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_ ACT IV - SCENE IV
A Chamber in the Palace.
The Countess ALARCOS lying on a Couch,
the Infanta kneeling at her side;
MAIDENS grouped around. A PHYSICIAN and the PAGE.
SOL.
Didst ever see so fair a skin? Her bodice
Should still be loosened. Bring the Moorish water,
Griselda, you. They are the longest lashes!
They hang upon her cheek. Doctor, there's warmth;
The blood returns?
PHY.
But slowly.
SOL.
Beauteous creature!
She seems an angel fallen from some star.
'Twas well we passed. Untie that kerchief, Julia;
Teresa, wave the fan. There seems a glow
Upon her cheek, what but a moment since
Was like a sculptured saint's.
PHY.
She breathes.
SOL.
Hush, hush!
COUN.
And what is this? where am I?
SOL.
With thy friends.
COUN.
It is not home.
SOL.
If kindness make a home,
Believe it such.
[The PHYSICIAN signifies silence.]
Nay lady, not a word,
Those lips must now be closed. I've seen such eyes
In pictures, girls.
PHY.
Methinks she'll sleep.
SOL.
'Tis well.
Maidens, away. I'll be her nurse; and, doctor,
Remain within.
[Exeunt PHYSICIAN and MAIDENS.]
Know you this beauteous dame?
PAGE.
I have heard minstrels tell that fays are found
In lonely places.
SOL.
Well, she's magical.
She draws me charm-like to her. Vanish, imp,
And see our chamber still.
[Exit PAGE.]
It is the hour
Alarcos should be here. Ah! happy hour,
That custom only makes more strangely sweet!
His brow has lost its cloud. The bar's removed
To our felicity; time makes amends
To patient sufferers.
[Enter COUNT ALARCOS.]
Hush, my own love, hush!
[SOLISA takes his hand and leads him aside.]
So strange an incident! the fairest lady!
Found in our gardens; it would seem a swoon;
Myself then passing; hither we have brought her;
She is so beautiful, you'll almost deem
She bears some charmed life. You know that fays
Are found in lonely places.
ALAR.
In thy garden!
Indeed 'tis strange! The Virgin guard thee, love.
I am right glad I'm here. Alone to tend her,
'Tis scarcely wise.
SOL.
I think when she recovers,
She'll wave her wings and fly.
ALAR.
Nay, for one glance!
In truth you paint her bright.
SOL.
E'en now she sleeps.
Tread lightly, love; I'll lead you.
[SOLISA cautiously leads ALARCOS to the couch;
as they approach it, the COUNTESS opens her eyes and shrieks.]
COUN.
Ah! 'tis true,
Alarcos
[relapses into a swoon.]
ALAR.
Florimonde!
SOL.
Who is this lady?
ALAR.
It is my wife.
SOL.
[flings away his arms and rushes forward.]
--Not mad!
Virgin and Saints be merciful; not mad!
O spare my brain one moment; 'tis his wife.
I'm lost: she is too fair. The secret's out
Of sick delays. He's feigned; he has but feigned.
[Rushing to Alarcos.]
Is that thy wife? and I? and what am I?
A trifled toy, a humoured instrument?
To guide with glozing words, vilely cajole
With petty perjuries? Is that thy wife?
Thou said'st she was not fair, thou did'st not love her:
Thou lied'st. O, anguish, anguish!
ALAR.
By the cross,
My soul is pure to thee. I'm wildered quite.
How came she here
SOL.
As she shall ne'er return.
Now, Count Alarcos, by the cross thou swearest
Thy faith is true to me.
ALAR.
Ay, by the cross,
SOL.
Give me thy dagger.
ALAR.
Not that hand or mine.
SOL.
Is this thy passion!
[Takes his dagger.]
Thus I gain the heart
I should despise.
[Rushes to the couch.]
COUN.
What's this I see?
ALAR.
[seizing the Infanta's upraised arm]
A dream
A horrid dream, yet but a dream. _
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Read previous: Act 4 - Scene 3
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