Vittia.Smarda——Smarda(springing up). Lady...your slave!Vittia.I think you are.Think that you are—if ever the leopard yields.Smarda.To you, lady? A-ha! let him refuse.Command!Vittia.And you will heed it well; I fear not.But first I have thought of requital.Smarda(avidly).Ouie!Vittia.Those amulets you wear, of jade and sard—Smarda(quickly dark). Are for revenge—to bring revenge!Vittia.And fromYour Scythian home, over the hated sea,They came with you.Smarda.Yes.Vittia.From the home whence youWere torn by the Moor who was your one-time master.Is it not so?Smarda.The spirits strangle him![Works at the charms.Vittia.Well, if I win to-night what is begunYou shall not want, to-morrow,Gold for a weightier witchery upon him.[The slave's eyes gleam.But listen, every sinew will be neededStill to achieve this wedding, though we haveCamarin with us, willing. So I've learnedA ship has come from Venice.Smarda(quickly).Pietro?Vittia.Yes, Pietro, it must be, has arrivedWith papers that will help.Smarda.Ha! Fortune's touch!Vittia.It is, but tardy. Therefore I must haveThem instantly.Smarda.Ere he has time, lady,To vaunt his loves, in Lusignan, and babble.Vittia.As, wooing dolt, he will. But see to it.I shall be in this place with lord Amaury,Whom I must...but no matter.He left me suddenly a season sinceSeeing his father look strangely uponHis mother; for lord Renier's doubt I stillHave been compelled to feed—to move Yolanda.Here in this place then I shall be, at need.[She goes engrossedly.Smarda(recalling the pledge; evilly). A-ha! ha-ha! ha-ha! if she but win!A talisman with might upon the Moor![Begins to dance—a charm held up before her.If she but win! a-ha! a curse on him![Whirls faster with a wild grace, swaying to and fro, and chanting softly the while, till suddenly a laugh in the corridor stops her, andPietrois heard through the curtains adoringCiva,who pushes him into the Hall, then runs away laughing.Pietro(after her). Hold, fair one! Stay! You look on PietroOf Venice! Pietro!Smarda(to herself). A-ha...ha-ha!Pietro(turning). It is the slave! (Grandly.) I greet you, slave.Smarda.Greeting!Pietro.I, Pietro, who, as you know, am soughtBy all the loveliestAttending on the lords and high of Venice.Smarda.So!...So!Pietro."The gentle Pietro," they say.You may remember.Smarda.So.Pietro."Proud Pietro!"And then they sigh.Smarda.So.Pietro.Then they weep and pine—"For Pietro"—until I must console them.Smarda(going to where he poses; contemptuously).And for all this, O prince of paramours,[Spurns him.My lady no doubt has bid you to sail from Venice?Pietro.Eh?Smarda.Eh! And she will hear no doubt with loveThat you delay the powers of the SenateSent in your keeping to her?Pietro.Slave!...(alarmed) the papers?Smarda.With love and with delight? since she awaits them?With joy? When told your amorous mouthings yonder?Pietro.Slave, she must never! You will take them to her![Fumbles for papers.In to her...quickly!...Dear slave, you will—and say if she inquireThat I was led astrayBy the little Cyprian with guiling eyesWho fell enamoured of me at the gate.Smarda.Civa!Pietro.The same! I sought to run away,[Still searching.O slave, say to her, but I could not for—For—for a lady by the marble knight,That is, by the fountain, swooned, as I came in.And then—Smarda.Swooned!Pietro.As I came!Smarda(a-quiver).Beside the fount?Who? which? lady Yolanda? lady Berengere?[He stares at her ardour.Did no one say?...My mistress must know this!The papers, quickly!Pietro.Slave, you——! By my sins![She has seized them swiftly, and gone. He follows amazed. Then sunset begins without, crimson and far; andAmauryappears from the loggia, reckless and worn. He pauses, looks about him, troubled.Amaury.Not here yet....There is more in this than seems.[Goes to divan and sits.Vittiaenters behind.More, Camarin of Paphos, than is clear![Starts up.And she must tell me! (SeesVittia.) Lady, you I mean.[Vittiaadvances 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 sawFear 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 couldFitly reply, but I——Amaury.No other better!Vittia.Then...it will cease, my lord—So as a flail of doubt it should not stillBeat in you—when YolandaIs 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 byA chance—my love to him—my lowered love.[Turns away.And yet I cannot rueThat he awaking sudden from the potionSurprised yearning and truth upon my lips.No, and I would that gentle words might beAs 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 wedWith Camarin.Amaury.She?Vittia.Since you are Lusignan,Heir of a sceptred line,And yet may reach—the realm.Amaury(pierced).Which...do you mean,She hopes of?Vittia.Were it folly to make sure?[A pause.Amaury.How? speak.Vittia.Again unshameful? No; one thingAlone would serve you. That I must not bringMy tongue to falter.Amaury.Be it so.Vittia.And yet...[He has turned away.Yet I must bend to! and, my lord, I will!Will...for you suffer!Will, though indelicacy seem to soilWhatever bloom I boasted.[Goes to him.It is this:To let her...but for to-day...Think you...for she's aware of my affection...Have chosen—to wed me.Amaury.You!Vittia.For to-day.To-morrow I return to Venice, thenDenial.Amaury(moved). Lady—?Vittia.I will bear it.Amaury....Thus?