Helena: There's no twain in love.
My heart is in my lord Antonio's
To beat, Paula, or cease with it.
Paula: But died
He far away?
Helena: Far sunders flesh not souls.
Across all lands the hush of death on him
Would sound to me; and, did he live, denial,
Though every voice and silence spoke it, could
Not reach my rest!—But he is near.
Paula: O no,
Not yet, my lady.
Helena: Then some weariness
Has pluckt the minutes' wings and they have crept.
Paula: But 'tis not twelve, else would we hear the band
Of holy Basil from their convent peace
Dreamily chant.
Helena: Nay, hearts may hear beyond
The hark of ears! Listen! to me his step
Thrills thro' the earth.
(Antonio approaches and enters the postern.)
'Tis he! Go Paula, go:
But sleep not.
(Paula hastens out.)
(Going to him.) My Antonio, I breathe,
Now no betiding fell athwart thy path
To stay thee from me!
Antonio: Stronger than all betiding
This hour has reached and drawn me yearning to thee! (Takes her in his arms.)
Helena: And may all hours!
Antonio: All! tho' we two will still
Be more than destiny—which cannot grasp
Beyond the grave.