More, Camarin of Paphos, than is clear!
[Starts up.
And she must tell me! (Sees Vittia.) Lady, you I mean.
[Vittia advances inquiringly.
What is beyond this shame upon Yolanda?
Vittia. My lord – ?
Amaury. What! It is moving in me clouded,
Deeper than sight but pressing at my peace.
My father's look! you saw it!
Vittia. Ah!
Amaury. And saw
Fear in my mother!
Vittia. Yes, implanted deep.
Amaury. And did not wonder?
Vittia (sits). When I knew its source?
No need, my lord – though your pang too I marked —
For, trust me, ere to-morrow all will cease —
If you are firm.
Amaury. I? who know nought? In what?
Vittia. That do not ask, I pray. (Deftly.) Another could
Fitly reply, but I —
Amaury. No other better!
Vittia. Then … it will cease, my lord —
So as a flail of doubt it should not still
Beat in you – when Yolanda
Is wed with Camarin … no, do not speak;
The reason for your sake I must withhold.
Amaury. Though as under sirocco I am kept.
[Sits.
Sirocco!.. It is unintelligible!
[Rises. A pause.
Yet you speak gently.
Vittia. No; unblushingly!
[He looks surprised.
Unblushingly to one who knows – though by
A chance – my love to him – my lowered love.
[Turns away.
And yet I cannot rue
That he awaking sudden from the potion
Surprised yearning and truth upon my lips.
No, and I would that gentle words might be
As waters of enchantment on his grief. —
But of Yolanda —
[Rises.
Amaury. Still I love her, still!
Vittia (strainedly). As well she knows, so may refuse to wed
With Camarin.
Amaury. She?
Vittia. Since you are Lusignan,
Heir of a sceptred line,