ACT IV

SCENE: _Same as first act. An altar near wall, left. Seven maidens putting fresh garlands about the hall._

_Mylitta._ She must be dressed by this. Come, let us sing!

_Mirimond._ No, wait! Our part is yet undone. Here hangs A withered garland.

_Alenia._ Here another. See! And there! Well, we are slack.

_Eudora._ Who would not be? We've cause for sleepy wits and fingers too, With seven days and nights of revelling.

_Garla._ And Charilus warm in 's grave.

_Myrana._ He'll be no colder Let come a hundred months. Ten years, ten days, 'Tis all the same i' the ground.

_Daphne._ And yet, I think The daughter smiles too soon.

_Mylitta._ Troth, I would smile For such a lord if all the world beside Were wrapped in shroud.

_Mirimond._ I would the English knights Were come! Full fifty, Barca said, would ride From Suli.

_Mylitta._ I know you, chit. Your eyes will find Their way.

_Mirimond._ Mayhap not all of us will take The homeward ship for Corinth. Did we think When we set sail we'd come in time to see Our Ardia married?

_Mylitta._ You will dream.

_Garla._ If dreams Were men, what maid would go unwed? Not you, Mylitta.

_Myrana._ Come, our song! 'Tis time!

_Eudora._ Come, all!

[_They sing by Ardia's door_]

Mornings seven have we been Wardens at thy door; Now thy lord shall enter in, And we come no more.

Mornings seven have we strewn Lilies at thy door; Now the virgin watch is done. And we come no more.

Mornings seven have we sung At thy maiden door; Now the seventh morn is rung, And we come no more.

[_Door opens and Ardia comes out. Gaina follows_]

_Ard._ A kiss to all! Who's happier here than I Shall have my place.

_Mirimond._ We'll ask Lord Bertrand that. Thou'rt no more mistress of your yeas and nays.

_Ard._ O, but I am! I have a votary now Who'll make my words his wishes and himself Bring them to pass.

_Mylitta._ No doubt. You'll cough In oracles. He'll puzzle o'er your sneeze That he may do its meaning. I have heard Such husbands do inhabit a green moon, And one may come to earth.

_Ard._ Kiss me, Mylitta! Naught else will stop your mouth. O, dearest girls, No father's here to give me to my lord, And yet I smile, I wed. For why?--his love Is not in earth with his dear body. No! 'Tis all about me here, bathing my heart, Now on my brow, now whispers at my ear, Now runs before my eyes to make a light Where they would rest. He loves this day as I do! Yet I had stayed this busking marriage Had not my brothers pressed me to such haste And peace not waited on it. Think, dear maidens, Peace everywhere! Avesta safe and free, And Oswald's sword in sheath-- What is that chanting?

_Gaina._ [_Looking from parapet_] A train comes up the heights.

_Mylitta._ The English Lords!

[_Enter Barca, left_]

_Ard._ Barca, who comes?

_Barca._ Prince Banissat, my lady, With all his court attending.

_Mirimond._ Banissat! This is a Christian wedding.

_Ard._ We are at peace.

_Barca._ He brings you gifts. Your brothers go to meet him.

_Ard._ Where is Lord Bertrand?

_Barca._ Near at hand. He comes This way.

[_Exit Barca, left_]

_Ard._ My girls, wouldst see what dainties lie In yonder chamber?

_Mylitta._ Nay, we'll wait.

_Ard._ Moonstones For golden hair--crescents and amber stars For tresses dark----

_Girls._ O! O!

_Ard._ Veils of spun silver----

[_Maidens buzz through door right_]

_Ard._ Go, give them all!

_Gaina._ All, mistress? Not----

_Ard._ Go, go!

[_Exit Gaina. Bertrand enters, left. He is in princely costume_]

_Ber._ Art found, my heaven?

_Ard._ Thou'st not a fear thy Heaven Is lost in me?

_Ber._ A doubt were my soul's shame. [_Points up the heights_] Does not yon giant cross arise to say Christ reigns on Kidmir? Far as Suli plain Men see the sun upon its silver sides And hands upborne in prayer forget the sword That sleeps unwakened.

