The Infernal Machine and Other Plays Read online

  ANUBIS. He’s here. Let him speak first.

  Enter Oedipus, downstage left, out of breath.

  OEDIPUS, saluting. I am happy to see what good health the immortals enjoy after death.

  SPHINX. Why have you come back?

  OEDIPUS. For what belongs to me.

  Anubis makes an angry movement. Oedipus steps back.

  SPHINX. Anubis!

  She points toward the ruins. He goes out of sight.

  You shall have it. Wait here. I am a woman and I have lost, so grant me a last favor.

  OEDIPUS. I’ve learned to mistrust your feminine tricks.

  SPHINX. But then I was the Sphinx. You may take this mortal hide to Thebes, and the future will reward you… as you deserve. I only want to shed this body, which, in the last few minutes, has become too narrow for me.

  OEDIPUS. Very well.

  She goes behind the ruins.

  But hurry. The last trumpets will soon —

  He is interrupted by the distant fanfare of trumpets.

  You see, I speak and they sound. I must not be late.

  SPHINX, hidden. Thebes won’t keep a hero waiting outside her gates.

  ANUBIS, also hidden. Hurry. You’re spinning words and deliberately wasting time.

  SPHINX, still hidden. Anubis, did you ever have to retrieve any other goddess from the earth?

  OEDIPUS. Sphinx, you’re wasting time.

  SPHINX. That’s fortunate for you, Oedipus. I just remembered that if you appear in Thebes with the body of a girl, instead of a monster, the people won’t acclaim you — they’ll stone you.

  OEDIPUS. That’s true. Amazing … women think of everything.

  SPHINX. They call me the virgin with claws; the singing bitch. They’ll want to see my fangs. Anubis, our faces are no more than masks. I want to take your jackal’s head.

  OEDIPUS. Perfect.

  ANUBIS. Do what you like; anything to bring you back to yourself.

  SPHINX. I won’t be long.

  OEDIPUS, with a laugh. One, two, three, four …

  He begins to count, as before …

  ANUBIS. Sphinx, now what are you waiting for?

  SPHINX. I’m so ugly, Anubis. I’m a real scourge now. I’ll frighten him.

  ANUBIS. He won’t even see you.

  SPHINX. Why, is he blind?

  ANUBIS. Many men are born blind and don’t realize it till the day truth tears their eyes open.

  OEDIPUS. Fifty!

  ANUBIS, to the Sphinx. Go on … go on!

  SPHINX. Here I am. Farewell, body of the Sphinx.

  She comes out wearing the jackal’s head, staggers, and collapses.

  OEDIPUS. It was about time.

  He picks up the body and poses with it downstage right, holding it across his outstretched arms.

  Now, how shall I carry it? No, too conceited — like the actor I saw in Corinth.

  He tries holding it under one arm. Two giant figures, representing the gods Anubis and Nemesis, appear behind the ruins in rainbow-shimmering veils.

  No, that looks like a hunter sneaking home after killing his dog.

  ANUBIS, the form on the right. If we gave him at least the title of a demigod, it might disinfect you of human contact.

  NEMESIS, the form on the left. He is so young …

  OEDIPUS. I know — Hercules! He threw the lion over his left shoulder.

  He does so.

  That’s it. Like Hercules. Like a demigod.

  ANUBIS. He is fan-tas-tic!

  OEDIPUS. I have killed the filthy monster.

  Takes two steps forward.

  NEMESIS. Anubis, the earth stifles me.

  OEDIPUS. I have saved the city.

  Two more steps forward.

  ANUBIS. Come, let us ascend.

  OEDIPUS. I will marry Queen Jocasta.

  Two more steps.

  NEMESIS. Poor, poor Oedipus!

  OEDIPUS. I will be king!

  Exit.

  The veils flutter around the two figures. There is a crowing of cocks. The stage lightens as dawn breaks.

  CURTAIN

  THE VOICE

  From dawn onward the coronation and wedding festivities have continued. The crowd has just cheered the Queen and the conqueror of the Sphinx for the last time.

  Everyone goes home. Nothing is heard now in the palace square but the sound of a fountain. Oedipus and Jocasta are at last tête-à-tête in their bridal chamber. They are asleep on their feet, and although destiny drops a few polite hints, they are too tired to see the trap that is closing on them forever.

