lalita sahastra naam,...the thousand names of trinity

THE LALITA SAHASRANAMA.
THE BHAGAVATI: MOTHER KUNDALINI.
The Thousand Names
1. The Holy Mother.
2. The Great Queen.
3. The Ruler of the Highest Throne.
4. Thou art born from the Altar of Fire (dispeller of ignorance and darkness).
5. Thou art manifested for the seeker of Devas (to kill the Asura darkness).
6. Thou shineth greater than a thousand suns.
7. Thou hast four arms.
8. Thou holdest the noose of desire.
9. Thou shinest with the elephant hook of wrath and knowledge (she is both hatred and worldly knowledge).
10. Thou art armed with the bow of mind (lower and higher).
11. Thou art the arrow of the five elements.
12. Thou sprinklest the whole Universe with its rose effulgence.
13. Thy hair is adorned with the Champaka flowers.
14. Thy crown is made of gems.
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15. Thy forehead shines like the Moon of the Eighth day.
16. Thou art the spot of Kasturi as the moon.
17. Thy eyebrows are like arches.
18. Thy eyes are most beautiful.
19. Thy nose is like the beautiful Champaka flower.
20. The jewel on Thy nose shineth like the stars.
21. The Kadamba flowers are worn on Thy ears.
22. Thy two rings are the Sun and Moon.
23. Thy cheeks are brighter than the ruby.
24. Thy lips are brighter than the red-cherries.
25. Thy teeth shine like wisdom.
26. The betel is in Thy mouth.
27. Thy sweet speech is golden.
28. With Thy sweet smile all are overpowered.
29. There is no other chin like Thine.
30. Thou hast a thread like a marriage vow around Thy neck.
31. The golden ornaments are on Thy arms.
32. Thou hast a necklace of pearls, gems and gold.
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33. Thy two breasts are like two fruits.
34. Thy two breasts are like the most beautiful of gems.
35. Thy waist is most beautiful.
36. There is a golden belt about Thy waist.
37. Thou hast shining, rose tinted garments.
38. Thy garments are laden with gems.
39. Thy thighs are adorable and exquisitely beautiful.
40. Thou hast delightful knees.
41. Thou hast the most lovely calves.
42. Thy ankles are beautifully rounded.
43. Thou art possessed with an instep arched like a tortoise back.
44. Rays of brightness from Thy nails dispell darkness of Thy worshippers.
45. The soles of Thy feet are most beautiful.
46. Thou hast Lotus feet.
47. Thy walk is like a swan.
48. Thou art the Beauty of the Beautiful.
49. Thou art all rosy.
50. Thou hast a faultless body.
51. Thou hast every ornament.
52. Thou sittest on the lap of Siva.
53. Thou art Omnipresent.
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54. Thou art the Giver of Happiness and Liberation.
55. Thou livest in the middle peak of Mount Sumeru (the Gold Mountain).
56. Thou art the Ruler of the Beautiful City.
57. Thou livest in the house made of Lucky Stones.
58. Thou sittest on the seat Formed by Five Brahmas.
59. Thou resideth in the great forest of Lotuses (symbol of Chakras).
60. Thou livest in the garden of Kadamba trees.
61. Thou livest in the center of the Ocean of Nectar.
62. Thou art lovely-eyed.
63. Thou art the Fulfiller of Desires.
64. Devas and Rishis praise Thy powers.
65. Thou art the Master of Power.
66. Thou art attended by herds of Deities.
67. Thou art surrounded by many million Goddesses.
68. Thou are seated on the Chariot and armed with all Power.
69. Thou art attended by Mantriui (a Deity).
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70. Thou art preceded by Dandanatha and other Goddesses.
71. Thou resideth in the fortress of the bodies.
72. Thou art pleased at the action of Shaktis that destroy ignorance.
73. Thou art pleased to see the rising of the Nityas (the fifteen Devatas).
74. Thou gladden in the power of Bala (who killed the evil doer).
75. Thou art delighted at the destruction of Vishanga.
76. Thou art pleased at the power of Varahi.
77. Sri Ganesvara was formed by Thy glances.
78. When Ganesa broke the obstacle of the magic, Thou wast delighted.
79. Thou dischargeth Missiles to answer the Bhandasura (realization of self and overcoming ignorance).
80. From Thy nails the ten Vishnu take form.
81. From Thy third eye Thou burn the arms of Daitya (the mental modification that gives birth to ignorance).
82. Thou with Thy power burned all the
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army of Bhandasura (Bhandasura is the cause of duality).
83. Thy pleasure is by Brahma (Creator), Vishnu (Keeper), Mahendra (Deities).
84. Thou giveth life to Manmatha (who was burned by the fire of Siva's third eye).
85. Thy face represents the Divinity.
86. From throat to waist Thou represents the desire of Creation.
87. From thy waist downward Thou represents the Shakti.
88. Thou art the root of all Mantras.
89. Thy body is the form of three Mantras.
90. Thou art the taste of Nectar.
91. Thou art the Protector of the Family.
92. Thou art the Family Woman.
93. Thou art in the Kula (Knowledge).
94. Thou belongeth to Kula.
95. Kulayogini (Thou unitest the Chakras with Yoga).
96. Thou hast no Kula (Thou art above the Powers).
97. Thou liveth in the Samaya.
98. Thou art devoted to the conduct of Samaya, (who awakes her).
99. Thou resideth in the Muladhara (Chakra).
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100. Thou severeth the Knot (open the Chakra).
101. Thou openeth the Vishugaranthi.
102. Thou appeareth in the Manipura Chakra.
103. Thou openeth the Rudragranthi (the Anahata Chakra).
104. Thou goest to Ajna Chakra.
105. Thou reacheth the Thousand Petals.
106. Thou showereth down the Ambrosia.
107. Thou art brighter than the flash of lightning.
108. Thou resideth above the Six Chakras.
109. Thou art attached to Siva.
110. Thou art Kundalini.
111. Thou art Finer than the fiber of the Lotus stalk.
112. Thou art Bhavani (Giver of Life).
113. Thou canst be attained by Meditation.
114. Thou art the Woodcutter of the forest of earthly existence.
115. Thou delighteth in Benevolence.
116. Thou art of Benevolent Appearance.
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117. Thou art the Giver of Prosperity to Thy devotees.
118. Thou art pleased by Devotion.
119. Thou canst be reached by Devotion.
120. Thou art controlled by Devotion.
121. Thou art the Dispeller of Fear.
122. Thou art Sambhavi (Mudra also can be Mother of the devotees).
123. Thou art worshipped by Sarada (the Deities of Speech).
124. Thou art Sarvani.
125. Thou art the Giver of Happiness.
126. Thou art Sankari (a state of consciousness known to Yogis).
127. Thou art the Giver of Success.
128. Thou art above the Past, the Present and the Future.
129. Thy face is like the Spring Moon.
130. Thou art slender waisted.
131. Thou art Peaceful.
132. Thou art not Dependent on any but Support all.
133. Thou art Stainless.
134. Thou art Pure.
135 Thou art Spotless.
136. Thou art the Eternal.
137. Thou art Formless.
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138. Thou art Ever Calm.
139. Thou art without quality (above all).
140. Thou art Partless.
141. Thou art the State of Tranquility.
142. Thou art Desirableness.
143. Thou art Indestructible.
144. Thou art Ever Free.
145. Thou art Changless.
146. Thou art Extentionless.
147. Thou art Bodiless.
148. Thou art Ever Pure.
149. Thou art Ever Wise.
150. Thou art Blameless.
151. Thou art the Compact.
152. Thou art Causeless.
153. Thou art Faultless.
154. Thou art without Limitation.
155. Thou art without Superior.
156. Thou art Passionless.
157. Thou art the Destroyer of attachments or lower desire.
158. Thou art Prideless.
159. Thou art the Killer of Pride.
160. Thou art without Care.
161. Thou art without Egoism.
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162. Thou art without Bewilderment.
163. Thou art the Killer of Bewilderment.
164. Thou art Disinterestedness.
165. Thou art the Killer of Selfishness.
166. Thou art without Sin.
167. Thou art the Destroyer of Sin.
168. Thou art above Anger.
169. Thou overcometh Anger.
170. Thou art Greedless.
171. Thou art the Destroyer of Greed.
172. Thou art without Doubt.
173. Thou art the Destroyer of Doubt.
174. Thou art without Origin.
175. Thou art the Destroyer of Samsara (the cause of the misery of the people of this world).
176. Thou art without a fault.
177. Thou art undisturbed (because above the illusion).
178. Thou art Difference-less.
179. Thou art the Destroyer of Difference.
180. Thou art Imperishable.
181. Thou art the Destroyer of Death (Giver of Immortality.)
182. Thou art Actionless.
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183. Thou receiveth nothing.
184. Thou art Incomparable.
185. Thou art blue-haired.
186. Thou wilt not perish.
187. Thou art without transgression.
188. Thou art difficult to attain.
189. Thou art difficult to approach.
190. Thou art a Durga (Goddess).
191. Thou art the Destroyer of Pain.
192. Thou art the Giver of Happiness.
193. Thou art unattainable by ignorant.
194. Thou puttest an End to evil.
195. Thou art above Love, Hate. etc.
196. Thou art Omnipresent.
197. Thou art Intense Compassion.
198. Thou art Above all Else.
199. Thou possesseth all Shaktis (powers).
200 Thou art the Source of All.
201. Thou art the Way to the Right Path.
202. Thou art the Ruler of All.
203. Thou art All.
204. Thou art the Essence of all Mantras
205. Thou art the Soul of all Yantras.
206. Thou art the Spirit of all Tantras.
207. Thou art Manonmani (the Shakti of Siva).
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208. Thou art Mahasvari (The Supreme).
209. Thou art Mahadevi (Great Goddess).
210. Thou art Mahalakshami (Greatest Goddess of Wealth).
211. Thou art the Beloved of Mrida (The Maker of Happiness).
212. Thou art the Great Shape.
213. Thou art the Mighty Object of Worship.
214. Thou art the Destroyer of Crime.
215. Thou art Mahamaya (Great Illusion).
216. Thou art the Great Reality.
217. Thou art the Great Energy.
218. Thou art the Great Delight.
219. Thou art the Great Extension.
220. Thou art the Great Ruler.
221. Thou art the Great Strength.
222. Thou art the Almighty.
223. Thou art the Great Intelligence.
224. Thou art the Great Attainment.
225. Thou art the Ruler of the Great Ruler.
226. Thou art the Great Tantra.
227. Thou art the Great Mantra.
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228. Thou art the Great Yantra.
229. Thou art the Great Asan (Posture).
230. Thou art the Worship of Mahagaga (Great Secret).
231. Thou art Worshipped by Mahabhairava (the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer.
232. Thou art witness to the Great Cycle.
233. Thou art the Wife of Mahakavasvara.
234. Thou art the Great Tripurasundari (the city of Three).
235. Thou art to be adorned by Sixty-four Ceremonies (worshipped by all).
236. Thou art Sixty-four Sciences.
237. Thou art attended by Six Hundred and Forty million Yogis.
238. Thou art Manu Vidya (Knowledge).
239. Thou art Chandar Vidya, (Wisdom of the Moon).
240. Thou art residing in the Moon Center (She goes to Second Chakra).
241. Thou art the Most Beautiful.
242. Thou art with the Most Beautiful Smile.
243. Thou art the Beautiful Moon (in the p. 102 form of Consciousness).
244. Thou art Ruler of All Worlds.
245. Thou resideth in the Six Chakras.
246. Thou art Parvati (daughter of the Himalaya).
247. Thou art Lotus-eyed.
248. Thou art Light of Light.
249. Thou art Seated on the seat of Five Forms.
250. Thou art the Five Brahmas.
251. Thou art Consciousness.
252. Thou art the Bliss of Bliss.
253. Thou art the Essence of Consciousness.
254. Thou art the Meditator and the Meditation.
255. Thou art above Virtue and Vice.
256. Thou art Omnipresent.
257. Thou art the Waking State.
258. Thou art the Dreaming State.
259. Thou art the Conscious State.
260. Thou art the Sleeping State.
261. Thou art the Knower of All.
262. Thou art the State of Ecstacy.
263. Thou art the All Transcending State.
264. Thou art the Creator.
265. Thou art in the Form of Brahma.
266. Thou art the Protector.
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267. Thou art in the Form of Vishnu.
268. Thou art the Destroyer.
269 Thou art in the Form of Rudra.
270. Thou art the Ever-invisible.
271. Thou art the Isvari (Ruler).
272. Thou art the Sada Siva.
273. Thou art the Giver of Bliss.
274. Thou art devoted to the five factions.
275. Thou art residing in the Sun (Third Chakra).
276. Thou art Bhairavi (who takes the form—some times Siva, other time Devi).
277. Thou hast a Garland of Prosperity.
278. Thou art seated on the Lotus (Padmasan).
279. Thou art Bhagaveti (the Source of all Goodness).
280. Thou art the Sister of Vishnu.
281. At Thy Command all worlds appear and disappear.
282. Thou hast unlimited Heads and Faces.
283. Thou hast unlimited Eyes.
284. Thou art Infinite footed.
285. Thou art the Mother of All,—from worm to Brahma.
286. Thou hast Established All.
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287. The Vedas are the expression of Thy Command.
288. Thou art the Giver of all Results.
289. All is formed from Thy Self.
290. Thou art enclosed in the shell (Om comes from shell—a symbol).
291. Thou art the Fulfillment of all Men.
292. Thou art the Fullness.
293. Thou art the Enjoyer.
294. Thou art the Ruler of the Universe.
295. Thou art the Mother.
296. Thou art without Beginning or End.
297. Thou art attended by all deities (Brahma).
298. Thou art Narayani.
299. Thou art in the Sound.
300. Thou art above Name and Form.
301. Thy syllable Hrim (is a symbol word; Hrim has been used for purposely controlling the Three).
302. Thou art possession of Hrim.
303. Thou resideth in the Heart.
304. Thou hast no regret—Thou dost not receive.
305. Thou art worshipped by Rajaraja.
306. Thou art the Queen of the Universe.
307. Thou art the Beautiful One.
308. Thou hast eyes like the deer.
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309. Thou delighteth everyone.