[Struggles.Then it shall be. And grateful I'll awaitThe issue's utterance. And stay, wear this—[Takes off a ring.From her dead father's hand—As a proof to her of any tie soever.But now—for the sails make home along the sea—Now of my mother.Vittia.More, my lord?[Smardaglides in.Amaury.This only.To-morrow when again she...Scythian![The slave is gleaming strangely.Vittia.Smarda! what do you mean? why are you here?[Sees papers; takes them.These—but not these alone have brought you! What?[FollowsSmarda'seye.Of lord Amaury?Smarda.Of his mother.Vittia.How!Smarda.She swooned of terror at the castle gate.She lies in danger. Hear—'twas as she fledThe lord of Lusignan.Amaury.My father?Smarda.He.And you are sought below, I heard it said:Some officer of Famagouste—-and men.[Amauryturns dazed and goes.Vittia(through a surge of thoughts that have darkened her face).This is again fortune!...fortune!Smarda.Lady?Vittia.Is! though an instant since it seemed disaster.Smarda.And how?Vittia.Yolanda, does not know? nothing?Smarda.Nothing. She was returning from the rocks,Where nest the windy gulls,[Gloatingly.As I came hither, I stole there at noonTo see her suffer.Vittia.Then—I can compel her.She will come here. Go to the curtains, see.If she is near, the Paphian is inThe bower by the cypress: there, tell him,The loggia—at once....Ah!Yolandaenters.Yolanda(to herself)."Ah" indeed.[Her look of purpose changes to one of distrust. But she firmly fronts toVittia,as the slave slips out.Vittia.My gratitude! I wished, and you are here.Yolanda.And—for some reason of less honour—you.Vittia.I, a dear guest? fa!Yolanda.Would you were!...not oneThis ne'er-before-envenomed air would banish.[Slowly.One whose abidingThese walls would loathe aloud—had they a tongueTo utter.Vittia.Yet I may be mistress of them.Ere all is done—since still it is my purpose.Yolanda.Gulfs wide as the hate of God for infamyWould lie preventing; so there is no fear.[Sits.Vittia.A prophesy!Yolanda.A deeper than disdain.Vittia.Or than your love of Camarin of Paphos!Yolanda.Which you would feign, but cannot.Vittia.Still, beforeEvening is done, you will become his wife.Yolanda.If, ere it come, all under LusignanDo not look scorn on Vittia Pisani.[Rises.Vittia.What! how?Yolanda.Plentiful scorn! (With joy.) A thing may stillBe done to lift my hope out of this ruin!To bring Amaury grateful to my feet!And I will do it.Vittia.Tell?...vowing him firstTo win his father's lenience?...No...I see!You will when she who's guiltyAnd this enamoured Paphian are fled![Yolandaturns pale.When they are fled! ha....And it is too late.Yolanda.Too—? (stunned). You by a trick—some trick have—!Vittia.Hindered? LittleI needed....Her wings are flightless. She is ill,Verging—go learn!—to death.Yolanda.Oh...!Vittia.To the grave.And you alone, she knows, can put it far—Since she is numbed and drainedMomently by the terror of her husband,Whose every pulse seems to her a suspicion.Yolanda.And it is you...you who have urged againHis doubt that would have sunk!Vittia.It was enoughMerely to sigh—and fear her innocenceCan only seem simple as dew againIf you wed freely Camarin of Paphos.Yolanda.And that you could! though in her heart remorseTrampled and tore!Though with the wounds of battle he you "love"Is livid still.Vittia.And grieves?—Be comforted!Forheis—now security has come.[Shows the ring;Yolandafalls back.Asheis, do not fear.Yolanda.Amaury!...Oh!My father's gift—so desecrated? So?—Ah, you are merciless!Vittia.Only awareHow to compel your pity to my ends;For you will spare his mother.Yolanda.Yielding—still,And past all season of recovery?Shattering love for ever at my feet?No, you are duped. For empty, cold are the veinsNow of submission in me; numb and deadThe pleading of it. And upon you, back,I cast the burden of your cruelty.[Slowly.And—if she dies in terror of the lipsOf Renier Lusignan—on your peaceThe guilt be!Vittia.Fa.Yolanda.The heaping mass of horror!Vittia(moved). Liar, on her own; for she has sinned.Yolanda.And suffered!But you——Vittia.I say her own. I've done no crime.And you will wed him.Yolanda.Or,...Venetian—Wed you to Remorse!For there at the gates that guard your rest you hearDim now the risen phantom cries of it,The presage beat of them like hungry handsThat will o'erwhelm you!All that I could to spare her I have done;All that was duty and of love the most.But you it was who struck and kindled firstWithin lord Renier fire of suspicion.And you it is—Since in the worst that live there yet is heaven!—Must null his doubt and ease the sobbing ebbAnd flood of her sick spirit; you who mustGo to his fear and with persuasion sayThat it is folly of him and of youSo to suspect her, since in Camarin'sArms I was found. You will!Vittia.And—then go pray?[Draws out the papers scornfully.Rather I'll bring you this:—AuthoritySent me of VeniceTo make Amaury lordly over Cyprus,Or to abase him even of Famagouste;Which I will do—[Goes to her.Unless I have the pledge that you will wed,Though not to be his wife and free to leave him,This Paphian,And with him from Lusignan hence will pass.