University of Virginia Library

II.

Scene, the same. Choristers heard singing in an adjoining cloister—
Nocte surgentes
Vigilemus omnes—

Walter
(entering).
Ay, sing to keep yourselves awake!
You need not do it for my sake;
Unhappy people easily
Keep open lids. Now let me see
How long it is since Charlemagne
Banished my wife and me. I wis
He thinks me dead. Why, what is this?

[Stumbling on Bertha's body.
Roland.
Oh, sir, take pity on our pain;
My mother lies here, faint for food!
Do you know Charlemagne? Is he good?

Walter.
Surely, I know that neck,—that head!
Speak to me, Bertha?

Roland.
Is she dead?
You must not touch her! Do you dare,
To chafe her hands, to part her hair?
Not dead? Then, sir, she will arise
And strike you down with her noble eyes.

Walter.
Rouse, Bertha, rouse! She does not stir.

Roland.
You shall not kiss my mother, sir;
How rude! How dare you breathe on her?

Walter.
Child, child, it is to do her good.
But, ah, your mother must have food!

Roland.
Shall I go beg some meal and wine
Of Charlemagne?

Walter.
Why, that were fine!
No; (bitterly)
go and take them, child, and say,
“Your sister faints.” But this is play—
She pants, her eyelids tremble more—

[While Walter is occupied with the lady, Roland rushes wildly off.
Roland.
Ho, Charlemagne! Sir Emperor!