Ber. He vows
An endless peace with Suli.
Ard. And you are Suli.
Why am I fearful, knowing doubt is death?
Ber. Come, love, look down—nay, farther, toward the sea.
That sprawling mass that darkens now the plain,
Seeming to hugely breathe and cloud-like move,
Is Oswald's army making feast to-day,
For I, the prince, go wiving. Now I seem
To hear our names joined high in Heaven's air.
And Christ, too, listens smiling, knowing one land,
One throne is his forever. Sweet, 'twas he
Drew me from sheltered cell and flowered garth
To be his sovereign servant. He it was
Who called through you, who cried in Charilus' death
To wake my soul that shall not sleep again
Till Love has garnered all these eastern lands.
Ard. Amen, my husband-knight! I am content
To be your love next Christ. Within your heart.
'Twill be sweet, gleaning where he walks before.
Ber. These words be your sole dower, for they hold
More sun for me than shining gold!
Ard. The guests!
Do you not hear them? Leave me now, my lord.
Ber. Thank patience and my stars, we reach the end
Of these stale ceremonies! Seven days
Of long, superfluous rites to make you mine
When our first kiss did wed us!
Ard. [Mocking] So ungentle
To your proud honors, sir? Nay, it is fit
Your wedding be as famous as your name,
O, Prince of Suli!
[Voices heard, left]
Go, to come again!
[Exit Bertrand, right. Ardia turns to enter her room and faces Vigard who comes on left. She draws her veil]
Vig. Stay, sister.