Page:Poet Lore, volume 26, 1915.djvu/345

 Jeroným.—I promised to do so.

Sylvia.—Jeroným!

Jeroným.—But I promised myself that I would expose myself to the first volley which would roll from the castle against us in order to bridge with my death the chasm which has been created between me and this place by my duty to a desperate father, my devotion to the Earl and a hopeless but burning love for you, sublime being!

Sylvia.—And you wished to go away from me when I, drawn by some unknown premonition hastened to you, cast myself in your arms, pleading, sobbing lest you depart from these places where you were near me!

Jeroným.—Stop, for the love of God, stop!

Sylvia.—I want your answer, your answer that I may either be sobered by it unto death itself or learn that I may continue in a blissful infatuation which I have not been able to resist. Will you go to your father who awaits you and who, if you do not come, will fulfill his threat—or will you stay here where nothing beckons but my presence?

Jeroným.—And even if I were to suffer the greatest torments—even if in an hundred fold measure all were to overtake me which my father threatened— —

Sylvia.—Even his death at your hands?

Jeroným.—All, all—I ask—hope nothing! I will remain here, I will remain near you and for the knowledge and memory of your love I will give all—all!

Sylvia.—Mine, mine—for all time, for eternity, my own! (Violently she embraces and kisses him.)

Jeroným.—For all time, for eternity, yours! (Silence. Then, a rustling of shrubbery in the park.)

Sylvia.—Listen,—footsteps— —

Jeroným.—I hear nothing— —

Sylvia.—I am sure. Someone is near. In the morning as early as possible either I or Christina will ask to speak with you. Good-bye, good-bye—take heed, yourself—take heed! (Kisses him and hastens away. follows for several steps. When he returns to his own place and again takes his gun in hand,  cautiously steps out from the left side of park.)