(Suddenly stopping him.) Take heed, old man!
Thou hast a fearful secret in thy grasp:
Let me not see thee wear mysterious looks.
But no! thou lovest our name!—I'll trust thee, Gaston! [Exeunt.
Scene III.—An Arab Encampment round a few
palm-trees in the Desert—Watch-fires in the
background—Night.
Several Arabs enter with Aymer.
Arab Chief. Thou hast fought bravely, stranger;
Now, come on
To share the spoil.
Aym. I reck not of it. Go,
Leave me to rest
Arab. Well, thou hast earn'd thy rest
With a red sabre. Be it as thou wilt
[They go out.—Be throws himself under a palm-tree.
Aym. This were an hour—if they would answer us.
—They from whose viewless world no answer comes—
To hear their whispering voices. Would they but
Speak once, and say they loved!
If I could hear thy thrilling voice once more,
It would be well with me. Moraima! speak!
Rainier enters disguised as a dervise.
Moraima, speak! No! the dead cannot love!
Rai. What doth the stranger here!—is there not mirth
Around the watch-fires yonder?
Aym. Mirth!—away!—
I've naught to do with mirth. Begone!
Rai. They tell
Wild tales by that red light; would'st thou not hear
Of Eastern marvels?
Aym. Hence! I heed them not.
Rai. Nay, then hear me!
Aym. Thee!
Rai. Yes, I know a tale
Wilder than theirs.
Aym. (raising himself in surprise.) Thou know'st!—
Rai. (without minding, continues.) A tale of one
Who flung in madness to the reckless deep
A gem beyond all price.
Aym. My day is closed.
What is aught human unto me?
Rai. Yet mark!
His name was of the noblest—dost thou heed?—
Even in a land of princely chivalry;
Brightness was on it—but he cast it down.