310. Thou art the Gladdener.
311. Thou shouldst be tasted.
312. Thou art covered with Gold.
313. Thou art Rama.
314. Thy face is like a Full Moon.
315. Thou art in the form of Sita (Holy woman).
316. Thou art the Beloved of Sita.
317. Thou art the Protector.
318. Thou art the Slayer of Rakshassas (A human being in wild state).
319. Thou art Woman.
320. Thou art the Devoted of Husbands.
321. Thou art the Desired of All.
322. Thou art in the forms of Siva and Shakti.
323. Thou art fond of Flowers.
324. Thou art Beneficent.
325. Thou art the Root of the World.
326. Thou art Compassion (like as the ocean).
327. Thou art the Possessor of all Sciences.
328. Thou art in the Science.
329. Thou art Beautiful.
330. Thou art fond of Mead.
331. Thou art the Giver of Boons.
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332. O Beautiful-Eyed!
333. Thou art disturbed by liquor.
334. Thou transcendest the Universe.
335. Thou canst be known thru the Vedas (Holy book of Wisdom).
336. Thou art living in the Vindhya Mountain.
337. Thou art the Supporter of All.
338. Thou art Mother.
339. Thou art Maya of Vishnu.
340. Thou art playful.
341. Thy Body is the Matter.
342. Thou art the Ruler of Matter.
343. Thou art the Protector of Matter.
344. Thou art free from Old age and Decay.
345. Thou art worshiped by Kshetrapala.
346. Thou art the Knowledge Itself.
347. Thou art Spotless.
348. Thou art Worthy of love.
349. Thou art fond of the Devotee.
350. Thou art the Speaker of the Word.
351. O Beautiful-Haired!
352. Thou art in the Fire.
353. Thou art the Kalpa Creeper of the Bhaktas (the Kalpa Creeper yields everything desired).
354. Thou freeth the Ignorant from p. 107 Bondage.
355. Thou art the Destroyer of Heretics.
356. Thou leadeth to right Action.
357. Thou art the Moon to protect those who are burning with the Fire of Misery.
358. Thou art ever the Same.
359. Thou art worshiped by the Wise.
360. O slender-Waisted!
361. Thou art the Giver of Light.
362. Thou art Intelligence.
363. Thou art Tat.
364. Thou art Essence of Intelligence.
365. Thou art Bliss of Brahma.
366. Thou art Para.
367. Thou art the Inner Consciousness.
368. Thou canst see All in Thyself.
369. Thou art the Supreme Deity.
370. Thou art the Middle (or Middle Path).
371. Thou art in the form of Vikhari.
372. Thou art the Swan of Bhakta.
373. Thou art the Vital Force.
374. Thou art the Judge above All.
375. Thou art worshipped by Kama.
376. Thou art the Essence of Love.
377. Thou art Victorious.
378. Thou art residing in the Jalandhara.
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379. Thou art remaining in the center called Odhyana.
380. Thou art abiding in the Bindu.
381. Thou art to be worshipped in all sacrificial rites.
382. Thou art pleased in the offering.
383. Thou art the giver of Grace.
384. Thou art the witness of the Universe.
385. Thou art not seen by Any.
386. Thou art accompanied by Deities.
387. Thou art the Possessor of the Six Qualities.
388. Thou art Ever Compassionate.
389. No one is equal to Thee.
390. Thou art the Giver of Nirvana.
391. Thou art the Sixteen Eternal Deities.
392. Thou possesseth the half-body of Siva.
393. Thou art the Giver of Light.
394. Thou art the form of Brightness.
395. Thou art Celibate.
396. Thou art the Supreme Ruler.
397. Thou art the First Cause.
398. Thou art the Unmanifested.
399. Thou art the Manifested.
400 Thou art All-Pervading.
401. Thou possesseth All Forms
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402. Thou art Knowledge and Ignorance.
403. Thou art the Moonlight which gladdens the flower Kumuda.
404 Thou art the Sunbeam that gives light to Bhakta.
405. Thou art worshipped by Siva.
406. Thou art in the form of Siva.
407. Siva is Thy messenger.
408. Thou art the Giver of Happiness.
409. Thou art the Beloved of Siva.
410 Thou art beyond Siva.
411. Thou art desired by the Wise.
412. Thou art worshipped by the Great One.
413. Thou canst not be measured.
414. Thou art Self-light.
415. Thou art beyond the reach of Mind and Speech.
416. Thou art the Power of the Mind.
417. Thou art in the form of Consciousness.
418. Thou art the energy of the Inanimate Creation (Power of Vishnu or Maya).
419. Thou art the object of the World.
420. Thou art Gayatiti (Mother of Vedas or Holy Woman).
421. Thou art Vyahritih (A Mantra).
422. Thou art Sandhya (morning and p. 110 evening junction time or meditation. Also means Brahma).
423. Thou art worshiped by all the Twice-born.
424. Thou art Asana Thy seat.
425. Thou art Tat (That).
426. Thou art Tavam (Thou).
427. Thou art Asi (Art).
428. Thou art residing in the Five Bodies.
429. Thou canst not be Bounded.
430. Thou art ever young.
431. Thou art shining (brilliantly).
432. Thy eyes roll (away from worldly things).
433. Thou art with rose-colored Cheeks.
434. Thy body is smeared with Sandal wood.
435. Thou art fond of flowers.
436. Thou art Skillful.
437. Thou art Graceful.
438. Thou art in the Sir Chakras.
439. Thou art of the Tried.
440. Thou art abiding in the Bindu (Muladhara).
441. Thou art worshipped by Devotees.
442. Thou art Mother of Ganesa.
443. Thou art Contentment.
444. Thou art Nourishment.
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445. Thou art Intelligence.
446. Thou art Dhritah (which gives strength—calmness to endure pain).
447. Thou art Tranquility.
448. Thou art ever True.
449. Thou art shining resplendent.
450. Thou art Daughter of Nanda.
451. Thou art destroyer of Obstacles.
452. Thou art the support of the Sun.
453. Thou art Three-eyed (Fire, Moon and Sun).
454. Thou art the desire of women.
455. Thou art Garlanded.
456. Thou art a Swan (wise).
457. Thou art our Mother.
458. Thou art in the Himalayas.
459. O Beautiful-faced!
460. Thou art the Lotus.
461. Thou hast beautiful Eyebrows.
462. Thou art Handsome.
463. Thou art Leader of Devas.
464. Thou art Wife of Siva
465. Thou art Radiant.
466. Thou art the cause of Motion.
467. Thou art in the Finer Form.
468. Thou art Deity of Jalandhara.
469. Thou art Vamadevi (worshipped by all).
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470. Thou art above Childhood, Youth, Old age, etc.
471. Thou art the Ruler of Sidhas.
472. Thou art the Sciences of Sidha.
473. Thou art Mother of Sidha.
474. Thou art Famous.
475. Thou art abiding in the Visudha Chakra.
476. O Rosy Color!
477. Thou art Three-eyed.
478. Thou art armed with the Club, etc.
479. Thou art One-Faced.
480. Thou art fond of Milk.
481. Thou art Deity of Feeling.
482. Thou inspirest fear in the Ignorant.
483. Thou art surrounded by other Powers.
484. Thou art the Nine Attributes.
485. Thou art in the Anahata Chakra.
486. Thou art the Black Color.
488. Thou art with Tusks.
487. Thou art Two-faced.
489. Thou weareth the Aksha beads.
490. Thou art in the Blood.
491. Thou art attended by All Power.
492. Thou art lover of Oily Foods.
493. Thou art giving Boons to Bliss.
494. Thou art Mother Rakini.
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495. Thou stayest in the Manipura.
696. Thou art Three-faced.
497. Thou art armed with Thunderbolt, etc.
498. Thou art attended by Damari.
499. Thou art Raktauarni (blood color).
500. Thou art the Ruler of Flesh.
501. Thou giveth happiness to all Thy devotees.
502. Thou art fond of Sweets.
503. Thou assumeth the form of Mother Lakini.
504. Thou art in the Svadhisthana Chakra.
505. Thou art Four-faced. (Charming).
506. Thou art armed with Weapons.
507. Thou art Yellow.
508. Thou art Splendid.
509. Thou art Ruler over Fat.
510. Thou art fond of Honey.
511. Thou art attended by Bandhini (one of the six deities).
512. Thou art fond of Curd.
513. Thou assumeth the form of Kakini.
514. Thou art climbing to the Muladhara Chakra.
515. Thou art Five-faced.
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516. Thou art the Ruler over the Bones.
517. Thou hast Power with the elephant hook.
518. Thou art attended by Varada and others.
519. Thou art fond of Food.
520. Thou assumeth the form of Sakani.
521. Thou resideth over the Ajna Chakra.
522. Thou art White (pure).
523. Thou art Six-faced.
524. Thou art Ruler of the Marrow.
525. Thou art attended by Hamsavati and others.
526. Thou art fond of Flavored Foods.
527. Thou taketh the Hakini form.
528. Thou resideth in the Thousand-Petaled Lotus.
529. Thou shineth with colors.
530. Thou hast all weapons.
531. Thou art in the Semen.
532. Thou art facing Everywhere.
533. Thou art in all Foods.
534. Thou art taking the form of Mother Yakini.
535. Thou art Svaha.
536. Thou art Svadha.
537. Thou art Non-intelligence.
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538. Thou art Intelligence.
539. Thou art Srutih (Scriptures).
540. Thou art Smrithih.
541. Thou art the Best.
542. Thou art Righteousness.
543. Thou canst be attained by Righteousness.
544. Thou heareth the praises of the Holy Three.
545. Thou art worshiped by Indra's wife.
546 Thou freeth the Ignorant.
547. Thou art Wavy haired.
548. Thou art Parabrahama (God).
549. Thou art Wisdom.
550. Thou art the Mother of the Universe, Ether, etc.
551. Thou art the cure of all Disease.
552. Thou art dispelling all Death.
553. Thou art the First.
554. Thou art Unthinkable.
555. Thou art the destroyer of Sin.
556. Thou art daughter of the Rishi Kata.
557. Thou art the destroyer of Time.
558. Thou art worshipped by Vishnu (the Preserver).
559. Thou hold the betel in Thy mouth.
560. Thou art the hue of many Flowers.
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561. Thou art Fawn-eyed.
