Part 2 / Act 5 — Scene I.—A Hall in the Fortress occupied by De Chatillon’s followers.

Her. No more soft strains of love. Good Vidal, sing The imprison’d warrior’s lay. There’s a proud tone Of lofty sadness in it. Troubadour sings. ’Twas a trumpet’s pealing sound! And the knight look’d down from the Paynim’s tower, And a Christian host in its pride and power Through the pass beneath him wound. “Cease awhile, clarion! clarion, wild and shrill. Cease! let them hear the captive’s voice—be still! “I knew ’twas a trumpet’s note! And I see my brethren’s lances gleam, And their pennons wave by the mountain-stream, And their plumes to the glad wind float. “Cease awhile, clarion! &c. “I am here with my heavy chain! And I look on a torrent sweeping by, And an eagle rushing to the sky, And a host to its battle-plain! Cease awhile, clarion! &c. “Must I pine in my fetters here? With the wild wave’s foam, and the free bird’s flight, And the tall spears glancing on my sight, And the trumpet in mine ear? Cease awhile, clarion!” &c.[289] Aymer enters hurriedly. Aym. Silence, thou minstrel! silence! Her. Aymer, here! And in that garb! Seize on the renegade! Knights he must die! Aym. (scornfully.) Die! die!—the fearful threat! To be thrust out of this same blessed world, Your world—all yours! (Fiercely.) But I will not be made A thing to circle with your pomps of death, Your chains, and guards, and scaffolds! Back! I’ll die As the free lion dies! [Drawing his sabre. Her. What seek’st thou here? Aym. Naught but to give your Christian swords a deed Worthier than——Where’s your chief? in the Paynim’s bonds! Made the wild Arabs’ prize! Ay, heaven is just! If ye will rescue him, then follow me: I know the way they bore him! Her. Follow thee! Recreant! deserter of thy house and faith! To think true knights would follow thee again! ’Tis all some snare—away! Aym. Some snare! Heaven! heaven! Is my name sunk to this? Must men first crush My soul, then spurn the ruin they have made? —Why, let him perish!—blood for blood!—must earth Cry out in vain? Wine, wine! we’ll revel here! On, minstrel, with thy song! Troubadour continues the song. “They are gone—they have all pass’d by! They in whose wars I had borne my part, They that I loved with a brother’s heart, They have left me here to die! Sound again, clarion! clarion, pour thy blast! Sound, for the captive’s dream of hope is past!” Aym. (starting up.) That was the lay he loved in our boyish days— And he must die forsaken! No, by heaven! He shall not! Follow me! I say your chief Is bought and sold! Is there no generous trust Left in your souls? De Foix, I saved your life At Ascalon! Du Mornay, you and I On Jaffa’s wall together set our breasts Against a thousand spears! What! have I fought Beside you, shared your cup, slept in your tents, And ye can think—— [Dashing off his turban. Look on my burning brow! Read if there’s falsehood branded on it—read The marks of treachery there! Knights, (gathering round him.) No, no! come on! To the rescue! lead us on! we’ll trust thee still! Aym. Follow, then!—this way. If I die for him, There will be vengeance! He shall think of me To his last hour! [Exeunt.