Part 2 / Act 2 — Scene II.—Garden of a Palace.

Mor. Yes! his last look—my brother’s dying look Reproach’d me as it faded from his face. And I deserved it! Had I not given way To the wild guilty pleadings of my heart, I might have won his freedom! Now, ’tis past. He is free now! Aymer enters, armed as for battle. Aymer! you look so changed! Aym. Changed!—it may be. A storm o’ the soul goes by Not like a breeze! There’s such a fearful grasp Fix’d on my heart! Speak to me—lull remorse! Bid me farewell! Mor. Yes! it must be farewell! No other word but that. Aym. No other word! The passionate, burning words that I could pour From my heart’s depths! ’Tis madness! What have I To do with love? I see it all—the mist Is gone—the bright mist gone! I see the woe, The ruin, the despair! And yet I love, Love wildly, fatally! But speak to me! Fill all my soul once more with reckless joy! That blessèd voice again! Mor. Why, why is this? Oh! send me to my father! We must part. Aym. Part!—yes, I know it all! I could not go Till I had seen you! Give me one farewell, The last—perchance the last!—but one farewell, Whose mournful music I may take with me Through tumult, horror, death! [A distant sound of trumpets. Mor. (starting.) You go to battle! Aym. Hear you not that sound? Yes! I go there, where dark and stormy thoughts Find their free path! Mor. Aymer! who leads the foe? (Confused.) I meant—I mean—my people! Who is he, My people’s leader? Aym. Kaled. (Looking at her suspiciously.) How! you seem— The name disturbs you! Mor. My last brother’s name! Aym. Fear not my sword for him! Mor. (turning away.) If they should meet! I know the vow he made. (To Aymer.) If thou—if thou Shouldst fall! Aym. Moraima! then your blessèd tears Would flow for me? then you would weep for me? Mor. I must weep tears of very shame; and yet— If—if your words have been love’s own true words, Grant me one boon! [Trumpet sounds again. Aym. Hark! I must hence. A boon! Ask it, and hold its memory to your heart, As the last token, it may be, of love So deep and sad. Mor. Pledge me your knightly faith! Aym. My knightly faith, my life, my honour—all, I pledge thee all to grant it! Mor. Then, to-day, Go not this day to battle! He is there, My brother Kaled! Aym. (wildly.) Have I flung my sword Down to dishonour? [Going to leave her—she detains him. Mor. Oh! your name hath stirr’d His soul amidst his tents, and he had vow’d, Long ere we met, to cross his sword with yours, Till one or both should fall. There hath been death Since then, amongst us; he will seek revenge. And his revenge—forgive me!—oh! forgive! —I could not bear that thought! Aym. Now must the glance Of a brave man strike me to the very dust! Ay, this is shame. [Covering his face. (Turning wildly to Moraima.) You scorn me too? Away!—She does not know What she hath done! [Rushes out.