_Yolanda._ On--whom?

_Hassan_ (_points castlewards_). On him!
So you, who do not hush this tale of you,
Though it is truthless--hear:
I have a stab for Camarin of Paphos
Whenever he has lived--but say!--too long.

_Yolanda_ (_who has listened rigidly. After a pause_).
Come here ... look in my eyes, and--deeper.... Shame!

[_Quells him._

Pity alone we owe to sin not blame.
And they who love may stray, it seems, beyond
All justice of our judging.--
Is evil mad enchantment come upon
The portals of this castle?

_Hassan._ I would serve you.

_Yolanda._ With murder? no. But if you would indeed,
As oft you have----

_Hassan._ Lady, I will.

_Yolanda._ Then watch
The Venetian, and when Amaury comes
Find me at once. What sound was that?... A bugle?
It is! it is! Alessa! (_Overjoyed._) Do you hear?
His troop! Amaury's! O the silver chime!
Again I breathe, I breathe!
My heart as a bird of May!
Amaury!... Come! we'll go to him! we'll go!
Before any within Lusignan--!

_Alessa._ Lady!

_Yolanda._ At once! it rings again! again! we'll go!

_Alessa._ And tell him?

_Yolanda._ Warn! Warn him a fever's here
That he must fend his ear from. 'Twill suffice.
And I again shall see him, hear him speak,
Hang on his battle-story blessedly!
And you, Hassan.... But why do you stand stone?
You know something.... He's dead!

_Hassan._ No, lady, no.

_Yolanda._ Not? ah! ... then what? 'Twas not his trumpet?

_Hassan_ (_after a struggle_). No.
And I will lie to you no longer;
Though for obedience it be or life;
And at lord Renier's command.... It is
Not true that lord Amaury from the battle
Has not returned.

_Yolanda._ But he--you mean--is here?

[_Stands motionless._

_Hassan._ He came ... on yesterday ... at dusk. Was led
Up to his chamber ...
So much lord Renier who slipt him in
Revealed, that I might guile you.

_Alessa_ (_sharply_). And you have?

_Hassan._ Yes.

_Alessa._ Though you boasted love to me?

_Hassan._ Now, woman!

_Alessa._ Lady, I wo