To give a crust and cell for this broad kingdom.
I who have paid my heart out for a crown
Must thank you now to wear it.
_Ber._ Good-night.
_Osw._ O, son,
Have you no patience with a man grown old
In many battles? Now feel I my age,
Knowing the dearest blows of my long life
Have bought me but this shadow. In you is drained
Ambition's heart,--my every burning aim
Fails here in you, and cools unforged, unshapen.
Yet do you turn from me as though 'twere I
Not you who gave the wound that parts us.
_Ber._ I?
_Osw._ Of all my sons I loved you best. You think
I gave you to the friars with no twinge
Here at my heart? Your mother said "One son
We must return to God," and I said "Yea,
So it be not my Bertrand." But her will
Ran 'gainst me. When she had her way, I longed
Through many a day to have you at my side,
While you were happy with your songs and saints,
Your father quite forgot.
_Ber._ [_Stirred_] Nay, not forgot.
And I am with you now.
_Osw._ O, let me feel
My son is mine! I'll yield you anything.
Ay, even Ardia! She shall be my daughter----
_Ber._ By heaven that keeps me true, I will not hear
That name again! There's maddest music in it.
I see her when I hear it. [_Covering his eyes_]
_Osw._ [_Aside_] I see the lime
Will catch you.
_Ber._ Again, good-night.
_Osw._ One favor, son.
And slight too, by 'r lady!
_Ber._ Speak it, sir.
_Osw._ I gave my word you'd wait on Berenice.
I' faith, I know not what excuse to make
To Frederick. 'Tis barest courtesy
To give her greeting.
_Ber._ I will welcome her,
Our guest.
_Osw._ Enough! [_Going_] You'll wait us here?
_Ber._ I'll wait.
[_Exit Oswald. Bertrand sits with head bowed and does not heed maskers
who enter and dance about him. They cover him with their garlands
as they go off. A song is heard within_]
What save winds shall kiss his bones
Bleaching on the desert stones?
What but waves o'er him shall sigh
Who doth drowned sea-deep lie?
What save worms to him shall come
Locked in earth, bound, keyless, dumb?
Wild the wind and cold the wave,
Sharp the tooth within the grave!
Be such kisses for my ghost,
Heart, my Heart, when thou art lost!
Love me, Love, an hour and we
Mock the cold eternity!
_Ber._ [_Taking up a flower_] Eternity in this?
[_Ardia enters. He does not see her until she speaks_]
_Ard._ Prince Bertrand?
_Ber._ [_Rising_] You?
Not Berenice!
_Ard._ Ah ... you wait for her?
_Ber._ Who brought you here?
_Ard._ The earl. Your father.
_Ber._ He!
What said he?
_Ard._ That you prayed to see me, sir.
_Ber._ O, faithless! He deceived you.
_Ard._ I will go.
_Ber._ Stay--tell me--how you fare.
_Ard._ Nay, you await
The princess.
_Ber._ You've all comfort? No least lack?
_Ard._ I've food and bed, but little company.
_Ber._ My father's plans press hard, and I'm a part
Of them. Each hour he calls me.
_Ard._ I know, my lord,
This is not Kidmir. I've my father too.
You've yours ... and Berenice.
_Ber._ Nay, it seems
Fate hath her changelings. You have come, not she.
_Ard._ I sought no meeting, sir, but being here,
I'll ask you of my father. Is he safe?
Earl Oswald means no treachery to his guest?
_Ber._ At sunrise he will drink the cup of peace.
_Ard._ That's hours away! He knows your life is pledged
For Charilus' safety?
_Ber._ No. I will not wake
A doubt against his honor.
_Ard._ He should know.
I've seen his eyes. Good hap, you have your mother's.
_Ber._ If he be vile as you so fear he is,
My pledge would be no leash to his hold will.
He'd chain me here till he destroyed your brothers.
Let him know naught, I'm free to keep my oath.
But this should not be spoken. We do wrong
To talk of things that have no being save
In our own midnight fears.
_Ard._ Well, I shall sleep.
Good-night, my lord.
_Ber._ Am I not Vairdelan?
_Ard._ Ay, when you smile so.
[_Holds out her hands, and drops them untouched_]
Far, O far from Kidmir!
_Ber._ Yea, an eternal journey my lost soul
May find it. Ardia, counsel me. Two ways
Stretch long before me, and I faint
In daring either. Give me of your strength.
_Ard._ My strength? I have none.
_Ber._ You have God's.
Men, proud in valor, stray and lose his hand;
The woman holds it ever, walking floods
And trampling fire where men go down.
_Ard._ Tell me!
How may I help you?
_Ber._ Sit then. I will speak.
[_She sits; He stands near her_]
I have agreed to be the sovereign
Of sword-won Suli.
_Ard._ None will better serve
Where he is master. O, this spear-torn land
Shall flower to heaven and mate her bloom with stars!
_Ber._ A bloom that dies with me?
_Ard._ Death cannot make
The spirit barren.
_Ber._ [_At distance_] Through me my father hopes
To found a princely house o'er-topping Asia
With Christ-lit towers.
_Ard._ Oh!... Then you will wed.
_Ber._ [_His eyes down_] My bride is chosen.
_Ard._ [_Rising_] Chosen? [_Sits again_]
Nay.... I know....
_Ber._ [_Returning_] Your hidden eyes hide not the loathing there
For me forsworn. Why have I troubled you?
Look on me, Ardia. I am not yet fallen.
I take your answer. You have chosen my way,
And I set forth upon it--_not_ forsworn.
_Ard._ That word is naught. I do not think of it.
_Ber._ Must man not keep his pledge?
_Ard._ To mortals, yes.
For so our lives are knit, and part to part
Keep sound and whole. But pledges unto God
Man cannot make or keep till he may bind
The Will that journeys with the launched world.
So might His rivers say "Here will we rest,
And worship thee," nor run into the sea,
And God must be content though all his fields
Burn waterless. So might the winds vow Him
Unbroken calm, and God who needs his storms
Must still his own desire while his dear earth
Goes pestilent.
_Ber._ Unsentient things! He shares
His will with man.
_Ard._ But not to enslave his own.
Christ seals no bond the lips lay on the soul
That is each instant new as life, as change,
As the importuning world. Ah, he who sells
To one hour's narrow need the zenith light
Of unborn days would snuff out time and know
No rising sun. Himself would be a slavedom
Where never Christ would walk.
_Ber._ Is 't Ardia speaks?
_Ard._ Truth speaks, not I. If man must vow,
Let it not be to love no woman,--wear
The vest of fire, and in a sunless cell
Chain Heaven-arteried life,--then peering out,
Cling to the nested eaves transfixed to see
His fled desires wear the horizon flame.
But let him vow his Christ shall shrink no vein
Of broad and pauseless being; ay,--shall keep
Sweet surgence with his blood, climb with his spirit
Time's lifting hills, and hold in watch with him
The unshrouding pinnacles where love puts off
The old clouds for the dawn. Forsworn? O, heart
Cell-bound, thy very vows deny thy Christ.
Who serve him wear no chains.
_Ber._ You think me true?
And yet I felt your wounded, doubting eyes
Raining me scorn. Why was it, Ardia?
_Ard._ Scorn?
I have forgot why 'twas--or shall forget.
_Ber._ And there was pity too, that dropped your lids.
And would have sheltered me. Is that forgot?
_Ard._ Nay, that.... I'll tell you that. I thought of Love,
Man's angel, and the heart-lone way of him
Who missed and found her not. Never to take
More courage from the fall of her sure feet
On heights that wind between death and the stars;
Or where his road burns through the shadeless sands,
Reach for the hand with fountains in its touch
And feel the palm-breath round him. Not to know
Her eyes when night is come, and there's no star;
Her breast, that pillowing the darkened waste,
Keeps warm the bitten earth and gives him dream
To meet and match the dawn. So wept my thoughts,
Forgetting that you are no wanderer,
But kingly housed will rule a tamed realm.
