Elb. (coming near her.) What, say'st thou he is great?
Rent are thy weeds and thin thy ruffled robe:
Why didst thou leave thy home thus unprotected?
Berth. (turning hastily upon her.)
I saw his banner streaming in the air,
And I did follow it.
Elb. His banner in the air! What is thy love?
Berth. (looking fiercely at her.)
They say he is a king.
Elb. (smiling.) Poor maid! 'tis ever thus with such as she;
They still believe themselves of some high state,
And mlmick greatness.
Berth. Thou art a fair dame and a gay—but go;
Take off thine eyes from me; I love thee not.
(Shrinks from Elburga, walking backwards and looking frowningly at her; then beckoning to Dwina, she speaks in her ear.)
Stately and proud. But in a gloomy dream
I heard it first, confused and terrible:
And oft-times, since, the fiend of night repeats it,
As on my pressed breast he sits and groans,
I'll not believe it.
Dwi. What is thy name, sweet Lady?
Berth. (rubbing her hand across her forehead as if trying to recollect.)
I had a name that kind friends call'd me by;
And with a blessing did the holy man
Bestow it on me. But I've wander'd far
