Semiramis and Other Plays Part 53

He too heard shouts like those--saw fires ascend To write his triumph--ay--and he is cold-- Quite cold--shot dead.... Carlotta! prophetess!

I feel--I know--thy oracle's from G.o.d!

(Falls at the foot of the imperial chair)

(CURTAIN)

Scene II: Miramar. A balcony overlooking the sea. Lady Maria alone.

Mar. Here they went out together--arm in arm,-- Sweet, healing spirits to a bleeding land.

Down yonder terrace to the sea they pa.s.sed,-- He unto death, and she--to--(Sighs deeply)

Car. (Without) Cousin!

Mar. Ah!

(Turns smiling to greet Carlotta who enters carrying flowers)

So early out? What treasures have you there?

Car. The sweetest flowers that ever peeped up head.

They grow along the path in that dear wood Where Maximilian took me gypsying When we grew weary of the world.

Mar. I'm sure That was not often.

Car. True. We loved too well Our work among the people to hide ourselves In little corners of delight. But oh, those times!

How he would catch me as I ran and say His little wild-girl with her flower crown Was dearer than his princess ermine-gowned.

And so I'll wreathe these buds into my hair, And meet him as he loved me best.

(Goes to edge of the balcony and looks to sea)

To-day!

This blessed, beauteous day our eyes shall see him!

(Drops flowers in trance of happiness)

Mar. Sweet Empress--

Car. Empress? No! To-day I am His little wild-girl with her wreath of flowers.

O, I must make my crown! Now, now, how careless!

(Picks up flowers, sits and weaves them)

You see this flower?

Mar. 'Tis very beautiful.

What is it?

Car. I've seen it only in our wood.

Maximilian says it grows but for my hair. (Sings)

In a young, sweet hour of Spring I sat 'neath an old tree to sing Of love, only love!

The little brook took up my tune And to his soft green banks did croon, The green gra.s.s rippled to the tree And every leaf shook melody Of love, only love!

And then the birds that flitted by Told it the clouds that told the sky, And all the world to song did start With what I sang but to my heart!

Ay, all the world sang back to me A little maiden 'neath a tree Of love, only love!

(Puts down flowers and goes to Lady Maria)

Ah, cousin, do you think he'll be delayed?

Mar. Dear madam, I fear me so.

Car. These ships! these ships!

How slow their wings when they do bear our loved ones!

The wandering treasures of our empty arms!

The western waters must have sirens too, And will not let him pa.s.s.

Mar. Indeed they would not, Did they but know what majesty is in him.

Car. (Embracing her) O help me love him, dear. My heart's too small.

(Enter Count Charles)

Char. A message.

Car. Oh! a message! I do not want A message.

Char. The admiral of the port has word The Emperor's ship's delayed.

Car. Why, we'll not weep....

'Tis but a day.... (Goes forward, looking out) To-morrow, then--to-morrow!

(To Lady Maria) Why do you weep? A day's not worth a tear.

See, I can smile!... But my poor flowers will fade.

I plucked them all.... No more grow by the path....

(Suddenly) Cousin, why wear you black?

Mar. (Confused) I--madam--I--

Car. Such sable hues for this so rosy day?

Go dress your body like our happy hearts!

Dost think a coffin comes across the sea?

A coffin--(Shudders) Go! I can not bear this black!

(Exit Lady Maria)

I am displeased. Have I not reason, Charles?

'Twas very wrong of her to dress in black When Maximilian comes. I will go in.

I'm tired--but I am very happy. Ah! (Exit)