Osw. One favor, son.
And slight too, by 'r lady!
Ber. Speak it, sir.
Osw. I gave my word you'd wait on Berenice.
I' faith, I know not what excuse to make
To Frederick. 'Tis barest courtesy
To give her greeting.
Ber. I will welcome her,
Our guest.
Osw. Enough! [Going] You'll wait us here?
Ber. I'll wait.
[Exit Oswald. Bertrand sits with head bowed and does not heed maskers who enter and dance about him. They cover him with their garlands as they go off. A song is heard within]
What save winds shall kiss his bones
Bleaching on the desert stones?
What but waves o'er him shall sigh
Who doth drownèd sea-deep lie?
What save worms to him shall come
Locked in earth, bound, keyless, dumb?
Wild the wind and cold the wave,
Sharp the tooth within the grave!
Be such kisses for my ghost,
Heart, my Heart, when thou art lost!
Love me, Love, an hour and we
Mock the cold eternity!
Ber. [Taking up a flower] Eternity in this?
[Ardia enters. He does not see her until she speaks]