Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 13

But wilt thou not also drink?

Teja.

Ah, surely! Bring me only the milk jar! Bring me only the milk jar....

Thou knowest the one that Ildibad told us of.

Balthilda (_who has walked across_).

Is this the one?

Teja (_rising_).

That is indeed it. But thou also must drink.

Balthilda.

Is it fitting so?

Teja.

I know not. It should be!

Balthilda.

So be it, then. (_She drinks and shakes with laughter_.) Ugh! That hath a bad taste.

Teja.

Give it to me. (_He drinks_.) Nay! (_He drinks again_.) Go!... Art thou then such a despiser of nourishment?... Yea, who art thou then? And how comest thou hither? And just what wilt thou of me?

Balthilda.

I will love thee!

Teja.

Thou--my wife! Thou ... (_They fly into one another's arms. Softly_.) And wilt thou not kiss me?

(Balthilda _shakes her head, ashamed_.)

Teja.

Why not?

(Balthilda _again shakes her head_.)

Teja.

Yet tell me, why not?

Balthilda.

I will tell thee in thine ear.

Teja.

Well?

Balthilda.

Thou hast a downy beard.[1]

Teja.

(_Wipes his month in terror, then in a.s.sumed anger_.) What have I?

Knowest thou not who I am? How then dost thou suffer thyself to tell thy King he--say it yet once more! I will but see.

Balthilda (_laughing_).

A--downy--beard.

Teja (_laughing_).

Now, wait!

_TWELFTH SCENE_.

THE SAME. ILDIBAD.

Ildibad.

Sire, thou calledst? (_He stands rigid with astonishment, and is about to retire silently_.)

Teja.

(_Collects himself abruptly. He appears to wake out of a dream. His manners and bearing revert to the gloomy energy which previously had the ascendency_.) Stop, stay, what happens without?

Ildibad.

The warriors return from the Wagenburg, sire, and most of the wives come with them.

Teja.

Are the leaders a.s.sembled?

Ildibad.