O fires that build upon the sea Till wave and foam of ye are part, And burn in mated ecstasy, Ye build again within my heart.
O clouds that breathe in flame and run In linkèd dreams along the sky In me the fire is never done, Though Eve's gray hand soon puts ye by.
Christ be my Hand of Eve upon The flame that tireless, fadeless leaps! Haste holily, O Mary's moon, With dew for fire that never sleeps!
[Ardia keeps a listening attitude, not heeding the entrance of her brothers who come on left]
Char. Well, sons?
Bion. Ay, well! That is the word we bring.
Avesta's prince, the gracious Banissat,
Is now your sworn defender.
Ard. [Turning] And asks no price?
Bion. No more than your fair self, my sister.
Vig. [As Ardia stands silent] You doubt?
'Tis true. He'll make you princess!
Ard. He is old....