_Seanchan._ [_Seizing her by the wrist._] You, a child, Who have but seen a man out of the window, Tell me that I know nothing about love, And that I do not love you. Did I not say There was a frenzy in the light of the stars All through the livelong night, and that the night Was full of marriages? But that fight’s over. And all that’s done with, and I have to die. _Fedelm._ [_Throwing her arms about him._] I will not be put from you, although I think I had not grudged it you if some great lady, If the King’s daughter, had set out your bed. I will not give you up to death; no, no, And are not these white arms and this soft neck Better than the brown earth? _Seanchan._ I swear an oath Upon the holy tree that I’ll not eat Until the King restore the right of the poets. O Sun and Moon, and all things that have strength, Become my strength that I may put a curse On all things that would have me break this oath. [_FEDELM has sunk down on the ground while he says this, and crouches at his feet._ _Fedelm._ Seanchan, do not curse me; from this out I will obey like any married wife. Let me but lie before your feet. _Seanchan._ Come nearer. [_He kisses her._ If I had eaten when you bid me, sweetheart, The kiss of multitudes in times to come Had been the poorer. _King._ [_Entering from house._] Has he eaten yet? _Fedelm._ No, King, and will not till you have restored The right of the poets. _King._ [_Coming down and standing before SEANCHAN._] Seanchan, you have refused Everybody that I have sent, and now I come to you myself, and I have come To bid you put your pride as far away As I have put my pride. I had your love Not a great while ago, and now you have planned To put a voice by every cottage fire And in the night when no one sees who cries To cry against me till my throne has crumbled. And yet if I give way I must offend My courtiers and nobles till they too Strike at the crown. What would you have of me? _Seanchan._ When did the poets promise safety, King? _King._ Seanchan, I bring you bread in my own hands, And bid you eat it because of all these reasons, And for this further reason that I love you. [_SEANCHAN pushes bread away with FEDELM’S hand._ You have refused it, Seanchan. _Seanchan._ We have refused it. _King._ I have been patient though I am a king, And have the means to force you--but that’s ended, And I am but a king and you a subject. [_He goes up steps._ Nobles and courtiers, bring the poets hither For you can have your way: I that was man With a man’s heart am now all king again, Remembering that the seed I come of, although A hundred kings have sown it and re-sown it, Has neither trembled nor shrunk backward yet Because of the hard business of a king.