SIGISMUND. No, Nor even now am I awake Since such thoughts my memory fill, That it seems I'm dreaming still: Nor is this a great mistake; Since if dreams could phantoms make Things of actual substance seen, I things seen may phantoms deem. Thus a double harvest reaping, I can see when I am sleeping, And when waking I can dream. CLOTALDO. What you may have dreamed of, say. SIGISMUND. If I thought it only seemed, I would tell not what I dreamed, But what I beheld, I may. I awoke, and lo! I lay (Cruel and delusive thing!) In a bed whose covering, Bright with blooms from rosy bowers, Seemed a tapestry of flowers Woven by the hand of Spring. Then a crowd of nobles came, Who addressed me by the name Of their prince, presenting me Gems and robes, on bended knee. Calm soon left me, and my frame Thrilled with joy to hear thee tell Of the fate that me befell, For though now in this dark den, I was Prince of Poland then. CLOTALDO. Doubtless you repaid me well? SIGISMUND. No, not well: for, calling thee Traitor vile, in furious strife Twice I strove to take thy life. CLOTALDO. But why all this rage 'gainst me? SIGISMUND. I was master, and would be Well revenged on foe and friend. Love one woman could defend . . . . . That, at least, for truth I deem, All else ended like a dream, THAT alone can never end. [The King withdraws.] CLOTALDO [aside]. From his place the King hath gone, Touched by his pathetic words:-- [Aloud] Speaking of the king of birds Soaring to ascend his throne, Thou didst fancy one thine own; But in dreams, however bright, Thou shouldst still have kept in sight How for years I tended thee, For 'twere well, whoe'er we be, Even in dreams to do what's right. [Exit.] * * * * * SCENE XVIII.