Part 2 / Act 1 — Scene II.—A Hall of Oriental architecture, opening upon gardens. A fountain in the centre.

Mor. (bending over a couch on which her brother is sleeping.) He sleeps so calmly now; the soft wind here Brings in such lulling sounds! Nay, think you not This slumber will restore him? See you not His cheek’s faint glow? Aym. (turning away.) It was my sword which gave The wound he dies from! Mor. Dies from! say not so! The brother of my childhood and my youth, My heart’s first friend!—Oh! I have been too weak, I have delay’d too long! He could not sue, He bade me urge the prayer he would not speak, And I withheld it! Christian, set us free! You have been gentle with us! ’tis the weight, The bitter feeling, of captivity Which preys upon his life! Aym. You would go hence? Mor. For his sake! Aym. You would leave me! ’Tis too late! You see it not—you know not, that your voice Hath power in its low mournfulness to shake Mine inmost soul?—that you but look on me, With the soft darkness of your earnest eyes, And bid the world fade from me, and call up A thousand passionate dreams, which wrap my life As with a troubled cloud? The very sound Of your light step hath made my heart o’erflow, Even unto aching, with the sudden gush Of its deep tenderness! You know it not? —Moraima!—speak to me! Mor. (covering herself with her veil.) I can but weep! Is it even so?—this love was born for tears! Aymer! I can but weep! (going to leave him, he detains her.) Aym. Hear me, yet hear me! I was rear’d in arms; And the proud blast of trumpets, and the shouts Of banner’d armies—these were joy to me, Enough of joy! Till you!—I look’d on you— We met where swords were flashing, and the light Of burning towers glared wildly on the slain— And then—— Mor. (hurriedly.) Yes! then you saved me! Aym. Then I knew, At once, what springs of deeper happiness Lay far within my soul; and they burst forth Troubled and dash’d with fear—yet sweet! I loved! Moraima! leave me not! Mor. For us to love! Oh! is’t not taking sorrow to our hearts, Binding her there? I know not what I say! How shall I look upon my brother? Hark! Did he not call? (she goes up to the couch.) Aym. Am I beloved? She wept With a full heart! I am! and such deep joy Is found on earth! If I should lose her now! If aught—— [an attendant enters. (To attendant.) You seek me!—why is this? Att. My lord, Your brother and his knights—— Aym. Here! are they here? The knights—my brother, saidst thou? Att. Yes, my lord, And he would speak with you. Aym. I see—I know— (To attendant.) Leave me! I know why he is come: ’tis vain, They shall not part us! (Looking back on Moraima as he goes out.) What a silent grace Floats round her form! They shall not part us! no! [Exit—Scene closes.