The Thirty Tyrants Of Athens (The Play) Part 1

The Thirty Tyrants of Athens (The Play) Part I

-Written by Lorient Montaner

Contents

Dramatis Personae ix

ACT I

ACT II

ACT III

ACT IV

ACT V

Dramatis Personae

BASILEIOS–a follower of philosophy and friend of Heroides.

HEROIDES–faithful follower of Athenian democracy.

CRITIAS–supreme leader of the Thirty Tyrants.

THERAMENES–a leader of the Thirty Tyrants.

THRASYBULUS–one of the military men that led the uprising against the Thirty Tyrants, from the exiled democrats.

AMPELIOS–a wealthy democrat and uncle of Basileios and Phaedrias.

ALKIBIADES–a noble general that sides with the Thirty Tyrants.

PYTHAGOREANS–the followers of Pythagoras.

ANTIOCHOS–Prosecutor of Basileios.

DRAKON–the archon that presides over the court.

DEMETRIA–sister of Heroides.

THE GUARDS OF THE COUNCIL–the loyal Spartan guards of the Thirty Tyrants.

ANTHEMION–member of the Committee of Prytanes.

LYCON–an Athenian democrat.

THE THIRTY TYRANTS–were composed of Aeschines, Anaetios, Aresias, Aristotle, Chaereleos, Charicles, Chremo, Cleomedes, Critias, Diocles, Dracontide, Erasistratos, Eratosthenes, Eucleides, Eumathes, Hiero, Hippolochos, Hippomachos, Melobios, Mnesitheides, Onomacles, Peison, Phaedrias, Pheido, Polychares, Sophocles, Theogones, Theognis, Theramenes.

Scene in Athens, Greece, in the year 404 B.C.

ACT I

The centre of the agora, where the busy merchants kept stalls or shops to sell their goods, amidst the massive colonnades.

SCENE I

Critias and Phaedrias walk through the busy market of the agora, with the entourage of guards. Several days before the sanguinary downfall of the oligarchic Thirty Tyrants.

CRITIAS.

Look at the magnificent artisans of Athens that build our colourful market, Phaedrias. Behold their dedication to Athens. They are the actual representation of our modelled citizens.

PHAEDRIAS.

The agora is busy! Thou hast converted Athens into a vibrant city once more.

CRITIAS.

O, there is much to admire and learn from me, Phaedrias. Thou art young and ambitious, as I was ere now.

PHAEDRIAS.

Forsooth, my lord! I serve thee and Athens only.

CRITIAS.

No need to be too modest, Phaedrias, for modesty is but an inconsequential replacement for honour.

PHAEDRIAS.

I shall consider thy words with admiration, my lord.

CRITIAS.

What is that I hear stirring in the circumference?

PHAEDRIAS.

I believe ’tis the voice of the manifold people of Athens.

CRITIAS.

Aye, Phaedrias! Thou shalt learn that there is nought better than the voices of the Athenians that serve us. Never forget that they must be content always—else they shall easily become thy foes. And to achieve that, thou must make them respect and fear thee evermore.

PHAEDRIAS.

I shall never forget that clear distinction remarked.

CRITIAS.

Then, let us leave the agora, and head toward the old temple of the Acropolis to pay homage to the Gods. Thither, Sophocles shall be waiting for me.

PHAEDRIAS.

I shall advise the guards to escort us forthwith to the temple, my lord.

SCENE II

At the old temple of the Acropolis.

Sophocles speaks to Critias about the urgent matter of a feasible riot of the Athenians.

SOPHOCLES.

O noble Critias, ’tis good that thou hast come with such immediacy.

CRITIAS.

What hath unsettled thee, that thou lookest gaunt in thy countenance, Sophocles?

SOPHOCLES.

I must speak to thee in privacy at once, about an urgent matter that cannot wait any longer.

CRITIAS.

Well, speak then, Sophocles, lest thy tongue stiffen if thou delay. I do not have time to dawdle in mere fatuousness.

SOPHOCLES.

What I must apprise thee of is the worst of all acts of sedition, my lord. And there is absolute mention of the name of thy traitor.

CRITIAS.

Sedition! Of whom dost thou speak, that I must know that name immediately?

SOPHOCLES.

I do not dare to utter his name, because I fear his cruel vengeance.

CRITIAS.

If thou dost not pronounce his name, Sophocles, then thou shalt fear my ultimate wrath. Thou knowest of my torment and brutality. Do not test my patience any longer!

SOPHOCLES.

First, thou must promise to save my life from the immediate threat I encounter in revealing this name.

CRITIAS.

Thou hast my solemn word, Sophocles. Now, tell me the name of the dastard traitor.

SOPHOCLES.

My lord, I shall whisper. His name is Theramenes! He hath planned to execute thee.

CRITIAS.

Art thou totally certain of what thou sayest, Sophocles? When and how?

SOPHOCLES.

Verily I am, my lord. As for when and how, that I do not yet know. But the answer to that question could then be discovered at the symposium. ’Twas there that I first heard the distinctive voices of Cleomedes and Diocles make the brazen utterance of the traitor’s name.

CRITIAS.

Art thou not aware if Cleomedes and Diocles are involved in this seditious plot concocted?

SOPHOCLES.

That I cannot asseverate, my lord. I have done my duty well, and I hope thou shalt reward me with thy kindness.

CRITIAS.

If what thou allegest be true, I then shall exact just chastisement for this impardonable act of treason. In the meantime, I shall have the guards observe the actions and whereabouts of Cleomedes, Diocles, and above all, that conniving traitor Theramenes. Take these fifty drachmae I give, for thine obedience to me. Now go, and be mine ears attentively. I shall give thee more drachmae in time, with more significant information thou revealest to me.

SOPHOCLES.

Aye, my noble Critias!

SCENE III

At the Prytaneion adjacent to the agora.

Critias visits Anthemion, a loyal member of the Committee of Prytanes.

