15
him. Criospa starts up and pulls fiercely
at a second lever, and the door clangs to with
the same nerve-shattering shock. CRIOSDA
staggers to altar; and, with his hand on it,
turns towards door.|
Mouths of God’s mercy ! I would her eyes were bleed-
ing wounds in my heart! Ahthough! If she were a dog
I could not do it. She is my sister
[Turns with a cry to throne and flings up his
hands.|
and I will !
Death ! Death !
It is a year to-night. I arrayed her first
In yon gold ornaments—My brain 1s sick !
I want coffee—or hashish—No ! That is for her !
I must be very clear and calm, very clear, very calm,
How I must be ill—
[Correcting himself with effort.| Ill I must be. Ha!
{Goes to altar, opens it, takes out a flask filled
with a clear pale blue liquor with rosy stars
of light in tt, pours it into a long vial, and
holds it to the light. The room is lighted
by electricity, the globes being the eyes of
strange sculptured stone beasts on the walls.]
So far the story is true.
[Drinks a little.]
Why, that 1s better already. I am again the priest of
Maurya—who is the brother of Maurya? A trivial ape