LOVE

HEARKEN, O Pharamond, why camest thou hither?

KING PHARAMOND

I came seeking Death; I have found him belike.

LOVE

In what land of the world art thou lying, O Pharamond?

KING PHARAMOND

In a land ’twixt two worlds:  nor long shall I dwell there.

LOVE

Who am I, Pharamond, that stand here beside thee?

KING PHARAMOND

The Death I have sought—­thou art welcome; I greet thee.

LOVE

Such a name have I had, but another name have I.

KING PHARAMOND

Art thou God then that helps not until the last season?

LOVE

Yea, God am I surely:  yet another name have I.

KING PHARAMOND

Methinks as I hearken, thy voice I should wot of.

LOVE

I called thee, and thou cam’st from thy glory and kingship.

KING PHARAMOND

I was King Pharamond, and love overcame me.

LOVE

Pharamond, thou say’st it.—­I am Love and thy master.

KING PHARAMOND

Sooth didst thou say when thou call’dst thyself Death.

LOVE

Though thou diest, yet thy love and thy deeds shall I quicken.

KING PHARAMOND

Be thou God, be thou Death, yet I love thee and dread not.

LOVE

Pharamond, while thou livedst what thing wert thou loving?

KING PHARAMOND

A dream and a lie—­and my death—­and I love it.

LOVE

Pharamond, do my bidding, as thy wont was aforetime.

KING PHARAMOND

What wilt thou have of me, for I wend away swiftly?

LOVE

Open thine eyes, and behold where thou liest!

KING PHARAMOND

It is little—­the old dream, the old lie is about me.

LOVE