ANTHEMION

Critias, my lord, I am honoured by thy visit, yet what hath brought thee to this meeting, since we had nothing planned for this day that I was aware of?

CRITIAS

I am somewhat troubled—by a disturbing rumour whose unfathomable origin I must discover at once.

ANTHEMION

I am afraid I know not what thou art referring to, my lord.

CRITIAS

Come hither, Anthemion! I have been informed that the people of Athens shall attempt to riot anon. But that is not the worst—there are several members amongst the council and assembly scheming to murder me.

ANTHEMION

Thy words are indeed frightful to imagine, my lord. If true, then these unscrupulous cowards must be apprehended at once.

CRITIAS

Do not worry, Anthemion. If there is any veracity in this rumour, I shall punish these men without any measure of leniency. Yet I have a lingering doubt—and that is, art thou aware of this audacious plan?

ANTHEMION

Nay, my lord! I regret to inform thee that I know naught of this mysterious scheme. However, I know of a manner in which thou couldst determine the truth of the matter.

CRITIAS

Be direct! How, Anthemion? I demand to know!

ANTHEMION

At the symposium! Invite the members of the council this very night. Surely thou shalt know the truth thereafter.

CRITIAS

A marvellous idea, Anthemion! Why did I not propose that ere now? I shall send a messenger to each of them, to invite them cordially tonight.

ANTHEMION

Perhaps the noble Critias shall be kind enough to invite me as well to this gathering of affluent men of Athens?

CRITIAS

In sooth, thou art crafty, Anthemion—and I admire that unusual trait. I shall invite thee, but do not mistake this cordiality for weakness of my character, nor expect it to be expressed daily.

ANTHEMION

Of course not, my lord! I am not so deserving of thine amiability.

ANTHEMION

Shall we speak of the proposed modification of the Prytaneion, my lord?

CRITIAS

O, thou art wise, Anthemion. I shall consider that proposal.

ANTHEMION

It would serve thy purpose as well, my lord. Thou art ever generous to thy steadfast committee.

CRITIAS

My generosity hath its limits, but for thee, I shall make an unusual exception.

SCENE IV

At the home of Critias in the affluent quarter of Athens.

Critias has summoned the Pythagoreans to speak of the tidings of a possible revolt against his oligarchy.

CRITIAS

Welcome to mine home, Pythagoreans!

FIRST PYTHAGOREAN

Noble Critias, we are honoured by thy presence and invitation.

CRITIAS

‘Tis a welcome occasion! Pythagoreans, ye must be wondering why I have summoned ye hither so suddenly.

SECOND PYTHAGOREAN

Aye, noble Critias.

CRITIAS

I have summoned ye, my faithful Pythagoreans, to converse about a grave matter which disquiets me.

THIRD PYTHAGOREAN

What hath caused this unrest in thee, noble Critias, that we may be of great service?

CRITIAS

I have heard, Pythagoreans, from a reliable source—whose name I shall not disclose—that there is an imminent plot to overthrow my rule.

FIRST PYTHAGOREAN

My noble Critias, I shudder to fathom the thought. Who would dare to plot against thee, or worse, to eliminate thee?

CRITIAS

That I shall not reveal! There is much hypocrisy in this city. Rest assured, Pythagoreans—the mastermind behind this supposed plot shall be arrested and executed for treason.

SECOND PYTHAGOREAN

Then, what dost thou require of us, noble Critias? We know not the names, nor are we members of the assembly or council.

CRITIAS

I did not think so—but thou art mindful of what the government’s members are not prevalent in: the true circumstances of the people.

THIRD PYTHAGOREAN

For example, my lord?

CRITIAS

What the active people of Athens are discussing surreptitiously amongst themselves, day by day.

FIRST PYTHAGOREAN

But we reside in Thebes for the most part. How can we know what the Athenians are devising?

CRITIAS

Surely, Pythagorean—dost thou insult my intellect? I know that ye have dedicated followers in the intellectual circles of Athens—particularly among the scholars and democrats. Tell me, when ye have solid information—what the foul democrats and scholars say of me, and of my subversion of their ancestral democracy.

SECOND PYTHAGOREAN

If I may be so bold, my noble Critias—there is much talk about thy cruelty towards the merchants, the execution of innumerable democrats, and the exile of intellectual scholars of the city.

CRITIAS

These measures were necessary—to instil a redoubtable consternation in the masses, who now scheme to murder me!

THIRD PYTHAGOREAN

O noble Critias, the people of Athens do not know whom to follow—whether it is thee, Charicles, or Theramenes.

CRITIAS

They must follow me—the only true leader of the assembly and council!

FIRST PYTHAGOREAN

The youth, my lord, have stirred the passions and discontent of the populace. And Socrates is to be blamed for that manifestation. They grow more defiant by the day, my lord. This is what we have heard from those Athenians with whom we share acquaintance.

CRITIAS

I would pay a thousand drachmae to any man who killeth Socrates—but I shall not make a martyr of him yet, whilst he remains useful to me. I have forbade Socrates from speaking publicly—save on matters of practical business—for his clever use of Atticism leads the youth astray, whether at the public promenades, the agora, the Oracle at Delphi, the Acropolis, or the council, when he visiteth.

SECOND PYTHAGOREAN

I am somewhat dumbfounded, my lord. Why dost thou not exile him at once?

CRITIAS

That is for me to decide, Pythagorean—not thee! Go now, ye three—and return to Thebes. But keep me informed of the tidings. I shall pay thee handsomely—not once, not twice, but thrice—for any relevant intelligence thou bringest me.

SCENE V.

At the magnificent peristyle of the house of Critias.

Critias has summoned Charicles of the council to his home to speak privately, about the possible revolt against him.

CRITIAS.

Charicles, my close friend! ’Tis good to see thee once more, away from the council.

CHARICLES.

Critias, I am ever glad to be welcomed by thee! What urgent matter hath caused thee to summon me?

CRITIAS.

I shall speak plainly, Charicles. But first, share a cup of wine with me.

