A brother's heart within him! Yes, he struck
To the earth a Paynim——
Mel. (raising his voice.) Christian! thou hast been
Our nation's deadliest foe!
Rai. (looking up and smiling proudly.) 'Tis joy to hear
I have not lived in vain!
Mel. Thou bear'st thyself
With a conqueror's mien! What is thy hope from me?
Rai. A soldier's death.
Mel. (hastily.) Then thou wouldst fear a slave's?
Rai. Fear! As if man's own spirit had not power
To make his death a triumph! Waste not words;
Let my blood bathe thine own sword. Infidel!
I slew thy son! [Looking at his broken sword.
Ay, there's the red mark here!
Mel. (approaching him.) Thou darest to tell me this!
[A tumult heard without.
Voices without. A Chatillon!
Rai. My brother's voice! He is saved!
Mel. (calling.) What, ho! my guards!
Aymer enters with the knights, fighting their
way through Melech's soldiers, who are
driven before them.
Aym. On with the war-cry of our ancient house:
For the Cross—De Chatillon!
Knights. For the Cross—De Chatillon!
[Rainier attempts to break from his guards.
Sadi enters with more soldiers to the assistance
of Melech. Aymer and the knights are
are overpowered. Aymer is wounded and falls.
Mel. Bring fetters—bind the captives!
Rai. Lost—all lost!
No! he is saved!
(Breaking from his guards, he goes up to Aymer.)
That which I did to save thee? Speak! forgive!
Aym. (turning from him.)
Thou see'st I die for thee! She is avenged!
Rai. I am no murderer! Hear me! turn to me!
We are parting by the grave!
Moraima enters veiled, and goes up to Melech.
Mor. Father! Oh! look not sternly on thy child.
I came to plead. They said thou hast condemn'd
A Christian knight to die——
Mel. Hence—to thy tent!
Away—begone!
Aym. (attempting to rise.) Moraima! hath her spirit come
To make death beautiful? Moraima! speak.
Mor. It was his voice! Aymer!
[She rushes to him, throwing aside her veil.
