Farewell, Lilia!

[Putting his arm round her. She stands like stone.]

Fear of a coward's name shall not detain me.
My presence would but bring down evil on you,
My heart's beloved; yes, all the ill you fear,
The terrible things that you have imaged out
If you fled with me. They will not hurt you,
If you be not polluted by my presence.

[Light from without flares on the wall.]

They've fired the gate.

[An outburst of mingled cries.]

Steward
(entering).
They've fired the gate, my lord!

Julian.
Well, put yourself in safety, my dear Joseph.
You and old Agata tell all the truth,
And they'll forgive you. It will not hurt me;
I shall be safe--you know me--never fear.

Steward.
God grant it may be so. Farewell, dear lord!

[Is going.]

Julian.
But add, it was in vain; the signorina
Would not consent; therefore I fled alone.

[LILIA stands as before.]

Steward.
Can it be so? Good-bye, good-bye, my master!

[Goes.]

Julian.
Put your arms round me once, my Lilia.
Not once?--not once at parting?

[Rushing feet up the stairs, and along the galleries.]