The Mortal Gods and Other Plays Part 4

_Cha._ [_Smiling_] You strong?

By what brave test dost know it?

_Her._ And by what Dost know me weak?

_Cha._ The proof awaits. But now,-- Emilio needs me,--

_Her._ Go!

_Cha._ Sweet, friends.h.i.+p too Has bonds. Not all are love's.

_Her._ He's ill,--your friend?

_Cha._ As plague-bit life,--no worse.

_Her._ You'll wait upon My father? Bid him but good-night?

_Cha._ No, Hernda.

_Her._ You shun him, Chartrien. I have watched you keep A curious distance,--ay, as though your heart Removed itself while your unwarmed eyes Made invoice of its treasure. Once you rushed Unto his counsel as security Hived in his word, and you, denied, were lost.

Are those hours gone? If you have grown too large For his shrunk wisdom, bind you to his need.

Age unsuspected crowns him, and you take Your young arm out of his.

_Cha._ He wants no staff.

_Her._ You'll go no more to Goldusan?

_Cha._ I must.

_Her._ And soon?

_Cha._ When Hudibrand is pleased to free My fortune from his ward.

_Her._ You want it all?

_Cha._ Yes, all.

_Her._ For Goldusan?

_Cha._ My greatest need Is there.

_Her._ What is that need?

_Cha._ You question me?

_Her._ May love not ask?

_Cha._ If love could understand.

_Her._ Have I grown dull? I do not know you, Chartrien.

You're so unfeatured by that Spanish cloud, You're lowering friend. _He_ is the universe Between our hearts. Ill? No. I saw him here,-- A tropic threat. 'Twas rage broke his suave guard, Not illness.

_Cha._ Hernda!

_Her._ The Lord Megario Has asked to compliment a brother guest.

May he be seen? Does his unmannered storm Spare one amenity?

_Cha._ Megario knows?

_Her._ Knows what?

_Cha._ Oh!--nothing.

_Her._ So much more than naught Your cheek is pale with it.

_Cha._ No matter, Hernda.

_Her._ An ashen matter truly, yet not light As nothing. But your answer. May our guests Exchange the roof-tree greeting?

_Cha._ No.

_Her._ Why not?

That "no" trails consequence. It can not be Your period.

_Cha._ They are enemies.

_Her._ I knew!

_Cha._ Megario dealt my friend a bitter wrong,-- The foulest wrong that man may put on man.

_Her._ He's loyal to my father. I know that Of him,--and of Emilio--nothing.

_Cha._ Sweet, I beg one day!

_Her._ One day? What's hatching here That's one day short its time?

[_Enter, lower right, Hudibrand, Megario, and Borduc_]

_Cha._ [_Drawing Hernda aside_] To-morrow, love!

_Her._ To-night!

_Hud._ You've won your suit, Megario.

If by our presence in your Goldusan We can advance that sister country's peace.

The journey's naught. We'll count it done.

_Meg._ My lord, All revolution will dispel as air Before your eye. Our Cordiaz is great, But his familiar subjects are too near To take his height, while you they know to be Of giant measure; and when once they see Your majesties are brothered, Cordiaz Will grow your twin in stature.

_Hud._ You've our word.