Lennox. Not in this tale.
Elizabeth. The lilies faded.
Lennox. They were fadeless.
Elizabeth. They grew old ... and ... could not feel the sun....
Lennox. Never, never.
Elizabeth. I would it were true, Charles. [The sound of the axe again interrupts them. There is laughter from men, who pass and repass and point out the lovers to each other.] There! They have seen us—the rude woodmen. We have no bower any more. [Hurries away from the tree.]
Lennox [in pursuit]. What mean you by this “woodman”...?
Elizabeth [holding out her hands for protection]. I mean there ... is no for ever.... They died, and the lilies and the branches died. Let us go home ... Charles, hide me ... from the woodman!
Lennox. Always, always! Elizabeth, stay with me. Do not ever go from me. You ... you shall never die!
[He puts his cloak about her and they walk, closely knit, through the meadows till they reach the Abbey. At the gates they slip apart and go in demurely as before. The Countess looks through a window on to the court over which they pass.]