Part 16 (1/2)

BIA. [Coming towards her.] Why do you weep?

BEA. [Looking up startled and seeing her, jumping to her feet.]

Oh, no! Oh, G.o.d above!

Go back! Go back!

BIA. [Amazed, quietly.] Beatrice, are you mad?

'Tis I, Bianca.

BEA. [More quietly.] Ay, I know 'tis you.

And you must go away.

BIA. [Breaking down.] You are mad, my dear!

BEA. I would I were. For madmen have their moments Of light into the brain.--Hear me. Bianca, You must return at once to Lagoverde, And come to me no more, and think of me No more.

BIA. Ay. I will go. But ere I go Tell me you do not love me, 'Tis apparent You do not. I but wish to hear the words.

BEA. Nay, that I will not say. It would be well, To say it, and let it be. But I'll not say it, It is not true.

BIA. You love me still?

BEA. I love you More than all else on earth. But I have wronged you So hugely that I cannot think of it And stand here talking with you--I am ill--[She staggers.]

You must pardon me--I have been very ill--

BIA. Then it is true?

BEA. [With a cry as of relief.] Ay, it is true! Who told you?

BIA. My mother told me. I said it was not true.

But if 'tis true--I pity you, Rose-Red, I pity him. I pity us all together.

BEA. [Feverishly.] Ah, I can see it now!--the quiet road In the deep wood's gathering darkness, the reins loose On the horses' necks, that nodded, nodded, and we Speaking from time to time, and glad to think Of home,--and suddenly out of nowhere,--fury, And faces, and long swords, and a great noise!

And even as I reached to draw my sword, The arm that held the scabbard set on fire, As if the sleeve were burning!--and my horse Backing into the trees, my hair caught, twisted, Torn out by the roots! Then from the road behind A second fury! And I turned, confused, Outraged with pain, and thrust,--and it was Mario!

BIA. [Wildly.] What are you saying? What are you saying? What is this You are telling me? That it was you? Your hand--?

Oh, G.o.d have mercy upon me! Let me go!

BEA. [Pitifully, reaching out her arms towards her.]

Snow-White! Snow-White!--farewell!

BIA. [Without turning.] Oh, G.o.d have mercy!

[Exit Bianca.]

[Beatrice falls unconscious to the floor.]

CURTAIN