[Camarinappears on loggia.And he has come now for your answer.Yolanda.Here!In league with you! in this!Vittia.Most loyally;And ready skilfully to disavow,With every force, your innocence—if youAttempt betrayal!—Enter, my lord of Paphos—I have spoken.[Camarinenters desperately.But she has pledged no further—though the lifeOf Berengere Lusignan fall for it,And though Amaury....But you may avail.[Moves off.Yolandastands silently between them.Camarinlooks at her, falters, then turns onVittia.Camarin.As an anchorite covets, Venetian,Immortal calm, I crave and covet this!Yet...I will not entreat it of her more.Vittia.What!Camarin.Fate may fall. I swore in dread, but will not!Yolanda(low). Madonna!Vittia.You refuse?Yolanda.He does.Vittia.The whole?Yolanda.Lady of Venice, yes; for very shame![With deep joy.Bitterly tho' it be, he must, for shame!For though he would waste the air of the world to keepThe breath still in the veinsOf her his love so wronged,He cannot ask me more than breast can bear—Knowing I have already borne for herInfection worse than fetid marshes sendFrom Mesaoria—Have lost the sky of love that I had archedAnd all the stars of it. See, he is dumb!—He cannot.Camarin(coldly). No; but to your heart I leave herAnd to your pity.Yolanda.Say not pity to me![The word overwhelms her anew.Am I not needy, fain of it, and canEndurance ever dure!What have I left ...Of joy to ripple in me or of lightTo sway me to forgetting—I to whomDawn was enchanted incense once, and day,The least of earth, an ides of heaven bliss.What to me left! to me!Who shepherded each happy flock of wavesRunning with silvery foaming there to shore,Who numbered the little leaves with laughing namesOut of my love,And quickened the winds with quicker winds of hope,That now are spent...as summer waters,Leaving my breast a torrent's barren bed.Pity and pity! ever pity! No.[EnterHassan.A nun to pity I will be no more.But you, cruel Venetian....Ah, ah,Mother of God! is there no gentlenessIn thee to move her and dissolve awayThis jeopardy congealing over us?[A pause.Vittia.You see, none.Yolanda.Ah, for sceptre and for mightThen to compel you.Vittia.Still, there is none.Yolanda.None....[Sinks to a seat in despair.Yet could I think!Hassan.Lady Yolanda—[Advances.Yolanda.WereMy brain less weary!Hassan.Lady Yolanda—Yolanda.Well?Hassan.There is a means—a might.Yolanda.Well?[Is half heedless.Hassan.To compel her.Yolanda.To...what?Hassan.If you will dare it.Yolanda.Will—?[Rises.Hassan.I swear.Yolanda.Your thought! I have no fear.Hassan.Then...let me butSeize her and shut her fast an hour withinThe leprous keep, and she shall write whate'erYou order; then upon a vessel quickBe sent to Venice whence she came.Camarin.Mad! mad!Venice would rise!Hassan.And Cyprus, to be free!—But 'tis not, lady! and lord RenierShall have a letter of her guile and flight.Venture it, venture!Yolanda(after a long pause). If it can be done,It shall be.Hassan.Ah!Yolanda.And must be.Vittia.Fools, to me![She stands defensive, asHassanprepares to close in.Yolanda.Quickly, and take her.Hassan.Now.Camarin(with sudden horror).No!...Sateless God![His eyes are fixed on the balcony. All look, appalled. For slowly down the steps comesRenierfollowingBerengere,whose eyes turn back in fluttering trance upon him.Yolanda.Ah!...he will kill her! Stop, my lord! mother!Lord Renier![Runs; takesBerengerein her arms.Cold is she, stony pale,And sinking!...Go away from her, go, go!Renier.No...she shall tell me.Yolanda.Mother!...Tell you thatYou are her murderer?Renier.The truth!Yolanda.The truth![Laughs bitterly, and at a loss, as if amazed. Then, almost against her will—
Vittia.Smarda——Smarda(springing up). Lady...your slave!Vittia.I think you are.Think that you are—if ever the leopard yields.Smarda.To you, lady? A-ha! let him refuse.Command!Vittia.And you will heed it well; I fear not.But first I have thought of requital.Smarda(avidly).Ouie!Vittia.Those amulets you wear, of jade and sard—Smarda(quickly dark). Are for revenge—to bring revenge!Vittia.And fromYour Scythian home, over the hated sea,They came with you.Smarda.Yes.Vittia.From the home whence youWere torn by the Moor who was your one-time master.Is it not so?Smarda.The spirits strangle him!
Vittia.Smarda——
Smarda(springing up). Lady...your slave!
Vittia.I think you are.Think that you are—if ever the leopard yields.
Smarda.To you, lady? A-ha! let him refuse.Command!
Vittia.And you will heed it well; I fear not.But first I have thought of requital.
Smarda(avidly).Ouie!
Vittia.Those amulets you wear, of jade and sard—
Smarda(quickly dark). Are for revenge—to bring revenge!
Vittia.And fromYour Scythian home, over the hated sea,They came with you.
Smarda.Yes.
Vittia.From the home whence youWere torn by the Moor who was your one-time master.Is it not so?
Smarda.The spirits strangle him!
[Works at the charms.
Vittia.Well, if I win to-night what is begunYou shall not want, to-morrow,Gold for a weightier witchery upon him.
Vittia.Well, if I win to-night what is begunYou shall not want, to-morrow,Gold for a weightier witchery upon him.
[The slave's eyes gleam.
