DECTORA. I am not afraid, While there’s a rope to run into a noose Or wave to drown. But I have done with words, And I would have you look into my face And know that it is fearless. FORGAEL. Do what you will, For neither I nor you can break a mesh Of the great golden net that is about us. DECTORA. There’s nothing in the world that’s worth a fear. [_She passes FORGAEL and stands for a moment looking into his face._ I have good reason for that thought. [_She runs suddenly on to the raised part of the poop._ And now I can put fear away as a queen should. [_She mounts on to the bulwark and turns towards FORGAEL._ Fool, fool! Although you have looked into my face You do not see my purpose. I shall have gone Before a hand can touch me. FORGAEL [_folding his arms_]. My hands are still; The ever-living hold us. Do what you will, You cannot leap out of the golden net. FIRST SAILOR. No need to drown, for, if you will pardon us And measure out a course and bring us home, We’ll put this man to death. DECTORA. I promise it. FIRST SAILOR. There is none to take his side. AIBRIC. I am on his side. I’ll strike a blow for him to give him time To cast his dreams away. [_AIBRIC goes in front of FORGAEL with drawn sword. FORGAEL takes the harp._ FIRST SAILOR. No other’ll do it. [_The SAILORS throw AIBRIC on one side. He falls upon the deck towards the poop. They lift their swords to strike FORGAEL, who is about to play the harp. The stage begins to darken. The SAILORS hesitate in fear._ SECOND SAILOR. He has put a sudden darkness over the moon. DECTORA. Nine swords with handles of rhinoceros horn To him that strikes him first! FIRST SAILOR. I will strike him first. [_He goes close up to FORGAEL with his sword lifted. The harp begins to give out a faint light. The scene has become so dark that the only light is from the harp._ [_Shrinking back._] He has caught the crescent moon out of the sky, And carries it between us. SECOND SAILOR. Holy fire Has come into the jewels of the harp To burn us to the marrow if we strike. DECTORA. I’ll give a golden galley full of fruit, That has the heady flavour of new wine, To him that wounds him to the death. FIRST SAILOR. I’ll do it. For all his spells will vanish when he dies, Having their life in him. SECOND SAILOR. Though it be the moon That he is holding up between us there, I will strike at him. THE OTHERS. And I! And I! And I! [_FORGAEL plays the harp._ FIRST SAILOR. [_Falling into a dream suddenly._]