The Mortal Gods and Other Plays Part 22

_Coq._ She cried "The Gringo flies!"

And pointed there.

_Mas._ [_Returning_] The upper gate is fast.

He went that way. [_Nods left_] Beneath the cypresses Into the maguey fields.

_A man._ He'll not get far.

He has no water.

_Meg._ He will die in th' brush, And I shall never know it. Alive or dead, He must be found. I'll flog a man a day, Until I see his bones.

_Gon._ [_Coming up_] He is not here.

We've looked in all the huts.

_Meg._ Ipparro?

_Ipp._ Sir!

_Meg._ Send men abroad, for fifty miles about, To put the haciendas on the watch.

He must come in for water. Choose good men, Who _ride_, and see no wenches by the way.

_Coq._ My lord, I've served you long----

_Meg._ Too long, you hound!

Where is your lady's token?

_Coq._ This, my lord.

She thrust it in my hand.

_Meg._ And left it too!

_Coq._ I knew 'twas yours.

_Meg._ [_To Famette_] A thief too, are you?

[_Famette crouches, drawing shawl over her head_]

_Meg._ True, Coquriez, you have served me long. I'll add You've served me well until to-night.

_Coq._ O, pardon!

_Meg._ I trusted you. And held your hand as mine, To make my wishes deeds.

_Coq._ 'Tis sworn your own!

_Meg._ Then prove it. Take this whip. Come, take it, man!

Now flog that witch.

_Coq._ Famette! A woman, sir?

_Meg._ The devil's second name is woman. Do it!

_Coq._ A heavy hand I've laid on men, my lord, But never yet----

_Meg._ Her smile struck deep to make Such putty of your heart.

[_Coquriez drops whip_] Pick up that whip!

_You_ want its kisses, do you? Pick it up, Or you shall feel them to your traitor bones!

I'll have you flogged together!

[_Coquriez slowly picks up whip. Famette rises, throwing off her shawl_]

_Fam._ Hear me, men!

For men you are,--not beasts. Your hands are strong In ceaseless toil. Day after day you pile Your master's wealth more high. Day after day You sweat your way a little nearer death, That he may kick your bodies from his path And set your graves in hennequin. But know Who toils may fight! The hand that lifts a spade May bear a sword. The strength you give to him, Use for yourselves. Your master is one man, You are five hundred----

_Meg._ G.o.ds! I'll stop your mouth!

You men there--go--you dozen at the gate-- Go to the dry-yard--load your backs with fibre-- And bring it here!

[_Men go out_]

I'll teach you now, you slaves!

You are five hundred--yes--and I am one, But in me is the might of Goldusan!

The power of Cordiaz is in my whip, And back of that is iron Hudibrand!

Kill me to-night, to-morrow you shall die, Each dog of you,--you know it!

[_Men come in with fibre_]

Throw the stuff Against the hut. There, pile it up. More, more!

Now, Coquriez, the gentle, you've refused To ruffle your fond dove,--here's sweeter work, And for no hand but yours. Put her within, Then fire the hut. [_Utter silence_]

What terror's on you, beasts?

_Coq._ In G.o.d's name, sir, you dare not!

_Meg._ In the name Of all who know how power is kept, I dare!

Move there, you dog!

[_Coquriez stands motionless_]

Do you refuse again?

Then ... in your heart. [_Shoots. Coquriez falls dead_]

Who'll be the next to stand on feet of lead When I say "Do?" Gonzalo! Garza! Out!

[_The men do not move. Megario lifts his pistol_]

_Fam._ Spare them, Megario. I'll go in.

[_Enters hut, closing door_]

_Meg._ [_Trembling_] That voice!

Who is this woman? Speak! Who knows? I've heard....

Bah! I'm a fool!... Take up that lantern there, Gonzalo. Break it on the fibre. Move!

[_He stands with his weapon drawn. The door of the hut in thrown open and Famette appears. She wears a rich robe, gleaming white, with blue and gold cabalistic broidery. In her hand is a sceptre, on her head a crown with a single star. The men, with cries of "Osa! Osa!" fall upon their knees, foreheads to ground, then leap up, changed, and glaring. They seem ready to spring upon Megario_]

_Fam._ Shoot now, Megario! [_Silence_]

You dare not do it!