Or should a harvest come of spears, not grain,
Yet is your princess brave and beautiful,
And bears, may be, a mating heart. Love then
Will come to you----
_Ber._ My princess?
_Ard._ Berenice.
Your father's choice ... and yours.
_Ber._ My Ardia! Mine!
Could such a lie creep to your soul and find
No lances at the door? [_Kneels, kissing her hands_]
My love, my love, my love!
Let honors fail, and stars forget my name,
'Tis thou shalt walk beside me, thou my chosen!
I'll hear thy footfall on the winter steep,
And take thy hand where desert noons are white,
But close thy breast shall lie upon my heart,
Nor pillow the bitten waste, my own, my own!
[_She moves from him. He rises_]
Why are you silent, pale, and heaven-still?
_Ard._ I must be still. I've mourned my heart-walls thin.
This joy will break them. Joy to hear your voice
With love's mate-music in it cry to me.
My joy! I'll drink it all, nor lose one drop,
For I shall have no more.
_Ber._ No more? No less
Than life can hold!
_Ard._ Hear me, my lord.
_Ber._ You love me!
_Ard._ I shall not be your wife.
_Ber._ You're mine--all mine!
_Ard._ You hold your vow yet sacred, breaking it
By the sole might of love. You do not feel
The vision round you in whose light that vow
Falls like a grave-cloth from an angel's limbs.
Ah, Christ would be no bridal guest of ours,
Shut out by your heart's fear.
[_He stands as if stricken_]
You see 'tis true.
You listen for his sanction, and you hear
The ring of your own vow.
[_He sits bowed_]
You hear it now
Above your passion's chime. 'Twill fill the air
When love's mad bells grow quiet, and your soul
Asks the old question. Let me then be far
From thee, nor stay to be a clasped fire
Eating thy side.
_Ber._ You'll heal me of my fear.
[_Reaching his hands to her_]
My fountain and my palm!
_Ard._ Your doubt would stir
Beneath your tenderest deep. My nearing step
Would as a trumpet start its buried storm
To sweep our meeting eyes.
_Ber._ If Christ would give
A sign,--leave me no choice,--no other way
_Ard._ The torch of Fate but blinds us when the heart
Beareth no light.
_Ber._ Not Fate, but Heaven--there
I'd read my sign.
_Ard._ Hope not, my lord, that Heaven
Will drive me to your arms. Farewell.
_Ber._ No, no!
To keep you I'll dare hell----
_Ard._ Dare hell? My love
Walks not that fiery verge, but waits thine own
In regions nearer God. There we shall meet,
And there will be no hell.
[_Turns to go, but is drawn back by his grief_]
Thou art a prince
Of Christ. Arise and rule this land for him.
There is no sin in you. You've kissed my hands,
And they are bright as stars!
_Ber._ O, can you go?
You do not love me. In your breast are wings--
No heart, but wings that seek the mountain sky.
Go perch above me, leave me dying here.
And cool your bosom with a virgin song
To mateless heaven!
_Ard._ Who is cruel now?
You have the world to feed on, need not eat
Your heart as I must--I, the woman. Dear,
Where Kidmir cliffs climb highest to the sky
I'll keep my watch, but thou shall rise above me
In thought of men. O'er all discerning shall
Thy purpose wing, perhaps be drunk of clouds,
But light shall follow where thine aim has sped,
And leading upward with your comrade world,
My Kidmir shall seem lowly, where I walk
With stintless ache beneath the cedar boughs
On pain's moon nights. And oh, the Springs to pass,
When each bride-bud shall be a wound to me,
When grasses young, and softly pushing moss,
Shall urge my feet like fire, and I must stand
Quite still ... quite still ... with all my unborn babes
Dead in my heart.
_Ber._ [_Motionless_] You dare not leave me now.
You dare not, Ardia.
_Ard._ I dare not stay.
[_As she nears the great doors they rumble shut and are noisily barred
without_]
_Ard._ Ho! Open, open, open! I pray you, open!
[_Beats on door, then leans to the silence_]
Shut in ... shut in! So Oswald's treachery
Begins with me. My father, we are lost.
You are to die, and I--to-morrow, oh,
My honor will go wasting on the fields
With every soldier's breath! You hear, my lord?
We are shut in....
_Ber._ The miracle!
_Ard._ Together....
_Ber._ The sign! the sign!
_Ard._ For all the night....
_Ber._ For all
Eternity! There is no other way.
I take you as from Christ. My bride, my bride!
[Curtain]
SCENE 2. _The same. Gray of morning seen through grating of window,
rear, where Bertrand stands looking out and upward. Ardia is sleeping
on a couch. The dawn-light wakes her and she starts up._
_Ard._ 'Tis morning. Bertrand! You have watched all night?
_Ber._ O, there has been no night.
_Ard._ I slept it through.
_Ber._ Thy body slept, but thou hast been with me
O'er all the world, and farther than the world,
Out where the life begins.
_Ard._ That may be true,
For I had wondrous dreams.
_Ber._ You speak of dreams?
A magic touched me, and I woke from dream
Knowing my life. What ways we went! All things
Seemed new, warm with the Maker's hand, as young
As our own eyes, but 'twas eternity
That kept them sweet, unaging.
_Ard._ It was Love
Who gave thee eyes to see the world immortal
Even in our own.
_Ber._ Do all Love's votaries
Walk with such magic sight?
_Ard._ In truth! I've seen
A beggar woman tread the road-side dust
As it were showered gold, because she had
Love's eyes. And we--what joys our joy shall find!
The pearling skies with rose-breath drinking ours
'Tween sea and dawn! The leaves that turn i' the wind
And tremble in our hearts--the brook-song that
Began beyond the stars--the woodland nests,
Breast-warm----
_Ber._ And one is ours.
_Ard._ The lark that leaves
His meadow-mate and reels at the sun's door
Dropping his song of fire and clover-dew
Down to her heart.
_Ber._ [_Kissing her_] As this in thine!
_Ard._ And all
Life's dearer-veined joys,--the way-side hands
That pluck to camp-fire glow,--the smile of age,
Gift-sweet and wise beside the garner door----
_Ber._ Ay, dear are these ... but when we came again
From that far, holy place....
_Ard._ Ah, in your dream.
_Ber._ Where no words go or come....
_Ard._ When we came back?
_Ber._ Walking the light between the parted stars,
And met the days that knew us ... naught could hide
The eternal joy within it. Twas a world
Whose beauty lay allwheres. O, not alone
In morning skies and mated larks a-wing!
Each rag-hung thing was dipped in chosen time
And wore its royal hour.
_Ard._ If that could be!
_Ber._ What seers, what eyes of light, outshone the pain
That gave them being! Tears that silvered graves
Globed in their pearl the immortal hope of men,
And seemed as beautiful as prophecy
Burning in its own truth. Ay, where a man
Fell murdered, crying "I forgive," the ground
Sprang as a garden----
_Ard._ Murdered? O, not that!
How could you say it? I had forgot, forgot!
Love in your dream looked you quite through the soul
Of Time on things to be? What saw you then?
Ah, tell me!
_Ber._ Then?... Then came this dimmer light
Which you called morning, and I saw no more.
_Ard._ I would I knew!
_Ber._ You fear even now?
_Ard._ O, me!
_Ber._ Sweet, leave these shadows--dreams of ancient night
That cling too late upon a day-warm world.
Must I persuade you still that Oswald means
Our happiness?
_Ard._ Hark you! They come, my lord.
_Ber._ The sunrise feast. Fit place and time to break
The fast of love.
_Ard._ O, hear! So many feet!
_Ber._ Dear trembler, do not fear.
_Ard._ They're here, my lord.
_Ber._ Welcome the world. It has no eye can make
Our own seek earth.
[_Doors open. Enter Frederick, Oswald, Charilus, Berenice, with lords
and ladies attending. Servants follow bearing trays, and lay the
table. Ardia hastens to her father and they talk apart. Oswald
advances to Bertrand, right, the others lingering left_]
_Osw._ I am forgiven?
