Morituri: Three One-Act Plays Part 3

Ildibad.

Treason.

Teja.

Yea, verily! Yea--meat and wine so much as each one will, at long white tables--I shall have it divided--and Sicilian fruits for the women, and sweetmeats from Ma.s.silia. (_Sinks reeling upon the seat of the throne, and gazes absently into the distance_.)

The Men.

What aileth the King? Look to the King!

Balthilda.

Surely he is hungry, mother. (_Approaches him. The men draw back_.) My King!

Teja.

Who art thou, woman? What wilt thou, woman?

Balthilda.

Can I help thee, Sire?

Teja.

Ah, it is thou, the Queen! Pardon me; and pardon me, also, ye men.

(_Rises_.)

Bishop.

King, thou must husband thy strength.

Theoderic.

Yea, King, for the sake of us all.

The Men.

For the sake of us all.

Teja.

In truth, ye warn me rightly. Women, I pray ye, return to your encampment. We have to take counsel. Do thou, Bishop, see well to their safe conduct.

Amalaberga (_softly_).

Make thy obeisance, child!

Balthilda (_softly_).

Mother, will he speak no more to me?

Amalaberga.

Make thy obeisance! (_Balthilda obeys_.)

Teja.

Fare ye well! (_Exeunt_ Balthilda, Amalaberga, Bishop. _Shouts of applause without, greet them_.)

_FOURTH SCENE_.

Teja.

Theodemir. Euric. Ildibad. The Watcher. The Lords.

Teja.

I have sent away the women and the priest; for what comes now concerneth us warriors alone. Where is the watcher? Come forth, man.

The Men (muttering).

The watcher from the hill! The watcher!

Teja.

Hereby ye know, men: the s.h.i.+ps are lost. (_Tumult. Cries of horror_.)

Teja.

Quiet, friends, quiet! Thy name is Haribalt.

Watcher.

Yea, Sire!

Teja.

How long hast thou stood at thy post?

Watcher.

Since early yesterday, Sire.

Teja.

Where are thy two companions?