to confide, I don't count on giving her any other jailor. But someone is coming. That's enough. On this point, mouth shut. For we are going to have to speak of something else.

PROTOGENUS

(entering)

The orders of Caesar have been carried out.

CALIGULA

I know it.

PROTOGENUS

What more does Caesar wish?

CALIGULA

Six lictors.

PROTOGENUS

Is that enough?

CALIGULA

Yes.

PROTOGENUS

Claudius is here.

CALIGULA

Let him come in.

PROTOGENUS

Alone?

CALIGULA

No matter. Let anyone enter -- but let no one leave.

MESSALINA

What's that commotion at the foot of the Palatine?

CALIGULA

Open the curtains to the pure mountain air. Heaven is radiant and the last cloud has vanished, chased by the wing of the storm.

MESSALINA

Listen, Caesar! Caesar don't you hear?

CLAUDIUS

(entering)

Hail Caesar, do you know what's going on down there?

CALIGULA

Ah, it's you, Claudius? Heaven is propitious to you. I had you called to render me a service.

(to Claudius)

I know you are master of the art of oratory.

CLAUDIUS

Caesar flatters me.

CALIGULA

No -- here it is -- the Senators knowing my horse has marvelous merit came, the other day, to pay him a visit. The president then gave a long speech to this noble animal which wasn't bad. But, in default of having heard yours neither of us has been able -- word of honor -- to give a response. As the case can present itself again, Claudius -- so in advance Claudius draw some good thing from your brain. I thought of Seneca but he's a true pedant, a library rat who thinks eloquence like erecting a monument is a matter of heaping up words -- dust without cement.

PEOPLE

(from below)

Wheat!

CHEREA

(entering)

Hail Caesar -- I've come running to get your orders. After having committed frightful disorders the people are in tumult -- assembled in the forum. Heavens! Do you hear them shout?

PEOPLE

Wheat, Caesar, wheat!

CALIGULA

By Drusilla, your sight, friend reminds me that between Muester the Slender and the Mountebank Apelles, an important debate was broached the other night -- Listen, its simply a question of knowing if, at the theater, one must with or without a harp sing the tragic verse or only speak it. Ah -- there you are, Consul!

AFRANIUS

(entering, very troubled)

Yes, Caesar, yes, it's me.

CALIGULA

What's wrong you are trembling so?

AFRANIUS

I fear for you.

CALIGULA

Really!

AFRANIUS

Don't you see these senseless hordes at the foot of the Palatine, howling and shoving? Don't you hear their voices which threaten from down there?

PEOPLE

Bread, Caesar, bread.

AFRANIUS

You don't hear them?

CALIGULA

You are mistaken, Consul. They are shouts of a holiday.

AFRANIUS

Don't jest Caesar -- it's going to go to your head. Leaving the palace these furies took me without guards, without lictors and without weapons. I was not able to resist.

CALIGULA

But still. Explain -- the crowd recognized your sacred majesty. Since here you are free?

AFRANIUS

Yes, but they made me take an absolute oath at their hands to bring you their rebel demands.

CALIGULA

Ah -- you are coming as a herald? Your mission is beautiful. Speak!

AFRANIUS

How shall I repeat -- the insolence before the Divine Emperor.

CALIGULA

Didn't you take an oath? In the book of destiny your oath is written and must be accomplished when its hour comes.

AFRANIUS

I cannot transmit such guilty vows unless Caesar orders it.

CALIGULA

Well, then I wish it.

AFRANIUS

Caesar, for the last month an unruly wind has kept the fleet from Sicily far from port -- and from the shore pilots and sailors can be seen struggling vainly against the waves -- so much so that the people believe they see the anger of heaven in a wind so constantly contrary -- and think that Caesar must have -- oh, pardon -- committed some offense -- it's the people speaking.

CALIGULA

Finish up!

AFRANIUS

Some offense against our gods, and that Rome is bearing for the moment the sin of a single man -- so the people in their wisdom demand from Caesar an expiation.

CALIGULA

Yes, the people are right and their wisdom is great, yes, Caesar has committed a terrible fault -- and Jupiter remembers an oath he made and has yet to carry out -- but to repair the crime is still possible -- and the expiation will be prompt and terrible.

Consul, do you recall that in Aulis the Greeks were becalmed?

The case was similar -- similar the sin. Their chief had sworn to make a human sacrifice and then he thought he could, with impunity, play with Diana and betray his oath. Well, like Agamemnon I have committed a crime -- a man offered himself as a sacrifice to the gods for me -- and I didn't wish -- weak and tender hearted - to shed this man's blood but behold the god's implacable wrath demands his blood through the people's voice. Doubtless, in acceding to it, my heart will break, but Jupiter wishes it -- it is well - -it shall run.

