Char. Then we shall hear
His sunset song.
Barca. The stairway through the cliff
Is closed. Shall I give signal, sir, to hoist
The upper gate?
Char. That is my charge henceforth. [Going left]
They will be hungered. [Turns to Barca]
Scant the board in nothing. [Exit left]
[Gaina enters, right, rear, carrying a tray piled with candles]
Gaina. Thank goodness, Barca, you're where you're wanted for once! Help me with these winkers. [Giving him candles] My mistress kept me out on the cliffs when I ought to 'a' been inside an hour ago doing my honest work. I got her in at last, but I had to be round with her, poor soul! I told her what!
Barca. [Placing candles] She was watching for her brothers?
Gaina. [Puts tray down] Brothers! It was a sight of that singing knight she wanted. He went down the pass this morning and she has gone about all day like a bird with a sore throat.
Barca. God gave her eyes, and Sir Vairdelan is good to see. When I look at him I feel somehow as if the sun were just up and everybody had another chance.
Gaina. A man who lets his sword rust at home while he goes about tootle-de-rooling on a flute! And she could be the princess of Avesta if she'd look in the right place. Well, if she had my eyes!
Barca. What! You would have your mistress marry Banissat? An unbeliever?