Chapter 17

[A dungeon. Beatrice alone, sitting on a bench, her head bowed in her hands. Enter Guido]

BEA. Guido, is't you!

GUI. Ay, it is I, my Queen. You sent for me, am I mistake not?

BEA. Ay. Guido, you will not keep me when I tell you Snow-White is dying and calls my name!

GUI. I knew that.

BEA. You knew that, and you hold me here. Oh, Heaven! What are you?

GUI. I am a man. You should have thought Of that before. I could have been your friend If it had pleased you. Failing that, I am Your enemy. I am too aware of you, And have been ever, to hold me in at less.

BEA. Guido. I beg of you upon my knees To let me go!

GUI. And why should I do that?

BEA. For pity's sake!

GUI. I do not know the word.

BEA. Then for the sake of my sworn hand and seal Upon a paper yielding fair to you This sovereignty you prize. It is to me Little enough tonight. I give it gladly.

GUI. You have no power to give what I have taken Already, and hold upon my hand, Rose-Red,

BEA. Oh, do not call me that! Oh, Guido, Guido, I cannot suffer further! Let me go! If only for a moment, let me go! I will return,--I will but take her hand, And come away! I swear it! Let me go!

GUI. On one condition only.

BEA. Ay! 'Tis granted, Ere it is spoken!

GUI. That upon returning You come to me, and give yourself to me, To lie in my arms lovingly. [She is stricken speechless.] You hear? To lie in my arms lovingly.

BEA. Oh, God!

GUI. It is my only word.

BEA. Oh, God! Oh, God!

GUI. 'Tis granted?

BEA. Nay,--I cannot! I will die Instead. Oh, God, to think that she will lie there And call for me, and I will never come!

GUI. Goodnight. [He goes to door.]

BEA. [In a quiet voice.] Guido! It shall be as you say.

GUI. [Rushing to her.] Ah, Beatrice!

BEA. Nay, touch me not yet. I will return. [She laughs like a child.] Why,--'tis a simple matter! I wonder now that even for a moment I held myself so dear! When for her sake All things are little things!--This foolish body, This body is not I! There is no I, Saving the need I have to go to her!