_Ber._ Forgiven!
Ask God and Love! I'll thank you all my life
That you did force me take my only way
To Heaven.
_Osw._ Hmm! And I spent a bitter night
Fearing your morning face.
_Ber._ It was my soul's
Birth-night.
_Osw._ God bless me, you are grateful, sir.
But you've good reason. [_Looks at Ardia_] I had no such mate
To make the dark hours fly.
_Ber._ Pray speak to her.
_Osw._ In my good time.
_Ber._ Nay, now!
_Osw._ The day is long.
I shall be gentle, for I owe her much
Who gives me back my son. Come to our guests.
_Ber._ Does Frederick----
_Osw._ Ay, he knows all, and bears
No grudge.
_Ber._ Knows all?
_Osw._ He clapped my plot as though
His own thick noll had hatched it.
_Ber._ And the princess----
_Osw._ You see her smile? There's answer for you. Come!
No blush! Put on a face. Your bridal news
Shall sauce our banquet.
[_They move to guests_]
_Fred._ [_To Bertrand_] Greet you, sir! But why
So pale, my lord? I fear me you have spent
A sleepless night.
_Ber._ Ay, as the stars.
_A Lord._ The stars?
He winked then, by the rood!
_Ber._ What do you say?
_Lord._ I say the stars do wink, most gracious prince.
_Osw._ Come, find your seats, my friends! Yet two of us,
Lord Charilus and my unworthy self
Must keep our feet till we have drunk the wine
Made sacrosanct by one night's rest upon
The Virgin's altar.
[_Bertrand places Ardia's seat by her father, who stands at the left
of Oswald_]
You, fair Berenice,
Sit at my right, and on your other side
The graceless prince of Suli begs for room.
_Bere._ He beg, my lord? I have not heard his tongue,
And for his eyes, I fear no leek of Wales
Could pull a beggar's tear from them to oil
This suit. But he is welcome.
_Ber._ [_Taking seat by her_] Thank you, lady.
[_When all are seated save Charilus and Oswald a priest enters bearing
a chalice of wine which he places on table before Oswald_]
_Osw._ This is the cup by angels visited
In night's deep hours. Herein they dropped the peace
Of Heaven, which Charilus and I shall take
Into our hearts. I know in truth it holds
Sweet peace for me--the peace that thirty years
My veins have ached for. Charilus, what say you?
_Char._ My heart can hold no more of peace than now
Doth fill it, but I drink with you, my lord.
[_Drinks from goblet which Oswald has filled from chalice, and Oswald
drinks from goblet filled by Charilus_]
_Osw._ [_Dropping his glass_] Is peace a fire?
I' faith, this kindles me!
Thou smileless priest, take off the Virgin's cup!
You think it needs another blessing, sir,
Since my bold hand has touched it? Out with you!
[_Exit priest with chalice_]
That pinch-face has seen hell and fasts to keep
The ghost down. I'll not fast. Set to, my friends.
Fill up your bowls, for I've a health for you.
We drink to Berenice, bride to be
Of Bertrand, prince of Suli and my son!
_A Lord._ [_As all lift their glasses_]
We pledge the bride of Bertrand--Berenice!
_Ber._ Drink not, my lords, till you have changed that name
To Ardia, daughter of our noble guest,
Lord Charilus!
_Fred._ [_Rising_] If this be sport, Earl Oswald,
A world of groans shall pay for 't!
_Bere._ [_In mock swoon_] Oh.... I faint....
[_Her ladies help her_]
_Osw._ You bawling ass! You thousand times a fool!
_Ber._ [_To Oswald_] You've woven a maze about me, and I'm blind
With 't, yet I see to pluck one truth,--my bride
Is Ardia. No other under Heaven! My lords,
It is the wine----
_Osw._ Would then 'twere in your throat!
Is this the riddle of your morning smile?
Your fair compliance, soft submission? Sir,
By my heart's blood, I'll give you to the sword
Ere you shall make me father to a drab--
The spoil of your own lust, the--What, you draw?
Ay, strike me down! Let me be first to fall
Beneath your mighty sword! The rust has lain
A lifetime on it, and a father's blood
May cleanse it bright as Heaven!
_Ber._ O, my Christ!
_Osw._ Yea, call on him, and he will hear thee too,
Who honorest so thy father!
[_Bertrand stands speechless_]
Now, my lords,
Since he no longer brays, I have a tale
To tell you. I, too, had a father, though
The world has long forgot him.
_Fred._ No, my friend.
Well do I bear in mind his fair, proud face,
And glory of his arms.
_Osw._ He was struck down
Because a minion, straying from the hearth,
Looked on his beauty with her nestling eyes.
_Fred._ For no more cause?
_Osw._ I swear it. Friends, if death
Were the cold price for kissing of a jade,
Who here would be alive? For so slight sin
Was my brave father murdered. Charilus, speak!
Was not the princely heart of John of Clyffe
Ripped with a hate-keen sword,--the sword of him
Who claimed the lordship of those rebel lips
That chose my father liege?
_Char._ It is too true.
_Osw._ Who better knows? Say that a wilding flies
The builded bower, hearing a lordlier song
Pass on the wind than her dull mate can tune,
Must then the singer die, who scarcely knows
His song is heard, or that a bold wing follows?
_Char._ Whether the earl of Clyffe sang then to woo,
As I believe, or for the love of song,
As you do say, my lord,--his death was sin,
And he who wrought that woe shed tears enough
To clear his stain, if tears may whiten souls.
_Osw._ A murderer's tears! But what of mine, the son's?
_Ber._ Your oath--your honor, sir! Where is the love
You swore should cleanse your shield?
_Osw._ Safe in my heart.
And burning for my father.
_Ber._ God of pity!
_Osw._ That was the love I spoke of.
_Ber._ All be deaf
But hell!
_Osw._ Hear the full tale, my friends. I swear
The earl of Clyffe died for no more offence
Than I have here set out,--and I, his only son,
Kissed his red wounds and from his breast unbound
This bloody scarf--[_taking scarf from his bosom_] that then was
crimson, now
In age-grown black bemourns my step that comes
So sluggish to revenge. For thirty years
Had passed ere I beheld his murderer,
Then face to face we stood ... and face to face
We stand ... for this is he, this Charilus
Of Kidmir--peace-lipped Cain--gray hypocrite,
Whose blood is honey in his veins, whose eyes
Stare on the world as he were some bland god
Who made it and said "good."
_Char._ Sir, I would send
My daughter to her brothers. Grant me this.
And I am ready for what death you please.
_Ard._ I will not go. One sword shall strike us both.
[_Turns to Oswald_]
But first a word to you. When Charilus falls,
Say farewell to your son. He pledged his life
To my two brothers for our father's safety,
And you, who know him least, yet know he'll keep
That pledge.
_Osw._ What, creature, will you lie?
_Ard._ I speak
The truth. Strike, if you can, this gray old man,
Silvered in service to the one high God,
Sinless as sunlight, fair in sweetened age,--
Let forth his sainted blood, and Bertrand lives
No longer than the shortest time between
Suli and Kidmir.
_Osw._ That's a lifetime then!
He shall not step! I'll have him hung with chains
Till he is fast as rooted oaks in earth!
_Ber._ [_Stunned_] A guest betrayed....
_Osw._ Betrayed? I promised him
Such treatment as he gave my blood. And he
Shall have it--death!
_Char._ Peace be my heir!
_Ber._ [_Takes stand by Charilus_] Death, sir?
First break this sword! Thy sin must be unnamed
Until the angel who doth write thee damned
Gives it foul christening. I break my pledge.
I will not go to Kidmir. Here I'll give
My life for Charilus.
_Char._ No blow for me!
O, may I unavenged lie forgot,
And my forgiving blood make barren ground
Alive with asphodel----
_Ber._ Nay, I will strike,
Though a father's sword meet mine!
