Plays, Roswitha of Gandersheim [readera ebook reader TXT] 📗

my compositions at all there were fewer still who could point out what needed correction and encourage me to go on. But now, reassured by your verdict (is it not said that the testimony of three witnesses is “equivalent to the truth”?), I feel that I have enough confidence to apply myself to writing, if God grants me the power, and that I need not fear the criticism of the learned whoever they may be. Still, I am torn by conflicting feelings. I rejoice from the depths of my soul that the God through Whose grace alone I am what I am should be praised in me, but I am afraid of being thought greater than I am. I know that it is as wrong to deny a divine gift as to pretend falsely that we have received it. So I will not deny that through the grace of the Creator I have acquired some knowledge of the arts. He has given me the ability to learn⁠—I am a teachable creature⁠—yet of myself I should know nothing. He has given me a perspicacious mind, but one that lies fallow and idle when it is not cultivated. That my natural gifts might not be made void by negligence I have been at pains, whenever I have been able to pick up some threads and scraps torn from the old mantle of philosophy, to weave them into the stuff of my own book, in the hope that my lowly ignorant effort may gain more acceptance through the introduction of something of a nobler strain, and that the Creator of genius may be the more honoured since it is generally believed that a woman’s intelligence is slower. Such has been my motive in writing, the sole reason for the sweat and fatigue which my labours have cost me. At least I do not pretend to have knowledge where I am ignorant. On the contrary, my best claim to indulgence is that I know how much I do not know.

Impelled by your kindly interest and your express wish I come, bowing low like a reed, to submit this little work to your judgment. I wrote it indeed with that idea in my mind, although doubt as to its merits has made me withhold it until now. I hope you will revise it with the same careful attention that you would give to a work of your own, and that when you have succeeded in bringing it up to the proper standard you will return it to me, that I may learn what are its worst faults.

Plays Gallicanus Argument

The conversion of Gallicanus, Commander-in-Chief. On the eve of his departure for a campaign against the Scythians, Gallicanus is betrothed to the Emperor Constantine’s daughter, Constance, a consecrated virgin.

When threatened with defeat in battle, Gallicanus is converted by John and Paul, Grand Almoners to Constance. He is immediately baptized and takes a vow of celibacy.

Later he is exiled by order of Julian the Apostate, and receives the crown of martyrdom. John and Paul are put to death by the same prince and buried secretly in their own house. Not long after, the son of their executioner becomes possessed by a devil. He is cured after confessing the crime committed by his father. He bears witness to the merits of the martyrs, and is baptized, together with his father.

Characters Characters in Part I

The Emperor Constantine

Gallicanus

Constance,
daughter of Constantine.

Artemia,
daughter of Gallicanus.

Attica,
daughter of Gallicanus.

John,

Grand Almoner to Constance.

Paul,

Grand Almoner to Constance.

Lords of the Court

Bradan,

King of the Scythians.

Tribunes

Roman soldiers

Scythian soldiers

Helena,

Mother of Constantine.

Characters in Part II

Julian the Apostate

Gallicanus

Terentianus

John

Paul

Consuls

Christians

Soliders

Part I Scene I Constantine Gallicanus, this tries my patience. You have delayed the offensive against the Scythians too long. The only nation which boldly resists our power and refuses to make peace with Rome! You know well enough that you were chosen because of your energy in your country’s service. Gallicanus Most noble Constantine, I have served you hand and foot, ungrudgingly, devotedly, and have always striven to repay your trust in me with deeds. I have never shirked any task. Constantine Is there any need to remind me? As if your great services were not always in mind! I spoke, not to reproach you, but to urge you to act quickly. Gallicanus I will set out at once. Constantine I am rejoiced to hear it. Gallicanus I am ready to obey your orders if it costs me my life. Constantine Your zeal pleases me. I appreciate your devotion. Gallicanus As both are immense should they not be rewarded on the same scale? Constantine That is only fair. Gallicanus It is easier for a man to undertake a difficult enterprise when he is sustained by the knowledge that his reward is sure. Constantine Naturally. Gallicanus I beg you then to promise me now my prize for this dangerous undertaking. In hard and strenuous fighting, when it seems as if I must be defeated, the thought of this reward will give me new strength. Constantine The reward deemed by the Senate the most glorious a man can desire has never been withheld from you, and never shall be. You enjoy the freedom of my court, and the highest honour among those who surround me. Gallicanus I know, but I am not thinking of that. Constantine If you have other ambitions, you must tell me. Gallicanus I have. Constantine What are they? Gallicanus Dare I tell you? Constantine Of course! Gallicanus You will be angry. Constantine Not at all! Gallicanus You are sure? Constantine Quite sure. Gallicanus We shall see. I say you will be indignant. Constantine Your fears are groundless. Come! Speak! Gallicanus Since you command me, I will. I love Constance. I love your daughter. Constantine That is well. You do right to love the daughter of your sovereign. Your love honours her. Gallicanus You say this to cut me short. Constantine Not so. Gallicanus I wish to marry her. Will you give your consent? Constantine He asks no small thing, my lords. This is an honour of which none of you