GIULIA (_as he goes_): Oh?
And shrews do not scratch serpents? You may spy,
But others are not witless, I can tell you!
(_CECCO goes_.
Now, Naldo (_gives him key and writing_), do not lose the
writing. But
Should you, he must not come till two. For 'tis
At twelve the Greek will meet Antonio.
(_NALDO goes, through the postern: GIULIA to the castle._
_Enter HELENA and PAULA from another part of the gardens._
HELENA: At twelve, said he, at twelve, beside the arbor?
PAULA: Yes, mistress.
HELENA: I were patient if the moon
Would slip less sadly up. She is so pale--
With longing for Endymion her lover.
PAULA: Has she a lover? Oh, how strange. Is it
So sweet to love, my lady? I have heard
Men die and women for it weep themselves
Into the grave--yet gladly.
HELENA: Sweet? Ah, yes,
To terror! for the edge of fate cares not
How quick it severs.
PAULA: On my simple hills
They told of one who slew herself on her
Dead lover's breast. Would you do so?
Would you, my lady?
HELENA: There's no twain in love.
My heart is in my lord Antonio's
To beat, Paula, or cease with it.
PAULA: But died
He far away?
HELENA: Far sunders flesh not souls.
Across all lands the hush of death on him
Would sound to me; and, did he live, denial,
Though every voice and silence spoke it, could
Not reach my rest!--But he is near.
PAULA: O no,
Not yet, my lady.
HELENA: Then some weariness
Has pluckt the minutes' wings and they have crept.
PAULA: But 'tis not twelve, else would we hear the band
Of holy Basil from their convent peace
Dreamily chant.
HELENA: Nay, hearts may hear beyond
The hark of ears! Listen! to me his step
Thrills thro' the earth.
(_ANTONIO approaches and enters the postern._)
'Tis he! Go Paula, go:
But sleep not.
(_PAULA hastens out._)
(_Going to him._) My Antonio, I breathe,
Now no betiding fell athwart thy path
To stay thee from me!
ANTONIO: Stronger than all betiding
This hour has reached and drawn me yearning to thee!
(_Takes her in his arms._)
HELENA: And may all hours!
ANTONIO: All! tho' we two will still
Be more than destiny--which cannot grasp
Beyond the grave.
HELENA: 'Tis sadly put, my lord.