They drink, and then the conversation continues.

CRITIAS.

Now, I have received certain tidings that the Athenians—especially the democrats—are plotting to overthrow us. I know thou believest it is only the democrats, but the commoners and the youth are being stirred up and swayed to partake in this rebellion.

CHARICLES.

I would be a fool not to admit such a possibility, Critias, for we have not been particularly lenient with them.

CRITIAS.

Lenient? Thou darest utter such a word? How can we show leniency to criminals and traitors who have stood against the principles of any established government?

CHARICLES.

With all due respect, Critias, have we not exceeded the bounds of government ourselves, with our imposed oligarchy?

CRITIAS.

Hast thou forgotten that, at Lysander’s behest, we were appointed as a legitimate government—not a mere legislative committee to rule over the corrupt remnants of democracy? We spared Athens from destruction by the Spartans and Persians.

CHARICLES.

Nay! Though we were not elected by the masses, I have not forgotten, Critias. Yet the good people of Athens have.

CRITIAS.

I hate to contemplate that troubling notion—worse still, if it be true. It sickens me to the very core!

CHARICLES.

And what dost thou plan to do next, Critias, that I might know?

CRITIAS.

Be patient, my friend. Soon thou shalt know. All I shall say now is this: whosoever dares defy me shall suffer a punishment most cruel, devised by man.

CHARICLES.

Judging from thy record, Critias, I pity the fools who make thee their enemy. I only hope that I am not one of them.

CRITIAS.

If that day should come, thou wouldst be pleading with the gods for mercy!

CHARICLES.

Am I thy foe?

CRITIAS.

Must I consider thee one—my foe or rival?

CHARICLES.

Count me ever thy loyal friend, noble Critias.

CRITIAS.

Then smile, Charicles, for thou hast naught to fear—so long as thou remain loyal and obedient to me.

CHARICLES.

I must take my leave now, Critias. I have an engagement that cannot be postponed.

CRITIAS.

Before thou departest, Charicles, I extend to thee a personal invitation to join me this evening with my other guests, at the symposium.

CHARICLES.

’Tis short notice, yet a fine occasion. Will the council members be present as well?

CRITIAS.

Aye! Every one of them. I guarantee thee, the night shall be most entertaining!

SCENE VI.

That same night at the local symposium.

Critias has gathered the members of the council to enforce his diabolical purge.

CRITIAS.

My fellow council members, I am glad to see ye all assembled, and I am most grateful for thy presence. I am honoured.

EUCLEIDES.

Critias, ’tis always a pleasure to attend a special gathering at the symposium.

CRITIAS.

And ’tis a great pleasure to share this night’s merriment with all ye, the honoured members of the council.

THEOGENES.

What sort of entertainment dost thou speak of, Critias?

CRITIAS.

Theogenes, ever the curious one. I assure thee, the entertainment shall be most memorable—as shall the banquet to follow. We shall drink wine, as is our Greek custom, and be accompanied by music, dancing, recitals, and discourse.

MELOBIUS.

Critias, am I right to assume we are to be entertained by thy presence?

CRITIAS.

Melobius, thou shalt know soon enough. Members of the council, please recline upon the ample couches and let the festivities begin.

Aresias approaches Critias to speak with him privately.

ARESIAS.

Critias, I know thee well enough to suspect thou art scheming something, though I cannot yet discern what.

CRITIAS.

Aresias, thou knowest me well indeed. Once the entertainment concludes, I shall make a most grand announcement.

ARESIAS.

An announcement, thou sayest? What sort, noble Critias?

CRITIAS.

Patience, my friend—the moment shall come soon enough.

ARESIAS.

Is it a surprise? I do enjoy surprises, my friend.

Cleomedes and Diocles are invited to join Critias.

CRITIAS.

Gentlemen of the council, I have invited you both to sit with me, that we may speak of a grave matter recently brought to my attention. But first, are ye enjoying the evening?

CLEOMEDES.

’Tis the finest celebration since we marked the fall of the lamentable democrats.

CRITIAS.

And thee, Diocles? Dost thou not agree with Cleomedes?

DIOCLES.

Indeed, I do. I am of like mind.

CRITIAS.

Excellent. Then I shall proceed to pose to each of you a simple question, which requireth an honest answer.

CLEOMEDES.

What dost thou imply, noble Critias?

CRITIAS.

I have heard disturbing rumours spreading throughout Athens. The source, I am told, is you two. Is this true, Cleomedes?

CLEOMEDES.

If thou referrest to the plot to overthrow thee—then aye. But who told thee?

CRITIAS.

The identity of my source is immaterial. What matters is whether the rumour is true.

DIOCLES.

My noble Critias, our dearest friend, if we have not spoken of it sooner, ’tis because we were threatened.

CRITIAS.

Threatened? By whom?

CLEOMEDES.

By Theramenes!

CRITIAS.

At last, I can name the traitor who hath betrayed me. But I must know—are there other conspirators? If so, I shall show no mercy, as I did not with Leon of Salamis.

DIOCLES.

All I know, noble Critias, is that Theramenes hath roused the people of Athens against thee. I do not know his accomplices.

CLEOMEDES.

Nor do I, my friend. Thou knowest well the great influence Theramenes hath among certain council members. Many Athenians still revere him—as a statesman and general who led fleets in the Aegean and the Hellespont.

CRITIAS.

That fact hath not escaped me, Cleomedes. I have long been forced to linger in his shadow. Yet remember, many Athenians loathe him too. Theramenes and Alcibiades are intolerable men who heed not reason.

DIOCLES.

What are thy intentions for them, noble Critias? Wilt thou permit them to dishonour thee?

CRITIAS.

Better for thee not to know my plan. I trust no member fully. Should I, gentlemen?

CLEOMEDES.

Thou canst trust us, noble Critias!

CRITIAS.

After this night, all who oppose me shall be exposed—openly—once a fortnight hath passed. Now go. Leave me.

