]
DUCHESS
It is too late.
A VOICE OUTSIDE
Room for the headsman.
DUCHESS
[sinks down]
Oh!
[The Headsman with his axe on his shoulder is seen passing the
corridor, followed by Monks bearing candles.]
GUIDO
Farewell, dear love, for I must drink this poison.
I do not fear the headsman, but I would die
Not on the lonely scaffold.
But here,
Here in thine arms, kissing thy mouth: farewell!
[Goes to the table and takes the goblet up.] What, art thou empty?
[Throws it to the ground.]
O thou churlish gaoler,
Even of poisons niggard!
DUCHESS
[faintly]
Blame him not.
GUIDO
O God! you have not drunk it, Beatrice?
Tell me you have not?
DUCHESS
Were I to deny it,
There is a fire eating at my heart
Which would find utterance.
GUIDO
O treacherous love,
Why have you not left a drop for me?
DUCHESS
No, no, it held but death enough for one.
GUIDO
Is there no poison still upon your lips,
That I may draw it from them?
DUCHESS
Why should you die?
You have not spilt blood, and so need not die:
I have spilt blood, and therefore I must die.
Was it not said blood should be spilt for blood?
Who said that? I forget.
GUIDO
Tarry for me,
Our souls will go together.
DUCHESS
Nay, you must live.
There are many other women in the world
Who will love you, and not murder for your sake.
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