Part 23 (1/2)

_Enter XAINTRAILLES and others._

XAINT. Turn, turn Du Nois!

Make for the eastern gate!

DU N. Is she then safe?

XAINT. It is no time for words: we must be gone.

DU N. Is the maid safe? I ask. Du Nois doth ask.

XAINT. Canst thou be ignorant?

DU N. Say on, or deep Within thy breast--speak!

XAINT. Thy grasp doth choke me.

Release thy hold!

DU N. Now answer me, and quickly.

Where is the maid?

XAINT. Look on yon rising cloud: Safe in its breast her spirit mounts to heaven, That mercy to implore which man denied her.

[_DU NOIS sinks on his knee, and continues to watch the cloud._

OFFICER _to_ XAINT. How calm he is become!

DU N. One speck alone-- Now not a trace remains. (_rises._) How died the maid?

Suppress no circ.u.mstance, no word, no look.