[_Charilus trembles, and supports himself by Ardia's arm_]
_Osw._ Commend me, stars!
You counselled well. [_To Bertrand_] Fool, do not draw. There's none
Will run against you. Charilus is dead,
And by a way more sure. His holy goblet
Held one rich drop the angels put not there
Nor Virgin blessed. See how he pales--and stares--
And cannot get his voice? So are we spared
A swan-song homily trickling through his beard.
Be off, old pray-lip--off, and take with you
Your cat-foot peace and milky piety!
I serve a vengeful God who armeth men
For his own wars!
_Ber._ Heaven, draw thy clouds about thee!
[_Charilus dies in Ardia's arms_]
_Osw._ He's dead! The air of earth is sweet again.
I have no enemy!
_Ber._ [_Looking up from the body_] You have no son.
[_Curtain_]
ACT III
SCENE: _On Kidmir Pass. Moonlight paling to dawn. Ardia alone,
struggling up the Pass._
_Ard._ [_Looking back_] They do not follow. I am safe from that.
[_Sits on a rock_]
Why should I climb? There is no rest up there.
But there is death, mayhap,--and that is worth
The sorest climbing. O, my father dear,
Is 't thy dead self so heavy on my heart?
Thou shouldst be light upon thy spirit wings,
And give me of thy freedom.
[_Gaina enters from above_]
Gaina, hast found
The spring?
_Gaina._ 'Tis farther up.
_Ard._ More steps.
_Gaina._ Wait here.
Barca will bring you drink. Nay, sit you still.
_Ard._ I must. How this weak body masters us,
Cooling the bravest will that in strong limbs
Might dance to any goal! Yet do we say
The will is lord, whose flush is in the blood
And fades wi' the paling body. By that lie
We cling to Heaven and immortality.
... O, I am lost so deep I need not fear
The farthest bolt of God! Out, out the pale
Of his concern!
_Gaina._ Why now, honey dear!
A sip of fine spring water and you'll be
A lark o' the morning! All's not bad, I say.
There's Banissat would marry you to-morrow!
What pretty words he spoke, and took us in
Like a good father--but I saw him look!
And he were shaved he'd have a merry eye.
Such meal and honey! _I've_ a thankful tooth!
Come now, what say you? Run from such a fortune,
And stumbling is no matter. Ay, a trip
Or two were well enough.
_Ard._ Yes, foolish 'twas
To fly from Banissat.
_Gaina._ You know it? Well, well,
If it's your own right mind you've run to, dearie,
There's no harm done past mending.
_Ard._ [_Taking a small dagger from her dress_] This had saved
My feet these weary steps.
_Gaina._ Sweet Mary, save us!
Wouldst slay a prince for loving thee?
_Ard._ No, wretch.
I could not take another's life though 'twere
Of all the world the foulest.
_Gaina._ Bless the lass!
_Ard._ But out of pity I could take my own.
Why should my heart beat on and labor so
For merest leave to beat again?
_Gaina._ Now, now!
[_Enter Barca_]
Here's Barca, praise the saints! Now you'll take heart!
[_Ardia takes gourd from Barca and drinks_]
_Ard._ Thanks, Barca. But there's misery in the draught
That makes me keen again. I fear me I'll
Yet hope.
_Barca._ Will you walk on?
_Ard._ Yes, come.
_Barca._ [_Listening_] What's that?
A noise below!
_Ard._ Some one from Banissat!
I'll not be taken!
_Barca._ Come aside, my lady.
Here is good hiding.
[_They go behind a great rock half hidden by cedars. Bertrand enters
below. Ardia steps out and stands before him. He kneels_]
_Ber._ Spirit, hast come for me? I'll join thee, love,
When I have climbed this peak and met the sword
That sets my honor free.
_Ard._ Nay, rise, my lord.
_Ber._ [_Rising_] Thy living self? Here in the night alone?
_Ard._ Barca is here, and Gaina.
_Ber._ Sweet, the moon
Makes thee so fair.
_Ard._ [_Smiling_] Was I not always fair?
_Ber._ [_Embracing her_] My living love! Sit here,--and now thy story.
_Ard._ I'll shorten it to get to thine.
_Ber._ You had
The dagger that I sent you? [_She shows it to him_] My sole gift
To love.
_Ard._ O, it was dear as death then seemed
To me!
_Ber._ Cast it away.
_Ard._ No, for love's sake
I'll keep it, and it shall do no work save God's.
Listen ... it prophesies.... I'll need it yet.
_Ber._ O, I was mad to send it! Would you wreck
This tent set fair upon the soul's long road,
By pain-craft wrought of every whiter dream,
Where God may sit with us and map the winds
That forward blow and back, the paths laid free
To His far end, and those where blind walls rise
Breast-piled with thwarted dust? Dear soul of me,
Would we know Heaven we must listen here,
And one word lost may mean a path all dark
When we fare outward. This is not for you,
This fear-born blade. Away with it!
[_She clasps it closer_]
Is not
Your danger past?
_Ard._ Not while Avesta loves.
_Ber._ O God! But tell me now the full, foul story,--
Yet not all foul, since you are here alive.
_Ard._ Your father----
_Ber._ I've no father!
_Ard._ --sent me forth
With my two servants. When we reached Avesta,
The prince met us with welcome, much too warm
Methought, so in the night we stole away
And reached the pass--all with some wit and care,
As you shall know hereafter. Now your word.
_Ber._ I was imprisoned.
_Ard._ Yes, I know.
_Ber._ A guard
Gave me his sword. I fought the others.
_Ard._ Fought?
_Ber._ And killed. Look on this blade. A brother's blood.
_Ard._ My love!
_Ber._ At last I am Earl Oswald's son!
_Ard._ My Bertrand! [_Drawing aside his cloak_]
You are wounded! Vairdelan!
_Ber._ That name is no more mine.
_Ard._ How did you pass
Avesta?
_Ber._ The guards were friends of Vairdelan.
I used the stainless name that I had lost.
O, I have lied to keep my word, and slew
That I might die!
_Ard._ Might die? You mean ... my brothers.
They must be merciful.
_Ber._ With Charilus slain?
_Ard._ O, me! I too shall die. And that is best,
If anything we do be worst or best.
I've read within my father's secret script
That earth shall lose its heart of fire, and lie
Dead-cold and dark with no green thing upon it.
Then this black crust shall bear no form of man,
Nor trace of him. Why then such ceaseless pain
To look a little longer on the sun,
When he who seals his eyes this day with dust
But leagues with time to reach the journey's end
Without the journey's ache?
_Ber._ Hast lost thy faith?
My heart, say earth must be its own still grave,
Our destiny lies farther. But were life
A march to naught, I'd choose it for the sake
Of one bright wonder by the way--your love,
My Ardia.
_Ard._ You love me, yet would die. Thou'rt mine!
And I will hold thee, yea, on this warm earth,
Not in some strange and tearless world!
[_While they speak Barca moves up the pass and listens_]
_Barca._ My lord?
_Ber._ Ay, Barca?
_Barca._ Men are on the pass.
_Ard._ Above?
My brothers! Oh!
_Ber._ I go to meet them.
_Ard._ Stay!
_Ber._ They shall not come to me. I go to them.
My honor, love, my honor!
_Ard._ O, men, men!
You build a shrine to love and ask us fling
Our lives, our souls into it. Once within,
The door forever shut, there sits a god,
A monster-god, your honor, and we must sue
For barest room to stand or crouch or kneel
Where by your oaths we should be sovereign.
_Ber._ The shrine itself is honor, dear, my heart.
That gone, we have indeed no holy place
To shelter love. Was 't not yourself who said
That man to man must keep his pledge?
_Ard._ Ah me,
That shining night! That night of golden wings!
And now comes this. Can such two nights be born
In the same world, and but one sun between?
[_Bertrand staggers_]
You're bleeding still!
