CRASSUS. Why do you make love?
ALICIA. To beguile the hour; To crown my rose-wreath with a greener flower' To do my master's bidding, that's to give Life to yourself, who only think you live. But listen! Have you seen the nine waves roll Monotonous upon the shoal, Rising and falling like a maiden asleep; Then with a lift and a leap The ninth wave curls, and breaks upon the beach, And rushes up it, swallowing the sand? I am that ocean…. Now, you understand?
CRASSUS. Alicia! O! this is unbearable. Surely this wave washes the shore of hell!
ALICIA. Each follows each Remorseless and indifferent as Nature Is to each creature.
CRASSUS. Wonderful, wonderful woman![She throws her head back, and laughs]
ALICIA. Now, you think You know my secret. I have given you drink, And you are wise. But hush! to all emotion Save this the pulse and swell of Ocean For at the last with mouth and fingers wried All must proclaim the triumph of the tide.
CRASSUS. Ah! still you mock me with your cruel laugh.
ALICIA. It is your foolish epitaph.
CRASSUS. But this can be no mockery. Heave and sway And curl and thrust - these waves are not at play.
ALICIA. You feel the ocean breaking on the shoal; But passionless and moveless is its soul.