Part 2 / Act 4 — Scene II.—Before a Fortress amongst Rocks, with a Desert beyond.—Military Music.

Rai. They speak of truce? The Knights. Even so. Of truce between The Soldan and our King. Rai. Let him who fears Lest the close helm should wear his locks away, Cry “truce,” and cast it off. I have no will To change mine armour for a masquer’s robe, And sit at festivals. Halt, lances, there! Warriors and brethren! hear. I own no truce— I hold my life but as a weapon now Against the infidel! He shall not reap His field, nor gather of his vine, nor pray To his false gods—no! save by trembling stealth, Whilst I can grasp a sword! Wherefore, noble friends, Think not of truce with me!—but think to quaff Your wine to the sound of trumpets, and to rest In your girt hauberks, and to hold your steeds Barded in the hall beside you. Now turn back, [He throws a spear on the ground before them. Ye that are weary of your armour’s load: Pass o’er the spear, away! They all shout. A Chatillon! We’ll follow thee—all! all! Rai. A soldier’s thanks! [Turns away from them agitated. There’s one face gone, and that a brother’s! (Aloud.) War!— War to the Paynim—war! March and set up On our stronghold the banner of the Cross, Never to sink! [Trumpets sound. They march on, winding through the rocks with military music. Enter Gaston, an aged vassal of Rainier’s, as an armed follower—Rainier addresses him. You come at last! And she—where left you her? The Paynim maid? Gas. I found her guides, my lord, Of her own race, and left her on the way To reach her father’s tents. Rai. Speak low!—the tale Must rest with us. It must be thought she died. I can trust you. Gas. Your father trusted me. Rai. He did, he did!—my father! You have been Long absent, and you bring a troubled eye Back with you. Gaston! heard you aught of him? Gas. Whom means my lord? Rai. (impatiently.) Old man, you know too well— Aymer, my brother. Gas. I have seen him. Rai. How! Seen him! Speak on. Gas. Another than my chief Should have my life before the shameful tale! Rai. Speak quickly. Gas. In the desert, as I journey’d back, A band of Arabs met me on the way, And I became their captive. Till last night— Rai. Go on! Last night? Gas. They slumber’d by their fires— I could not sleep; when one—I thought him one O’ the tribe at first—came up and loosed my bonds, And led me from the shadow of the tents, Pointing my way in silence. Rai. Well, and he— You thought him one o’ the tribe. Gas. Ay, till we stood In the clear moonlight forth;—and then, my lord—— Rai. You dare not say ’twas Aymer? Gas. Woe and shame! It was, it was! Rai. In their vile garb too? Gas. Yes, Turban’d and robed like them. Rai. What!—did he speak? Gas. No word, but waved his hand, Forbidding speech to me. Rai. Tell me no more!— Lost, lost—for ever lost! He that was rear’d Under my father’s roof with me, and grew Up by my side to glory!—lost! Is this My work?—who dares to call it mine? And yet, Had I not dealt so sternly with his soul In its deep anguish——What! he wears their garb I’ the face of heaven? You saw the turban on him? You should have struck him to the earth, and so Put out our shame for ever! Gas. Lift my sword Against your father’s son! Rai. My father’s son! Ay, and so loved!—that yearning love for him Was the last thing death conquer’d! See’st thou there? [The banner of the Cross is raised on the fortress. The very banner he redeem’d for us I’ the fight at Cairo! No! by yon bright sign, He shall not perish! This way—follow me— I’ll tell thee of a thought. (Suddenly stopping him.) Take heed, old man! Thou hast a fearful secret in thy grasp: Let me not see thee wear mysterious looks. But no! thou lovest our name!—I’ll trust thee, Gaston! [Exeunt.