_Ber._ Fast, fast.
_Ard._ My veil----
I'll wrap you with it! [_Binds wound_]
_Ber._ Thanks, for I would live
To die upon their swords.
_Ard._ Wait, wait, my lord!
O, do not meet them in their first deep rage----
_Ber._ Farewell!
_Ard._ You shall not see them till my prayers
Have turned their hearts from blood.
_Ber._ Part thou with hope
And pain will leave thee too. That is the wrench,
Not death.
_Ard._ Stay, stay! Are there not miracles yet?
I'll hide you yonder till----
_Ber._ They come!
[_Hurries up pass, staggers and falls_]
_Ard._ He faints!
The miracle begins! Here, Barca, Gaina,
Bear him aside. He swift! Then come to me.
O, gently, Barca! Haste!
[_Barca draws Bertrand behind the rocks_]
He shall be saved!
Thou'lt not deny me, Heaven! O, forget
That ever I blasphemed Thee!
[_Enter, above, Biondel and Vigard_]
_Vig._ Who is here?
_Ard._ My brothers!
_Vig._ Ardia, by my life!
_Bion._ 'Tis she.
What do you here?
_Ard._ I go to you. Where else
Shall I find shelter in a world now bare
Save where your hearts make gentle room for me?
_Bion._ What do you mean? Where is our father? Speak!
_Ard._ You have not heard? Why then do you go down?
_Bion._ For word of Charilus. No messenger
Has come. All night we watched. What can you say
More than this fearful meeting tells? No word?
Are you the ghost you look? Is Charilus safe?
_Ard._ Safe as yon Heaven would have him. He is dead.
[_Silence_]
You loved him, though you went another way
To find your God.
_Bion._ Our father dead? O, sister,
Not cold, not still, not silent to his sons.
Who loved his voice even when they most forsook it!
_Ard._ Oswald betrayed us.
_Vig._ O, my sword, 'tis thou
Shalt split his heart, though every spear in Suli
Then pierce my own! [_Going_]
_Bion._ Stay, Vigard!
_Vig._ Earth is fire!
Can you be still upon it? Where is Bertrand
With his deep oaths? O, coward! I will seek him----
_Ard._ No need. He'll come to you.
_Bion._ He'll keep his oath,
You think?
_Ard._ I know he will.
_Vig._ So knew you too
That Charilus was safe. Call him to life,
And we'll believe you yet!
_Bion._ How died our father?
[_Ardia weeps_]
No matter now. And Oswald cast you out?
Afoot?
_Gaina._ Ay, so he did! I'll answer that!
_Ard._ He sent us under guard.
_Gaina._ Ay, but afoot!
And 'twas a trudge to Avesta. O, the day!
_Bion._ Prince Banissat gave you no help?
_Gaina._ No help?
Who said so? There's a prince! He drew his sword,
And swore he'd drive Earl Oswald to the sea,
And said "Avesta's yours,"--that to my mistress,
She then bedraggled and so full of tears
She had no words to thank him. I did that!
Then we had sup and bed, and when my bones
Were sweet with sleep, why we must up again
And tug it to the peak.
_Bion._ [_To Ardia_] He sheltered you!
Then there was hope, which you have trampled down
By this mad flight.
_Ard._ I dared not think the prince
Would make my bitter fortunes his. In you
Lay my defence, and to your love I came.
You must make peace with Oswald. Yes, my brothers,
Although you write it with our father's blood.
He is all powerful. When Bertrand comes----
_Vig._ Ha, when he comes!
_Bion._ What then?
_Ard._ You may demand
Whate'er you will of Oswald, if you spare
The dear life of his son.
_Vig._ I'll have that life
And Oswald's too!
_Ard._ He'll make you any terms----
_Vig._ Ay, any terms, and keep none, once his son
Is safe.
_Bion._ [_Looking down the pass_] Who comes?--with gleaming lances? Ah....
The prince!
_Vig._ By Allah, he!
[_It is now dawn. Ardia steps back into shadow as Banissat and followers
enter. His retainers wait at entrance below while he advances_]
_Ban._ Good-morrow, friends.
_Bion._ Hail to you, Banissat!
_Ban._ I seek a dove
That fled my hand last night. Has 't flown your way?
_Bion._ Our sister is with us.
_Ban._ Then search ends here.
_Bion._ Her flight meant no ingratitude, my lord.
Her father's arms grown cold, she came to ours
By the shortest way, bringing her honor home
Where none might question it.
_Ban._ We love her more
For watchful care of what to us is precious
As to herself. Heaven-pure must be the bride
Of Banissat, and tainted Heaven will put
The earth to blush ere she will bring us shame.
I offer her my princedom.
_Ard._ [_Stepping out_] One whose veil
Is lost? Whose face is common to the eyes
Of beggars by the road?
_Ban._ O, bald and bitter!
But did not one, our Lady of Paradise,
Walk with bare brow among our counsellors?
And you are pure as she. Who dares to soil
The chosen of Banissat with whisper that
He saw you on this journey, forfeits eyes
And tongue. So silence shall give burial deep
To every slander.
_Ard._ You will not forget.
_Ban._ Yourself shall be my dear oblivion.
For Beauty keeps no records, has no past;
Her arms engird love's moment, and there is
No other time.
_Ard._ Nay, Beauty's history
Is writ beneath her bloom, and when that goes
The deep, uncovered scars are hated more
Because of love that kissed them unaware.
I dare not wed you, but say that I dared,
Wouldst grasp my broken fortunes when you need
Strong Antioch's staff and sceptre to make good
Your gates 'gainst Oswald? And I've heard, my lord,
That Antioch's daughter is a prize you seek.
_Ban._ Be not o'er-jealous, Ardia of the Stars,
For Antioch shall serve thee. There my suit
Is but a fair appearance,--there I woo
To make thy state secure, and thou shalt be
Bride of my heart unrivalled.
_Ard._ Hear me then!
I am betrothed to Bertrand. He is sworn
To me as I to him.
_Vig._ Death to your tongue!
You'd wed your father's slayer?
_Ard._ I would wed
Lord Bertrand. [_Kneels to Biondel_] Brother!
_Vig._ Give no ear to her!
_Ard._ If you would save Avesta and yourselves,
Make peace with Oswald. Trust not Antioch.
When Bertrand comes----
_Vig._ He will not come! He's not
A fool as thou!
_Ard._ He comes!
_Vig._ [_Lifting his sword_] Then here's his welcome!
[_Bertrand comes out and walks slowly to the group. Vigard, amazed,
lowers his sword_]
_Ber._ My friends, well met. You cut my journey short.
[_Gives his sword to Biondel_]
_Bion._ You have come back ... to death?
_Ber._ The blow, my lord.
Your work is wellnigh done. An easy stroke
Will finish it.
_Vig._ And whose is that?
_Bion._ Not mine.
I do condemn him, but can lift no hand
To seal mine order.
_Vig._ I am not so weak.
This blow for Charilus!
_Ard._ [_Staying him_] If Bertrand dies
My honor goes unto a grave so deep
No shoot of green will ever from it spring
For the world's eye to light on.
_Bion._ You make much
Of broken troth. There's many a maid has lived
In wedded honor with a second choice.
_Ard._ But I may not.
_Bion._ Peace, sister.
_Ard._ Let him live,
And Suli's glory will enwrap my name
Stainless and safe.
_Ban._ 'Tis safe with me. Ay, safer.
Let Antioch enlist with me, and I
Shall wear the name of Suli with my own.
_Ard._ You've yet to hear ... you do not know, my lord....
_Ber._ Sweet, plead no more. Let me go on to Heaven
If 't be God wills his gates shall ope to me.
_Vig._ You'll stop in hell a thousand years or so!
_Ard._ Wait! I will tell----
_Vig._ You've said too much!
_Bion._ Speak, Ardia.
_Ard._ In Suli castle where I was betrothed
To Bertrand, just one sun agone--but one--
He spent the night with me.
