ΘΕΜΙΣΤΟΚΛΕΣ
THEMISTOCLES
and the
Persian War
A Fifth Grade Play
by
Eugene Schwartz
2
THEMISTOCLES
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Zeus, ruler of the heavens
Hera, his consort
Hephæstus, god of the forge
Apollo, god of light and music
Hermes, messenger of the gods
Ares, god of war
Aphrodite, goddess of beauty
Poseidon, ruler of the sea
Athene, goddess of wisdom
First Merchant
Second Merchant
Third Merchant
Fourth Merchant
Fifth Merchant
Stavros, a gymnast
Niarkos, a gymnast
Onassos, a gymnast
First Acrobat
Second Acrobat
Thermophilus,
steward to Themistocles
Themistocles,
an Athenian statesman
Sybaritis, a Persian satrap
Aricles, courtier to Sybaritis
Ericles, courtier to Sybaritis
Iscicles, courtier to Sybaritis
Acidophila, servant to Stesilaus
Stesilaus, an Athenian noblewoman
Xanthippus, leader of the Democrats
Aristides, leader of the Oligarchs
Kimon, a demagogue and general
Hybrias, a demagogue and general
First Assassin
Second Assassin
Third Assassin
Thyria, wife to Xanthippus
Pericles, their son
Phosphaë, their first daughter
Zoë, their second daughter
Athenian Officer
Melina, an Athenian woman
Merkuri, an Athenian woman
Cleonika, an Athenian woman
3
Scene 1
(Olympus. The action takes place on and off the stage, and finally in the Great
Hall of the Olympian Gods. Hera appears, pursuing Zeus.)
Hera:
Zeus, I need to speak with you!
Zeus:
Hera, I have work to do!
Hera:
Always fleeing to your work!
Zeus:
Shall I all my duties shirk?
Hera:
You care so much for mortals' lives,
And for mortal maids you yearn,
Yet heedlessly you neglect your wife —
Oh Zeus, when will you learn?
Your exploits make you a laughingstock,
Men know not whether to worship or mock!
Zeus:
Now Hera, be still, and let me explain —
(Hephæstus rushes onto the stage and clutches Hera.)
Hephæstus:
Oh mother, Aphrodite's run off yet again!
She's left me, as so many times before,
To revel and riot with the God of War.
Oh, help me to find that false, faithless pair!
Zeus:
Now, now, Hephæstus, no need to despair,
They'll show up soon — any day — any year . . . .
Hera (sobbing):
Is that your answer? It is just as I feared,
So much like his father fair Ares appears —
Not far from the tree falls the fruit — how you leer!
Do you see, husband Zeus, what chaos you've created
By stretching the ties that bind?
No surprise that on earth we gods are berated,
And mortals think Love to be blind!
4
Zeus (embraces her):
Dear Hera, be calm now, you'll find some relief —
(Apollo rushes in, holding Hermes by the scruff of his neck.)
Apollo:
Look father, I've caught him — the scoundrel, the thief,
Stealing my cattle, scaring my sheep!
You smile at his mischief, but I'll make him weep!
Zeus:
Ah, boys will be boys, even when they're immortal!
Young Hermes has given me many a chortle,
He does some bad deeds, but his heart isn't bad —
(Ares and Aphrodite appear. Hephæstus tries to embrace Aphrodite, but Ares
pushes him aside.)
Hephæstus:
Aphrodite — beloved! — Ares — you cad!
Ares:
Keep away! You reek of smoke and grime!
Since when is being in love a crime?
All the gods know as well as I do
Aphrodite was forced to marry you!
There are times when she needs
Some joy, and a change
From your forge and your noise
And your stifling flames!
Aphrodite:
Protect me, oh Zeus,
I'm helpless and weak!
Hera:
Listen to that hussy speak!
She loves nothing so much as her lovely self —
(Poseidon storms in, pulling Athene behind him.)
Poseidon:
Zeus, I call on you for help!
Athene draws to herself the men
Who used to worship me —
Athene (defiantly):
Those who once were Poseidon's thralls
5
I teach to be free!
I show them how to build safe docks
Fearing not Poseidon's storms,
How to hew ship's beams of olive stock
That Poseidon cannot harm;
But when mortals no longer fear him,
Poseidon cries out in alarm!
Poseidon:
How dare you show such insolence!
Athene:
I dare to show intelligence!
Poseidon:
Do you imply that somehow I
Am lacking in intellect?
Perhaps the guidance of my trident
Will inspire a little respect!
(Poseidon raises his trident and chases Athene.)
Athene:
Save me, father Zeus!
(In the melee, Hephæstus gets past Ares and pulls Aphrodite towards him.
Apollo begins to thrash Hermes, while Hera takes Ares by the shoulders and
angrily shakes him. All the gods cry out at once.)
Hera:
Give her back, Ares!
Ares:
Help me, oh Zeus!
Aphrodite:
Don't hurt me, Hephæstus!
Apollo:
Hermes, you thief!
Hermes:
Zeus, protect me!
Poseidon:
Come back here, Athene!
Athene:
Zeus, stop him!
(They repeat their lines until
there is nothing but a
cacophony.)
6
(The stage darkens, with a dim light on Zeus alone. He raises his thunderbolt,
and there is a flash of lightning and crash of thunder.)
Zeus:
I command that all quarrels cease!
Let there be silence! Let there be peace!
When the gods do nothing but rage and quarrel
The world becomes a vale of sorrow. . . .
So listen to my words!
Ten years ago, we helped Athens' men
Overcome their Persian lords;
Darius' Empire was invincible then,
But well-wielded were Grecian swords.
Then Darius died, and to the imperial throne
Xerxes, his son, next ascended;
He knows well the will with which the Greeks
Their homeland once defended.
And now he considers wreaking revenge
Upon his father's old foes . . . .
But whether he decides for war or peace,
Xerxes' choice the gods must not oppose!
(The gods gasp and look at one another incredulously.)
Zeus:
The time has passed when Olympians
Might meddle in affairs of men;
Mortals must now become self-reliant,
Independent, yes, even defiant,
And our rule must gradually end.
Poseidon:
This cannot be —
Apollo:
It's much too soon —
Hera:
No longer rule men? —
Ares:
What will we do with ourselves? —
Zeus:
It must be — and it shall be done!
Olympians, gather around my throne,
7
(The Olympians gather around Zeus with their backs to the audience.)
Zeus:
Raise your right hand and stand at attention,
While you take this vow of non-intervention.
(As the Olympians raise their right hands in obeisance, they place their left hands
behind their backs and cross their fingers.)
Olympians:
We so pledge, O Father Zeus!
Zeus:
Now go!
Resolve your squabbles, gods, and leave mortals alone
To settle old scores and wage war on their own.
(The quarreling gods approach each other in a conciliatory way and leave the
stage in pairs: Zeus and Hera, Apollo and Hermes, and Poseidon and Athene.
Hephæstus pulls Aphrodite away from Ares. As Aphrodite is drawn off by
Hephæstus, she looks longingly at Ares until he abruptly exits. Before they leave
the stage, Aphrodite throws herself at Hephæstus' feet and weeps.)
Aphrodite:
Hephæstus, my husband, you're hurt to the core —
Yet you know you're the one I love and adore!
Hephæstus:
What of strong Ares? Don't you love him much more?
Aphrodite:
When compared to you, husband, Ares is callow,
He's arrogant, ignorant, somnolent, shallow;
He keeps me amused for a day (perhaps two),
But then I am longing to come back to you!
Hephæstus:
Aphrodite, you know that I feel that way, too!
Though I work in earth's depths,
When you're there I'm in heaven,
To please and delight you — by this I am driven;
You are the reason I'm working and living.
Ask what you want of me — it will be given!
Aphrodite (thinks for a moment):
Remember, Hephæstus, the proud city of Troy,
That the savage Greeks plundered, and burned, and destroyed?
