Part 16 (1/2)

GIULIA: His words were low

FULVIA: Why were You not asleep?

GIULIA: I----

FULVIA: Did he beat his hands Briefly--and then no more?

GIULIA: I was behind----

FULVIA: And could not see? But heard their names?

The Greek is still without?

GIULIA: My lady, yes.

FULVIA: Your voice is guilty. How came Haemon in?

Answer me, answer! No, go quickly! If The duke has entered now and sleeps! Or if----!

(_Words and swords are heard, then a shriek from HELENA.

CHARLES rushes in furious and wounded in the arm, followed by HELENA, ANTONIO, who is dazed, and from Castle side by HaeMON, guards, etc._)

ANTONIO: You, you, sir? father? I knew it not, so swift Your rage fell on me.

CHARLES (_to a guard_): Gaping, ghastly fool!

Do you behold him murderous and lay No hand on him!

ANTONIO: But, sir----!

CHARLES: Let him not fawn About me! Seize him! G.o.d forgives not h.e.l.l.

Not this blood only but my soul's be on him.

HELENA: O, do not, he----

CHARLES: Stand! stand! Touch me not with Your voice or eyes or being! They are soft With perfidy, and stole me to believe There's sweetness in a flower, light in air, And beauty in the innocence of earth.

Bind him! Leucadia's just cliff awaits All traitors--'tis the law, they must be flung Out on the dizzy and supportless wind.

FULVIA: But this shall never be! No, though your looks Heave out with hate upon me.

CHARLES (_convulsed, then coldly_): You are dead, And speak to me. Once you were Fulvia-- No more! And once my friend, now but a ghost Whom I must gaze upon forgetlessly.

Obey, at once! and at to-morrow's sunset!

(_ANTONIO is taken and led out._)

HELENA (_falling at CHARLES' feet_): You cannot, will not--O, he is your son And loves you much!

CHARLES: Touch me not! touch me not!

(_To HaeMON._) Lead her away--and quickly, quickly, quickly!