ACT II

SEVERAL DAYS HAVE ELAPSED.

SCENE: _The forecourt of the castle, beyond which is the garden and in the distance the mountains, under the deep tropical blue of morning. On the right the wall enclosing the castle grounds run back and is lost in the foliage of cypress, palm, orange; it is pierced by an arched gate with lifted portcullis. On the left rises the dark front of the castle, its arabesqued doorway open. Across the rear a low arcaded screen of masonry, with an entrance to the right, separates the court from the garden. Before it a fountain, guarded by a statue of a Knight of St. John, falls into a porphyry basin, By the castle door, to the front, and elsewhere, are stone seats._ HASSAN _is standing moodily by the screen, left, looking out the portcullis. He starts, hearing steps, and as the old leach_ TREMITUS _enters, motions him silently into the castle; then muttering "the old blood-letter," stands as before, while_ CIVA, MAGA, _and_ MAURIA _are heard m the garden, and enter gaily bearing water-jars to the fountain._ CIVA _sees his look and breaks into a twitting laughter. The other two join her._

_Civa._ Look at him! Maga! Mauria! behold! Was ever sight so sweet upon the world! His eyes! his lips! a prince!

_Mauria_ (_critically_). Now, is he not? With the price of vinegar upon his face.

(_All laugh._)

The price of vinegar! who'll buy!--Not I! Not I! Not I! Not I!

_Hassan._ Wench.

_Civa._ Verily! And not a man! he has discovered it! You're not a man, Mauria! we were duped.

(MAURIA _slaps her playfully._)

But see him now--a mummy of the Nile! Who died of choler!

_Mauria._ Then, a care, he'll bite. He's been in the grave a long while and he's hungry. A barley-loaf, quick, Maga!

_Civa._ To appease him! But ssh! Beware! There's something of import.

(_They stop in mock awe before him._)

What does he think of?

_Mauria._ Sphinxes and the spheres.

_Civa._ Or little ants and gnats that buzz about him.

_Mauria._ And how to make them smart for sauciness.

_Civa._ Or of Alessa!

_Maga._ No, no, Civa! come; Enough of teasing.

_Civa._ Of Alessa!

_Maga._ No. Your pitcher, come. He's troubled by the tale Of lady Yolanda---- And waits for lord Amaury from the battle.

_Civa._ The--! heigh! heigh-o! awaits! la, la! he does!

(HASSAN _starts at her tone._)

For lord Amaury! does he so indeed?

_Hassan._ What do you know? Be silent.

_Civa._ Ho!

_Hassan._ Itch! would You have lady Yolanda hear? She comes Now, as she has this morning thrice, to ask.

(YOLANDA _appears on the threshold with_ ALESSA.)

Lord Renier's gall, remember, if she learns.

(CIVA _flouts him, but goes to the fountain. The others follow, fill their jugs, and, singing, return to the garden._ YOLANDA _then crosses to_ HASSAN, _who waits evasive._)

_Yolanda._ My want is still the same--words are unneeded.

_Hassan._ To know of lord Amaury?

_Yolanda._ Lord Amaury-- He has not yet returned?

_Hassan_ (_loathly_). I have not seen him.

_Yolanda._ Nor heard?

_Hassan._ Nothing.

_Yolanda._ I cannot understand.

(_Goes to the gate, troubled._)

_Hassan_ (_low_). Liar that I am to say it!

_Yolanda._ I cannot--cannot!

(_Returns._)

The Saracens we know were routed to Their vessels--all the Allah-crying horde. And lord Amaury--said the courier not?---- Rode in the battle as a seraph might To the Holy Sepulchre's deliverance. And yet no word from him.

_Hassan._ Perhaps--with reason.

(_She looks at him quickly--he flushes._)

With reason!... knowing, lady, what, here, now, Is rumoured of a baron And lady Yolanda!... Pardon!

_Yolanda_ (_slowly_). Of a baron And lady Yolanda.

_Hassan._ Yes: it is the women Who with their ears ever at secresy Rumour it. But, lady, it is a lie? This Camarin, this prinker, Whose purse is daily loose to us.... I curse him! His father.... Well, my mother's ten years dead And flower lips breathe innocent above her. But I'll avenge her shame.

_Yolanda._ On--him?

_Hassan._ On him! And--you, who do not hush this tale of you, Though it is truthless--hear: I have a stab for Camarin of Paphos Whenever he has lived--but say!--too long.

_Yolanda_ (_who has listened rigidly. After a pause_). Come here ... look in my eyes, and--deeper.... Shame!