And all because I had paired Paris with Helen —
8
The Greeks' barbarous cruelty can not be forgiven!
Now they will pay! I'll see Athens in flames
While her people pray to me, seeking mercy — but in vain!
Hephæstus, among gods you are unique,
For you teach mortals mastery of every technique;
Inspire the Persians! Help them forge arms
That can puncture and sever and do severe harm,
Hammer dark weapons and armor so bright
That all who encounter them die of sheer fright!
Hephæstus:
But Zeus said that none of us should interfere —
Aphrodite (grows affectionate):
Hephæstus, beloved, my darling, my dear,
Prove that you love me — do as I ask —
You, you alone, have the skill for this task!
Hephæstus (flattered):
I will teach the Persians arts of war
That will win them battles and fame —
How to fill a ditch with fiery pitch
And set their foes aflame,
How to forge hard swords of iron,
And adamantine shields,
Ships whose weight and speed and might
Will make opponents yield,
Athens will fall, desolated,
Succumbing to weapons like these,
Persia will rise up, elated,
And Aphrodite will smile on me, pleased!
When you're happy, Aphrodite, then life for me is bliss.
Come back to our forge, my darling,
And see how much you've been missed.
(Hephæstus pulls her towards him. Aphrodite gently pushes him away.)
Aphrodite:
Of course, my husband!
But from my weeping and my moaning
My looks are a disgrace!
Return to your forge — I'll be with you soon —
Once I've put on a pretty face!
(Hephæstus bids her a warm farewell and she blows him a kiss and coyly waves.
A moment later, Ares steps out of the shadows. Aphrodite throws herself at Ares'
feet and weeps.)
9
Aphrodite:
Ares, beloved, you're hurt to the core —
Yet you know you're the one I love and adore!
Ares (annoyed):
It looks like you love Hephæstus much more!
Aphrodite:
When compared to you, Ares, Hephæstus is vile,
He's hideous, devious, loathsome, defiled;
He compels me to stay for a day (perhaps two),
But by then I am longing to come back to you!
Ares:
Aphrodite, you know that I feel that way, too!
When you gaze in my eyes, my heart is set soaring,
I love you much more than I love all my warring;
Though I move among soldiers who brandish my name,
When you're there I don't care for triumph or fame.
Ask what you want of me, for you make me tame!
Aphrodite (thinks for a moment):
Remember, dear Ares, the apple of gold,
That led to the tale, a thousand times told,
Of the war against Troy, with its treasures untold,
And all for the sake of fair Helen, so cold?
Because I won that apple, Athene can't stand me
And Hera's ever ready to reprimand me,
They will both side with Athens out of sheer jealousy,
They will do what they can to exasperate me!
Ares, among Olympians you are the strongest,
Your courage is greatest, your vision is longest.
Strengthen the Persians! Make them want war,
So their Empire's glory may shine forth once more;
Have them overcome Greece in a feast of bloodlust —
Where Athens now stands . . . . let there be dust!
Ares:
But Zeus said that none of us should interfere —
Aphrodite (grows affectionate):
Ares, beloved, my darling, my dear,
Prove that you love me — do as I ask —
You, you alone, have the strength for this task!
10
Ares (flattered):
Well . . . .
I could raise an army
Of two million men,
I'd watch them march across the world
And then limp home again . . . .
I'd send Discord, Hate, and Anger
Down to Earth to rouse men's ire,
And to prove that nothing can resist
Fear, and Force, and Fire.
Never before will so many men
Have been sent to be wounded or die
Never before will so many wives
Have grieved, and groaned, and cried,
But the victor won't weep — nor will I!
Aphrodite:
Oh, Ares, your words bring such joy to my heart,
I hardly can wait for the battle to start!
I'll go and help Xerxes build empires in air,
While you bring the Greeks cruel defeat and despair!
(Aphrodite and Ares run off together. Athene and Hermes appear out of the
shadows.)
Hermes:
Whoever added "Mighty"
To the name of Aphrodite
Was indeed a sagacious soul;
I've heard, "All's fair in love and war,"
But I say they play foul!
Their solemn vow to Zeus was so recently spoken
And already their oaths lie forgotten and broken!
Our father must learn of the goddess' schemes,
Of Hephæstus' dire plans and Ares' dark dreams.
(Hermes starts to run off, but Athene clasps his shoulder.)
Athene:
Stay!
If war must come, then let it be,
And make a virtue of necessity.
Let Athens be refined in the fire of battle,
Let the carnage and the pain test her true mettle!
It is time to prepare for the oncoming age,
When Athens will stand on the world's center stage;
As empires crumble and dictators fall,
Athens will then ascend, greatest of all,
Deposing despots democratically,
11
Defying the gods with her will to be free.
And there is one man who knows this:
Themistocles!
Hermes:
Themistocles? Who is Themistocles?
Athene:
Follow me to Athens, Hermes,
And you, too, will see . . . .
(They move offstage and the lights dim to darkness.)
12
Scene 2
(The marketplace near the Port of Piræus, the harbor of Athens, 482 B.C.
Merchants enter, quickly setting up booths to sell their wares. Athenians enter
from all directions. Three Gymnasts — Stavros, Niarkos, and Onassos — and
acrobats perform for the crowd. The Merchants compete for their customers'
attention, calling out loudly and stepping in front of one another. All is in great
commotion.
A figure enters, covered from head to toe in a long cloak. When she pulls the
cloak away, we see that this is Athene. She looks at the audience and places her
finger over her mouth, signifying that her presence is a secret. She covers herself
with the cloak and blends in with the Crowd.)
First Merchant:
Pomegranates, pure and piquant! Pomegranates!
Second Merchant:
Fresh goat cheese! It's sure to please! Fresh goat cheese!
Third Merchant:
Taste the finest wine in Athens! Blessed by Dionysus' lips!
Fourth Merchant:
Hymettus honey, as sweet as Hera's golden apples!
Fifth Merchant: Olive oil, Athene's gift to our city!
(The Gymnasts and Acrobats perform to music, and the crowd laughs and
cheers.)
Merchants:
Doesn't all that make you hungry?
Pomegranates!
Fresh goat cheese!
Finest wine!
Sweetest honey!
Olive oil!
Sure to please!
(Merchants continue to ply their wares in pantomime as Thermophilus enters. He
wears a motley combination of the costumes of India, Persia, Egypt etc. He
makes his way to the pomegranate stand, picks up a fruit and contemplatively
smells it.)
Thermophilus:
Are these pomegranates fresh from Hellas, boy?
First Merchant:
13
They're as Greek as I am, sir — and Persephone herself never tasted a
fruit this fresh!
Thermophilus:
Better to say that they are as fresh as you, for speaking so freshly of a
goddess!
(He throws a gold coin to the Merchant, then tastes the fruit.)
Thermophilus:
Pomegranates! Persephone!
You don't know how sweet it is to roll those sounds upon my tongue!
First Merchant:
You speak like one who has been long gone from Hellas . . . . and this
coin is not like ours. Is this a gorgon's head?
Thermophilus:
That's Shiva, my boy! My master and I have just returned from a journey
long and hard.
(A crowd now gathers around Thermophilus and the Merchants.)
Third Merchant:
Where does the coin come from?
Thermophilus (pointing):
Let your gaze travel to where Helios begins his sun-bearing journey every
day. Now go beyond that place and you'll be where this coin was first minted.
Stavros:
Then you'll have fallen off the world — or be walking around like this!
(He walks on his hands, while the crowd laughs.)
Thermophilus:
That's what you simple Athenians believe, but my Master says that the
world is as round as a pomegranate, so there's nowhere to fall from!
Second Merchant:
Just who are you, stranger, who dares to speak such blasphemy?
Thermophilus:
I am Thermophilus of Corinth, a veteran of the Battle of Marathon. I'll
never forget that fight: there we stood, outnumbered by the Persians five to one.
