Ban. O, stop her tongue! It thunders on me! All
The air is storm! Peace, or I'll strike her down!
Bion. This seals your death, Lord Bertrand. Now my hand
Is hot and willing.
[Enter a messenger below. He gives a packet to Banissat]
Messenger. Antioch sends this,
O, prince!
Bion. [To Bertrand] I had your word above all oaths
That you would guard our sister. When the priest
Strips bare the shrine, not outraged God or man
Shall show him mercy.
Ard. He is innocent!
'Twas Oswald's plot to cast me in the dust—
And there I lie where all the world may see—
But Bertrand's soul is guiltless——
Vig. Guiltless! Tush!
Your puzzle's clear. [To Biondel] She dies with him.
Ard. I die
If Bertrand dies. But, oh my brothers, we
Are young—we love—will you not let us live?
Bion. [To Vigard] 'Tis best she dies.
Ber. You will not dare——