(_He is quelled._)

Pity alone we owe to sin not blame. And they who love may stray, it seems, beyond All justice of our judging.-- Is evil mad enchantment come upon The portals of this castle?

_Hassan._ I would serve you.

_Yolanda._ With murder? no. But if you would indeed, As oft you have----

_Hassan._ Lady, I will.

_Yolanda._ Then watch The Venetian, and when Amaury comes Find me at once. What sound was that?... A bugle? It is! it is! Alessa! (_Overjoyed._) Do you hear? His troop! Amaury's! O the silver chime! Again I breathe, I breathe! My heart as a bird's in May! Amaury!... Come! we'll go to him! we'll go! Before any within Lusignan--!

_Alessa._ Lady!

_Yolanda._ At once! it rings again! again! we'll go!

_Alessa._ And tell him!

_Yolanda._ Warn! Warn him a fever's here That he must fend his ear from. 'Twill suffice. And I again shall see him, hear him speak, Hang on his battle-story blessedly! And you, Hassan.... But why do you stand stone? You know something.... He's dead!

_Hassan._ No, lady, no.

_Yolanda._ Not? ah!... then what? 'Twas not his trumpet?

_Hassan_ (_after a struggle_). No. And I will lie to you no longer.

_Yolanda._ You?

_Hassan._ Though for obedience it be or life; And at Lord Renier's command.... It is Not true that lord Amaury from the battle Has not returned.

_Yolanda._ But he--you mean--is here?

(_Stands motionless._)

_Hassan._ Here: came on yesterday at dusk. Was led Up to his chamber.... So much Lord Renier who slipt him in Revealed, that I might guile you.

_Alessa_ (_sharply_). And you have?

_Hassan._ Yes.

_Alessa._ Though you boasted love to me?

_Hassan._ Now, woman!

_Alessa._ Lady, I would have wed him--wed this toad! Who'd kill the Paphian, too?

_Hassan._ Yes!

_Alessa._ Worm! with dust? Heeling away from him?

_Yolanda._ Be still, be still.

(ALESSA _turns to her._)

These words can wait on what may yet be helped. This may undo me! First of all I should Have seen Amaury! Now----!

_Hassan._ The Venetian!

(_They start._ VITTIA _enters from castle._)

Lady, I will go in.

_Alessa._ And I; to wait.

(_They go._)

_Yolanda_ (_suddenly_). But I to see Amaury.

_Vittia._ What?

(_Stops._)

_Yolanda._ To see, Vittia Visani, who withholds Amaury---- Who came last night at dusk, as well you know.

(_They face, opposed._)

What have you told him?

_Vittia._ Hah?

_Yolanda._ Insolence, false And feigning! But no matter; lies are brief. I'll go myself to him.

_Vittia._ To be repelled?

(BERENGERE _enters._)

_Yolanda._ If he could trust you--but he could not.

_Vittia._ Knowing A Paphian ere this has fondled two?

_Yolanda._ You hear, mother? (_To Vittia._) Out of my way at once.

_Berengere._ Stay, stay! She has not told him! nothing!... Yes, I too have been aware and kept you blind. But, nothing! for he still is overworn. And now his wound----

_Yolanda._ Wound! he is wounded?

_Berengere._ He sleeps.

_Yolanda._ And is in danger--jeopardy?

_Berengere._ In none; If the leech Tremitus has any skill; And that you know.

_Yolanda._ I thank ... Madonna ... thee!

(VITTIA _laughs and goes._)

But you, mother, are come at last to say Your promises, broken two days, are kept? You've spoken? won Lord Renier to wisdom? Pled him to silence which alone can save us? Dear mother----?

_Berengere._ Do not call me so again.

(_Turns away._)

I have not--and I will not.

_Yolanda._ Oh!

_Berengere._ I cannot....

_Yolanda._ But can leave me so laden here within This gulf's dishonour? Never!... So return And pledge him but to wait! For this Venetian has now, I bode, Something of evil more, When once Amaury hears all that has passed. Return!

_Berengere._ I cannot.

_Yolanda_ (_proudly_). Then hear, hear me! I Too am a woman, and the woman wants, The beauty and ache and dream and glow and urge Of an unreckoned love are mine as yours. I will not lose Amaury; but will tell him Myself the truth.

_Berengere._ Then--I'll not stay for death, And wait for shame. But now with Camarin Will go from here.

_Yolanda._ Mother!

_Berengere._ To some retreat Away!

