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Van Dyke, Henry, 1852-1933

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke"


TSARPI:
But if it flame instead?
REZON:
I know a way to quench that flame. The cup,
The parting cup your hand shall give to him!
What if the curse of Rimmon should infect
That sacred wine with poison, secretly
To work within his veins, week after week
Corrupting all the currents of his blood,
Dimming his eyes, wasting his flesh? What then?
Would he prevail in war? Would he come back
To glory, or to shame? What think you?
TSARPI:
I?--
I do not think; I only do my part.
But can the gods bless this?
REZON:
The gods can bless
Whatever they decree; their will makes right;
And this is for the glory of the House
Of Rimmon,--and for thee, my queen. Come, come!
The night grows dark: we'll perfect our alliance.
[REZON draws her with him, embracing her, through
the shadows of the garden. RUAHMAH, who has been
sleeping in the arbour, has been awakened during
the dialogue, and has been dimly visible in her
white dress, behind the vines.


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