  ACT THREE: THE WEDDING NIGHT

  A platform represents Jocasta’s bedroom, red as a butcher’s shop set down among Municipal buildings. A wide bed covered with white furs. At the foot of the bed, an animal’s skin. To the left of the bed, a cradle.

  The Young Soldier is just visible on the extreme right, sleeping by a fountain in the courtyard “ below” the bedroom window.

  Oedipus and Jocasta are wearing their coronation robes. They have had an exhausting day and move slowly, wearily.

  JOCASTA. Oedipus, my darling, it’s been a long day, yet you are so vigorous. I hope this room doesn’t stifle you, like a cage or a prison.

  OEDIPUS. No , my dearest, it’s a haven after all those processions and rituals, and that crowd, shouting for us under the windows …

  JOCASTA. Not for us — for you!

  OEDIPUS. You are me, and I am you.

  JOCASTA. You’ll have to face it, my young hero. They hate me. They hate my clothes, my accent, the black on my eyelashes, the red on my lips, my hunger for life.

  OEDIPUS. No, they hate Creon. What a cold, hard man he is! I shall make them love you again.

  JOCASTA. You came just in time. I couldn’t go on any more.

  OEDIPUS. How could your room ever be a prison to me? Your room … and our bed?

  JOCASTA. Would you like me to have the cradle removed? After the baby died I could not sleep without having it near me … I was so lonely … But now …

  OEDIPUS, mumbling. But now …

  JOCASTA. What did you say?

  OEDIPUS. I said … I said … that it’s the — the dog… he … the dog at the fountain … the fountain dog…

  He nods.

  JOCASTA. Oedipus! Oedipus!

  OEDIPUS, waking with a start. What is it?

  JOCASTA. You were falling asleep.

  OEDIPUS. I was? No!

  JOCASTA. Yes, you were, dear. You were saying something about the dog … the fountain dog.

  She giggles vaguely.

  OEDIPUS. Nonsense.

  JOCASTA. I was asking whether I should have the cradle taken out… if it disturbs you.

  OEDIPUS. This muslin ghost doesn’t frighten me. No, it will be the cradle in which my luck will grow, with our love, until we can use it for our first son. And later …

  JOCASTA. My poor darling, you’re falling asleep again, and yet we stay here … standing here … standing on this wall…

  OEDIPUS. On this wall?

  JOCASTA. This rampart wall.

  Startled.

  A wall? Eh! I… what’s happening?

  OEDIPUS, laughing. This time, you’re the one who’s dreaming.

  JOCASTA. Was I asleep? Did I say anything?

  OEDIPUS. Only something about a rampart wall. We’re a fine pair on our wedding night. Jocasta, if I happen to fall asleep again — are you listening? — please wake me up, and I’ll do the same for you. We can’t waste this night of nights.

  JOCASTA. My darling, we have all our life.

  OEDIPUS. We’re alone now. Let’s take off these heavy clothes. We’re not expecting anyone, and …

  JOCASTA. Don’t be angry, dearest, but while my women are seeing to my hair, you have to receive a visitor.

  OEDIPUS. A visitor? At this hour?

  JOCASTA. Yes, it’s pure formality.

  OEDIPUS. In this room?

  JOCASTA. In this room.

  OEDIPUS. Who i
s this visitor?

  JOCASTA. Now, don’t be annoyed. It’s Tiresias.

  OEDIPUS. Tiresias? No … no …no!

  JOCASTA. Listen —

  OEDIPUS. Tiresias, standing in for your family and giving out…

  He laughs.

  … last-minute advice.

  JOCASTA. My silly darling, it’s an old Theban custom for the high priest to bless every royal marriage. And besides, Tiresias is our old uncle, our watchdog. I am very fond of him, Oedipus, and so was Laius. He’s nearly blind … there’s no sense in offending him and setting him against our love.

  OEDIPUS. Yes, but… in the middle of the night!

  JOCASTA. For our sake … for the future! Have him in for just five minutes and hear what he has to say.

  She kisses him.

  Please?

  OEDIPUS. I warn you — I won’t let him sit down.

  JOCASTA. I love you!

  Long kiss.

  I won’t be long. I’ll let him know he can come in. Be patient. Think of me.

  Exit. Oedipus strikes regal attitudes in front of the mirror. Tiresias comes in left. Oedipus sees his reflection and wheels around.

  OEDBPUS. Well? I am listening.

  TIRESIAS. Who gave you the impression, Your Highness, that I was going to preach?