_Ard._ Will it sleep for long?

_Ber._ Ay, else your father's death were devils' sport, Not Heaven's will.

_Ard._ What word to-day from Oswald?

_Ber._ You name him?

_Ard._ Is he not our father?

_Ber._ O, God's angel thou, not mine!

_Ard._ Does Biondel Now wear the crown of Ilon?

_Ber._ That's confirmed. And Vigard has Ramoor.

_Ard._ They profit much By their new faith.

_Ber._ Do they not spare my life? So Oswald gives these crowns. You think he pays Too dear?

_Ard._ O, barest alms! I'd have the earth. No less,--then want the sun,--ay, circling heaven, And yet be beggared losing thee! But they Must wear their purple o'er a Christian heart. I would not doubt ... and yet....

_Ber._ They are the sons Of Charilus.

_Ard._ And Banissat?

_Ber._ He vows An endless peace with Suli.

_Ard._ And you are Suli. Why am I fearful, knowing doubt is death?

_Ber._ Come, love, look down--nay, farther, toward the sea. That sprawling mass that darkens now the plain, Seeming to hugely breathe and cloud-like move, Is Oswald's army making feast to-day, For I, the prince, go wiving. Now I seem To hear our names joined high in Heaven's air. And Christ, too, listens smiling, knowing one land, One throne is his forever. Sweet, 'twas he Drew me from sheltered cell and flowered garth To be his sovereign servant. He it was Who called through you, who cried in Charilus' death To wake my soul that shall not sleep again Till Love has garnered all these eastern lands.

_Ard._ Amen, my husband-knight! I am content To be your love next Christ. Within your heart. 'Twill be sweet, gleaning where he walks before.

_Ber._ These words be your sole dower, for they hold More sun for me than shining gold!

_Ard._ The guests! Do you not hear them? Leave me now, my lord.

_Ber._ Thank patience and my stars, we reach the end Of these stale ceremonies! Seven days Of long, superfluous rites to make you mine When our first kiss did wed us!

_Ard._ [_Mocking_] So ungentle To your proud honors, sir? Nay, it is fit Your wedding be as famous as your name, O, Prince of Suli! [_Voices heard, left_] Go, to come again!

[_Exit Bertrand, right. Ardia turns to enter her room and faces Vigard who comes on left. She draws her veil_]

_Vig._ Stay, sister.

_Ard._ Would you have me seen?

_Vig._ [_Throws back her veil_] Art fair Again? As Kidmir skies!

_Ard._ It is my joy.

[_Enter left, Biondel, Banissat, and lords. Banissat pauses. The others pass off, right_]

_Vig._ [_Taking Ardia'a hand to detain her_] We have surprised our sister.

_Ban._ Blest the hour! Now may I lay this gift within her hand-- Poor gift, that has no worth until that hand Caresses it to splendor.

[_Kneels, offering her a small packet_]

_Ard._ [_Taking packet_] Courteous prince, My thanks. And more than thanks that you should climb Kidmir's uneasy steep to dearly grace This day--for smiles of friends, more than fair gifts, Do best adorn my bridal. [_Draws her veil and moves right_]

_Ban._ Night is come. And through her mist the stars! [_Exit Ardia_]

_Vig._ Her bloom is washed Somewhat with tears for Charilus, but she Will flower again.

_Ban._ Now by the Prophet's soul He who has kissed her lips had better've kissed A flame of hell than so have touched What shall be mine!

_Vig._ As thou dost love revenge, Be patient.

_Ban._ Patience to the ox, to beasts That dream 'twixt cud and whip! Am I not man?

_Vig._ You have endured, by truth.

_Ban._ Endured!

_Vig._ And now Revenge! Ere night yon braggart cross shall bear A burden that will start Earl Oswald's eyes When he looks up from Suli plain.

_Ban._ This day Shall see it! Come, once more let us look down. See where the hosts of Allah charge upon The sottish infidel! All yet is well. The banner o'er Avesta signals still The Prophet wins!

_Vig._ And when the tower of Suli Gleams with the hoisted crescent, we shall know Oswald is taken.

