The Mortal Gods and Other Plays Part 86

_Ber._ He vows An endless peace with Suli.

_Ard._ And you are Suli.

Why am I fearful, knowing doubt is death?

_Ber._ Come, love, look down--nay, farther, toward the sea.

That sprawling ma.s.s that darkens now the plain, Seeming to hugely breathe and cloud-like move, Is Oswald's army making feast to-day, For I, the prince, go wiving. Now I seem To hear our names joined high in Heaven's air.

And Christ, too, listens smiling, knowing one land, One throne is his forever. Sweet, 'twas he Drew me from sheltered cell and flowered garth To be his sovereign servant. He it was Who called through you, who cried in Charilus' death To wake my soul that shall not sleep again Till Love has garnered all these eastern lands.

_Ard._ Amen, my husband-knight! I am content To be your love next Christ. Within your heart.

'Twill be sweet, gleaning where he walks before.

_Ber._ These words be your sole dower, for they hold More sun for me than shining gold!

_Ard._ The guests!

Do you not hear them? Leave me now, my lord.

_Ber._ Thank patience and my stars, we reach the end Of these stale ceremonies! Seven days Of long, superfluous rites to make you mine When our first kiss did wed us!

_Ard._ [_Mocking_] So ungentle To your proud honors, sir? Nay, it is fit Your wedding be as famous as your name, O, Prince of Suli!

[_Voices heard, left_]

Go, to come again!

[_Exit Bertrand, right. Ardia turns to enter her room and faces Vigard who comes on left. She draws her veil_]

_Vig._ Stay, sister.

_Ard._ Would you have me seen?

_Vig._ [_Throws back her veil_] Art fair Again? As Kidmir skies!

_Ard._ It is my joy.

[_Enter left, Biondel, Banissat, and lords. Banissat pauses. The others pa.s.s off, right_]

_Vig._ [_Taking Ardia'a hand to detain her_]

We have surprised our sister.

_Ban._ Blest the hour!

Now may I lay this gift within her hand-- Poor gift, that has no worth until that hand Caresses it to splendor.

[_Kneels, offering her a small packet_]

_Ard._ [_Taking packet_] Courteous prince, My thanks. And more than thanks that you should climb Kidmir's uneasy steep to dearly grace This day--for smiles of friends, more than fair gifts, Do best adorn my bridal. [_Draws her veil and moves right_]

_Ban._ Night is come.

And through her mist the stars! [_Exit Ardia_]

_Vig._ Her bloom is washed Somewhat with tears for Charilus, but she Will flower again.

_Ban._ Now by the Prophet's soul He who has kissed her lips had better've kissed A flame of h.e.l.l than so have touched What shall be mine!

_Vig._ As thou dost love revenge, Be patient.

_Ban._ Patience to the ox, to beasts That dream 'twixt cud and whip! Am I not man?

_Vig._ You have endured, by truth.

_Ban._ Endured!

_Vig._ And now Revenge! Ere night yon braggart cross shall bear A burden that will start Earl Oswald's eyes When he looks up from Suli plain.

_Ban._ This day Shall see it! Come, once more let us look down.

See where the hosts of Allah charge upon The sottish infidel! All yet is well.

The banner o'er Avesta signals still The Prophet wins!

_Vig._ And when the tower of Suli Gleams with the hoisted crescent, we shall know Oswald is taken.

_Ban._ Ha! There's no way out!

The powers of Ilon, Avesta, and Ramoor, Pen him in b.l.o.o.d.y triangle. Old rat, You're in the trap! I should be there, not here,-- There at his throat----

_Vig._ Nay, here, my lord, you'll have Your dearest triumph. Please you now, go in.

I'll watch here for the sign.

_Ban._ Your watch be short.

[_Exit, right. Re-enter Ardia_]

_Ard._ [_Holding out a flaming ornament_] Brother, see this!

The jewel of the house Of Banissat. 'Tis sacred to his name.

I cannot take it, and he dare not give it.

_Vig._ It seems he dared.

_Ard._ What does he mean, dear Vigard?

_Vig._ To honor Suli's princess as most fit.

_Ard._ I tremble still from his deep look of fire, And when I saw this burn methought his eye Was yet upon me.

_Vig._ Fool, go to your maidens!

[_Enter Barca, left, with Ramunin_]

_Vig._ You're late, my man.

_Ram._ And yet in season, sir. [_Points up the heights_]

The cross is bare.