O'er all the whispered nights that we have clasped
Knowing the heights and all the deeps of passion!
But speak, and we shall be amid the stars.
[Renier draws a dagger and leaves the grating. With a low cry Yolanda staggers down: the Two rise, fearful.
Berengere. Yolanda!
Yolanda. Mother, mother!.. Ah, his eyes!
Berengere. What brings you here – to spy upon me?
Yolanda. Listen!..
Think not of me – no, hush – but of the peril
Arisen up… Your husband!
Camarin. Renier?
Yolanda. Was at that grating – heard. And from its sheath
Drew forth a dagger! – Ah!
Berengere (weakly). What does she say?
Yolanda. Find calmness now, and some expedient.
[She struggles to think.
Berengere. I cannot die.
Yolanda. No, no.
Berengere. My flesh is weak,
Is poor of courage – poverished by guilt,
As all my soul is! But, Yolanda, you – !
Yolanda. Yes, something must be done – something be done.
[Camarin goes to the curtains and returns.
Berengere. The shame … the shame … the shame!
Yolanda. There yet is time.
Berengere. You can deliver! you are innocent.
Yolanda. Perhaps. Let me but think. – He came —
Berengere. You see?
There is escape? a way from it?
Yolanda. Perhaps.
He came after your words … yes … could not see
Here in the dimness … but has only heard
Sir Camarin…
Berengere. I do not know!
Yolanda. Go, in …
Up to your chamber and be as asleep.
There is a way – I think – dim, but a way.
Go to your chamber; for there yet may be
Prevention!
Berengere. I – yes, yes.
Yolanda. There is a way.
[Berengere goes.
Strength now to walk it! strength unfaltering.
Camarin. What do you purpose?
Yolanda. Here to take her place,
Here at the lowest of her destiny.
Camarin. I do not understand.
Yolanda. But wholly shall.
Clasp me within your arms; he must believe
'Tis I and not his wife you have unhallowed,