Part 15 (1/2)

I have heard That sailors dying of thirst upon a raft, Poor castaways upon a lonely sea, Dream of green fields and pleasant water-courses, And then wake up with red thirst in their throats, And die more miserably because sleep Has cheated them: so they die cursing sleep For having sent them dreams: I will not curse you Though I am cast away upon the sea Which men call Desolation.

GUIDO

O G.o.d, G.o.d!

d.u.c.h.eSS

But you will stay: listen, I love you, Guido.

[She waits a little.]

Is echo dead, that when I say I love you There is no answer?

GUIDO

Everything is dead, Save one thing only, which shall die to-night!

d.u.c.h.eSS

If you are going, touch me not, but go.

[Exit GUIDO.]

Barrier! Barrier!

Why did he say there was a barrier?

There is no barrier between us two.

He lied to me, and shall I for that reason Loathe what I love, and what I wors.h.i.+pped, hate?

I think we women do not love like that.

For if I cut his image from my heart, My heart would, like a bleeding pilgrim, follow That image through the world, and call it back With little cries of love.

[Enter DUKE equipped for the chase, with falconers and hounds.]

DUKE

Madam, you keep us waiting; You keep my dogs waiting.

d.u.c.h.eSS

I will not ride to-day.

DUKE

How now, what's this?

d.u.c.h.eSS

My Lord, I cannot go.

DUKE

What, pale face, do you dare to stand against me?

Why, I could set you on a sorry jade And lead you through the town, till the low rabble You feed toss up their hats and mock at you.

d.u.c.h.eSS

Have you no word of kindness ever for me?