MERLIN
Oof! The damsels seemed lighter when you were spry, Ambrosius…
(He sets her down on a sacrificial stone.)
MERLIN(CONT)
So restful is she wrapped up in her slumber. The radiance of youth. Forehead smooth, uncluttered with care. The world stretched before her like a berry bush in bloom and she, blinded by her passions, will squander this special favor which Nature bestows upon her for barely an instant…We should be born withered and wise then grow ever younger till at last, our mouth upon a fat, full, teat, we suck a final sip of life then drift away to blameless sleep…Yes, I know that if could be so, Merlin, but we are overfull with thoughts. Remembrances of what once we were; secret wishes for pleasures passed, never now to be tasted. Sleep youth, knowing not what is missed till it is long departed.
VIVIEN
I dreamed that I had died and heard the voice of God replanning all that is.
MERLIN
Lucky you who did not die for there is no golden glory won by those who drown themselves in rivers.
VIVIEN
Can there exist a worse hell than to be imprisoned within this body?
MERLIN
It is a shell without apparent flaw.
VIVIEN
Acts speak truer than tongues. I have offered you my all and the gift has earned me not one kind word. Not the common thanks due the lowest born do I receive when drawing you water or bringing a meal. Not even the soft pat given a faithful dog that has served its master lovingly is my reward. If there is loathing more complete than yours of me then it is not written in books, not sung of in song. And since I cannot bear a separation nor endure to suffer you my presence, there is no recourse for an unfortunate such as I, but the river.
MERLIN
There shall be no drowning this day.
VIVIEN
Do not touch me, please, I pray; else I am lost.
MERLIN
Then sit and listen without interruption…There is no loathing in my heart for you, Dame. I have treated you without compassion for reasons beyond your imagining.
VIVIEN
But not my understanding, I hope?
MERLIN
My world is swamp root, riddle and deserted isle such as this. I have not a friend in all of Arthur’s court but rather am fearfully tolerated for my magical ability. Every plot ‘gainst our King includes my name, for Arthur will not fall whilst Merlin stands. I have dined so oft ‘pon treachery that my heart is turned insensitive to a simple maid’s infatuation. The company of solitude has been the only safety that I have ever known and so I gave you rough rebuke and now ask your forgiveness. Will you grant me pardon?
VIVIEN
Everything that I have is yours for a smile.
MERLIN
Then if that price shall sway your mind from thoughts of death, I pay it.
(Merlin smiles.)