But listen, every sinew will be neededStill to achieve this wedding, though we haveCamarin with us, willing. So I've learnedA ship has come from Venice.Smarda(quickly).Pietro?Vittia.Yes, Pietro, it must be, has arrivedWith papers that will help.Smarda.Ha! Fortune's touch!Vittia.It is, but tardy. Therefore I must haveThem instantly.Smarda.Ere he has time, lady,To vaunt his loves, in Lusignan, and babble.Vittia.As, wooing dolt, he will. But see to it.I shall be in this place with lord Amaury,Whom I must...but no matter.He left me suddenly a season sinceSeeing his father look strangely uponHis mother; for lord Renier's doubt I stillHave been compelled to feed—to move Yolanda.Here in this place then I shall be, at need.
But listen, every sinew will be neededStill to achieve this wedding, though we haveCamarin with us, willing. So I've learnedA ship has come from Venice.
Smarda(quickly).Pietro?
Vittia.Yes, Pietro, it must be, has arrivedWith papers that will help.
Smarda.Ha! Fortune's touch!
Vittia.It is, but tardy. Therefore I must haveThem instantly.
Smarda.Ere he has time, lady,To vaunt his loves, in Lusignan, and babble.
Vittia.As, wooing dolt, he will. But see to it.I shall be in this place with lord Amaury,Whom I must...but no matter.He left me suddenly a season sinceSeeing his father look strangely uponHis mother; for lord Renier's doubt I stillHave been compelled to feed—to move Yolanda.Here in this place then I shall be, at need.
[She goes engrossedly.
Smarda(recalling the pledge; evilly). A-ha! ha-ha! ha-ha! if she but win!A talisman with might upon the Moor!
Smarda(recalling the pledge; evilly). A-ha! ha-ha! ha-ha! if she but win!A talisman with might upon the Moor!
[Begins to dance—a charm held up before her.
If she but win! a-ha! a curse on him!
If she but win! a-ha! a curse on him!
[Whirls faster with a wild grace, swaying to and fro, and chanting softly the while, till suddenly a laugh in the corridor stops her, andPietrois heard through the curtains adoringCiva,who pushes him into the Hall, then runs away laughing.
Pietro(after her). Hold, fair one! Stay! You look on PietroOf Venice! Pietro!Smarda(to herself). A-ha...ha-ha!Pietro(turning). It is the slave! (Grandly.) I greet you, slave.Smarda.Greeting!Pietro.I, Pietro, who, as you know, am soughtBy all the loveliestAttending on the lords and high of Venice.Smarda.So!...So!Pietro."The gentle Pietro," they say.You may remember.Smarda.So.Pietro."Proud Pietro!"And then they sigh.Smarda.So.Pietro.Then they weep and pine—"For Pietro"—until I must console them.Smarda(going to where he poses; contemptuously).And for all this, O prince of paramours,
Pietro(after her). Hold, fair one! Stay! You look on PietroOf Venice! Pietro!
Smarda(to herself). A-ha...ha-ha!
Pietro(turning). It is the slave! (Grandly.) I greet you, slave.
Smarda.Greeting!
Pietro.I, Pietro, who, as you know, am soughtBy all the loveliestAttending on the lords and high of Venice.
Smarda.So!...So!
Pietro."The gentle Pietro," they say.You may remember.
Smarda.So.
Pietro."Proud Pietro!"And then they sigh.
Smarda.So.
Pietro.Then they weep and pine—"For Pietro"—until I must console them.
Smarda(going to where he poses; contemptuously).And for all this, O prince of paramours,
[Spurns him.
My lady no doubt has bid you to sail from Venice?Pietro.Eh?Smarda.Eh! And she will hear no doubt with loveThat you delay the powers of the SenateSent in your keeping to her?Pietro.Slave!...(alarmed) the papers?Smarda.With love and with delight? since she awaits them?With joy? When told your amorous mouthings yonder?Pietro.Slave, she must never! You will take them to her!
My lady no doubt has bid you to sail from Venice?
Pietro.Eh?
Smarda.Eh! And she will hear no doubt with loveThat you delay the powers of the SenateSent in your keeping to her?
Pietro.Slave!...(alarmed) the papers?
Smarda.With love and with delight? since she awaits them?With joy? When told your amorous mouthings yonder?
Pietro.Slave, she must never! You will take them to her!
[Fumbles for papers.
In to her...quickly!...Dear slave, you will—and say if she inquireThat I was led astrayBy the little Cyprian with guiling eyesWho fell enamoured of me at the gate.Smarda.Civa!Pietro.The same! I sought to run away,
In to her...quickly!...Dear slave, you will—and say if she inquireThat I was led astrayBy the little Cyprian with guiling eyesWho fell enamoured of me at the gate.
Smarda.Civa!
Pietro.The same! I sought to run away,
[Still searching.
O slave, say to her, but I could not for—For—for a lady by the marble knight,That is, by the fountain, swooned, as I came in.And then—Smarda.Swooned!Pietro.As I came!Smarda(a-quiver).Beside the fount?Who? which? lady Yolanda? lady Berengere?
O slave, say to her, but I could not for—For—for a lady by the marble knight,That is, by the fountain, swooned, as I came in.And then—
Smarda.Swooned!
Pietro.As I came!
Smarda(a-quiver).Beside the fount?Who? which? lady Yolanda? lady Berengere?
[He stares at her ardour.
