Helen of Troy And Other Poems (64)

    Under the leaf of many a Fable lies the Truth for those who look for it. Jami.

    On the Tower（A play in one act.）The Knight. The Lady.

    Voices of men and women on the ground at the foot of the tower. The voice of the Knight's Page.

    The top of a high battlemented tower of a castle.A stone ledge,which serves as a seat, extends part way around the parapet.Small clouds float by in the blue sky, and occasionally a swallow passes.Entrance R. from an unseen stairway which is supposed to extend aroundthe outside of the tower.

    The Lady （unseen）。Oh do not climb so fast, for I am faintWith looking down the tower to where the earthLies dreaming in the sun.I fear to fall.

    The Knight （unseen）。Lean on me, love, my love, and look not down.

    L.Call me not "love", call me your conquered foe,That now, since you have battered down her gates,Gives you the keys that lock the highest towerAnd mounts with you to prove her homage true；Oh bid me go no farther lest I fall,My foot has slipped upon the rain-worn stones,Why are the stairs so narrow and so steep？Let us go back, my lord.

    K.Are you afraid,Who were so dauntless till the walls gave way？Courage, my sweet.I would that I could climbA thousand times by wind-swept stairs like these,That lead so near to heaven.

    L.Sir, you may,You are a knight and very valorous；I am a woman.I shall never comeThis way but once.（The Knight and the Lady appear on the top of the tower.）