Critias silences the revelry with a ceremonial toast to the gods and to the absolute rule of the Thirty Tyrants.

CRITIAS.

My fellow guests and council members, from this amphora I hold, we shall drink the wine of unity. One cup shall be passed among us, to honour our alliance and this council. May the gods be with us!

All raise their cups and say in unison.

ALL.

Long live the gods!

ACT II

At the assembly, where the members of the council have gathered too.

SCENE I.

Critias reveals the name of the traitor as Theramenes, and denounces him forcefully before the members of the council and assembly.

CRITIAS.

I stand before ye all, noble members of the assembly and council, to accuse Theramenes of treason against the government. He hath stirred the populace into an ominous frenzy.

ALCIBIADES.

Critias, what thou art stating is a grievous accusation against a member of the council. Dost thou possess sufficient evidence to prove such a strong allegation?

CRITIAS.

Alcibiades, my dearest friend, I would not dare accuse any member of the council without irrefutable proof.

CHAERELEOS.

Then reveal to the assembly and council thine evidence!

CRITIAS.

I shall proceed to call the following names in just accordance, with their testimony. As I call them, they shall rise to their feet and confirm this act of treason: Anaetius, Eumathes, Onomocles, Phaedrias, Peison, Cleomedes, Diocles, and Chremo.

Theramenes rises to his feet to defend himself.

THERAMENES.

I have served Athens well for many years, as a proud general and a worthy statesman. Shall not one man from amongst ye, save Alcibiades, defend mine honour?

CHAERELEOS.

I shall attest to that honour and further make the declaration that Theramenes cannot legally be accused on the grounds of unfounded evidence.

HIPPOLOCHUS.

Are we, the members of the council and assembly, to condemn or execute another member without substantiated proof established?

CRITIAS.

What we have here, members of the council and assembly, is sufficient evidence to condemn Theramenes for sedition, and his remonstrance hath stirred the democrats and now the commoners.

POLYCHARES.

If I may be allowed to interject, Critias, thou hast failed to convincingly prove without a doubt that Theramenes is guilty of any of these alleged crimes.

CRITIAS.

Is not the fact that he standeth against us not enough? Is not the testimony of important members of the council not the admission of his undeniable guilt exposed?

ALCIBIADES.

’Tis not, when the exposure of the crime hath not been committed. As far as I know, not one of thy witnesses hath validated the inducement of Theramenes’ involvement in the incitement of the democrats and commoners. We all know that the execution of citizens and the confiscation of their properties are sufficient enough to induce the wrath and discontent of the people of Athens. As for thy claim of sedition, we all know that from amongst us, there are several of ye who detest Theramenes and bow to the insatiable thirst for power alone.

CRITIAS.

Art thou insinuating, Alcibiades, that the noble members of the council who concurred in the affirmation of the plot of Theramenes have been bribed or threatened by me?

ALCIBIADES.

Those are thy words, Critias, being spoken — not mine!

CRITIAS.

So very eloquently expressed is thine interposition, Alcibiades. But ’tis time for the assembly to decide on the matter at hand.

THERAMENES.

Before the noble members of the assembly make their decision, let me proclaim willingly that I am ready to serve either the democratic or oligarchic cause, seeking only to further mine own personal interest, as the majority of ye do. Hereto, I am no different than any of the members of the assembly and council. Thus, I impassionedly deny that my politics have ever been inconsistent. I have always insisted upon and favoured a moderate policy — neither extreme democracy nor extreme oligarchy — and held true to the ideal of a just government composed of men of hoplite status or higher, who would then be able to effectively serve the state before their egos.

Ultimately, the assembly are too reluctant to punish Theramenes, and dismiss the serious charge of sedition.

SCENE II.

At the ancient temple in the Acropolis. Two days before the initial insurrection, Critias speaks to Sophocles in private about the threat of a revolt.

SOPHOCLES.

My noble Critias, I have come forthwith. What hath caused this meeting betwixt us, if I may enquire?

CRITIAS.

’Tis good that thou hast heeded my words of loyalty. I had to speak to thee about the matter of an imminent revolt.

SOPHOCLES.

After yesterday, I had thought thou wouldst not stay quiet for long. I see that I was not incorrect in mine assumption.

CRITIAS.

Theramenes’ speech had a substantial effect on the audience, and he was acquitted, as was the case. Nevertheless, I had to persist!

SOPHOCLES.

I know thee well, my lord. What plan hast thou for Theramenes?

CRITIAS.

It appeareth that my guise cannot conceal mine anger efficaciously.

SOPHOCLES.

Thou art a brilliant machinator, my lord. There is none better than thee!

CRITIAS.

And thou art excellent at intuiting my mind.

SOPHOCLES.

Therefore, what in particular art thou needing of my services, if I may ask?

CRITIAS.

I need thee to find someone to murder Cleomedes and Diocles.

SOPHOCLES.

Murder them? Why dost thou not order the Spartans to murder them?

CRITIAS.

Because I cannot afford more Athenian blood to be spilt by the Spartans. It would incite distrust and detestation of them by the people, and by several members of the council thereafter.

SOPHOCLES.

My noble Critias, but I am only an orator. I shall attempt to find such individuals to do this bold deed.

CRITIAS.

Attempt is not enough! Thou must find them today. I want them murdered this very day. I care not how or when, but it must be done today. Since thou art versed in oratory, thou shalt have no trouble convincing the Athenians that their murders were justifiable.

SOPHOCLES.

And the assembly and council?

CRITIAS.

I shall take care of that accordingly.

SOPHOCLES.

What about Theramenes and Alcibiades?

CRITIAS.

I shall deal with them both as well, in due time. Here, take the three hundred drachmae I give thee, and once the deed is done, I shall reward thee with more drachmae.

SOPHOCLES.

I shall inform thee once the deed is done, my lord, and I shall not fail in that endeavour!

CRITIAS.

