The Mortal Gods and Other Plays Part 87

_Vig._ Get you within.

[_Exeunt Barca and Ramunin, left_]

Now, sister-- What, do you faint?

_Ard._ That face! Ramunin's face.

I saw it once, and shuddered many a day Remembering it. The public crucifier, Who serves the b.l.o.o.d.y prince of Antioch.

The same. What does he here upon this day Of all the days of time?

_Vig._ 'Tis by your wish That Kidmir gates are open.

_Ard._ And by yours.

_Vig._ Ay, let the world be witness you are made The honored bride of Suli.

_Ard._ But Ramunin?

He said the cross was bare. Why such a jest As horrid as his life? [_Looking out_] And all the knights That were to come from Oswald--where are they?

_Vig._ They drank too deep last night for journeying Up Kidmir road--or else they dare not cross This outraged portal.

_Ard._ Have we not forgiven?

Ah, what is there? Look, Vigard, do you see?

A floating crescent!

_Vig._ Where?

_Ard._ O'er Suli tower.

O, this is Oswald's greeting to our house, Better than any band of armed knights!

He lifts the Prophet's banner to his towers, Even as you set the Savior's crucifix On Kidmir! Now the one eternal G.o.d Lives in his sign when cross and crescent smile Love-set in the same heaven!

_Vig._ Allah be praised!

_Ard._ And Christ--forget not Christ!

_Vig._ We'll make an end now.

[_Exit, right_]

_Ard._ An end? Am I a bride--or sacrifice?

[_Goes in, right, at sound of approaching music. Enter, left, young musicians playing flutes and harps. They pause before altar, cross to right and seat themselves about Ardia's door. Guests enter, filling rear of hall, and parapet. A maiden comes on, dancing the grain-dance and scattering sesame. At the close of dance, Ardia's maidens enter, each bearing a lighted candle which she places on the altar. A Greek chant is heard as priest approaches left. All wait his entrance, and the curtain falls, rising again on the close of the ceremony. Bertrand and Ardia stand centre. An aged priest at altar. Biondel and Banissat conspicuous among the guests. Vigard not seen_]

_Bion._ Is all now done?

_Priest._ All's done. The spouse of Suli May bow herself unto her master's feet, Bespeaking so the love that has no wish But service, no desire save her lord's will.

[_As Ardia would kneel, Bertrand prevents her_]

_Ber._ You shall not kneel.

_Ard._ 'Tis custom, dear my lord.

_Ber._ Then here it dies.

_Ard._ My mother did so much For him who made her wife.

_Ber._ Thy knees shall bend To G.o.d, and to none less. Reign at my side, Princess of Suli, not my feet.

_Bion._ We hail The bride of Suli!

_Guests._ Bride of Suli, hail!

_Vig._ [_Unseen_] Ho! Seize the traitor! Ho!

[_Enter Ramunin, right, and armed guards_]

_Ber._ Who speaks? And who Is traitor here?

_Vig._ Thou, foulest murderer!

_Ber._ Who speaks?

_Vig._ Dead Charilus.

_Ard._ 'Tis Vigard's voice.

[_Vigard steps forth_]

What, Vigard, art thou mad? Wouldst shatter the globe Of Heaven?

_Vig._ Nay, it was broken that same hour When died our father.

_Ber._ Son of Charilus, speak Your will. If you demand my life, 'tis yours.

I hold it by your gentle lease and love.

But while I ask not one poor breath for me, I beg you pause, nor cast the innocent To feed the vengeful and life-reaping fire Oswald will kindle for his hapless son.

_Vig._ You think no fires will burn but of his kindling?

_Ard._ O shame! The crescent over Suli greets The cross on Kidmir!

_Vig._ Ay, the crescent flies From Suli, thanks to faithful Moslem hands That set it there.

_Ard._ Ah.... Moslem hands?

_Vig._ You fool, To think that Oswald fluttered compliments, When he was dreaming how he'd bid you drink Of that same cup he gave to Charilus!

_Ban._ Now, dearest lady, you are safe. To-day The Faithful battled with the infidel, And that bright crescent is the silent sign We have the victory. Ramoor and Ilon With pointed sword bore down on either side The glutted, drunken army, while in front Avesta like a whirlwind swept----

_Ard._ O, traitor!

You vowed unbroken peace with Suli!

_Ban._ Yea, Will keep it too, for I am Suli now.

_Ard._ [_To her brothers_] Were you not sworn to Christ?