Yolanda. On – whom?
Hassan (points castlewards). On him!
So you, who do not hush this tale of you,
Though it is truthless – hear:
I have a stab for Camarin of Paphos
Whenever he has lived – but say! – too long.
Yolanda (who has listened rigidly. After a pause).
Come here … look in my eyes, and – deeper… Shame!
[Quells him.
Pity alone we owe to sin not blame.
And they who love may stray, it seems, beyond
All justice of our judging. —
Is evil mad enchantment come upon
The portals of this castle?
Hassan. I would serve you.
Yolanda. With murder? no. But if you would indeed,
As oft you have —
Hassan. Lady, I will.
Yolanda. Then watch
The Venetian, and when Amaury comes
Find me at once. What sound was that?.. A bugle?
It is! it is! Alessa! (Overjoyed.) Do you hear?
His troop! Amaury's! O the silver chime!
Again I breathe, I breathe!
My heart as a bird of May!
Amaury!.. Come! we'll go to him! we'll go!
Before any within Lusignan – !
Alessa. Lady!
Yolanda. At once! it rings again! again! we'll go!
Alessa. And tell him?
Yolanda. Warn! Warn him a fever's here
That he must fend his ear from. 'Twill suffice.
And I again shall see him, hear him speak,
Hang on his battle-story blessedly!
And you, Hassan… But why do you stand stone?
You know something… He's dead!
Hassan. No, lady, no.
Yolanda. Not? ah! … then what? 'Twas not his trumpet?
Hassan (after a struggle). No.
And I will lie to you no longer;
Though for obedience it be or life;
And at lord Renier's command… It is
Not true that lord Amaury from the battle
Has not returned.
Yolanda. But he – you mean – is here?
[Stands motionless.
Hassan. He came … on yesterday … at dusk. Was led
Up to his chamber…
So much lord Renier who slipt him in
Revealed, that I might guile you.