AFRANIUS

What are you saying?

CALIGULA

That Caesar is devout and that Rome must not expiate the sins of a single man.

AFRANIUS

Mercy!

PEOPLE

Bread, Caesar!

CALIGULA

Yes, people, I hear you -- patience!

AFRANIUS

Caesar!

CALIGULA

Yes, in several seconds, even as the Greeks after the sacrifice saw the wind become propitious, so you will see, as soon as this man dies, our fleet return to port under full sail.

AFRANIUS

I bear the inviolable title of herald. Think carefully, Caesar, think if it!

CALIGULA

Wretch!

AFRANIUS

People -- help me!

PEOPLE

The Consul! Death to Caligula! The Consul! The Consul!

CALIGULA

You want him?

(Throwing Afranius from the height of the gallery)

CALIGULA

Receive, O Jupiter, your tardy sacrifice!

CHEREA

(to Messalina)

If we can profit --

MESSALINA

(stopping him)

See -- the people are falling to their knees.

PEOPLE

Glory to Caligula -- Emperor without rival. Who will you give us for Consul?

CALIGULA

(with scorn)

My horse!

(curtain)

ACT III

The atrium of Cherea's house. All around the portraits of its gods -- to the left of the audience, the altar of the Lares -- two side doors, a door in the rear.

CHEREA

(to his Freedman)

No one has come?

FREEDMAN

No one.

(bowing, wanting to leave)

CHEREA

Fine, stay. What time is it?

FREEDMAN

We've finished the third hour, master.

CHEREA

That's well.

FREEDMAN

My master still has need of me?

CHEREA

Yes, for I believe I can confide in you. I am going to charge you with a grave mission. Harness a chariot and go take the slave I bought last night and who is being held for me. And so that he will have no hope of escape, bind his hands and blindfold him. Then, so he won't know where he's going you will take many detours. Then bring him here.

FREEDMAN

Is he to enter this house?

CHEREA

Doubtless.

FREEDMAN

You will be satisfied, master.

CHEREA

Listen still -- listen -- no -- nothing. Go without delay and do what I said.

(The Freedman exits.)

CHEREA

(leaning on the altar of his gods and veiling his head with his cloak)

Pardon, my gods, pardon if, speechless, mute, each time I bring my homage to your feet I veil my face with the flap of my cloak. It's because I do not raise my eyes to you, O Lares, who have seen the eyes of my ancestors. For, in looking at you, symbols of patriotism, I am ashamed to the depths of my heart for Rome and for myself who though young am an old soldier who saw the last hurrah of our last fine days -- and of Germanius whose memory I guard, who made me Centurion after a victory. I hope that your piercing glance has penetrated my feigned weakness and through all the detours my ruses have been forced to take -- followed the lover of public glory. Oh if half my relations were known to you - -then you would have pity. Pity when you hear me speak the jargon of Ovid and Tibulus in a ridiculous voice. Pity when you see me bring my love to this Messalina, shame of our age and pity when to the insults of the Caesar you have seen my heart cowardly submit. Well, you know, all this is only to bring my project to its bloody end. And you are aware that for it to succeed, I have had to cover it with a deep veil. Oh -- doubtless in the times of ancient virtue it was not the way Brutus conspired. And it was in broad daylight that his stoic dagger avenged the Holy Republic in full Senate. But when such a project was undertaken, a friend could depose his secret in the breast of a friend without fear -- for the sublime secret fell engulfed as in to an abyss. But today, soldiers, citizens, senators offer a hundred informers for a discreet friend. So much so, that when one wants a loyal and brave heart you must seek it in the breast of a slave.

O my gods! let me find in this young Gaul what I've vainly looked for a hundred times in these Roman bastards, this blind and withered race, who respond with songs to the tears of the country.

Some one's coming -- Protogenus -- and what has this executioner's spy come to do here?

PROTOGENUS

(entering)

Hail, Master. Here are two children that Caesar finds very disposed to become men.

(pointing to Annius and Sabinus guarded by Lictors)

Both have taken arms in hand -- thinking to speak again to the old Roman people and wishing to make our Plebs believe an unheard of lie that is so ridiculous: namely that when wheat is lacking so is bread -- and when bread is lacking, you will die of hunger. Happily, the crowd understood the trick and gave them up to us for justice. Therefore, the Divine Caesar, before judging them, charges you, Cherea with interrogating them --

So, you will learn from them if such ideas possess other heads. He knows your devotion -- he counts on you and wants you to prove it.

CHEREA

(aside)

Does he suspect me?

