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Van Dyke, Henry, 1852-1933

"The Poems of Henry Van Dyke"


[Exeunt, forcing RUAHMAH with them. Musical
interlude. A wounded soldier crawls from a
dark corner of the tent and finds the chain
with NAAMAN'S seal, which has fallen to the
ground in the struggle.]
WOUNDED SOLDIER:
The signet of my lord, her amulet!
Lost, lost! Ah, noble lady,--let me die
With this upon my breast.
[The tent is dark. Enter NAAMAN and his company
in haste, with torches.]
NAAMAN:
What bloody work
Is here? God, let me live to punish him
Who wrought this horror! Treacherously slain
At night, by unknown hands, my brave companions:
Tsarpi, my best beloved, light of my soul,
Put out in darkness! O my broken lamp
Of life, where art thou? Nay, I cannot find her.
WOUNDED SOLDIER: [Raising himself on his arm.]
Master!
NAAMAN: [Kneels beside him.]
One living? Quick, a torch this way!
Lift up his head,--so,--carefully!
Courage, my friend, your captain is beside you.
Call back your soul and make report to him.
WOUNDED SOLDIER:
Hail, captain! O my captain,--here!
NAAMAN:
Be patient,--rest in peace,--the fight is done.


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