>Act
II
Dialogue following No. 12
Enter SELENE from bower.
Fleta. (aside). | ||
At last she comes. (To
SELENE). We
are relieved to find That after such a lengthy vigil thou Canst tear thyself away from Ethais! |
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Selene. | Yes, he is sleeping now, but all day
long He tossed and raved in wild delirium, Shouting for arms, and, as it seemed to me, Fighting his fight with Phyllon o'er again. I watched him through the long and troubled hours, Fanning the fever from his throbbing brow Till he awoke. At first he gazed on me In silent wonderment; then, suddenly, Seizing my hand, he pressed it to his lips And vowed that I had saved him from the grave! Mark that — the grave! I — I had saved his life! He told me that he loved me — loved me well — That I had holy angel-eyes that rained A gentle pity on his stubborn heart — That I was fairer in his worldly eyes Than all the maids on earth or in the clouds! |
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Zayda. (spitefully). | ||
Could any words more eloquently show The recklessness of his delirium? |
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Selene. (surprised). | ||
Nay, he was conscious then. | ||
Fleta. (very sweetly). | No doubt he was. | |
But, sister, in thy triumph recollect He scarce had seen us. |
Zayda. | Thou hast wisely done | |
To keep us out of sight. Cage
thou thy bird Or he may fly to fairer homes than thine! |
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Selene. (amazed). | ||
What mean you, sisters?
Nay, turn not away! |
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But, lest we should affect his love for thee, We will at once withdraw![Exit LOCRINE curtseying ironically. |
Leila. (politely). | Good night to you! [Exit curtseying. | |
Neodie. | Good night! |
Zayda. | Good night! Remember, cage thy bird! | |
[Exeunt all curtseying. | ||
Selene. | How strangely are my sisters changed
to me! Have I done wrong? No, no, I'm sure of that! The knight was sorely stricken — he had died But for my willing care! Oh, earthly Love, Thou mighty monarch, holding in thy grasp The holiest balm and most enduring woe, Is it for good or ill that thou art here? |
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Page modified 13 August 2011