A broken shoe, a glove without a finger,
A crooked penny; whatever is most worthless.
fedelm [bursts into tears]. Oh, do not drive me from you!
seanchan [takes her in his arms]. What did I say,
My dove of the woods? I was about to curse you.
It was a frenzy. I'll unsay it all.
But you must go away.
fedelm. Let me be near you.
I will obey like any married wife.
Let me but lie before your feet.
seanchan. Come nearer.
[Kisses her.
If I had eaten when you bid me, sweetheart,
The kiss of multitudes in times to come
Had been the poorer.
[Enter king from palace, followed by the two princesses.
king [to fedelm]. Has he eaten yet?
fedelm. No, King, and will not till you have restored
The right of the poets.
king [coming down and standing before seanchan]. Seanchan, you have refused
Everybody I have sent, and now
I come to you myself.
fedelm. Come nearer, King,
He is now so weak he cannot hear your voice.
king. Seanchan, put away your pride as I