  OEDBPUS. Nobody, Tiresias, nobody. But we’re tired. Suppose I pretend that you’ve already delivered your advice. I bow, you give me your blessing, and we’ll have observed the tradition.

  TIRESIAS. This procedure is certainly called for by tradition in the case of a normal royal marriage. It’s customary and, I admit, irritating. But you’ll agree, my lord, that your coronation and marriage could hardly be said to fit into the “normal ” category.

  OEDIPUS. What an elegant way of saying that I have fallen on Thebes like a tile off a roof.

  TIRESIAS. Your Highness!

  OEDIPUS. Whatever fits into categories, Tiresias, smells of death. To escape from categories, we must strike out in a new direction — that’s what distinguishes masterpieces and heroes. Only originality surprises — and rules.

  TIRESIAS. I agree. And I know that when you have listened to me you will appreciate that I too am trying to strike out in a new direction.

  OEDIPUS. To the point, Tiresias, to the point.

  TIRESIAS. Very well. Frankly, Your Highness, I have to warn you that your auguries are most unfavorable.

  OEDIPUS. I was waiting for that! This is not the first time that the oracles have been against me, and I have outwitted them.

  TIRESIAS. Then you believe they can be outwitted?

  OEDIPUS. I am living proof of it. I have killed the Sphinx, freed the city, and I am claiming what you promised. Tell me this: why have the gods thrust me forward till I have reached this room in this palace if my marriage displeases them?

  TIRESIAS. You are trying to settle the problem of free will in one sentence. I’m afraid that you are drunk with power.

  OEDIPUS. The power that is being taken from you!

  TIRESIAS. May I remind you that you are speaking to the high priest?

  OEDIPUS. Must I remind you, high prieest, that you are speaking to your King?

  TIRESIAS. To the husband of my Queen, Your Highness.

  OEDIPUS. Jocasta has already put all her power into my hands. Tell that to your master.

  TIRESIAS. My only masters are the gods.

  OEDIPUS. In that case, tell it to whoever is waiting for you.

  TIRESIAS. You are a stubborn boy. You make no effort to understand me.

  OEDIPUS. I understand you perfectly] You take me for an adventurer and I’m in your way. You hope that I found the Sphinx already dead. That I bought it from the man who really killed it, like a hunter buying a hare from a poacher. Well, even if I did, who will the conqueror of the Sphinx turn out to be? A common soldier, possibly; the very type of person who has been a threat to you every minute of every day; who has kept Creon awake at nights. A lowly soldier whom the crowd will raise in triumph, and who will claim what you promised …

  Shouting.

  … do you understand that? What you promised!

  TIRESIAS. He wouldn’t dare to.

  OEDIPUS. Aha! I made you say it! So much for your promises.

  TIRESIAS. The Queen means more to me than my own daughter. I have to watch over her. She is weak, romantic, easily misled …

  OEDIPUS. You are insulting her.

  TIRESIAS. I love her.

  OEDIPUS. She needs no love, other than mine.

  TIRESIAS. Do you really love her, Oedipus?

  OEDIPUS. With all my soul.

  TIRESIAS. Do you love to take her in your arms?

  OEDIPUS. Most of all I love to be taken in her arms.

  TIRESIAS. Thank you for making the distinction. You’re young … very young. Jocasta is old enough to be your mother. Yes, I know what you are going to say …

  OEDIPUS. I am going to say that I have always dreamed of that kind of love … a love — almost maternal.

  TIRESIAS. Don’t confuse love with love of glory. Would you love Jocasta if she were not queen?

  OEDIPUS. The same, stupid question. Would Jocasta love me if I were old and ugly, if I were not a stranger who appeared suddenly at a crucial time? Of course love is contagious when you touch purple and gold! Jocasta’s high position is part of her. Within her body are fold upon fold of purple, far more regal than the cloak across her shoulders. Yes, I love her, Tiresias. Our love reaches back into eternity. And I have at last found my rightful place at her side. She is my wife, my queen. I have her and I am keeping her.

  TIRESIAS. Do not ignore the signs I have seen, Oedipus, nor the extent of my wisdom. I have good reason for being apprehensive of this marriage.

  OEDIPUS. Somewhat late, isn’t it?

  TIRESIAS. How much do you know about women?

  OEDIPUS. Nothing at all. And I’m going to surprise you even further, and give you something to laugh at — I’m a virgin.

  TIRESIAS. I am astonished.

