The Maccabaean

CAST OF CHARACTERS.

Saladin, Prince of Syria. Fatima, his sister. Ben Judah, master of P'leshett. Bath Zion, his betrothed. Jehudah Halevy, a singer in Israel. A Monk. Columbia. Sabbath Zebi, a wonder worker. Bezall, a master builder. Barzillai, an iron master. First Knight. Second Knight. Roman Soldiers, Knights and Princesses of many nations. Place: P'leshett, in Syria.

SCENE I.

The stage represents a public highway. A partly demolished castle in the background.

Down stage, near the footlights, the form of Bath Zion, half leaning on a large rock in the midst of the ruins. A few steps from her Ben Judah in chains, struggling to break away from Roman soldiers, who seek to prevent him from reaching the side of Bath Zion. No word is spoken during the struggle. The soldiers manage to remove Ben Judah, and after great effort go off with him to the left. Behind scene, tumult of mob, which slowly dies away.

SCENE II.

BATH-ZION.—(Recovering from her apparent stupor.) Oh, where is he, where is Ben Judah? Ben Judah! Ben Judah! Where are you? Do you hear my voice, calling thee? (pause) He is gone, car-

ried off in chains by his tormentors. But is he really gone forever? Will the feet of Ben Judah no more tread these sacred places? Am I to be left alone in my desolation, alone with my sorrow, uncomforted? Terrible is the fate that pursues us. Oh, Ben Judah, how will you survive the loss of home, of freedom, of all that is dear and sacred to us? What is the light of day, and what the joy of life, with you separated from me. (pause) And if perchance he will survive, will he not forget me, Bath Zion? Will he remember the joys we have shared, the sorrows borne together, and will he escape the snares and pitfalls placed in his path by the daughters of our enemies? Woe is me! This doubt is worse than death, more painful than the scourge of the enemy. (Notices her harp broken.) Dear companion of my joys and sorrows, hopes and dreams, are you, indeed, left to me? But your strings are broken. No more will they respond to my touch, no more vibrate to the melody of Ben Judah's song. You are broken as my poor heart is broken. (Pause). Is he really gone forever? Shall I never see his face, or enjoy sweet converse with him? My strength forsakes me! Despair benumbs my limbs! (tries to rise.) My heart is weak; is there no one here to help me? Will no one save me? Oh, Ben Judah, come; my beloved, protect me, save me, save me!.... (faints.)

SCENE III.

SALADIN.—Guards, station yourselves at the road and let none of the marauders