At least you'll come and see us? You'll come and sing the savageness out of this bear?
I knew it must come to an end, Blanche. (_Crosses C._) Well, we have had a good time.
You have been my good genius. Do you know, I was getting sick of it all before you came?
That was foolish. I am glad if I have reconciled you to existence.
You have made me alive again, opened a door to new possibilities, let me out into the sunshine.
Well, don't go back into the shadow. (_Taking her hat, she goes towards mirror._)
That is right; and now I must go. (_About to take cloak._)
No, you must not go yet. Come and sit upon your throne once more. (_Mrs. Tremaine stops._)
No. I only want to look at you. Do grant me this last grace! (_He replaces chair on "throne."_)
(_puts down hat, and crosses L_) Really you are too absurd! (_She sits on the "throne."_)
(_crosses C_) Thanks. And now I want you to read something. (_Goes to table and takes paper from drawer._)
Every man is a poet once in his life. You have made me one. (_He sits at her feet on the "throne."_)
Some women are Love's toys, kiss'd and flung by, Some his pale martyrs: thou art womanhood, Superbly symbol'd in rare flesh and blood. Eternal Beauty, she for whom we sigh, Dowers thee with her own eternity; Thou art Love's sibyl: in proud solitude O'er his old mysteries thy deep eyes brood, And at thy feet his rich dominions lie. Hast thou a heart? Let me desire it still. Torture my heart to life with thy disdain; Yet smile, give me immortal dreams, still be My Muse, my inspiration, vision, will! I ask no pity, I demand but pain: And if I love thee, what is that to thee?
It sounds very well; but I'm afraid I don't quite understand it.
That is the highest praise you could give it; if it be unintelligible it _must_ be fine. It means "_mes hommages_!" (_Kisses her hand._) And now come down! (_He hands her down from the "throne"._)
(_with a shy laugh, crosses_ R) But you don't mean to say that you have said all those fine words about me?
Yes--_to_ you, Blanche. I love you. What is that to you? (_Comes down to fire._)
It is very flattering, no doubt, to be made love to in pretty verses. (_With a mocking smile._) Is this your "situation" at last?
(_sharply_) Oh, I see! I am to be a sort of lay figure for your poetry, as well as your painting; the Laura of this new Petrarch. Thank you! (_She bows with a little laugh._)