Scene I – The royal chamber. MAEREN paces. She speaks to herself.
LADY MAEREN:
The hour comes, and still he sees me not.
Though I did pour the draught that made him rot.
It was I, not Dorian, who laid the plan—
A daughter, not a stranger, slew the man.
PRIEST (stepping forth):
Then my doubt bore bitter fruit indeed!
Why didst thou act this most unholy deed?
LADY MAEREN:
Because he loved the son and not the child
Who bore his blood but not his spirit wild.
I heard the prophecy when I was young—
That I would bear the crown when bells were rung.
But no, he crowned Elric before his end—
So I became both traitor and pretend.
PRIEST:
You must confess, before your soul is damned.
LADY MAEREN:
I'll do no such thing—let silence be my stand.
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Scene II – The gallows. DORIAN is to be executed.
DORIAN (to the crowd):
This is no justice—only blind revenge.
The true viper wears a softer fringe!
Look to the court, not to the cell or pyre—
The devil smiles in your queen's attire!
[He is hanged. ELRIC watches, conflicted.]