I thought to find her here: is she not here?
[HYGD turns to look at the speakers; then, turning back, closes her eyes
again and lies as if asleep.]
Goneril:
I found the Queen alone. I heard her cry your name.
Gormflaith:
Your anger is not too great, Madam; I grieve
That one so old as Merryn should act thus--
So old and trusted and favoured, and so callous.
Goneril:
The Queen has had no food since yester-night.
Gormflaith:
Madam, that is too monstrous to conceive:
I will seek food. I will prepare it now.
Goneril:
Stay here: and know, if the Queen is left again,
You shall be beaten with two rods at once.
[She picks up the cup and goes out by the door beyond the bed.]
[GORMFLAITH turns the chair a little away from the bed so that she can
watch the jar door, and, seating herself, draws a letter from her bosom.]
Gormflaith (to herself, reading):
"Open your window when the moon is dead,
And I will come again.
The men say everywhere that you are faithless,
The women say your face is a false face
And your eyes shifty eyes. Ah, but I love you, Gormflaith.
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