Part 57

Not yet--not yet--the night has scarce begun-- Nay, Master Heywood--Middleton, you'll stay! Bright skies to those who go--high thoughts go with ye, And constant youth!

GENTLEMEN.

We thank you, sir--good night! Exeunt GENTLEMEN.

HEYWOOD.

Let's follow--'tis near morning.

MARLOWE.

Do not go. I'm ill at ease, touching a certain matter I've taken to heart--don't speak of't--and besides I have a sort of horror of my bed. Last night a squadron charged me in a dream, With Isis and Osiris at the flanks, Towering and waving their colossal arms, While in the van a fiery chariot roll'd, Wherein a woman stood--I knew her well-- Who seem'd but newly risen from the grave!

She whirl'd a javelin at me, and methought I woke; when, slowly at the foot o' the bed The mist-like curtains parted, and upon me Did learned Faustus look! He shook his head With grave reproof, but more of sympathy, As though his past humanity came o'er him-- Then went away with a low, gushing sigh, That startled his own death-cold breast, and seem'd As from a marble urn where passion's ashes Their sleepless vigil keep. Well--perhaps they do. (after a pause) Lived he not greatly? Think what was his power! All knowledge at his beck--the very Devil His common slave. And, O, brought he not back, Through the thick-million'd catacombs of ages, Helen's unsullied loveliness to his arms?

MIDDLETON.

So--let us have more wine, then!

HEYWOOD.

Spirit enough Springs from thee, Master Marlowe--what need more.

MARLOWE.

Drawer! lift up thy leaden poppy-head! Up man!--where art? The night seems wondrous hot!

(MARLOWE throws open a side window that reaches down to the floor, and stands there, looking out.)

HEYWOOD (to MIDDLETON).

The air flows in upon his heated face, And he grows pale with looking at the stars; Thinking the while of many things in heaven.

MIDDLETON.

And some one on the earth--as fair to him-- For, lo you!--is't not she?

(Pointing towards the open window.)

HEYWOOD.

The lady, folded In the long mantle, coming down the street?

MIDDLETON.

Let be; we cannot help him.

(HEYWOOD and MIDDLETON retire apart--CECILIA is passing by the open window.)

MARLOWE.

Stay awhile!-- One moment stay!

CECILIA (pausing).