Did no one say?...My mistress must know this!The papers, quickly!Pietro.Slave, you——! By my sins!
Did no one say?...My mistress must know this!The papers, quickly!
Pietro.Slave, you——! By my sins!
[She has seized them swiftly, and gone. He follows amazed. Then sunset begins without, crimson and far; andAmauryappears from the loggia, reckless and worn. He pauses, looks about him, troubled.
Amaury.Not here yet....There is more in this than seems.
Amaury.Not here yet....There is more in this than seems.
[Goes to divan and sits.Vittiaenters behind.
More, Camarin of Paphos, than is clear!
More, Camarin of Paphos, than is clear!
[Starts up.
And she must tell me! (SeesVittia.) Lady, you I mean.
And she must tell me! (SeesVittia.) Lady, you I mean.
[Vittiaadvances 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 sawFear 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 couldFitly reply, but I——Amaury.No other better!Vittia.Then...it will cease, my lord—So as a flail of doubt it should not stillBeat in you—when YolandaIs wed with Camarin...no, do not speak;The reason for your sake I must withhold.Amaury.Though as under sirocco I am kept.
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 sawFear 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 couldFitly reply, but I——
Amaury.No other better!
Vittia.Then...it will cease, my lord—So as a flail of doubt it should not stillBeat in you—when YolandaIs 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!
Sirocco!...It is unintelligible!
[Rises. A pause.
Yet you speak gently.Vittia.No; unblushingly!
Yet you speak gently.
Vittia.No; unblushingly!
[He looks surprised.
Unblushingly to one who knows—though byA chance—my love to him—my lowered love.
Unblushingly to one who knows—though byA chance—my love to him—my lowered love.
[Turns away.
And yet I cannot rueThat he awaking sudden from the potionSurprised yearning and truth upon my lips.No, and I would that gentle words might beAs waters of enchantment on his grief.—But of Yolanda—
And yet I cannot rueThat he awaking sudden from the potionSurprised yearning and truth upon my lips.No, and I would that gentle words might beAs 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 wedWith Camarin.Amaury.She?Vittia.Since you are Lusignan,Heir of a sceptred line,And yet may reach—the realm.Amaury(pierced).Which...do you mean,She hopes of?Vittia.Were it folly to make sure?
Amaury.Still I love her, still!
Vittia(strainedly). As well she knows, so may refuse to wedWith Camarin.
Amaury.She?
Vittia.Since you are Lusignan,Heir of a sceptred line,And yet may reach—the realm.
Amaury(pierced).Which...do you mean,She hopes of?
Vittia.Were it folly to make sure?
[A pause.
Amaury.How? speak.Vittia.Again unshameful? No; one thingAlone would serve you. That I must not bringMy tongue to falter.Amaury.Be it so.Vittia.And yet...
Amaury.How? speak.
Vittia.Again unshameful? No; one thingAlone would serve you. That I must not bringMy tongue to falter.
Amaury.Be it so.
Vittia.And yet...
[He has turned away.
Yet I must bend to! and, my lord, I will!Will...for you suffer!Will, though indelicacy seem to soilWhatever bloom I boasted.
Yet I must bend to! and, my lord, I will!Will...for you suffer!Will, though indelicacy seem to soilWhatever bloom I boasted.
[Goes to him.
It is this:To let her...but for to-day...Think you...for she's aware of my affection...Have chosen—to wed me.Amaury.You!Vittia.For to-day.To-morrow I return to Venice, thenDenial.Amaury(moved). Lady—?Vittia.I will bear it.Amaury....Thus?
It is this:To let her...but for to-day...Think you...for she's aware of my affection...Have chosen—to wed me.
Amaury.You!
Vittia.For to-day.To-morrow I return to Venice, thenDenial.
Amaury(moved). Lady—?
Vittia.I will bear it.
Amaury....Thus?
[Struggles.
Then it shall be. And grateful I'll awaitThe issue's utterance. And stay, wear this—
Then it shall be. And grateful I'll awaitThe issue's utterance. And stay, wear this—
[Takes off a ring.
From her dead father's hand—As a proof to her of any tie soever.But now—for the sails make home along the sea—Now of my mother.Vittia.More, my lord?
From her dead father's hand—As a proof to her of any tie soever.But now—for the sails make home along the sea—Now of my mother.
Vittia.More, my lord?
[Smardaglides in.
Amaury.This only.To-morrow when again she...Scythian!
Amaury.This only.To-morrow when again she...Scythian!
[The slave is gleaming strangely.
Vittia.Smarda! what do you mean? why are you here?
Vittia.Smarda! what do you mean? why are you here?
[Sees papers; takes them.
These—but not these alone have brought you! What?
These—but not these alone have brought you! What?
[FollowsSmarda'seye.
Of lord Amaury?Smarda.Of his mother.Vittia.How!Smarda.She swooned of terror at the castle gate.She lies in danger. Hear—'twas as she fledThe lord of Lusignan.Amaury.My father?Smarda.He.And you are sought below, I heard it said:Some officer of Famagouste—-and men.
Of lord Amaury?
Smarda.Of his mother.
Vittia.How!
Smarda.She swooned of terror at the castle gate.She lies in danger. Hear—'twas as she fledThe lord of Lusignan.
Amaury.My father?
Smarda.He.And you are sought below, I heard it said:Some officer of Famagouste—-and men.
[Amauryturns dazed and goes.
