Rai. (turning away.) A goodly word
To join with a warrior's name!—a sound to make
Men's flesh creep. What!—for Paynim blood
Did he stand faltering thus—my ancestor—
In that old tower?
[He again approaches her—she falls on her knees.
Mor. So young, and thus to die!
Mercy—have mercy! In your own far land
If there be love that weeps and watches for you,
And follows you with prayer—even by that love
Spare me—for it is woman's! If light steps
Have bounded there to meet you, clinging arms
Hung on your neck, fond tears o'erflow'd your cheek,
Think upon those that loved you thus, for thus
Doth woman love! and spare me!—think on them;
They, too, may yet need mercy! Aymer, Aymer!
Wilt thou not hear and aid me?
Rai. (starting) There's a name
To bring back strength! Shall I not strike to save
His honour and his life? Were his life all——
Mor. To save his life and honour!—will my death——
[She rises and stands before him, covering her
face hurriedly.
Do it with one stroke! I may not live for him!
Rai. (with surprise.) A woman meet death thus!
Mor. (uncovering her eyes.) Yet one thing more—
I have sisters and a father. Christian knight!
Oh! by your mother's memory, let them know
I died with a name unstain'd.
Rai. (softened and surprised.)
And such high thoughts from her!—an infidel!
And she named my mother!—Once in early youth
From the wild waves I snatch'd a woman's life;
My mother bless'd me for it (slowly dropping his dagger)—even with tears
She bless'd me. Stay, are there no other means?
(Suddenly recollecting himself.) Follow me, maiden!
Fear not now.
Mor. But he—
But Aymer—
Rai. (sternly.) Wouldst thou perish? Name him not!—
Look not as if thou wouldst! Think'st thou dark thoughts
Are blown away like dew-drops? or I, like him,
A leaf to shake and turn i' the changing wind?
Follow me, and beware!
[She bends over the tomb for a moment, and
follows him.
Aymer enters, and slowly comes forward from the
background.