My men quaked with fear, but I stood with firm resolve. Raising my spear, I called
out, "O ye Hellenes, fight for Zeus!" and then —
First Merchant:
14
And who is your master?
Thermophilus:
I am steward to Themistocles.
(The crowd gasps. All begin to ask questions at once.)
Crowd:
Themistocles has returned?
What has he learned of the Persians?
What news does he bring?
Where has he been all these months?
Third Merchant:
Everyone knows that this very harbor would not have built without
Themistocles' urging. He is convinced that it is the sea, not the land, that will
make Athens great.
Crowd:
Will he speak to us?
Thermophilus:
My master is still aboard the ship, making sure that our cargo is unloaded
with care. And what treasures! Luxurious linen from Egypt, shimmering silk from
China, warming wool from Kashmir, amber and sardonyx, jasper, chalcedony!
Ivory gods from India, with more arms than you can count, gold gods from
Scythia, stone gods from Bactria. We've brought Asian screens with little signs
that read from top to bottom, Egyptian plaques with hieroglyphs that read from
bottom to top, Persian tablets that read from left to right, Hebrew scrolls that read
from right to left —
Niarkos:
How confusing!
Thermophilus:
Not to me! I don't know how to read anyway!
Second Merchant:
What has Themistocles learned on his journey?
Thermophilus (gestures for the Merchant to come closer, without noticing that the
whole Crowd has gathered around them. Speaks in a stage whisper):
Xerxes, Emperor of Persia, is preparing to battle Greece!
(Members of the Crowd gasp, but, when noticed by Thermophilus, pretend not
have heard. As Thermophilus speaks again, they gather round him.)
15
Thermophilus:
No one must know, but Themistocles is prepared to address the Ekklesia
tomorrow, to warn of the danger and rouse all Athens to resist!
(Members of the Crowd loudly react, positively and negatively to Thermophilus'
words, but once again pretend not have heard.)
Second Merchant:
Resist? Who can resist the power of the Persian Empire? It was but the
grace of the gods that spared us ten years ago, when we fought Xerxes' father,
Darius. But Xerxes knows our few strengths and our many weaknesses —
Thermophilus:
Who can resist? I'll tell you who can resist! I'll never forget that battle
against the Persians: there we stood, outnumbered ten to one. My men quaked
with fear, but I stood with firm resolve. Raising my spear, I called out, "O ye
Hellenes —"
Fifth Merchant:
Are we to trust this Greek bearing quips? We've yet to see his master!
Crowd:
Where is he? We want to see him in the flesh? Where is Themistocles?
(The Crowd gathers threateningly around Thermophilus.)
Thermophilus (backing away):
You call me a liar? I'll fetch my Master this moment and — and then you'll
be sorry! He is a philosopher, so one word from him and — your blood will erupt
in fire — he'll turn you to stone — he'll — he'll —
(Themistocles appears behind Thermophilus, who does not see him. The Crowd
sees him, however, and most back away of run off.)
Thermophilus:
See how the cowards flee at my words. Just like the Persians at
Marathon, ha, ha —
(He backs into Themistocles, falls, and turns around.)
Thermophilus:
Oh! Master! I was just —uh — engaging in a — uh — philosophical
dialogue with these — uh — friendly Athenians, and I —uh —
Themistocles (smiling):
You are a veritable Sphinx when it comes to keeping secrets,
Thermophilus! Our barrels and crates are being unloaded, my good steward.
Find some help and have them brought to my home.
16
(With many bows and pleas for forgiveness, Thermophilus exits. The crowd has
gone, but three of the Athletes return and approach Themistocles.)
Stavros:
Themistocles, you've not spoken in public and already men are debating
over what they think you will say!
Niarkos:
What you have learned about Persia may not rest well with those for
whom comfort and complacency are virtues.
Onassos:
Many may respect you — but we wish to protect you.
Themistocles (laughing):
And you don’t think that Thermophilus could single-handedly fight against
five or ten of my enemies at once? I thank you for your offer, but the power of
public opinion no longer frightens me.
Onassos:
Wise words! May the gods bless your courage!
(The Athletes slap Themistocles on the shoulder with encouragement, and then
joyfully play leapfrog as they leave. Athene turns Themistocles' head so that he
stares at them contemplatively.)
Themistocles:
Wait! When I see the three of you, something begins to dawn on me . . . .
Good fellows, perhaps you may be of service to me. I have an idea . . . . Appear
at my home this evening, and we will speak further.
(The Athletes joyfully exit. Themistocles and Athene, half-hidden in the shadows,
remain on stage.)
Themistocles:
The sea is calm this eve,
But stormy is my soul!
O you dazzling Grecian shores,
And sweet Hellenic voices,
For too long have I been gone.
Yet, though I see this vast array of beauty,
I know that I am blind!
Once the gods lived among us,
And led and guided men.
Ah, if only that Golden Age
Returned in its glory again!
All that I believe I must do
To bring glory to my city and to Greece
May be vain delusion — and I have no god
17
To tell me if I err —
By action alone will I learn.
Athene (unheard by Themistocles):
Themistocles! Hellenic son,
Auger of the age to come!
Welcome, O welcome to Athen's fair shores;
Child of dawn, son of a new morn,
Rise up and act, your destiny's sure!
Triumph and tragedy, meted out equally,
Must you endure.
Themistocles:
Twilight approaches;
The gods grow still in the dying light,
And through all of the long night to come
No sweet-sounding chorus will be heard,
To soothe and console the lonely souls of men.
Yet I must speak the words of fiery sacrifice
That will warm men's hearts and guide their deeds
Through the hard, dark times to follow.
Athene, make me wise and give me light, Apollo!
(Exits)
18
Scene 3
(The palace of Sybaritis, Satrap of Sardis. Three Courtiers - Aricles, Ericles, and
Iscicles - stand stiffly near his empty throne. Aricles runs offstage, then runs back
to his place.)
Aricles:
He comes!
Ericles:
He comes!
Iscicles:
He comes!
Together:
Sound trumpets and drums!
(A flourish is sounded offstage. Sybaritis enters, and the three courtiers throw
themselves flat on their faces before him, forming a path to his throne. Sybaritis
walks on their backs and ascends to his throne.)
Sybaritis:
Arise, you dogs!
(Courtiers stand as before.)
Sybaritis:
The life of a satrap grows miserable lately!
Although I am stately,
My subjects all hate me,
My wife, she berates me,
My foes underrate me,
My friends aggravate me!
Courtiers:
We dare not debate him:
His subjects all hate him,
His wife, she berates him,
His foes underrate him,
His friends aggravate him!
Sybaritis:
This only defeats me —
Why must you repeat me?
Aricles:
We three!
19
Ericles:
We three!
Iscicles:
We three!
Courtiers:
We always agree!
Sybaritis:
Once more I'll remind you:
I've wined you and dined you,
But no peace of mind you
Have given my soul;
So be on your way now,
Don't you dare stay now,
Or this very day, how
Your heads will roll!
Aricles:
We go!
Ericles:
We go!
Iscicles:
We go!
(They run out of the throne room, and then poke their heads into the room once
more.)
Courtiers:
If you say so!
(They run out again. Sybaritis rises, paces about the room restlessly, looks for
someone at whom to bark a command, then sits again.)
Sybaritis (calls out):
Return, you mincing magpies!
(The Courtiers quickly return and resume their places near the throne.)
Sybaritis:
Misery enjoys company!
Aricles:
My lord Sybaritis, one of your spies stands in the courtyard and wishes to
have an audience with you!
20
Sybaritis:
Call the drooling toad in!
(Ericles goes offstage and returns with the Second Merchant.)
Second Merchant:
O Sybaritis, dearest despot and most tender tyrant, I —
Sybaritis:
Is this any way to greet your ruler? Bow! Kneel! Grovel! Fall flat! That's
better! Now, speak!