Vittia(through a surge of thoughts that have darkened her face).This is again fortune!...fortune!Smarda.Lady?Vittia.Is! though an instant since it seemed disaster.Smarda.And how?Vittia.Yolanda, does not know? nothing?Smarda.Nothing. She was returning from the rocks,Where nest the windy gulls,
Vittia(through a surge of thoughts that have darkened her face).This is again fortune!...fortune!
Smarda.Lady?
Vittia.Is! though an instant since it seemed disaster.
Smarda.And how?
Vittia.Yolanda, does not know? nothing?
Smarda.Nothing. She was returning from the rocks,Where nest the windy gulls,
[Gloatingly.
As I came hither, I stole there at noonTo see her suffer.Vittia.Then—I can compel her.She will come here. Go to the curtains, see.If she is near, the Paphian is inThe bower by the cypress: there, tell him,The loggia—at once....Ah!
As I came hither, I stole there at noonTo see her suffer.
Vittia.Then—I can compel her.She will come here. Go to the curtains, see.If she is near, the Paphian is inThe bower by the cypress: there, tell him,The loggia—at once....Ah!
Yolandaenters.
Yolanda(to herself)."Ah" indeed.
Yolanda(to herself)."Ah" indeed.
[Her look of purpose changes to one of distrust. But she firmly fronts toVittia,as the slave slips out.
Vittia.My gratitude! I wished, and you are here.Yolanda.And—for some reason of less honour—you.Vittia.I, a dear guest? fa!Yolanda.Would you were!...not oneThis ne'er-before-envenomed air would banish.
Vittia.My gratitude! I wished, and you are here.
Yolanda.And—for some reason of less honour—you.
Vittia.I, a dear guest? fa!
Yolanda.Would you were!...not oneThis ne'er-before-envenomed air would banish.
[Slowly.
One whose abidingThese walls would loathe aloud—had they a tongueTo utter.Vittia.Yet I may be mistress of them.Ere all is done—since still it is my purpose.Yolanda.Gulfs wide as the hate of God for infamyWould lie preventing; so there is no fear.
One whose abidingThese walls would loathe aloud—had they a tongueTo utter.
Vittia.Yet I may be mistress of them.Ere all is done—since still it is my purpose.
Yolanda.Gulfs wide as the hate of God for infamyWould lie preventing; so there is no fear.
[Sits.
Vittia.A prophesy!Yolanda.A deeper than disdain.Vittia.Or than your love of Camarin of Paphos!Yolanda.Which you would feign, but cannot.Vittia.Still, beforeEvening is done, you will become his wife.Yolanda.If, ere it come, all under LusignanDo not look scorn on Vittia Pisani.
Vittia.A prophesy!
Yolanda.A deeper than disdain.
Vittia.Or than your love of Camarin of Paphos!
Yolanda.Which you would feign, but cannot.
Vittia.Still, beforeEvening is done, you will become his wife.
Yolanda.If, ere it come, all under LusignanDo not look scorn on Vittia Pisani.
[Rises.
Vittia.What! how?Yolanda.Plentiful scorn! (With joy.) A thing may stillBe done to lift my hope out of this ruin!To bring Amaury grateful to my feet!And I will do it.Vittia.Tell?...vowing him firstTo win his father's lenience?...No...I see!You will when she who's guiltyAnd this enamoured Paphian are fled!
Vittia.What! how?
Yolanda.Plentiful scorn! (With joy.) A thing may stillBe done to lift my hope out of this ruin!To bring Amaury grateful to my feet!And I will do it.
Vittia.Tell?...vowing him firstTo win his father's lenience?...No...I see!You will when she who's guiltyAnd this enamoured Paphian are fled!
[Yolandaturns pale.
When they are fled! ha....And it is too late.Yolanda.Too—? (stunned). You by a trick—some trick have—!Vittia.Hindered? LittleI needed....Her wings are flightless. She is ill,Verging—go learn!—to death.Yolanda.Oh...!Vittia.To the grave.And you alone, she knows, can put it far—Since she is numbed and drainedMomently by the terror of her husband,Whose every pulse seems to her a suspicion.Yolanda.And it is you...you who have urged againHis doubt that would have sunk!Vittia.It was enoughMerely to sigh—and fear her innocenceCan only seem simple as dew againIf you wed freely Camarin of Paphos.Yolanda.And that you could! though in her heart remorseTrampled and tore!Though with the wounds of battle he you "love"Is livid still.Vittia.And grieves?—Be comforted!Forheis—now security has come.
When they are fled! ha....And it is too late.
Yolanda.Too—? (stunned). You by a trick—some trick have—!
Vittia.Hindered? LittleI needed....Her wings are flightless. She is ill,Verging—go learn!—to death.
Yolanda.Oh...!
Vittia.To the grave.And you alone, she knows, can put it far—Since she is numbed and drainedMomently by the terror of her husband,Whose every pulse seems to her a suspicion.
Yolanda.And it is you...you who have urged againHis doubt that would have sunk!
Vittia.It was enoughMerely to sigh—and fear her innocenceCan only seem simple as dew againIf you wed freely Camarin of Paphos.
Yolanda.And that you could! though in her heart remorseTrampled and tore!Though with the wounds of battle he you "love"Is livid still.
Vittia.And grieves?—Be comforted!Forheis—now security has come.
[Shows the ring;Yolandafalls back.