I need not be apprised of the gruesome details of their murders — only the fact that they died. If thou failest me, then I warn thee: thou shalt meet the same fate as them!

SCENE III.

At the Assembly.

After conferring with the members of the council, Critias has ordered men with daggers to line the stage before the audience and has struck Theramenes' name from the roster of the 3,000, thereby denying him the right to a fair trial. He has bribed the members of the assembly to carry out this act, without the knowledge of Theramenes and Alkibiades. Afterwards, he speaks to Phaedrias.

CRITIAS.

Now that I have erased the name of Theramenes from the roster of the 3,000, I shall proceed to deal with the matter of Alkibiades.

PHAEDRIAS.

But thou hast not told me, my lord, how thou dost intend to deal with Theramenes, once he becometh aware of thy bribery?

CRITIAS.

O, art thou so gullible, Phaedrias? Surely thy wit is sharp enough to draw thine own conclusions.

PHAEDRIAS.

Aye, my lord, but do tell me what thou hast planned for Theramenes!

CRITIAS.

The only relevant thing thou needst know is that, at this very moment, he is being arrested and taken directly to prison.

PHAEDRIAS.

Where?

CRITIAS.

To the worst of all prisons.

PHAEDRIAS.

To the Eleven!

CRITIAS.

I shall let thee discover that in thine own time. For the meantime, I need thee to be mine eyes and ears in the agora, the acropolis, and the council.

PHAEDRIAS.

My noble Critias, I shall be thine eyes and ears willingly.

CRITIAS.

Good. Then I shall expect fresh tidings from thee no later than tonight.

PHAEDRIAS.

But my lord, I cannot guarantee thee that.

CRITIAS.

Is not thy brother a loyal follower of Socrates and the democrats?

PHAEDRIAS.

Aye!

CRITIAS.

What is his name?

PHAEDRIAS.

His name is Basileios.

CRITIAS.

Then surely thou knowest the things thy brother doeth?

PHAEDRIAS.

Aye, but I can provide thee, my lord, with this information without implicating my brother.

CRITIAS.

I am not asking thee kindly to do this. I am commanding thee. If thou art the intuitive man I believe thee to be, thou wilt find a way to obtain this information without involving thy brother.

PHAEDRIAS.

How can I be certain, my lord, that thou wilt not implicate or arrest Basileios?

CRITIAS.

I give thee my solemn word as an Athenian: no harm shall come to Basileios. Now go, and do what I have commanded. Do not delay!

SCENE IV.

Back at the Assembly. Alkibiades has learnt of the arrest of Theramenes and reproaches Critias.

ALKIBIADES.

Critias, I demand to know the reason thou hast arrested Theramenes.

CRITIAS.

Whilst thou wert addressing the foreign Persian ambassador, I was securing the city.

ALKIBIADES.

By whose authority didst thou act? And what dost thou imply with the Persians?

CRITIAS.

By the authority of the council, which hath voted.

ALKIBIADES.

Thou hast bribed them!

CRITIAS.

I would choose thy words more wisely, Alkibiades.

ALKIBIADES.

Power may easily be gained—and just as easily lost. How often we forget that, Critias.

CRITIAS.

Art thou threatening me? If so, I am not intimidated by idle threats.

ALKIBIADES.

Interpret my words as thou wilt.

CRITIAS.

Then I shall walk away, bearing in mind that the next time we meet, it shall be under a different pretext.

ALKIBIADES.

Before thou departest the assembly, let me remind thee that the Athenians shall not be merciful in their wrath.

CRITIAS.

Do not test my patience, Alkibiades. My enemies have fared poorly.

ALKIBIADES.

Hast thou forgotten I have powerful allies, amongst both Spartans and Persians?

CRITIAS.

Nay. But apparently, thou hast forgotten the lessons of history. It is I who command the interest of both Spartans and Persians now.

ALKIBIADES.

How ironic thy words sound, when it is thou who hast not learnt from history.

CRITIAS.

History is always seen through the eyes of the beholder. As for now, I am the one shaping history—and I shall continue to do so. The question, Alkibiades, is whether thou shalt live to see its glorious continuation.

ALKIBIADES.

History is indeed in the eye of the beholder—but I wonder, Critias, whether thou shalt live to see its fulfilment.

CRITIAS.

It almost seemeth thou speakest as a participant in revolt. If that be the case, then this shall be understood as mutiny.

ALKIBIADES.

In due course, justice shall be served. Thou shalt not silence the voice of the people for long. Call it a revolt if thou must—but time shall determine thy fate.

CRITIAS.

Dost thou think I fear a revolt?

ALKIBIADES.

Whether thou dost or not, Critias, if I were thee, I would be wondering: who are mine enemies?

SCENE V.

At the home of Basileios, the brother of Phaedrias.

Heroides, a young democrat opposed to the Thirty Tyrants, visits his friend.

BASILEIOS.

Heroides, ’tis good to see thee once more.

HEROIDES.

I have been amongst the commoners, my friend. There is talk of a revolt against the tyranny.

BASILEIOS.

I know; I have heard this talk in the streets of the agora. Thou must be prudent, for the tyrants will not be ignorant of thine actions and words.

HEROIDES.

I am exceedingly mindful of the tyranny, and I shall proceed with the utmost caution. Do not fret, my friend!

BASILEIOS.

Then tell me, what dost thou know of the revolt and the thoughts of the commoners and young democrats?

HEROIDES.

I shall be plain with my words, so that thou mayst know the truth in them.

BASILEIOS.

What dost thou mean, Heroides, that I see ire in thine eyes? Please do not tell me that thou shalt partake in the revolt!

HEROIDES.

There shall be a revolt, and it shall commence within the next two days. Mark my words, Basileios, there shall be no turning back!

BASILEIOS.

I fear there shall be more bloodshed, at the expense of our democracy.

HEROIDES.

Hast thou forgotten the countless people who have been murdered, dispossessed, and exiled by the ruthless tyranny of the Thirty Tyrants?

BASILEIOS.

