Chapter 18

GYCIA _hurriedly descends the steps, closing the great doors of the banquet hall softly._

_Gycia._ I hear no sound within; the lights are gone, And all the hall is dark. These doors alone Of all the many outlets of the palace Remain unlocked. There is not now a moment To lose ere midnight comes, and here I hold The safety of our Cherson. Oh, my love! I could not tell thee all, nor recompense Thy faith in me, since duty held me fast-- My duty which should also prove thy safety, For now the solemn promise of the State Is pledged to hold thee harmless, and defeat The shameful plot I knew was never thine, Without one drop of bloodshed. All my path Shows clear as noonday, and I save our city And those who with thee err in innocence, Why do I hesitate? Yet does some dark And dreadful presage of impending ill So haunt me that I know not how to face it. I dare not do it. I must stay with him, Or bring him forth with me.

[_Ascends the steps, throws open the doors, and finds all darkness and silence._

Asander! husband! It is thy wife who calls! Come forth, Asander!

[_Listens._

Nay, there is no one there. I cannot stay; This is mere folly. I must keep my word; There's not a moment's time, or all is lost. Which is the key?

[_Closes the doors and locks them with a clang._

I must go forth alone To the Senate-chamber. I have saved our Cherson And my Asander!

[_Totters down the steps and exit hurriedly._