Georgian Poetry 1913-15 Part 4

[GONERIL takes the cup and, supporting HYGD lets her drink.]

Goneril:

There is too little here. When was it made?

Hygd:

Yester-eve ... Yester-morn ...

Goneril:

Unhappy mother, You have no daughter to take thought for you-- No servant's love to shame a daughter with, Though I am shamed--you must have other food, Straightway I bring you meat ...

Hygd:

It is no use ...

Plenish the cup for me ... Not now, not now, But in a while; for I am heavy now ...

Old Wynoc's potions loiter in my veins, And tides of heaviness pour over me Each time I wake and think. I could sleep now.

Goneril:

Then I shall lull you, as you once lulled me.

[Seating herself on the bed, she sings.]

The owlets in roof-holes Can sing for themselves; The smallest brown squirrel Both scampers and delves; But a baby does nothing-- She never knows how-- She must hark to her mother Who sings to her now.

Sleep then, ladykin, peeping so; Hide your handies and ley lei lo.

[She bends over HYGD and kisses her; they laugh softly together. LEAR parts the curtains of the door at the back, stands there a moment, then goes away noiselessly.]

The lish baby otter Is sleeky and streaming, With catching bright fishes Ere babies learn dreaming; But no wet little otter Is ever so warm As the fleecy-wrapt baby 'Twixt me and my arm.

Sleep big mousie...

Hygd (suddenly irritable):

Be quiet ... I cannot bear it.

[She turns her head away from GONERIL and closes her eyes.]

[As GONERIL watches her in silence GORMFLAITH enters by the door beyond the bed. She is young and tall and fresh-coloured; her red hair coils and crisps close to her little head, showing its shape. Her movements are soft and unhurried; her manner is quiet and ingratiating and a little too agreeable; she speaks a little too gently.]

Goneril (meeting her near the door and speaking in a low voice):

Why did you leave the Queen? Where have you been?

Why have you so neglected this grave duty?

Gormflaith:

This is the instant of my duty, Princess: From midnight until now was Merryn's watch.

I thought to find her here: is she not here?

[HYGD turns to look at the speakers; then, turning back, closes her eyes again and lies as if asleep.]

Goneril:

I found the Queen alone. I heard her cry your name.

Gormflaith:

Your anger is not too great, Madam; I grieve That one so old as Merryn should act thus-- So old and trusted and favoured, and so callous.

Goneril:

The Queen has had no food since yester-night.

Gormflaith:

Madam, that is too monstrous to conceive: I will seek food. I will prepare it now.

Goneril:

Stay here: and know, if the Queen is left again, You shall be beaten with two rods at once.

[She picks up the cup and goes out by the door beyond the bed.]

[GORMFLAITH turns the chair a little away from the bed so that she can watch the jar door, and, seating herself, draws a letter from her bosom.]

Gormflaith (to herself, reading):

"Open your window when the moon is dead, And I will come again.