PROTOGENUS

(to the two young men)

Come forward.

(to Cherea)

Fear nothing, however far your zeal carries you. Soldiers are watching at the door and I myself will remain in this place to know if I have some orders to receive from you.

(leaving with the Lictors)

CHEREA

(aside)

Yes, I understand. It's well that your fatal zeal spies at leisure on my words and deeds. Believe me, both have long been trained in the language that must be spoken before you.

(turning to the young men and recognizing them)

Annius! Sabinus!

ANNIUS

Not long ago we knew a certain Cherea, renowned in war, but we don't know any tireless actor who in peace time fills the job of inquisitor. So be it.

CHEREA

Among the jobs the Emperor dispenses under the title of favor -- or for high pay -- and whatever may be mine -- I engage my honor that the soldier will never be shamed by the citizen.

ANNIUS

What must we think of each other?

CHEREA

Our roles are written, let's each protect our own -- and so long as it does not please fate to change them, remember that mine is that of interrogator.

SABINUS

It's true by Jupiter. I'll reply to you when you've offered me a seat.

CHEREA

Take a chair. And first of all Annius what senseless demon has today thrust you into rebellion -- you, the heir of a name full of glory?

ANNIUS

What suddenly flashed in my memory was one of my ancestors famous for his virtues -- who died with Brutus at Phillippi.

CHEREA

And you, Sabinus?

ANNIUS

(playing with his gold chain)

I?

CHEREA

Respond.

ANNIUS

Yes, brother, respond.

SABINUS

My word, tribune, I conspired to distract myself. For the last week, I've been so ill-treated by fate. Lepidus the best of my friends died. I sought recourse against melancholy in gambling. Gambling devoured me even to the leather of my purse to make me forget the loss of my gold. My mistress remained a last treasure. I ran to her place. An hour before my arrival the Gladiator Sergius carried her off! When this happened, the people were running amuck -- I ran after them -- they shouted -- I shouted after them with something like "Death to Caesar", I suppose and at that moment I shouted the loudest, they captured me. I let myself be captured and I was wrong!

CHEREA

Fools that you are. You know at this game you stake both your heads against the Emperor!

ANNIUS

Each of us waits resigned. Caesar takes our heads, that's fair -- he won.

CHEREA

Now must we have recourse to torture to make your confess the names of your accomplices?

SABINUS

Do what you wish.

ANNIUS

Accomplices, Tribune? As for me, I've long hoped to find one. But today hope is only a flash of light in the shadows that shivers and disappears leaving the night even darker. This man, almost a child that conquered the Marses, a simple Decurion followed Germanicus. Then as the Little Bear mounted the sky, again he followed him to Nicopolis. And, returning still followed him toward the disastrous fields, the domain of bullies where the bones of our army were blanched for six years.

Accustomed to conquer, he raised by his hand, one of those great tombs where sleep the vanished soldiers Caesar demanded of Varus.

But they tell me he's forgotten his glory since then -- lost all memory of it, and traitor to himself spends his days with a courtesan in banal amours which he only leaves with great trouble to lick the hand which holds us enchained -- this name once so high -- and now so low, do you know him, Tribune?

CHEREA

I don't know him.

ANNIUS

That's well! May we know what fate is destined for us?

CHEREA

You will be taken to the Mamertine prison and there deploring your error, you will await the fate the clement Emperor decides.

SABINUS

Tribune -- if his clemency is to be torture obtain that the executioners spare our faces, so that we won't frighten Proserpine as we enter her realm. Goodbye.

(Annius and Sabinus exit.)

CHEREA

(alone)

Goodbye, poor children, in whose fraternal souls the last fires of Republican virtue still burn -- who ran very ardently towards a noble end. Not having known how to reach it, at least you will know how to die! Alas, although my heart is brother to yours -- I cannot help you in the fate that awaits you.

Oh, if I had thought that in Rome there was still a bit of gold lost in our mud, I would have looked for it more carefully and at this hour of sacrifice, children, I would march as your accomplice. And at every peril prompt to participate, I would die with you instead of avenging you.

(The Freedman enters with Aquila hands bound, blindfolded.)

FREEDMAN

Master, we are here.

CHEREA

Fine, you have understood my instructions. And now, let no one come to surprise us!

FREEDMAN

Be tranquil.

(He leaves.)

(Aquila pulls off the blindfold as soon as Cherea unties his hands.)

AQUILA

Who are you?

CHEREA

Your master or your friend.

AQUILA

In that case no explanations are necessary and let's speak to each other in complete frankness.

CHEREA

Speak.

AQUILA

Victim of a crime or indeed even a mistake despite the sacred rights of Roman citizens, they've ta