Yolanda. While to me
The shame is left, and silence – no defence,
When it is told Amaury, "See her you
Blest with betrothal and the boon of faith,
Chose as the planet-mate of your proud star!
While, in the battle,
You with the weal of Cyprus on your brow
Dared momently peril,
We found her"… Ah, the memory is fire! —
I will not bear it.
Camarin. Then how? what?.. You must.
Though for your suffering I am pitiful,
You must!
[Takes her wrist.
For to one thing, one only now I'm bent —
That Berengere be saved.
Berengere. To-day … no more.
Camarin. Suspicion and the peril-feet of shame
I must keep from her still.
Yolanda. Though driven o'er
My heart they trample the lone flower of hope.
[Shaking off his hand, then, unnaturally wrought up.
And even now perhaps Amaury hears
And turns away in horror!
Camarin. What? Come, come.
Enough is here without —
Yolanda (as before). I'll go to him!
Despite of them! in to his side and say
That I am innocent – as the first dawn
And dew of Eden!.. Yes!
Camarin. A frenzy! Mere
Folly! you wander!
Yolanda (suddenly). That was anguish? whose?
[Is hauntedly listening.
Camarin. Amaury still is many leagues away —
[Hassan appears.
At Keryneia! Do you hear me?
Yolanda. Hassan!
[Is numb as he hurries down from the castle to her. A pause; then her voice falls hoarsely.
I hear you, speak. His wounds I know. The rest!
They've told him?
Hassan. The Venetian, who nursed him
Last night, pouring his potions —
She and lord Renier. They broke his sleep.
He listened to them as one in a grave.
Then they besought of him
Some oath against you, were they right: he would not.
Now he has risen,
Silent and pale and suffering; in leash.
He's coming here.