University of Virginia Library

SCENE II.

A beautiful Flower Garden. Enter Ardan and Darthula as in conversation.
ARDAN.
But, love! the beauty of thy heavenly face
Makes me forget what I had come to do.

DARTHULA.
Then you had other business here besides
Thus meeting me?

ARDAN.
And glad am I I had.
My brother's wife is here?

DARTHULA.
She is—confined
In strict seclusion by my father's power.

ARDAN.
Alas! alas! but were you so confined?

DARTHULA.
May God forbid I ever shall be so.

ARDAN.
But were you so, what would you do to be
Released?

DARTHULA.
Do anything.

ARDAN.
Would you not bless
The hand that had released you?

DARTHULA.
That I would.

ARDAN.
Then why not set her free?

DARTHULA.
But how? how can
I set her free? My father's wrath would take
My life.

ARDAN.
No, he would not; he would not have
The chance—for I would save you from all harm.
Can you not set her free?

DARTHULA.
I can but try.

ARDAN.
Then do, for God's dear sake, do all you can!
Naisa is deranged about his wife.
Although he is thy father, set her free,
And fond Naisa will reward you with
Eternal gratitude.

DARTHULA.
It shall be done.

ARDAN.
Do it for my dear sake. Go, now—yes, now!
Nothing but this would urge me to say—go!
But, for her sake—for his—for mine—go now!

DARTHULA.
I will. Farewell.

ARDAN.
Farewell! God guard thy steps.

[Exeunt severally.