Scene II A Drawbridge Over the Moats of the Palace. Palomides and Alladine, With Her Pet Lamb, Appear at the Two Ends of the Bridge. King Ablamore Leans Out From a Window of the Tower
Palomides
Were you going out, Alladine?—I was coming in. I am coming back from the chase.—It rained.
Alladine
I have never passed this bridge.
Palomides
It leads to the forest. It is seldom passed. People had rather go a long way around. I think they are afraid because the moats are deeper at this place than elsewhere, and the black water that comes down from the mountains boils horribly between the walls before it goes hurling itself into the sea. It roars there always; but the quays are so high you hardly notice it. It is the most deserted wing of the palace. But on this side the forest is more beautiful, more ancient, and greater than any you have seen. It is full of unusual trees and flowers that have sprung up of themselves,—Will you come?
Alladine
I do not know…. I am afraid of the roaring water.
Palomides
Come, come; it roars without reason. Look at your lamb; he looks at me as if he wished to come…. Come, come….
Alladine
Don’t call him…. He will get away.
Palomides
Come, come.
[The lamb escapes from Alladine’s hands, and comes leaping toward Palomides, but slips on the inclined plane of the drawbridge and goes rolling into the moat.]
Alladine
What has he done?—Where is he?
Palomides
He slipped. He is straggling in the heart of the eddy. Do not look at him; there is nothing to be done….
Alladine
You are going to save him?
Palomides
Save him? But look! he is already in the tunnel. One moment more, and he will be under the vaults; and God himself will never see him more….
Alladine
Go away! Go away!
Palomides
What is the matter?
Alladine
Go away!—I do not want to see you any more!…
[Ablamore enters precipitately, seizes Alladine, and draws her
away brusquely without speaking.]