562. Thou art Fascinating.
563. Thou art the First Born of Truth.
564. Thou art Maridani (the Giver of Happiness).
565. Thou art The Friend.
566. Thou art Eternal Bliss.
567. Thou hast fulfilled the desires of Bhaktas.
568. Thou art The Guide.
569. Thou art the Ruler of All.
570. Thou can be attained by Cheerfulness.
571. Thou art the witness of the dissolution of the Universe.
572. Thou art perfect Energy.
573. Thou art perfect Endlessness.
574. Thou art pure Wisdom.
575. Thou art the Essence of Wine.
576. Thou art Enthusiasm.
577. Thou art in the form of A.
578. Thou art in the Kailasa (Holy of the Holy.)
579. Thou hast soft arms.
580. Thou art Illustrious.
581. Thou art Mercy.
582. Thou art holding the Wide Dominion.
p. 117
583. Thou art Atmavidya (wisdom of the self).
584. Thou art the Science of Aspiration.
585. Thou art the Sacred Science.
586. Thou art attended by the God of Love.
587. Thou art the Science of the Sixteen Syllables.
588. Thou art Three-peaked.
589. Thou art the Spirit of Kama.
590. Thou art attended by Millions.
591. Thou art in the Head.
592. Thou art Moon-like.
593. Thou art in the Forehead.
594. Thou art of the Rainbow Color.
595. Thou art in the Heart.
596. Thou art Sun-like.
597. Thou art light in the Triangle.
598. Thou art Daughter of Daksha or Wife of Siva.
599. Thou art killer of Datyas.
601. Thou art Destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice.
600. Thou art within the Large Eyes.
602. Thou art The Within-whose face shines with a smile.
603. Thou art in the form of Teacher.
604. Thou art All Qualities.
p. 118
605. Thou art Mother of the Cow.
606. Thou art Mother of Guha.
607. Thou art Ruler of Gods.
608. Thou art in Justice.
609. Thou art Brahma in the Heart.
610. Thou art worshipped fifteen days of the Full Moon.
611. Thou art in the Kala. (12 Suns, 16 Moons, etc).
612. Thou art Ruler of Kala, etc.
613. Thou art the Speech of the Poets.
614. Thou art attended by Lakshmi and Saraswati (Goddess’ of Wealth and Wisdom).
615. Thou art the First Energy.
616. Thou art Immeasurable.
617. Thou art Atma.
618. Thou art the Supreme.
619 Thou art the pure One.
620. Thou art Creator of the many millions of worlds.
621. Thou art divinely Formed.
622. Thou art the Klim. (Other name of Siva).
623. Thou art the Absolute.
624. Thou art the Secret.
625. Thou art bestower of the Fifth State of Consciousness.
p. 119
626. Thou art older than the Three.
627. Thou art worshipped by the Three Worlds.
628. Thou art in the (Three) Forms.
629. Thou art Ruler of the Thrice-Ten.
630. Thou art in the Three syllabled.
631. Thou art the divine Perfume.
632. Thou hast the. Red Forehead Mark.
633. Thou art Uma.
634. Thou art Daughter of the Mountain King.
635. Thou art Gauri (yellow).
636. Thou art attended by Gandharvas.
637. Thou containest all the Universe in Thyself.
638. Thou art born from the Golden.
639. Thou art the Punisher of the Fool.
640. Thou art the Ruler of Speech.
641. Thou art attained by Meditation.
642. Thou art the Unlimited.
644. Thou art the Embodiment of Knowledge.
643. Thou art the Giver of Knowledge.
645. Thou canst be known thru the Vedanta. (Wisdom.)
646. Thou art Truth and Bliss.
647. Thou art worshiped by Lopamudra.
p. 120
648. Thou hast created the world system as it were, in sport.
649. Thou art Invisible.
650. Thou art above the Visible.
651. Thou art the Perceiver.
652. Thou art transcending all Knowledge.
653. Thou art Yogini.
654. Thou art Bestower of Yoga.
655. Thou art Yoga.
656. Thou art the Bliss of Yoga.
657. Thou supportest the Universe.
658. Thou art the Desire, the Action and the Wisdom.
659. Thou art the Supporter of All.
660. Thou art firmly Established.
661. Thou art the Foundation of Truth and Untruth.
662. Thou art Eight-Formed,
663. Thou art Conqueror of Ignorance.
664. Thou art the Director of the Worlds.
665. Thou art One.
666. Thou holdeth all things together.
667. Thou art Non-duality.
668. Thou art above Duality.
669. Thou art the Giver of Food.
670. Thou art the Giver of Wealth.
p. 121
671. Thou art the ancient Om.
672. Thou unitest the Atma to Brahma.
673. Thou art Great.
674. Thou art Brahmani (Divine Wisdom).
675. Thou art Brahmi; female part of Brahma.
676. Thou art the Bliss of Brahma.
677. Thou art the Enjoyment in the Mighty.
678. Thou art in all Languages.
679. Thou art with the mighty Army.
680. Thou art above Existence and Nonexistence.
681. Thou art very easily Worshipable.
682. Thou doeth good to the Worshiper.
683. Thou art the Right means and not hard to attain.
684. Thou art the King of Kings.
685. Thou art the Giver of Dominion.
686. Thou art the Spirit of Gladness in Dominion. (in the six Chakras).
687. Thou art Compassionate.
688. Thou art the Supporter of all Kings.
689. Thou art their Wealth.
690. Thou art the Ruler of all Treasures.
691. Thou art the Commander of all Armies.
p. 122
692. Thou art the Giver of Samrajya (the sacrifice by the King of Kings).
693. Thou art devoted to Truth.
694. Thou art girdled by the Ocean.
695. Thou art the Initiator.
696. Thou art the Controller of all Daityas (bad doers).
697. Thou art the Controller of all the Worlds.
698. Thou art the fulfiller of all Desires.
699. Thou art the Creator of the Universe.
700. Thou art Satchitanandarupini (Truth, Consciousness and Bliss).
701. Thou art above Time and Space (or Force).
702. Thou art Omnipresent.
703. Thou art all Bewilderment (to the ignorant.
704. Thou art the Mother of Wisdom.
705. Thou art the Sciences.
706. Thou abidest in the Heart.
707 Thou art the Secret One.
708. Thou art free from All.
709. Thou art always with Siva.
710. Thou art the supreme of Wisdom.
711. Thou art the Well-doer.
712. Thou art I.
p. 123
713. Thou art always with Gurus (spiritual teachers).
714. Thou art above the Senses.
715. Thou art worshiped in the Sun.
716. Thou art back of Maya.
717. Thou art as Honey. (or art Honey-like).
718. Thou art the Earth.
719. Thou art Mother of All.
120. Thou art worshiped by All.
721. Thou art Tender.
722. Thou art the Beloved of the Guru.
723. Thou art Independent.
724. Thou art the Ruler of the Tantras.
725. Thou art born of Siva.
726. Thou art worshiped by the Yogi.
727. Thou art the Giver of Knowledge of Siva (Siva is founder of Yoga).
728. Thou art Chitkala (Knowledge, Existence, Bliss).
729. Thou art the Gem of Bliss.
730. Thou art Affection.
731. Thou art the Cause of Affection.
732 Thou art glad in the Repetition.
733. Thou art the science of Nandi.
734. Thou art Natesvari.
735. Thou art the Root of the Illusion of the Worlds.
p. 124
736. Thou art the Giver of Liberation.
737. Thou art Liberation.
738. Thou art fond of Rhythm.
739. Thou causest Absorption (a state higher than Meditation).
740. Thou art Shame.
741. Thou art adorned by Yogin.
742. Thou showereth with Nectar (rain on the world that is burning with worldly fire).
743. Thou art the First Fire to burn the Sin.
744. Thou art the Gale.
745. Thou art the beams of the Sun.
746. Thou art the beams of the Moon.
747. Thou art the Cloud (giver of spiritual rain).
748 Thou art the thunderbolt to all diseases.
749. Thou art the Axe that cuts the root of death.
750. Thou art the Mahesvari.
751. Thou art the Mahakali.
752. Thou art the Great Destroyer.
753. Thou art the Great Absorber.
754. Thou art the Great Discharger of Debt.
p. 125
755. Thou art the Spirit of Anger.
756. Thou art the Devourer of all Daityas (who fight against gods in olden times).
757. Thou art the Perishable and the Imperishable.
758. Thou art the Ruler of Worlds and Heaven.
759. Thou art the Supporter of the Universe.
760. Thou art the Giver of Desired Objects.
761. Thou art Good Fortune.
762. Thou art Three-Sun, Moon and Fire.
763. Thou art Three Qualities.—Raja, Tamas and Sattva.
764. Thou art the Giver of Heaven and Liberation.
765. Thou art Pure.
766. Thou hast a form like the Rose.
767. Thou art Vitality.
768. Thou art the Bearer of Light.
769. Thou art the Sacrifice.
770. Thou art fond of Vows.
771. Thou art difficult to worship by the Uncontrolled Mind.
772. Thou art difficult to Control.
p. 126
773. Thou art fond of red and white Flowers.
774. Thou art Great.
775. Thou art in the Meru (Chakra).
776. Thou art fond of Mandara Flowers.
777. Thou art worshiped by Warriors.
778. Thou art the Old Age of the warriors.
779. Thou art Passionless.
780. Thou faceth Everywhere.
781. Thou art the Interior.
782. Thou art the Highest Ether.
783. Thou art the Giver of Life.
784. Thou art the Life.
785. Thou art worshipped by Martandabharava (a Goddess above the Mental Chakra, can also be Sun).
786. Thou hast given your Kingdom to Mantrini (the protected of the Yogis).
787. Thou art Tri-puresi (the Deity).
788. Thou art the Victorious Army.
789. Thou art above Qualities.
790. Thou art the Superior and the Inferior.
791. Thou art the Truth, Wisdom and Bliss.
792. Thou art the Supreme Abode.
p. 127
793. Thou art Water of the Ganges.
794. Thou art the Sixty-four Arts.
795. Thou art the Cow of Plenty (the fulfiller of desires.
796. Thou art the desire that creates the Worlds.
797. Thou art the Reservoir of Science.
798. Thou art the Poets Art.
799. Thou art the Queen of Literary Composition.
800. Thou art the Treasury of Spiritual Nectar.
801 Thou art Nourishment.
802. Thou art the Ancient or the First of All.
803. Thou art worshiped by All.
804. Thou art Lotus-faced.
805. Thou art Lotus-eyed.
806. Thou art Light of Lights.
807. Thou art the Highest Abode.
808. Thou art the Highest Atom.
809. Thou art Supreme of the Supreme.
810. Thou art holding the noose in Hand.
811. Thou art the destroyer of the Noose.
812. Thou art the Destroyer of the Hostile force.
813. Thou art finely Formed.
814. Thou art without fine Form.
p. 128
815. Thou art satisfied with any Offering.
816. Thou art the Swan of the Manasa Lake.
817. Thou art the Vows of Truth.
818. Thou art Reality.
819. Thou art in every Heart.
820. Thou art Faithful Sati (the one who is ever true to her husband).
821. Thou art the Giver of life. to Brahma.
822. Thou art Brahma.
823. Thou art Mother of All.
824. Thou art manifold in Form.
825. Thou art worshiped by the Wise.
826. Thou art the Creator.
827. Fear of Thy sunshine and the fear of Thy wind.
828. Thou art the Ordinances.
829. Thou art the Foundation of All.
830. Thou art experienced in all Forms.
831. Thou art Master of the Senses.
832. Thou art the Energy of the senses.
833. Thou art the Fifty Seats.
834. Thou art without Bondage.
835. Thou livest in the Holy place.
836. Thou art the Mother of Heroes.
837. Thou art Ether.
p. 129
838. Thou art the Giver of Liberation.
839. Thou art the Home of Liberation.
840 Thou art the root of all Powers.
841. Thou art the Knower of Mind Qualities (of different states of Mind).
842. Thou art the remedy of all Diseases.
843. Thou art the Mover of the earthly wheel (she moves the world).
844. Thou art the Means to attain Wisdom.
845. Thou art the Essence of Wisdom.
846. Thou art the Essence of Mantras.
847. Thou art the Lightest of Forms.
848. Thou art the Highest Yama.
849. Thy glory is very High.
850. Thou art the Letters.
851. Thou giveth peace. birth and death to men.
852. Thou art claimed by all the Upanishads.
853. Thou art Kala (nature's finer fortes).
854. Thou art Fathomless.
855. Thou art in the Ether.
856. Thou art elevated above Creation.
857. Thou art the Joy in all songs.
p. 130
858. Thou art free from the world bondage.
859. Thou art the Goal of All.
860. Thou art the End of Pain and Sin.
861. Thou art the Heaven and all other Spheres.
862. Thou art above Cause and Effect.
863. Thou outflowest with Pleasure.
864. Thou wearest Golden Rings.
865. Thou takest Thy body for Fun.
866. Thou art Unborn.
867. Thou art free from Decay.
868. Thou art Beautiful.
869. Thou art easily Pleased.
870. Thou art worshiped Internally.
871. Thou art difficult to attain by the Ignorant.
872. Thou art Rig, Yojur and Saman (Revelation in Three Vedas, Holy Book of Wisdom).
873. Thou art the Object of three Desires (A. U. M. or past, present and future).
874. Thou art living in the Three.
875. Thou art Goddess of Antardasera Chakra.
876. Thou art free from Disease.
877. Thou art without Support.
878. Thou art enjoying Thyself.
p. 131
879. Thou art the Stream of Nectar.
880. Thou knowest how to raise Above worldly misery of those who pray to Thee.
881. Thou art fond of Sacrifice.
882. Thou performs the Sacrifice.
883. Thou art the Sacrificer.
884. Thou art the Supporter of Dharma (righteousness or right duty).
885. Thou art the Ruler of Wealth.
886. Thou increaseth Wealth.
887. Thou art fond of Knowledge.
888. Thou art manifestation of Knowledge.
889. Thou art Revolution.
890. Thou art the Absorber of All.
891. Thou art the Tree of Knowledge.
892. Thou art Mother of Vishnu.
893. Thou art in the form of Vishnu (one who preserves the world).
894. Thou art without Origin.
895. Thou art the Home of Origin.
896. Thou art the Manifester of ignorance.
897. Thou art worshipped Externally.
898. Thou art in the assembly of Warriors.
599. Thou art Valorous.
900 Thou art above Actions.
p. 132
901. Thou art in the Nada (self in the Anahata Chakra).
902. Thou art in the direct Perception.
903. Thou art Skilful.
904. Thou art Artful.
905. Thou art seated on Bindu.
906. Thou art above the Tattvas (nature's finer Forces).
907. Thou art Reality Itself.
908. Thou art the meaning of the World.
909. Thou art fond of the song of Sama Veda.
910. Thou art fit to be Worshiped.
911. Thou art the Deities.
912. Thou art in the right and left Palti.
913. Thou cleareth the Path.
914. Thou art Independent.
915. Thou art Sweet.
916. Thou art Wise.
917. Thou art worshiped by the Wise.
918. Thou art worshiped by Meditation. as Consciousness.
919. Thou art fond of Consciousness.
920. Thou art Ever Truth in the Wise.
921. Thou art Ever the Contented.
922. Thou art like the Morning Sun.
923. Thou art worshiped by the Right and Left (wise and fool).
p. 133
924. Thou wearest a sweet Smile.
925. Thou art Pure and worshipped by All.
926. Thou art Giver of Liberation.
927. Thou art fond of Praise.
928. Thou art the receiver of Praise.
929. Thou art celebrated in the Scriptures.
930. Thou art Intelligence.
931. Thou art the Higher Mind.
932. Thou art wife of Siva.
933. Thou art the Doer of Good.
934. Thou art Mother of the Universe.
935. Thou art the Supporter. of the Universe.
936. Thou art worshipped at Benares, Himalaya (between both eyes).
937. Thou art free from Passion.
938. Thou art Strong.
939. Thou art Generous.
940. Thou art highly Delightful.
941. Thou art in the Mind.
942. The ether becomes Thy hair.
943. Thou remaineth ever in the Celestial Chariot.
944. Thou art the Wife of Indra, Ruler of the World.
945. Thou art fond of Tantra.
946. Thou art fond of the Five sacrifices.
p. 134
947. Thou art in the five forms, Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Isvara and Sadasiva.
948. Thou art The Fifth.
949. Thou art Ruler of Five.
950. Thou art worshipped with five Objects.
951. Thou art Eternal.
952. Thou art Ruler of Eternal.
953. Thou art the Giver of Happiness.
954. Thou produces confusion on the Earth.
955. Thou art the Supporter of the Earth.
956. Thou art the Daughter of the Himalayas.
957. Thou art the Possessor of Wealth.
958. Thou art Righteousness.
959. Thou art the Increaser of Righteousness.
960. Thou art above the World.
961. Thou art above the attributes.
962. Thou art above All.
963. Thou art above the World Peace.
964. Thou art Flower-like.
965. Thou art Feminine.
966. Thou art the pleased in Amusement.
967. Thou art the Seed of Success.
968. Thou giveth Happiness.
969. Thou art Beautiful.
p. 135
970. Thou art the Ever Uniting One.
971. Thou art delighted by married Women.
972. Thou art Ever Beautiful.
973. Thou art Pure Minded.
974. Thou art pleased by meditation on the Bindu, (in Chakra).
975. Thou art the First Born.
976. Thou art the Deity of the Chakras.
977. Thou art worshipped by Ten Mudras.
978. Thou art Deity of the Fifth Chakras.
979. Thou art Jnanamudra.
980. Thou art to be attained by Wisdom.
981. Thou art the Wisdom and the Knowing Principle.
982. Thou art Yoni Mudra.
983. Thou art the Ruler of the Ten Mudras.
984. Thou art the Possessor of the Three Qualities.
985. Thou art the Mother.
986. Thou art in the Triangle.
987. Thou art Sinless.
988. Thy work in Wonderful.
989. Thou fullfillest desire.
990. Thou art ever known by Meditation.
991. Thou art above the Six Methods.
p. 136
992. Thou art Just and Compassionate.
993. Thou art the Light that dispels the Darkness.
994. Thou art ever known to Children.
995. At Thy command, all obey.
996. Thou art residing in the Six Chakras.
997. Thou art the Divine.
998. Thou art the Divine Siva.
999. Thou art Union of Siva and Sakti.
1000. Thou art Mother Lalita, Aum (Om).

caligula script,.act 4

Act Four
A room in the imperial palace. The stage is in semidarkness. Cherea and Scipio enter. Cherea crosses to the right, then comes back left to Scipio.