(The Second Merchant follows all of Sybaritis' commands until his face is flat
against the floor.)
Second Merchant:
Mmmph, mmmph —
Sybaritis:
How I am supposed to understand you when you mumble like that? Stand
straight and speak clearly, you spawn of a serpent!
Second Merchant:
Three days ago, as I plied my wares in the Port of Piræus, I saw
Themistocles. He has returned from his travels, and intends to persuade the
Athenians to make ready for war.
Sybaritis:
War? But Xerxes' invasion is meant to be a surprise attack!
Second Merchant:
Begging your pardon for this insolence, my Lord, but when Emperor
Xerxes begins to raise an army of two and a half million soldiers, it is not easy to
keep it a secret.
Sybaritis:
Silence, fool! But surely, there will be opposition to Themistocles' plan.
The Athenians have grown accustomed to their peace and prosperity, and will
not hearken to anyone who wants to make them uncomfortable. And is there no
one left in the Ekklesia whom we haven't threatened or bribed?
Second Merchant:
In these years of peace, the Athenians have grow smug and sluggish.
Those who would wish to fight will probably be willing to surrender once they
learn how many troops and ships Xerxes commands. But still . . . .
Sybaritis:
What is it?
21
Second Merchant:
Themistocles is a forceful orator. He thinks the Greeks must be free to
trade wherever they wish, and to rid themselves forever from the grip of Persian
rule.
Sybaritis:
No more Persian rule? Then what would I do all day long?
But we have nothing to worry about! What can one man do when opposed
by many? I always say, "The majority is right." Ha, ha, ha!
(He looks at his courtiers threateningly.)
Sybaritis:
Don't you agree?
(They nervously nod their heads.)
Aricles:
We three!
Ericles:
We three!
Iscicles:
We three!
Courtiers:
We always a —
Sybaritis:
Stop it, you parroting pinheads!
But . . . . just to play safe, let me send you on some errands:
Aricles — get silver talents from our treasury and bribe whatever oligarchs
you can find to oppose Themistocles in the Ekklesia!
Ericles — organize a crowd to gather around the Pnyx when the
Athenians meet to drown Themistocles out as soon as he speaks!
Iscicles — convey this message to Xerxes' agents in Sardis, telling the
Emperor all that has transpired, and assuring him of victory!
(The Courtiers exit.)
By hot-headed Hades, I'll not have Themistocles meddling in these affairs
any longer! I swear, by Zeus' blasting thunderbolts, I'll throw him in the sea, so
Poseidon's briny sharks and eels can serve him up with tea!
(The Second Merchant knees in obeisance. Blackout.)
22
Scene 4
(That night, the courtyard outside of Themistocles' house. Thermophilus, on
guard duty, lies fast asleep, his sword in one hand and his shield resting against
him. Stavros, Niarkos, and Onassos enter, see Thermophilus, and laugh.
Onassos takes his stave and bangs it against Thermophilus' shield.)
Gymnasts:
Help! Alarm! Stand forth! Alarm!
(Thermophilus jumps up with a start and tries to pull his sword out of its
scabbard, but it is stuck. He then recognizes the Gymnasts and realizes that they
are laughing at him.)
Thermophilus:
You scoundrels! Have you no respect for your elders?
Niarkos:
Only when they are awake!
Thermophilus:
How rude! You're lucky that Themistocles insisted that I let you into his
house tonight, or I would send you all packing! I've fought more wily foes than the
three of you — Why, I'll never forget the time I fought alongside the Dorians in
the Cyclades! There we stood, outnumbered twenty to one, and I —
Stavros:
We would love to hear more, but your master seemed eager to see us, so
we must leave you.
Onassos:
And besides, we do not wish to disturb your beauty rest!
(The Gymnasts laugh and enter the house.)
Thermophilus (paces back and forth while mumbling to himself):
My beauty rest, indeed! . . . . He doesn't know old Thermophilus . . . .
Doesn't know that I once stood on guard duty for three days straight . . . .
(He sits on the ground and stretches his legs.)
Thermophilus:
Three days straight and never blinked an eye . . . . They called me a
second Argus, they did . . . . never blinked an eye . . . .
(He yawns, lies down and immediately falls asleep. Acidophila enters, dressed in
a long, dark cloak. She comes upon Thermophilus and smiles. She carefully
removes his sword from its scabbard and lays his shield behind her.)
23
Acidophila:
Awaken, oh Hellenic hero!
(Thermophilus jumps up with a start.)
Thermophilus (sees her dark garb):
Zeus preserve us! The Furies are here!
(He grasps for his sword and shield but cannot find either.)
Thermophilus:
Where is my sword?
Acidophila (holds his sword out to him):
I took this while you slept, so that you would not cut yourself upon
awakening.
(She expertly runs the blade across her thumb.)
Acidophila:
It needs sharpening!
Thermophilus (snatches the sword away from her):
It has been dulled by the many foes I've slain! . . . . Where is my shield?
Acidophila (holds the shield out to him):
Now that you are well armed, O Hero, tell me if this is the home of
Themistocles.
Thermophilus:
It is! But what business does a woman have to be out at night?
Acidophila:
I come in the name of one who must speak to your master.
Thermophilus:
Themistocles is occupied, conferring with important guests. Return in the
morning, when it is proper for a woman to be away from her home.
Acidophila (stepping closer to him):
We must meet with Themistocles before it grows light.
Thermophilus (stepping closer to her, to bar the way, and raising his voice):
We? Now there are more of you? Return later!
Acidophila (stepping even closer, and raising her voice):
We come now! You do not know my mistress!
Thermophilus:
24
And you do not know my master!
Acidophila:
We wish to know him. Let us in!
Thermophilus:
Stand back, or I'll dull my sword again!
Acidophila:
It could be no duller than the one who wields it! Let us enter!
(As each talks, he or she steps forward, forcing the other one to step back.)
Thermophilus:
No!
Acidophila:
Yes!
Thermophilus:
Never!
Acidophila:
NOW!
(Themistocles and the Gymnasts rush out of the house.)
Themistocles:
Thermophilus, what is all this uproar?
Thermophilus:
An invasion, good master, a veritable invasion —
Stesilaus (from offstage):
It is my fault. But I must see Themistocles.
(Stesilaus enters, completely cloaked and veiled.)
Themistocles:
I know that voice . . . .
(He stares into space)
It takes me back to a time when I vied with Aristides for the hand of the
most beautiful girl in Athens! How we fought and plotted, how we pranced and
showed off — until her father told her she was to marry another man. Yet never
have I forgotten her . . . .
Stesilaus (pulls away her veil):
25
And never have I forgotten you! How mighty Aphrodite is! She harvests
our feelings like seeds, waiting even for years until the moment is ripe and they
burst into life like tender shoots, as fresh and unbridled as ever!
Themistocles:
Stesilaus! As lovely as ever!
(They stare at each other for a moment, lost in each other's eyes. Acidophila
approaches Stesilaus.)
Acidophila:
Madam! The dawn is approaching!
Stesilaus (comes back to herself):
Forgive me . . . . . . . . But I am here to warn you, Themistocles! Do not go
to the Ekklesia today!
Themistocles:
The future of Athens hangs on my words! I must go!
Stesilaus:
Oh you men! The future always hangs on your words, though it means
you may hang yourself! Heed me: As you know, Aristides, your old rival for my
hand, will oppose your plan that Athens must prepare for war. Aristides is a man
of integrity — he was always a lot less impulsive than you! — and he will give
you a fair hearing. But there are others, Themistocles, who hate you and fear
you, and —
Themistocles:
Stesilaus, you turn pale!
Stesilaus:
— and they are determined to kill you! Let someone else hold your
thoughts and speak your words, but stay away from the Council today!
