Page:Gilbert Original Plays.djvu/42

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At length, as morning broke, he fell asleep,
And slept in peace till half an hour ago.
I watched him through the long and troubled night,
Fanning the fever from his throbbing brow,
Till he awoke. At first he gazed on me
In silent wonderment; then, suddenly
Seizing my hand, he pressed it to his lips,
And swore that I had saved him from the grave—
Mark that—the grave! I—I had saved his life!
He told me that he loved me—loved me well;
That I was fairer than the maids of earth—
That I had holy angel-eyes, that rained
A gentle pity on his stubborn heart—
(He called it stubborn, for he knew it not);
That I was fairer, in his worldly eyes,
Than all the maids on earth or in the clouds!
(Darine, who has listened with intense anxiety to this speech, goes off silently, but in an agony of grief.)
Zay. (spitefully). Could any words more eloquently show
The recklessness of his delirium?
Sel. (surprised). Nay, he was conscious then.
Neo. (very kindly). Of course he was!
No doubt, Selene, thou hast gained his love.
Be happy in it, dearest sister; but
In thy proud triumph, love, pray recollect
He had not seen us!
Zay. Thou hast wisely done
To keep him from our sight. Cage thou thy bird,