_Vig._ She lies!
_Ard._ Say now
If Banissat, or any lord save Bertrand,
Will make me wife.
_Bion._ Must I believe you?
_Ban._ No.
A woman's trick.
_Ard._ There's proof. Ask whom you will
Of Oswald's train--the lords who saw me cast
From Suli's door, too vile for word or touch.
Ask any trooper, jesting by the way,
And hear my name made foul. The army rings
With it. Ask any gossip of the tents----
_Ban._ O, stop her tongue! It thunders on me! All
The air is storm! Peace, or I'll strike her down!
_Bion._ This seals your death, Lord Bertrand. Now my hand
Is hot and willing.
[_Enter a messenger below. He gives a packet to Banissat_]
_Messenger._ Antioch sends this,
O, prince!
_Bion._ [_To Bertrand_] I had your word above all oaths
That you would guard our sister. When the priest
Strips bare the shrine, not outraged God or man
Shall show him mercy.
_Ard._ He is innocent!
'Twas Oswald's plot to cast me in the dust--
And there I lie where all the world may see--
But Bertrand's soul is guiltless----
_Vig._ Guiltless! Tush!
Your puzzle's clear. [_To Biondel_] She dies with him.
_Ard._ I die
If Bertrand dies. But, oh my brothers, we
Are young--we love--will you not let us live?
_Bion._ [_To Vigard_] 'Tis best she dies.
_Ber._ You will not dare----
_Bion._ The prince
Shall be her judge.
_Ban._ First let us speak aside,
For Antioch fails us, and we've more to weigh
Than the quick death of this too-guilty pair.
[_Banissat, Biondel, and Vigard go off above_]
_Ber._ I have brought death upon you.
_Ard._ Life, 'tis life
Now beating in the dawn! What music! Hear it!
O, we shall live, my lord, and live together!
_Ber._ In Heaven, love.
_Ard._ True, for this planet too,
Ay, even this earth, is set in Heaven as deep
As any star. 'Tis we are heaven to eyes
In other worlds, and would be to our own
Could we believe. O, hope with me, my Bertrand!
No, no, not hope, whose other half is doubt,
And to its dark and fearful double owes
Its very radiance, too, too unlike
Belief's transmuting sun!
_Ber._ Ah, love, no man ere broke
Undrained his cup, or brewed again those drops
To his desire----
_Ard._ Nay, every man is new
In destiny, his star his own, and foots
Unmeasured paths.
_Ber._ On mortal feet.
_Ard._ Be 't so,
Each birth is a high venture of the soul
Feeling an untried way for deity's dream,
And none may know where th' deep and twilight trail
Shall flash with God-rift, and the dawn be his.
_Ber._ O, bravest, bow thy head----
_Ard._ Nay, nay, my lord!
Lock up your spirit, let mine rule this hour,
Or be with me the flame of faith that leaps
To deed in God. For we do help him, dear.
Our parcelled strength is whole and new in His,
A power born that touches us again,
Breeding our greater self that yet gives back
His own increase, until the way is strewn
Even with his miracles and ours. So works
The unending drama out, where every act
Begets an act yet greater than itself.
_Ber._ Let me but kiss thy hands.
_Ard._ You will not help?
You'll not believe? Is it so strange
That you should live?
_Ber._ That hate should let me live.
_Ard._ Is it more strange that halo should grow love-still,
Than that the wind should cease, as now it does,
To strip the bloom from yonder bough, and lie
Unfelt within its silent place? More strange
That life should keep its flow in your warm veins
Than that the sun now creeping on the peaks
Should wander down and on and lay in gold
The valleys of the world, moved by no hand
We see or name, but know, but know!
[_Biondel, Vigard, and Banissat re-enter_]
_Ard._ He lives!
_Bion._ He lives. Speak the conditions, prince.
_Ban._ [_To Bertrand_] Your life
Is spared that she whose name is lost
May wear your own. You shall remain on Kidmir peak,
And make her yours by every priestly rite
With open, fair observance. Then Earl Oswald
Must greet as daughter one he vilely mocked
From his proud door, and far and wide acclaim her
Princess of Suli. Will his love for you
So bow his heart?
_Ber._ I may not speak for him.
_Ard._ He will consent.
_Ban._ And, further, he shall give
To Biondel the governorship of Ilon.
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 pass_]
_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.
And we come no more.
Mornings seven have we sung
At thy maiden door;
Now the seventh morn is rung,
And we come no more.
[_Door opens and Ardia comes out. Gaina follows_]
_Ard._ A kiss to all! Who's happier here than I
Shall have my place.
_Mirimond._ We'll ask Lord Bertrand that.
Thou'rt no more mistress of your yeas and nays.
_Ard._ O, but I am! I have a votary now
Who'll make my words his wishes and himself
Bring them to pass.
_Mylitta._ No doubt. You'll cough
In oracles. He'll puzzle o'er your sneeze
That he may do its meaning. I have heard
Such husbands do inhabit a green moon,
And one may come to earth.
_Ard._ Kiss me, Mylitta!
Naught else will stop your mouth. O, dearest girls,
No father's here to give me to my lord,
And yet I smile, I wed. For why?--his love
Is not in earth with his dear body. No!
'Tis all about me here, bathing my heart,
Now on my brow, now whispers at my ear,
Now runs before my eyes to make a light
Where they would rest. He loves this day as I do!
Yet I had stayed this busking marriage
Had not my brothers pressed me to such haste
And peace not waited on it. Think, dear maidens,
Peace everywhere! Avesta safe and free,
And Oswald's sword in sheath--
What is that chanting?
_Gaina._ [_Looking from parapet_] A train comes up the heights.
_Mylitta._ The English Lords!
[_Enter Barca, left_]
_Ard._ Barca, who comes?
_Barca._ Prince Banissat, my lady,
With all his court attending.
_Mirimond._ Banissat!
This is a Christian wedding.
_Ard._ We are at peace.
_Barca._ He brings you gifts. Your brothers go to meet him.
_Ard._ Where is Lord Bertrand?
_Barca._ Near at hand. He comes
This way.
[_Exit Barca, left_]
_Ard._ My girls, wouldst see what dainties lie
In yonder chamber?
_Mylitta._ Nay, we'll wait.
_Ard._ Moonstones
For golden hair--crescents and amber stars
For tresses dark----
_Girls._ O! O!
_Ard._ Veils of spun silver----
[_Maidens buzz through door right_]
_Ard._ Go, give them all!
_Gaina._ All, mistress? Not----
_Ard._ Go, go!
[_Exit Gaina. Bertrand enters, left. He is in princely costume_]
_Ber._ Art found, my heaven?
_Ard._ Thou'st not a fear thy Heaven
Is lost in me?
_Ber._ A doubt were my soul's shame.
[_Points up the heights_]
Does not yon giant cross arise to say
Christ reigns on Kidmir? Far as Suli plain
Men see the sun upon its silver sides
And hands upborne in prayer forget the sword
That sleeps unwakened.
_Ard._ Will it sleep for long?
_Ber._ Ay, else your father's death were devils' sport,
Not Heaven's will.
_Ard._ What word to-day from Oswald?
_Ber._ You name him?
_Ard._ Is he not our father?
_Ber._ O,
God's angel thou, not mine!
_Ard._ Does Biondel
Now wear the crown of Ilon?
_Ber._ That's confirmed.
And Vigard has Ramoor.
_Ard._ They profit much
By their new faith.
_Ber._ Do they not spare my life?
So Oswald gives these crowns. You think he pays
Too dear?
_Ard._ O, barest alms! I'd have the earth.
No less,--then want the sun,--ay, circling heaven,
And yet be beggared losing thee! But they
Must wear their purple o'er a Christian heart.
I would not doubt ... and yet....
_Ber._ They are the sons
Of Charilus.
_Ard._ And Banissat?
_Ber._ He vows
An endless peace with Suli.
_Ard._ And you are Suli.