(She sobs and Themistocles and Acidophila comfort her.)
Themistocles:
Were I to cower at home today, how could I persuade all of Athens to
fight once more against the Persians? Does a general who is a coward inspire
courage in his troops? It moves me deeply to see how much you still care for me
— but you must care for Athens even more!
(Stesliaus dries her tears and smiles faintly.)
Themistocles:
Look at those who accompany me: Stavros, Niarkos, and Onassos, three
stout-hearted youths who have pledged to protect me. And here is
Thermophilus, hero of the battle of Marathon, who —
26
Thermophilus:
"Hero" is correct, my lady! Why, I'll never forget —
(Acidophila puts her hand over his mouth.)
Acidophila:
If hot air were a weapon, this windbag would wield a whirlwind!
Thermophilus:
Besides, I have been assured that security around the site will be very
tight.
Stesilaus:
You're not the last man who will speak those words — and I hope they will
not be the last words that you speak.
Acidophila:
My lady, it grows light . . . .
Stesilaus:
I must go, and I may never see you again!
(She and Themistocles look into each others' eyes.)
Themistocles:
Meet me again at the victory feast,
After the Persians' disgraceful defeat!
(Stesilaus veils her face and slowly moves across the stage, followed by
Acidophila, who deftly takes Thermophilus' sword with him noticing. She moves
behind him and suddenly holds the sword against his heart.)
Acidophila:
Boo!
(Thermophilus jumps and shakes his fist at Acidophila, while the Gymnasts laugh
and draw him offstage. Themistocles follows them, but as he and Stesilaus are
about to exit at opposite sides of the stage, they look at each other, then exit.
The curtain opens and reveals the Pnyx, the assembly place of Athens. Citizens
and Demagogues are engaged in lively conversations as move through the
audience and file onto the stage to meet, which begins Scene 5.)
27
Scene 5
(The Pnyx, site of the gathering of the Ekklesia, or Assembly, of Athens. Small
groups have formed, with lively discussions and arguments in progress. Words
and phrases such as "Aristides," "Persian War," "Laurian mines," "Themistocles,"
"silver proceeds," "Athenian wealth" may be heard above the crowd.
The Xanthippus looks towards the audience and gestures to those around him.)
Xanthippus:
Aristides arrives!
(Cheers from the crowd, as Aristides enters the stage from the audience.)
Kimon:
Speak, Aristides!
Hybrias:
Tell us your news!
Citizens:
Aristides! Aristides! We will hear Aristides!
(Aristides ascends to the dais and the crowd grows still.)
Aristides:
Citizens of Athens, on behalf of the Oligarch Party, I bring you tidings of
peace and prosperity! . . . .
(The action on the stage freezes as Themistocles, Thermophilus, and the
Gymnasts appear in front of the stage, making their way to the Pnyx. The
Second Merchant rushes up to them, panting.)
Second Merchant:
Stavros! Niarkos! Onassos! The gods be praised that you are here!
Stavros:
What is it?
Second Merchant:
Two streets away — my wagon overturned — the Ekklesia session will
end, and my customers will be enraged! Please - help me! Save my cheese! —
My only livelihood!
(Niarkos looks at Stavros and Onassos, and the three look to Themsitocles.)
Themistocles:
Go, go, help the poor man! I would go as well, but I can't afford to be late
to the Ekklesia. Join me at the Pnyx as soon as you are done. Come along,
Thermophilus.
28
(The Gymnasts and the Second Merchant run off. Themistocles and
Thermophilus take two steps towards the stage, when they are suddenly
surrounded by three Assassins, wielding swords and daggers.)
First Assassin:
You'll miss the Ekklesia today, Themistocles, for Hades has it in mind that
you will meet with him.
(The Assassins push Thermophilus away and circle around Themistocles.)
Themistocles:
Only three against me — how boring can you be?
Why didn't you stack the deck more?
(Second Merchant appears behind Themistocles, sword in hand.)
Second Merchant:
Yes, you're correct — we did stack the deck —
Now it is you against four!
(Themistocles proves to be an even match, repeatedly knocking his opponents'
swords out of their hands or pushing them down.)
Thermophilus:
Keep it up, valiant master,
Don't let them cry, "Truce!"
I'll help you as soon as I get my sword loose!
(While Thermophilus struggles with his sword, the three Gymnasts appear,
staves in hand.)
Stavros (Swinging his stave against the assassins):
Feel the swing of our staves
Niarkos (Swinging his oar):
As we batter these slaves
Onassos(Swinging his oar):
Athens' future to save!
(The fight shifts in favor of Themistocles and the Gymnasts.)
Thermophilus:
Yes, that's the way I would swing my sword when the battle got desperate!
My men quaked with fear, but I stood with firm resolve. Raising my spear, I —
First Assassin:
Flee!
29
(He runs off.)
Second Assassin:
Don't leave without me!
(He runs in another direction.)
Third and Fourth Assassins:
Every man for himself!
(They run off in different directions.)
Niarkos:
Catch them!
Themistocles:
No, let them go! When he learns that they've failed, whoever sent them
will mete out a punishment far worse than ours!
Stavros:
But we could question them, and discover who is behind this plot!
Themistocles:
I know those who stand behind this and every other plot: Fear, Discord,
and Hate! Climb every mountain and search every cave and you'll never find
them. Strengthen your own heart, and then you'll bind them. But come — we
waste our time talking — we're due at the Ekklesia!
(They exit and the action on stage resumes.)
Aristides:
. . . . These years of peace have allowed us to expand our industries and
crafts as well, which leads me to the mines at Laurian.
Citizens:
Tell us about the mines!
Aristides:
When the Oligarch Party undertook to expand the mines, we knew they
would yield well, but even we were surprised at the extent of the vein of silver
that has been uncovered this year. Enronicles, our Director of Mines, reports that
its value lies at about one hundred thousand talents.
Citizens:
Can you believe that? I've never heard the like!
Aristides:
I and my fellow Oligarchs wish to put the following proposal to a vote. We
propose that this windfall of wealth be divided among you, which Enronicles has
calculated will provide each citizen's family with 600 talents. As you undertake
30
the pleasant task of deciding how to spend your new wealth, do not forget it was
the Oligarchs — the Party of Peace and Prosperity — who gave it all to you!
(Cheers and cries of approval from the crowd. Aristides modestly accepts their
applause.)
Xanthippus:
I call for order! Before we can vote, we must hear from anyone who is
opposed to this plan. Speak now!
(He surveys the crowd, which remains quiet, with no hands raised to speak.)
Citizens (in low murmurs):
Where is Themistocles?
Wasn't he going to speak?
Hasn't he another idea?
Where could he be?
(Kimon and Hybrias smile slyly at one another.)
Xanthippus:
No one wishes to speak, so Aristides' proposal will be put —
(Themistocles runs on to the stage. Bloodstains appear on his cloak.)
Themistocles(panting):
I request to speak!
Xanthippus:
The Ekklesia recognizes Themistocles of the Democratic Party.
(A few Citizens applaud. The Kimon and Hybrias make angry gestures to one
another; three members of the Crowd run up to them and engage in distressed
conversation.)
Citizens:
Themistocles is wounded!
Call for a physician!
What is wrong, Themistocles?
Themistocles:
These are only scratches! But, yes, friends of Athens, you are right, I am
wounded! My heart bleeds when I hear a man of Aristides' caliber appeal to your
greed and selfishness to keep his party in power!
Kimon:
How insulting! Who are you to —
Citizens:
31
Hear him out!
Themistocles:
Athenian men! Even as I speak, Darius' son, Xerxes, Emperor of Persia, is
raising an army of over two million soldiers, and is building a navy of more than
one thousand ships. It may be, as the Oligarchs seem to believe, that Xerxes is
doing all of this because he likes to watch people march across Asia. I suspect
that he plans war!