SCIPIO (With a sullen mouth) What do you want of me?
CHEREA You didn't come to our meeting yesterday.
SCIPIO (looking away and crossing) That's right.
CHEREA Scipio, I'm not in the habit of asking help from others, but I need you now. You and I are the only ones who can sponsor this murder with the right motives. I want you to stay with us.
SCIPIO I can’t do that.
CHEREA So you are with him then?
SCIPIO No ...
CHEREA And yet he killed your father.
SCIPIO That's how it all began. But that’s how it ends, too.
CHEREA Sometimes you just have to choose.
SCIPIO We’re consumed by the same fire. I’m unfortunate enough to understand him. CHEREA So you have chosen to take his side.
SCIPIO (passionately) No, I can never, ever again take anyone’s side.
CHEREA (affectionately; approaching Scipio) He’s taught you to despair in taking any action because to do so would bloody your innocent hands in some way or other. That, by itself, would justify me in killing him. (Helicon enters.)
HELICON I've been looking for you, Cherea. Caligula's planning a little get-to-gether. He wants you to wait for him. (to Scipio) You aren't invited. Off you go!
SCIPIO (looking back at Cherea as he goes out) Cherea.
CHEREA (gently) Yes, Scipio?
SCIPIO You do understand.
CHEREA (in the same gentle tone) No, Scipio.
Scipio and Helicon go out. The Old SENATOR and the Octavius are thrown into the room.
OCTAVIUS But what can he want with us at this hour of the night? If it's only to have us killed why all these preliminaries?
THE OLD SENATOR We should have acted sooner; I always said so. Now we're in this torture chamber. (Cherea enters)
CHEREA (Sits, showing no sign of apprehension.) Any idea what's happening?
SENATORS (speaking together) He's found out about the conspiracy.
CHEREA And?
TIlE OLD SENATOR (shuddering) Torture.
CHEREA (still unperturbed) Caligula once gave 81,000 sesterces to a slave who, despite torture, wouldn't confess to a theft he had committed.
OCTAVIUS For some reason that doesn’t console me.
CHEREA He’s a connoisseur of courage. You ought to keep that in mind. (to the Old Patrician) If you don’t mind, would stop chattering your teeth? I detest that sound.
THE OLD SENATOR Ah -- --
OCTAVIUS Concentrate on the fact that our lives are at stake.
CHEREA (coolly) You’ll be quoting Caligula next.
TIlE OLD SENATOR (on the verge of tears) Remember what he always says it to the executioner: "Kill him slowly, so that he feels what dying's like and hence appreciates life more!"
CHEREA After an execution he yawns, and says quite seriously: "What I admire most is my insensitivity." That’s my favorite.
OCTAVIUS I hear something.
CHEREA Of course such a remark betrays a weakness. If he were really insensitive he would never make such a boast.
THE OLD SENATOR If you don’t mind, would you stop philosophizing? I detest that!
Helicon enters carrying a gigantic war axe.
CHEREA (who has not noticed Helicon) Let’s admit at least that such a man forces one to think. There's nothing like insecurity for stimulating the brain. No wonder he’s so hated.
THE OLD SENATOR (pointing a trembling finger at the axe which Helicon has placed just behind Cherea) It’s happening!
CHEREA (Noticing now, and in a slightly altered tone) Maybe you were right.
OCTAVIUS Waiting was a mistake. We should have acted at once.
CHEREA Now we know.
THE OLD SENATOR I don't want to die.
Suddenly strange music begins behind a curtain at the back of the stage. The hostages gaze at each other in silence. Outlined on the illuminated curtain, in shadow play, Caligula appears and executes some grotesque dance movements. He is wearing ballet dancer's skirts and his head is garlanded with flowers. As the music climaxes Caligula disappears and Helicon announces gravely: "Gentlemen, the performance is over." Meanwhile Caesonia has entered soundlessly behind the watching Senators. She speaks in an ordinary voice, but none the less they give a start on hearing it.
CAESONIA Caligula has instructed me to tell you that in the past he has called his advisory committee together only for purposes of State business. But tonight he has invited you to participate with him in an artistic emotion. (A short pause. Then she continues in the same tone.) He added, I should note, that anyone who failed to participate would strung up on a meat hook. (They keep silent.) I apologize for insisting, but I must ask if you found the dance beautiful.
OCTAVIUS (After only a brief hesitation) It was beautiful, Caesonia.
THE OLD SENATOR (effusively) Lovely! Lovely!
CAESONIA And you, Cherea?
CHEREA (Icily) It was . . . fine art.
CAESONIA Good. Now I can convey your critical appreciation to Caligula. (She exits)
HELICON Tell me, Cherea, was it really fine art?
CHEREA In a way.
HELICON I defer to your cleverness, Cherea. Deceptive as only a respectable citizen can be. But clever indeed. I am not clever. And yet I’m very protective of Caius, even if he wants none of it.
CHEREA I don’t quite understand what you’re saying. But I congratulate you on your devotion to duty. I like devoted servants.
(Cherea laughs and turns away. Helicon draws one knife and puts the flat side on the side of Cherea’s face pulling it around to face him. Helicon takes out another knife and places the sharp side directly between them as Cherea is forced to look him straight in the eye.)
HELICON Look carefully Cherea. Study it like a piece of fine art. A portrait of your enemy. (He pats Cherea on the head with the flat knife, and then exits).
CHEREA (Angrily) Now, let’s act quickly. You two stay here. Before the night is out there'll be a hundred of us. (Exits)
OCTAVIUS (Sadly) Did I really say that dance was beautiful.
THE OLD PATRICIAN (conciliatingly) Maybe we just didn’t understand it.
Lucius enters
LUCIUS What’s going on? Caligula’s guards forced me to come here.
THE OLD SENATOR (absent-mindedly) For the dance, perhaps.
LUCIUS Dance?
THE OLD SENATOR Excuse me, the artistic emotion.
Cassius enters
CASSIUS I've just heard Caligula's very ill.
OCTAVIUS He is.
CASSIUS What's the matter with him? (In a joyful tone) By the gods, is he going to die?
OCTAVIUS I doubt it. His disease is only fatal to others.
CAESONIA ( Enters and in a casual tone) I thought you should know that Caligula has serious stomach trouble. Just now he vomited blood. (They crowd round her, not noticing Caligula off to the side)
LUCIUS I vow to the gods if he recovers, to pay the Treasury two hundred thousand sesterces as a token of my joy.
CASSIUS (on one knee with exaggerated eagerness) Take my life in place of his!
Caligula has entered, and is listening.
CALIGULA (going up to Lucius) I accept your offer, Lucius. And I thank you. A representative of the Treasurer Board will call on you tomorrow. (Goes to Cassius and embraces him.) You can't imagine how touched I am. (A short pause. Then, tenderly) So you love me, Cassius, as much as that?
CASSIUS (emotionally) Caesar, there's nothing, nothing I wouldn't sacrifice for your sake.
CALIGULA (embracing him again) Ah, Cassius, this is really too much; I don't deserve all this love. (Cassius makes a protesting gesture.) No, no, really, I'm not worthy of such devotion. (He beckons to two soldiers.) Take him away. (gently, to Cassius) Go, my friend, and remember that Caligula’s heart is yours.
CASSIUS (terrified) But where are they taking me?
CALIGULA To death, of course. You gave your life in exchange for mine. I feel better already. Even that nasty taste of blood in my mouth has gone. You’ve cured me, Cassius. And now that I’m quite myself again, I feel like throwing a party in honor of my generous friend. (Cassius’ face is distorted by terror and his body limp with fear as he is dragged away)
CALIGULA (In a nostalgic tone) Soon the paths along the sea will be bobbing with golden mimosa flowers. Young women will be wearing light summer dresses. The blue sky will be washed with a light breeze and clean swift sunshine! The smiles of life. (serious) If you had loved life enough, my friend, you wouldn't have gambled it away so rashly.
CASSIUS (Momentarily revived by one last effort to change Caligula’s mind) But it’s all a joke, Caligula. Life’s just a joke. And I’m laughing. Cac, cac, cac, cac. See, I’m laughing! Cac! Cac! Cac! Cac! (It doesn’t work, and his "laugh" starts to alternative with weeping offstage, until it abruptly stops).
CALIGULA (Looking at Lucius) And the loser must pay. The winner demands it. (A short silence.) Come, Caesonia. (He turns to the others.) By the way, an idea has just ambushed me, and I want to share it with you. Up to now my reign has been too happy. There's been no world-wide plague, no religious persecution, not even a revolution -- in short, nothing likely to give us a place in history. In a sense, you see, that’s why I have been trying to make up for the modesty of fate. I mean -- I don't know if you've followed me -- well (he gives a little laugh), in short, I’m your plague. (In a different tone) But don’t say a word. Here’s Cherea's coming. You’re on, Caesonia.
(Caligula goes out. Cherea enters. Caesonia hurries toward Cherea.)
CAESONIA Caligula is dead.
She turns her head, as if to hide her tears; her eyes are fixed on the others. Everyone looks horrified but for different reasons. Cherea moves hastily from one man to the other. No one speaks except the Old Patrician who can’t help himself.
THE OLD SENATOR Only a short while ago he was dancing. (Caesonia fixes on him)
CAESONIA The effort was too much for him. (No one speaks.) You've nothing to say, Cherea?
CHEREA (in a low voice) It's a great misfortune for us all, Caesonia.
Caligula bursts in violently and goes up to Cherea.
CALIGULA Well played, Cherea. (He spins round and stares at the others. Petulantly) So it didn't come off. (to Caesonia) Don't forget what I told you.
(Caligula abruptly dashes off. Nobody knows what’s going on.)
THE OLD SENATOR (hoping against hope) Is he ill, Caesonia?
CAESONIA (with a hostile look) No, my pet. Though he never has more than two hours sleep and spends the best part of the night stalking the corridors. You should give a thought to what may pass in this man's mind in those hours between midnight and sunrise. Is he ill? No, he’s not ill, unless you invent a name for the boils and sores that fester in his soul.
(Recovering her composure and in a changed tone) Oh, I was forgetting. Caligula has decreed that today is to be a special holiday devoted to art. So he has organized a poetry reading. A group of poets will be given a set theme and asked to improvise. He wants the poets among you to take part in the competition. He particularly mentioned young Scipio and wise Octavius.
OCTAVIUS But I’m no poet ---
CAESONIA (In a level tone, as if she has not heard him) Needless to say there will be prizes. There will also be penalties. (Looks of consternation.) Just between ourselves, the penalties are not too severe.
OCTAVIUS -- I can appreciate good poetry, but writing -- (Cut off by Caligula’s entry, looking gloomier than ever.)
CALIGULA All ready?
CAESONIA Yes. (Calling offstage) Poets can enter.
They enter and arrange themselves beside Scipio and Octavius.
CALIGULA The "Caligula Prize." Subject: death. Time limit: one minute.
The poets scribble feverishly on their tablets.
THE OLD SENATOR (Taking a keen interest) Who will compose the jury?
CALIGULA I shall. Isn't that enough?
THE OLD SENATOR Oh, yes, quite enough.
CHEREA Will you be competing, Caius?
CALIGULA Unnecessary. I wrote my poem on this theme long ago.
THE OLD SENATOR (Eagerly) Where can one get a copy of it?
CALIGULA No need. I recite it every day, in my own way.
(Caesonia eyes him nervously. Caligula rounds on her almost savagely.) Is there anything in my appearance that displeases you?
CAESONIA (Gently) I'm sorry. (She turns away)
CALIGULA (Caligula turns to Cherea.) As I was saying. It's the only poem I have ever fathered, but it’s the living proof that I am the only true artist Rome has ever known -- the only one, Cherea, to reconcile his thoughts and his deeds.
CHEREA Surely it’s only a matter of having the power to do so.
CALIGULA Quite true. Other artists create because they lack power. I don't need to make a work of art; I live it. (Brutally) Well, poets, are you ready? (No one answers)
CALIGULA Good. I take that for a yes. Listen carefully. When I whistle, the first of you will step forward and begin reading. When I whistle again, he must stop and the second begin. And so on. The winner, of course, will be the one whose poem has not been interrupted by the whistle. Get ready. (Turning to Cherea, he whispers.) Efficient organization's needed for everything, even for art. (Blows his whistle.)
OCTAVIUS Death, when beyond thy murky banks ...
A blast of the whistle. The poet steps briskly to the left. The others will follow the same procedure. After Octavius, these movements should be made with mechanical precision.
FIRST POET (full and impressive voice) In their dim cave, the fatal sisters three ... (Whistle.)
SECOND POET (lisping) I summon thee, sweet Death ...
A shrill blast of the whistle. The Fourth Poet steps forward and strikes a dramatic posture. The whistle goes before he has opened his mouth.
FOURTH POET When I was in my happy infancy ...
CALIGULA (yelling) Stop! What possible connection could there be between the childhood of an idiot and the subject of this competition? The connection! Tell me the connection!
FOURTH POET But, Caius, I haven’t finished. (Shrill whistle.)
