Hearken, Beloved, over-long, ye deem, I let these lovers deal with hope and dream Alone unholpen.--Somewhat sooth ye say: But now her feet are on this very way That leadeth from the city: and she saith One beckoneth her back hitherward--even Death-- And who was that, Beloved, but even I? Yet though her feet and sunlight are drawn nigh The cold grass where he lieth like the dead, To ease your hearts a little of their dread I will abide her coming, and in speech He knoweth, somewhat of his welfare teach. _LOVE goes on to the Stage and stands at PHARAMOND's head_. LOVE HEARKEN, O Pharamond, why camest thou hither? KING PHARAMOND I came seeking Death; I have found him belike. LOVE In what land of the world art thou lying, O Pharamond? KING PHARAMOND In a land 'twixt two worlds: nor long shall I dwell there. LOVE Who am I, Pharamond, that stand here beside thee? KING PHARAMOND The Death I have sought--thou art welcome; I greet thee. LOVE Such a name have I had, but another name have I. KING PHARAMOND Art thou God then that helps not until the last season? LOVE Yea, God am I surely: yet another name have I. KING PHARAMOND Methinks as I hearken, thy voice I should wot of. LOVE I called thee, and thou cam'st from thy glory and kingship. KING PHARAMOND I was King Pharamond, and love overcame me. LOVE Pharamond, thou say'st it.--I am Love and thy master. KING PHARAMOND Sooth didst thou say when thou call'dst thyself Death. LOVE Though thou diest, yet thy love and thy deeds shall I quicken. KING PHARAMOND Be thou God, be thou Death, yet I love thee and dread not. LOVE Pharamond, while thou livedst what thing wert thou loving? KING PHARAMOND A dream and a lie--and my death--and I love it. LOVE Pharamond, do my bidding, as thy wont was aforetime. KING PHARAMOND What wilt thou have of me, for I wend away swiftly? LOVE Open thine eyes, and behold where thou liest! KING PHARAMOND It is little--the old dream, the old lie is about me. LOVE Why faintest thou, Pharamond? is love then unworthy? KING PHARAMOND Then hath God made no world now, nor shall make hereafter. LOVE Wouldst thou live if thou mightst in this fair world, O Pharamond? KING PHARAMOND Yea, if she and truth were; nay, if she and truth were not. LOVE O long shalt thou live: thou art here in the body, Where nought but thy spirit I brought in days bygone. Ah, thou hearkenest!--and where then of old hast thou heard it? [_Music outside, far off_. KING PHARAMOND O mock me not, Death; or, Life, hold me no longer! For that sweet strain I hear that I heard once a-dreaming: Is it death coming nigher, or life come back that brings it? Or rather my dream come again as aforetime? LOVE Look up, O Pharamond! canst thou see aught about thee? KING PHARAMOND