And grant Ramoor to Vigard.
_Ber._ Not for price Of my poor life will Oswald yield these towns To any save a Christian.
_Ban._ So we think.
And therefore will these lords forswear The Prophet for your Christ.
_Ber._ Such sudden change----
_Vig._ Not sudden, sir. We"ve long debated it In secret talk, but loved too well our prince To so forsake his banner.
_Bion._ Now the day Is here when as his true and Christian friends We may best serve him, and yet keep the peace For which our father died.
_Ber._ He is alive again If you be true. Though wonder is in the hour I will not stare or question.
_Ard._ Question nothing.
Do you not live?
_Bion._ The prince will summon Oswald To earliest parley, and make our offer known.
_Ban._ Nor lose an instant. Here begins my journey.
[_Signs to retainers who start down the pa.s.s_]
_Bion._ We need not give you thanks when you"ve our hearts That hold them.
_Ban._ By the sunset hour the earl Shall give me answer. Meet me in Avesta "Tween dark and light.
_Bion._ We will, my lord.
[_Exit Banissat_]
_Ber._ O, strange!
Will he keep faith?
_Bion._ If you must doubt his heart, Trust his affliction. Antioch lost to him, What can he do but smile on Christian Oswald?
By that same argument I am condemned, But beg a respite till this pushing peace, Upsprung in haste, may bear you buds of proof.
_Ber._ What world is this?
_Vig._ Climb you no farther, sir.
Your wounds forbid. Our servants shall be sent To bear you up.
_Bion._ Ay, wait you here, my lord.
[_Exeunt Biondel and Vigard above_]
_Ber._ Love, see the sun!
_Ard._ It is my heart, my heart!
[_Curtain_]
ACT IV
SCENE: _Same as first act. An altar near wall, left. Seven maidens putting fresh garlands about the hall._
_Mylitta._ She must be dressed by this. Come, let us sing!
_Mirimond._ No, wait! Our part is yet undone. Here hangs A withered garland.
_Alenia._ Here another. See!
And there! Well, we are slack.
_Eudora._ Who would not be?
We"ve cause for sleepy wits and fingers too, With seven days and nights of revelling.
_Garla._ And Charilus warm in "s grave.
_Myrana._ He"ll be no colder Let come a hundred months. Ten years, ten days, "Tis all the same i" the ground.
_Daphne._ And yet, I think The daughter smiles too soon.
_Mylitta._ Troth, I would smile For such a lord if all the world beside Were wrapped in shroud.
_Mirimond._ I would the English knights Were come! Full fifty, Barca said, would ride From Suli.
_Mylitta._ I know you, chit. Your eyes will find Their way.
_Mirimond._ Mayhap not all of us will take The homeward ship for Corinth. Did we think When we set sail we"d come in time to see Our Ardia married?
_Mylitta._ You will dream.
_Garla._ If dreams Were men, what maid would go unwed? Not you, Mylitta.
_Myrana._ Come, our song! "Tis time!
_Eudora._ Come, all!
[_They sing by Ardia"s door_]
Mornings seven have we been Wardens at thy door; Now thy lord shall enter in, And we come no more.
Mornings seven have we strewn Lilies at thy door; Now the virgin watch is done.