_Ban._ Ha! There's no way out! The powers of Ilon, Avesta, and Ramoor, Pen him in bloody triangle. Old rat, You're in the trap! I should be there, not here,-- There at his throat----

_Vig._ Nay, here, my lord, you'll have Your dearest triumph. Please you now, go in. I'll watch here for the sign.

_Ban._ Your watch be short.

[_Exit, right. Re-enter Ardia_]

_Ard._ [_Holding out a flaming ornament_] Brother, see this! The jewel of the house Of Banissat. 'Tis sacred to his name. I cannot take it, and he dare not give it.

_Vig._ It seems he dared.

_Ard._ What does he mean, dear Vigard?

_Vig._ To honor Suli's princess as most fit.

_Ard._ I tremble still from his deep look of fire, And when I saw this burn methought his eye Was yet upon me.

_Vig._ Fool, go to your maidens!

[_Enter Barca, left, with Ramunin_]

_Vig._ You're late, my man.

_Ram._ And yet in season, sir. [_Points up the heights_] The cross is bare.

_Vig._ Get you within. [_Exeunt Barca and Ramunin, left_] Now, sister-- What, do you faint?

_Ard._ That face! Ramunin's face. I saw it once, and shuddered many a day Remembering it. The public crucifier, Who serves the bloody prince of Antioch. The same. What does he here upon this day Of all the days of time?

_Vig._ 'Tis by your wish That Kidmir gates are open.

_Ard._ And by yours.

_Vig._ Ay, let the world be witness you are made The honored bride of Suli.

_Ard._ But Ramunin? He said the cross was bare. Why such a jest As horrid as his life? [_Looking out_] And all the knights That were to come from Oswald--where are they?

_Vig._ They drank too deep last night for journeying Up Kidmir road--or else they dare not cross This outraged portal.

_Ard._ Have we not forgiven? Ah, what is there? Look, Vigard, do you see? A floating crescent!

_Vig._ Where?

_Ard._ O'er Suli tower. O, this is Oswald's greeting to our house, Better than any band of armèd knights! He lifts the Prophet's banner to his towers, Even as you set the Savior's crucifix On Kidmir! Now the one eternal God Lives in his sign when cross and crescent smile Love-set in the same heaven!

_Vig._ Allah be praised!

_Ard._ And Christ--forget not Christ!

_Vig._ We'll make an end now. [_Exit, right_]

_Ard._ An end? Am I a bride--or sacrifice?

[_Goes in, right, at sound of approaching music. Enter, left, young musicians playing flutes and harps. They pause before altar, cross to right and seat themselves about Ardia's door. Guests enter, filling rear of hall, and parapet. A maiden comes on, dancing the grain-dance and scattering sesame. At the close of dance, Ardia's maidens enter, each bearing a lighted candle which she places on the altar. A Greek chant is heard as priest approaches left. All wait his entrance, and the curtain falls, rising again on the close of the ceremony. Bertrand and Ardia stand centre. An aged priest at altar. Biondel and Banissat conspicuous among the guests. Vigard not seen_]

_Bion._ Is all now done?

_Priest._ All's done. The spouse of Suli May bow herself unto her master's feet, Bespeaking so the love that has no wish But service, no desire save her lord's will.

[_As Ardia would kneel, Bertrand prevents her_]

_Ber._ You shall not kneel.

_Ard._ 'Tis custom, dear my lord.

_Ber._ Then here it dies.

_Ard._ My mother did so much For him who made her wife.

_Ber._ Thy knees shall bend To God, and to none less. Reign at my side, Princess of Suli, not my feet.

_Bion._ We hail The bride of Suli!

_Guests._ Bride of Suli, hail!

_Vig._ [_Unseen_] Ho! Seize the traitor! Ho!

[_Enter Ramunin, right, and armed guards_]

_Ber._ Who speaks? And who Is traitor here?

_Vig._ Thou, foulest murderer!

_Ber._ Who speaks?

_Vig._ Dead Charilus.

_Ard._ 'Tis Vigard's voice. [_Vigard steps forth_] What, Vigard, art thou mad? Wouldst shatter the globe Of Heaven?

