Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 9

In truth? Ye believed we should celebrate a feast to-day?

Balthilda.

Well ... is it then not a feast, Sire?

Teja.

(_Is silent and bites his nether lip, examining her furtively_.) Wilt thou not be seated, Balthilda?... I should not yet let thee go home!

That too would be a reproach, would it not?

(Balthilda _is silent and looks down_.)

Teja.

And if I bade thee, wouldst thou wish to stay?

Balthilda.

Sire, how should a wife not wish to stay beside her husband?

Teja.

Hast thou then the feeling in thy heart, that I--am--thy--husband?

Balthilda.

Indeed, how could it be otherwise? The Bishop hath joined us together.

Teja.

And wert thou glad when he did it?

Balthilda.

Yea.... Nay, I was not glad then.

Teja.

Why not?

Balthilda (_with a bright glance_).

Perhaps because, because ... I was afraid, Sire, and I was praying.

Teja.

What didst thou pray?

Balthilda.

That G.o.d would grant to me, his humble handmaid, the power to bring thee the happiness which thou needest, and which thou awaitest from me.

Teja.

Which I from thee--that didst thou pray?

Balthilda.

Sire, may I not offer thee the food, and the wine?

Teja.

Nay, nay!... Hearken, Balthilda: without, by our fires, are warriors--they are hungry--I am not hungry.

Balthilda.

Sire, give them what thou pleasest ... give them everything!

Teja.

I thank thee, Balthilda. (_Raising the curtain_.) Ho there, watch! Come in, but prudently so as not to wake the old man.... (_Watcher enters_.) Here, take this basket with food and wine, and divide it honestly....

Say your Queen sends it.

Watcher.

May I thank the Queen, Sire?

(Teja _nods_. Watcher _shakes her hand heartily. Exit_.)

Teja.

Go--and bring me to eat!

Balthilda (_perplexed_).

Sire--why--mockest thou--me?

Teja.

Dost thou then not understand me? If thou wilt be my wife, thou must offer me my property, not thine!

Balthilda.

Is not all of mine thy property, Sire?

Teja.

Hm! (_Silence. He takes her hands._) Call me not Sire and call me not King.... Knowest thou not my name?