Hybrias:
Xerxes knows better than that! We vanquished his father! Once bit and
twice shy!
Citizens:
Quiet, Hybrias!
Let him speak!
Go on, Themistocles!
Themistocles:
I've just returned from journeys across the Aegean. Xerxes,I have heard,
plans to lead this army himself, and desires to avenge his father's defeat. And
what will he encounter when he marches to Athens? A city without defenses! And
why? Because the Oligarchs bought two more years of power with their city's
freedom! Because every citizen of Athens sold his city for 600 pieces of silver!
Citizens:
No, we won't!
Don't sacrifice Athens!
Kimon:
He's feeding you a pack of lies —
Citizens:
Quiet, Kimon!
Be still!
What should we do, Themistocles?
Themistocles:
If we send envoys soon, we may get some help from Sparta and other
city-states, and that could slow the Persians down. Xerxes knows this, and I
suspect that he will look to his navy for a victory — this war will be decided, not
on land, but on the sea.
Hybrias:
Ridiculous!
Themistocles:
32
Athenians, our whole merchant fleet could barely fill a pond, and we have
but five ships that could survive a battle. I propose that we use the wealth from
the Laurian mines to build a fleet of one hundred fighting ships!
Aristides:
You would steal the money that belongs to our citizens for this
extravagance? Athenians, protest, raise your voices in disapproval!
(Kimon and Hybrias cry out and then grow still when they realize that the Crowd
has remained silent and is glaring at them.)
Themistocles:
Their silence speaks!
Aristides:
How could one hundred ships overcome the Persian's one thousand?
Everyone knows our boats are cumbersome! They can't be maneuvered!
Themistocles:
A good point, Aristides! But watch —
Stavros, Niarkos, Onassos, please come here and row!
(The Gymnasts come onto the dais holding their staves and sit on chairs
arranged in a line, "rowing" their staves like oars.)
Themistocles:
This is how we propel our long boats: the more rowers we have, the more
powerful the boat. But at a certain point, the boat grows too long and clumsy. A
shorter boat, we are told, would lack power — or would it?
Kimon (yawning):
Get to the point!
Themistocles:
Watch!
(The Gymnasts move their chairs onto a set of three steps, so that they are
almost sitting on top of one another. As they "row," it is clear that they have
focused their power.)
Themistocles:
Do you see, my friends? We could have all of the power of a long boat,
but require less than half the length. Our boats would be strong and fast and
maneuverable. Several hundred of these triremes, and victory will be ours!
Aristides (gaping in astonishment):
I cannot believe what I see: geometry becoming weaponry. Men of
Athens, I yield to Themistocles! Give him your vote, not me!
33
(The Crowd cries out with approval and acclaims Themistocles. Kimon and
Hybrias rush over to Aristides, shaking their fists and arguing with him.)
Xanthippus:
Order in the Ekklesia! I call for order!
(The Demagogues storm off. Aristides and Themistocles warmly embrace, and
are surrounded by Citizens congratulating them. The crowd gradually disperses,
and only Themistocles, Thermophilus, and the Gymnasts remain.)
Themistocles:
Come along, my men, we have work to do: ships to build, soldiers to train,
and envoys to send to every Greek city to declare our common cause.
Onassos:
Now the hard part begins!
Themistocles:
No, we've completed the hardest part,
By winning Athenian minds and hearts!
Now the politics are over,
We have friends and a few allies;
Greeks at war are like bees in clover,
Subduing the Persians will be easy as . . . .
(He holds up a tablet inscribed with the Greek letter Л.)
Themistocles:
. . . . Pi!
(Blackout.)
34
Scene 6
(The home of Xanthippus in Athens, September 21, 480 BC. His wife, Thyria,
and their three children, Pericles, a 15 year-old boy, Phosphaë, a 12 year-old
girl, and Zoë, a 9 year-old girl, are packing clothing and possessions into
baskets.)
Phosphaë:
Mother, I'm getting so tired of all of this packing!
Thyria:
Rest all you wish once we're done, but we have little time to spare. We sail
away tomorrow!
Zoë:
But I don't want to leave our home! Why do we have to go?
Phosphaë:
Mother, I don't really understand why, either!
Thyria:
All right! We've accomplished a great deal this morning, and I suppose
that we are all due for a short respite. While we rest, Pericles can explain to you
what his father has told him!
(They gather near Pericles.)
Pericles:
Zoë, do you remember what I told you about the First Persian War?
Zoë:
Before I was born, mean Darius tried to rule our city, but we chased him
away!
Pericles:
And then what happened, Phosphaë?
Phosphaë:
Five years ago, the new Emperor, Xerxes, began to form an army and a
navy. One year ago, he began his march to Greece. His army consists of two
and a half million men, as well as over two million carpenters and blacksmiths,
doctors and cooks, merchants, shipbuilders, and others who accompany them.
His soldiers are Persians and Medes, Afghans and Indians, Babylonians,
Phoenicians, Bractrians, Phrygians, Scythians, Libyans, Lydians, Boetians and
more!
Zoë (with delight):
35
And Father says that when they all stop to get a drink they dry up lakes
and rivers! And that they had to build the biggest, longest bridge in the whole
wide world to cross from Asia to Greece!
Pericles:
You're right! But even so, they would never have come this far if a
traitorous Greek hadn't shown them a secret pass down through the mountains.
Three hundred Spartans fought to the death, but the Persians broke through, and
their army is heading to Athens!
Zoë (jumps up a claps her hands joyfully):
That's why we're going! That's why we're going!
Phosphaë:
I'm glad that someone is enjoying this!
But why won't our army defend Athens? Why is our father, Xanthippus, at
sea?
Pericles:
The Persian army outnumbers ours by several hundred to one. Our
fighters are valorous men, but they would all perish, and Athens would be lost
anyway. Themistocles, now an Admiral of the Fleet, foresaw all of this two years
ago, and insisted that we not depend on our outnumbered army, but plan to
make our navy strong instead. Now people understand his wisdom!
Thyria:
But my son, the navy can't save Athens! Our city will be lost! Why must it
be this way?
Pericles:
That is called strategy, Mother: we lose a battle to win the war! It was our
father who decided to evacuate Athens, and get its remaining citizens onto ships
where they can be protected. When Xerxes arrives here, expecting Athenians to
grovel at his feet and beg for mercy, only stray dogs will be here to greet him,
and they will probably growl. But the real battle will take place in the Bay of
Salamis, where three hundred fast triremes are ready to fight!
(Curtain.)
36
Scene 7
(The marketplace near the Port of Piræus, the harbor of Athens, September 22.
Groups of women are running about anxiously, or dragging huge sacks and
baskets filled with their possessions. Stesilaus enters with several Servants and
three Women of Athens and directs them in arranging baskets and packages
along the harborside.)
Melina:
Where could those soldiers be?
Merkuri:
Something's happened, I fear!
Cleonika:
Ha!
The moment the work's done is when they'll appear!
Melina:
While we sweat and struggle and our feeble strength share,
They sail the seas with nary a care!
Merkuri:
Then they return, wanting all to be perfect —
But such are the hardships that women expect.
Cleonika:
Know that when this war has ended,
And its story is told,
All you'll hear is of the men,
And their deeds brave and bold,
But hardly a word will you hear of their wives,
Except that they somehow escaped with their lives!
The Three Women:
A woman's work is never done,
From morn to noon to setting sun;
Through days of peace and darkest war,
The men do the talking, but our backs get sore!
Stesilaus:
Now stop all your talking,
And look over our store:
On the journey we're taking,
We can't purchase more!
(The Three Women and their servants continue to pile up more goods. An Officer
enters and approaches Stesilaus.)
37
Officer:
My Lady Stesilaus?
Stesilaus:
I am she. What news do you have?
(Athenian Women gather near the two.)
