Nicephorus; A Tragedy of New Rome (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1906. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... ACT I. SCENE I: An open Court, on a terrace, in the Palace of Constantinople in the tenth century. Early Byzantine architecture as described in works of Labarte, Salzenberg, etc, and in "Theophano" A Fountain. Rich marbles, mosaics, gilding, tapestries. Flowers and shrubs round fountain. An alcove with divans. At back a view of the Sea of Marmora and the Princes Islands. Double doors right and left. At sentry Varangian axe-bearers in gilt corslets and greaves. Round door at right are grouped lords in waiting, silentiaries or ushers, etc. Round door at left are ladies in waiting, eunuchs, attendants. Attendants hold beautiful pet dogs, a borzoi, parrots, all the accessories of a luxurious Oriental palace. The lords and ladies converse DEGREES play light games, flirt, and make merry. A boy in fanciful Greek attire with a lyre sings a snatch from Anacreon. Song. / thought of A treus' sons to sing, I thought to hymn the Theban king-- But now my fingers only move My lyre to sound soft songs--of love / changed the strings, to make my lay The feats of Herc'les, as men say, But all my efforts fruitless prove To sing of anything--but Love The lords and ladies applaud. Girls kiss the '.":: : .i>qy; He draws to the back.: -4eV, -24 DEGREES: L DEGREES DEGREESl>.' islNNIOS, Chief of the Senate. Enter, left, LORD Theophylact, Chief Secretary to Grand Chamberlain. They salute with elaborate courtesies. Sis. AIL, Lord Theophylact How fares his Grace? Tlieoph. Illustrious Senator Our gracious Sovereign, Born-i'-the-Purple, draws to his end, we fear, In the Porphyry Chamber--where his life began Sis. And his gay and gallant heir, the Prince Romanus? THEOPHYLACT draws the Senator aside. Theoph. Gallant and gay --still cares for naught on earth Save sport and revels Sis. {Aside ...