By John Masefield
Adapted for broadcasting by Dulcima Glasby
Argument: In the years 50 and 48 B.C. Cneius Pompeius Magnus, the head of the senatorial party, contested with Caius Julius Caesar, the popular leader, tor supreme power in the State. Their jealousy led to the troubles of the Civil War, in which, after many battles, Cneius Pompeius Magnus was miserably killed.
Act I. January, 50 B.C. His determination to fight with his rival, then marching upon Rome.
Act II. May, 48 B.C. The triumph of his generalship at Dyrrachium. His overthrow by the generals of his staff. His defeat at Pharsalia.
Act III. August, 48 B.C. His death on the seashore of Pelusium, in Egypt.
Persons in order of speaking: Antistia Philip Cornelia - wife to Pompey Julia Q. Caecilius Metellus Pius Scipio - father of Cornelia Cneius Pompeius Magnus (called Pompey the Great) Cneius Pompeius Theophanes Marcus Porcius Cato A Gaulish Lancer Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus Cotta, a Centurion Marcus Acilius Glabrio Lucius Lucceius Publius Lentulus Spinther Four Centurions An Orderly A Ship-Captain A Ship-Boy A Mate A Boatswain Achillas, Egyptian Lucius Septimius Sentries, Soldiers, Trumpeters, Sailors
And all their passionate hearts are dust, And dust the great idea that burned In various flames of love and hist Till the world's brain was turned.Ã
The play produced by Peter Cresswell
(An article on Pompey appears on page 266.)