Asheis, do not fear.Yolanda.Amaury!...Oh!My father's gift—so desecrated? So?—Ah, you are merciless!Vittia.Only awareHow to compel your pity to my ends;For you will spare his mother.Yolanda.Yielding—still,And past all season of recovery?Shattering love for ever at my feet?No, you are duped. For empty, cold are the veinsNow of submission in me; numb and deadThe pleading of it. And upon you, back,I cast the burden of your cruelty.
Asheis, do not fear.
Yolanda.Amaury!...Oh!My father's gift—so desecrated? So?—Ah, you are merciless!
Vittia.Only awareHow to compel your pity to my ends;For you will spare his mother.
Yolanda.Yielding—still,And past all season of recovery?Shattering love for ever at my feet?No, you are duped. For empty, cold are the veinsNow of submission in me; numb and deadThe pleading of it. And upon you, back,I cast the burden of your cruelty.
[Slowly.
And—if she dies in terror of the lipsOf Renier Lusignan—on your peaceThe guilt be!Vittia.Fa.Yolanda.The heaping mass of horror!Vittia(moved). Liar, on her own; for she has sinned.Yolanda.And suffered!But you——Vittia.I say her own. I've done no crime.And you will wed him.Yolanda.Or,...Venetian—Wed you to Remorse!For there at the gates that guard your rest you hearDim now the risen phantom cries of it,The presage beat of them like hungry handsThat will o'erwhelm you!All that I could to spare her I have done;All that was duty and of love the most.But you it was who struck and kindled firstWithin lord Renier fire of suspicion.And you it is—Since in the worst that live there yet is heaven!—Must null his doubt and ease the sobbing ebbAnd flood of her sick spirit; you who mustGo to his fear and with persuasion sayThat it is folly of him and of youSo to suspect her, since in Camarin'sArms I was found. You will!Vittia.And—then go pray?
And—if she dies in terror of the lipsOf Renier Lusignan—on your peaceThe guilt be!
Vittia.Fa.
Yolanda.The heaping mass of horror!
Vittia(moved). Liar, on her own; for she has sinned.
Yolanda.And suffered!But you——
Vittia.I say her own. I've done no crime.And you will wed him.
Yolanda.Or,...Venetian—Wed you to Remorse!For there at the gates that guard your rest you hearDim now the risen phantom cries of it,The presage beat of them like hungry handsThat will o'erwhelm you!All that I could to spare her I have done;All that was duty and of love the most.But you it was who struck and kindled firstWithin lord Renier fire of suspicion.And you it is—Since in the worst that live there yet is heaven!—Must null his doubt and ease the sobbing ebbAnd flood of her sick spirit; you who mustGo to his fear and with persuasion sayThat it is folly of him and of youSo to suspect her, since in Camarin'sArms I was found. You will!
Vittia.And—then go pray?
[Draws out the papers scornfully.
Rather I'll bring you this:—AuthoritySent me of VeniceTo make Amaury lordly over Cyprus,Or to abase him even of Famagouste;Which I will do—
Rather I'll bring you this:—AuthoritySent me of VeniceTo make Amaury lordly over Cyprus,Or to abase him even of Famagouste;Which I will do—
[Goes to her.
Unless I have the pledge that you will wed,Though not to be his wife and free to leave him,This Paphian,And with him from Lusignan hence will pass.
Unless I have the pledge that you will wed,Though not to be his wife and free to leave him,This Paphian,And with him from Lusignan hence will pass.
[Camarinappears on loggia.
And he has come now for your answer.Yolanda.Here!In league with you! in this!Vittia.Most loyally;And ready skilfully to disavow,With every force, your innocence—if youAttempt betrayal!—Enter, my lord of Paphos—I have spoken.
And he has come now for your answer.
Yolanda.Here!In league with you! in this!
Vittia.Most loyally;And ready skilfully to disavow,With every force, your innocence—if youAttempt betrayal!—Enter, my lord of Paphos—I have spoken.
[Camarinenters desperately.
But she has pledged no further—though the lifeOf Berengere Lusignan fall for it,And though Amaury....But you may avail.
But she has pledged no further—though the lifeOf Berengere Lusignan fall for it,And though Amaury....But you may avail.
[Moves off.Yolandastands silently between them.Camarinlooks at her, falters, then turns onVittia.
Camarin.As an anchorite covets, Venetian,Immortal calm, I crave and covet this!Yet...I will not entreat it of her more.Vittia.What!Camarin.Fate may fall. I swore in dread, but will not!Yolanda(low). Madonna!Vittia.You refuse?Yolanda.He does.Vittia.The whole?Yolanda.Lady of Venice, yes; for very shame!
Camarin.As an anchorite covets, Venetian,Immortal calm, I crave and covet this!Yet...I will not entreat it of her more.
Vittia.What!
Camarin.Fate may fall. I swore in dread, but will not!
Yolanda(low). Madonna!
Vittia.You refuse?
Yolanda.He does.
Vittia.The whole?
Yolanda.Lady of Venice, yes; for very shame!
[With deep joy.
Bitterly tho' it be, he must, for shame!For though he would waste the air of the world to keepThe breath still in the veinsOf her his love so wronged,He cannot ask me more than breast can bear—Knowing I have already borne for herInfection worse than fetid marshes sendFrom Mesaoria—Have lost the sky of love that I had archedAnd all the stars of it. See, he is dumb!—He cannot.Camarin(coldly). No; but to your heart I leave herAnd to your pity.Yolanda.Say not pity to me!