FIFTH POET (in a high-pitched voice) Relentless, he stalks her virgin life ... (Whistle.)
SIXTH POET (mysteriously) Oh, this long, profound prayer ... (Whistle, broken off as Scipio comes forward without paper.)
CALIGULA You haven't anything to read?
SCIPIO I don’t need to read it.
CALIGULA Well, let's hear you. (He chews at his whistle.)
SCIPIO (standing very near Caligula, he recites listlessly, without looking at him)
Pursuit of happiness that purifies the heart, Skies rippling with light,
O wild, sweet, festal joys, frenzy without hope!
CALIGULA (gently) Stop, please. The others needn't compete. (to Scipio) You're very young to understand so well the lessons we can learn from death.
SCIPIO (gazing straight at Caligula) I was very young to lose my father.
CALIGULA (turning hastily) The rest of you fall in again. Really, being a bad poet is too horrible a penalty already. Until now I'd thought of enlisting you as my allies and occasionally dreamed of your forming my gallant legion of last-ditch defenders. Another illusion gone! I’m casting you off among my enemies. The poets are against me and that is indeed the last straw. March out in military order! As you file past me lick your poems to erase any trace of your atrocities. Attention! Forward! (Keeping step, the poets file out by the right, tonguing their immortal poems. Caligula adds in a lower tone) Now leave me, everyone.
In the doorway, as they are going out, Cherea touches the Octavius’s shoulder, and speaks in his ear.
CHEREA Now's our opportunity.
(Scipio, who has overheard, halts on the threshold and walks back to Caligula. The two of them talk intensely but briefly. Scipio goes out. Caligula makes a vague gesture. Then, almost savagely, he pulls himself together and takes some steps toward Caesonia.)
CAESONIA What did he say?
CALIGULA It would tax your understanding. (staring at her) Let’s just say I have decided to let Scipio try his chances again, elswhere. I’m through with him. But you, I wonder why you are still here.
CAESONIA Because you need me.
CALIGULA No. If I killed you I think I might understand.
CAESONIA Why don’t you do it then? (slight pause) But can't you, if only for a minute, just let yourself go.
CALIGULA For several years now I have been practicing the art of letting myself go.
CAESONIA That’s not the way I mean it. Of course, you just laugh at everything I say.
CALIGULA The freedom of the heart you want to talk about -- everyone acquires it, in his own way. I’m more interested in the fact that I could have you put to death. (Laughs.) It would be the perfect climax to my career. (He rises and swings the mirror round toward himself. Then he walks in a circle. Arms hang limp, almost without gestures. There is something animal in his gait as he continues speaking.) It’s odd. When I’m not killing, I feel alone. The living aren’t enough to populate the universe and to keep us company. When you are all here around me, you make me aware of a limitless void where I dare not look. I'm only comfortable amongst my dead. (He shivers and turns toward the audience, leaning a little forward. He has forgotten Caesonia's presence.) They are real. They are like me. They are awaiting me and urging me to hurry. I have long dialogues with this or that man who screamed to me for mercy and whose tongue I had cut out.
CAESONIA Come. Lie down beside me. (Caligula does so.) Now you are comfortable. It is quiet!
CALIGULA Quiet? How unperceptive you are. Listen! (Distant metallic tinklings.) Aren’t you aware of the thousand muffled sounds of hatred on the alert?
CAESONIA No one would dare. . .
CALIGULA Yes, stupidity would.
CAESONIA Stupidity doesn't kill. It makes men behave.
CALIGULA It is deadly, Caesonia, when it considers itself insulted. No, it's not the men whose sons or fathers I have killed who'll murder me. They're on my side because they have the same taste in their mouths. But the others -- those I ridiculed and laughed at -- I’m defenseless against their vanity.
CAESONIA (passionately) We will defend you. Many of us still love you.
CALIGULA Fewer and fewer. I’ve taken care of that. Besides, let's be fair and admit that stupidity is not my only enemy. There’s also those extraordinary ordinary men. (slight pause) But why such a show of devotion? This wasn't part of our agreement.
CAESONIA (who has risen and is pacing) Hasn't it been enough to see you killing others, without knowing you'll be killed as well? Isn't it enough to take you into my bed all torn and tearing, breathing your smell of murder when you lie on top of me? Each day I see you slipping further and further from any human likeness. I know, I know each day I'm getting old, my beauty can only wane. But my love, my fear for you has so shaped me that now I don’t even care if you no longer love me. I only want you to get well, to be a boy with a whole life ahead of you. What else can you want?
CALIGULA (rising, looks at her fixedly) You've been with me a long time now.
CAESONIA (Not looking at him) Yes. . . . And you’re going to keep me, aren't you?
CALIGULA (Standing close behind her) I only know why you're here now. Because of all those nights of fierce, joyless pleasure and because of all you know about me. (He takes her in his arms, bending her head back a little with his right hand.) I'm twenty-two. Not too old. But at this moment, when I have cast off so many skins and my life looks to me so long already, so fulfilled, you are the only witness left. And I can't resist a sort of shameful, sentimental tenderness for the old woman that you’ll become.
CAESONIA So you mean to keep me with you.
CALIGULA All I know -- and this is the worst of it -- is that this sentimental tenderness is the only pure emotion I’ve ever had. (Caesonia frees herself from his arms. Caligula follows her. She presses her back to his chest and he puts his arms round her.) Wouldn't it be better that the last witness should disappear?
CAESONIA I'm just happy because of what you just said. Why can't we share this happiness?
CALIGULA What makes you think I'm unhappy?
CAESONIA Happiness doesn't thrive on destruction.
CALIGULA Then there must be two kinds of happiness, and I chose the murderer’s happiness. For I am happy. Just look at me. I laugh, Caesonia, when I think that for years all Rome carefully avoided pronouncing the name of Drusilla. For years Rome was mistaken. Love isn't enough for me, as I realized then, and that is what I realize again today as I look at you. Loving a person is being willing to grow old with that person. Surely you don’t think I’m capable of that? Drusilla old would be far worse than Drusilla dead. People think a man suffers because out of the blue, death snatches away the woman he loves. But real suffering has more meaning: it comes from the discovery that grief, too, cannot last. Even grief is devoid of meaning.You see, I had no excuse, not even the fiction of a love, nor the bitterness of melancholy. I have no alibi. But here I am today far freer than I was years ago because I am liberated from memory and delusion. (He laughs bitterly.) I know now that nothing lasts. Just think! There are only two or three of us in all history who really experienced that knowledge and achieved this insane happiness. Caesonia, you have watched out to the very end a very strange tragedy. It is time for the curtain to fall on you. (holds his hand out to her)
CAESONIA (terrified) Can that freedom be happiness?
CALIGULA (hugs her from behind and gradually tightens his grip on Caesonia's throat) You may be sure of it, Caesonia. Without it I might have been a smug man. Thanks to it, I have won the god-like lucidity of the solitary man. (His exaltation grows as little by little he strangles Caesonia, who puts up no resistance. Bending his head, he goes on speaking, into her ear.) I live, I kill, I exercise the rapturous power of a destroyer which makes child's play of the power of a creator. This is happiness -- this unparalleled isolation of a man who sees his whole life at once, the measureless joy of the unpunished assassin, this ruthless logic that crushes human lives (he laughs), that's crushing yours out, Caesonia, to complete at last the eternal solitude I desire.
CAESONIA (struggling feebly) Caius .
CALIGULA (more and more excitedly) No, no sentiment. I must have done with it, for there is no time to waste. There is no time to waste, dear Caesonia. (Caesonia has stopped breathing. He stares wildly at her; his voice grows harsh and grating.) You, too, were guilty. But killing is not the solution. (He spins round and gazes crazily at the mirror.) Caligula! You too, you too are guilty. Well, what can a little more or less matter? But who would dare condemn me in this world where no one is innocent and nobody is judge? (He brings his eyes close to his reflected face. He sounds genuinely distressed.) You see, Helicon has failed you. I won't have the moon. Never, never, never! But how painful it is to know that and to have to go through to the bitter end! Listen! Innocence arming for the fray, preparing for its final triumph. Why am I not in their place, among them? I'm afraid. (Sound of his pain) After despising others, to recognize the same cowardice in myself. But that doesn’t matter. Fear doesn’t last either. I’m about to enter that great emptiness where the heart has rest. (He seems calmer. When he speaks again his voice is steadier, less shrill.) Everything seems so complicated. Yet everything is quite simple. If I'd had the moon, if love were enough, all would be changed. But where can I quench this thirst? What heart, what god would be as deep and pure for me as a great lake? (Kneeling, weeping.) Neither this world nor the other world has a place for me. Yet I know, and you know (still weeping, he stretches out his arms toward the mirror) that all I needed was for the impossible to be. The impossible! I've searched the confines of the world, along all my secret frontiers. I stretched out my hands (Screaming, now at the moon). See, I still stretch out my hands, but I always find you confronting me, and I've come to loathe you. Helicon! Nothing, nothing yet. Helicon! Oh, this night is heavy, heavy as all of human suffering. Helicon will not come. We shall be guilty forever. (The shadows turn into Caligula’s killers. The patricians watch, but hold their coats over their faces while others surround Caligula and repeatedly stab him. Caligula chokes and laughs as if embracing death.) In history, Caligula! In history! (Caligula’s body drops and the killers move triumphantly, but he pulls himself up to his knees) I’m still alive! (He dies, but the killers begin to strike at his body again until he turns into a bloody mass blending into the red gloom)

END

caligula script,.act 3

Act Three
A room in the imperial palace. Before the lights come up, music and noise can be heard, and when they come up we see a small stage on the stage. On it are Caesonia and Helicon. Seated with their backs to the audience are the senators and young Scipio. Helicon and Caesonia run the show like a combination of fairground, Nazi rally, evangelical meeting and pagan ceremony.
HELICON Step up! Step up! One and all! Step up! Once more a god walks the earth in the human form of our emperor known as Caligula. Rise up, you mortals of common clay and witness a holy miracle with your own eyes. Through a favor reserved for the blessed reign of Caligula, divine secrets will be revealed to all. (Cymbals.)
CAESONIA Come, gentlemen. Come and adore him -- and don't forget your charitable donations. Today heaven and its mysteries are on show, at a price to suit every bank account. (cymbals)
HELICON See Olympus naked! The whole intimate truth. Revelations in high places! (Cymbals.)
CAESONIA Worship him! Throw your money to him. Quick, quick, gentlemen. The show is about to begin. (Cymbals.)
HELICON A sensational reincarnation of truth. An epoch-making production with breathtaking effects (light effects) and music to lift the soul. (music) See fate with your own eyes (over the music) -- a triumph of the will!
Caesonia and Helicon pose. Costumed religious worshippers appear and dance to the music -- around Caesonia and Helicon, and occasionally abusing the worshipping patricians. The music stops suddenly and two dancers draw aside a curtain to reveal Caligula. He is beaming through a female mask, blonde curls and golden breast cones.
CALIGULA (amiably) I'm Venus today.
CAESONIA Now for the adoration. Bow down. (All but Scipio bend their heads.) And repeat after me the litany of Venus-Caligula.
"Our Lady of pain and pleasure
THE SENATORS "Our Lady of pains and pleasures
CAESONIA "Born of the waves, bitter and bright with seafoam
THE SENATORS "Born of the waves, bitter and bright with seafoam
CAESONIA "Oh Queen, whose gifts are laughter and regrets
THE SENATORS "Oh Queen, whose gifts are laughter and regrets
CAESONIA "Teach us the indifference that revives love
THE SENATORS "Teach us the indifference that revives love
CAESONIA "Make known to us the truth about this world -- which is that it has none
THE SENATORS "Make known to us the truth about this world -- which is that it has none
CAESONIA "And grant us strength to live up to that unparalled truth
THE SENATORS "And grant us strength to live up to that unparalled truth
CAESONIA Pause!
THE SENATORS Pause!
CAESONIA (after a short silence Caesonia begins again but she goes faster as if in a trance, and the senators can’t keep up -- they are only able to repeat the last phrases) "Shower us with thy gifts, bestow on us thine impartial cruelty. Rain upon our heads thy harvests of flowers and murders
THE SENATORS "... thy harvests of flowers and murders
CAESONIA "Receive unto thee thy straying children. Receive them in the bleak sanctuary of your heartless love. Share with us thy misguided bliss, thy futile sorrows and your raptures that lead nowhere
THE SENATORS ". . . your raptures that lead nowhere
CAESONIA (raising her voice, but slowing down) "O goddess, so empty yet so passionate, inhuman yet so earthly, make us drunk with the wine of thine equivalence, and satisfy us forever in thy Hard! (cymbals) Black! (drum) Heart! (drum and cymbals. Caesonia accents the last with a bump and grind)
CALIGULA (He rings tiny finger cymbals. In a Gregorian-like chant) Granted, my children, your prayers will be fulfilled. (He rings the cymbals again and several dancers supervised by Helicon hold out collection pots. One by one the SENATORS make obeisance, deposit their money and line up on the right. The last, in his flurry, forgets to make an offering. Caligula bounds to his feet.) Hey! Come here, my darling. Worship's very well, but charity is better. Thank you. That’s it. If the gods had no other income than the love you mortals give them, they'd be as poor as poor Caligula. Now, gentlemen, you may go, and spread abroad the glad tidings of the miracle you've been allowed to witness. You have really seen Venus with your fleshly eyes, and Venus herself has spoken to you. Go, most favored gentlemen. (The SENATORS begin to move away.) As you leave, make sure you exit to your left. Outside the door to your right I have posted guards to assassinate you.
The SENATORS file out hastily, in some disorder. The slaves and musicians leave the stage. Scipio picks up one of the collection pots and angrily tosses it to Helicon
HELICON (pointing a threatening finger at Scipio) Scipio, you’re still the little anarchist!
SCIPIO (to Caligula, who is moving from up centre) Playing at blasphemy, now, Caius.
CALIGULA Blasphemy? What could that possibly mean?
SCIPIO After bloodying the earth you start spitting on heaven.