Indeed, I have not! However, the thought of more blood being spilt in the streets of Athens terrifies me.

HEROIDES.

We cannot permit this madness to continue, Basileios.

BASILEIOS.

And of Socrates, what hast thou to tell me?

HEROIDES.

I have not spoken to him for some time now.

BASILEIOS.

What do the people say of Socrates?

HEROIDES.

Some say that he is aligned with the tyrants, whilst others say he is not.

BASILEIOS.

What dost thou believe?

HEROIDES.

What I believe matters not. The people of Athens shall decide what to do with the enemies of democracy afterwards.

BASILEIOS.

Socrates said, “That from the deepest desires often cometh the deadliest hate.”

HEROIDES.

Socrates also said that, “Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.”

BASILEIOS.

But I wonder, Heroides, what is the worth, not the meaning, of death?

HEROIDES.

To die for a principle or cause is the noblest death to man, Basileios.

SCENE VI.

At the street in front of the house of Basileios.

Basileios escorts his friend to the street where he departs, then Basileios is met by Phaedrias, his brother.

BASILEIOS.

Phaedrias, my brother, what hast brought thee to see me? Since thou hast left the home of our father, I have not seen much of thee.

PHAEDRIAS.

Since the death of Father, I have busied myself with my position in the council.

(They enter the home.)

BASILEIOS.

Thou art aware, Phaedrias, of the distinction of our lives since then?

PHAEDRIAS.

There is no need to clarify that noticeable distinction when it is clear that thou art aligned with the corrupted democrats.

BASILEIOS.

And thou with the murderous tyrants.

PHAEDRIAS.

Basileios, my brother, I beseech thee to stay away from the democrats.

BASILEIOS.

Phaedrias, thou wert once a cerebral student of philosophy and fervent believer in democracy.

PHAEDRIAS.

Aye, but when democracy cannot serve the needs of the government, then there must be an alternative. We are that alternative!

BASILEIOS.

I fear that thy zeal hath led thee to blind contumacy, my brother.

PHAEDRIAS.

No more than the madness of the thought of a revolt, Basileios. Where dost thou stand?

BASILEIOS.

Wherefore dost thou ask, when thou hast known that my loyalty is to Athens? My philosophy hath not changed, brother. It is thine that hath changed for the worse.

PHAEDRIAS.

The time shall come, brother, when thou must take sides during the revolt. Thou shalt have to choose sooner or later.

BASILEIOS.

I hope, when that day shall come, it is not too late for thee! I shall dread to find thee amongst the fallen dead, brother.

PHAEDRIAS.

Rest assured, brother, that the revolt shall be crushed and many Athenians shall suffer. For what purpose served?

BASILEIOS.

For the voices of democracy and liberty that we Athenians have valued for decades.

PHAEDRIAS.

I know Critias well, and he shall not be restrained in exacting retribution. Stay away from Heroides and the others. I do not want to shame the memory of our father with thy death.

BASILEIOS.

Then let me honour his name with dignity. Hast thou forgotten that our beloved father’s loyalty was to democracy?

PHAEDRIAS.

Thou hast been warned, brother! I hope to not bury thee on the solitary hillside that we were fond of as children!

BASILEIOS.

If that day shall befall, then let not my name die in vain!

PHAEDRIAS.

I cannot guarantee thee anything, Basileios. Before I go, I am certain that thou hast heard of the imprisonment of Theramenes.

BASILEIOS.

Aye, I have heard the tidings.

PHAEDRIAS.

Good! Let it serve as a warning, Basileios!

BASILEIOS.

What shall become of Theramenes?

PHAEDRIAS.

I do not know, but I fear that his imprisonment is only the beginning. Heed my warning, brother, there shall be more bloodshed and carnage.

SCENE VII.

At the outskirts of the city, near the port of Piraeus, Basileios meets Ampelios, an Athenian democrat in exile.

AMPELIOS.

Basileios, I hear the talk of a revolt amongst the Athenians is growing by the day.

BASILEIOS.

Uncle, I was not aware that the rumour of a revolt had reached the outskirts of Athens so swiftly.

AMPELIOS.

The tidings of the revolt have attracted the attention of all of us exiles.

BASILEIOS.

That is precisely why I have come to Piraeus — to speak with thee.

AMPELIOS.

Thou art an honourable man, Basileios, but the voices of discontent and disillusion amongst the people shall not be silenced for long.

BASILEIOS.

I worry about Heroides and Phaedrias.

AMPELIOS.

I have heard at the port, the market, and the temple that Heroides, together with the young philosophers, has been stirring the anger of the emboldened commoners.

BASILEIOS.

Indeed, and I fear they shall become willing participants in this maddening insurrection, which will only exacerbate tensions amongst the Athenians.

AMPELIOS.

Was not Heroides a follower of Socrates, as were thy brother and thyself?

BASILEIOS.

Once upon a time, not long ago. But it feels like centuries have passed since.

AMPELIOS.

Basileios, thou art my nephew, the son of my brother Hesiodos, the noblest of all Athenian democrats. Heroides is full of a burning flame that shall ignite into fire. And as for Phaedrias — save him before it is too late.

BASILEIOS.

What dost thou mean by those words, uncle?

AMPELIOS.

Basileios, there shall be a revolt, and it shall neither be defeated nor merciful to the tyrants ruling Athens. Hence, I warn thee — save thy brother.

BASILEIOS.

How can I achieve that if he refuses to heed my counsel or admonition?

AMPELIOS.

Thou must find a way! But before that, go and speak to Heroides.

BASILEIOS.

For what purpose, my lord?

AMPELIOS.

I have heard from a close source — whose identity I cannot reveal nor endanger — except to say he is a member of the council.

BASILEIOS.

Hast thou heard of the apprehension of Theramenes and the exile of Thrasybulus and Alkibiades?

AMPELIOS.

Aye, and that is why thou must warn Heroides.

BASILEIOS.

