Art gone, my sister, and no word of love For one who looks on death? It is the fear That keeps so constant with her makes her hard And unlike woman--unlike Margaret. ... Last night the king was with her--and she swooned. But not for him. By Heaven, 'twas not for him! [_Sits by table, bowing his head upon it_] O Margaret! Not one dear word? Not one? [_Enter Margaret, veiled_] _Mar._ Ah! [_Steps toward him, throwing off her veil_] Hubert? _Hub._ [_Starting up_] Princess! Here? You here? _Mar._ Couldst think I'd let thee go till I had said "God save thee" to thy face? _Hub._ You risk too much! _Mar._ Risk, Hubert? _Hub._ O, what have you done? _Mar._ What done? _Hub._ The king will think---- _Mar._ The king will think as I do, That 'tis most natural to pay adieu To friends. _Hub._ But Albemarle---- _Mar._ Approves our friendship. I do not understand. _Hub._ Yet you came veiled. _Mar._ 'Twas early--and the air was pricking chill. I--thought--do you go soon? _Hub._ That you should come! _Mar._ Soon, Hubert? _Hub._ Ay, at once. _Mar._ At once. Why then, Farewell. _Hub._ Stay! Ah--I mean--why did you come? _Mar._ My soul! I think I came that you might wish Me back again. Was it so wrong of me? Are we not friends? And if I came in hope To ease adieu with unction of a tear I know none else would shed---- _Hub._ O, Margaret! Pray God that I deserve this! Now I go So light I'll hardly need my ship's good wings To bear me. _Mar._ The earl doubts not your victory. How many ships go with you? _Hub._ All we have. The ports hold not a single vessel from me. _Mar._ And the enemy's? I hope they are enough To make your victory noble. _Hub._ I've no doubt They count up bravely. _Mar._ Not too many, sir! _Hub._ The battle will not shame me. _Mar._ But how many? _Hub._ As yet we have no word but rumor's. _Mar._ Ah! Tell me you'll win. _Hub._ Then help me by not doubting. _Mar._ I must not doubt--for if--I did---- _Hub._ What then? _Mar._ Nay, I'll not stay to tell you. I must go. I keep you from the battle and your fame. You have forgiven me my morning ride? Faith, but you frowned! _Hub._ I thought how many eyes Were on the king's betrothed. _Mar._ Choose better words, My friend. I am not yet the king's betrothed, And I--had you the time----