_Yolanda._ At once! it rings again! again! we'll go!
_Yolanda._ Warn! Warn him a fever's here That he must fend his ear from. 'Twill suffice. And I again shall see him, hear him speak, Hang on his battle-story blessedly! And you, Hassan.... But why do you stand stone? You know something.... He's dead!
_Yolanda._ Not? ah! ... then what? 'Twas not his trumpet?
_Hassan_ (_after a struggle_). No. And I will lie to you no longer; Though for obedience it be or life; And at lord Renier's command.... It is Not true that lord Amaury from the battle Has not returned.
_Hassan._ He came ... on yesterday ... at dusk. Was led Up to his chamber ... So much lord Renier who slipt him in Revealed, that I might guile you.
_Alessa._ Lady, I would have wed him--wed this toad!
_Alessa._ Worm! with dust? Heeling away from him?
These words can wait on what may yet be helped. This may undo me! First of all I should Have seen Amaury! Now----!
[_They start._ VITTIA _enters from the castle._
_Yolanda_ (_suddenly_). But I to see Amaury.
_Yolanda._ To see, Vittia Visani, who withholds Amaury-- Who came last night at dusk, as well you know.
_Yolanda._ Insolence, false And feigning! But no matter; lies are brief. I'll go myself to him.
_Yolanda._ If he could trust you--but he could not.
_Vittia._ Knowing A Paphian ere this has fondled two?
_Yolanda._ You hear, mother? (_To_ VITTIA). Out of my way at once.
_Berengere._ Stay, stay! She has not told him! nothing!... Yes, I too have been aware and kept you blind. For he was overworn, and still is, much. But now his wound----
_Berengere._ In none; If the leech Tremitus has any skill; And that you know.
But you, mother, are come at last to say Your promises, broken two days, are kept? You've spoken? won lord Renier to wisdom? Pled him to silence which alone can save us? Dear mother----?
_Yolanda._ But can leave me so laden here within This gulf's dishonour? Never!... So return And pledge him but to wait! For this Venetian has now, I bode, Something of evil more, When once Amaury hears all that has passed. Return!
_Yolanda_ (_stung_). Then hear, hear me! I Too am a woman, and the woman wants, The beauty and ache and dream and glow and urge Of an unreckoned love are mine as yours. I will not lose Amaury; but will tell him Myself the truth.