_Yolanda._ Where still pursuit would follow! even, I fear, Amaury's!-- And overtake you though it were as far As the sea foams, or past the sandy void Of stricken Africa. It would be vain. Vain, and I cannot have you. No, but listen----

(_Breaks off seeing_ RENIER, _on the castle threshold. His look is on her, but he comes down addressing_ BERENGERE.)

_Renier._ She troubles you too much.

_Berengere._ My lord?

_Renier._ Too much. You cherish her and reap unchastity For gratitude--unchastity against Our very son who was betrothed to her. Yet see her shameless.

_Berengere_ (_dully_). No; I think you wrong her.

(YOLANDA _moves apart._)

_Renier._ Nobly you pity! But it will not veil her. Rather the convent and the crucifix, Matin and Vesper in a round remote, And senseless beads, for such.--But what more now Is she demanding?

_Berengere._ Little.

_Renier._ Not the means Still to deceive Amaury?

_Berengere._ Renier ... no.

(_Speaks loathly._)

But I have a request that, if you grant, Will lead peace back to us ... and from us draw This fang of fate.

_Renier._ Ah.

_Berengere._ Yes.

_Renier_ (_slowly_). And we might be As those that wedded love?

_Berengere._ Perhaps.

_Renier._ That--love!

(_A pause._)

Then it shall be, at once ... But no, I first Have a confession.

_Berengere._ You?

_Renier._ A pang!--For days

(_Takes her hand._)

Before I found Yolanda on the breast Of Camarin of Paphos---- I suffered in the furnace of suspicion The fume and suffocation of the thought That you were the guilty one--you my own wife.

(_She recoils to_ YOLANDA, _who comes up._)

I did; but rue, rue it!... ... Yet--it is just That you recoil even as now you do From stain upon your wedded constancy.... But Time that is e'er-pitiful may pass Soon over it-- And leave only forgiveness. And perhaps Then I shall win you as I never have.-- Now the request.

_Berengere._ That now ... I cannot plead.

(_Sees_ YOLANDA _harden. Is impelled._)

And yet I must ... It is that, till I bid Amaury may not know of this ... not know This trouble fallen from a night or evil-- Pitiless on us as a meteor's ash.

_Renier._ Not of it? he? not know?

_Berengere._ Trust to me.

_Renier._ How! And to this wanton's perfidy to bind Him witless to her--with a charm perhaps-- Or, past releasing, with a philtre? She Whom now he holds pure as a spirit sped From immortality, or the fair fields Of the sun, to be his bride?

_Yolanda._ Sir, no!... She means Not I shall wed him! (_Winningly._) Only that you spare To separate us with this horror; that You trust me to dispel his love, to pall And chill his passion from me. For I crave Only one thing--innocence in his sight. Believe!--believe!

_Renier._ I will--that you are mad. Yet madder I, if to this coil my brain Were blind.

_Yolanda._ As it will be! with deadlier dark, If you attend me not! And may have destiny you cannot know. But you will heed? For somewhere in you there is tenderness. Once when you chafed in fever and I bore White orange blossoms dewy to your pillow You touched my hand gently, as might a father.

(_Caresses his._)

Once on the tower when alone at dusk I sang--I know not why--of lost delights, Of vanished roses that are ere recalling May to the world, you came and suddenly Lifted my brow up silent to your kiss. Ah, you remember; you will hear me?

_Renier._ No! Though you are cunning.--Thus you wove the mesh About Amaury--till he could not move Beyond you.

_Yolanda._ For his sake I ask it.

_Renier._ For No sake but to o'ersway him with your eyes In secret, thus, and with Your hair that he believes an aureole Brought with you out of Heaven.

_Berengere._ Again--wrong.

_Renier._ So deem you and, my Berengere, I grieve, Desiring much your peace.

_Berengere._ It grieves you not.

_Renier._ Then not! and half I fear--you here?--it should not. There's midnight in this thing and mystery. Does she not love--Camarin?

_Yolanda_ (_trembling_). Say no more. Be all--all as you will.

_Renier._ That brings you low: But brings to me no light--only again The stumbling in suspicion.

_Yolanda._ It should not.

_Renier_ (_with a sudden gleam_). To-morrow then, unless Amaury runs Fitting revenge through Camarin of Paphos, Your lover, you shall clasp him openly Before all of Lusigman.

_Yolanda._ No; no, no! The thought of it is soil!... Rather ... his death!

_Renier._ What, what?

_Berengere._ My lord, she knows not what she says. The unaccustomed wind of these ill hours Has torn tranquillity from her and reason.

