_Flor._ Fair maiden, have no fear. I am a knight, Sworn on the sacred code of Chivalry, To hold all womankind in reverence. Listen, and I will tell thee all-- _Vav._ (_who has recognized his voice, kneels as in adoration_.) No need! Thy voice hath told me all! I know thee now! Oh, foolish heart, be still, for all is well-- _He_ will not harm thee; this is he whose words, Through the still watches of the long, long night, Rang like a mighty clarion in mine ears, “Vavir, I love thee with my whole, whole heart!” Thou art the messenger of hope and life, For Heaven hath not bestowed this joy on me To take me from it. Yes, I am to live! _Flor._ (_raising her_). Why, Heaven forgive me, maiden--can it be That thou hast loved this dial of thine with love Akin to that which women bear to men? _Vav._ Ay, that I have, as I’ve a soul to save! Why, I have sat for hours and clung to it, Until I half believed I felt a heart Beating within its frame--and as I clung Methought I drew both warmth and life from it! I wondered then that such a thing could be-- Oh, my dear love, I do not wonder now! (_Embracing him._) _Flor._ (_aside_). God help thee, gentle maid! I little thought My heedless words, conceived in arrant jest, Chimed in so aptly with thy fantasies! (_Aloud._) Be not deceived; I am a mortal like thyself, in all Except thine innocence!--A sinning man, Unworthy of thy love. Be not deceived. _Vav._ I know thee, and I love thee as thou art-- Not as the Spirit of my nightly dreams, But as thou art--a man of Life and Death. _Flor._ Hast thou then seen a Spirit in thy dreams? _Vav._ I have--the Spirit of the Sun-dial-- A godlike form of fearful excellence, Clad, like the Sun, in golden panoply-- His head surmounted with a diadem That shed eternal rays--and, in his hand, A mighty javelin of gold and fire. So pictured I the Sun’s Ambassador-- A god to worship--not a man to love! (_Leaning on his breast._) I had not guessed at half my happiness! _Flor._ (_aside_). Now, by my knighthood, I would give ten years-- To find some way to break the truth to her! _Vav._ Time was when I was very glad to die; I did not fear what others seem to fear. I have heard say that brave, stout-hearted men, Whose reckless valour has withstood the test Of many a battle-plain, will quail and blanch Brought face to face with unexpected death. I am a poor weak girl, whose fluttering heart Quakes at the rustle of a leaf, and yet _I_ did not fear to die--I prayed to die! But now thou hast so bound me to the earth, Thou, oh my first, my last, my only love, I dare not think of death! Oh, let me live, My life is in thine hands--Oh, let me live! _Flor._ Yes, thou shalt live, Vavir, so have no fear.