Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 14

Yea, Sire.

Teja.

They might have patience for a moment more.

Ildibad.

Yea, Sire.

Teja.

For I also have a wife.

Ildibad.

Yea, verily, Sire.

[_Exit_.]

_THIRTEENTH SCENE_.

TEJA. BALTHILDA.

Balthilda.

Teja, beloved, what happeneth to thee?

Teja.

(_Remains standing before her and takes her head in his hands_.) To me, it is as if in this hour we had strayed hand in hand through a whole world of joy and sorrow. That disappeareth--all disappeareth. I am again the--I was--nay, I am not he.--But be thou high above all the women, the Queen ... Wilt thou?

Balthilda.

Sire, what dost thou require of me?

Teja.

Thou wilt not entreat and wilt not cry out?

Balthilda.

Nay, Sire.

Teja.

The day draweth nigh. Before us standeth death.

Balthilda.

Sire, I understand thee not. None can attack us, and until the ships come----

Teja.

The ships come never more.

(Balthilda _strokes herself on the cheeks, and then stands motionless_.)

Teja.

But we men are going forth upon the field, to fight.

Balthilda.

That can ye not do--that is surely--impossible.

Teja.

We must. Art thou the Queen, and perceivest not that we must?

Balthilda.

Yea--I--per--ceive--it.

Teja.

The King fights in the foremost rank, and we shall see each other no more alive.... Knowest thou that?

Balthilda.

Yea, I know it!... (_Silence. They look at each other_.)

Teja.

Thy blessing will I have upon the way. (_He sinks on his knees before her; she lays her hands upon his head, bends down to him, trembling, and kisses him on the forehead_.)

Teja.

(_Springs up and tears back the curtain_.) Enter, who waiteth there!

_FOURTEENTH SCENE_.

THE SAME. AMALABERGA, EURIC, AGILA, ATHANARIC, THEODEMIR, _and other leaders_.

Amalaberga.

King, I sent my child to thee.... I hear ye men have to act.... Give her again to me.