Mirimond. We'll ask Lord Bertrand that.
Thou'rt no more mistress of your yeas and nays.
Ard. O, but I am! I have a votary now
Who'll make my words his wishes and himself
Bring them to pass.
Mylitta. No doubt. You'll cough
In oracles. He'll puzzle o'er your sneeze
That he may do its meaning. I have heard
Such husbands do inhabit a green moon,
And one may come to earth.
Ard. Kiss me, Mylitta!
Naught else will stop your mouth. O, dearest girls,
No father's here to give me to my lord,
And yet I smile, I wed. For why?—his love
Is not in earth with his dear body. No!
'Tis all about me here, bathing my heart,
Now on my brow, now whispers at my ear,
Now runs before my eyes to make a light
Where they would rest. He loves this day as I do!
Yet I had stayed this busking marriage
Had not my brothers pressed me to such haste
And peace not waited on it. Think, dear maidens,
Peace everywhere! Avesta safe and free,
And Oswald's sword in sheath—
What is that chanting?
Gaina. [Looking from parapet] A train comes up the heights.
Mylitta. The English Lords!
[Enter Barca, left]
Ard. Barca, who comes?
Barca. Prince Banissat, my lady,
With all his court attending.
Mirimond. Banissat!
This is a Christian wedding.