The poetical works of George MacDonald Volume I Part 14

Escape, my lord!

_Julian_ (_calmly_).

Will the gates hold them out awhile, my Joseph?

_Steward_.

A little while, my lord; but those d.a.m.ned torches!

Oh, for twelve feet of water round the walls!

_Julian_.

Leave us, good Joseph; watch them from a window, And tell us of their progress.

[JOSEPH _goes. Sounds approach_.]

Farewell, Lilia!

[_Putting his arm round her. She stands like stone_.]

Fear of a coward's name shall not detain me.

My presence would but bring down evil on you, My heart's beloved; yes, all the ill you fear, The terrible things that you have imaged out If you fled with me. They will not hurt you, If you be not polluted by my presence.

[_Light from without flares on the wall_.]

They've fired the gate.

[_An outburst of mingled cries_.]

_Steward_ (_entering_).

They've fired the gate, my lord!

_Julian_.

Well, put yourself in safety, my dear Joseph.

You and old Agata tell all the truth, And they'll forgive you. It will not hurt me; I shall be safe--you know me--never fear.

_Steward_.

G.o.d grant it may be so. Farewell, dear lord!

[_Is going_.]

_Julian_.

But add, it was in vain; the signorina Would not consent; therefore I fled alone.

[LILIA _stands as before_.]

_Steward_.

Can it be so? Good-bye, good-bye, my master!

[Goes.]

_Julian_.

Put your arms round me once, my Lilia.

Not once?--not once at parting?

[_Rus.h.i.+ng feet up the stairs, and along the galleries_.]

O G.o.d! farewell!

[_He clasps her to his heart; leaves her; pushes back the panel, flings open a door, enters, and closes both behind him_. LILIA _starts suddenly from her fixed bewilderment, and flies after him, but forgets to close the panel_.]

_Lilia_.

Julian! Julian!

[_The trampling offset and clamour of voices. The door of the room is flung open. Enter the foremost of the mob_.]

_1st_.

I was sure I saw light here! There it is, burning still!

_2nd_.

n.o.body here? Praise the devil! he minds his own. Look under the bed, Gian.

_3rd_.

Nothing there.

_4th_.

Another door! another door! He's in a trap now, and will soon be in h.e.l.l! (_Opening the door with difficulty_.) The devil had better leave him, and make up the fire at home--he'll be cold by and by. (_Rushes into the inner room_.) Follow me, boys! [The rest follow.]

_Voices from within_.

I have him! I have him! Curse your claws! Why do you fix them on me, you crab? You won't pick up the fiend-sp.a.w.n so easily, I can tell you.

Bring the light there, will you? (_One runs out for the light_.) A trap! a trap! and a stair, down in the wall!

The h.e.l.l-f.a.ggot's gone! After him, after him, noodles!

[_Sound of descending footsteps. Others rush in with torches and follow_.]

SCENE XIX.--_The river-side_. LILIA _seated in the boat_; JULIAN _handing her the bags_.

_Julian_.

There! One at a time!--Take care, love; it is heavy.-- Put them right in the middle, of the boat: Gold makes good ballast.

[_A loud shout. He steps in and casts the chain loose, then pushes gently off_.]

Look how the torches gleam Among the trees. Thank G.o.d, we have escaped!

[_He rows swiftly off. The torches come nearer, with cries of search_.]

(_In a low tone_.) Slip down, my Lilia; lie at full length In the bottom of the boat; your dress is white, And would return the torches' glare. I fear The damp night-air will hurt you, dressed like this.

[_Pulling off his coat, and laying it over her_.]