The poetical works of George MacDonald Volume I Part 6

What does he do?

_Hostess_.

Paces about the room, or sits at the window.

I sometimes make an errand to the cupboard, To see what he's about: he looks annoyed, But does not speak a word.

_Host_.

He must be crazed, Or else in hiding for some sc.r.a.pe or other.

_Hostess_.

He has a wild look in his eye sometimes; But sure he would not sit so much in the dark, If he were mad, or anything on his conscience; And though he does not say much, when he speaks A civiller man ne'er came in woman's way.

_Host_.

Oh! he's all right, I warrant. Is the wine come?

SCENE IV.--_The inn; a room upstairs_. JULIAN _at the window, half hidden by the curtain_.

_Julian_.

With what profusion her white fingers spend Delicate motions on the insensate cloth!

It was so late this morning ere she came!

I fear she has been ill. She looks so pale!

Her beauty is much less, but she more lovely.

Do I not love he? more than when that beauty Beamed out like starlight, radiating beyond The confines of her wondrous face and form, And animated with a present power Her garment's folds, even to the very hem!

Ha! there is something now: the old woman drest In her Sunday clothes, and waiting at the door, As for her husband. Something will follow this.

And here he comes, all in his best like her.

They will be gone a while. Slowly they walk, With short steps down the street. Now I must wake The sleeping hunter-eagle in my eyes!

SCENE V.--_A back street. Two_ Servants _with a carriage and pair_.

_1st Serv_.

Heavens, what a cloud! as big as Aetna! There!

That gust blew stormy. Take Juno by the head, I'll stand by Neptune. Take her head, I say; We'll have enough to do, if it should lighten.

_2nd Serv_.

Such drops! That's the first of it. I declare She spreads her nostrils and looks wild already, As if she smelt it coming. I wish we were Under some roof or other. I fear this business Is not of the right sort.

_1st Serv_.

He looked as black As if he too had lightning in his bosom.

There! Down, you brute! Mind the pole, Beppo!

SCENE VI.--_Julian's room. JULIAN standing at the window, his face pressed against a pane. Storm and gathering darkness without_.

_Julian_.

Plague on the lamp! 'tis gone--no, there it flares!

I wish the wind would leave or blow it out.

Heavens! how it thunders! This terrific storm Will either cow or harden him. I'm blind!

That lightning! Oh, let me see again, lest he Should enter in the dark! I cannot bear This glimmering longer. Now that gush of rain Has blotted all my view with crossing lights.

'Tis no use waiting here. I must cross over, And take my stand in the corner by the door.

But if he comes while I go down the stairs, And I not see? To make sure, I'll go gently Up the stair to the landing by her door.

[_He goes quickly toward the door_.]

_Hostess (opening the door and looking in_).

If you please, sir--

[_He hurries past_]

The devil's in the man!

SCENE VII.--_The landing_.

_Voice within_.

If you scream, I must m.u.f.fle you.

_Julian (rus.h.i.+ng up the stair_).

He _is_ there!

His hand is on her mouth! She tries to scream!

[_Flinging the door open, as_ NEMBRONI _springs forward on the other side_.]

Back!

_Nembroni_.

What the devil!--Beggar!

[_Drawing his sword, and making a thrust at_ JULIAN, _which he parries with his left arm, as, drawing his dagger, he springs within_ NEMBRONI'S _guard_.]

_Julian (taking him by the throat_).

I have faced worse storms than you.

[_They struggle_.]

Heart point and hilt strung on the line of force,

[_He stabs him_.]

Your ribs will not mail your heart!

[NEMBRONI _falls dead_. JULIAN _wipes his dagger on the dead man's coat_.]

If men _will_ be devils, They are better in h.e.l.l than here.

[_Lightning flashes on the blade_.]