Part 2 / Act 2 — Scene III.—Before a gateway within the city.

Her. ’Tis past the hour. Rai. (looking out anxiously.) Away! ’tis not the hour— Not yet! When was the battle’s hour delay’d For a Chatillon? We must have come too soon! All are not here. Her. Yes, all! Rai. They came too soon! [Going up to the knights. Couci, De Foix, Du Mornay—here, all here! And he the last!—my brother! (To a Soldier.) Where’s your lord? (Turning away.) Why should I ask, when that fair Infidel—— Aymer enters. The Saracen at our gates—and you the last! Come on, remember all your fame! Aym. (coming forward in great agitation.) My fame! —Why did you save me from the Paynim’s sword, In my first battle? Rai. What wild words are these? Aym. You should have let me perish then—yes, then! Go to your field and leave me! Knights. (thronging round him.) Leave you! Rai. Aymer! Was it your voice? Aym. Now talk to me of fame! Tell me of all my warlike ancestors, And of my father’s death—that bitter death! Never did pilgrim for the fountains thirst As I for this day’s vengeance! To your field! —I may not go! Rai. (turning from him.) The name his race hath borne Through a thousand battles—lost! (Returning to Aymer.) A Chatillon! Will you live and wed dishonour? Aym. (covering his face.) Let the grave Take me and cover me! I must go down To its rest without my sword! Rai. There’s some dark spell upon him! Aymer, brother! Let me not die of shame! He that died so Turn’d sickening from the sun! Aym. Where should I turn? [Going up abruptly to the knights. Herman—Du Mornay! ye have stood with me I’ the battle’s front—ye know me! ye have seen The fiery joy of danger bear me on As a wind the arrow! Leave me now—’tis past! Rai. (with bitterness.) He comes from her!—the infidel hath smiled, Doubtless, for this. Aym. I should have been to-day Where shafts fly thickest, and the crossing swords Cannot flash out for blood!—Hark! you are call’d! [Wild Turkish music heard without. The background of the scene becomes more and more crowded with armed men. Lay lance in rest!—wave, noble banners! wave! [Throwing down his sword. Go from me!—leave the fallen! Her. Nay, but the cause? Tell us the cause! Rai. (approaching him indignantly.) Your sword—your crested helm And your knight’s mantle—cast them down! your name Is in the dust!—our father’s name! The cause? —Tell it not, tell it not! [Turning to the soldiers and waving his hand. Sound, trumpets! sound! On, lances! for the Cross! [Military music. As the knights march out, he looks back at Aymer. I would not now Call back my noble father from the dead, If I could with but a breath!—Sound, trumpets, sound! [Exeunt knights and soldiers. Aym. Why should I bear this shame? ’tis not too late! [Rushing after them, he suddenly checks himself. My faith! my knightly faith pledged to my fall! [Exit.