The Equinox (Volume I, Number VI)

THE EQUINOX bannerl We go through the Christians as a wedge cleaves a plank, as a ship cleaves the sea, as a bird cleaves the airl Victoryl Sliman! Sliman! Drive them, like cattle, to their walls again ! FATMA. She has always been madl I wonder what really happened. LAYLAH. The sun is setting in blood. There are storm- clouds lit like burning charcoal blown upon by the mightiest of the Djinn. I cannot see the banner. It grows dark. They must stop fighting soon. They will withdraw to their walls—— nay, let them camp among the dead I Come back with tidings Ι Tell me, Sliman is safe. Ah! there sounds the horn of truce. THE 01111.9` My father is the Grand Master of the Temple, and he will come and cut all your heads off. LAYLAH [goes down io her]. Thou preposterous little curd of sour milkl Thy father is dead] I saw the Banner of the Temple snap like a dry twig. My brave son Sliman cut it at a single blow. He will whip home the dogs, your friends, and you shall be his toy to play with and break and make sport of. He will twist your skinny arm—sol [She ent/ches the child's wrist, twists if, anu' makes her scream. Spindle—legged little spider I [The child 62765 her των.] Venomous as a scorpion! THE CHILD. My father’s crest is a scorpion. LAYLAH. No! Nol it cannot be. I am mad. I hear a strange thing. Now I know what I saw in your face. Child! Child] I am sorry I hurt you. Ι want to be friends with you. Iam all-powerful here. No harm shall come to you] His child] Come and kiss me! [The ehild Shi’ihhs away.] 92