Part 18 (1/2)

How goes the morn?

FIRST ATTENDANT.

When past the rock, Methought the convent bell chimed there for matins.

Heard you it, signor?

BERTRAND.

I know not. Is the hour yet gone?

FIRST ATTENDANT.

What hour?

BERTRAND.

Does the day dawn?

SECOND ATTENDANT.

Ay; but night-lurking clouds Shut out the approaching light. One short, wan streak, As if in the branches of yon distant oak, Alone brings n.i.g.g.ard tidings.

BERTRAND.

Hark!--footsteps.

FIRST ATTENDANT.

It is the tread Of some roused deer: upon the rustling leaves Man's bolder foot falls not so lightly.

BERTRAND.

The day its custom'd hour forgets, And lingers in its chamber, loth to rise, With unveil'd face, on the wide ruin Of this hush'd tempest.

FIRST ATTENDANT.

Look towards the east!

The light breaks rapidly athwart its face.

You look not, signor. Hear you the----

_Enter DUKE, disguised._

BERTRAND.

Welcome, if thou art he--the foe I meet.

DUKE.

The same; but not thy foe.

BERTRAND.

That hated voice!

Revenge it cries. Prepare! no more delay!

Draw, dastard! or thy recreant blood I'll pour Unfought for to this earth.

[_BERTRAND makes the attack, the DUKE keeping on the defensive._

BERTRAND.

Thou wardest but my blows; fight, villain!

[_The DUKE makes a parry, and immediately disarms BERTRAND._ I seek not mercy. None would I have given If I had seen thee thus.

DUKE.