  OEDIPUS. So the high priest — no less — is astonished to find that a boy from the country has the pride to keep himself pure for a unique occasion. You would have preferred some debauched prince, eh? A puppet who could be manipulated by Creon and the priests?

  TIRESIAS. Stop mouthing these accusations, like an angry child!

  OEDIPUS. Do I have to command you again — ?

  TIRESIAS. Command? You are insane with pride!

  OEDIPUS. Don’t provoke me any further. My patience is at an end.

  TIRESIAS. You are arrogant… arrogant and crude!

  OEDIPUS, shouting. I warned you!!

  He takes Tiresias by the throat.

  TIRESIAS. Let go of me!

  OEDIPUS. You’re afraid of me. I can read your real motives, here, in your blind eyes.

  TERESIAS. Ruffian! Murderer!

  OEDIPUS. Yes, I’d be a fool not to murder you. If I only dared to, I…

  Suddenly with wonder.

  Why — why, look! In those blind eyes!

  TERESIAS. Let go of me!

  OEDIPUS. The future! My future … a crystal ball!

  TERESIAS. Do not attempt to see what should not be seen.

  OEDIPUS. I can see … I can see … my marriage … contentment, wealth, two sons, daughters … and Jocasta, beautiful as ever, in love with me, a mother in a palace of happiness. You lied to me. You lied.

  Peering closer.

  Now it’s becoming blurred. What’s happened? … I can’t see — it’s you; you’re doing it. I want to see more, I must.

  TIRESIAS. You are cursed!

  OEDIPUS, recoiling, releasing Tiresias, and clutching at his eyes. A-a-ah! You have blinded me, thrown pepper in my eyes. Help, Jocasta, help!

  TIRESIAS. I swear I didn’t.

  OEDIPUS, writhing on the ground. You’re lying. Water, quickly! My eyes are on fire!

  TIRESIAS. You tried to force a message from my ailing eyes, a message I haven’t yet deciphered myself.
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  OEDIPUS. Water, water, quickly! I am blind!

  TIRESIAS, laying his hands on Oedipus’ face. Now, now, be still.… I forgive you. Your sight will return, I promise. You reached out for what the gods are keeping in darkness, and they are making you suffer for your presumption. Are you still in pain?

  OEDIPUS. Not as much. Ah! It was fire, a thousand pins, a cat’s claw tearing at my eyes. Thank you …

  TIRESIAS. Can you see?

  OEDIPUS. Not too well, but I can seel I was sure I’d been blinded for good and that it was one of your tricks. Whatever it was, I deserved it.

  TIRESIAS. We believe in miracles when they suit us. When they don’t suit us we become cynical and call them sorcery.

  OEDIPUS. Forgive me. I am hotheaded and revengeful. I love Jocasta. I was impatient for her, and this — this moving image of the future in your eyes, bewildered me.

  TIRESIAS. But can you see yet?

  OEDIPUS. Thank you, yes.

  TIRESIAS. I have to ask; I’m almost blind.

  OEDIPUS. I am ashamed of my behavior. You are a blind man and a priest.

  TIRESIAS. I was speaking for your good and Jocasta’s.

  OEDIPUS. Tiresias, I owe you something in return, a secret I swore never to tell.

  TIRESIAS. A secret?

  OEDIPUS. When I saw you and Creon whispering during the coronation — don’t deny it — I decided not to reveal my identity; now I have changed my mind. I am no vagabond, Tiresias. I am the only child of King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth. This marriage bed will not be debased. I am a king, and the son of a king.

  TIRESIAS. Your Majesty.

  He bows.

  A word from you would have dispelled our uneasiness. My little dove will be so glad …

  OEDIPUS. No, wait. I want you to say nothing tonight. Jocasta still loves the stranger in me. Tomorrow will be time enough to end the illusion. By then she will be submissive and ready to learn that Oedipus is not a prince from the sky, but simply a prince. Good night, Tiresias. Jocasta will be back soon. I am tired, and we want to be by ourselves.

  He waves him out imperiously.

  TIRESIAS. Very good, Your Majesty.

  He stops at the door, left.

  Oh, I almost forgot.

  OEDIPUS, haughtily. Yes?

  TIRESIAS. This evening after the temple closing, a girl came into the oratory and, without introducing herself, handed me this belt and said: “Give this to Oedipus and repeat this message to him word for word: “Here’s my belt. It will identify you, if you want to see me, after I kill the monster.’ ” With that, she broke into laughter and was gone.