Buzen. So does a vampire
Sucking her victim
Draw from him
His blood and his marrow.
Prince. Guard thy words!—
As my strength ebbed
She drew back
Red-lipped and smiling,
Smiling and laughing
Though her laughter was silent.
Then with a final shimmer
Of silent silks she vanished—
So was it done.
Ruiten. So always the dream?
If dream it were.
Prince. The dream—I think yet it was a dream—
So was it always.
Buzen. But the last two nights?
Prince. Came she as usual
Flowing over the floor
Like a spectre enrobed
And beautified.
But as she bent o'er me
She paused as if startled
And, slowly gazing about,
Turned and was gone.
Last night she paused
As if speaking to someone
Though I could see no one.
Buzen. But the cause of her turning?
Ruiten. Turned she startled—
Turned she slowly—
Turned she wonderingly?
Prince. Slowly, as if she felt
A strange presence.
Ruiten. Feared she?