Officer:
Admiral Themistocles asks me to thank you for helping to evacuate
Athens, my lady. But we have little time to spare. We fear that the Persian army
will be at our gates tonight!
Melina (crying out):
We will all perish!
(The Women begin to panic, but Stesilaus remains calm.)
Stesilaus:
Themistocles has seen to it that there are enough ships in the harbor for
the evacuation?
Officer:
Yes, madam, but you must leave immediately, for the Persian fleet is
approaching as well.
(Women cry out in fear.)
Stesilaus:
How large is the Persian fleet, Officer?
Officer:
I am told that there are twelve hundred fighting ships, my lady.
Stesilaus:
And how many ships does Athens command?
Officer (sadly):
Only three hundred, madam.
Stesilaus (laughs and looks out towards the bay):
Four to one! Themistocles' favorite proportion! Then our victory is
assured! . . .
Ladies, stop your weeping and get busy! What is all of this clothing doing
here? Are we embarking on a pleasure cruise? Leave it for the Persians, and at
least escape with your skin! Melina! Make sure that all of the children have been
accounted for! Merkuri, I'm putting you in charge of those old people too feeble to
walk — we'll get some soldiers to help carry them to the boats.
38
(She directs the Officer and several of the Women to follow her as she exits, and
she can still be heard giving orders from offstage.)
Stesilaus:
Cleonika, have officers search every house one more time! Every one
must be saved! There must be no one left to surrender! . . . .
(Cries and shouts of women are heard in the distance, along with the cries of
ships' crews. The stage grows dim. Stesilaus returns onto the stage. Behind
stands a woman in a dark veil and cloak.)
Stesilaus:
Farewell, beloved city,
Tonight you'll be in flames!
I love you more now, knowing
I will never see you again.
(Offstage cries of "All aboard!" Stesilaus slowly exits. The veiled woman steps
forward, removes her veil and reveals herself to be Athene.)
Athene (smiles):
Welcome, Persians, burn the city down —
This Athens was merely a sketch;
Soon I'll teach these Hellenes to raise up a town
That the world will never forget!
(The stage darkens. Offstage cries can be heard.)
Persian Soldiers:
It is empty!
They've all left.
Search every building!
Set it aflame!
Xerxes' orders!
Set Athens aflame!
(Athene can be dimly discerned in the shadows. The sky turns red with Athens's
flames, and then there is a blackout.)
39
Scene 8
(The Bay of Salamis, near Athens. Aboard the Invincible, Themistocles' flagship,
that same evening. Xanthippus, Kimon, and Hybrias, dressed as Admirals, are
conferring with Themistocles.)
Kimon:
This situation is untenable. Look at our city, set aflame! Xerxes himself
commands those 300,000 soldiers, and they've set our troops to flight! And now
he has massed his twelve hundred ships just a few leagues from our own small
navy, and prepares to annihilate us! We must pull away!
Themistocles:
But Kimon, this is the moment we've been waiting for! Why else did we
build these ships?
Hybrias:
Themistocles, no one would deny that these triremes have astounded us
with their speed and power in our war games. But four Persians ships for every
Greek trireme is no longer a game! This is not the time to fight!
Themistocles:
What plan do you offer?
Kimon (quietly):
Xerxes appears to be taking his time sending his ships into combat. Let us
wait him out today, and then slip away under cover of night!
Themistocles:
Retreat?
Hybrias:
Regroup, Themistocles! There are too many ships to fight just now!
Themistocles:
Xanthippus, you have said nothing thus far. Do you agree with this plan?
Xanthippus:
Like you, Themistocles, I do not feel that military decisions should be
brought to a vote, but that is the time-honored way of Athens. The majority wants
to pull back, and the Persian fleet appears to be unstoppable —
Themistocles:
Yes, it appears to be so, but consider this: Salamis is a narrow bay —
twelve hundred ships could founder without good pilots, and the Persians have
never sailed here before. You, and I, and all of us Greeks, know this bay like the
backs of our hands! Xerxes' commanders are Persians and Medes, his first
mates are Babylonians and Afghans, and his oarsmen are Phrygians,
Armenians, Syrians, and slaves from twenty different nations — in the heat of
40
battle, will they even understand one another? It will be chaos, and we know how
to thrive on chaos!
(Unable to refute Themistocles, the Admirals look at one another, shrug their
shoulders, and shake their heads.)
Kimon (turns his back on Themistocles):
You are overruled, Themistocles. Our fleet must withdraw tonight. Make
ready.
(Kimon and Hybrias exit. Xanthippus remains.)
Xanthippus:
In my heart, I am with you, Themistocles, but our Admirals' will is weak .
They lack your . . . . vision.
Themistocles:
But they are experts at re-vision! Well, I've always had the secret wish to
be a slave in Persia . . . .
Xanthippus:
I'll confess the real reason that I did not speak. I don't believe that you will
let the other Admirals deter you. I suspect that, as always, you will do what you
want to do!
Themistocles (with mock outrage):
Admiral Xanthippus, I am shocked! Such words coming from you, the
leader of our Democratic Party! Do you really believe that I am such a loose
can — uh, oar?
Xanthippus (smiles):
Farewell, Themistocles. May the gods protect you!
(Xanthippus exits. Themistocles surveys the horizon, then paces up and down
his deck.)
Themistocles:
Thermophilus! Come up to the forecastle immediately!
(Themistocles begins writing a letter, and continues as he converses with
Thermophilus.)
Themistocles:
How are the men holding up, my steward?
Thermophilus:
They are eager for combat, sir. You know what they say about war: "It's
not the fighting, it's the waiting that kills you!" Ha, ha, ha!
41
Themistocles:
Ha, ha, ha! That's a very fine joke, Thermophilus! Tell me, are you familiar
with the terrain around this Bay of Salamis?
Thermophilus:
Very familiar! I once saw combat nearby, at the Sea of Pastramis.
Themistocles:
Then you must know your way around the Pool of Delis, too!
I would like to ask a small favor of you, good steward. Take this letter,
keep it safely on your person, and deliver it to Xerxes.
Thermophilus (with confidence):
Certainly, my master, it shall be done instan —
(His jaw drops.)
Did you say Xer — you said Xer —
(He points towards the shore)
That Xerxes — the — the Emperor Xerxes?
Themistocles:
Of course I mean that Xerxes! Do you know of another one?
Thermophilus:
But — but — where will I find him?
Themistocles (casually):
He's very easy to find! Come here . . . .
(He draws Thermophilus closer to the water.)
Look over there, at the mouth of the Bay . . . . Xerxes is going to watch the
whole battle . . . . You can see him from here . . . . He's the one on the throne,
you see, the one surrounded by those 300,000 soldiers, all armed to the teeth . .
Thermophilus:
But — but —
Themistocles:
Thermophilus, what is the matter? Too much Pastramis? Simply tell him
who you are — you can leave out the war stories — and Xerxes will be very
pleased to invite you in . . . .
(aside) Though getting out may be another story . . . .
Thermophilus (pulling himself together):
I'll get in — and I'll get out, too, my master! I'll never forget the secret
mission I was sent on in Iona. There I stood, surrounded by Scythians,
outnumbered forty to one, and I —
(Themistocles warmly embraces Thermophilus.)
Themistocles:
42
The course of the war depends on your bravery, Athenian!
Thermophilus:
I will succeed!
(He exits.)
Themistocles:
Hermes, guide his deed!
(Blackout.)
43
Scene 9
(Themistocles' ship, early morning of September 23. Voices are heard offstage.)
Sailors:
Admiral Themistocles!
Admiral Kimon's ship approaches, sir!
They're preparing to board!
Themistocles!
(Themistocles appears, with Stavros, Niarkos, and Onassos following. Kimon
and Hybrias enter.)
Hybrias (looking offstage.)
Keep him right there for now!
Ah, Admiral Themistocles, so nice to see you again!
Themistocles (warily):
What is it, Hybrias?
