_Aris._ [_Calm_] Not you. I die because Elysian mates Now summon me. No need excuses there The guest intrusive. Stay thee for thy call, Nor but to save an hour of painful breath Cut ever off the never ending day We two shall walk the clouds too happy e'en To love. Give me that hope, and dying now I live. Deny it, and 'tis you, not swords, That wound. They slay poor flesh, that gauzy breath Sole guards from wormy ravage. You would strike My never-healing soul! Those steps of doom---- _Ara._ Hark! Ah--they pass! Dear gods, is there no way? _Aris._ The window. _Ara._ No! _Aris._ I'll make the leap and live To set you free! _Ara._ No, no! The rocks would gash More cruelly than swords. Wait--O! Blest Heaven! Thou 'rt saved! Wait here! [_Runs into inner room_] _Aris._ Go, spirit beautiful! Her hair enrobes her like a parted cloud That opes to show us Heaven.... Give now my flesh To swords, ye gods, but save me from the death That has no end!... [_Re-enter Aratea, shorn of her locks, which she lays at Aristocles' feet. Her veil is draped about her, concealing her loss_] O! Maimed, my goddess? _Ara._ See? I knew you'd say me nay. But now 'tis done. _Aris._ Those locks of Venus' gold. _Ara._ The dagger served. _Aris._ Too well! _Ara._ [_Weaving the locks_] Not so. Now, now a rope to bridge Eternity for thee! More strands! Lend me Your lightnings, blessed skies, to weave this chain! _Aris._ Your flying fingers need them not. _Ara._ More, more! A thousand hairs, they say, will hold a man. _Aris._ Ay, one will do it. _Ara._ Merry, my lord? Why not? Apollo, smile upon us! I know we dream. See how I make this fast? It is your life I lengthen. _Aris._ O, 'tis bought too preciously! [_Takes up a lock and kisses it_] What waste of sun and gold! _Ara._ Nay, when you're safe, I'll cast it to fair Venus on the sea, A votive offering. Look now! 'Tis done. _Aris._ So soon? _Ara._ And you must go. _Aris._ Art sure 'tis done? _Ara._ Afraid, my lord? _Aris._ Afraid! _Ara._ You see 'tis finished. _Aris._ Ay, 'tis. _Ara._ The window--come! We'll make this fast-- And then--farewell! _Aris._ Till I return with Dion.