(Enter Lionel. He looks more absent-minded and dreamy than ever. He seems dejected and ill. Murmurs to himself.)
Lio. I will detach thee from thy frail trembling stem. O thou lovely rose of summer, thou shalt lie upon my heart, forever more! (Takes withered flower from his breast and kisses it, then looks around him.)
Where am I? I feel that I am near her. Martha, Martha! thou star of my heart! I see her before me, with her beautiful pure smile, radiant in youth and sweetness. O Martha, I feel thee near! (Sings.)
[No. 16.]
Lio. O, when she rose fair on my sight,
Radiant, lovely, like dawning light,
Flow'd all my heart forth to her own,
Tribute to beauty bright.
Joy reviv'd and my thought
Sang like woodlands after rain,
Hope for me shone again,
Lighting all my hours of pain.
Gladness made all my heart
Bright as meadows pearl'd with dew,
For I dream'd love's sweet dream
Ever old, yet young like dawn
And ever new!
O, when she rose, fair on my sight, etc.
Martha, Martha, must I lose thee,
Life has naught can peace restore!
Thou, my comfort, peace and pleasure,
Reft of thy sweet looks I die!
(At the close of his song Lionel goes to the back of stage and stands alone. Sir Tristan and Lady Harriet enter.)
Tris. The ladies are all out of sight. Why did you leave their company, fair cousin?
Lady H. (pointedly). Because I wished to be alone!
Tristan. To remain alone—with me?