_Chrys._ (_in furious rage_). This evening, in the Avenue of Palms, I shall await you, sir.
_Zor._ (_in blank astonishment_). Oh dear, oh dear, What _have_ I said?
_Altem._ (_in a rage_). Where is the King? Go, send him here to me. Oh, Zeolide, go, get you hence away, For I have words for Phanor that ’twere best His daughter did not hear.
_Altem._ Now, sir, I’ve every reason to believe, From what I’ve heard, that you’re deceiving me! I’ll question you--oh, infamous old man!
_Phan._ (_aside_). The Queen is jealous. Where’s my talisman? (_finds it._) All right--it’s well I have it with me now. (_Aloud_) Interrogate me. Conscious innocence Has little fear of Palaces of Truth!
_Altem._ You have been walking in the shrubbery, What were you doing there?
_Phan._ (_with great show of love for ALTEMIRE_). Why, making love To Mirza. I invariably do Whenever I’ve a chance; but all in vain. She’s a good woman, and despises me. (_To MIRZA_) Haven’t I offered love to you?
_Phan._ (_to ALTEMIRE_). I told you so, and she indorses it. Believe me, I am bound to speak the truth!
_Phan._ (_taking her by the hand_). Thank you, Altemire.
_Altem._ Stand off, don’t touch me, horrible old man! You tell me you’ve made love to Mirza?
_Phan._ (_astonished_). No! Did I say that?
_Phan._ I said that I made love to Mirza?
_Phan._ Oh, Mirza, come, You can deny this!
_Mirza._ Would, my lord, I could. To spare the Queen I would be silent, but Some unknown power masters me, and makes Me own, against my will, that it was so!
_Phan._ (_aside to GÉLANOR_). Why, Gélanor, How’s this? The talisman is out of gear! (_Showing box to GÉLANOR_).
_Gélan._ Let me examine it. (_Takes it and returns it._) A forgery! A clever imitation; virtueless! It lacks the small inscription on the hinge! (_PHANOR falls breathless into a chair._)
_Phan._ To-morrow morning we go home again!
SCENE.--_The Avenue of Palms--night. CHRYSAL discovered with a drawn sword in his hand._
_Gélan._ Chrysal, alone! And with a naked sword!
_Chrys._ I’m waiting Zoram. I have challenged him. He meets me here--the Avenue of Palms.
_Chrys._ Most grievously. You heard the words he used to me to-day?
_Chrys._ Then blood must flow. I am a knight. My knightly honor claims this sacrifice, I’ve been insulted--one of us must die!