Kimon:
There seems to have been a misunderstanding, Themistocles. Your fellow
admirals were under the impression that you were fighting for Athens. But we
stand corrected . . . .
(He gestures to Hybrias, and two soldiers push Thermophilus onstage.)
Hybrias:
This traitor was apprehended this morning, returning from the Persian
camp. On his person was this note, addressed to Themistocles, with the seal of
the Emperor Xerxes upon it. I took the liberty of opening it.
(reads)
O Mighty Themistocles:
We thank you for revealing unto us
the Athenian plan to withdraw under the
cover of darkness. They shall not escape,
but the wrath of the Living God of Persia
shall be visited unto them —
(disgusted)
It goes on this way for a while and it is signed by Xerxes himself.
(While Hybrias reads, Themistocles appears to lose interest in his words, and
instead keeps looking above the heads of the other Admirals.)
Kimon:
And what have you to say about this, O Mighty Themistocles?
Themistocles (preoocupied):
44
What? Oh, you mean about the letter?
(He continues to look past the Admirals.)
Hybrias:
Yes, the letter! Don't act dumb! Consider yourself under arrest for treason!
You will be taken prisoner on my ship, and tried by a military tribunal in three
days' time. You have betrayed us! Themistocles! Pay attention to me!
Themistocles (still preoccupied):
I heard you! A military tribunal! Your side is so hard on the Democrats!
Kimon: (to guards):
Seize him!
(Stavros, Niarkos and Onassos rush to Themistocles' defense, and a melee
ensues for a moment.)
Stavros:
Let him go!
Hybrias:
Call for more guards!
Niarkos:
Don't touch him!
Themistocles:
Stop it, everyone! Please turn this way!
(He points behind them.)
What do you see, Admirals?
Hybrias:
Zeus protect us! The Persian fleet is moving up the Bay of Salamis! Their
battle standards are raised! They have blocked all of the Bay's outlets!
Kimon:
Traitor! You have forced our hand! Now we must fight!
Themistocles:
With all due respect for Athenian legal procedure, may I, as commander of
this ship, request that you allow me to engage the enemy in battle? I also
suggest that you Admirals return immediately to your ships, while you still have
ships to return to!
(Calls out to his crew)
Battle stations!
(Puts his arms around the shoulders of the sputtering Kimon and Hybrias and
guides them to the end of the stage.)
Good day, gentlemen!
45
Kimon (almost hissing):
As long as we battle at sea,
I have to accept your command,
But the situation changes
The moment we tread on land.
I'll have you tried for treason
For betraying our secret plans!
Whenever this battle is through,
Themistocles, I'll be seeing you!
Themistocles:
Not if I see you first!
(Themistocles pushes the guards away from Thermophilus)
Themistocles:
Let him go!
(He embraces Thermophilus.)
Themistocles:
Mission accomplished, my good man!
The time has come — start the battle plan!
(He calls out commands, which are then repeated by the crew up and down the
ship.)
Themistocles:
Stavros, my Kybernates, prepare the crew for battle!
Niarkos, ship's Proireus, make the weapons ready!
Onassos, my iron Toixarchoi, have all oarsmen on duty!
Prepare to fight for Athens, my crew — for Athens and for Greece!
Full speed ahead!
Crew (offstage):
For Greece, our Admiral said;
Row hard!
Full speed ahead!
(The ships engage in battle.)
46
Scene 10
(Olympus. The voices of Athene and Hermes can be heard offstage; they appear
soon after.)
Hermes (laughing):
. . . . the look on Kimon's face! I think that he would have traded the entire
Greek victory for a chance to put Themistocles on trial! Of course, all the other
admirals preferred to forget about the letter from Xerxes — who would dare to
oppose Themistocles, the Savior of Salamis?
Athene:
Tell me those numbers once more.
Hermes:
The day began with 1200 Persian ships opposing 300 Greek triremes. By
the battle's end, the Greeks had sunk 200 Persian boats, and lost only 40 of their
own.
Athene:
And lives lost?
Hermes:
Over 3000 Persians killed in action — mostly drowned — and fewer than
100 Greeks. Unlike the Persians, the Greeks know how to swim!
Athene:
Look! The clouds covering Mount Olympus open, and we can see what
remains of the Persian fleet as it struggles to return home. And there crawls
Xerxes' army, as well. Devastated by illness and fatigue, few of his soldiers will
make it back to their homelands . . . . And yet men do not cease from waging
war.
(Athene stares sorrowfully at the scene.)
Hermes:
And plans are underway for the rebuilding of your city, Athene!
Athene:
Yes, and, like true Athenians, the Oligarchs and the Democrats are
arguing about who pays for what, and whether to use wood or stone, granite or
marble, and so forth and so forth and so on! Yes, mark my words, it's not over
yet! Though his boldness single-handedly saved Greece from Persia, give the
Athenians a little time and they will find something for which to exile
Themistocles!
(The curtain opens and the Great Hall of the Olympian Gods appears, with the
gods conversing in small groups. Hephæstus is anxiously looking around, and
47
Ares and Aphrodite are conspicuously absent. Zeus, on his throne, clears his
throat to bring order.)
Zeus:
Ye gods, the battle has subsided;
Persian forces are withdrawn,
East and West have been divided.
Greece is free to be reborn!
Now a new man must arise,
Not bound by blood or chains
With lucid mind and open eyes,
He'll find the gods again.
So let us mark this victory
With hymns and prayers and melody.
(The gods talk animatedly among themselves. Hephæstus approaches Hera and
tries to get her attention.)
Hephæstus (stage whisper):
Mother!
Hera:
Not now, Hephæstus!
Hephæstus (louder):
But, mother —
Hera:
Hush!
(Ares and Aphrodite enter. Aphrodite has been crying, and wipes her eyes with a
cloth. Ares appears dejected. The gods grow silent as they go to their thrones.)
Hephæstus (pointing with distress):
See, Mother, I told you —
Hera (irritated):
Hush!
(Hera whispers in Zeus' ear.)
Zeus:
Long before the war began,
I asked you all to honor Man.
Not to meddle as you had before,
But let mortals undertake this war.
Now, Ares, come, Hephæstus, too,
Hermes, Athene, Aphrodite —
All of you!
48
(The gods Zeus named gather around him in a semi-circle with their backs to the
audience.)
Zeus (sternly):
Stay away from men's affairs;
Don't get caught in mortal snares!
Only sow what you mean to reap,
And swear to oaths you intend to keep!
Now raise your right hands:
(The gods raise their right hands, but Aphrodite also places her left hand behind
her back and crosses her fingers.)
Gods:
I take a vow from this day forth,
My deeds to fully own;
Not to instigate
Or manipulate,
And to leave mankind alone.
(The other gods freeze in place after the oath is said. Aphrodite turns her head,
faces the audience, and winks.)
(Hera rises from her throne, takes Zeus' hand and walks with him to the edge of
the stage. She points down to the floor.)
Hera:
Look, my husband — even before the ashes of their city grow cold,
Athenians are holding the victory feast that Themistocles had promised
Stesilaus. They have buried their dead, honored their heroes, and now they
laugh and dance among the ashes. Oh Zeus, how I wish I could be a mortal for
just one moment — to feel their sorrows and joys, their hope and their love — to
look straight at death and never lose faith in life! And how I would love to dance
with them!
Zeus:
Then you shall!
On this special day, and for one last time,
Let us commingle — mortal and divine!
Hera:
But Zeus! They'll see us and grow frightened!
Zeus:
Hera, a brand new age is born,
All they can see is clear, thin air;
One day they'll seek us on their own,
But for now —
49
(whispers)
They don't know we're there!
(All of the mortals stream onto the floor and dance; the gods slowly join them,
until the entire cast is dancing. As the dance winds down, gods and mortals leave
the stage, which grows dark.)
The End