Osw. What, creature, will you lie?
Ard. I speak
The truth. Strike, if you can, this gray old man,
Silvered in service to the one high God,
Sinless as sunlight, fair in sweetened age,—
Let forth his sainted blood, and Bertrand lives
No longer than the shortest time between
Suli and Kidmir.
Osw. That's a lifetime then!
He shall not step! I'll have him hung with chains
Till he is fast as rooted oaks in earth!
Ber. [Stunned] A guest betrayed....
Osw. Betrayed? I promised him
Such treatment as he gave my blood. And he
Shall have it—death!
Char. Peace be my heir!
Ber. [Takes stand by Charilus] Death, sir?
First break this sword! Thy sin must be unnamed
Until the angel who doth write thee damned
Gives it foul christening. I break my pledge.
I will not go to Kidmir. Here I'll give
My life for Charilus.
Char. No blow for me!
O, may I unavengèd lie forgot,
And my forgiving blood make barren ground
Alive with asphodel——
Ber. Nay, I will strike,
Though a father's sword meet mine!
[Charilus trembles, and supports himself by Ardia's arm]