_Vig._ Nay, it was broken that same hour When died our father.

_Ber._ Son of Charilus, speak Your will. If you demand my life, 'tis yours. I hold it by your gentle lease and love. But while I ask not one poor breath for me, I beg you pause, nor cast the innocent To feed the vengeful and life-reaping fire Oswald will kindle for his hapless son.

_Vig._ You think no fires will burn but of his kindling?

_Ard._ O shame! The crescent over Suli greets The cross on Kidmir!

_Vig._ Ay, the crescent flies From Suli, thanks to faithful Moslem hands That set it there.

_Ard._ Ah.... Moslem hands?

_Vig._ You fool, To think that Oswald fluttered compliments, When he was dreaming how he'd bid you drink Of that same cup he gave to Charilus!

_Ban._ Now, dearest lady, you are safe. To-day The Faithful battled with the infidel, And that bright crescent is the silent sign We have the victory. Ramoor and Ilon With pointed sword bore down on either side The glutted, drunken army, while in front Avesta like a whirlwind swept----

_Ard._ O, traitor! You vowed unbroken peace with Suli!

_Ban._ Yea, Will keep it too, for I am Suli now.

_Ard._ [_To her brothers_] Were you not sworn to Christ?

_Bion._ We are the Prophet's.

_Ard._ O, Heaven, hear not this! And Oswald's knights?

_Vig._ Sleep in Avesta's dungeons.

_Bion._ Banissat, Avesta's golden prince, speak you the doom Of Bertrand----

_Ard._ Doom? O----

_Ber._ Do not waste the breath A kiss may save. A thousand times, your lips!

_Ard._ [_To Biondel_] Let him not die!

_Vig._ You'll pray soon that he may! Speak, noble prince.

_Ban._ I, lord of conquered Suli, Condemn the son of Oswald unto death By crucifixion. Be his body nailed Upon the cross now raised on Kidmir peak, That Oswald may behold his groaning son, And every Christian dog look up and see How dies the Prophet's enemy. [_To Ramunin_] Away! Prick him with delicate tortures that yet leave Him heart to heave his agony. Hear you! If he live not three days upon the cross Yourself shall hang beside him.

_Ram._ I've a hand Has had some practice, sir.

_Ban._ We know it, fellow, And therefore we employ you.

_Ram._ I put the nails In young Deobus, he who hung five days 'Twixt heaven and earth, and to the fifth eve groaned As he would pull his heart up. I've a medal Struck by the city for it.

_Ban._ I will match it, If you match me the service.

_Ram._ That I'll do. These English have strong hearts--will suck at pain As life were in her dugs.

[_Exit Ramunin, guards, and Bertrand. Priest and guests follow. The maidens huddle at door, right_]

_Bion._ Sister, you stare Too hardly on this grief. It is a woe That Heaven smiles on, and the cure now waits In Banissat's fair mercy. You shall be His royal wife, and Suli's princess still.

_Vig._ Speak to the prince.

_Ban._ Nay, let her hear my vow. O, star of Kidmir, dear and beautiful, I'll set thee in a bosom that shall be A tender heaven round thee. Beat to earth Is murmurous suspicion, and again You shine unto the world, swept free of taint By noble marriage with most careful rites----

_Ard._ I doubt, I doubt! One part, one point, one rite, Broken in act, left gaping and divided, One half performed, one half left all undone, Leaves me dishonored still. She is not widowed Who was not wife----

_Vig._ All's done! What more canst wish?

_Ard._ To lay my forehead on my husband's feet, Which by the ancient custom of our house Is maidhood's closing act, as 'tis the first Of wifehood true. This thou wilt grant----

_Vig._ You're bound By rites enough!

_Bion._ Canst stand uncertain on So slight a matter?

_Ard._ Slight? Ah, you know naught Of woman! Teach him, prince, that not a nick, Or turn, or shade of custom would she spare From this most holy ceremony. Wanting but The smallest portion that gives leave to say The measure lacks, she all her life will grieve, Shed secret tears, and wear a blanchen face When none knows why.

