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SAMARKOON.

Has he relented?

ARTINA.

No, no! Rasinga is most ruthless. I,

By means of this (showing a signet), which, in our better days,

It was my privilege to use at will,

Have pass'd the guards, and may a short while hence
By the same means return,—return in safety.
Meantime let me undo those galling fetters;
I've brought fit tools, and thou shalt teach me how.

SAMARKOON.

But canst thou think the guards will let thee pass,

Ev'n with thy signet, leading a companion?
It cannot be; thou dost deceive thyself;
Thy mis'ry and affection make thee foolish.

ARTINA.

Not so; there is a secret passage yonder.

That stone (pointing to it) like many others in the wall,

But rougher still (goes close to the stone and touches it), look at it! take good heed,

Has in its core a groove on which it turns:

A man's full strength will move it, and despair
Will make thee strong.