Her. Had he then fallen?
Was his faith wavering?
Rai. So the father fear'd.
Her. If I had been that father——
Rai Ay, you come
Of an honour'd lineage. What would you have done?
Her. Nay, what did he?
Rai. What did the lion-chief?
[Turning to Du Mornay.
Why, thou hast seen the very spot of blood
On the dark floor! He slew the Paynim bride.
Was it not well? (He looks at them attentively, and as he goes out exclaims—)
My brother must not fall!
Scene II.—A deserted Turkish burying-ground in
the city—tombs and stones overthrown—the
whole shaded by dark cypress-trees.
Mor. (leaning over a monumental pillar, which has been lately raised.)
He is at rest;—and I!—is there no power
In grief to win forgiveness from the dead!
When shall I rest? Hark! a step—Aymer's step!
The thrilling sound!
[She shrinks back as reproaching herself.
To feel that joy even here!
Brother! oh, pardon me!
Rai. (entering, and slowly looking round.)
A gloomy scene!
A place for——Is she not an infidel?
Who shall dare call it murder?
[He advances to her slowly, and looks at her.
She is fair—
The deeper cause! Maid, have you thought of death
Midst these old tombs?
Mor. (shrinking from him fearfully.) This is my brother's grave.
Rai. Thy brother's! That a warrior's grave had closed
O'er mine—the free and noble knight he was!
Ay, that the desert-sands had shrouded him
Before he look'd on thee!
Mor. If you are his—
If Aymer's brother—though your brow be dark,
I may not fear you!
Rai. No? why, thou shouldst fear
The very dust o' the mouldering sepulchre,
If it had lived, and borne his name on earth!
Hear'st thou?—that dust hath stirr'd, and found a voice,
And said that thou must die!
Mor. (clinging to the pillar as he approaches.)
Be with me, heaven!
You will not murder me?