_Yolanda_ (_realising_). Yes, as she says--tranquillity and reason.

(_Strains to smile._)

These hours of ill!

_Renier._ I'll send her Camarin.

(_Goes, looking steadfastly back._)

_Yolanda_ (_turning, then, to_ BERENGERE). His mood and mien--that tremor in his throat, Unfaltering. I fear him.

_Berengere._ Life is fear. No step was ever taken in the world But from a brink of danger, or in flight From happiness whose air is ever sin. It sickens me.

_Yolanda._ Mother!

_Berengere._ Nothing; a pain Here in my breast. (_Sits._)

_Yolanda._ And it is all through him Who as a guest came pledged into this house. Came with the chivalry and manly show Of reverence and grace, and on his lips Lore of the east and wonders of the west.

(CAMARIN _appears from garden._)

Ah, and he seeks us now! unwhelmed of it! Ready of step, impassive, cold! And see--

(_He bows, then listens rigidly._)

A flawless courtesy! as 'twere a king's. Can he not smile too on his handiwork? Our days were merciful and he has made Each moment's beat a blow upon the breast. Honour was here and innocence lies now A sacrifice that pain cannot consume.

(_Pauses._)

_Camarin._ Or death.

_Yolanda._ Then have you not, unshameable! A help for it or healing? you who know So well the world and its unwonted ways! A man would have, a man.

_Camarin._ And I am barren. My brain an arid waste under remorse. Only--one thing it yields--the love of her My love has made unholy.

_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_ (_listening_). Whose that anguish? whose?

_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 nurst 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.

_Camarin._ Why, you are mad!

_Yolanda._ Be still.

_Camarin._ Amaury was not then delayed? is--here?

(_Voices are heard perturbed within the castle. Then_ AMAURY, _putting aside_ RENIER _and_ TREMITUS, _followed by_ VITTIA _and others, enters down._)

_Amaury._ I'll not return unto my couch though twice These wounds and all your wants were urging it! Yolanda! my Yolanda!--Never, never!

(_Takes her to him._)

Until I prove you that a word against Her that I hold here in my arms is more To me than any peril.

_Tremitus._ But, sir--!... Aeih! My precious physic wasted!

_Amaury._ Till I prove it! For ... my Yolanda!... You who are purity if Mary still Is mother of God and lighteth Paradise! You in whose presence I am purged as one Bathing a thousand years in angel song! They say, you, who are stainless to my eyes As is the sacring-bell to holy ears, So undefiled even the perfect lily Pendant upon your breast fears to pollute it! Listen, they tell me you--A fool, a fool Would know it unbelievable and laugh.

_Renier._ As now a fool is doing?

_Amaury._ O, sir, pardon. You are my father, and, I must believe, Mean well this monster breath's unchastity, As does this lady (_of_ VITTIA) who has gently nursed me. But you were tricked; it was illusion swum Before your sleep. Therefore my purpose is Now to forget it.

_Tremitus._ Aeih! and to return Now to my drugs.

_Renier._ Stand off!--As dogs forget The lash in hunger of the wonted bone?

(_Laughs angrily._)

_Amaury._ A poison so incredible and dark You cannot duped innoculate me with. Trust in my veins makes of it but more love. And to dispel your minds (_goes to_ CAMARIN) I'll clasp his hand Whom you have so accused.

_Vittia._ O do, my lord!

(_Smiles disdainfully._)

And then embrace him in whose arms three nights Ago she was embraced.

_Yolanda_ (_to her_). Can you so say!

_Vittia._ Yes, and will add----

_Amaury._ Lady of Venice, nothing! But this to all, I answer!-- There is my mother, see, Wounded with wonder of this plight, and pity. Yolanda has dwelt by her As the fawn By the white doe on mount Chionodes. I would as quick believe that she had given Her holiness up to contamination As that Yolanda----

_Yolanda._ Amaury, enough!... I know!

_Amaury._ As quickly!

_Yolanda._ Then ... quell this delirium!

(_A pause._)

Out of your thought forever let it fall, Hear no more of it, ever! Be deaf to it as to a taunt of doom, In triple mail to every peaceless word, Granite against even its memory. Say that you will, and now!...

_Renier._ So that you may Allure him yet to wed you?

_Amaury._ Sir!

_Renier._ She would.

_Yolanda._ No, no! But let him.... Then I will go far Away from here to any alien air, To opiate India, a lost sea-isle! To the last peak of arid Caucasus.

_Renier._ With Camarin of Paphos?

