Chapter 15

A Chamber in the Palace. The Countess ALARCOS lying on a Couch, the Infanta kneeling at her side; MAIDENS grouped around. A PHYSICIAN and the PAGE.

IV:4:1 SOL. Didst ever see so fair a skin? Her bodice Should still be loosened. Bring the Moorish water, Griselda, you. They are the longest lashes! They hang upon her cheek. Doctor, there’s warmth; The blood returns?

IV:4:2 PHY. But slowly.

IV:4:3 SOL. Beauteous creature! She seems an angel fallen from some star. ‘Twas well we passed. Untie that kerchief, Julia; Teresa, wave the fan. There seems a glow Upon her cheek, what but a moment since Was like a sculptured saint’s. IV:4:4 PHY. She breathes.

IV:4:5 SOL. Hush, hush!

IV:4:6 COUN. And what is this? where am I?

IV:4:7 SOL. With thy friends.

IV:4:8 COUN. It is not home.

IV:4:9 SOL. If kindness make a home, Believe it such.

[The PHYSICIAN signifies silence.]

Nay lady, not a word, Those lips must now be closed. I’ve seen such eyes In pictures, girls.

IV:4:10 PHY. Methinks she’ll sleep.

IV:4:11 SOL. ‘Tis well. Maidens, away. I’ll be her nurse; and, doctor, Remain within.

[Exeunt PHYSICIAN and MAIDENS.]

Know you this beauteous dame?

IV:4:12 PAGE. I have heard minstrels tell that fays are found In lonely places.

IV:4:13 SOL. Well, she’s magical. She draws me charm-like to her. Vanish, imp, And see our chamber still.

[Exit PAGE.]

It is the hour Alarcos should be here. Ah! happy hour, That custom only makes more strangely sweet! His brow has lost its cloud. The bar’s removed To our felicity; time makes amends To patient sufferers.

[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]

Hush, my own love, hush!

[SOLISA takes his hand and leads him aside.]

So strange an incident! the fairest lady! Found in our gardens; it would seem a swoon; Myself then passing; hither we have brought her; She is so beautiful, you’ll almost deem She bears some charmed life. You know that fays Are found in lonely places.

IV:4:14 ALAR. In thy garden! Indeed ‘tis strange! The Virgin guard thee, love. I am right glad I’m here. Alone to tend her, ‘Tis scarcely wise.

IV:4:15 SOL. I think when she recovers, She’ll wave her wings and fly.

IV:4:16 ALAR. Nay, for one glance! In truth you paint her bright.

IV:4:17 SOL. E’en now she sleeps. Tread lightly, love; I’ll lead you.

[SOLISA cautiously leads ALARCOS to the couch; as they approach it, the COUNTESS opens her eyes and shrieks.]

IV:4:18 COUN. Ah! ‘tis true, Alarcos [relapses into a swoon.]

IV:4:19 ALAR. Florimonde!

IV:4:20 SOL. Who is this lady?

IV:4:21 ALAR. It is my wife.

IV:4:22 SOL.

[flings away his arms and rushes forward.]

--Not mad! Virgin and Saints be merciful; not mad! O spare my brain one moment; ‘tis his wife. I’m lost: she is too fair. The secret’s out Of sick delays. He’s feigned; he has but feigned.

[Rushing to Alarcos.]

Is that thy wife? and I? and what am I? A trifled toy, a humoured instrument? To guide with glozing words, vilely cajole With petty perjuries? Is that thy wife? Thou said’st she was not fair, thou did’st not love her: Thou lied’st. O, anguish, anguish!

IV:4:23 ALAR. By the cross, My soul is pure to thee. I’m wildered quite. How came she here

IV:4:24 SOL. As she shall ne’er return. Now, Count Alarcos, by the cross thou swearest Thy faith is true to me.

IV:4:25 ALAR. Ay, by the cross,

IV:4:26 SOL. Give me thy dagger.

IV:4:27 ALAR. Not that hand or mine.

IV:4:28 SOL. Is this thy passion!

[Takes his dagger.]

Thus I gain the heart I should despise.

[Rushes to the couch.]

IV:4:29 COUN. What’s this I see?

IV:4:30 ALAR.

[seizing the Infanta’s upraised arm]

A dream A horrid dream, yet but a dream.

THE END OF THE FOURTH ACT.