Why am I fearful, knowing doubt is death?
_Ber._ Come, love, look down--nay, farther, toward the sea.
That sprawling mass that darkens now the plain,
Seeming to hugely breathe and cloud-like move,
Is Oswald's army making feast to-day,
For I, the prince, go wiving. Now I seem
To hear our names joined high in Heaven's air.
And Christ, too, listens smiling, knowing one land,
One throne is his forever. Sweet, 'twas he
Drew me from sheltered cell and flowered garth
To be his sovereign servant. He it was
Who called through you, who cried in Charilus' death
To wake my soul that shall not sleep again
Till Love has garnered all these eastern lands.
_Ard._ Amen, my husband-knight! I am content
To be your love next Christ. Within your heart.
'Twill be sweet, gleaning where he walks before.
_Ber._ These words be your sole dower, for they hold
More sun for me than shining gold!
_Ard._ The guests!
Do you not hear them? Leave me now, my lord.
_Ber._ Thank patience and my stars, we reach the end
Of these stale ceremonies! Seven days
Of long, superfluous rites to make you mine
When our first kiss did wed us!
_Ard._ [_Mocking_] So ungentle
To your proud honors, sir? Nay, it is fit
Your wedding be as famous as your name,
O, Prince of Suli!
[_Voices heard, left_]
Go, to come again!
[_Exit Bertrand, right. Ardia turns to enter her room and faces Vigard
who comes on left. She draws her veil_]
_Vig._ Stay, sister.
_Ard._ Would you have me seen?
_Vig._ [_Throws back her veil_] Art fair
Again? As Kidmir skies!
_Ard._ It is my joy.
[_Enter left, Biondel, Banissat, and lords. Banissat pauses. The others
pass off, right_]
_Vig._ [_Taking Ardia'a hand to detain her_]
We have surprised our sister.
_Ban._ Blest the hour!
Now may I lay this gift within her hand--
Poor gift, that has no worth until that hand
Caresses it to splendor.
[_Kneels, offering her a small packet_]
_Ard._ [_Taking packet_] Courteous prince,
My thanks. And more than thanks that you should climb
Kidmir's uneasy steep to dearly grace
This day--for smiles of friends, more than fair gifts,
Do best adorn my bridal. [_Draws her veil and moves right_]
_Ban._ Night is come.
And through her mist the stars! [_Exit Ardia_]
_Vig._ Her bloom is washed
Somewhat with tears for Charilus, but she
Will flower again.
_Ban._ Now by the Prophet's soul
He who has kissed her lips had better've kissed
A flame of hell than so have touched
What shall be mine!
_Vig._ As thou dost love revenge,
Be patient.
_Ban._ Patience to the ox, to beasts
That dream 'twixt cud and whip! Am I not man?
_Vig._ You have endured, by truth.
_Ban._ Endured!
_Vig._ And now
Revenge! Ere night yon braggart cross shall bear
A burden that will start Earl Oswald's eyes
When he looks up from Suli plain.
_Ban._ This day
Shall see it! Come, once more let us look down.
See where the hosts of Allah charge upon
The sottish infidel! All yet is well.
The banner o'er Avesta signals still
The Prophet wins!
_Vig._ And when the tower of Suli
Gleams with the hoisted crescent, we shall know
Oswald is taken.
_Ban._ Ha! There's no way out!
The powers of Ilon, Avesta, and Ramoor,
Pen him in bloody triangle. Old rat,
You're in the trap! I should be there, not here,--
There at his throat----
_Vig._ Nay, here, my lord, you'll have
Your dearest triumph. Please you now, go in.
I'll watch here for the sign.
_Ban._ Your watch be short.
[_Exit, right. Re-enter Ardia_]
_Ard._ [_Holding out a flaming ornament_] Brother, see this!
The jewel of the house
Of Banissat. 'Tis sacred to his name.
I cannot take it, and he dare not give it.
_Vig._ It seems he dared.
_Ard._ What does he mean, dear Vigard?
_Vig._ To honor Suli's princess as most fit.
_Ard._ I tremble still from his deep look of fire,
And when I saw this burn methought his eye
Was yet upon me.
_Vig._ Fool, go to your maidens!
[_Enter Barca, left, with Ramunin_]
_Vig._ You're late, my man.
_Ram._ And yet in season, sir. [_Points up the heights_]
The cross is bare.
_Vig._ Get you within.
[_Exeunt Barca and Ramunin, left_]
Now, sister--
What, do you faint?
_Ard._ That face! Ramunin's face.
I saw it once, and shuddered many a day
Remembering it. The public crucifier,
Who serves the bloody prince of Antioch.
The same. What does he here upon this day
Of all the days of time?
_Vig._ 'Tis by your wish
That Kidmir gates are open.
_Ard._ And by yours.
_Vig._ Ay, let the world be witness you are made
The honored bride of Suli.
_Ard._ But Ramunin?
He said the cross was bare. Why such a jest
As horrid as his life? [_Looking out_] And all the knights
That were to come from Oswald--where are they?
_Vig._ They drank too deep last night for journeying
Up Kidmir road--or else they dare not cross
This outraged portal.
_Ard._ Have we not forgiven?
Ah, what is there? Look, Vigard, do you see?
A floating crescent!
_Vig._ Where?
_Ard._ O'er Suli tower.
O, this is Oswald's greeting to our house,
Better than any band of armed knights!
He lifts the Prophet's banner to his towers,
Even as you set the Savior's crucifix
On Kidmir! Now the one eternal God
Lives in his sign when cross and crescent smile
Love-set in the same heaven!
_Vig._ Allah be praised!
_Ard._ And Christ--forget not Christ!
_Vig._ We'll make an end now.
[_Exit, right_]
_Ard._ An end? Am I a bride--or sacrifice?
[_Goes in, right, at sound of approaching music. Enter, left, young
musicians playing flutes and harps. They pause before altar,
cross to right and seat themselves about Ardia's door. Guests
enter, filling rear of hall, and parapet. A maiden comes on,
dancing the grain-dance and scattering sesame. At the close of
dance, Ardia's maidens enter, each bearing a lighted candle
which she places on the altar. A Greek chant is heard as priest
approaches left. All wait his entrance, and the curtain falls,
rising again on the close of the ceremony. Bertrand and Ardia
stand centre. An aged priest at altar. Biondel and Banissat
conspicuous among the guests. Vigard not seen_]
_Bion._ Is all now done?
_Priest._ All's done. The spouse of Suli
May bow herself unto her master's feet,
Bespeaking so the love that has no wish
But service, no desire save her lord's will.
[_As Ardia would kneel, Bertrand prevents her_]
_Ber._ You shall not kneel.
_Ard._ 'Tis custom, dear my lord.
_Ber._ Then here it dies.
_Ard._ My mother did so much
For him who made her wife.
_Ber._ Thy knees shall bend
To God, and to none less. Reign at my side,
Princess of Suli, not my feet.
_Bion._ We hail
The bride of Suli!
_Guests._ Bride of Suli, hail!
_Vig._ [_Unseen_] Ho! Seize the traitor! Ho!
[_Enter Ramunin, right, and armed guards_]
_Ber._ Who speaks? And who
Is traitor here?
_Vig._ Thou, foulest murderer!
_Ber._ Who speaks?
_Vig._ Dead Charilus.
_Ard._ 'Tis Vigard's voice.
[_Vigard steps forth_]
What, Vigard, art thou mad? Wouldst shatter the globe
Of Heaven?
_Vig._ Nay, it was broken that same hour
When died our father.
_Ber._ Son of Charilus, speak
Your will. If you demand my life, 'tis yours.
I hold it by your gentle lease and love.
But while I ask not one poor breath for me,
I beg you pause, nor cast the innocent
To feed the vengeful and life-reaping fire
Oswald will kindle for his hapless son.
_Vig._ You think no fires will burn but of his kindling?
_Ard._ O shame! The crescent over Suli greets
The cross on Kidmir!
