[Starting.
Listen, is it not he? (Rhasis goes to window) Take me away!
Ion. And have him at the breaking of his dream
With none near—and our love's desire be lost?
Myrrha. It will not: let us wait another time!
Ion. Than this when most your face would deeply move him?
I cannot, and 'twould shame me! for you know
How dear to him is his dead wife who lies there,
[Takes her hand.
And know our severed days!
And shall we bend the knee to cowardice,
Which ever has a premonition ready,
When you who are so like her might tonight——
[She starts back, for Rhasis, exclaiming, leaves the window.
Rhasis. He comes.
Ion. Now?
Rhasis. Go: or take this on yourselves.
Ion. Upon me be it! For there is no rest
Until his pardon weds us—and I pay him.
Rhasis. Then but a word remains, young master, more:
To tell you—that I fear—lest thro long toil,
His mind....
Myrrha. Oh! (recoils)
Ion. It is not true!... No Myrrha! no!
[Takes her in his arms.
And is ingratitude I scorn to heed.
[Turns away.
Come then and by your beauty's likeness win him.