_Yolanda._ With whoever Your peace and this compelling pain ... Ah no!

_Renier._ With him, with him, I say?...

_Amaury._ You drive and drain her. To me her words shall be--me and no other. So my Yolanda now dissolve the cling Of this invisible but heavy hydra; I've striven with it till no more I can. If any tare has been unseemly sown Upon the April vision of our love, Say it at once that I may rend and fling it Away from us. Say it!

_Renier._ Vainly implored.-- Yet ask her this, If she three nights ago----

_Amaury._ I will not so insult her----

_Tremitus._ Aeih----

_Renier._ Insult? She knows what I would bid and does she hurl Her soul in any disavowal?

_Amaury._ I Will speak to her alone. Go all of you There to the fountain.

_Yolanda._ Yes, Amaury, then One searching of my face shall free your fear. Alone, alone.

_Renier._ Still to befool him!

_Yolanda_ (_warningly_). Choose! I cannot suffer more of this.

_Amaury._ Nor I To breathe ever the burning of this mist Of anguish and insatiate accusal.-- This wound upon my throat, fever it not With longer fire of doubt, Yolanda.

_Yolanda._ Ah!

_Berengere._ I am not well. I will go to my chamber.

(_She passes into the castle._)

_Renier._ But I never until this guiler grants I found her in the arms of Camarin, Drinking the frenzied wine of passion he Poured from his soul.

_Amaury._ Yolanda?

_Renier._ She is silent; Dumb to deny it.

_Amaury._ But she will, she will. You've driven her with dread and awe.

_Vittia_ (_lightly_). And truth?

_Amaury._ Have wounded her. But do not fear, Yolanda, Fiercely disown.

_Yolanda._ Amaury ... it is true.

(_He staggers slowly back._)

No, no; I have not been faithless to you-- Even a moment To the divinity of love high-altared Here in my breast! to the immutable Beauty of it!... look, look not on me so-- As I had struck, murdered a little child! Or palsied one who put a hand to help me; Or through eternity had desecrated, Vainly, virginity and trust and truth! No, my Amaury! I ... do you not see?

(_Hysterically._)

Not faithless, hear! it is not true! not true! But only this----

_Camarin._ Yolanda!

_Yolanda._ I----

_Camarin._ Yolanda!

(_A moment, then she sinks down, her face in her hands._ AMAURY _groans; then starting goes fiercely to_ HASSAN, _and taking his sword recrosses trembling to_ CAMARIN.)

_Amaury._ The day you first set step in Lusignan An image of the Magdalen within The chapel yonder fell--presaging this. Only your death, your death or mine stands pale Between us now, awaiting silently. Draw, and at once.

_Camarin._ Amaury, I will not.

_Amaury._ Out, quickly.

_Camarin._ Do your will. I'll put no more To the guilt I bear, or to the misery That guilt has brought upon you.

_Amaury._ Coward!

_Camarin._ Strike!

_Amaury._ You play a part! (_Raves._) And 'tis that you may live Still in the love that you a thief have stolen. So, with your steel----!

_Camarin._ It stays within its sheath.

_Amaury._ Then I will not be thwarted though I must Crush you as one a viper with his heel, Though I must take your leper throat into My hands and strangle life from it! For the same sky you breathe I will not. The sun that falls upon you shall not foul My being-- Though I must go down into hell for it.

(_He starts, frenzied, to strike, but suddenly staggers; then clasps at his throat, drops the sword, and sinks down moaning._)

_Yolanda._ His wound!

_Tremitus._ Aeih, aeih! at last.

_Yolanda._ Amaury! Oh!

(_Runs to him. He struggles to his feet._)

Amaury! Amaury!

_Amaury._ Stand away from me.

(_She falls back; he laughs in derision._)

I to believe her pure as my own mother!

_Vittia._ Had you but trusted me, Amaury.

_Amaury._ You?

(_Looks long at her._)

Henceforth I will.

_Vittia._ And wholly?

_Amaury_ (_significantly_). She ... shall do it.

(_Starts into the castle._)

_Yolanda_ (_dauntedly_). Amaury! what is this?

_Vittia._ That, ere a dawn, Guileless Yolanda, you shall wed with him Your paramour of Paphos----

_Yolanda._ Camarin?

_Vittia._ And from these gates be led wanton away.

(YOLANDA, _for a moment whelmed, tries to laugh scorn; but, turning, her eye meets_ RENIER's _full of suspicion_. _He follows_ AMAURY _meaningly into the castle._)

CURTAIN.