HELICON There’s a touch of bombast in this youngster. (He sits leisurely.)
CAESONIA (Calming. Sitting) Careful, Scipio. People are dying in Rome for much less.
SCIPIO Somebody should tell him the truth.
CAESONIA Well, Caligula. Here’s the one thing missing in your Empire -- a bold young moralist. (Get’s more comfortable)
CALIGULA (Stops and giving Scipio a curious glance) Do you really believe in any god, Scipio?
SCIPIO No.
CALIGULA Then why be so eager to sniff out blasphemy?
SCIPIO I can deny something without smearing it or depriving others of the right to believe in it.
CALIGULA (Close to him) Very tolerant my dear Scipio, how happy I am for you -- and even a touch envious. Such modesty is the one emotion I may never feel.
SCIPIO You’re jealous of the gods not me.
CALIGULA (Removes mask and breast cones and takes a slouching stand next to Caesonia) With your permission, I’d like that to be the great secret of my reign. For someone who loves power there is something irritating about the rivalry of the gods, and that’s why I’ve done away with them. I've proved to these imaginary gods that, without previous training, a mere human, if he applies himself, can practice their ridiculous profession.
SCIPIO That’s what I meant by blasphemy, Caius.
CALIGULA No, no Scipio, it's clarity. We can become the equal of a god by becoming as cruel as he is.
SCIPIO By playing the tyrant.
CALIGULA And what exactly is a tyrant?
SCIPIO A blind soul. (sits)
CALIGULA I’m not sure. A real tyrant is a person who sacrifices an institution or a whole nation to ambition or some ideal. I have no ideals, and there's no honors or powers left for me to drool over. (Scipio sits and Caligula comes over and sits next to him) Do you know how many wars I've refused to embark on? (bending over his feet and scrutinizing his toes)
SCIPIO No.
CALIGULA Three. And do you know why I refused?
SCIPIO Because the reputation of Rome means nothing to you.
CALIGULA No. Because I respect human life.
SCIPIO More jokes Caius.
CALIGULA Or at least I respect it more than I respect military ideals. But it's also true that I don't respect it more than I respect my own life, and if I find killing easy, it's because dying isn't hard for me. No, the more I think about it, the surer I feel that I'm not a tyrant.
SCIPIO (with a shrug) What does it matter, since it costs Rome as much as if you were one?
CALIGULA (with a hint of petulance) If you knew how to count you'd realize that the smallest war undertaken by a reasonable tyrant would cost a thousand times more than all my eccentricities do.
SCIPIO A war has some sense behind it and to be understandable makes up for a lot.
CALIGULA Fate can never be understood. That’s why I’ve become fate. Taken on the stupid and incomprehensible face of divinity. That’s what those Senators were adoring a moment ago.
SCIPIO Blasphemy, vanity -- call it what you want Caius.
CALIGULA (Rising and crossing toward Caesonia) It's art, Scipio! You people make the mistake of not taking the drama seriously enough. If you did, you’d know that any one can play lead in the divine comedy and become a god. ( He does a mock dance. Caesonia and Helicon applaud. He embraces Caesonia, both laughing.) He just needs to harden his heart.
SCIPIO (Gets up and claps sarcastically) You have done that successfully, Caius, but god-like qualities are contagious. Some day a legion of human gods just as ruthless as you will rise up and bathe your momentary divinity in blood.
CAESONIA So much for your idealism, Scipio!
CALIGULA (peremptorily) Never mind Caesonia. You are absolutely right, Scipio. I find it hard to picture the event you speak of. But sometimes I dream of it -- all those faces coming at me, convulsed with fear and hatred. And I welcome them. For I see in them the only god I have ever adored -- rebellious humanity. (Irritably) Now leave me. Philosophy’s a waste of time. (Scipio rises and exits) I still have my toenails to paint. (Caesonia puts paint pots and brushes next to him and then Caligula brushes her off -- she exits) Helicon!
HELICON Yes?
CALIGULA Are you getting on with your work?
HELICON What work?
CALIGULA The moon.
HELICON I’m making progress. It takes time and patience. But I'd like to have a word with you.
CALIGULA I might have patience, but I haven’t much time. So you’ll have to hurry.
HELICON I said I'd do my best. But, first, I have something to tell you.
CALIGULA (as if he has not heard) Mind you, I've had her already
HELICON Whom?
CALIGULA The moon.
HELICON Yes .... yes, of course. But do you know there's a plot on your life?
CALIGULA I really had her, too. Only two or three times, to be sure. But, oh, I did have her.
HELICON I've been trying to tell you about it, only --
CALIGULA It was last summer. With all my gaping at her and caressing her on the columns in the garden she had eventually caught on.
HELICON Forget the trivialities, Caius. You have to hear this
CALIGULA (applying red polish to his toenails) This polish is no good at all. But, to come back to the moon -- it was a cloudless August night. (Helicon looks sulkily away, and keeps silence.) In the beginning she was coy. I was already in bed. Then she began to rise, brighter and brighter, quicker and quicker. The higher she rose, the lighter she became till finally she was a milky white pool amidst the multitudinous rustling of stars. She stepped over the threshold and, slowly but surely, glided to my bed, slipped in and bathed me in her smiles and dazzle. Then she came in the warm night air -- gentle, weightless and naked. -- No, this new polish is a failure ... So you see, Helicon, I can say, without boasting, that I've had her.
HELICON Now will you listen?
CALIGULA (ceasing to fiddle with his toes, and gazing at him fixedly) All I
want, Helicon, is the moon. I know in advance what will kill me. I haven't yet tasted everything that can keep me alive. That's why I want the moon. And don’t come back before you’ve captured her for me.
HELICON (gets up) Alright. . . . I'm going to tell you anyway. There's a plot. Cherea is the leader. This letter came into my hands. It will tell you the essentials. I’m leaving it here. (He places the letter on one of the seats and moves away.)
CALIGULA Where are you off to, Helicon?
HELICON (just before he exits) To get the moon for you.
There is an uneasy cough from the rear. Caligula swings round and sees the Old SENATOR.
THE OLD SENATOR (timidly) May I, Caius ... .
CALIGULA Come in! Come in! (Standing up and with mock eagerness.) So, my pet, you've returned to have another look at Venus.
THE OLD SENATOR Well . . . no. It's not quite that. It’s . . . You know I'm very, very devoted to you -- and my one desire is to end my days in peace.
CALIGULA Come to the point! Come to the point!
THE OLD SENATOR Ssh! (realizing that he’s telling Caligula to be quiet) Oh, sorry, Caius! I only wanted ... . Well, it's . . . it's like this. (hurriedly) It's terribly serious, that's what I meant to say.
CALIGULA No, it isn't serious.
THE OLD SENATOR What isn't, Caius?
CALIGULA But what are we talking about, darling?
THE OLD SENATOR (glancing nervously round the room) I mean --
(Wriggles, shuffles, then bursts out with it.) There's a conspiracy.
CALIGULA (Sits and resumes toe-nail painting) You see. Just as I said, it isn't serious.
THE OLD SENATOR (Sits next to Caligula) Caius, they intend to kill you.
CALIGULA (approaching him and grasping his shoulders) Do you know why I can't believe you?
THE OLD SENATOR (raising an arm, as if to take an oath) May God bear witness, Caius ...
CALIGULA Don't swear. I particularly ask you not to swear. (Gently but firmly pressing him back. Sees his nails and starts to paint them) Listen, instead. If what you were saying were true, I should have to come to the conclusion that you are breaking confidence with your colleagues in Caligula’s advisory committee, shouldn’t I?
THE OLD SENATOR (flustered) That is, Caius, considering the deep affection I have for you --
CALIGULA (dabs gently a little paint on SENATOR’s nose) And I’d hate to come to that conclusion. After all, I loathe cowardly traitors so much that I could never resist having one put to death. But I know the man you are, my valued friend. And certainly you neither wish to play the traitor nor to die.
THE OLD SENATOR Certainly not, Caius. Most certainly not. (Almost weeping, he bows his bald head to to look at his painted nails)
CALIGULA (Hold the SENATOR’s bald head at arms length and measuring it with a judicious eye) So you see I was right in refusing to believe you. You’re not a coward are you? (Paints a comic face on his bald head).
THE OLD SENATOR Oh, no!
CALIGULA (Still painting) Nor a traitor?
THE OLD SENATOR I need hardly tell you that, Caius.
CALIGULA And consequently there is no plot, is there? This was just a practical joke of yours?
THE OLD SENATOR (feebly, his face distorted with terror) A joke, merely a joke.
CALIGULA (Pushing SENATOR’s face down to continue painting) Obviously, no one wants to kill me.
THE OLD SENATOR No one, of course not, not one.
CALIGULA (Takes SENATOR by the arm and assists him ) Then I’ll ask you to leave, sweetheart. A man with honor is such an endangered species nowadays that I cannot bear the sight of one too long. I want to be alone to luxuriate in this unique experience. (For some moments he gazes, without moving, at the letter. He picks it up and reads it. Then, again, draws a deep breath. Then calls offstage to a guard.)
CALIGULA Bring Cherea to me. (Then) Make sure you treat him with all due respect. (Caligula crosses stage and stands wearily as a shaft of moonlight envelops him. He turns and poses as if he were surveying himself in a mirror. He addresses his imaginary reflection.) You were the fool who decided to be logical! Now you’ll have to find out how far it can go. (Ironically) If you were brought the moon, everything would be different, wouldn’t it? What is impossible would become possible, and in a flash -- a great transfiguration. One night, perhaps Helicon will catch her sleeping in a lake, and carry her here, trapped in a glistening net, all slimy with weeds and water, like a pale bloated fish drawn from the deep. Why not, Caligula? (He casts a glance round the room.) Fewer and fewer people round me. (Addressing the mirror, in a hoarse voice.) Too many dead, too many dead. Even if the moon were mine, I couldn’t retrace my way. Even if those dead men were stirring again under the sun's caress, the murders would not stay underground. (Turns in pain from the mirror, then faces it again) You must stick to the logic, Caligula – go to the bitter end! (He comes back down and concealing the letter in his cloak, sits. The shaft of moonlight has disappeared. Cherea enters.)
CHEREA You sent for me, Caius?
CALIGULA (Caligula is staring absently at the place where the moonlight was.) Yes, Cherea.
A short silence.
CHEREA Have you anything particular to tell me?
CALIGULA No, Cherea.
Another silence.
CHEREA (with a hint of petulance) Are you sure my presence is necessary?
CALIGULA Absolutely sure, Cherea. (Another silence. Then, as if suddenly
recollecting himself) But excuse me, I’m absent-minded and receiving you badly. Sit down and talk with me, like two friends. I need some intelligent conversation. (Cherea sits down. For the first time since the play began, Caligula gives the impression of being his natural self.) Do you think, Cherea, that it's possible for two men of much the same temperament at least once in their lives to talk to each other with complete frankness -- as if they stood naked and facing each other, washed free of the prejudices of private interests, and of the lies by which they live?
CHEREA Possible, yes, Caius. But I don't think you'd be capable of it.
CALIGULA You're right. I simply wanted to know if you agreed with me. So let's put our masks back on then and fall back on our lies. Let’s talk like soldiers going into combat -- covered up to the eyes, padding on all the vital parts. Tell me, Cherea, why don't you like me?
CHEREA Because there's nothing likable about you, Caius. Because such feelings aren’t subject to command. Also, I see a family resemblance in you. And I can’t like one of my own faces that I am trying to cover up in me.
CALIGULA But why is it you hate me?
CHEREA I don’t hate you. I think you’re cruel, vain and selfish. But I can’t hate you, because I don't think you are happy. And I can’t scorn you, because I know you are no coward.
CALIGULA Then why do you want to kill me?
CHEREA I've already told you: because you are a constant menace. I need to feel secure. Like most people. They resent living in a world where the strangest thoughts can become reality in the twinkling of an eye and transfix their lives like a knife in the heart. I feel the same way. I want to know where I stand, and to stand secure.
CALIGULA Security and logic don't go together.
CHEREA Quite true. My plan of life may not be logical, but at least it's workable.
CALIGULA (intensely interested) Go on.
CHEREA There's no more to say. It's only natural that you should . . . disappear.
CALIGULA I see your point, and for most people, I grant you, it's obvious. But you? You’re intelligent and a person either pays dearly for intelligence or represses it. I am paying up. But why are you both unwilling to repress it and unwilling to pay up? You know better.
CHEREA Because I'm ordinary. There are moments when I desire the death of those I love, or lust after a woman forbidden to me by friendship or family. Were logic everything, I'd kill or seduce on such occasions. But you can’t live that way.
CALIGULA So you believe in some higher ideal?
CHEREA I believe some actions are better than others.
CALIGULA And I don’t believe there’s any reason to choose between them.
CHEREA I understand, Caius, and, to a point, agree with you. That's why I don't hate you. Nevertheless, you stand in our way and you must disappear.
CALIGULA So why risk your life by telling me this?
CHEREA Because others will take my place, and because I don't like to lie.
A short silence.
CALIGULA Cherea.
CHEREA Yes, Caius?
CALICULA Do you think that it's possible for two men of much the same temperament at least once in their lives to open their hearts to each other?
CHEREA Isn’t that what we've just been doing.
CALIGULA Yes, Cherea. But you thought I was incapable of it.
CHEREA I was wrong, Caius. I admit it, and I thank you. Now I await your sentence.
CALIGULA My sentence? Ah, I see. (Producing the letter from under his cloak.) Do you recognize this, Cherea?
CHEREA I suspected you had a copy.
CALIGULA (stifles a scream, holding the letter up to his face, moves away from Cherea. Passionately) You knew I had it! So your frankness was a piece of play acting. The two friends did not open their hearts to each other. Oh well! At least we can stop playing at sincerity, and resume living the way we were. But first I ask you to make just one more effort to swallow my insults and bad humor. Listen carefully, Cherea. This is the only piece of evidence against you.
CHEREA (moves to go) I'm leaving Caius. I'm sick and tired of all these games. CALIGULA (in the same tense, passionate voice) Just a minute. This letter is the only evidence. Right?
