past.

[_The light is placed above in the purple pane._

And see, my signal rises, Mildred's star!
I never saw it lovelier than now
It rises for the last time. If it sets,
'Tis that the re-assuring sun may dawn.

[_As he prepares to ascend the last tree of the avenue, TRESHAM arrests
his arm._

Unhand me--peasant, by your grasp! Here's gold.
'Twas a mad freak of mine. I said I'd pluck
A branch from the white-blossomed shrub beneath
The casement there. Take this, and hold your peace.

_Tresham._ Into the moonlight yonder, come with me!
Out of the shadow!

_Mertoun._ I am armed, fool!

_Tresham._ Yes,
Or no? You'll come into the light, or no?
My hand is on your throat--refuse!--

_Mertoun._ That voice!
Where have I heard ... no--that was mild and slow.
I'll come with you.

[_They advance._

_Tresham._ You're armed: that's well. Declare
Your name: who are you?

_Mertoun._ (Tresham!--she is lost!)

_Tresham._ Oh, silent? Do you know, you bear yourself
Exactly as, in curious dreams I've had
How felons, this wild earth is full of, look
When they're detected, still your kind has looked!
The bravo holds an assured countenance,
The thief is voluble and plausible,
But silently the slave of lust has crouched
When I have fancied it before a man.
Your name!

_Mertoun._ I do conjure Lord Tresham--ay,
Kissing his foot, if so I might prevail--
That he for his own sake forbear to ask
My name! As heaven's above, his future weal
Or woe depends upon my silence! Vain!
I read your white inexorable face.
Know me, Lord Tresham!

[_He throws off his disguises._

_Tresham._ Mertoun!
[_After a pause._] Draw now!

_Mertoun._ Hear me
But speak first!

_Tresham._ Not one least word on your life!
Be sure that I will strangle in your throat
The least word that informs me how you live
And yet seem what you seem! No doubt 'twas you
Taught Mildred still to keep that face and sin.
We should join hands in frantic sympathy
If you once taught me the unteachable,
Explained how you can live so, and so lie.
With God's help I retain, despite my sense,
The old belief--a life like yours is still
Impossible. Now draw!

_Mertoun._ Not for my sake,
Do I entreat a hearing--for you