Bitterly tho' it be, he must, for shame!For though he would waste the air of the world to keepThe breath still in the veinsOf her his love so wronged,He cannot ask me more than breast can bear—Knowing I have already borne for herInfection worse than fetid marshes sendFrom Mesaoria—Have lost the sky of love that I had archedAnd all the stars of it. See, he is dumb!—He cannot.
Camarin(coldly). No; but to your heart I leave herAnd to your pity.
Yolanda.Say not pity to me!
[The word overwhelms her anew.
Am I not needy, fain of it, and canEndurance ever dure!What have I left ...Of joy to ripple in me or of lightTo sway me to forgetting—I to whomDawn was enchanted incense once, and day,The least of earth, an ides of heaven bliss.What to me left! to me!Who shepherded each happy flock of wavesRunning with silvery foaming there to shore,Who numbered the little leaves with laughing namesOut of my love,And quickened the winds with quicker winds of hope,That now are spent...as summer waters,Leaving my breast a torrent's barren bed.Pity and pity! ever pity! No.
Am I not needy, fain of it, and canEndurance ever dure!What have I left ...Of joy to ripple in me or of lightTo sway me to forgetting—I to whomDawn was enchanted incense once, and day,The least of earth, an ides of heaven bliss.What to me left! to me!Who shepherded each happy flock of wavesRunning with silvery foaming there to shore,Who numbered the little leaves with laughing namesOut of my love,And quickened the winds with quicker winds of hope,That now are spent...as summer waters,Leaving my breast a torrent's barren bed.Pity and pity! ever pity! No.
[EnterHassan.
A nun to pity I will be no more.But you, cruel Venetian....Ah, ah,Mother of God! is there no gentlenessIn thee to move her and dissolve awayThis jeopardy congealing over us?
A nun to pity I will be no more.But you, cruel Venetian....Ah, ah,Mother of God! is there no gentlenessIn thee to move her and dissolve awayThis jeopardy congealing over us?
[A pause.
Vittia.You see, none.Yolanda.Ah, for sceptre and for mightThen to compel you.Vittia.Still, there is none.Yolanda.None....
Vittia.You see, none.
Yolanda.Ah, for sceptre and for mightThen to compel you.
Vittia.Still, there is none.
Yolanda.None....
[Sinks to a seat in despair.
Yet could I think!Hassan.Lady Yolanda—
Yet could I think!
Hassan.Lady Yolanda—
[Advances.
Yolanda.WereMy brain less weary!Hassan.Lady Yolanda—Yolanda.Well?Hassan.There is a means—a might.Yolanda.Well?
Yolanda.WereMy brain less weary!
Hassan.Lady Yolanda—
Yolanda.Well?
Hassan.There is a means—a might.
Yolanda.Well?
[Is half heedless.
Hassan.To compel her.Yolanda.To...what?Hassan.If you will dare it.Yolanda.Will—?
Hassan.To compel her.
Yolanda.To...what?
Hassan.If you will dare it.
Yolanda.Will—?
[Rises.
Hassan.I swear.Yolanda.Your thought! I have no fear.Hassan.Then...let me butSeize her and shut her fast an hour withinThe leprous keep, and she shall write whate'erYou order; then upon a vessel quickBe sent to Venice whence she came.Camarin.Mad! mad!Venice would rise!Hassan.And Cyprus, to be free!—But 'tis not, lady! and lord RenierShall have a letter of her guile and flight.Venture it, venture!Yolanda(after a long pause). If it can be done,It shall be.Hassan.Ah!Yolanda.And must be.Vittia.Fools, to me!
Hassan.I swear.
Yolanda.Your thought! I have no fear.
Hassan.Then...let me butSeize her and shut her fast an hour withinThe leprous keep, and she shall write whate'erYou order; then upon a vessel quickBe sent to Venice whence she came.
Camarin.Mad! mad!Venice would rise!
Hassan.And Cyprus, to be free!—But 'tis not, lady! and lord RenierShall have a letter of her guile and flight.Venture it, venture!
Yolanda(after a long pause). If it can be done,It shall be.
Hassan.Ah!
Yolanda.And must be.
Vittia.Fools, to me!
[She stands defensive, asHassanprepares to close in.
Yolanda.Quickly, and take her.Hassan.Now.Camarin(with sudden horror).No!...Sateless God!
Yolanda.Quickly, and take her.
Hassan.Now.
Camarin(with sudden horror).No!...Sateless God!
[His eyes are fixed on the balcony. All look, appalled. For slowly down the steps comesRenierfollowingBerengere,whose eyes turn back in fluttering trance upon him.
Yolanda.Ah!...he will kill her! Stop, my lord! mother!Lord Renier!
Yolanda.Ah!...he will kill her! Stop, my lord! mother!Lord Renier!
[Runs; takesBerengerein her arms.
Cold is she, stony pale,And sinking!...Go away from her, go, go!Renier.No...she shall tell me.Yolanda.Mother!...Tell you thatYou are her murderer?Renier.The truth!Yolanda.The truth!
Cold is she, stony pale,And sinking!...Go away from her, go, go!
Renier.No...she shall tell me.
Yolanda.Mother!...Tell you thatYou are her murderer?
Renier.The truth!
Yolanda.The truth!
[Laughs bitterly, and at a loss, as if amazed. Then, almost against her will—