Part 2 / Act 2 — Scene IV. Before a Church.

1st Cit. (to 2d.) From the walls, how goes the battle? 2d Cit. Well, all well, Praise to the Saints! I saw De Chatillon Fighting, as if upon his single arm The fate o’ the day were set. 3d Cit. Shame light on those That strike not with him in their place! 1st Cit. You mean His brother? Ay, is’t not a fearful thing That one of such a race—a brave one too— Should have thus fallen? 2d Cit. They say the captive girl Whom he so loved, hath won him from his faith To the vile Paynim creed. Aym. (suddenly coming forward.) Who dares say that? Show me who dares say that! [They shrink back—he laughs scornfully. Ha! ha! ye thought To play with a sleeper’s name!—to make your mirth As low-born men sit by a tomb, and jest O’er a dead warrior! Where’s the slanderer? Speak! A Citizen enters hastily. Cit. Haste to the walls! De Chatillon hath slain The Paynim chief! [They all go out. Aym. Why should they shrink? I, I should ask the night To cover me! I that have flung my name Away to scorn! Hush! am I not alone? [Listening eagerly. There’s a voice calling me—a voice i’ the air— My father’s!—’Twas my father’s! Are the dead, Unseen, yet with us? Fearful! (Loud shouts without, he rushes forward exultingly.) ’Tis the shout Of victory! We have triumph’d!—We! my place Is midst the fallen! [Music heard, which approaches, swelling into a triumphant march. Knights enter in procession, with banners, torch-bearers, &c. The gates of the church are thrown open, and the altar, tombs, &c. within, are seen illuminated. Knights pass over, and enter the church. One of them takes a torch, and lifts it to Aymer’s face in passing. He strikes it down with a sword; then, seeing Rainier approach, drops the sword, and covers his face. Aym. (grasping Rainier by the mantle, as he is about to pass.) Brother! forsake me not! Rai. (suddenly drawing his sword, and showing it him.) My sword is red With victory and revenge! Look—dyed to the hilt! —We fought—and where were you? Aym. Forsake me not! Rai. (pointing with his sword to the tombs within the church.) Those are proud tombs! The dead, the glorious dead, Think you they sleep, and know not of their sons In the mysterious grave? We laid him there! —Before the ashes of your father, speak! Have you abjured your faith? Aym. (indignantly.) Your name is mine—your blood—and you ask this! Wake him to hear me answer!—Have you? No! —You have not dared to think it. [Breaks from him, and goes out. Rai. (entering the church, and bending over one of the tombs.) Not yet lost! Not yet all lost! He shall be thine again! So shalt thou sleep in peace! Music and Chorus of Voices from the church. Praise, praise to heaven! Sing of the conquer’d field, the Paynim flying,— Light up the shrines, and bid the banners wave! Sing of the warrior for the red-cross dying— Chant a proud requiem o’er his holy grave! Praise, praise to heaven! Praise!—lift the song through night’s resounding sky! Peace to the valiant for the Cross that die! Sleep soft, ye brave!