_Alessa._ We have But put away the distaff and the needle.
_Berengere._ The distaff and the needle--it may be. And yet you do not seem----
Camarin--you saw? They were not as their wont is.
_Camarin._ To your eyes, My Berengere, that apprehension haunts. They were as ever. Then be done with fear!
_Camarin._ To the abyss with it. To-night Is ours--Renier tarries at Famagouste-- Is ours for love and for a long delight!
_Camarin._ Dawn and the dewy lark! And passing of all presage from you.
_Berengere_ (_sits_). No: For think, Yolanda's look when by the cypress We read the verses! And my dream that I Should with a cross--inscrutable is sleep!-- Bring her deep bitterness.
_Camarin._ Dreams are a brood Born of the night and not of destiny. She guesses not our guilt, and Renier Clasps to his breast ambition as a bride-- Ambition for Amaury.
_Berengere._ None can say. He's much with this Venetian, our guest, Though Venice gyves us more with tyranny Than would the Saracen.
_Camarin._ But through this lady Of the Pisani, powerful in Venice, He hopes to lift again his dynasty Up from decay; and to restore this island, This verdure-dream of the seas, unto his house. 'Tis clear, my Berengere!
_Berengere._ Then, _her_ design? And, the requital that entices her?
Evil will come of it, to us some evil, Or to Yolanda and Amaury's love.-- But, there; the women.
_Camarin._ And too brief their stay. What signal for to-night?
_Berengere._ Be in the garden. Over the threshold yonder I will wave The candle-sign, when all are passed to sleep.
_Camarin._ And with the beam I shall mount up to you Quicker than ecstasy.
_Berengere._ I am as a leaf Before the wind and raging of your love. Go--go.
_Camarin._ But to return unto your breast!
[_The women re-enter with silver lighted lamps; behind them are_ HASSAN _and the slave_ SMARDA. _They wait for_ BERENGERE, _who has stood silent, to speak._
_Berengere_ (_looking up_). Ah, you are come; I had forgotten. And it is time for sleep.--Hassan, the gates: Close them.
_Berengere._ Wait no longer. Lord Renier will not come.
_Berengere._ None, though he yesterday left Nicosie With the priest Moro.
_Berengere._ Wait no longer. Come, women, with your lamps and light the way.