Page:De Chatillon.pdf/21

  Degenerate boy! Here, with the trophies won By the sainted chiefs of old in Paynim war Above you and around; the very air, When it but shakes their armour on the walls, Murmuring of glorious deeds; to sit and weep Here for an Infidel! My father's son, Shame! shame! deep shame!

Knights. Aymer de Chatillon! Go from us, leave us!

Aym. (starting up.) Leave you! what! ye thought That I would stay to breathe the air you breathe!— And fight by you! Murderers! I burst all ties! [Throws his sword on the ground before them. There's not a thing of the desert half so free! You have no brother! Live to need the love Of a human heart, and steep your soul in fame To still its restless yearnings! Die alone! Midst all your pomps and trophies—die alone! [Going out, he suddenly returns. Did she not call on me to succour her? Kneel to you—plead for life? The Voice of Blood Follow you to your grave! [Exit.

Rai. (with emotion.) Alas! my brother! The time bath been, when in the face of Death I have bid him leave me, and he would not! (Turning to the Knights.) Knights! The Soldan marches for Jerusalem— We'll meet him on the way.

 

Mel. Yes! he I mean—Rainier de Chatillon! Go, send swift riders o'er the mountains forth, And through the deserts, to proclaim the price I set upon his life!

Sadi. Thou gav'st the word Before; it hath been done—they are gone forth.

Mel. Would that my soul could wing them! Didst thou heed To say his life? I'll have my own revenge! Yes! I would save him from another's hand! Thou said'st he must be brought alive?

Sadi. I heard Thy will, and I obey'd.

Mel. He slew my son— That was in battle—but to shed her blood! My child Moraima's! Could he see and strike her? A Christian see her face, too! From my house The crown is gone! Who brought the tale? 