_Yolanda_ (_who has listened rigidly. After a pause_). Come here ... look in my eyes, and--deeper.... Shame!
Pity alone we owe to sin not blame. And they who love may stray, it seems, beyond All justice of our judging.-- Is evil mad enchantment come upon The portals of this castle?
_Yolanda._ With murder? no. But if you would indeed, As oft you have----
_Yolanda._ Then watch The Venetian, and when Amaury comes Find me at once. What sound was that?... A bugle? It is! it is! Alessa! (_Overjoyed._) Do you hear? His troop! Amaury's! O the silver chime! Again I breathe, I breathe! My heart as a bird's in May! Amaury!... Come! we'll go to him! we'll go! Before any within Lusignan--!
_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.
_Hassan._ 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._ Here: 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! Who'd kill the Paphian, too?
_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 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. But, nothing! for he still is overworn. And now his wound----