CHEREA Evidence? When have you needed evidence to send a man to his death.
CALIGULA That's true. But for once I want to contradict myself. It will harm no one, and it’s good to contradict oneself occasionally. It relaxes a person. And I need relaxation Cherea.
CHEREA You’re too subtle for me, Caius.
CALIGULA I forgot, Cherea. You are a healthy man. You don’t want to be an anything out of the ordinary man. (Bursting into laughter) You want to live and to be happy -- That's all! Nothing more!
CHEREA Let’s leave it at that.
CALIGULA A little patience, if you don't mind. I have evidence and I choose to assume that I can't sentence you to death without it. That's my idea . . . and my relaxation. Well! See what becomes of evidence in the hands of an Emperor. (He holds the letter to a torch. Cherea approaches. The torch is between them. The letter begins to burn.) You see, conspirator! It burns, and as this proof disappears, a new innocence dawns on your face again. What a handsome forehead you have, Cherea! And innocence is so beautiful! Marvel at my power. Even a god cannot restore innocence without first punishing the culprit. But your emperor needs only a torch flame to expiate your crime Consider in that light, the wonderful reasoning you have just given me. Your emperor longs for his rest. That's his way of living and being happy.
Cherea stares, bewildered, at Caligula. He turns, but almost backs out, unable to take his eyes off Caligula who is still holding up an imaginary letter to the flame. Caligula follows the receding figure with his gaze, laughing and sobbing.

caligula script,act 2

ACT TWO
Three years later. A room in Cherea's house, where the senators have met in secret.
OCTAVIUS He insults our dignity.
THE OLD SENATOR Death's too good for someone who calls me "darling" in public!
OCTAVIUS Every evening we have to jog behind his carriage when he goes out into the country.
LUCIUS The exercise will do us good, he says.
THE OLD SENATOR There’s no excuse for it.
CASSIUS No, he can’t be forgiven.
OCTAVIUS He confiscated your property, Patricius. He killed your father, Scipio. He's taken your wife from you, Lucius, and forced her to work in his new public brothel. Cassius, he killed your son. I don’t know about you but I’ve made my choice. Between the risk we have to take and this unbearable life in helpless fear, I cannot hesitate. Can you still hesitate?
CASSIUS We're with you! He gives away our private boxes at the stadium to the rabble and eggs us on to fight with them -- just to have a pretext for punishing us later.
THE OLD SENATOR He's a coward.
LUCIUS A bully.
CASSIUS A buffoon.
THE OLD SENATOR He's impotent -- I say that's his trouble.
Confusion follows as there is a general rush to exclaim indignation and the necessity to act. Cherea strolls in, composed as usual.
CHEREA How energetic you’ve all become. Do you think the palace will welcome such an unruly mob. I assume that’s your next stop.
OCTAVIUS We don’t plan to ask permission to enter.
CHEREA May I have permission to sit down in my own house? (Cherea moves toward a seat studying the others) It's not so simple as you think, my friends. This is all too premature.
CASSIUS If you're not with us, leave us, but keep your mouth shut.
CHEREA Oh I think I'm with you, but not for the same reasons.
CASSIUS We’ve talked enough!
CHEREA (standing up) Maybe, but you’re rushing to your destruction because you haven't recognized the nature of your true enemy.
CASSIUS We see him for what he is, all right -- a crazy tyrant.
CHEREA No. We've had experience of mad emperors. But this one isn't mad enough. He knows exactly what he wants.
OCTAVIUS He wants the death of every one of us.
CHEREA That’s just secondary. Caligula is frightening because he's putting his power at the service of a deadlier passion. Losing my life is no small matter, but seeing it drained of meaning -- that is unbearable! No one can live without justification.
OCTAVIUS Revenge is justification.
CHEREA Yes, and I’ll share it with you. But I've got no interest in avenging your petty humiliations. I intend to fight against an ideal. Caligula is converting his philosophy into corpses and, unfortunately for us, it is an irrefutable philosophy. Where one cannot refute, one must strike.
CASSIUS Act now, then!
CHEREA Fine, we must act. But an imperial madman at the height of his power cannot be attacked head-on. Use a little of his own cunning. Encourage his dispassionate evil and bide your time until its logic founders in sheer lunacy. I’m being quite honest with you. Afterwards, I won’t serve any of your interests. What spurs me on is not ambition but the fear of an inhuman dream in which my life – any life – counts as nothing.
OCTAVIUS (approaching him) I think I have more or less grasped your point. But the important thing is that you, too, feel that the whole fabric of our society is threatened. For me -- and I think you will all agree -- it is first of all a question of right and wrong. Family life is breaking down, respect for honest work is lost. Can we refuse to hear the appeal of traditional values in this hour of danger?
ALL No!
OCTAVIUS Will you tolerate a state of things in which we are forced to run, like slaves, beside Caligula’s carriage?
ALL No!
THE OLD SENATOR Are you willing to be addressed as "darling"?
LUCIUS And have your wives snatched away?
CASSIUS Your money too?
ALL TOGETHER No! (Mereia’s "No" ends in an asthmatic wheeze and nearly collapses)
OCTAVIUS Cherea, you’ve given us good advice. We should calm down and take care not to act precipitously. The masses would still be against us. Let’s track public opinion. But when the time is ripe, Cherea, will you join hands with us, and strike hard?
CHEREA (Slowly shakes his head, yes) In the meantime, though, let Caligula follow his dream. We must even encourage his wildest plans. Help organize his madness. Then one day, he will stand alone facing an Empire peopled only by the dead and relatives of the dead.
OCTAVIUS Alright, gentlemen, we stand prepared!
A general uproar. Then silence, but for whispers of a name: "Caligula!" Caligula enters with Caesonia, followed by Helicon and some soldiers. Pantomime. Caligula halts and gazes at the conspirators. Without a word he moves from one to the other, straightens a buckle on one man's shoulder, steps back to contemplate another, sweeps them with his gaze, then draws his hand over his eyes and walks out, still without a word.
CAESONIA (Ironically, pointing to the disorder of the room) Were you having a fight?
CHEREA Yes, we were fighting.
CAESONIA Really. Why were you fighting?
CHEREA No reason at all.
CAESONIA Then it isn't true.
CHEREA What isn't true?
CAESONIA You were not fighting.
CHEREA Have it your own way, then. We were not fighting.
CAESONIA (smiling) Perhaps you'd better tidy up the place. Caligula hates disorder. HELICON You don’t want to make him step out of character.
THE OLD SENATOR But . . . I don't understand. What have we done to him?
HELICON Nothing, and that’s just it. You’re so incredibly unimportant -- boring enough to get on anybody's nerves. Just put yourselves in Caligula's place. (A short pause.) Of course, you were doing a bit of plotting, weren't you?
THE OLD SENATOR That's too absurd. How could Caligula ever think that?
HELICON He doesn't think that. He knows that. But then I suppose that’s what he really wants. Come on now, let’s tidy up. (Caligula enters and watches them)
CALIGULA (to the Old senator) Good morning, darling. (to the others) Cherea, I’ve decided to have a little lunch in your house. Lucius, I allowed myself to invite your wife. (the servants who came in with Caligula start to uncover the food). Just a moment! Gentlemen, you are well aware that the finances of the State have held up only out of habit and now habit itself has collapsed. Consequently, I feel the unpleasant necessity of reducing my staff. In a spirit of sacrifice that I am sure you will appreciate, I have decided to cut my own expenses, to free several slaves, and to assign you to my service. Please set the table and serve it. (The senators look uneasily at each other) Come on, put your minds to it! Public administrators should be able to develop an efficient system. (To Helicon) It seems to me, they’re out of practice.
HELICON To tell the truth, they never were in practice, except to give orders or complain about those they order about. You’ll have to patient, that’s all. It takes a day to make an administrator and ten years to make a skilled worker.
CALIGULA But I’m afraid it will take twenty years to make a skilled worker out of an administrator.
HELICON Nevertheless, they’re showing progress. If you ask me, they have a talent for it. Slavery suits them. Look, they are even beginning to sweat. That’s a step in the right direction.
CALIGULA Yes, they’re not so bad after all. However, we shall have to hurry; I have an appointment at an execution. (The senators freeze with fear). Rufius should thank his lucky stars that I've been seized with hunger. (Confidentially) Rufius is the general who is to die. (short pause) Doesn’t anyone want to know why he is going to die? (No one speaks.) Good for you! I see you're growing quite intelligent. You have realized that it is not necessary for a human being to have done anything in order to die. (He stops eating and gazes at his guests with a twinkle in his eye.) My loyal troops, I am proud of you. Don’t you agree Helicon? (Looks at the guests roguishly)
HELICON A formidable army indeed, Caius. But if you ask my opinion, they are getting too intelligent to want to fight. If they make any more progress, the Empire is lost!
CALIGULA Oh well, let’s relax. Just sit anywhere. Mingle. Don’t pay any attention to rank today. (All are seated, music is playing. Grotesquely forced party atmosphere) There's no denying that Rufius is a lucky man. But I wonder if he appreciates this short reprieve. Nothing is more precious than a few hours grace when death is waiting. (He begins eating; the others follow suit. Caligula's table manners are deplorable. Suddenly he stops and stares at one of the guests) Cassius, you seem in a bad mood. Is it because I had your son killed?
CASSIUS (with a lump in his throat) Not at all, Caius, quite the contrary.
CALIGULA (beaming at him) "Quite the contrary!" It's always nice to see a face that hides the secrets of the heart. Your face is sad, but your heart? Quite the contrary, wouldn’t you say, Cassius?
CASSIUS(doggedly) Quite the contrary, Caesar.
CALIGULA (more and more enjoying the situation) Cassius, there's no one I like better than you. Let us laugh together, shall we? Tell me a funny story.
CASSIUS (who has overrated his endurance) Please ...
CALIGULA All right, all right. I’ll tell you one then. But you will laugh, won’t you, Cassius? (with a glint of malice) If only for the your second son’s sake. (Smiling again.) Besides, you've just said you're not in a bad mood. (He takes a drink, then says in the tone of a teacher prompting a pupil.) Quite . . . quite the ...
CASSIUS (wearily) Quite the contrary, Caesar.
CALIGULA I’m glad. (Drinks again.) Just listen, now. (In a gentle, dreamy tone) Once upon a time there was a poor young emperor whom no one loved. He, loving Cassius, had Cassius’ younger son put to death to remove that love from his heart. (In a different manner) Needless to say, that’s not true. Still it's a funny story, isn’t it? But you're not laughing. No one is laughing? Now listen! (in a burst of anger) I want everyone to laugh. (he gives a horrible cackling laugh). My army of senators. Caligula’s advisory committee. CAC (he bangs on a table, and in a travesty of laughter) Cac! Cac! Cac! Cac! (no one moves) Stand up, every one of you and laugh. Cassius will lead (He pounds the table violently.) Do -- what -- I -- say. Cac! Cac! Cac! Cac!. (Cassius rises and painfully forces the laughter until it verges on weeping. Caligula looks at Octavius who rises and starts to laugh, then at Lucius, until all the senators are on their feet executing a horrifying loud, mechanical travesty of laughter. Caligula has jumped up on a table and conducts them, like an orchestra leader, in a series of staccato laughs which rise in intensity -- Cac, Cac, Cac. Cac, Cac, Cac. Cac! Cac! Cac! During this scene all the players, Caligula and Caesonia excepted, behave like marionettes in a puppet play. Suddenly, he stops them abruptly with a conductor’s gesture and sinks back on his couch, with Caesonia, beaming with delight, and bursts into a fit of natural laughter.) Oh, Caesonia! Just look at them! I’ve rolled the dice and what do you see. Decency, respectability, regard for public opinion, everything has ceased to have any meaning. The wind of fear has blown them all away. What a noble emotion fear is, Caesonia, pure and unalloyed and disinterested, one of the few to derive its nobility from the guts. (In a friendly tone) Let's change the subject. What do you have to say, Cherea? You've been very silent.
CHEREA I'm quite ready to speak, Caius, as soon as you give me permission.
CALIGULA Excellent. Keep quiet then. I'd rather hear from our friend Lucius.
LUCIUS (reluctantly) As you wish, Caius.
CALIGULA Then tell us something about your lovely, young wife. Send her over to me. (Lucius' wife clings to her husband, but Caesonia takes her and leads her over to Caligula. All the while looking at Lucius, he unbuttons the front of her dress with great deliberation and thrusts his hand in.) Well, Lucius? Cat’s got your tongue?.
LUCIUS (hardly knowing what he says) My wife . . . Why, I love her.
Embarrassed laughter from the senators.
CALIGULA Of course, my friend, of course. But that’s so ordinary. (He is leaning toward her, tickling her shoulder playfully with his tongue. She is white with fear.) By the way, when I came in just now, you were plotting, weren't you? Indulging in a sleazy little plot?
OLD SENATOR Caius, how can you . . . ?
CALIGULA It’s not at all important, darling. Old age will have its flings. I won't take it seriously. None of you are capable of a courageous act. (Helicon whispers in his ear) It has just occurred to me that I have a political decision of some importance to make. But first, I must answer the overwhelming desires prompted by nature.
Caligula crosses to leave but realizes that Lucius’s wife remains where she was. He motions to her with a little finger and stays where he is. She looks to Lucius but he averts his eyes as Caesonia again leads her over to Caligula. Lucius starts to move, but Helicon moves his hand to his weapon and stops him.
CAESONIA (amiably making conversation) Oh, Lucius, please pour me another glass of this excellent wine. (Lucius complies) Now, Cherea, suppose you tell me why you were fighting a moment ago?
CHEREA (coolly) Our quarrel arose, Caesonia, from a discussion about whether poetry is dead.
CAESONIA An interesting question. It’s beyond my limited intelligence, of course, but I’m surprised that your passion for art should lead you to blows.
CHEREA Indeed. But Caligula used to tell me that there is no true passion without a touch of cruelty.
HELICON Nor any love without a touch of rape.
CAESONIA (eating) There's some truth in that. Don't you all agree?