Warn him of what, my lord? Do not speak to me in riddles!

AMPELIOS.

If thou must know, thy beloved brother Phaedrias shall betray Heroides, and eventually thee also.

BASILEIOS.

Surely thou art mistaken, my lord. I cannot conceive such treachery from Phaedrias.

AMPELIOS.

He is under the corrupting influence of Critias. And Critias is a madman who shall do everything in his power not only to defeat the revolt but to remain in power.

BASILEIOS.

That I do not doubt!

SCENE VIII.

At the Boule House, Critias meets with Anthemion, the leader of the committee of the Prytanes.

CRITIAS.

Anthemion, thou art one of the few men to whom I entrust my loyalty.

ANTHEMION.

'Tis an honour, my noble Critias. My dedication to thee remaineth unwavering.

CRITIAS.

Good. Then I can entrust thee to tell me, what dost thou know of the members of the prominent Athenians?

ANTHEMION.

I am not certain what exactly thou dost refer to by thy query.

CRITIAS.

I need to know what the affluent Athenians are thinking, with respect to the possible insurrection within Athens.

ANTHEMION.

I dare acknowledge that they are active in the matter, it would seem.

CRITIAS.

Am I to surmise then that they shall be willing participants in this absurdity of a revolt?

ANTHEMION.

I cannot state with certainty that this is so. However, I doubt that they alone could overthrow thee.

CRITIAS.

I would be more tranquil, less unnerved, if I had such reassurance.

ANTHEMION.

I sense thou art seeking something from me, my noble Critias.

CRITIAS.

Thou art ever wise and clever to know me well.

ANTHEMION.

I have served thee with devotion and known thee since childhood, my noble Critias.

CRITIAS.

True, Anthemion! We are practically brethren. I want thee to invite the members of nobility to thy home and bribe them, if thou must, at whatever cost.

ANTHEMION.

Bribe them? But thou knowest there are several democrats even amongst their class.

CRITIAS.

Naturally. I know thou hast ways to convince them. Then use thy skilled persuasion, Anthemion. ’Tis an order! Hast thou forgotten I bestowed upon thee thy status and position amongst the Prytanes?

ANTHEMION.

I understand, my lord, and I shall execute this order. I shall not fail in this paramount endeavour.

CRITIAS.

I hope, for thy sake, thou dost not. I would hate to consider thee one of my foes, since they have fared poorly in death or exile, Anthemion.

ANTHEMION.

I repeat, Critias, I shall not fail thee!

ACT 3

At the Agora, Lycon intercepts Basileios. One day before the revolt begins.

SCENE I.

Lycon, a democrat and friend of Athemios, informs Basileios of a tragic occurrence.

BASILEIOS.

Lycon, what hath caused thee to seek me with such immediacy?

LYCON.

I must inform thee, Basileios, that the guards of the council have arrested Heroides, and worse, have executed Theramenes and exiled Alkibiades.

BASILEIOS.

Fortunately, I was already aware of these sudden and tragic occurrences.

LYCON.

Theramenes was taken from prison and escorted to the place of his death. He sprang to a nearby altar for sanctuary and admonished the assemblage not to permit his murder, but to no avail; the Eleven, keepers of the prison, entered, dragged him away, and forced him to drink a cup of hemlock. Theramenes, imitating a popular drinking game where the drinker toasts a loved one, finished his cup, downed the poison, then flung the dregs to the floor and exclaimed, "Here's to the health of my beloved Critias!"

BASILEIOS.

I shall be saddened by the loss of Theramenes. Alack, I remember him well, how fond he was of philosophy.

LYCON.

He shall be missed by many and loathed by others.

BASILEIOS.

Where were Heroides and Lycon arrested, and why?

LYCON.

After the death of Theramenes, the Thirty Tyrants began taking steps to exile anyone not in the group of 3,000 trusted members of the assembly, or those instigators of opposition and clamours of insurrection.

BASILEIOS.

But where, and why?

LYCON.

Here at the Agora. He was apprehended by the Spartan guards for inciting a mob that had gathered to hear the propagation of his message.

BASILEIOS.

Where was he taken?

LYCON.

To the atrocious prison of the Eleven.

BASILEIOS.

He shall be treated worse than a common thief. His fate shall be the same as the poor Theramenes, I dread.

LYCON.

Thou must leave Athens at once, before the guards come to arrest thee, Basileios.

BASILEIOS.

Whither shall I go?

LYCON.

Thou canst come with me to Piraeus, till we leave the port.

BASILEIOS.

I appreciate thy concern and warning, but I cannot leave without helping Heroides.

LYCON.

‘Tis too late to help Heroides.

BASILEIOS.

What dost thou know that I do not?

LYCON.

Heroides shall be executed within the morrow.

SCENE II.

At the prison of the Eleven, where Heroides has been taken.

Basileios, upon hearing the arrest of Heroides, visits his childhood friend who is in a horrible condition.

BASILEIOS.

So worn and bruised is thy countenance, and so torn and dishevelled are thy garments. What hath become of thee, Heroides, that I do not recognise thy semblance?

HEROIDES.

Basileios, my friend of childhood, what thou seest is the result of the cruelty of an oppressive tyranny. Now thou knowest the truth. I shall most likely die and my body be fed to the mongrels.

BASILEIOS.

Heroides, was this truly a cause worth thy death?

HEROIDES.

Aye, when that cause is greater than the man. There was once a wise man who taught us philosophy and spake the unforgettable words of a soothsayer: "He is a man of courage who does not run away, but remains at his post and fights against the enemy."

BASILEIOS.

Socrates! I admire thy valiance and honour. How I wish I were as brave as thee!

HEROIDES.

Basileios, my childhood friend, thou wert born with the character of a statesman, and I of a soldier. We are as vastly different as night and day.

BASILEIOS.

If only I had thy courage and conviction, I would be by thy side, my friend.

HEROIDES.

In life and in death, thou hast been my friend, and that shall comfort me in mine hour of death, if necessary.