_Vig._ Ay, the crescent flies
From Suli, thanks to faithful Moslem hands
That set it there.
_Ard._ Ah.... Moslem hands?
_Vig._ You fool,
To think that Oswald fluttered compliments,
When he was dreaming how he'd bid you drink
Of that same cup he gave to Charilus!
_Ban._ Now, dearest lady, you are safe. To-day
The Faithful battled with the infidel,
And that bright crescent is the silent sign
We have the victory. Ramoor and Ilon
With pointed sword bore down on either side
The glutted, drunken army, while in front
Avesta like a whirlwind swept----
_Ard._ O, traitor!
You vowed unbroken peace with Suli!
_Ban._ Yea,
Will keep it too, for I am Suli now.
_Ard._ [_To her brothers_] Were you not sworn to Christ?
_Bion._ We are the Prophet's.
_Ard._ O, Heaven, hear not this! And Oswald's knights?
_Vig._ Sleep in Avesta's dungeons.
_Bion._ Banissat,
Avesta's golden prince, speak you the doom
Of Bertrand----
_Ard._ Doom? O----
_Ber._ Do not waste the breath
A kiss may save. A thousand times, your lips!
_Ard._ [_To Biondel_] Let him not die!
_Vig._ You'll pray soon that he may!
Speak, noble prince.
_Ban._ I, lord of conquered Suli,
Condemn the son of Oswald unto death
By crucifixion. Be his body nailed
Upon the cross now raised on Kidmir peak,
That Oswald may behold his groaning son,
And every Christian dog look up and see
How dies the Prophet's enemy.
[_To Ramunin_] Away!
Prick him with delicate tortures that yet leave
Him heart to heave his agony. Hear you!
If he live not three days upon the cross
Yourself shall hang beside him.
_Ram._ I've a hand
Has had some practice, sir.
_Ban._ We know it, fellow,
And therefore we employ you.
_Ram._ I put the nails
In young Deobus, he who hung five days
'Twixt heaven and earth, and to the fifth eve groaned
As he would pull his heart up. I've a medal
Struck by the city for it.
_Ban._ I will match it,
If you match me the service.
_Ram._ That I'll do.
These English have strong hearts--will suck at pain
As life were in her dugs.
[_Exit Ramunin, guards, and Bertrand. Priest and guests follow. The
maidens huddle at door, right_]
_Bion._ Sister, you stare
Too hardly on this grief. It is a woe
That Heaven smiles on, and the cure now waits
In Banissat's fair mercy. You shall be
His royal wife, and Suli's princess still.
_Vig._ Speak to the prince.
_Ban._ Nay, let her hear my vow.
O, star of Kidmir, dear and beautiful,
I'll set thee in a bosom that shall be
A tender heaven round thee. Beat to earth
Is murmurous suspicion, and again
You shine unto the world, swept free of taint
By noble marriage with most careful rites----
_Ard._ I doubt, I doubt! One part, one point, one rite,
Broken in act, left gaping and divided,
One half performed, one half left all undone,
Leaves me dishonored still. She is not widowed
Who was not wife----
_Vig._ All's done! What more canst wish?
_Ard._ To lay my forehead on my husband's feet,
Which by the ancient custom of our house
Is maidhood's closing act, as 'tis the first
Of wifehood true. This thou wilt grant----
_Vig._ You're bound
By rites enough!
_Bion._ Canst stand uncertain on
So slight a matter?
_Ard._ Slight? Ah, you know naught
Of woman! Teach him, prince, that not a nick,
Or turn, or shade of custom would she spare
From this most holy ceremony. Wanting but
The smallest portion that gives leave to say
The measure lacks, she all her life will grieve,
Shed secret tears, and wear a blanchen face
When none knows why.
_Bion._ You shall not move us. Peace!
_Vig._ A brawling fancy!
_Ard._ Avesta's prince, thou who
Shalt be my lord, if any lord of earth
Be mine again, wouldst have my love, or hate?
_Ban._ Thy love, fair Ardia.
_Ard._ Then I pray you, sir,
Move thy forbearance yet one farther step
And pluck this boon for me. 'Tis near thy hand,
And O, how small a thing for you to give,
But as the sun of all my days to me!
Without it I may die----
_Ban._ Speak not of death. So sweet
I'll shelter thee, Death's self must bloom
If he creep near thy bower.
_Ard._ May I, my lord,
Keep honored place by thee when memory mocks
That place and honor? Grant me this, but this,
And here I swear if any act of man
May move a widowed heart, mine shall grow warm
To thee!
_Ban._ Do you speak truth?
_Ard._ Believe me, sir,
So dear a thing is this for which I sue,
That he who gives it must grow dear thereby;
And if he lift to him my prostrate life,
This gentle moment shall immortal be
And sweeten every hour we pass together.
Remembering this, my captive breast shall be
His free dominion, and my lips on his,
If they know warmth, shall take it from this cause,
This first dear tenderness.
_Ban._ We'll please you, mistress.
Bring in the man again.
[_Exit a guard_]
_Vig._ I beg you, prince----
_Ban._ By Allah, she shall have her beggar wish,
For no more reason than she wishes it!
_Vig._ It is her sickish humor, sir, to look
On him again. All this wild pother means
No more than that.
_Ban._ No more? We'll please her then
For our good peace to come.
_Bion._ A princely kindness.
[_They talk together. Ardia crosses to altar_]
_Ard._ Now one more miracle! God live in me,
And Christ direct my hand!
_Bion._ What do you say,
My sister?
_Ard._ But a word to mine own heart.
_Ban._ Nay, mine now, is it not?
_Ard._ So much of it
As dearest lenience may buy, my lord.
[_Bertrand is brought in guarded_]
_Bion._ The man is here. Now have your foolish will.
[_Ardia turns and looks at Bertrand. He is stripped of his rich dress
and wears only a girdled tunic falling to his knees. Arms and
feet are bare_]
_Ban._ [_To Bertrand_] Sir, we permit the lady of our soul
To end as her heart wills the rite that makes
Her wife and widow. Touch her not, nor speak.
[_Bertrand crosses to altar_]
_Ard._ Why should we touch, when souls inhabit eyes
And journey on a look? My heaven-lord,
Here is no priest to bless this act of mine,
But God will know his altar and the gift
I lay upon it. The life we thought to live--
That might have failed, and killed the dream now safe
From tarnish of the days. Earth has enough
Of blind and baffled lives, but great her need
Of dreams. And ours we leave with her, unworn,
Unpaled, warm round the love-seed she shall nurse
To million-budded life.
_Bion._ Come, make an end!
_Ard._ An end of love? The God of all the worlds
Cannot do that. Love born this darkest day
Shall be in flower on man's millennial path
And touch his step with Heaven.
_Vig._ Peace! Be done!
_Ard._ Ay ... done. My lord, think thou art in the world
Celestial, and from there smile on me--now--
[_Draws dagger from her bosom and stabs him. He falls_]
High God, as thou art Love, I struck for thee!
[_Bends over body_]
True aim. Full in the heart. I know the place,
For there my home is--there I live--and now
My house is down, I, too, must fall----
_Ban._ I'll pay thee!
What hast thou done?
_Ard._ What done? A miracle!
Who now can harm my love?
_Ban._ Your promises!
Your oaths!
_Ard._ I'd keep them, sir--ay, every one,
If grief would let me live to be your wife.
But I am weary, and my heavy stars
Have left their skies to hang upon me here.
My veins are empty, all their strength is out.
Does 't take so much to lift this little blade
And let it fall again?
[_Biondel takes the dagger from her_]
Think you I need
So poor a thing? Nay, God has struck for me,
As I for Him. I go with Vairdelan. [_Kneels by body_]
Look on this brow, if shame will let ye look.
An angel shaped it. Ye've unfashioned here
The work of Heaven. Sweet lips, no roses left?
Your hand, my lord, and now the sinless star. [_Dies_]
[_Curtain_]