THE OLD SENATOR Yes. Caligula has rare pyschological insight.
OCTAVIUS He spoke eloquently of courage.
CASSIUS He should write up his ideas. The book would be most instructive.
CHEREA And, what's more, it would keep him busy, because it’s obvious he needs distractions.
CAESONIA (still eating) You'll be delighted to hear that he shares your views. At the moment he is working on a book. Quite a big one, I believe.
Caligula enters, accompanied by Lucius' wife.
CALIGULA Lucius, I return your wife with many thanks. But you’ll have to excuse me, I have such a busy schedule. (wearily) So many orders to give.
He hurries out. Lucius has gone pale and risen to his feet.
CAESONIA (to Lucius, who is standing) Believe me Lucius, this book will be the first of numerous classics. Are you listening, Lucius?
LUCIUS (his eyes still fixed on the door by which Caligula went out) Yes. And what's the book about, Caesonia?
CAESONIA (indifferently) Oh, it's beyond me.
CHEREA Then we must assume it deals with the deadly power of poetry?
CAESONIA That’s just it, I think.
THE OLD SENATOR (cheerfully) Well, that will keep him busy, as Cherea said.
CAESONIA Yes, darling. But I'm afraid you won't be too pleased with the book’s title.
CHEREA What is it?
CAESONIA "The Axe Falls." (Caligula hurries in.)
CALIGULA Excuse me, but I've just made an executive decision ( To the Intendant) Intendant, you are to close the public granaries. I have signed a decree to that effect; you will find it in my study.
INTENDANT But, sir ...
CALIGULA Famine begins tomorrow.
INTENDANT But the masses will protest.
CALIGULA (firmly and sharply) I repeat -- the famine begins tomorrow. Everybody knows famine. It’s a national disaster. Well, tomorrow the disaster begins. And I shall stop it when I feel like it. After all, there are only so many ways of proving that I’m free. One is always free at someone else's expense. Absurd perhaps, but that’s just the way it is. (With a keen glance at Lucius) Apply this principle to your jealousy and you'll understand better. (In a meditative tone) Still, what an ugly thing is jealousy! A disease of vanity and the imagination. To picture one's wife with her lips wrapped . . . (Pause) Gentlemen, let's not forget our dinner. Did you know that Helicon and I have been working hard at some research? We’re putting the finishing touches to an instructional booklet on execution, which I’m sure will interest you.
HELICON Assuming we ask your opinion.
CALIGULA We should be generous, Helicon, and consult with them. Let’s get their advice on section III, first paragraph.
HELICON (standing, declaims in a droning voice) "Execution relieves and liberates. Capital punishment is a universal tonic, and just, both in application and in theory. The individual is guilty because he is a subject of Caligula. But everyone is a subject of Caligula, hence everyone is guilty. Therefore it follows that everyone dies. It’s merely a matter of time and patience."
CALIGULA (laughing) Well, what do you think? That bit about patience was a nice touch wasn't it? Allow me to tell you, that's the quality I most admire in you. Now, you lot can leave. But you stay, Caesonia. You too, Cassius and Octavius. Mereia too. I want to have a little talk with you about the administration of our National Brothel. I'm quite concerned about it. (The others file out slowly.)
CHEREA What's the trouble, Caius? Is the staff inadequate?
CALIGULA No, but the profits are falling off.
MEREIA The prices will have to be raised.
CALIGULA Mereia, you have just missed a golden opportunity to keep your mouth shut. You're too old to be interested in this subject, and I don't want your opinion.
MEREIA Then why ask me to stay?
CALIGULA In a view moments I shall need some cool, dispassionate advice. (Mereia moves away.)
CHEREA I may be speaking too passionately, Caius, but raising the prices would certainly enhance the prestige of the Brothel.
CALIGULA Nonsense! What's needed is a bigger turnover. I've explained my new initiative to Caesonia, and she will outline it for you. I've had too much wine and I’m beginning to feel sleepy. (He lies down and closes his eyes.)
CAESONIA It's very simple. Caligula is creating a brand new decoration. It will be called the Badge of Civic Merit and awarded to those who have diligently patronized Caligula's National Brothel.
CHEREA That’s brilliant!
CAESONIA I think so. Anyway, the badges will be awarded each month after checking the admission tickets. Any citizen who has not won a badge within twelve months will be exiled or executed.
CHEREA Why "or executed"?
CAESONIA Caligula says it doesn't matter which -- but it's important he should retain the right to decide.
CHEREA Pure genius! The Treasury will wipe out its debt in no time.
HELICON And note that everything’s done in the most moral way. After all, it is better to tax vice than to ransom virtue.
Caligula has half opened his eyes and is watching old Mereia who, standing
in a corner, has produced a small flask and is sipping its contents.
CALIGULA (still lying on the couch) What's that you're drinking, Mereia?
MEREIA It's for my asthma, Caius.
CALIGULA (rises, and thrusting the others aside, goes up to Mercia and sniffs his mouth) No, it's an antidote.
MEREIA Not at all, Caius! You must be joking. I have fits of choking during the
night and I've been taking this doctor's prescription for months.
CALIGULA So, you're afraid of being poisoned?
MEREIA My asthma --
CALIGULA Why beat about the bush? You're afraid I'll poison you. You suspect me. You're keeping an eye on me.
MEREIA By heavens, no!
CALIGULA You suspect me. I'm not to be trusted, am I?
MEREIA Caius!
CALIGULA (harshly) Answer me! (In a cool, judicial tone) Since you are taking an antidote, you obviously think I intend to poison you.
MEREIA Yes . . . I mean . . . no!
CALIGULA And since you think that I have decided to poison you, you are doing all you can to frustrate my plans to restructure Rome. That makes two crimes, plus an alternative from which you can't escape. Either I had no intention of causing your death, in which case you are unjustly suspecting me, your emperor. Or else I do desire your death, in which case, vermin that you are, you're trying to thwart my will. (Pause. Caligula contemplates the old man .) Well, Mereia, is my reasoning sound?
MEREIA It’s water-tight, Caius. But it doesn't apply to the case.
CALIGULA Ah, you take me for a fool. Defaming the character of your emperor. That’s a third crime. Listen carefully. Of these three crimes only one of them is a credit to you, the second one -- because the moment you attribute a decision to me and oppose it, that implies revolt. You are therefore a leader of men, a revolutionary. That is courageous. (sadly) I'm fond of you, Mereia. That’s why you'll be condemned for crime number two, and not for either of the others. You shall die like a man for having rebelled. (While he talks Mereia is shrinking together on his chair.) Don't thank me. That’s not necessary. Here. (Holds out a phial. His tone is amiable.) Drink this poison. (Mereia shakes his head. He is sobbing violently. Caligula shows signs of impatience.) Don't waste time. Take it. (Mereia makes a feeble attempt to escape. But Caligula with a wild leap is on him, catches him in the center of the stage and after a brief struggle pins him down on a low couch. He forces the phial between his lips and smashes it with a blow of his fist. After some convulsive movements Mereia dies. His face is streaming with blood and tears. Caligula rises, wipes his hands absent-mindedly, then hands Mereia's flask to Caesonia.) What was it? An antidote?
CAESONIA (calmly) No, Caligula. Asthma medicine.
CALIGULA (A short pause, gazing down at Mereia) No matter. It all comes to the same thing in the end. A little sooner, a little later. . . (He goes out hurriedly, still wiping his hands, Helicon follows him).
CASSIUS (horrified) What shall we do?
CAESONIA (coolly) Remove that body to begin with. It's gross and ugly.
CASSIUS (to Cherea, as he lifts up the body with Cherea and Cassius) We must act quickly.
CHEREA We’ll need at least a hundred. (They drag the body into the wings.)
Young Scipio enters. Seeing Caesonia, he makes as if to leave.
CAESONIA Come here.
SCIPIO What do you want?
CAESONIA Nearer. (She pushes up his chin and looks him in the eyes. Pause. Coldly) He killed your father, didn't he?
SCIPIO Yes.
CAESONIA And you hate him?
SCIPIO Yes.
CAESONIA You want to kill him?
SCIPIO Yes.
CAESONIA But why tell me?
SCIPIO Killing him or being killed. Both are ways out of this. Besides, you won't betray me.
CAESONIA You’re right. I won’t betray you. But I’d like to tell you something -- to speak to the best in you.
SCIPIO You’ll be talking to my hatred then.
CAESONIA Just listen. First, try to imagine your father's death. His agonized face as they were tearing out his tongue. Think of that mouth filled with blood and of his screaming like a tortured animal. (SCIPIO is stunned. CAESONIA grabs him and looks directly into his face) Listen: now think of Caligula … and try to understand him. (She exits. Scipio just stands there).
HELICON (Entering) Run along, my little poet.
SCIPIO I need your help, Helicon.
HELICON (Moving away) Too dangerous. And poetry is a closed book to me. Now get going, Caligula will be here in a moment.
SCIPIO You know so much.
HELICON I know that time passes and that growing boys shouldn’t miss a meal. I also know you’re capable of killing Caligula . . . and that he wouldn't be averse to you doing it.
Helicon goes out. Caligula enters.
CALIGULA Ah, it's you, Scipio. (He pauses, seeming embarrassed.) I haven’t seen you in a long time. (Slowly approaches Scipio.) What have you been up to? Still writing, I suppose.
SCIPIO (with his back to Caligula; ill at ease, torn between hatred and some less defined emotion) I have written a few poems, Caesar.
CALIGULA About what?
SCIPIO Oh, on nothing in particular. Well, on Nature in a way.
CALIGULA A fine theme. And a vast one. What has Nature done for you though?
SCIPIO (pulling himself together, ironically and defiantly) She consoles me for not being Caesar.
CALIGULA Ah, and do you think she could console me for being Caesar?
SCIPIO (in the same tone) Why not? Nature has cured deeper infections than that.
CALIGULA (in a curiously young, unaffected voice) Infections? I detect malice in your voice. Because I put killed your father? . . . (in a different tone) Well, well, there's nothing like hatred for developing intelligence.
SCIPIO (stiffly) I answered your question.
Caligula takes the young man's face between his hands.
CALIGULA Recite your poem to me, please.
SCIPIO No.
CALIGULA Why not?
SCIPIO I don’t have it with me.
CALIGULA Can't you remember it?
SCIPIO No.
CALIGULA Tell me at least what's in it.
SCIPIO (still hostile; moves toward Caligula in spite of himself) It speaks of --
CALIGULA Well?
SCIPIO No, I can’t --
CALIGULA Try --
SCIPIO It speaks of a . . . a certain harmony .
CALIGULA (breaking in; in a pensive voice) . . . between one's feet and the earth.
SCIPIO (looking surprised) Yes, it's almost that.
CALIGULA Go on.
SCIPIO And it tells of the silhouette of the Roman hills and the sudden thrill of peace that twilight brings to them --
CALIGULA -- of the sharp cries of swallows winding through the green dusk.
SCIPIO (yielding more and more to his emotion) Yes! And that precarious moment when the sky all flushed with red and gold swings round and shows its other side, spangled with stars.
CALIGULA The faint smell of trees, of wood smoke mingling with the rising night mist.
SCIPIO (completely won over) And the chirr of crickets, the coolness veining the warm air, the rumble of last carts and the farmers' calling, dogs barking --
CALIGULA And the roads drowned in shadows curving through the aromatic olive groves.
SCIPIO That's just it . . . But how did you know it in all the detail?
CALIGULA (drawing Scipio to his breast) I’m not sure! Perhaps because we love the same things.
SCIPIO (not quite knowing how to respond to Caligula) Everything I feel or think of, seems to turn to love.
CALIGULA (stroking his hair) Such transparent innocence, Scipio! That’s why you can’t understand my own appetite for life. You belong to another world. You are as good as I am evil.
SCIPIO I do understand.
CALIGULA No. There's something hidden in me -- a pool of silence matted with rotting weeds. (With an abrupt change of manner) Your poem sounds very beautiful. But if you really want my opinion ...
SCIPIO (his head on Caligula's breast, murmurs) Yes?
CALIGULA It’s all quite . . . anemic.
SCIPIO (Recoils abruptly, as if stung by a serpent; then gazes horrified, at Caligula) Leading me on as always. And now you're just some predator gloating over its kill.
CALIGULA (with a hint of sadness) There is some truth in what you say. I have been pretending.
SCIPIO (in the same tone) It must be torture to put up with that cancer in your heart.
CALIGULA (gently) That's enough.
SCIPIO You sicken me but I pity you more!
CALIGULA (angrily) Enough!
SCIPIO And I just realized how horribly lonely you!
CALIGULA (in a rush of anger, gripping the boy by the collar, and shaking him) Lonely! What do you know of it? The loneliness of teenage poets and impotent men. You babble away, but you don't realize that one is never alone. The same load of the future and the past crushes us all. Those we have killed are always with us. But they are no great trouble. It's those we have loved, those who loved us and whom we did not love; regrets, desires, bitterness and sweetness, whores and gods, the celestial gang! Always, always with us! (He releases Scipio and moves back to his former place.) Alone! If only in this ghoul-haunted wilderness of mine, I could enjoy real silence with only the rustling of a tree! (Sitting down and suddenly weary.) Solitude? No, Scipio, mine is full of gnashings of teeth, hideous with jarring sounds and voices. And lying beside any woman I caress, as night closes over us and my body is finally satisfied, when I hope to find myself poised between life and death even then my solitude is fouled by the stale smell of pleasure from the woman still moaning at my side.
A long silence. Caligula seems weary and despondent. Scipio moves behind him and approaches hesitantly. He slowly stretches out a hand toward him, from behind, and lays it on his shoulder. Without looking round, Caligula places his hand on Scipio's.
SCIPIO Everyone has some secret consolation in life. Have you nothing of the kind? Nothing to which you can turn? No refuge, no mood that makes the tears well up?
CALIGULA Yes … I do.
SCIPIO What is it?
CALIGULA (Pause. Caligula pushes Scipio’s hand off his shoulder. Slowly and deliberately) Scorn.