BASILEIOS.

Tell me, is there anything I could do for thee? I could speak to Phaedrias about the matter. He could free thee, if I implore him!

HEROIDES.

Nay, not even Phaedrias or the gods could help me. I am destined to the universal fate of death. But if Socrates was correct in his theory of the afterlife, then let my soul traverse the cosmos in a sempiternal course. As for doing something on my behalf, there is one thing that thou canst do.

BASILEIOS.

What is it? I shall gladly do it.

HEROIDES.

I need thee to go and speak to Demetria, my sister. Tell her I must see her one last time before I am executed.

BASILEIOS.

I shall! Is there anything else I may do for thee?

HEROIDES.

Aye! Let the people of Athens know that my death was not in vain. Do not let history forget my plight. Basileios, my name shall be forgotten, but let not the resurgence of democracy be forsaken!

BASILEIOS.

I shall not permit that to occur, so long as I am amongst the living!

HEROIDES.

Give me thy word. Swear on the name of thy father!

BASILEIOS.

I swear on the name of my father!

HEROIDES.

Thank thee, my friend. Presently, I have not much time, I regret. Take this epistle, so that thou shalt take it to Lycon, Ampelios, or another member of the exiled democrats in Piraeus or abroad.

BASILEIOS.

What is it?

HEROIDES.

'Tis of urgency, and I cannot risk the guards or prisoners overhearing us. They are the obedient ears of Critias. Thou shalt read it afterwards.

BASILEIOS.

Do not worry, my friend, this epistle shall reach its destination!

SCENE V.

At the prison where Heroides is kept as a prisoner of Critias.

Basileios and Demetria’s disguises deceive the prison guards. Demetria enters whilst Basileios waits near a building opposite the prison.

HEROIDES.

Who art thou that I recognise not thy garments?

DEMETRIA.

’Tis I, thy sister Demetria.

HEROIDES.

Demetria, my dearest sister, ’tis good to see thee once more.

DEMETRIA.

Basileios hath informed me of thy apprehension and the charges laid upon thee. Surely, there must be some mistake!

HEROIDES.

All that I am accused of is true, sister, including inciting the people and plotting against the tyrannical government of Critias.

DEMETRIA.

Thou wert warned afore by Basileios and others, even myself. Why didst thou not heed our counsel of discretion?

HEROIDES.

Because to have done so would have been to forsake the cause whose principles I represent and for which I shall give my life.

DEMETRIA.

Is the cause greater than thy life? Thou art selfish! Hast thou not thought of me, thy sister, and thy friends?

HEROIDES.

Aye, but martyrs do not choose death over life; ’tis death that chooses its martyrs.

DEMETRIA.

Is not a man first a son, a father, an uncle, or a brother before he is a martyr?

HEROIDES.

If only our societies were founded on the ethical belief of moral guidance and justice for all. Yet in this despotic world we dwell in, we know nought but suffering, injustice, and above all tyranny. I sense the people of Athens have had enough and shall rise against this oppressive oligarchy of Critias.

DEMETRIA.

At the cost of thy life. Can one man overthrow any government?

HEROIDES.

Nay, but one idea called democracy can rally a thousand or more souls thereafter.

DEMETRIA.

Alas, may the Gods be with thee, Heroides.

HEROIDES.

If they be Gods or but one God, then they or he shall rejoice in the heavens above.

DEMETRIA.

If thou wert heard by others, thou wouldst be accused of blasphemy.

HEROIDES.

I care not what may be thought of my words; rather, my actions shall lead a revolution that surpasseth any thanatopsis!

DEMETRIA.

How shall I bear thy loss, when thou art the only family I have left?

HEROIDES.

Mourn me not when I am dead. Mourn the countless Athenians who shall spill their blood valiantly in the streets of Athens. I am but a sheep amongst that growing flock.

DEMETRIA.

I promise thee, I shall mourn them as well. I shall not forget them!

SCENE VI.

At the council building.

Anthemion comes to apprise Critias of the unrest among the masses.

CRITIAS.

Why hast thou dared to come to the assembly and disturb me? Thou knowest our matters are of privacy.

ANTHEMION.

My noble Critias, accept my apologies. Nevertheless, ’tis my duty to advise thee of all pertinent information I have gleaned.

CRITIAS.

Let us be frank and speak the truth, Anthemion. What tidings dost thou bring that are urgent enough to interrupt my planned interlocution?

ANTHEMION.

I have received word of an uprising, my lord.

CRITIAS.

Whisper it—what information dost thou hold that is so urgent?

ANTHEMION.

According to my source, the angry people of Athens shall initiate their revolt on the morrow.

CRITIAS.

Art thou certain of this, Anthemion? If not, I shall have thee imprisoned.

ANTHEMION.

Aye, my noble Critias. I would not endanger my life if I knew my tidings were not accurate and plausible.

CRITIAS.

Then tell me who are involved, the important figures, and where it shall transpire.

ANTHEMION.

The names are the current voices of democracy and change: Hesiodos, Isidoros, Loukianos, Heroides, Basileios, Ampelios, Lycon, and Thrasybulus.

CRITIAS.

I have imprisoned Heroides and exiled the rest, including Thrasybulus. Yet there is one amongst them I have not dealt with—this Basileios.

ANTHEMION.

Is he not the brother of Phaedrias, the member of the council?

CRITIAS.

Aye!

ANTHEMION.

What wilt thou do with Basileios? Wilt thou kill him also, my noble Critias?

CRITIAS.

I shall have him imprisoned forthwith.

ANTHEMION.

Why not kill him?

CRITIAS.

Indeed, death would be a better punishment.

ANTHEMION.

So thou shalt kill him?

CRITIAS.

Nay, I have conceived a better plan. I shall have his brother Phaedrias murder him. Why not? ’Tis the most entertaining death scene I have imagined, better than any play at the theatre.

ANTHEMION.

Thou art ever shrewd and cunning, my noble Critias.

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