_Bion._ You shall not move us. Peace!

_Vig._ A brawling fancy!

_Ard._ Avesta's prince, thou who Shalt be my lord, if any lord of earth Be mine again, wouldst have my love, or hate?

_Ban._ Thy love, fair Ardia.

_Ard._ Then I pray you, sir, Move thy forbearance yet one farther step And pluck this boon for me. 'Tis near thy hand, And O, how small a thing for you to give, But as the sun of all my days to me! Without it I may die----

_Ban._ Speak not of death. So sweet I'll shelter thee, Death's self must bloom If he creep near thy bower.

_Ard._ May I, my lord, Keep honored place by thee when memory mocks That place and honor? Grant me this, but this, And here I swear if any act of man May move a widowed heart, mine shall grow warm To thee!

_Ban._ Do you speak truth?

_Ard._ Believe me, sir, So dear a thing is this for which I sue, That he who gives it must grow dear thereby; And if he lift to him my prostrate life, This gentle moment shall immortal be And sweeten every hour we pass together. Remembering this, my captive breast shall be His free dominion, and my lips on his, If they know warmth, shall take it from this cause, This first dear tenderness.

_Ban._ We'll please you, mistress. Bring in the man again.

[_Exit a guard_]

_Vig._ I beg you, prince----

_Ban._ By Allah, she shall have her beggar wish, For no more reason than she wishes it!

_Vig._ It is her sickish humor, sir, to look On him again. All this wild pother means No more than that.

_Ban._ No more? We'll please her then For our good peace to come.

_Bion._ A princely kindness.

[_They talk together. Ardia crosses to altar_]

_Ard._ Now one more miracle! God live in me, And Christ direct my hand!

_Bion._ What do you say, My sister?

_Ard._ But a word to mine own heart.

_Ban._ Nay, mine now, is it not?

_Ard._ So much of it As dearest lenience may buy, my lord.

[_Bertrand is brought in guarded_]

_Bion._ The man is here. Now have your foolish will.

[_Ardia turns and looks at Bertrand. He is stripped of his rich dress and wears only a girdled tunic falling to his knees. Arms and feet are bare_]

_Ban._ [_To Bertrand_] Sir, we permit the lady of our soul To end as her heart wills the rite that makes Her wife and widow. Touch her not, nor speak.

[_Bertrand crosses to altar_]

_Ard._ Why should we touch, when souls inhabit eyes And journey on a look? My heaven-lord, Here is no priest to bless this act of mine, But God will know his altar and the gift I lay upon it. The life we thought to live-- That might have failed, and killed the dream now safe From tarnish of the days. Earth has enough Of blind and baffled lives, but great her need Of dreams. And ours we leave with her, unworn, Unpaled, warm round the love-seed she shall nurse To million-budded life.

_Bion._ Come, make an end!

_Ard._ An end of love? The God of all the worlds Cannot do that. Love born this darkest day Shall be in flower on man's millennial path And touch his step with Heaven.

_Vig._ Peace! Be done!

_Ard._ Ay ... done. My lord, think thou art in the world Celestial, and from there smile on me--now-- [_Draws dagger from her bosom and stabs him. He falls_] High God, as thou art Love, I struck for thee! [_Bends over body_] True aim. Full in the heart. I know the place, For there my home is--there I live--and now My house is down, I, too, must fall----

_Ban._ I'll pay thee! What hast thou done?

_Ard._ What done? A miracle! Who now can harm my love?

_Ban._ Your promises! Your oaths!

_Ard._ I'd keep them, sir--ay, every one, If grief would let me live to be your wife. But I am weary, and my heavy stars Have left their skies to hang upon me here. My veins are empty, all their strength is out. Does 't take so much to lift this little blade And let it fall again? [_Biondel takes the dagger from her_] Think you I need So poor a thing? Nay, God has struck for me, As I for Him. I go with Vairdelan. [_Kneels by body_] Look on this brow, if shame will let ye look. An angel shaped it. Ye've unfashioned here The work of Heaven. Sweet lips, no roses left? Your hand, my lord, and now the sinless star. [_Dies_]

[_Curtain_]