Gaina. 'Tis farther up.
Ard. More steps.
Gaina. Wait here.
Barca will bring you drink. Nay, sit you still.
Ard. I must. How this weak body masters us,
Cooling the bravest will that in strong limbs
Might dance to any goal! Yet do we say
The will is lord, whose flush is in the blood
And fades wi' the paling body. By that lie
We cling to Heaven and immortality.
... O, I am lost so deep I need not fear
The farthest bolt of God! Out, out the pale
Of his concern!
Gaina. Why now, honey dear!
A sip of fine spring water and you'll be
A lark o' the morning! All's not bad, I say.
There's Banissat would marry you to-morrow!
What pretty words he spoke, and took us in
Like a good father—but I saw him look!
And he were shaved he'd have a merry eye.
Such meal and honey! I've a thankful tooth!
Come now, what say you? Run from such a fortune,
And stumbling is no matter. Ay, a trip
Or two were well enough.
Ard. Yes, foolish 'twas
To fly from Banissat.
Gaina. You know it? Well, well,
If it's your own right mind you've run to, dearie,
There's no harm done past mending.
Ard. [Taking a small dagger from her dress]
This had saved
My feet these weary steps.
Gaina. Sweet Mary, save us!
Wouldst slay a prince for loving thee?
Ard. No, wretch.
I could not take another's life though 'twere
Of all the world the foulest.