Part 18 (2/2)

_Gycia._ Say on, Asander.

_Asan._ Know, then, that soldiers sent from Bosphorus Have long time hid within our palace here-- Long time before I knew, or I had nipt The treason in the bud; and in an hour Or less from when we speak, they will go forth, When all the citizens are wrapt in sleep After the toilsome day, and seize the gate, And open to the army which lies hid On board the s.h.i.+ps without. They will not shed The blood of any, since the o'erwhelming force Will make resistance vain. I never liked The plot, I swear to thee; but, all being done, And I a subject, dared not disavow That which was done without me. But I have forced A promise that no blood be spilt.

_Gycia._ Asander, I have known it all, and have discovered all

[ASANDER _starts._

Thy secret to the Senate! But I knew not, Save by the faith that is the twin with love, That thou didst follow only in this plot, And wert unwilling; and I do rejoice Thy hands are free from blood. But oh, my love, Break from these hateful men! Thou art now a King, Thou canst command. Come, let us fly together; There yet is time! I tell thee that this plot Is doomed to ruin. Ere the morning dawns, All but the guilty leaders will be sent Prisoners to Bosphorus, and thou with them.

I have gained this on my knees; but for the guilty The State has punishments.

_Asan._ Gycia, thou wouldst not That I should break my faith? 'Tis a King's part To keep faith, though he die. But when they have seized The city, then, using my kingly office, I will undo the deed, and make alliance With Cherson, and this done I will depart, Taking my Queen with me.

_Gycia._ Then must I go; I cannot live without thee.

_Asan._ Now to rest, If not to sleep.

_Gycia._ Good night, my love; farewell.

_Asan._ Nay, not farewell, my love!

_Gycia._ Ah yes, farewell!

Farewell! farewell for ever!

[_Exeunt._

SCENE III.--_Outside the banquet hall. Darkness._

GYCIA _hurriedly descends the steps, closing the great doors of the banquet hall softly._

_Gycia._ I hear no sound within; the lights are gone, And all the hall is dark. These doors alone Of all the many outlets of the palace Remain unlocked. There is not now a moment To lose ere midnight comes, and here I hold The safety of our Cherson. Oh, my love!

I could not tell thee all, nor recompense Thy faith in me, since duty held me fast-- My duty which should also prove thy safety, For now the solemn promise of the State Is pledged to hold thee harmless, and defeat The shameful plot I knew was never thine, Without one drop of bloodshed. All my path Shows clear as noonday, and I save our city And those who with thee err in innocence, Why do I hesitate? Yet does some dark And dreadful presage of impending ill So haunt me that I know not how to face it.

I dare not do it. I must stay with him, Or bring him forth with me.

[_Ascends the steps, throws open the doors, and finds all darkness and silence._

Asander! husband!

It is thy wife who calls! Come forth, Asander!

[_Listens._

Nay, there is no one there. I cannot stay; This is mere folly. I must keep my word; There's not a moment's time, or all is lost.

Which is the key?

[_Closes the doors and locks them with a clang._

I must go forth alone To the Senate-chamber. I have saved our Cherson And my Asander!

[_Totters down the steps and exit hurriedly._

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