Aym. For the last time—yes! it must be the last!
Earth and heaven say—the last! The very dead
Rise up to part us! But one look—and then
She must go hence for ever! Will she weep?
It had been little to have died for her—
I have borne shame.
She shall know all! Moraima! Said they not
She would be found here at her brother's grave?
Where should she go? Moraima! There's the print
Of her step—what gleams beside it?
(Seeing the dagger, he takes it up.) Ha! men work
Dark deeds with things like this!
[Looking wildly and anxiously around.
I see no——blood!
[Looking at the dagger.
Stain'd!—it may be from battle; 'tis not—wet.
[Looks round, intently listening; then again examines the spot.
Ha!—what is this? another step in the grass!—
Hers and another's step!
[He rushes into the cypress-grove
Scene III.—A hall in the citadel, hung with arms
and banners.
Rainier, Herman—Knights in the background,
laying aside their armour.
Her. (coming forward and speaking hurriedly.)
Is it done? Have you done it?
Rai. (with disgust.) What! you thirst
For blood so deeply?
Her. (indignantly.) Have you struck, and saved
The honour of your house?
Rai. (thoughtfully to himself.) The light i' the soul
Is such a wavering thing! Have I done well!
(To Herman.)
Ask me not! Never shall they meet again.
Is 't not enough?
Aymer enters hurriedly with the dagger, and goes
up with it to several of the knights, who begin
to gather round the front.
Aym. Whose is this dagger?
Rai. (coming forward and taking it.) Mine.
Aym. Yours! yours!—and know you where—
Rai. (about to sheath it, but stopping) Oh! you do well
So to remind me! Yes! it must have lain
In the Moslem burial-ground—and that vile dust—
Hence with it! 'tis defiled. [Throws it from him.
Aym. If such a deed——
Brother! where is she?
