Bia. You'll watch your door,—the unheard step is mine,—
And rock the babe born of a dream of me.
And I, far-wandered, lost unto myself,
Shall never lose you, Pyrrha. As the light
Wrapping the wave reveals its silver dance,
My being shall exult through shade and wear
The chlamys of your gleam. Your voice behind
The wind shall draw me lover-lipped to meet
Adventure's breath. You'll lie upon the hush
That girdles evening,—be the thrill within
The throstle's note, and silence when
His song is done.
Pyrr. Nay, it will speak of Phania,
Of Sybaris.——
Bia. Ay, and a hundred more
In whom I've sought for thee, my Pyrrha, always thee!
'Twill speak of them as statues speak of shards
About their feet,—the sculptor's broken dreams
That made the perfect one.
[The ship rocks]
Pyrr. We're moving!
Bia. Yes,
You know,—to safer waters. Listen, Pyrrha,
To me—to me!
Pyrr. Those sounds——
Bia. [Kneels] Hear me! My head
I'll votive lay till you may set your feet
Like tangled roses in my curls——
[Pyrrha springs toward the door, but Biades is before her. The noises increase. Groans, blows, shouts]
Pyrr. Aside!
I'll pass!